The average food stamp allocation in Pennsylvania is 89 cents per person per meal.
The average food stamp allocation in the commonwealth of Virginia is 85 cents per person per meal.
The average food stamp allocation in Georgia is 89 cents per person per meal.
I invite you to partipate in the Poverty Diet project. It is desinged to show you the realities of living on food stamps
http://www.vaumc.org/repository/ChurchSociety/PovertyDiet.pdf
Saturday, April 29, 2006
Sabbath lesson for Me #4
This is just one statement that stuck with me today as I traveled from Westend to Buckhead for a mission spotlight that tugged at my heart to travel abroad and work and learn about a culture and respect it. Even thought I totally enjoyed the presentation I must present a side bar.
So often I think whenever you mention that you go to some country that has not been westernized people always think you went as a missionary. I find that so insulting. Just because a country has not been westernized does not mean it is your mission field. The United States is a mission field. There are countries on the continent of Africa, South and Central America and Western Europe that look like any city in the so called western world however they also have a culture, a way of life and a respect for their fellow human being that speak to your heart and show you the humanity and love of man. For instance in Ethiopia there is a hug of embrace that that is so beautiful I find it difficult to put into words. The embrace can last minutes depending on the length of time the two people have seen each other. It happens between and within the sexes and individuals minds are not so perverted that they would think that they are gay. The same is true in Tanzania where people hold hands I think it is awesomely beautiful
okay sorry for all of that my lesson is this:
What God has called you to do He will also equip you to perform!!!
So often I think whenever you mention that you go to some country that has not been westernized people always think you went as a missionary. I find that so insulting. Just because a country has not been westernized does not mean it is your mission field. The United States is a mission field. There are countries on the continent of Africa, South and Central America and Western Europe that look like any city in the so called western world however they also have a culture, a way of life and a respect for their fellow human being that speak to your heart and show you the humanity and love of man. For instance in Ethiopia there is a hug of embrace that that is so beautiful I find it difficult to put into words. The embrace can last minutes depending on the length of time the two people have seen each other. It happens between and within the sexes and individuals minds are not so perverted that they would think that they are gay. The same is true in Tanzania where people hold hands I think it is awesomely beautiful
okay sorry for all of that my lesson is this:
What God has called you to do He will also equip you to perform!!!
Friday, April 28, 2006
Places I want to Visit!!!
1. pyramids and cruise down the Nile in Cairo, Egypt
2. rainforest Costa Rica
3. the outback Sydney, Australia
4. dog sledding in Alaska but travel there on a cruise
2. rainforest Costa Rica
3. the outback Sydney, Australia
4. dog sledding in Alaska but travel there on a cruise
Monday, April 24, 2006
Forward message worthy to share!
I receivd this message as a forwarded email and thought it was worthy enough to post.
Good Black Men are indeed all around us. We pass them on the streets, in the malls and the halls at work. Most we can`t see because we don`t know what a good Black man really looks like. He usually isn`t flashy enough or rich enough to turn our heads. He might not wear a suit or push a Lexus. He might not have a "body like Tyson with a Denzel face." But, as you mature, you realize it`s better to find someone who`s got our back rather than someone who turns your head. A good Black man doesn`t agree wholeheartedly with everything you say. He doesn`t just tell you what you want to hear and do the opposite. He doesn`t declare how sensitive, sweet, caring, sincere, he is (he won`t have to because it shows). He has his own opinions and yours may clash, but he doesn`t have to degrade you to prove he`s right. He even admits at times to being wrong, especially if you are willing to do the same. A good Black man is not going to meet every item on your checklist. He is human with frailties and faults mixed in with all of his wonderful, strong attributes. He needs your love and respect. He needs to feel that you don`t live to "catch" him doing something wrong so you can declare, "Aha! I knew you were a dog!!" A good Black man isn`t insecure about his women having great achievements. In fact he is her number one supporter and becomes disappointed with her when she begins to lose herself, for the sake of "not hurting his feelings, or I just want to make him happy." His happiness comes with seeing her excel in her dreams and accomplishing her goals. For as she excels and is exalted, a good woman will bring her good Black man right along with her. A good Black man doesn`t necessarily give you a huge birthday or Valentine`s gift. He shows his love in the ways that are comfortable to him. Don`t judge him by TV standards. No one is really living a fairy tale. You`ll miss out on your own fairy tale by buying into the myth that our men are no good. It`s just not true. Black Men, we salute you, and thank you for who you are and all you`ve done. Pass this along to some of the "Good Black Men" you know and a few women that need to read it... so that they can recognize a Good Black Man........
