Last Day of the Month...

...and I'm just now blogging! Shame on me! Not a lot to blog about except:

Labor Day came and we had family and friends here for the holiday

because that's when Hubby did his initial sermon. His scripture focus

came from John 3:1-13 and the subject was entitled:

"Man's Quest for Salvation." Can a man be born again?

And we are so proud of him! It was an emotional

event for all of us.

Our long time friends, Pickle & Romy came and

ministered in song. We appreciate you SO much, and

the event would not have been the same without you.

Love you guys!

And our family support was awesome!

Thanks to all who sacrificed to travel for support. We're feelin' the love!

DH said when he looked out over the congregation and saw the faces of each

person, he was reminded of how each one planted something

special into his life, and it was an overwhelming and humbling experience.

I'm especially grateful for his sister, Teenie who has MS, who travelled to

be with us. To me, she represented his late mother who

would not have missed this for the world!

I know Big Momma was smiling on that day!

And thank you to all who sent cards, letters, gifts

and prayers of encouragement! It DOES matter!

Our 26Th Wedding Anniversary is tomorrow and I should be

asleep..but I'm NOT!

My Sissy is here in Nashville and I can't wait to do the Hobby Lobby with her on Friday.

We love to eat this, too! Can't wait. Yum!

Went for a walk thru all my fave bloggers tonight; haven't done that in ages and it sure was fun. I found out that Tiffany has digi classes on hers, Adrienne is still rambling on Wednesdays (LOL), Essence is still keepin' it real, Tasra shared "the strongest life test for women" and I found out that my lead role is Motivator. Lisa shared some beautifully inspiring photos of her sisters "Mothers Blessings", and Donna & Tiare have inspired me to hit the scrap space this weekend. Some of them are recovering from illnesses, and others are still creating, living and sharing.

I received some great inspirations from you all and I appreciate you all. I was getting ready to get rid of my blog, but you have encouraged me so much that I'm just gonna keep on blogging!

So, on that note I challenge you to...

...Let Blogging Inspire YOU!!!

Love never Fails

Stamp by Rowena Fields A Faith Perspective

August has been a busy month! We've given alot of our time this month and the rewards have been great:

We had the Annual Back to School Bash where we sent children back to school with Jesus on their minds and in their hearts and supplied over 3000 students with back packs and school supplies. It's such a blessing to be able to help the community.

One young man even won a computer donated by the Sigmas:

It was hard work, and the weather was hot, but it was well worth it! Thanks to all the community volunteers who came out to help this year and we hope to see you all next year.

Well, she did it!

My eldest has graduated...and now it's time to find a job, hee, hee uh huh!

I'm so proud of my daughter, she obtained her A.A.S. in Surgical Technology from Miller Motte, with HONORS!

It was such a surprise to us when we sat down and read the Commencement program.

Magna Cum Laude, that's the second highest honor given to a student, oops, I should say earned by, (nothing is given away academically in college) and hard work and determination reaps great rewards. We didn't know this when we got to the graduation but only found out right before the ceremony. I cried through the whole thing.

I say this as a testimony and an inspiration to someone who has heard from one source or another that they cannot make it, that they aren't worth anything, or that they believe or have been told that they are dumb, stupid or incapable of learning or coming out of whatever disability or disadvantage they may be trying to overcome.

When my daughter was starting school, she was told by therapists, school leaders, teachers AND special education teachers, that she would never be able to read, or receive a regular education; so we were to prepare her by teaching her how to read stop signs, learn home skills and to read fast food applications cause that was the only type of job she'd be able to obtain. As parents, we've looked at scholastic and psychological test scores and have been discouraged by what we've been told. People have discouraged her, ignored her and doubted her, told her she'd never make it and some days, in her eyes, it looked as though they were right.

But how many know that with God, all things are possible?!!! Yes I prayed, prayed with her, believed God and was lead in the directions which helped me to gain the tools to further educate my baby, thus helping her to read (hooked on phonics DID work for US!), do math (she learned algebra on her own, cause the teachers would not add it to her IEP) and overcome the obstacles that were trying to keep her bound. You see, people these days don't always have the patience to deal with others, certainly when it takes up their time and energy. The school systems are so jammed packed with students, that those with special needs get lost in the shuffle. Teachers sure have their hands full these days, and it takes a special person to be an educator. And unfortunately, everyone isn't in it for the love of the job.

It takes the parent along with the teacher to invest time, patience, education and love into the student and I thank God for all the teachers who've uplifted, encouraged, and invested their knowledge into my children, saw the need, listened and actually cared for us. She is proof that you can make it! Janel, I'm soooo proud of you and we love you.

Getting the home together

cause we got family coming to town! I'm so excited cause this is the first time that some of our family has been to our home here in Tennessee. We tend to be the ones who do most of the traveling to see our families, and I do love to travel. But it's been our experience, and talking with other military families, likewise, that when you live so far way, you tend to be the ones making the travel sacrifice and you almost feel "forgotten". I'm so excited when family comes, and can hardly wait.

