Stories like this strengthens faith

A friend of mine sent me this story on the internet. It is so fantastic, I decided to share it with all of you.


This will give you chills......

No matter how religious you may or may not be, this can

give you chills.

Phil. 4:13 states:

"I can do all things through Christ Who gives me strength."


Here's the story:


A young man who had been raised as an atheist was

training to be an Olympic diver. The only religious influence in his

life came from his outspoken Christian friend. The young diver never

really paid much attention to his friend's sermons, but he heard them

often. One night the diver went to the indoor pool at the college he

attended. The lights were all off, but as the pool had big skylights

and the moon was bright, there was plenty of light to practice by.



The young man climbed up to the highest diving board and

as he turned his back to the pool on the edge of the board and extended

his arms out, he saw his shadow on the wall. The shadow of his body, was

in the shape of a cross. The man felt a strange feeling, like someone

was speaking to him. Instead of diving, he knelt down and finally asked

God to come into his life.

As the young man stood, a maintenance man walked in

and turned the lights on. The pool had been drained for repairs.

I Love Jesus--my Savior. He keeps me functioning each day. Without him,

I am nothing but with Him I can do all things through Christ that

strengthens me." Phil 4:13.

Lunch With Number two Son

Last week, number two son left town on a business trip. He took his team to a football camp. You see, he made history here in Des Moines approximately three and a half years ago. He was the first African-American Varsity Football Coach hired here in Des Moines plus he’s a history teacher who works at his al ma mater. Before he left, I received a call from him, informing me that upon his return he would take me to lunch. That made my day as I always consider it a privilege to spend any kind of time with any of my sons.

Number two son is your typical muscular, big shouldered, buff football, all around athlete type guy. I call him my “spoiled Brat.” Whenever I call the house and his wife answers, I ask to speak to my “spoiled brat,” and she in turns hands him the phone. He’s a "husky" football player, who once had a bully type personality, but to mom, he’s a teddy bear. Ha, ha. Coincidently the name of his football team is "The Hoover Huskies."

Yesterday, I called to confirm our luncheon date. I kept getting his answering machine and left messages. Finally I got in touch with him to the tune of “mom, I need directions to your office,” (my employer changes offices on me quite a bit and no one can keep up with me). I gave him directions which were not very clear to him so he just told me to go outside at noon. I agreed, but when noon came around, I remembered that he is usually at least one-half hour or so late. So I’m thinking – should I go outside at noon or wait a while and go out? Well, “just in case he fools me and just happens to get here on time, I will step out for a few minutes.”

Shortly after stepping outside, I noticed a young good looking guy standing outside of a car down a ways from me. He was yelling and waving his hands, and of course I became curious. I stood there watching for my son and caught just a few bits of the conversation. “Everything always has to go your way!” "You don’t think of anyone else but yourself"! He exclaimed something like that. Not wanting to be conspicuous, I came back in, but kept going out in spurts looking for my son. The young man was yelling and waving his hands as though he was on the defensive for something. His cute little girlfriend just sat there and listened. Next thing you know, I looked outside and he was standing on the other side of the street with a Kleenex in his hand and was crying. Of course I did the most likely thing a woman would do and shared this bit with another female co-worker. She came to my office and we observed the argument for a few minutes and then we determined that they may have discovered they had an audience so they went inside. By that time, it was about 12:30 and shortly thereafter, number two son drove up and off we went and enjoyed a very nice lunch and conversation. End of story.

Senior Moments

Actually pretty much all adults have senior moments no matter what age they are. I love to share the little “I’m not paying attention to what I’m doing” moments with others and vice versa. It’s good therapy because these conversations result in much laughter. I’m one of those you might call “bag lady” type people who pretty much always has a lot to carry to work or elsewhere. I was running a little late this morning and was trying to get everything together. While rushing to the car, and pulling the car keys out of my purse, a realization came to me when I noticed the cordless phone in my hand. DUH!!

Because I frequently misplace my purse, it seems as though I am always in a panick looking for it. There are times when I am running around the house wondering what I did with it, only to discover it is on my shoulder – DUH! Among other things, while in a hurry to brush my teeth, so many times, I find myself picking up my hemorrhoid medicine instead of the toothpaste. Whoa! Wouldn’t that be something, to brush your teeth with your hemorrhoid medicine – DUH!

