God is Good..........All the Time

"Train up a Child in the way he should go:
and when he is old, he will not depart from it"
Proverbs 22:6

Look how my babies have grown.
As a mother, I have always wanted to give my children everything; I worked many hours to provide the needs and wants of my children and I don't have any regrets. Although I would work multiple jobs at a time, I made time to spend with my babies. I thank God for the people He put in our path to help me raise my children. I listen to single parents today complain of the struggle of raising children on their own. When asked how did I make it this far, my only response is....."Me and Jesus raised these children." The job that I have, the roof over our heads, the food on our table, my support group of family and friends, and the constant communication with God is what truely got me this far. It's not easy being a single parent. It's hard! Emotionally! Physically! and Spiritually! The times that I wanted to throw in the towel, and to just give up...my Spirit would say different and God would give me the strength to go alittle further.
There is a song by Marvin Sapp, "Praise Him in Advance" when I heard that song it spoke to my heart so deeply, that I begin to look back on the times in my life when I felt that I was alone. A time when I felt no one understood what I was feeling as a single parent or the emotional strain that I was going through, but God spoke to me. I felt His unchanging hand touch my soul, and it's that moment when I humbled myself to the Lord and allowed Him to heal my spirit. There's not a day that goes by that I don't thank God for all He has done and all that He is doing for me. I don't know what God has planned for me, but I am going to continue to Praise Him in Advance.
I write this to say, hang in there....all you "Single Parents", "Single Grandparents", "Single Teen Parents", "Single Parents with Spouses".....God is able to take care of your every need. Just rely on Him, I dare you to try Him. I've tried Him and I can testify that He is a God that can make a way out of no way.



"The Land of the FREE......."
How many of us truely beleive that line in the National Athem...."Land of the Free, home of the brave?" I have uncles, my father, cousins, and friends that have fought for this country. I fight that has allowed my children to continue on with their education, a fight that has allowed me the freedom to worship my God. When I look up at our flag, I can't help but think of the many lives that was given for those colors that blows in the wind. We are a blessed nation. A nation that needs to rid ourselves of our selfish ways, and work together as one nation under God. God, the foundation that this country was originally built on. "....All things work together for good to them
that love God..."Romans 8:28
Keep our troops in your Prayers....


While I was in DC, I had the priviledge to visit the Smithsonian. Prior to my visit, my Aunt Ann came across this quote on the wall in the museum, and she shared with me the response of the other vistors that were around her as she read it. Now, if you know my Aunt Ann, you know that she is a dramatic speaker....she can bring life to words in ways that I wish that I had the gift of doing. She said that she was leaning on the banister infront of the exibit, and in a low tone she recited the words above her....."All I ever wanted was to be free." People turned and focused their attention on her, and her daughter without realising that my Aunt was reading a quote asked if she was okay. With the response that my Aunt Ann received from those around her just by reading the simple words before her, can you imagine the response that the slave received when he/she spoke these words..... I can tell you that the response must have been powerful, because the quote hangs in the Smithsonian today.

Look who turned 18!!!!!

My little neice, Analicia is now 18 years old. She is in her final year of high school at Hamilton High in Los Angels, Ca. She is preparing to go to college, in hopes of working in the sports industry as a career. She had talked with me about the field of physical therapy. I ask that you all keep praying for Ms. Ana, as well as the rest of our children.

My DC Trip

The purpose of my trip to DC was a surprised generated by two cousins for my little Auntie Faye.

The plan was for me to fly into DC, and have Lynn and her husband Marvin to invite Auntie out for a Birthday dinner, which at that time I would surprise her with my presence.

Well, that sounded like a great plan.....but something better came up.

I did get to surprise my Aunties, and had dinner with my Aunt Faye,

But..............I got to be apart of history.......

I get to sit and tell my grandchildren one day

how I was in the mist of thousands watching the Inauguration of the First African American President.

Although I wasn't on the front row, or even close

enough to get a glimpse of President Obama and the First Lady; I had a memorable experience in DC. Just watching the people around me, the joy on there faces, and the hope of change in their conversations. Everyone seemed a little nicer. People were a little more patient. There was a feeling of unity among thousands.

The Metro was packed tighter then a can of sardines, but I didn't hear any complaints. We all had a common goal, and that was to be apart of history in the making.

.....and when it was all over, after the National Mall was cleared.....I could still feel the excitment of the previous day.

I had a wonderful time. Lynn and her family spoiled me, I almost didn't want to go home. It was nice to go away and not have to do anything but relax and be catered to. I got to go out to nice dinners, sightseeing, hung out with my little buddy Ms. Madison.......and not only did my counsins take me to their church to be fed the Word, they took me out for a wonderful Birthday Lunch. It was just a pleasure to be with family and enjoy each other's company; and I am looking forward to reaching out to all my cousins and fellowshiping with them as well.

Thank you Lynn, Marvin, and especially Madison for keeping my secret. I really enjoyed myself and will be back to get a full tour of DC when it is warmer.

