"Don't Make Me Over" by Sybil

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

Making myself 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.

Circle of life

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.

Sage Stallone

Yes.

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.

Hypocrisy in the US church, including the black church

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?

How I am feeling today

I feel rested and not tired.  Yesterday was an interesting day.  I am okay today.  Rest really does a body good.

That is how I am feeling right now.  I am thankful, blessed, and lucky.  I am not stressed.  No need to feel bad for me today.

Tired and worn out today

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.

"Knocking on Heaven's Door" as sung by Randy Crawford

Ma, take this badge off of me.

I can't use it any more.

It's getting dark, too dark to see.

Feel like I'm knockin' on heaven's door.

Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door.

Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door.

Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door.

Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door.

Ma, take these guns away from me.

I can't shoot them any more.

There's a long black cloud following me.

Feel like I'm knockin' on heaven's door.

Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door.

Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door.

Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door.

Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door.

Ma, take this badge off of me.

I can't use it any more.

It's getting dark, too dark to see.

Feel like I'm knockin' on heaven's door.

Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door.

Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door.

Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door.

Knock, knock, knockin' on heavens door.

My heart is heavy.

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.

Reviews of "The War Room" and "Home"

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.

RIP to the people of Orlando today

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.

Kiss Kiss by Tarkan

She want that lovey-dovey

That kiss-kiss, kiss-kiss

In her mind she fantasize

'Bout getting wit me

They hating on me

They wanna diss this, kiss-kiss

'Cause she mine and so fine

And thick as can be

She want that lovey-dovey

That kiss-kiss, kiss-kiss

In her mind she fantasize

'Bout getting wit me

They hating on me

They wanna diss this, kiss-kiss

'Cause she mine and so fine

And thick as can be

I'm a country boy from Tappahannock

Va is where I reside so shawty understand it

And I know I just turn eighteen

And I get a little mannish

And you see this bandanna hanging

That means I'm like a bandit (like a bandit, bandit)

I got paper girl

The Lamborghini

With the spider seats

You never seen it

So get it shawty

We parking lot pimping in my donk

And I know what you want

Jesus and the Judge

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

Silva Gunbardhi ft. Mandi ft. Dafi - Te ka lali shpirt

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 ..)

Holiness and Worship--post from 1/2013

Holiness and Worship

"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)

The effects of fictional works and being holy

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.

Sports reflection

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.

Reminders to think about

As I am watching the Williams v Muguruza tennis match, I am also reminded by the fact that I have not written an entry post in over a month.  I have also been reminded about the things that I think and write about.  I would like to say is that I could come across as obsessive, maybe even a bit racist.  We live in a PC world and one who expresses their politically incorrect opinions are often labeled negatively.  Sometimes, they are labeled incorrectly.  I have been reminded of that yesterday about some of my facebook posts and my musings.  I can be and have been obsessed about certain issues to the point of being annoying at times.  I feel like sometimes, I annoy myself.  I don't feel bad for I don't take any of those reminders personally.  I have to just be careful what I put out online for the world to see.  That is all for the day.