I had a co-worker who came to work one day dressed in a suit and tie. He shared with me that earlier, he had gone to the car wash, was conducting business on his cell phone and all of a sudden he begin to feel wetness, and before you know it, he was covered in suds as he had forgotten to roll up some of his car windows. One day while at work, he was exiting his office, looked directly at the keys on his desk, and proceeded to lock them in the office and had to take the door handle off to get his keys.

I could go on with the senior moment experiences, as I could probably write a book, especially about Devas. My daughter in law often has me cracking up while telling me of his very frequent senior moments. They are hilarious, especially coming from her because she is comedy. However, this one’s on her – one day when I was visiting Texas, Devas left his cell phone at home and the wife decided to call and let him know – not paying attention, she dialed the number and the phone began ringing right beside her – DUH! DAT’S ALL FOR NOW FOLKS.

It's Payback Time!

You have all heard the saying “what goes around, comes around.” Anyway, someone has been doing his thang and just plain getting out of hand on the blog, therefore, it’s time for me to get back at him.

I was reading someone else’s blog post tonight and “Devas,” “Mr. Smarty Pants,” had commented. I looked at that cute little innocent (cough cough) face, and I just had to kiss him. He is sooooo mischievous and his poor wife is one of the recipients of his oneriness. He carries his camera or camcorder around and catches her when she gets out of bed before she has a chance to get herself together or he gets her in other embarrassing moments. However, don’t catch him in an embarrassing moment -- if you know what I mean. (It’s called “double standards”) or just plain “male ego.”

For those of you who have been insulted by his Democratic, Fat and Lesbian comments on his blog, I just got him back for you. Ha, ha, ha -- with all my love “Devas” from your “mommie”

He will be QUITE embarrassed over this one. *great big wide grin*

A Stressful Evening and a BIG FAT CAT

What’s this all about, you say? Well, it goes like this: Yesterday I took my dad to Target to exchange the a pair of trousers he had gottn for his birthday. Upon returning home, I decided to get some much needed work done, i.e., putting clothes away from laundering them the night before, re-organizing dresser drawers, putting things back on the walls after having them painted, clean the bathroom and rearrange it, etc. This, indeed, was to be a busy evening. I went into the bedroom, turned on my T.V. and proceeded to sort clothes and put them away while singing at the same time. (So what’s this got to do with a FAT CAT, you say)? I’m getting around to it. While sorting clothes and putting them away, the phone rings and it’s the contractor; he asks, “are you ready to go?” "Where?" "Out to Home Depot to get things settled about the cabinet measurements they messed up?" “Yes,” I said. We’ll go, get that settled, and then I will finish the work when we return. While there, we explained our situation to a manager. The contractor had bought cabinets from them last week some time. He laid out the measurements on a sheet of paper, took them to Home Depot, and gave them to the saleslady with the correct measurements. The saleslady in turn, sold him the wrong cabinets. He took them back after discovering they were wrong, but the sales lady refused to correct her mistake and wanted to charge me for it. I went out there with him last night and got that settled. (So what does this have to do with a FAT CAT)? I'm coming to it) – (smile).

We got that settled and it’s time to get back to work – but wait a minute – I must read Devas’ blog for the day. Got on the computer, typed in his address and saw another title called the “C” word and upon remembering the previous story, I panicked – I mean really panicked. Nerves on edge, trying to call – no answer at his job, cell phone or home. Getting pretty stressed by then. (No FAT CAT story yet). After hanging up, there was a signal indicating that someone had called so I checked the message, only to hear #4 son’s voice on the phone – he sounded down. Again I panicked – (thoughts going through head: Did something happen to Madison? (My granddaughter with Sickle Cell)? Did he find out that they were going to have a girl and not a boy? Did Jerky die)? Okay, who’s Jerky? Yeah, you guessed it – the FAT CAT! Upon calling him back, I couldn’t get him – PANICK, PANICK – “Wait a minute, wait a minute I thought,” “Where’s your faith”? Opps, I guess it was put on hold for a minute, so I calmed down a little. Finally, #4 son called. I asked what’s wrong? Is Madison okay? Did Jerky die? (We have had Jerky for almost 10 years but that’s another story). “Mom” Jerky’s dying and I don’t know what to do? He’s been hovering around the litter box and is unable to go.” “Did you call the vet?” “Yes but because it’s so late, he has to go to the emergency room and it will cost too much.” Okay Gig, it’s time to pray – but can you pray for an animal? Of course you idiot, you can pray about anything. After talking back and forth about what to do, we finally came up with a plan to help The FAT CAT, and late last night -- *4 son called back and said it was a bladder infection and they gave him shots and medicine. He will be alright. Thank God -- (What dork would name a cat Jerky? My number 4 son). End of story