They are coming to hear Hubby deliver his initial sermon. I made some announcements for the event:

I'm so proud of you for answering your call, and I'm praying with you, baby.

Preach or Perish! (More to come about that event)

So, I hope something I've shared with you as uplifted you.

We have too much negativity already added to this mix that we call life.

(I KNOW I do!)

May you be blessed with a great and prosperous life. Keep the faith and continue to be encouraged. And ALWAYS remember to...

LeT LiFe InSpIrE YOU!

Food + Family + Friends =

FUN!

Summer fun '09 took place at Stew & Mel's house in NJ. They are leaving NJ and moving on to new territories.

Ocean City boardwalk and beach has become our family's destination summer spot for the pass several years, and combined with family, food, friends, and fireworks, parting the area made this year a sweet, sweet sorrow!

4 the 4Th of July weekend we:

Traveled from TN to NJ-even let the "kidults" help drive Trey takes ovah

...met back-up on the Delaware Bridge

"What's the hold-up"?

Had a great fellowship in the backyard:

Made the kids stay outside all day,

no video games, TV, or air conditioning!

Now that's something you don't see nowadays!!!

They had old-fashioned fun, too, playing water gun and balloons,

badminton, and even catching frogs!

Had a volleyball competition The Kid VS the Adults: of course, WE WON!!!!!

Cooked up a mess of food on the Grill:
Big "G" on the Grill!

And ate like crazy! Why is it, when you go back home you try to eat at all of your fave hot spots and foods? Boy, I'm STILL trying to recoup!

my 2ND plate!

Laughed and reminisced with family and friends...

Mom & Flootie sharing memories


...while listening and dancing to our favorite 60, 70's & 80's hits:
AWWW Sukie now!

And since the fam was all together, we took time out for a photo shoot!
We R Family

Then on Sunday, we went to Ocean City and hit the beach...


enjoying the serenity & solitude

...and walked the jetties.
Hang on sis, you can DO it!

Brought back memories of when we were
little girls and would go out fishing with Dad on the Asbury jetty
K.K & T.T.

and Mom would stay on the sand reading a book and we'd chase the birds

and the waves
jumping waves

and pick up starfish, mussel and clam shells and stay out til nightfall.
Dad & the gang

Good Times, Great Memories!


Then later walked the boardwalk and took in the sights and smells that bought back recollections of summers in Asbury Park!

Ocean City, NJ

And the brave ones got on ride,

...after ride,

...after RIDE!

Loved Atlantic & Ocean City while we had it, (we probably won't be visiting there as much anymore) and I praise God for the beautiful home He provided them.

I know that their next home in their new state will be just as beautiful, and I can't wait to experience the next adventures we will have, new friends we will make and the new memories we will build there.

So until next time...

Let BLESSINGS and MEMORIES inspire YOU!

Psssst...

...There's a free class coming up in July. Click on the tag to drop by Jessica Spragues blog and take a look:





and don't forget to
Let FREE inspire YOU!

All done...

...NOW WHAT!?

The Diaconate Ordination is over and I'm walking into new territory! Excited, apprehensive, and hopeful are just a few of the many feelings that I'm going through along with a kingdom-building mindset! It's truly a great feeling! I just pray that I can be all that He wants me to be:

Digital Layout

For Memorial Day weekend, Hubby and I took a trip to his hometown-Mobile, Alabama:

Mobile Exit

Alabama State Line

Anyone who know me knows I had to deal with the Tensaw River bridge that goes over the swamplands!

YIKES!!!

Last time I went over it I had to sit on the floor of the car, this time Hubby made me take some pictures! And yeah, I was kinda freakin' out:

took these with my eyes closed!
a little too close for my taste

Our hotel was nice even though it rained much of the time we were there:

Sun showing up for a minute!

And the Hubby still had a chance to play golf!

It's been about 20 years since we've visited and it was well over time to return.

He wanted to see his GrandMa Ora Dee and Uncle M & Auntie L.

Everyone was doing great and it was such a joy to see Grandma:
Hubby, Grandma & Uncle M.

She cried tears of joy when he showered her with kisses! She may not have been able to speak anymore after her stroke, but Hubby started talking to her, telling her about the family, pouring out his heart, she rolled over and looked at him and her lips were moving as if to respond, "hey baby, I sure missed you..." and they communicated, his aloud, hers, silent. It was beautiful! And I believe that our flesh may die daily, we age, but the Spirit-man continues to live-it's by the Spirit that we continue to communicate. My late Nana may have had Alzheimer's, but when you read her a scripture or sang a hymn, she remembered every word! So, go visit the elderly and read, talk, or just minister by presence...

