4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.
Uh huh!
It's Iggy Iggs!
I got one more problem with you girl
One less, one less!
Aye
Problem
Hey baby even though I hate ya!
I wanna love ya
I want you! (you you)
And even though I can't forgive you
I really want ta
I want you! (you you)
Tell me, tell me baby
Why can't you leave me?
Cause even though I shouldn't want it
I gotta have it
I want you! (you you)
Head in the clouds
Got no weight on my shoulders
I should be wiser
And realize that I've got
One less problem without ya!
I got!
One less problem without ya!
I got!
One less problem without ya!
[Ariana Grande:]
I got one less, one less problem
[Big Sean:]
One less problem without ya
I got!
One less problem without ya!
I got!
One less problem without ya!
[Ariana Grande:]
I got one less, one less problem
I know you're never gonna wake up
I gotta give up
But it's you! (you you)
I know I shouldn't ever call back
Or let you come back
But it's you! (you you)
Every time you touch me
And say you love me
I get a little bit breathless
I shouldn't want it
But it's you! (you you)
Head in the clouds
Got no weight on my shoulders
I should be wiser
And realize that I've got
One less problem without ya!
I got!
One less problem without ya!
I got!
One less problem without ya!
[Ariana Grande:]
I got one less, one less problem
[Big Sean:]
One less problem without ya
I got!
One less problem without ya!
I got!
One less problem without ya!
[Ariana Grande:]
I got one less, one less problem
It's Iggy Iggs!
Uh!
What you got?
Smart money bettin'
I'll be better off without you
In no time
I'll be forgettin' all about you
You saying that you know
But I really really doubt you
Understand my life is easy
When I ain't around you
Iggy Iggy
Too biggie to be here stressin'
I'm thinkin' I love the thought of you
More than I love your presence
And the best thing now
Is probably for you to exit
I let you go
Let you back
I finally learned my lesson!
No half-stepping
Either you want it or you just keep playin'
I'm listening to you knowin'
I can't believe what you're sayin'
There's a million you's baby boo
So don't be dumb
I got 99 problems
But you won't be one
Like what!
One less, one less problem
One less, one less problem
Head in the clouds
Got no weight on my shoulders
I should be wiser
And realize that I've got (I've got)
One less problem without ya!
I got!
One less problem without ya!
I got!
One less problem without ya!
[Ariana Grande:]
I got one less, one less problem
[Big Sean:]
One less problem without ya
I got!
One less problem without ya!
I got!
One less problem without ya!
[Ariana Grande:]
I got one less, one less problem
[Big Sean:]
One less problem without ya
I got!
One less problem without ya!
I got!
One less problem without ya!
[Ariana Grande:]
I got one less, one less problem
“I am so sick of you stealing my joy. But that’s changing too. My joy doesn’t come from my friends, it doesn’t come from my job, it doesn’t even come from my husband. My joy is found in Jesus, and just in case you forgot, He has already defeated you. So go back to hell where you belong and leave my family alone!”
22 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.
John and the Angel
6 The angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.”
7 “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”
8 I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. 9 But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!”
10 Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near. 11 Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.”
Epilogue: Invitation and Warning
12 “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
14 “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. 15 Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you[a] this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”
17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.
18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. 19 And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.
“My heart rejoices in the Lord;
in the Lord my horn[a] is lifted high.
My mouth boasts over my enemies,
for I delight in your deliverance.
2 “There is no one holy like the Lord;
there is no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God.
3 “Do not keep talking so proudly
or let your mouth speak such arrogance,
for the Lord is a God who knows,
and by him deeds are weighed.
4 “The bows of the warriors are broken,
but those who stumbled are armed with strength.
5 Those who were full hire themselves out for food,
but those who were hungry are hungry no more.
She who was barren has borne seven children,
but she who has had many sons pines away.
6 “The Lord brings death and makes alive;
he brings down to the grave and raises up.
7 The Lord sends poverty and wealth;
he humbles and he exalts.
8 He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
he seats them with princes
and has them inherit a throne of honor.
“For the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s;
on them he has set the world.
9 He will guard the feet of his faithful servants,
but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness.
“It is not by strength that one prevails;
10 those who oppose the Lord will be broken.
The Most High will thunder from heaven;
the Lord will judge the ends of the earth.
“He will give strength to his king
and exalt the horn of his anointed.”