Good Black Men are indeed all around us. We pass them on the streets, in the malls and the halls at work. Most we can`t see because we don`t know what a good Black man really looks like. He usually isn`t flashy enough or rich enough to turn our heads. He might not wear a suit or push a Lexus. He might not have a "body like Tyson with a Denzel face." But, as you mature, you realize it`s better to find someone who`s got our back rather than someone who turns your head. A good Black man doesn`t agree wholeheartedly with everything you say. He doesn`t just tell you what you want to hear and do the opposite. He doesn`t declare how sensitive, sweet, caring, sincere, he is (he won`t have to because it shows). He has his own opinions and yours may clash, but he doesn`t have to degrade you to prove he`s right. He even admits at times to being wrong, especially if you are willing to do the same. A good Black man is not going to meet every item on your checklist. He is human with frailties and faults mixed in with all of his wonderful, strong attributes. He needs your love and respect. He needs to feel that you don`t live to "catch" him doing something wrong so you can declare, "Aha! I knew you were a dog!!" A good Black man isn`t insecure about his women having great achievements. In fact he is her number one supporter and becomes disappointed with her when she begins to lose herself, for the sake of "not hurting his feelings, or I just want to make him happy." His happiness comes with seeing her excel in her dreams and accomplishing her goals. For as she excels and is exalted, a good woman will bring her good Black man right along with her. A good Black man doesn`t necessarily give you a huge birthday or Valentine`s gift. He shows his love in the ways that are comfortable to him. Don`t judge him by TV standards. No one is really living a fairy tale. You`ll miss out on your own fairy tale by buying into the myth that our men are no good. It`s just not true. Black Men, we salute you, and thank you for who you are and all you`ve done. Pass this along to some of the "Good Black Men" you know and a few women that need to read it... so that they can recognize a Good Black Man........
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Wear Sunscreen by Mary Schmich
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience. I will dispense this advice now.
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will not understand the powerand beauty of your youth until they've faded.But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos ofyourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how muchpossibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked.You are not as fat as you imagine.
Don't worry about the future.Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective astrying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind thatblindside you at 4 pm on some idle Tuesday.Do one thing every day that scares you. Sing.
Don't be reckless with other people's hearts.Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.Floss.
Don't waste your time on jealousy.Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself.Remember compliments you receive.Forget the insults.If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.Stretch.
Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life.The most interesting people I know didn't know at22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't.
Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees.You'll miss them when they're gone.Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't.Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't.Maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funkychicken on your 75th wedding anniversary.Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either.Your choices are half chance. So are everybody else's.
Enjoy your body.Use it every way you can.Don't be afraid of it or of what other people think of it.It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room.Read the directions,even if you don't follow them.Do not read beauty magazines. They will only make you feel ugly.
Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone for good.Be nice to your siblings. They're your best link to your past and the peoplemost likely to stick with you in the future.Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle,because the older you get, the more you need thepeople who knew you when you were young.
Live in New York City once, but leave before itmakes you hard. Live in Northern Californiaonce, but leave before it makes you soft. Travel.Accept certain inalienable truths:Prices will rise.Politicians will philander.You, too, will get old.And when you do, you'll fantasize that when youwere young, prices were reasonable, politicianswere noble, and children respected their elders.Respect your elders.Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund. Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse.But you never know when either one might run out.Don't mess too much with your hair or by thetime you're 40 it will look 85.
Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it.Advice is a form of nostalgia.Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal,wiping it off, painting over the ugly partsand recycling it for more than it's worth.But trust me on the sunscreen.
Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will not understand the powerand beauty of your youth until they've faded.But trust me, in 20 years, you'll look back at photos ofyourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how muchpossibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked.You are not as fat as you imagine.
Don't worry about the future.Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective astrying to solve an algebra equation by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind thatblindside you at 4 pm on some idle Tuesday.Do one thing every day that scares you. Sing.
Don't be reckless with other people's hearts.Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.Floss.
Don't waste your time on jealousy.Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself.Remember compliments you receive.Forget the insults.If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.Stretch.
Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life.The most interesting people I know didn't know at22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40-year-olds I know still don't.
Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees.You'll miss them when they're gone.Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't.Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't.Maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funkychicken on your 75th wedding anniversary.Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either.Your choices are half chance. So are everybody else's.
Enjoy your body.Use it every way you can.Don't be afraid of it or of what other people think of it.It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.Dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room.Read the directions,even if you don't follow them.Do not read beauty magazines. They will only make you feel ugly.
Get to know your parents. You never know when they'll be gone for good.Be nice to your siblings. They're your best link to your past and the peoplemost likely to stick with you in the future.Understand that friends come and go, but with a precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle,because the older you get, the more you need thepeople who knew you when you were young.
Live in New York City once, but leave before itmakes you hard. Live in Northern Californiaonce, but leave before it makes you soft. Travel.Accept certain inalienable truths:Prices will rise.Politicians will philander.You, too, will get old.And when you do, you'll fantasize that when youwere young, prices were reasonable, politicianswere noble, and children respected their elders.Respect your elders.Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund. Maybe you'll have a wealthy spouse.But you never know when either one might run out.Don't mess too much with your hair or by thetime you're 40 it will look 85.
Be careful whose advice you buy, but be patient with those who supply it.Advice is a form of nostalgia.Dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal,wiping it off, painting over the ugly partsand recycling it for more than it's worth.But trust me on the sunscreen.
Sunday, April 16, 2006
note
I have been thinking about something that Pastor Bushner mentioned in passing yesterday at Madison. He referred to the text found in
Isaiah 54:17 (Whole Chapter) that states : No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.
It reminded me in a way that I have not thought much about and that is that weapons will definitely be formed but they do not have to prevail. I thought that was pretty deep.
Isaiah 54:17 (Whole Chapter) that states : No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.
It reminded me in a way that I have not thought much about and that is that weapons will definitely be formed but they do not have to prevail. I thought that was pretty deep.
Health Tip #2
The following tip is part of an ad campaign for a gym in Chicago. I wish I had taken a picture of the billboard.
Look good naked!
Look good naked!
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Love Lesson #8
I listened to Madison Mission on Churchpond.com. Rupert Buchner was the speaker. He stated the following:
The insitution is not the problem it is flawed sinful individuals who enter into marriage without the ability to change.
marriage is ministry. It says I am going to minister you, you are going to minister to me. We are both flawed. God allows you out of all the people in the universe to see stuff in this person that no one else will see therefore you have to roll your sleeves up and minister to this person unfortunately most people run. and start saying she/he is not this or that. that is not the problem. If you went into marriage whole whatever he or she does would not matter.
marriage is after you finish dating. dating is just gathering data after all the people you interview and check out and because you are so complete and together you are not going into marriage because you co dependent or need a relationship but because I am so together I need somebody to put my togetherness on. I go thru the list of all the people and I sort. Do not go into the relationship thinking she/he will change.
The insitution is not the problem it is flawed sinful individuals who enter into marriage without the ability to change.
marriage is ministry. It says I am going to minister you, you are going to minister to me. We are both flawed. God allows you out of all the people in the universe to see stuff in this person that no one else will see therefore you have to roll your sleeves up and minister to this person unfortunately most people run. and start saying she/he is not this or that. that is not the problem. If you went into marriage whole whatever he or she does would not matter.
marriage is after you finish dating. dating is just gathering data after all the people you interview and check out and because you are so complete and together you are not going into marriage because you co dependent or need a relationship but because I am so together I need somebody to put my togetherness on. I go thru the list of all the people and I sort. Do not go into the relationship thinking she/he will change.