We even went over to the street that hubby and his family grew up on:

...and stood on the land where Grandma & Fat Mama's house once stood!

"there was a house right here with a pecan tree..."

Then we saw the church that Grandma & family attended:

Later that day we toured the City of Mobile and tried to catch the African-American Archives & Museum while it was still open:

Originally know as the only colored library in Mobile

Needless to say, it was closed on Saturdays! But I did catch a couple of historical landmarks:

Finley's Drug Store the first black chain of drug stores in Alabama

Downtown Mobile near the Bay

Mobile is rich in culture and history and I really wished we had more time to tour. I'd love to get the chance to visit Mobile Bay, Foley, Pensacola FL, and New Orleans one day. Maybe we can do that this summer-steal away and just DRIVE! Until then, thanks for looking and..

...let life and travel inspire YOU!

April Showers...

...makes us some really soggy people! Thank goodness for the sun finally beginning to shine, and I'm about ready to take to the yard and start planting. I just love spring! I was sitting in my car waiting for someone to come unlock the church doors and just looking at the rain on the windows, and almost immediately, the sun started to peek through the clouds and this is what I saw-a most welcomed sunset. Beautiful!

In this month I've experienced some up notes, like,

For my 47th Birthday my co-workers really let me have it!

They chalked my car,

And THEN they made me dress up in a tiara and beads with a wand and say

"bling, it's my birthday" whenever a patient came to the desk! {{{sigh}}}}

The Birthday Diva

Until I found the time to wash my car,

I had people honking and waving at me for 3 days!

I'll get them...revenge is SWEET!

Boredom is prevalent around this time at work. Just a hint of what it's like:

After all, I work in a gym, dude!

My boss took his last hurrah by doing his first venipuncture in years:

and of course, he MISSED!

Farewell, Slouster, enjoy Retirement!

We also had a baby shower for Cupcake and her Lil' one:

hope he comes real soon!

And on a down note:

We lost a dear friend to a tragic traffic accident. Kashera was a beautiful young lady who I loved dearly, to her I was her "T.T." Both of us shared a common bond by being the eldest child, taking care of our siblings at an early age. We would discuss this sometimes as we prepared for dance rehearsal with the Daughters of Zion.

Kashera's smile lit up the room when she entered, and her eyes looked right into your soul. She was beautiful both inside and out! She was able to hear her 7 month old daughter, Monica say "Mommy" for the first time on the morning of her accident.

"My Baby K"

She loved life and was a great influence to other young people her age wherever she went.
Back to School Bash Community Choir

And she loved the Lord and served Him until the day she left this earth.

My Aunt Rosetta in Ohio has gone on to be with the Lord, I pray for comfort for my cousin Natalie and her family and traveling grace to them as they take care of some arrangements for her memorial. I pray for peace to the entire Corbin Family during this time of bereavement.

But the Greatest note is this:

We must always enjoy life, each and every day, no matter what it brings. The good and the bad, the happy and the sad, must always be celebrated. You never know, when you see someone it may be the last time, so always have a kind word on your lips and peace in your heart. We are living in some crazy days! And there is more to come...keep you foundation in Christ, and if you don't know Him, get to know Him. Spread love, and give peace a chance. You just never know...so until then

Let Life, Love, Peace and Joy Inspire YOU!

One Day at a Time...

...Each day brings something new; whether its hectic, busy, fun, slow, boring, tiresome, exciting, sunny, rainy or cloudy-each day is beautifully and wonderfully made and I'm enjoying it. Here's a pictorial look at what's going on:
Has sprung and I'm feelin' the changes!

Going to everyday is a blessing no matter what happens. Some people don't have a job.

I do have to remember to take time for because if I don't...who will?

are all grown up, doing excellent in their endeavors and getting close to moving out! YIPPEEE!!
is doing her Surgical Tech clinical at (my alma mater) in April and I'm so proud of her. Keep her in prayer, please.
So, who knew it'd cost so much to keep healthy? And since when do we have to brush a dogs teeth? Not to mention almost having to spend $300.00 on a doctors visit? I don't even spend that much for ME!!!

AnyHoo...he's still momma's baby!

still loves to and is doing his initial sermon in December. Please keep him in prayer, also. Love you, Teddy Bear!

wrote this years play for Sunday. He's doing a bang-up job and getting some hands-on training using his writing and directing skills. Keep him in prayer, too!
is keeping me busy. I'm a Coordinator for the Diaconate Ministry. That, along with all my other responsibilities makes one sister on the go!!! Pray for ME !
is coming for Resurrection Sunday this year and I'm so glad. It will be good to see them again.

The only sad thing about being so busy is I hardly have time to . As I make my way to the laundry room, I see my and take a long, loving look at it as I pass by...(sigh)

Well, it's getting late and I'm getting really now.

I think I'll go and a bit.

Take care, be blessed and remember to

Let Life Inspire YOU!