Category: Uncategorized

There is an old rap song by Whodini called “Friends”, basically asking (How many of us have them)? Some of this may seem trivial, but you can decide.

I was on a road to a Great Weekend, I was determined not to let my weekend be ruined. All I wanted to do was get my oil changed, get me some good food and go home to relax. As I’m sitting at the dealership waiting on my oil change to be completed, I decided to check on a “friend” that I hadn’t talked to in a while. We chatted for a while and she informed me she was on her way to lunch with a friend, at the same time the guy was coming out to talk to me about my vehicle. We ended the call and I learned (well I knew), that I needed new brakes. Since I was already there, I told them to go ahead and change my brakes.

After about 30 – 45 minutes of waiting on my car to be completed, my so called “friend” called me back said her friend cancelled and asked if I would like to go out to eat with her? Reluctantly, I said okay (big mistake on my part). Side note –> she’s the kind of person that complains and makes it very uncomfortable for everyone. I personally do NOT like to give anyone a hard time, especially people who are preparing my food.

After the place and time was set to meet up, she decide on Olive Garden. As soon as we were seated, “my friend” told the host and server that she would like to be moved because there were kids around and they were making too much noise. Immediately the server’s attitude changed. Mind you, there were kids around, but they were not that noisy. Both of us are not parents, but I have a bundle of family members that I had to babysit, so noise from kids do not bother me. Anyhow, we were moved to another location in the restaurant,

We were now ready to order, OMG, now “my friend” needed to talk to the manger because she wanted the lunch price, but wanted everything on the plate substituted. At this point I wanted to get up and walk out. Instead, I ordered something simple and prayed that there were no extra ingredient(s) in my food. So we chatted, ate salads and the main dish finally came out. Her food was perfect, brought out by the manager. I actually had to wait on my plate and once it came out, it looked like it was meant for a child, severed in the smallest bowl in the restaurant. (That is a whole other issue, will explain next time).

When it was time for the bill, which was only $34 “my friend” looked at me and said this is wrong, they need to split this. I was taken aback, she invited me to eat and told me that she will take care of the bill. Keep in mind that she had a $25 gift card, but okay. Once the bill was split, my portion of the bill was much higher than “my friend’s” bill. As I was questioning the manager, about the bill “my friend” jumped in and took the manager’s side, stating the bill was correct. She would not let me get a word in, she was going on and on, I guess so she can continue to pay the lower portion. I said okay and suggested that she take her $25 gift card, pay that on the bill and I’ll pay the $9 and we split the tip. “My friend” said she did not want to do that because that gift card can be used at other restaurants. So I was left paying a $20 bill with any complaints and/or problems and she paid $14.00, complained, rearranged her plate, etc.

This is the same “friend” that has constantly asked me to go in, on a $200K – $300K real estate investment with her. WHY IN THE WORLD WOULD I DO THAT, IF WE CAN’T EVEN AGREE ON A $34 RESTAUARANT BILL?

So back to my original question “Friends, How many of us have them?”

Why do America have so many “Mass Shootings”! Why aren’t there “Stricter Guns Laws”? Why is everything blamed on “Mental Health”?

Is the recent shooting in Allen, Texas another case of “Mental Illness? Did the parents know, but they said nothing? Did the gun salesperson have a gut feeling that something was off, but instead of addressing the issue, made a choose to make a sale anyway? There are a lot of unanswered questions, as there are always, after a mass shooting.

I pray for the victims and their families as they go through the grief of the loss of their loved ones! At some point these senseless shootings must stop. It’s coming to a point, that people will be afraid to go outside for anything! Lord, we need you NOW!!!

I can only give Honor and Praise to God! As I was out shopping on that Saturday, I was looking for a particular item, but was unable to find it at any of the stores I visited. I was on my way to Allen Outlet Mall, BUT GOD, directed my car in another direction. Hallelujah!

Dear Lord, as we start this week, help us to keep fighting the good fight. Help us to work at keeping the faith and trying to do what is right. If we encounter any disappointments, setbacks, set ups and frustrations, lead us through those encounters. The road can get rough, just don’t give upon us. Come to our rescue and give us peace. Our times are in your hand. In the name of Jesus, AMEN!

2 Chronicles 15:7 But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.

Heavenly Father, what can we do to uplift your Name and the Kingdom? When we think we’ve got it all together and we’re doing right, please help us to remember that our good is not good enough. You want the best that we have as faithful servants. Help us to remain humble and know that daily we must live our lives to represent you so that You are pleased. Please show us how. In the blessed name of Jesus our Savior!  AMEN!

Luke 18: 18,22
18  And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?  22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, You lack one thing: sell all that you have, and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven: then come and follow me.

Open my heart, Lord, to be receptive of your voice. Keep me from turning away in ignorance and rebellion from the hard things I must do…the things that I must change…the things I must accept. Please show me today, again, how to follow the example of Christ and yield to his power within me.  While I am waiting on you, please center my thoughts and keep me from worthless distractions.  In the name of Jesus,  AMEN!

1 John 2:5-6
We truly love God only when we obey him as we should, and then we know that we belong to him. If we say we are his, we must follow the example of Christ.

They say history repeats itself! As I get older I’ve come to the realization that the saying rings higher and higher. The recent decision to overturn Roe-vs-Wade after fifty (50) years is one for the books. What happen if the female has been raped, experienced incest and/or domestic violence, etc., but forced to look at that child as a constant reminder?

Before the negative reviews start, I am NOT a Feminist, I AM a Humanitarian.