Love lesson # 7
The following quote is found in Patriarchs and Prophets by Ellen White in Chapter 15, the Marriage of Isaac based on Genesis 24.
True love is a high and holy principle, altogether different in character from that love which is awakened by impulse and which suddenly dies when severely tested. It is by faithfulness to duty in the parental home that the youth are to prepare themselves for homes of their own. Let them here practice self-denial and manifest kindness, courtesy, and Christian sympathy. Thus love will be kept warm in the heart, and he who goes out from such a household to stand at the head of a family of his own will know how to promote the happiness of her whom he has chosen as a companion for life. Marriage, instead of being the end of love, will be only its beginning.
True love is a high and holy principle, altogether different in character from that love which is awakened by impulse and which suddenly dies when severely tested. It is by faithfulness to duty in the parental home that the youth are to prepare themselves for homes of their own. Let them here practice self-denial and manifest kindness, courtesy, and Christian sympathy. Thus love will be kept warm in the heart, and he who goes out from such a household to stand at the head of a family of his own will know how to promote the happiness of her whom he has chosen as a companion for life. Marriage, instead of being the end of love, will be only its beginning.
Sabbath lessons for me 3
The actual take away from the sabbath sermon for me came at a Bible study I attended afterwards however I will share the topic of divine worship.
First expressing my love to God is called worship.
6 Steps were mentioned in expressing love to God
1. sing to God (Psalms 95:1)
2. talk to God thru prayer ( Psalms 116:1-12)
3. listen to God (John 10:14,16)
4. publically identify with God thru baptism and communion ( Matt.5:14-15, Romans 6:3)
5. be commited to God (Joshua 24:20-22)
6. give to God ( Acts 4:32-35)
my personal comment relates to the last point, giving to God and it was stated that tithing is undesignated giving. I know sometimes when we see someone in need and we do not have the money we may say lets use our tithe to help that person but that is not tithing that is charity. Tithe belongs to God. It means coming to Him and laying it at the alter with no presumption on its exact usage. I thought that was pretty interesting!
First expressing my love to God is called worship.
6 Steps were mentioned in expressing love to God
1. sing to God (Psalms 95:1)
2. talk to God thru prayer ( Psalms 116:1-12)
3. listen to God (John 10:14,16)
4. publically identify with God thru baptism and communion ( Matt.5:14-15, Romans 6:3)
5. be commited to God (Joshua 24:20-22)
6. give to God ( Acts 4:32-35)
my personal comment relates to the last point, giving to God and it was stated that tithing is undesignated giving. I know sometimes when we see someone in need and we do not have the money we may say lets use our tithe to help that person but that is not tithing that is charity. Tithe belongs to God. It means coming to Him and laying it at the alter with no presumption on its exact usage. I thought that was pretty interesting!
Friday, April 14, 2006
Good Friday
I was reading my devotional this morning and it said something that stuck out to me. It was one phrase that stated 'some women(people) do not know the end of the story.' It is Good Friday which refers to Christ crucifixion and the coming Sunday on which He rose and which many memorialize His resurrection by attending church on this day however that is another story. I took so many things away from that one thought. I thought about the people that were in Ann Taylor last night shopping for their Easter outfit. For many this will be their one trip to church all year and I wonder do they know the end of the story that the gift of Christ life, death and resurrection should be celebrated each day and that celebration should cause us to live a life of submission to Him. I think about the different things that has happened and continue to happen to me and I think about the fact that I do not know the end of the story. My prayer has always been and continues to be Father do what you have to do to save me and if (it does not have to but if it should) it should cost me my social, professionally, financial standing so let it be!