"The Bright Spots In Your Life"

This morning I received an e-mail called "Being a Mom." I decided to write my own version of what "being a mom" is all about.

Being a mother in my opinion can be like being Jesus -- you love and care for your children. Your children are a part of you and the man you love. There is nothing more precious than to see that sweet little innocent face looking up at you, especially when you see it for the first time. These little beings depend on you for their food, life, love, nurturance, clothing, nursing, and everything else you can give them. Watching all the different steps your baby takes is such a pleasure that every woman should have the blessing to experience as you are the one who carried that baby or babies for nine months. Not only watching them grow as toddlers, but after they have grown into the young women/men they become until the day you leave this earth. I had the extreme pleasure of doing it four times and if I had to do it again, I would. Children are "bright spots in your life." They keep you alive and they keep you young.

I know how Jesus must feel about us because I know what it is to love and to love sooo deeply; to cherish your children so that you would put your life on the line for those precious beings. Just as Jesus does, you never retire from being a parent – no matter how OLD your children get, you always follow them, watch them, pray for them, wish everything good for them, do for them, help them when they are in trouble; hurt when they hurt and always be there when they are in trouble. As you get older, then you have an additional pleasure of having grandchildren who you love just as deeply, and it goes on and on and on. This is what Jesus does for us and more. Actually there really is no comparison to man and Jesus as what I just described is just a very small example of what Jesus is to us. Since he is responsible for our very being, can you imagine the love he has for us – I don’t think any of us is big enough to do so. I love Jesus – he is sooo good to me and I thank him from the bottom of my heart.

CELEBRATING DAD'S 85TH BIRTHDAY

Today is my dad’s 85th birthday and he is still employed. He believes that God expects him to work until he dies. He has always been a hard worker and at one time held down two jobs. After he gets home daily from his employment, he always finds more to do, just constantly doing something all day. His doctor told me years ago that if I stopped him from working he would die. I thank God that he is still able to get around and work.

Approximately 20 years ago, he was diagnosed with colon cancer and had to undergo surgery. They got it all and he has been pretty healthy since.

My dad’s wife is preparing a birthday dinner for him, and the family has been invited to their home to help him celebrate. Last year we had a BIG picnic, and most of his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren were there. It was a surprise party. We chose a nice park on the south side of town, put up many decorations, told him nothing so when it came time to take him there, he thought he was going elsewhere and was very surprised when he got there and saw the decorations, food and family. It turned out to be pretty nice for him.

“Daddy” as I affectionately call him can work my nerves at times as he is the KING of manipulation when it comes to me. I think this is typical of parents when they reach the senior citizen stage, (with the exception of myself- right guys)? Because I love him dearly it is hard to tell him "no" about anything and he knows it. Sometimes I feel as though I’m raising him, even though he has a wife who I believe also feels as though she is raising him (as I say jokingly). Ours has become the typical “daddy/daughter” relationship, however, this has not always been the case, but I will always cherish it when he’s not causing me stress "SMILE.* You know what I’m saying? Ha ha -- He calls me “his little Angel” which is a name that maybe I have deserved for being his “other mother.” *Big grin*

“Daddy” is one of those people who is hard to buy for because he has everything, so I have been pondering what to get him, I finally came up with an idea that no one else would think of. This may be weird but I decided to buy him a gift certificate to the Barbershop for some haircuts.

SO, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY 85 YEAR OLD DAD; MAY YOU HAVE MANY MORE!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY #3 SON

First of all, giving honor to God, I thank Him for giving me so many blessings, and among them were four sons who have fulfilled my life and made me proud. My experience as a parent has been unique because I have a close relationship with all of them, and they are all great talented young men, each in his own way..