Everywhere I'm turning
Nothing seems complete
I stand up and I'm searching
For the better part of me
I hang my head from sorrow
state of humanity
I wear it on my shoulders
Gotta find the strength in me
Cause I am a Superwoman
Yes I am
Yes she is
Even when I'm a mess
I still put on a vest
With an S on my chest
Oh yes
I'm a Superwoman
For all the mothers fighting
For better days to come
And all my women, all my women sitting here trying
To come home before the sun
And all my sisters
Coming together
Say yes I will
Yes I can
Cause I am a Superwoman
Yes I am
Yes she is
Even when I'm a mess
I still put on a vest
With an S on my chest
Oh yes
I'm a Superwoman
When I'm breaking down
And I can't be found
And I start to get weak
Cause no one knows
Me underneath these clothes
But I can fly
We can fly, Oh
Cause I am a Superwoman
Yes I am
Yes she is
Even when I'm a mess
I still put on a vest
With an S on my chest
Oh yes
I'm a Superwoman
Everyone's feeling pretty
It's hotter than July
Though the world's full of problems
They couldn't touch us even if they tried
From the park I hear rhythms
Marley's hot on the box
Tonight there will be a party
On the corner at the end of the block
Didn't know you would be jammin' until the break of dawn
I bet you nobody ever told you
That you would be jammin' until the break of dawn
You would be jammin' and jammin' and jammin' jam oh
They want us to join their fighting
But our answer today
Is to let all our worries
Like the breeze through our fingers slip away
Peace has come to Zimbabwe
Third World's right on the one
Now's the time for celebration
'Cause we've only just begun
Didn't know you would be jammin' until the break of dawn
Bet you nobody ever told you
That you would be jammin' until the break of dawn
Bet you nobody ever told you that you
Would be jammin' until the break of dawn
I know nobody told you that you
Would be jammin' until the break of dawn (we're in the middle of the makin's)
(Of the master blaster jammin')
But gonna jammin', jammin', jammin'
You ask me am I happy
Well as matter of fact
I can say that I'm ecstatic
'Cause we all just made a pact
We've agreed to get together
Joined as children in Jah
When you're moving in the positive
Your destination is the brightest star
You didn't know you
(We're in the middle of the makin's)
Would be jammin' until the break of dawn (of the master blaster jammin')
Bet you nobody ever told you that you (We're in the middle of the makin's)
Would be jammin' until the break of dawn
Oh, you would be jammin' until the break of dawn
Don't you stop the music, no no
(We're in the middle of the makin's of the master blaster jammin')
(We're in the middle of the makin's of the master blaster jammin')
(We're in the middle of the makin's of the master blaster jammin')
I bet you if someone approaches you
Yesterday to tell you that you would be jammin' you would not believe it
Because you never thought that you would be jammin' oh, oh, oh, oh
(We're in the middle of the makin's of the master blaster jammin')
Oh, oh, oh, you may as well believe what you are feeling
Because you feel your body jammin'
(We're in the middle of the makin's of the master blaster jammin')
(We're in the middle of the makin's of the master blaster jammin')
(We're in the middle of the makin's of the master blaster jammin')
With pics like these, it is no wonder that there is a fat acceptance movement. These pics here are cruel stereotypes out there being too fat and also too thin are not healthy. On the other hand, there truly are worse things than being fat or thin. There are also matters of the heart. To God, that is far more important. If one is a glutton, fat or thin, then there is repentance. There is absolutely nothing Christian especially in one who claims to live in a Christian society about making fun of people who are too thin or obese. We are all humans who are God's Creation, fat, medium, curvy, or thin. I believe that while we all need to take better care of ourselves regardless of size, God wants us to take care of ourselves.
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.
6 “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.
I believe that Jesus was talking about ungodly judgement passed by hypocrites. It was in my belief a lesson to those in the church. Jesus speaks against the hypocrisy and self-righteousness of some in the church. It talks about His Message to the Church as well. We are called to be a salt and light to the world at large. I have noticed that Jesus mentions the word trampled in that first when referring to being salt and light.
7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
There is a lyric to a gospel song from Dottie Peoples, "There's an on-time God". I realize that from this song also comes a revelation that I just had today about asking, seeking, and knocking. He may not come when you want it, but He'll be right on time. He's an on-time God. Yes He is". It is a message about faith and knowing where to look. Jesus, our Savior, and Good Shepherd knows what each one of us needs even before we ask of Him. We are to seek His Kingdom first, according to Matthew 6, and also not to give up. Faith is defined by evidence of things not seen, meaning the substance the things hoped for.
13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.
The gate is narrow that leads to The New Jerusalem. The thief on the cross who believed on Jesus is now in Paradise, one of many among the few. There are so many who believed on the Lord initially, but they fell for the lies of false prophets who pretend to be just like they are: deceived, false brethren. Jesus said in Matthew 24 that we are not to let false prophets deceive us, which is what they are doing and continue to deceive until the world as we know it ends. Revelation 22:11 talks about let the holy continue to be such and so on. Because of unrepentant sins, including deceiving and being deceived, the majority of people will in the future have their part in the Lake of Fire according to Revelation 20:14-15. Even though there will be many, many will be few.
21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’
24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law.
