"Happiness is the truth." Pharrell Williams

Outside of his beautiful R&B ballads, who knew that Tyrese Gibson was so inspirational? Sitting in this public place smiling with cell phone close to ear, listening to every word that is coming from this young man is amazing. There’s not a quiet place in this establishment where I can get my praise on.  His words are so powerful and transforming that the sender of the video had to be thanked. Have you ever come across a song, a video, a poem so incredible that you want to cherish it? You want to keep it to yourself because it speaks to you?  
 

Life brings many ups and downs and it’s really not that difficult to stay on the up. One can balance those feelings by listening to the plethora of positive, inspirational tapes and videos. Negative influences are squeezed out making you a happier, healthier person. God knows every time where to meet you. The strangest thing is an encouraging quote I’d heard some time ago but couldn’t remember it verbatim. It was spoken on a television program now in re-runs.

Sometimes you just have to let people and things go. Trying to correct the mistakes or make amends only satisfies the ego of the presumed victim. You are not going to love or appreciate everyone equally and that is your prerogative. The television program where I’d first heard the quote in mention was being played the very next day. I grabbed my pen and paper and got ready to jot down that quote. That word was fire and life. “The best way would be to avoid each other without appearing to do so -- or if we jostle, at any rate not to bite.” Lord Byron, letter of April 25, 1814

Thoughtful words during a time of recovery; spiritual and physical can bring one to a great realization, that there is hope beyond the problems and turmoil of life. So thinking this morning about the packet of inspirational short stories awaiting publishing has caused this writer to return to that first love. The greatest gift given to man is that of communication. Words are life or death. It doesn’t matter that the words are enveloped in a pretty package. What is important is that the words are read. It’s amazing to watch the transforming power of uplifting words change lives. Every now and then a capable, great orator comes along bringing with him the ability to move the masses toward good.  

Social media as playful as it can be is one such tool that steps up the inherent ability of man to communicate good thoughts to one another.  On one such page the post of an old friend lauded the benefits of leaving the past to move on to a new future. On another page there was a picture of a friend who used an inspirational song to bring back to life a suicidal classmate. He is now following his passion for gospel music.  

This week there are a few things that have to get done; stop eating so many sweets and watching too much television. Finish the editing and packaging of this next book is a promise made to a novelist friend. In a world where so much hurt and hatred keep us from the love of God, a kind word, a gentle gaze helps the hurting soul. As a tribute to Black History Month – “Fabulous, A Life Worth Living” is the assignment that this writer will complete.  

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/rKyRdGjb5SE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

This is Too Funny

I'm not sure where this orginated, but it was too funny to pass up. Sent to me via email by a friend.

Church Ladies With Typewriters

Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered..
--------------------------

The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.
--------------------------

Pot-luck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.
--------------------------

The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.
--------------------------

This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
--------------------------

The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.
--------------------------

Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM . Please use the back door.
--------------------------

The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM .. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
--------------------------

Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.
--------------------------

And this one just about sums them all up

The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new campaign slogan last Sunday:

'I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours.'

Happy New Year

A Few of My Favorite Things

Some of my favorite people are authors. These three authors have discovered the key to children's literature is to entertain and provoke thought. These village raising authors have designed for your child's pleasure a plethora of thought and excitement. Moss, Hayes and Flowers; the three authors/artists featured here are making positive statements in the world of children's literature.

Tiffany C. Moss



 

His Kingdom Girlz "Let's Go To Church" is the first publication in His Kingdom Girlz children's book series. In this book you will meet three young girls from different walks of life. Tasha, Madi & Anaya begin a journey of friendship and adventure. Not to mention meeting a pretty special friend along the way.

 

Vicki Hayes



Award winning artist and children’s book author Vicki Hayes has captured the essence of children’s literature.  A Boy and His Biscuit, Fearless Fred, Like This and numerous teaching booklets fill her collection of children’s literature. Ms. Hayes is curator for Miss Weary’s Manners for the Modern Child; an etiquette curriculum started by her sister the late Fay Weary Ragsdell. She is also the creator of a signature project Off the Pages, interactive field trips that filter arts across the curriculum. Ms. Hayes earned a BA in Humanities, Loyola University and Masters in Education from Saint Xavier University. She is a National Board Certified Teacher.

Vicki Hayes

 

 

Tiffany A. Flowers
 

Golden Butterfly Publishing

is an independent small press started in 2008. Our motto is “Enhancing children’s unique creativity”. The company motto is based on the idea that children’s creativity is something to be praised, explored, and encouraged. Too often, we have children with the potential to be great artists, and those children are never encouraged to take a chance and develop their talent. The goal of this company is to enhance children's unique creativity through publishing children's books, producing educational materials, consulting, readings, and performances with children.

Ms. Flowers latest title; Where is the Rooftop Club? is the third installment in the Rooftop Club series. The first installment is about bullying, the second installment is about retaliation? This installment is about dealing with the harsh decisions that adults can make as a way to deter bullying. This book series is written for children in grades 1-3. This installment will be released in January 2013.

Hello Happiness

As I was out “life styling” today I was able to share a little holiday cheer with a few people I met, and those with whom I do business. At Atlantic Station I looked for a linen store that I was told could be found at that shopping location. A street parking space was open as I careened into this normally busy area. What a blessing I thought when I looked at the meter and it still had a few minutes.

The streets were wet from a morning rain and a few people milled about. Carols hung in the air as did the sweet smell of grilled steak. The aroma of a winter that couldn’t make up its mind about staying teased those who were out shopping. The elements were just right for snow, something we seldom get in this town.

With its theaters, shops and restaurants I felt I had just discovered this nouveau place and wondered why I never bothered to travel to Atlantic Station on a regular basis. This shopping center was so reminiscent of my home town, and made for a happy person like me. The promise I made to myself was that now that I had a navigation system in my car I would travel to seemingly out of the way places like this more frequently. Because I am again on my way to a delicious recovery of my health, I need not fear the unknown. Joyeux Noël!