Today I’m going to focus on number three son as we celebrate his birthday. This young man has made quite a life for himself and has accomplished a lot. He attended the University of Northern Iowa in the School of Music and received his BFA and is currently working towards his Master’s Degree.

As a very young child, my mother discovered he had a talent for singing after placing him, his younger brother and two cousins in a children’s choir. She then encouraged him to sing solos, which he did. He sounded a lot like Michael Jackson and had people in the church audience yelling and passing out. He always showed potential for performing even as a very little child.

Number three son continues to sing at churches, as he is a born again Christian. Over the past few years, he performed in several plays at two of the local theatres here, including: “Smokey Joe’s Café,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technical Coat of Many Colors,” “The Buddy Holly Story,” “The Children of Eden,” “The Rosa Parks Story,” and “Ain’t Misbehavin.”

During his tenure as a vocal music teacher, he received the “Gold Star Award for Outstanding Teaching in Waterloo, Iowa where he was employed for the Waterloo Public School District. He relocated to Des Moines, Iowa where he is currently a music instructor. Here’s to you, T
Have a blessed birthday, son!!

"And When He Get's Old"

I blogged this on a Christian I recently found. Wanted to share this with all my blog buddies here.

I am thrilled to be able to blog my thoughts about the LORD. He has been in my life on and off since I can remember. I say that to say, in the Bible it says to “bring up a child in the way he should go and when he gets old, he will not depart from it.” I used to think about that scripture and get confused because I know plenty of people (myself included), who were brought up in the admonition of the LORD only to stray away. Now that I am much older, I see a great deal of them finding their way back to the LORD.

I was brought up in a strict religious atmosphere. From a little tot, I accepted and loved the LORD as long as can I remember. Even though I strayed like so many have, when I became a teenager, He has NEVER left me. He talked me through many temptations. Often times, I did not listen but he never gave up on me. I finally, through hardships in my marriage, drifted back to his open arms and there he was waiting for me. I believe that the above scripture means just what it says, “and when he gets old, he will not depart from it.” Just as I described my journey with the LORD — even though a child may stray, the LORD will initially call them back to the fold and when he gets old, he will not depart from it. That is what I believe.

"The ULTIMATE Can of Worms"

First of all, this blog is not intended to offend anyone. I have been contemplating writing this post for quite a while. Please forgive me if I do in fact offend you. I truly love everyone but I just needed to get this out.

"How It Feels to me to be a Black woman"

This is not a self-pity, or a “woe is me” type post, but it is the truth as I see it. I am definitely not ashamed to be a Black woman, in fact, I’m rather proud of who I am, but I wonder if our men are ashamed of us as Black women. It seems as though they have turned their backs on us, as though we don’t exist. As an excerpt from a familiar quote type from back in the day says: “if you’re black, stay back.”

I live in a town where, honestly, it’s rare to see a Black man with a Black woman. Almost every man of color is now married to or involved with a Caucasian woman. I am not prejudiced by a long shot. I accept people for who they are, not their nationality. I just get bogged down with the fact that most of the women of color I know and meet are single. It seems to me that they don’t have a chance for marriage or love because the men are claiming there are no good black women around, they don’t want them because they already have babies or are on drugs, etc. Who are their babies by? Black men who apparently enjoy the sex but don’t want to marry their “babie momma” as they call them. They then parade up and down the streets, in the malls, parks, everywhere you go with their white wives and bi-racial children.

I work at a non-profit agency where almost every black man who works there is either married to or has a Caucasian woman as a significant other and vice versa. I find myself looking at our Caucasian counterparts and wondering what do they have that we don’t have? (For one thing, our men). They are fair in color, have long silky hair and produce beautiful babies. I know from experience that black men want babies with fair complexions and what is referred to as “good hair.” Black men also use the excuse that the women of color are too “hard” on them and we don’t do for them like the other women do, as they buy them anything they want and will put up with their bull____. That is not altogether true as there are strong women in both races that will not put up with the bull.