Defnition(s) of disciple: 1. a personal follower of Jesus during his life, especially one of the twelve Apostles. 2. a follower or student of a teacher, leader, or philosopher. I am a follower, or disciple, or Jesus Christ because of my relationship and belief in Him. As a Christian, I am not just to follow the Lord, but be in obedience to Him and His Commandments as well. Jesus is the Fulfillment of the Law and we are required as a holy people to live for, obey, and serve Him. That has never changed, for the Lord has never changed. Right living and living on a strong moral, religious, and spiritual foundation are among the characteristics of a true Christian. There is also a correlation between Verses 24-27 and Matthew 13:3-9, which is about the parable of the sower that I have noticed. The sower has planted his seeds on productive and unproductive foundations. Many think that they are truly disciples or are believers, but they are not, and the end for those who are unrepentant will be indeed dire. The professing church is not immune, as written in Matthew 25 about the Ten Virgins. God didn't know the foolish virgins and the door was shut. God is a Truthful God. He does not lie because He cannot lie. It isn't in His nature. We are all to follow, serve, and obey Him as well as to be enduring, born-again believers in Christ.
15 I know your deeds; you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were one or the other. 16 So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of My mouth!
17 You say, ‘I am rich; I have grown wealthy and need nothing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich, white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed, and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see. 19 Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent.
Play's "Us Against the World" is a song that I enjoy listening to and never get tired of listening to. It is just an innocent song that I find myself listening to despite the fact that I am not of the target age range to listen to it. However, if a song makes me feel good, then why not listen to it. There are songs that I often listen to on my player that I tend to avoid listening to. That could be construed as a waste of time downloading songs while at the same time just listening to just one song that I like. On the other hand, can we all listen to just one song any one likes? The song from Play is one of many songs that I too like. There are many artists who have created many songs so there is obviously some good music. One has to know where to look.
Oh, baby, baby
How was I supposed to know
That something wasn't right here?
Oh, baby, baby
I shouldn't have let you go
And now you're out of sight, yeah
Show me how you want it to be
Tell me, baby,
'Cause I need to know now, oh, because...
[Chorus:]
My loneliness is killing me (and I)
I must confess, I still believe (still believe)
When I'm not with you I lose my mind
Give me a sign
Hit me, baby, one more time
Oh, baby, baby
The reason I breathe is you
Boy, you got me blinded
Oh, baby, baby
There's nothing that I wouldn't do
It's not the way I planned it
Show me how you want it to be
Tell me, baby,
'Cause I need to know now, oh, because...
[Chorus]
Oh, baby, baby
Oh, baby, baby
Ah, yeah, yeah
Oh, baby, baby
How was I supposed to know?
Oh, pretty, baby
I shouldn't have let you go
I must confess
That my loneliness
Is killing me now
Don't you know I still believe
That you will be here
And give me a sign
Hit me, baby, one more time
[Chorus]
I must confess that my loneliness
Is killing me now
Don't you know I still believe
That you will be here
And give me a sign
Hit me, baby, one more time
I remember where I was on September 11, 2001. I couldn't it. I never realized that terrorism could happen anywhere, much less the United States. However, it affected me personally in a way that was different from others. I could not and have not understood what was really going on. All that I knew was that it was a tragedy and that I prayed about it. It is hard for me to explain how I felt about 9-11. Right now, we are commemorating the 15th anniversary of what took place in 2001. May those who lost their lives rest in peace.
I wanted to take a long, long break. In fact I wanted to take a long break from blogging, forever. I began to grow tired of blogging. In fact, I seem to have grown tired of quite a few things. I realize that life is just too short to hate and be tired. Anyways, I have decided to do a timeline of my life. I wrote my autobiography a few months ago. I didn't realize what kind of person I truly was, am, and desire to be. I will go with a timeline that illustrate my life in pics, videos, reflections, or facts about my life and what was going on that year. First of all, I was born in 1974.
Baby Picture
Soul Train- Earth, Wind, and Fire - "Mighty Mighty"
"Rock Your Baby" by George MaCrae
1974 Music Fact
"Waterloo" by ABBA
Even though this song constantly repeats the name of the battle that spelt the end of Napoleon's empire, the French, like the rest of Europe, were more than happy to buy this song in large quantities. The single spent 12 weeks on the French charts, peaking at #3. In Belgium, where the Battle of Waterloo took place, this song spent five weeks at #1.