For my next trip, I will keep a mystery. My Aunt Ann was a little upset that she didn't know I was coming, but I have a surprise planned for her too. So, Aunt Ann...the next time I ask you to save me a slice a cake, please be kind and set my piece aside......:o)

Tequila and Salt

I got this in an e-mail:


Tequila and Salt

This should probably be taped to your bathroom mirror where one could read it every day.You may not realize it,but it's 100% true.

1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.

2.. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.

3.. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because
they want to be just like you.

4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone,
even if they don't like you.

5. Every night,SOMEONE thinks about you
before they go to sleep.

6. You mean the world to someone.

7. You are special and unique.

8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.

9. When you make the biggest mistake ever,
something good comes from it.

10. When you think the world has turned its back on you
take another look.

11.. Always remember the compliments you received.
Forget about the rude remarks.

So...........
Always remember....
when life hands you Lemons,ask for Tequila and Salt and call me over!

Good friends are like stars........
You don't always see them,But you know they are always there.

"Whenever God Closes One Door He Always Opens Another,
Even Though Sometimes It's Hell in the Hallway"

I would rather have one rose and a kind word from a friend
while I'm here than a whole truck load when I'm gone.

Happiness keeps You Sweet,
Trials keep You Strong,
Sorrows keep You Human
Failures keeps You Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But OnlyGod keeps You Going

My Grandmother

This is my grandmother, doing what she loves...and that's in the kitchen cooking up the good eats. My grandma has feed many hungry souls from that stove she is standing at in the picture. Not only did you get a good meal, but you would receive a blessings as well. My Grandmother was not ashamed to let others know how good God is.

It's this time of year when I think of her most, I can feel her spirit. I use to call her almost everyday, sometimes I would call just to hear her voice. Everytime she answered the phone she would say, "Hey Charlene, how you doing?" I can still hear her laughter as we talked about silly things. When she died, I felt like a part of me left. It has been 12 years since her death, I still feel like I haven't recovered from her passing. I miss her so much, her words of wisdom, her encouraging words, her strengths, her passionate thoughts she shared on family and relationships. When I feel myself forgetting things she would say, I start reciting our conversations that we once had to refresh the memory. I remember when I first found out I was preganant. I don't know how she knew, but she called me and said "do you have something to tell me?"

When I was about 10 or 11, my brother and I got to go live with my grandparents. I must say it was like going to bootcamp. For some reason I thought I could challenge my grandmother. Just like bootcamp, my grandmother broke me down and then built me up. My grandmother introduced me to God, she taught me how to pray, and how to turn to the Lord in time of need.

Sometimes I find myself doing things the way she would do them, I look at my hands to see if they resemble hers, I sit and meditate on our quiet moments we once shared.

While I was in DC last month, I got to visit with 3 of my Aunts, and a warm feeling went over me. Memories rushed over me, as I saw a piece of my grandmother in each one them. Grandma was right, there is nothing like being around family. To be around the roots of who you are and where you came from. When I am in the mist of my family, I see myself. The joy of being with family is a blessing.

I love you Grandma.

Dream?

Aww...the beautiful Monterey Bay. When I first moved to California, I was fascinated by the waves of the ocean. Some days when I looked out on the sea the waves would calmly roll into the shore and then quietly slide back into the ocean. Then there were days when the waves would crash in, roaring like thunder. I remember the water being comforting, and when I needed to clear my head I would go and sit by the water. At times I found myself laughing, crying, or even screaming into the waves. I have told the ocean many secrets and shared many dreams, that I have not shared with anyone.

I use to dream. I dreamed of having a family, a nice home, and a decent income. I dreamed of being a business owner, doing something rewarding that made others happy; while at the sametime earning an income doing it. For a long time, I wanted to own my cafe. I wanted a place were people could come and eat and feel at home. I remember Sunday Dinners at my Grandma's, the conversations, the laughter, and joy that was surrounding the dinner table. It's amazing how food, can bring unity, comfort, and love ones together. I can still hear my Grandmother's voice when a visitor would stop by at meal time, "Come on in and Sitaspell". She always had a kind word, along with a good meal to warm your soul. Where have our Mothers and Grandmothers gone? Does that Southern Hospitality still exist? I wonder?

Name of my dream Cafe: "Sitaspell". Operated on Love, generated by God.



For some reason, I lost my ability to dream. I lost focus of my passions and talents. I look through photos that I have taken, and I can't seem to read them the way I use to. When I look through my camera at God's beautiful creation, I can't seem to capture the beauty the way I use to. Words don't come easy for my anymore,

A Chocolate Break

What a beautiful thing.....I love my culture and the many shades it offers. Our Black men are like a bouquet of chocolates....Dark Chocolate, Milk Chocolate, Almond Chocolate, Hazel Nut Chocolate.

Happy Valentine's Day Ladies!!!! Have a Chocolate Break on Me.

Thank You cousin Marion for the chocolate treat.

TatianaTurned 13 Today!!!!!

My baby has turned 13 years old. I don't know where the time has gone. It seems like she was just a baby yesterday and now she is always playing with her hair in the mirror or looking for the latest fashions on the web.

Happy Birthday Babygirl, Mommy loves you bigger then the sky.....