Menu for Success

I just heard the most profound thing watching an old sitcom. Although I have heard the story of baby Jesus being born in a manger many times, I had never heard it told the way it was presented in this episode.   While watching “Mama's Family”, Thelma Harper (her stage name) played by Vicki  Lawrence, happened to be in the midst of homeless victims who were gathered downtown to receive goodies from a group of college students. She showed up because her grandson took her wallet by accident. However, her grandson didn't go because the college group got wind the police were going to be there so they opted out. During the whole ordeal all of those present were all arrested for loitering basically in a public place.   Before she knew it, she was herded to jail with the rest of those present. After she realized what was going on, she refused to cooperate and be put in jail. She put up a good fight too; not physically, but by trying to persuade the police they were making a bi

As I drove around my old community of my childhood, I reminisced of what was and how the community has become a disarray of decay and destruction; that used to be a community that flourished with love, gratitude, a deep respect and honor for God, as well as a community that appreciated the little things - and understood that struggles don't last always!                                                                                              Broadway School Yard that is still being used There were family and friends that lived from Mulberry street (East) to Vine Street (West); and Presbyterian Street (North) to Sixth Street (South). There was one particular street that was wider than any street should be, without being called a highway; which was Broadway Street. Everything happened on Broadway - New Year's Eve bonfires, skateboarding, sledding, street dances, and worship services. It was and still is a street like no other, that if it could talk, would intrigue you of

I was in JC Penney a few years ago just browsing and this woman passed me calling a little girl who was in the shoe section to come on, she was ready to leave. The little girl quickly grabbed a specific pair of shoes and walked over to her, pleading for the shoes. Well being social, I commented they were very cute shoes and would look good on her. The Grandmother proceeded with, “She has more than enough shoes at home and although they are cute, we are not buying them”. The little girl begged for a short while and realized she was not going to win this battle, so the shoes went back to the shoe department. As the little girl was leaving, her Grandmother began telling me how she provides for the child quite often and her daughter (the child's Mother) do not have a good relationship. She badly berated her daughter to the point I said in my mind, “God should I pray for this woman”; because from listening to her story, I felt the relationship could not continue is this manner, an

Life is going to have trials and tribulations, good and bad, ups and downs, as well as likes and dislikes. Is it easy to walk away when a loved one's addiction is not improving as you would like? Is it really easy to disown a parent, child, or sibling because they are hanging out with the wrong crowd? You ask yourself those questions and you also are the one who has to live with the consequences. God said he did not promise us that life would be easy, but He did promise He would be with us always – even to the ends of time! “And then teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you; and be sure of this—that I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20) Me, my Son and his family with my parents. He received a promotion  that moved him far away. It is God's blessing for  him to improve his life and family's life! Prayer has made that happen! Yes it is disheartening to see a loved one suffer, struggle, and even take

"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength." by Corrie ten Boom 25 “So my counsel is: Don’t worry about things— food, drink,  and clothes. For you already have life and a body—and they are  far more important than what to eat and wear.  26 Look at the birds! They don’t worry about what  to eat—they don’t need to sow or  reap or store up food—for your heavenly Father feeds them.  And you are far more valuable to him than they are. 27 Will all  your worries add a single moment to your life? 28 “And why worry about your clothes? Look at the  field lilies!  They don’t worry about theirs. 29 Yet  King Solomon in all his  glory was not clothed as beautifully  as they. 30 And if God cares  so wonderfully for flowers  that are here today and gone tomorrow,  won’t he more  surely care for you, O men of little faith? 31-32 “So don’t worry at all about having enough food a