There is nothing like listening to great music, regardless of the genre. Right now, I am listening to Willie Nelson. I miss all music like this. I like country music, don't get me wrong, but I hate listening to it on the radio. I am not as big a country music fan as I once was. It seems that some of t he modern-day country artists are just way too mainstream and less country for my tastes. I'm sure those artists have a lot of talent, but I am just not interested in listening to it. I grew up in a time where country music was the themes from "Dukes of Hazzard" and the "Fall Guy". I guess, being a child of the 80s, I was just carefree. I believe that even what is considered campy back then is different from nowadays. Here are some of the songs that I have been listening to lately:
"Midnight Rider" by Willie Nelson
"On the Road Again" by Willie Nelson
"Remember When" by Allen Jackson
"Whiskey Lullaby" by Brad Paisley and Alison Krause
There is no one else that I could say this to
And there is nothing better than to talk to you
If you have a problem, I'll be here for you
'Cause girl, you always know that
It's us against the world
I met someone the other night
Someone I really started to like
How will I know if he's right for me
I wonder if we are meant to be
Don't start to like him too much
Too soon
There is no one else that I could say this to
And there is nothing better than to talk to you
If you have a problem, I'll be here for you
'Cause girl, you always know that
It's us against the world
You know the boy I started to see
He thinks he can have it all for free
I wonder if he's the one for me
I try to talk to myself and to see
Don't start to like him too much
Too soon
There is no one else that I could say this to
And there is nothing better than to talk to you
If you have a problem, I'll be here for you
'Cause girl, you always know that
It's us against the world
There is no one else that I could say this to
And there is nothing better than to talk to you
If you have a problem, I'll be here for you
'Cause girl, you always know that
It's us against the world
Whenever you're near there is no fear
It feel's like there's nothing I can't do
You make me feel strong
'Cause it's here with you that I belong
There is no one else that I could say this to
And there is nothing better than to talk to you
If you have a problem, I'll be here for you
'Cause girl, you always know that
There ain't nobody else but you
That makes me feel the way that I do
There ain't nobody else but you
There is no one else that I could say this to
And there is nothing better than to talk to you
If you have a problem, I'll be here for you
'Cause girl, you always know that
It's us against the world
There is no one else that I could say this to
And there is nothing better than to talk to you
If you have a problem, I'll be here for you
'Cause girl, you always know that
It's us against the world.
This is an interesting picture I have posted from the Sheltered from the Storm website, llc, from Cheryl Jefferson counseling. I wish that we could all be sheltered from the storms of life, like the person in this picture. However, that is just not realistic. Being bipolar, I know this all too well. Pain, misery, death, and hatred are all around us. There is also goodness and light and that is one way to cope with the storms of life. I have learned from experience that wise counsel is beneficial to us all. I am doing better as a result of such wise counsel. If only we all can be truly sheltered in this regard, but what good would being sheltered do in the end?
I know that there is a division between cops and many of its citizens. The above pictures show the police officers whose lives were needlessly lost, as are many. This is so sad that all of these men were assassinated. I cannot imagine the difficult work that these policemen go through on a daily and weekly basis. It is so sad. May they rest in peace.
"1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. 2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away."
As I mentioned before, for God, black lives do matter. He is the God of the oppressed. I believe that I have read something to the effect. I am a black person and I found the losses of life quite disturbing, but the perpetrators do not have to be some racist or gun happy white police officer. It could be anyone. We need to extend the mantra of black lives matter to more than just racist or gun happy white people, but to all of us. Yes, here I say it again. All life matters. We are too divided in this nation. I do wonder if Jesus is angry or weeping. I do believe that the lives of our boys and girls in blue matter. May those who have lost their lives rest in peace. May those who are injured recover. May our nation have more than just a dialogue. May we do more than just march. I have grown tired of the conversation due to the fact that oftentimes we are going nowhere. It seems to breed more haterade than healing. Maybe I am wrong here. My point is, if America is the life affirming, spiritual or God fearing culture it was supposed to be, then maybe, just maybe, there wouldn't be such a division and such death, destruction, and pain. God, bless America...not yet. We as Americans have a lot to do, so forgive us instead.
This should not be happening in the Land of Free and the Home of the Brave. Yet, we are here. Two more men, who were black, got shot and killed in the hands of the police. Why is it that there is a division between black lives matter vs all lives matter? Maybe it seems to some that the two are opposites because it seems that those who hold those views don't seem to understand each other. Maybe the latter is the reason. Maybe the real issue is life vs death, a culture of death. Many think dying for basically nothing is cool. Some of the most popular movies and shows focus on death. There are some good quality television and movie programming, but much of what we see in the US is not life-affirming. My point is, before we can say that all lives matter or even black lives matter, all who feel and believe each and every way each and every day must realize that when it comes to life affirmation and the issue of death, we are either part of the problem or a part of the solution. A black person's life being cut short isn't all of a sudden problematic of a larger symptom except when a white person does it. It shouldn't have to take a white, or white-Hispanic person to shoot a young black kid or young black adult to see that a black life matters. Nor should it take even one white person who believes that all lives matter that they either don't know or care about the life of a black person. That is so sad to me. All Lives Matter. All means black, white, Asian, Indian, etc. Black lives matter is to be included into all lives matter. Life in itself is just a vapor, too short for people to be divided over it. In the end, we all have only one life to live on this planet. We, or whatever "crowd" many people belong to, will have to stand that day and take account of the very fact that one day, we will all know that all lives do matter, including black lives. whether that life is taken by a police officer or one of our own.