I have heard people talk about, make fun of or joke about black women and their weaves. Yes, most of our women have to purchase hair if they want long dangling hair, pony tails, etc. I have often wondered why it’s hard for us to grow hair. I watch other women as they walk down the street or run in the park with their pony tails flopping from side to side, and if we just happened to buy one or get it weaved on, it may flop from side to side too.

This is only part of what I wanted to write about but it’s getting to be too long and trying to be a cautious as possible not to offend anyone. I do, however, want all of you to know that this is definitely hot a hate blog, I just wanted to get some of my frustration out. It must be equally as frustrating to some Caucasian men to witness the same thing. Maybe it doesn’t matter to them because there are enough women to go around and then some. I would just like to see things even out. I lost my husband to a Caucasian woman, and a fiancé.

I don't exactly know if it's okay to question the LORD, but have often thought why things have to be as they are racially. Even though there is a lot of love for the LORD and for all people in my heart -- I have to confess that this is not exactly the happiest person in the world but I can say this -- I am blessed to be in this mess, it could be a lot worse. Everyone feels that they have their own situation and as bad as it may be -- it could be a lot worse, so I thank God for continuing to be in my life. To any black man who may read this -- I am not trying to stereo-type anyone, I'm just venting my frustrations on the way it is here where I live, I realize there are exceptions to all situations. Just as I realize there are black women everywhere who are happily married. God Bless and I hope I still have friends after you read this post.

"An E-mail From My Nephew"

Thought this was a really cute and interesting story that you would all enjoy:

One rainy afternoon I was driving along one of the main streets
of town, taking those extra
precautions necessary when the roads are wet and slick.
Suddenly, my daughter, Aspen,
spoke up from her relaxed position in her seat. "Dad, I'm
thinking of something."
This announcement usually meant she had been pondering some
fact for a while, and
was now ready to expound all that her six-year-old mind had
discovered. I was eager to hear.
"What are you thinking?" I asked.
"The rain! ;" she began, "is like sin, and the windshield
wipers are like God wiping our sins away."
After the chill bumps raced up my arms I was able to respond.
"That's really good, Aspen."
Then my curiosity broke in. How far would this little girl take
this revelation? So I asked... "Do you notice how the rain
keeps on coming? What does that tell you?"
Aspen didn't hesitate one moment with her answer:
"We keep on sinning, and God just keeps on forgiving us."
I will always remember this whenever I turn my wipers on.

In order to see the Rainbow, you must first endure some Rain.

The Cute Little Booger"

Talked to the grandson today. He is always a happy go lucky little guy. You can hear his laughter when you talk to him. Most of the time he does not like talking on the phone but when he does, I usually get some conversation out of him. I then get quite tickled because he actually came to the phone to talk to me; however, after the conversation, I ask mom -- "what did you bribe him with this time to make him talk to me?" It's usually candy. He's a cute little booger. Right now, He's visiting his little nephew in Arizona. I was surprised to find out that he was not jealous of the baby, especially when his "best friend," (daddy), held it. I won't say anymore about the visit -- I'll let Devas tell you since we all know that he will be back on the blog when he returns (I'm not paying much attention to his ramblings about not blogging much) -- great big grin.

I am presently at my number three son's house. He is also very talented. He sings and performs in plays, plus is a music teacher. I will have to tell you all about him also. Recently he performed in a play called "Ain't Misbehavin" and did a fantastic job (yes, he's a comedian too)-- it runs in the family, plus is a gospel singer. He sings in different churches and weddings and has been singing since he was about seven-years-old.

Went to church today and there weren't many people attending because of vacations. It's been that way on and off over the summer months, but come fall, we will all be back together again, worship our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ. We had a sermon via Satellite from the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (forgot where they are having it this year) Thousands of people were in attendance, including our pastor and his family. Hope you are all having a blessed weekend which will pass by really quick.