Although that may sound a little contradictory, I truly feel that people have the right to choose what to do with their own body as long as it is not hurting a physical human being vs an embryo. The choice to discard an unborn child should be left up to the mother; in the end that is her conscience she’ll have to deal with as well as answer to the higher power. Most of the time we are outsiders looking into a situation that we do NOT know anything about.

If a woman is require to have a child (otherwise she faces a Felony, possibly jail time). Why is it not a law that will require a man/male to get a Vasectomy if he doesn’t pay child support? Will this rule automatically give the mother and baby free Automatic Healthcare Benefits, Relaxed Salary Requirements for WIC, Access to Affordable Child Care, a Raise beyond Minimum Wage? I can go on and on, but I believe you get the point.

As a woman, an African American woman, I feel that the decision to overturn the five decade decision, opens up the door for more changes. Only time will tell. If my Grandmother was still alive, she would say this world is coming to and end! When I was a child I thought that was just frivolous talk, but after these past two (2) to three (3) years, I concur. May God Bless Everyone!

Thank you Lord, that every day I wake up it is a miracle. To be able to see, to talk, to taste, to smell, to hear, to love, to share, to give a hug, to know who I am…It’s a miracle! Thank you for every day miracles and the intangible benefits in my life. Open my eyes so that I don’t miss a single one of them!
Bless the Lord, O my soul. AMEN!

Scripture: Psalm 103:2
Bless (affectionately, gratefully praise) the Lord, O my soul; and forget not (one of) all His benefits.

Creator God, you knew me before I was born.  Because you know me, I have no need to pretend or to exert my energy trying to be something or somebody I’m not.  You created this day, therefore, with joy, hope and peace I start today’s journey. When I trust you to lead me through it, I am guaranteed success.  In Jesus’s name. AMEN!

Jeremiah 1:4-5
Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying:  “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you;

Will the majority of the Texas residents be able to meet these rental price gouging demands?

I live in a suburban Texas neighborhood, “a prime area”. Close to shopping centers, restaurants, hospitals, hotels, etc. So it was a little concerned when I kept seeing moving trucks, if not daily, ever other day, of my neighbors moving out. One day while talking to a neighbor, I went from being concerned to shockingly surprised. I was informed that people were moving because the rent was being raised some $300 – $600 per month for everyone.

I understand that everything is getting more expensive, food, gas, every day items and of course rental properties. Just never expected to pay “almost” twice as much for the same small apartment. A $100, maybe $150 hike would have probably been acceptable, but $300 – $600 is utterly cruel. While everything is on the uprise, most of our paychecks are staying the same. If someone is already living paycheck to paycheck, how in the world would they be able afford a ridiculous rental hike?

Talking to the property managers is useless, everyone get the same response: “It’s like that everywhere” or “It’s the people moving from California and New York driving up the prices”. And so on, And so on! Mean while paychecks are staying the same. Leaving people with not choice but to work 2 -3 jobs and/or have 2 – 3 roommates or become homeless.

We really need PEACE to be still…..

My God, how great you are! We try to understand your greatness, but our perspective is just not big enough. We can’t see the beginning, the end or what’s in-between. Surround us with a sense of your awesome glory. We are depending on your strength and power from the beginning to the end of each day. AMEN

Scripture:  Isaiah 40:28-29
Have you never heard? Have you never understood? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of all the earth. He never grows weak or weary.  No one can measure the depths of his understanding. He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.

Father in Heaven, teach me to align my desires with your will and to follow your directions. I am eager to agree with your plans for me although I don’t know what the plan is.  Then when I compare my life with your commandments, I will have no regrets.  May your will be done! Begin with me! In the name of Jesus, AMEN!

Psalm 119:5-7
5 Oh, that my actions would consistently  reflect your decrees!  

6 Then I will not be ashamed  when I compare my life with your commands.

7 As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank you by living as I should!

Dear Lord, thank you for the many days that are full of joy, smiles and laughter!  Even the days that I laugh at myself.  Through everything I can still rejoice!  Some days I may have to dig a little deep but I still can rejoice!  The world did not give me my joy and the world cannot take my joy.  So on this day, I just want to thank you for “always” giving me a joyful heart.  In the name of Jesus, AMEN.

Scripture: Psalm 118:24
This is the day the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.

I am a member on the app “Nextdoor”, so I receive notifications on certain topics from certain individuals. One topic came up, which was very disturbing–> It was from an older lady, I’ll call her Ms. H. (to respect her privacy).

Ms. H. thought she was doing a solid by helping someone out that she thought was in dire need. She allowed this individual to stay in a spare bedroom of her home “without a written agreement”. This certain individual “con artist/squatter” took that and use that to her advantage, but a disadvantage for Ms. H. Not only didn’t the squatter pay rent, utilities, clean up, etc. as promised, she started stealing valuable items, breaking things, not obeying house rules, and on and on. She also decided to bring in a male companion. She barricaded the bedroom door so no one, including Ms. H. could get in or out. When the squatter(s) wanted to leave the house for any reason, her and her companion would climb in and out of the bedroom window.

Police was notified, but there was nothing they could do, it was a court situation at this point. APS (Adult Protective Services) was also notified, they helped Ms. H. get an eviction notice in place, but that did not deter the squatters from coming and going.

It’s more to the story, but my question is –> How can we stop this from happening? Things like this makes it hard to help others in need. The Elderly, Single People and Empty Nesters, might be will to help, because of kind hearts, loneliness, or something else. The reason doesn’t matter, what matter is being able to help someone in need with out being taken advantage of; something needs to change and change expeditiously!