What is going on in the world? A 37 year old man has been shot by the police and now the government is stepping in. Guess what? I believe that the same government will find these guys not guilty. By the way, Hillary Clinton will not be investigated for the email scandal. I wonder what those email REALLY say. Now I am curious So much is wrong with the world. It is so hard for everyone to say that all is truly right with the world. It isn't. Will it ever be right? God, forgive America.
Amazing Grace was written by an Englishman who in the early part of his life was an outspoken atheist, libertine, and slave trader. John Newton was born in London in 1725, the son of a Puritan mother and a stern ship commander father who took him to sea when he was 11 (“I am persuaded that he loved me but he seemed not willing that I should know it,” he later wrote).
By 1745, Newton was enlisted in the slave trade, running captured slaves from Africa to, ironically, Charleston, S.C. After he rode out a storm at sea in 1748, he found his faith. He was ordained an Anglican priest in 1764 and became an important voice in the English abolitionist movement. At that time he wrote the autobiographical Amazing Grace, along with 280 other hymns.
Today Amazing Grace is beloved by Presidents and citizens alike and remains a go-to hymn at American funerals, because of its striking melodies and ever-popular narrative of personal redemption. The born-again Jimmy Carter was the first recent President to embrace Amazing Grace, singing it with everyone from Willie Nelson to Senate Majority leader Robert Byrd.
But this spiritual is nonpartisan. It was performed at the funeral of Ronald Reagan by Ronan Tynan and at Gerald Ford’s funeral by a single bagpiper. At Richard Nixon’s funeral, Billy Graham quoted from Amazing Grace in his eulogy and told the story of John Newton, crediting him for later working to end the English slave trade.
Race is the moëbius strip of American life, always turning and eating its own tail. President Obama may have thought he was choosing a lovely hymn to comfort the afflicted, which he surely did. But, as always, salvation is not so simple.
If tomorrow all the things were gone
I worked for all my life
And I had to start again
With just my children and my wife
I thank my lucky stars
To be living here today
'Cause the flag still stands for freedom
And they can't take that away
And I'm proud to be an American
Where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me
And I'd gladly stand up next to you
And defend Her still today
'Cause there ain't no doubt
I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A.
From the lakes of Minnesota
To the hills of Tennessee
Across the plains of Texas
From sea to shining sea
From Detroit down to Houston
And New York to L.A.
Where's pride in every American heart
And it's time we stand and say
That I'm proud to be an American
Where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me
And I'd gladly stand up next to you
And defend Her still today
'Cause there ain't no doubt
I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A.
And I'm proud to be an American
Where at least I know I'm free
And I won't forget the men who died
Who gave that right to me
And I'd gladly stand up next to you
And defend Her still today
'Cause there ain't no doubt
I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A.
I will not post another video for now. I am going to be okay today. I have not been feeling well lately, but I believe that I will be better soon. Life is just a headache. Interesting, since I have one. I should not worry. All will be well.
Don't make me
Don't make me
Don't make me
Don't make me
Don't make me over
Now that you know how I adore you
Don't make me over
Now that I'd do anything for you
Don't make me over
Now that you know how I adore you
Don't pick on the things I say, the things I do
Just love me with all my faults
The way that I love you, I'm begging you
Don't make me over (don't make me over)
Now that I can't make it without you (I need you so)
Don't make me over (can't do it to me)
I wouldn't change one thing about you
Just take me inside your arms and hold me tight
I'll always be by your side
Whenever you're wrong or right, I'm begging you
Don't make me over (don't make me over)
Now that I'd do anything for you (I love you so)
Don't make me over (don't change, don't change, don't change)
Now that you know how I adore you
Don't make me over, don't make me over
Now that you've got me at your command
Accept me for what I am
Accept me for the things that I do
Accept me for what I am
Accept me for the things that I do
Don't make me over
I need a makeover. I need to take better care of myself. It is not a good thing to not put on makeup that I just brought and not wear it. It is also not a good thing to mope and not show enough respect myself. Beauty comes from within. I strongly believe it. I also strongly believe that physical beauty is thus a reflection of one's beliefs and one's character, right or wrong. It is about time for me to see myself as beautiful because I am a creation of the Lord. When it comes to creation, God knew exactly what He was doing. I realized that I have not lived up to that principle. Well, it is time I do.
I realized that struggle can be a good thing...as well as anything but good. I guess suffering is truly a part of life. So is death being a part of life. We all live within the circle of life. What goes around comes around. One reaps what they sow. Karma. How similar are they? How different are they? Does it even matter? Anyways, I believe that one reaps what they sow. Suffering has revealed a strength within me that I did not know I had. I had limited myself. I have, at worst, limited God. For that, I repent.
I have to admit. Sage Stallone is a hard habit to break. I have fallen for Him for a while now. I am going to be honest, but I wish I had known him. I also would have liked to see more from him. May he rest in peace.