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Shakespeare's Hamlet 3/1
To be, or not to be: that is the question:
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them? To die: to sleep;
No more; and by a sleep to say we end
The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to, 'tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep;
To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub;
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause: there's the respect
That makes calamity of so long life;
For who would bear the whips and scorns of time,
The oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely,
The pangs of despised love, the law's delay,
The insolence of office and the spurns
That patient merit of the unworthy takes,
When he himself might his quietus make
With a bare bodkin? who would fardels bear,
To grunt and sweat under a weary life,
But that the dread of something after death,
The undiscover'd country from whose bourn
No traveller returns, puzzles the will
And makes us rather bear those ills we have
Than fly to others that we know not of?
Thus conscience does make cowards of us all;
And thus the native hue of resolution
Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought,
And enterprises of great pith and moment
With this regard their currents turn awry,
And lose the name of action. - Soft you now!
The fair Ophelia! Nymph, in thy orisons
Be all my sins remember'd.
Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them? To die: to sleep;
No more; and by a sleep to say we end
The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to, 'tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wish'd. To die, to sleep;
To sleep: perchance to dream: ay, there's the rub;
For in that sleep of death what dreams may come
When we have shuffled off this mortal coil,
Must give us pause: there's the respect
That makes calamity of so long life;
For who would bear the whips and scorns of time,
The oppressor's wrong, the proud man's contumely,
The pangs of despised love, the law's delay,
The insolence of office and the spurns
That patient merit of the unworthy takes,
When he himself might his quietus make
With a bare bodkin? who would fardels bear,
To grunt and sweat under a weary life,
But that the dread of something after death,
The undiscover'd country from whose bourn
No traveller returns, puzzles the will
And makes us rather bear those ills we have
Than fly to others that we know not of?
Thus conscience does make cowards of us all;
And thus the native hue of resolution
Is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought,
And enterprises of great pith and moment
With this regard their currents turn awry,
And lose the name of action. - Soft you now!
The fair Ophelia! Nymph, in thy orisons
Be all my sins remember'd.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Sabbath lessons for me 2
I went to Buckhead today. I am still in the battle of decision as to what church I will make my home and be involved in. When I am at Buckhead I have to get involved in something where as at Westend I can come and go and no one will miss me and there is some comfort in that as sad as it may sound.
I went out with a friend this week and he said the word that has decribed what I have been feeling off and on since September it was DEFEATISM = Acceptance of or resignation to the prospect of defeat. And the moment my feelings had a word, a definition I knew I was greater than that because I know God has called me for greater. I know God has great plans for me. My mom has told me that all my life and now I see that more than ever that it true I have to believe that God will finish was He has started and called me to be and do. I wait in expectation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In addition Keith said something really deep today he stated that the faster we move the more we miss. I do not want to miss anything on my walk thru this life. I do not want to miss the sigh of a friend who is going thru something but is not at the point of telling me because she believes I do not care. or a project at work that I am looking forward to it being over that I miss something vital that could make it better and I do not want to miss the opportunity to get to know each person God will placed in my life to bring me to my point of Expectation.
I went out with a friend this week and he said the word that has decribed what I have been feeling off and on since September it was DEFEATISM = Acceptance of or resignation to the prospect of defeat. And the moment my feelings had a word, a definition I knew I was greater than that because I know God has called me for greater. I know God has great plans for me. My mom has told me that all my life and now I see that more than ever that it true I have to believe that God will finish was He has started and called me to be and do. I wait in expectation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
In addition Keith said something really deep today he stated that the faster we move the more we miss. I do not want to miss anything on my walk thru this life. I do not want to miss the sigh of a friend who is going thru something but is not at the point of telling me because she believes I do not care. or a project at work that I am looking forward to it being over that I miss something vital that could make it better and I do not want to miss the opportunity to get to know each person God will placed in my life to bring me to my point of Expectation.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Its my 30th Birthday
I am 30 wow. It has been a good day. I got to spend it with great friends in Chicago and my mom and Luther got me the best unexpected gift ever. I am so thankful. I look forward to the year to come!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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