"My Hat's Off to Oricon"

Oricon Ailin is a fantastic young lady who I have had the pleasure of meeting through my blog spot. Here’s to you Oricon! I read the answers to questions that we, her blogging buddies asked one day when she wrote about her profession. Interesting, very interesting, especially about the storms and how she enjoys being outside when something like thunder and lightening happens or maybe a tornado. After reading about Oricon -- I take my hat off to her. Oricon, has so much going on but it seems as though she never complains, she has found ways to live with the afflictions in her life and moves on without letting anything stand in her way of happiness. This spiritual young lady is headed toward a wonderful life, and because of her drive and initiative, she will overcome her ailments. My definitions of her is “strong,” “Faithful,” “positive,” “definitely a sweet spirited person,” “accepting,” “ability to move on and cope no matter what,” “intelligent,” “interesting,” “spiritual,” and beautiful inside and out. I could find more adjectives to describe this young lady but it would make this post a very long one.

I do not know Oricon in person, just on the blog and already I am impressed with her. She reminds me of one of my favorite young ministers, Joel Osteen, whose messages are mostly all positive. He is so upbeat and very motivating. Anyone who may be feeling down and as though there is no chance for growth or for things to get better in any situation, just sit down and listen to Joel Osteen preach the word and you will feel as though you can do anything. Therefore, anytime I feel down and depressed, thinking that my situation is hopeless, I will read Oricon Ailing on her blog and I will feel as though no matter what may be wrong in my life, there is always a place for happiness, you just have to claim it. Here’s to you, Oricon - hope you don’t mind my blogging about you today. Thanks for enlightening me. Love and Prayers, plus here are some “HUGS” back to you.

"STANDING IN FOR MY MOM"

During the middle of last week, I took a trip to Chicago. Thanks to those of you who wished me well. Did I have a good time? I didn’t think so at first but after I caught the Greyhound to come home, I began to think about the whole situation and I realized it was a good visit after all.

My mother’s sister, Aunt D., lives in Chicago with her daughter, son-in-law and step-grandson. Approximately three years ago, she had a heart attack, and she is also diabetic. She has basically had to stay at home each day, you might say “alone” due to the fact that her daughter and step-grandson works during the day, and her son-in-law generally stays in his room. My aunt is very lonely.

While there, I spent a great deal of time with her; keeping her company. She loves to have me come visit her because I remind her of my mother. In fact, I am almost a spitting image of my mother, especially when I wear my glasses. When I am there, it fills a void, one for the loss of my mother, and the other because she has company. My aunt once told me that when I am there, it is like having my mother there. I didn’t think too much of it until her daughter repeated the same thing to me. During the visit, I was a little out of sorts because I wanted to get out a little more than I did and do some fun things, but my aunt would get upset if my cousin took me anywhere.

When I got on the Greyhound , on the way home, I got a chance to think. I am flattered to be able to step in my mother’s shoes for a few days, and if it makes her sister happy to have me there, “standing in for my mom” that is beautiful. My heart goes out to both my aunt and her daughter as she not only takes care of her mother, she takes care of everyone. She is one of God’s sweet spirited people who loves everyone, and everyone loves her too. I am learning, by the Grace of God to appreciate the older people in my life and cherish every second I am blessed to have to spend with them. To you Aunt D. I love you -- thanks for making me feel special.

''THE VOICE OF GOD"

Does God talk to you in this day and age? of course he does. Some people think that when people say “God told me to do this, or God told me to do that, they actually believe that a voice is coming at them as though they were having a face to face conversation with anyone. Does God really talk to you? In my opinion, whenever you have to make a choice of whether or not to do something, it's “The Holy Spirit,” “The voice of God," talking to you in your thoughts to help you make the right decision, in other wards, he is here to lead and guide you into all truth and righteousness.

This morning I turned the television to the “Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN).” There was a preacher, whose sermon was just about to end. I didn’t catch his name, but I heard him refer to “The Holy Spirit,” as “The Voice of God.” I thought “there is not a better way to describe Him but as the “Voice or Spirit of God.” I found myself thinking that this would be a good subject to blog about. This preacher also mentioned “A Manual of Instruction,” which he referred to as the Bible. He talked about keeping yourself in God’s Word. I have a hard time reading the “Manual of Instruction,” because of having a short attention span, not to mention my inability to comprehend a great deal of what the Bible is talking about. I know that you will all say to “pray about it,” and I have prayed about it; however, I will keep on trying because I know He will hear my prayer and answer it.

I have returned from Chicago. I have really missed blogging with you all. Also, tomorrow, my blog will be about my trip. All of you have a very blessed Fourth of July.