There are many in the black American community who are homophobic as well. They would point out the Bible and say that homosexuality is wrong according to scripture, which I understand. Some of them seem to be more vocal about homosexuality than any other topic. There are black people who are poor, illiterate, and are being deceived by false preachers. There are the issues of crime, poverty, and education that affects all groups, but seem to disproportionately effect black Americans. Many of us are suffering from the effects of obesity, and many have become HIV positive and have died of AIDS. Have most black preachers preached on that? Where are they? Why such a public strong stance on homosexuality and seeming silence from some of the same preachers on the aforementioned issues? I am concerned about our nation but especially for black Americans, some of whom came from single parent and broken homes and some young black males who are killing themselves. (I meant no harm in mentioning the single parents, but in some cases, many children either don't know their mothers or their fathers.) There are people who believe that black men are becoming an endangered species. This last sentence worries me. Is there anyone here who thinks I am wrong about this? Am I the only one noticing the hypocrisy of some of the preachers here? How do I personally pray for and witness to the black community where we too have those issues of our own? I want to know the truth.
It is a shame that there is so much racism, homophobia (outright hatred of those of the LGBT community IMO), and hypocrisy in the black church, especially. It amazes me that our roots are a mix of African and Christian beliefs and that our culture are rooted in those beliefs. (I have read somewhere that the slaves were not a group of meek and mild pushovers who were lost. They saw many white Christians as hypocrites especially. I wonder how our ancestors would view us in America today. Would they also see us as hypocritical as they saw some whites? ) I cannot say for sure about those in the black church of the past, but how did we stray so far even though that could be a symptom of the US Church in general it seems? It is true that the black church in general does not accept the LGBT community compared to other communities, I think if homosexuality is a sin then the gospels need to be preached and reached to the LGBT community. It is one thing to not accept or agree with the LGBT community but to not be a Christian towards an LGBT person is wrong. I wonder if that would also be an example or symptom or the problems in the church. The problems in the church (any, but I am only referring to the black church) is emblematic of what is wrong with much of black America. It is as if while well meaning, many in the LGBT are leaving the church while much of what is going on in the church and the black American communities at large are not either examined or not called out on. I also think that those in the black church need to teach, preach, and not leech on the members from their pulpits for they too will be judged just like the LGBT community.
Onto more of my topic:I know it seems that I am like a broken record and I guess it is the case.I know that it is not necessarily a thing about just black people but I do wonder if it affects all races and ethnicities equally or more so? Even though most black people in the US have become a part of the US upper or middle class, unemployment among young men has a disproportionate effect on them. I am not a fan of the social gospel, but why are there many preachers of all colors who are silent on many fronts? Like I said, I am concerned with the state of the church of this nation, but I am also concerned with the black community. Specifically there is racism from other blacks, violence even in the churches, and false teaching in the church. How come some of those same preachers, especially in the megachurches preach about those things? I recall a preacher who invited a member of the Nation of Islam into the church. Needless to say, much of what he said was quite disturbing. I hope that he will do more than make a speech about how evil white people are instead of what some ancestors have done. The preacher even said that the worst thing that ever happened was the division of the black family because of slavery. That would be an example of not just merely false teaching, but an example of false information. The black family, nuclear or extended, survived after slavery. I think that it is sad that any preacher would lie like that in any church. There is too much megachurch and money being passed around the church instead of preaching the true gospel. I am afraid for the US church, even black churches. I would like to think that all churches be integrated but that is not what will happens in reality. Anyways, I think that there is also too much hypocrisy even in all US churches. There are many who will point out false teaching of other churches, but rarely will they, black and white churches, will call out anything besides homosexuality. Christ died for homosexuals as well regardless of what we believe about it. Anyways, I believe that the reason why church attendance is falling, especially among men, esp. black men, is because it seems many churches are short sighted or focused on just homosexuality or something else. I noticed that some black preachers especially are not silent on homosexuality but seem silent on other matters. Why is that?
Has anyone ever been so worn that even their mind is tired? It is not a good feeling to be too tired to even rest. I felt that way an hour ago. I feel much better now, but I still feel kind of out of it. Okay, physically I am tired. I will be okay however. Yesterday was even worse, however. My muscles were weak and my head felt heavy. That is an even worse feeling to have.
My heart is heavy for all parents out there. I can only, and don't want to wish, imagine the pain of a loss of a child. I realize that I have never been a parent. I am writing this because of the little tyke from Nebraska who passed away in Orlando, Florida. I don't even wish to even imagine if my mother had lost me or my brother. I guess all I can say is for all parents to not take parenting for granted. I believe that all parents or guardians should hug and show more love for their kids today. It could have been any of us. May this little boy rest in peace.
This is a video from the "Heart of the movie" The War Room". It was one of two movies that I watched this afternoon. The other movie was "Home", which featured Rihanna as the voice of Tip, a teenage girl who was looking for her mother along with an alien friend and her cat.
.
