Update

Everything is going well with my mom. I am along with my sisters are checking in more often. She is very lonely right now. Last week, was a setback. With family surrounding her, may make all the difference in the world. Keep my mom( Her name is Mary) in your prayers. It is sooo good to have my spiritual family surrounding me during all of this.

This week has been a busy one. I spoke today in High School chapel giving my testimony of what God has and is doing in my life. It was good for me to talk to them today. I also led our Junior High chapel reminding them about being good and being God. He loves them and they need to respect him always.

Chattanooga here I come with a bunch of 6th graders. Another trip, which are great to connect with kids. I have found myself really wanting to focus in on that lately. I did receive an email last week which I probably took the wrong way asking how am I connecting with our kids. The person was just asking a question and I took it as a threat. Anyway, all is good now.

God is good! Shine for him today!

Alcoholism

Today, I had to confront my mom about her renewed binge of drinking. After my step dad died I did not know what might happen. My mom tries to be the strong one. Today, we cried together. I wanted to have her to talk as much as she could. I got a call that she might be sick. Recently, I have reported how glad I am of the time I am spending with my mom here lately. My mom suffers from depression, more than I know. We talked about all of her children and grandchildren. She wants so much to be that grandmother that has everything. You know when the grandkids come over, there is nothing she won't do for them. This is not her situation especially with limited funds. I have been putting pressure( too much I learned today) on my mom to keep her finances in order. Like, problably many of you, I have to help out from time to time. All during my childhood, I can bearly remember my mom sober, only really for the last 12 years. I learned today like most people who are alcoholics, she wants to escape the realities of her situation. Please be in prayer for me, my family, and especially my mom. I am wanting another gathering when my mom is sober to really deal with our family issues. I have learned that many families have their issues. I am wanting to deal with this one for me.

I'm getting better!

I have returned from a few days in Washington DC with about 160+ seventh graders. I had 7 to kiddos to look after the whole time. I can honestly say that this year experience was a whole lot better than last year. I gave these 7 students candy. They were great! They behaved well, which made my job a lot easier. I say, I am getting better, because I actually enjoyed being with these 7 kids. They were with me the whole time. That is from Tuesday evening till Saturday morning 6am. You may not be proud, but I am. We toured Washington dc so fast, I would like to take a trip in the summer.

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Spent Saturday after I woke up with one of my nephews who turned 15 last week. We enjoyed some quality time together and rehashing his goals. He is one special kid. I thought my childhood was bad, he is a trooper. Hopefully next weekend we will go for his learner's permit( one of his goals for 15)

Church Consultant: Is there such a job? Every time I attend somewhere I am critiquing the service and asking the question "are they seeker friendly" Today, I was at North Atlanta, and I sat in the back and again said to myself, roll up your sleeves and get to work. I attended an afternoon service at a black church, and could say the same thing. Both places excited me about their outreach to the community. I volunteered to help tutor, serve on the Serving day, and help with Audio/AV. I think I might get a chance to lead worship every now and then. Hopefully this week I will know definitely. Keep in prayer for all churches as they continue to have an effect on our world.

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A day with my mother!

Today was another great day. I spent most of the day with my mother. I did attend two Junior High Football games before 12 noon. I took my mother out to eat which she hates because she loves to cook for me and the other members of my family. We went to see Tyler Perry's new movie " Why did I get married". It was really good. My mom was laughing, and laughing hard. I enjoyed just listening to her laugh. The theater was pretty crowded with mostly African American. Some of the laughing points came from the crowd. Anyway, my mom was enjoying herself. I took her away from her grandchildren who she probably loves more. I even made my baby sister made because she wanted to come. It was a great day!

The movie gives some insight into African American culture when it comes to marriage. Tyler Perry is very popular figure in the African American culture. Anyway, a good movie.

As I was leaving today, my mom had to asked if I was going to come back tomorrow. She loves having everyone come back to her house for Sunday dinner. My MO ,normally, is if I come on Saturday, I don't come on Sunday. Well, today I told her I would be there for some good ole southern cooking. The menu for those who care: Collard Greens, fatback, cornbread, Ham, and my mom's famous potatoe salad. The only thing missins is sweet potatoe pie. Knowing my mom, that is what she will make on Sunday. I have been pretty good on my diet lately. Tomorrow we will be resting the calorie counting. If you have not called your mother to tell her how much you love her, what are you waiting on? Get off the computer and call her. Bye!

Issues, Issues, Issues

Well, this should be an interesting post.....

Do you have issues? I did asked if you had issues not me. Don't we always think that other people have the issues and not you. I have known my issues for years. The question is how do you deal with your issues. Right now, I am enjoying Volleyball at North atlanta on Monday nights. I will leave when it the clock hits 9pm. Whenever the game ends near that time, I will leave. I generally don't attend too many African American churches because of the service length. This is interesting coming from a guy who attended: Methodist, Pentecostal, Baptist, and Church of christ joy buses all day on sundays. Today, I am good for about an hour and half, and I am looking to exist. Those who have worked with me in worship, know I like people to long for more worship and not give it all to them in one setting. I have issues. Small groups the last couple of sunday nights have been long. I am visiting different small groups to see where I fit. Everyone that I have attended have been long. I talking 3+ hours. They don't know that I am struggline thinking it is time to go home. Contrast this with going out to eat, I can stay all day talking around a meal. Many of my dinner dates, we have closed down the restaurant.

Issues, Issues, Issues.......

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Jim Miller won! I could not watch the game. The dawg's are good. Tennessee came to work on Saturday. Jim check this out Regas Hahaha! I will be making my plans to come to knoxville soon. TD