Bishop D. Rayford Bell - 7/9/1923 -9/29/2013

Photo ©  Christ Temple Apostolic Faith Church Inc. 

Bishop D. Rayford Bell, pastor of the Christ Temple Apostolic Faith Church in Chicago, passed away while preaching a sermon.

He stayed on the battlefield until he died...

Here's more from WLS-TV.

You Owe Me Some Money!

The other day, a former classmate of mine made a post on her Facebook page in regards to someone owing her money.  Of course no names were named, but it was made indirectly towards that person.  

This is social media we're talking about here.  Moving on...

It seems that my Classmate made a loan to an unnamed individual, and that said person failed to repay the money.  Now Classmate, after expressing deep disappointment over the transaction, says that the borrower can keep the money.  She pointed out that as a result of the borrower's actions (or lack thereof), she has to work to make up for the money lost in this deal.

While I can truly feel for her about not getting paid back, I truly believe wisdom should have been used in this case.  Don't get me wrong; from what I gathered, the borrower's action were foul.  Still, I feel that one should look at their own needs as well as the potential borrower's character prior to parting with their funds.

Regardless of the amount, if I know I can't afford to lend any money, I won't lend it...period.

Despite her acceptance of a loss, I really hope Classmate gets her money.

The Cosby Show - The March

Theo has to re-write a paper on the 1963 March on Washington.

Don't Speak To Me...Until Tomorrow

Do you have a friend or two that you when fall out with each other, you really fall out with each other? I mean the two of you truly work on each other's nerves.

Then, let something happen to either one of you, and it won't be long before you see the other one coming back to help out any way they can.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that a true friend is someone who knows all of your flaws, yet for some strange reason they still want to be around you.

I Made It!

Two-thousand twelve Anno Domini. It's been a very wild ride, but I made it

I've experienced ups and downs during these past twelve months. I've had extreme joy and bad bouts of depression. Business is booming one minute, then clients are scarce the next. Still, all was well and I made it.

It is by the Grace of God that I'm several hours removed from seeing a new year. He has brought me through, and as always, He has provided me with the victory. Yes, there were a series of unfortunate events in 2012. However, the victories and milestones far outweighed those negatives by a landslide.

Did I mention that I made it?

I'm not promising anything new for next year simply because I don't know what the next hour will bring, let alone the next 365 days. Still, I'm moving forward. I'm confidence that though I don't know what tomorrow holds, I do know Who holds tomorrow. That, my friends, is very reassuring.

...and Lord willing, I have every intention of making it this time next year.

From The Tree House In Bessemer, Alabama, I wish you and yours a very safe and happy New Year!

Jingle All The Way

Not meaning to sound Scrooge-like, but here it goes...

Many of you know how much money is at your disposal. If you're like me, you also know how next month may be looking like as well.

Having said that, I know we want to give our kids the latest gadgets and/or fashion item (i.e. footwear branded after a world famous retired athlete) this Christmas.  However, money is tight these days and while it's your business on how you utilize your funds these next several days, use some financial common sense.

It's kinda difficult to enjoy ketchup-covered sneakers in a cold, dark house.

A Big Mountain To Climb

This is my first time blogging in a long time.

Correction, it's been a long time since I've expressed my thought here on Blogger. The rest of the time I'm opening up on Facebook.

Right now I'm dealing with a major decision; I'm pondering on whether or not I should pursue a relationship with my newly discovered paternal sisters. I been in communications with the older one. I've know her for almost 30 years...even attended high school with her, yet did have any idea she was my sister.

The younger one, well, as of this writing she doesn't know she has an older brother. There's a reason why, but I won't get into any details at this time, if ever. My five closest friends know and that's that.

At first I was excited about it, but then bitterness and resentment overcame me. To this day I ask myself why wasn't I a part of my father's life. Why was I denied the opportunity to have interaction with my sisters growing up? I just have to accept what the songwriter says: “We'll understand it better, by and by”.

I can't blame my sisters for what happened in the past. I have to be an overcomer in all of this. I have to be able to get up, dust myself off and move on. Yeah, that sounds perfect on paper, but how will that pan out in practice? I reckon I have to ask the Lord for strength, courage and guidance on this particular journey, and then go from there.

Thanks for reading.