Having written this, I dare say that I recommend both movies. I really do. I know that "Home" is marketed mainly towards the youth audience, but it was a good film. It isn't adult or have any nudity or cursing. After all, it is a Dreamworks film (obviously). The truth is, I don't usually write a lot of reviews for many movies and I am only an armchair critic, but as I mentioned earlier, I would watch them again.
I personally would give "The War Room" a 9.0 out of 10. It was one of the few films that I actually watch and will watch again. The movie was well-acted and inspirational. I can see why the movie is a hit. I can also see why "Home" also hit a home run at the box-office. First, it is rare to find an animated movie that doesn't have a non-black lead character, unlike "The Prince and The Frog" (which is a good movie unto itself). I as a black person with natural hair is insulting at all to the natural community which is also a plus. I would give the movie "Home" an 8.0 out of 10. I wasn't sure about how I would receive this movie since I am age-appropriate in more ways than one. I also appreciate the positive, realistic messages both movies portray. So all I can add is that this is my reflection and reviews for now.
Today, my heart is filled with sadness. Over several dozen people have lost their lives in a senseless tragic death. I will continue to pray for them and for their souls. May they rest in peace. This is just awful. My heart is heavy and will continue to be so.
How could we be so unrepentant? I am saddened along with Jesus in the first two pictures. I believe that Jesus is and will be the Judge of us all. That is definitely something to think about. All of us
I know neither Turkish nor Albanian. No matter. I absolutely love this song. I "discovered" it Monday and have been playing this song ever since.
Lyrics: (in English)
Lali has you (in the) spirit
(Mandi)
Lali has you (in the) spirit, lali has you (in the) soul
Lali has you (in the) heart, oh how much I love you
Lali has you spirit, lali has you soul
Lali has you heart, oh how much I love you
(Silva)
"Hey, stay straight" say
sweetheart i don't want
madly i feel you
you the world to me
more and more I love you
i don't lie when say:
"cause lali soul soul,
lali soul soul
lali soul soul has you.
Hey lali soul soul
lali soul soul
lali soul soul has you.
(Mandi)
Lali has you spirit, lali has you soul (Ole! Ole!)
Lali has you heart, oh how much I love you (La la la ..)
Lali has you spirit, lali has you soul (Ole! Ole!)
Lali has you heart, oh how much I love you (La la la ..)
(Silva)
"Hey, stay straight" say
sweetheart i don't want
madly i feel you
you the world to me
more and more I love you
i don't lie when say:
"cause lali soul soul,
lali soul soul
lali soul soul has you.
Hey lali soul soul
lali soul soul
lali soul soul has you.
(Dafi)
Commercials lately
Prishtina - Tirana is made
music playing is evolving
anyway you want
rap has slogan
fast slow lengthens your life
Yeah girl, i am hugging you
with my best words
i am making you mine. Cause:
(Mandi)
Lali has you spirit, lali has you soul (Clap your hands)
Lali has you heart, oh how much I love you (Ole! Ole!)
Lali has you spirit, lali has you soul (La la la ..)
Lali has you heart, oh how much I love you (La la la ..)
"Because it is written, "Be ye holy, for I am holy."" (1 Peter 1:16)
Holiness means to be set apart for the service of God. Set apart entails that God has a special plan or purpose for each of our lives. So what does God mean when he says to be holy, for He is holy? He means that we are to set ourselves apart from the world because He has a plan for our lives. Have you ever heard the sentence, "God did not make junk." He didn't. God is a God of love, for "God is love."1 John 4:8. Now allow me to define love. Love is not jealous or unkind. It is not just a feeling, but it is an action. Anyone can say "I love you.", but true love requires respect, kindness, sacrifice, reverence, and forgiveness. Yes, forgiveness, just as Jesus has done for believers, He expects us to forgive others. Other than that is outright hypocrisy. To set one apart is to do what the world does not expect anyone else to do and forgiveness is something that is often ridiculed or misunderstood in the world. (Matthew 6:9-13, Matthew 18:21-22, 23-30, 1 Corinthians 13:4, 1 Peter 1:15-16 )
Setting one self apart is part of of a Christian's life. The life of a Christian is not an easy one because of persecution. There are people throughout the centuries including today who have been martyrs for their faith from Stephen being stoned to the persecuted in Asia and Africa. Holiness is required of the Christian, something the world does not have or understand. When the world thinks of holiness, they think of religion or the infamous phrase, "holier than thou". When the Bible writes about holiness, it is about the reverence of our Heavenly Father, living in the Spirit, having a Spirit-controlled mind, and doing all that God requires. He command obedience from us, to serve Him and Him only regardless of what the world believes because the minds of those who are not true believers are sinful and are controlled by sinful nature. In short, those who are not holy or carnal can neither please God, nor see God. (1 Samuel 15:22, Psalm 24:3, Matthew 5:8, Romans 8:1-11, Hebrews 11:36-38)
God seeks people who are true and faithful, for He is a spirit and He seeks such to worship Him in Spirit and in Truth. Only those who are true believers can worship Him in Spirit and in truth. To worship God means to show reverence to, love, and devote oneself to the Lord in Spirit and in truth. To elaborate, we are to fear the Lord, and bless the Lord at all times. His Praise shall continually be in our mouths. But praise and thanksgiving is only a part of worship. Worship requires holiness. That is why the title says that Holiness and worship go hand in hand. We as believers set ourselves apart from the world because of our holiness and live our lives because we, as his children, and joint-heirs, show reverence to our Creator not only in psalms and hymns but in how we live our lives. Jesus has sent the Church a Comforter, the Holy Spirit, which the world cannot receive because they are not born again. They set their minds and desire things of the world and sadly if they don't repent, their end will be destruction. (Psalm 34:2, John 4:23-24, John 14:16-18, Romans 8:16-17)
Christians are to set our minds on the things of God for we are no longer carnal; Paul writes of our sinful nature and the sin that still lives in us. We must not deceive ourselves saying that we have no sin, though we are no longer of the world, but we still live in it. Believers are more than conquerers and stand strong against our adversary, the Devil, for he is a roaring lion seeking for someone to devour. The Devil is already a defeated foe, but that doesn't mean he isn't busy. He is a liar deceiving and continues to deceive. There is sadly a belief even in the Church that we should ignore the devil and that he does not exist. The truth is, look around. There is great apostasy and corruption in the church, hedonism, greed, and selfishness abounds. Things like honor, integrity, love, and anything of God is not taken seriously or derided. The Devil is real and yes, he does exist. However, greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world, for Satan is the prince of the power of the air or ruler of the world. But Satan's end will be that of eternal torment in the lake of burning sulfur. (John 12:31,Romans 8:37, Eph. 2:2, Phil. 3:19, Colossians 3:2, 1 Peter 5:8, 1 John 4:4-6, Revelation 20:10)
The end for the righteous and the holy will be that of life eternal. Those who are holy are pure in heart; they shall see God. The righteous are the few, for we walk the narrow road. The holy are the faithful, for our Heavenly Father is faithful. He cannot lie. The holy are just, for our Heavenly Father is just. He hates sin and abhors evil. In the twinkling of an eye, Paul writes, we shall all be changed. The dead in Christ shall rise first, then the living will be caught up to meet the Lord in the air. This message is only for those who have worshipped the Lord in Spirit in Truth and for the Holy. Repent. Those who are not holy or righteous including those in the Church must turn from their wicked ways and seek the Lord's face. Call on the name of the Jesus Christ, the Lord, and believe that God raised him from the dead. Humbly acknowledge that all of us have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. No one can see the Kingdom of God unless he or she is born again. We must be born again or else perish. (2 Chron. 7:14, Matthew 3:2, John 3:3-8, Romans 3:23, Romans 10:9-13, 1 Cor. 15:51-54, 2 Thess. 4:16-17)
What happened to the Cleveland Cavaliers last night? Anyways, I am beginning to dislike most television shows nowadays. This is most definitely true for most fiction. I hope to try to keep my television watching to a minimum. While I don't feel that television and watching it, are the root of all evil, I do spend as much time watching television as I do the internet. I spend way too much time on the web than I do exercise. That in itself is rather sad.
I would like to spend more time reading and less on the latest news. I get nervous writing this, but I plan to live as holy as God calls me to live holy. Jesus will return one day and I believe that I don't spend enough time with Him. I don't take enough time to read the Bible, nor do I take the time to pray. If I am supposed to be a believer, I am to put the Lord first and not the internet and not the television. I don't think that tv is the devil, but I do think that it is too much of a distraction especially with the violence and sexual content and the cursing that has gotten out of hand. I just need to lay off of it a little bit just like I lay off of the pro-wrestling and the movies.
I get out of hand with fictional works as I sometimes believe that they have just gotten too real for me. I realize that it is only entertainment but sometimes in order for me to serve God and put Him first, I have to spend more time with Him and put Him first in my life. My hope and prayer is that we all make the Lord my first Priority.
Wow. Muguruza beats Serena Williams. I have no clue what happened to Serena, but she was just outplayed. Anyways, the NBA Playoffs will be tonight. I would like to see a best of seven be 4-3 in favor of whoever. Okay, I have been in denial. I like the Warriors, but it would be sweet if the Cavaliers were to win. I have no clue what Lebron James is like, but as a person he seems okay, if not a bit cocky. I guess he has a reason to be cocky. The guy is talented. Well, so is Stephen Curry. Wow. They are good and Stephen is like a streak shooter, so to me, I initially thought he was overrated. Yep, I am wrong. It is good to write about sports or anything else. I am not an expert on sports since I have lost interest in quite a few sports such as gymnastics. I would like to renew my interest in sports. Well, there is always the WNBA.
