Hello 2012

Howdy Folks,

As I sit and reflect on 2011, there were some very challenging instances. It is only by the grace of God that I have made it. Through all of the ups and downs, I have realized, one thing I lacked was courage. Courage to know that God can and will provide.

COURAGE: [kur-ij, kuhr-]

noun

1. The quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery.

2. Obsolete . the heart as the source of emotion.

 

This year, I almost gone, so in 2012, lets have a little more COURAGE! There has to come time when you comfront people you have never confronted before, say things you have never said before. Reach out grab it, take it by force, ask God for it... ask him for some COURAGE! Saints we need the courage to be able to cross over to that city built four square.

 

For the past couple of weeks, there has been a particular person that has helped me to see what lies at the end of the road for me. I would like to thank you Mr. Sanders for being a brother, and keeping me focused when I did not want to be. I tell you folks, you are able to learn from everyone. I never saw this kid teaching me anything. It is my prayer that he will be able to adhere to what he is telling me as well.

 

We all should have the courage to tell someone this aint working, the courage to speak truth to power. Saints, its time to open our mouths and stop bottling up things that are bothering us. Be authentic and honest, its time now to speak things that people do not like to hear. He gave us a mouth and a tongue for a reason! Use it be bold and damnit show that COURAGE! Time out for playing!

 

Happy New Year to you and your family.

 

Happy New Year to Mother, Mommie C & Pollard and Mama C and BiPop!

 

Happy New Year to my babies, Avery, Charmaine, Shaquaria, Gabrecia, and Maxwell.

 

Happy New Year to my neices, Makayla and Amaya

 

Happy New Year to my godchildre: Mason, Myouri, Amaya, and Cedric

 

To both familes, the Hollis' and Brown's. I love each and everyone of you!

Holding On--

Howdy:

For those that know me, you know that I dont like no meh--- especially no janky meh. Janky mess can include, being on "negro hold" for 1:31 (yes, thats one minute and 31 seconds). It took everything in me NOT to hang up. I guess the person thought I was going to hang up. Anywho, you are pretty cool and Im willing to go to the extreme of jankiness and hold on like a monkey swinging on a tree (A-Phi!).LOL.

College President or TV Anchor

Our College President, Reggie Morton just completed a video spot for BOUNCE TV. Check it out and let me konw what you think? He might need to get a part-time news anchor job. lol  



                              

The WORK OUT today

Following my normal gym routine during my lunch, I went to work out today and I had a great time. Really got a great work out in to day.

This morning, Kim (my co-worker) and I were on our morning Starbucks trip, we passed this place called the Complex. This is a fitness center, that specializes in Martial Arts, Kickboxing and  Boxing. Im really exicted, they have a week free class that you are able to go through before you determine that you want to join.

Tonight, Im going to try kickboxing and boxing. Im sure this will be fun. Pics to come tonught.
Stay Tuned!

Joe Paul "Opportunity Knocks"

 

Morning Cup of Joe – Opportunity Knocks

 

December 20, 2011 • Morning Cup of Joe • by Joe Paul

Problems are actually opportunities in disguise. It is critically important that you start to recognize the opportunity in your problems. Whatever the issue, you certainly cannot compare it to the end of the world. Yes, the end of the world is a bit drastic but compared to that, do you really have any problems? I’ll answer for you; no, you truly don’t. The opportunity that inevitably arises from overcoming an obstacle is what you should always remain focused on; not the problem itself. Learn to look pass the problem to find the opportunity.

Think back to a time in your life when you encountered a difficulty and how you overcame that difficulty. What did you do to overcome that particular obstacle? What is it about you specifically that made you overcome that obstacle? The answers these questions should serve as a “How to” guide to fixing your problems. The fact that you have not experienced a similar difficulty is proof that you have learned the particular lesson you were meant to learn through that experience. Even if you did experience it again, there’s a valuable lesson learned in every human experience.

Embrace the obstacles that may come your way as they are designed to increase our awareness that we are going down the right path. Most roads that are travelled are laden with bumps; the road to success is not exempt. The tools you need to get over this hump are the same tools you used to get over the last one; the only difference is the problem itself. Opportunities come several times a day, it’s up to you to recognize them as opportunities and chase after them no matter the cost. More problems means more opportunities.
To The Top!
Joe Paul

Impossible and Can in the same sentence.. HUH?!?!?!?

I was having a convo with my college president yesterday, I was a little disturbed however, I saw the beauty in actually having the convo and addressing the things we discussed. Before we ended the convo he left me with this quote, "Impossible is when someone demonstrates that it can be done."( #WHAT!?!?!  0_o )

Now, I am still a little lost about the quote however, I am going to move on. I have had two people to explain it to me. One friend immediately had an explanation, the 2nd person was like... "uhhhh, that makes no sense, but I think this is what he was saying." LOL

As I type this response, two songs have been playing. One song was Thou Oh Lord by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and currently, God Is by James Cleveland is playing. Everything really falls together when it is time. in the spirit realm his quote has been revealed in what he was saying. So yes, I got the message. I'm still caught on this here quote. Where did you pull it from?

This morning, my good friend Joe Paul posted on his blog Opportunity Knocks. I believe that JP was speaking to me directly when he wrote this blog this morning. I must call him and share this with him. On my next post to the blog, I will share what he wrote.

St. John Baptist Church Candlelight Service

Howdy Folks!

It seems like the thing to do in Savannah on a 3rd Sunday is Candlelight Service. Today, I attended the Candlelight Service hosted by St. John and oh what a time we had. This service was filled with janky theatrics as well as down home soul and anthem singing! The church actually hosted its 41st Candlelight Communion Service. This service was well attended. I was very impressed with the Music Ministry of St. John. My dear friend Christel Caughman and her Parents, Drs. Caughman attend the church. Christel mom Dr. Caughman is one of the directors for the choir and the other Dr. Caughman is a deacon at the church.

First thing first: Lest us talk about Dr. George P Lee, III, PhD who is the Pastor of this great church. Well where do we begin in the opening of the service the 200 + voice choir sings, "Christian Hold Your Light" and Dr. Lee ascends from the ceiling of the civic center dressed in his Pope regalia. I was a little confused. I never knew we had a African American Pope. His attire was very elaborate with sparkles and glitter. Very sharp and debonair i must say. I think it was a little too much, however, I enjoyed the Pastors singing and his grrrrraaaaannnnnnd entrance. Yes, as I said, he was dressed like the Pope,  he had to males to carry in the bible and staff dressed in white robes (these two guys also served as candle lighters) as he ascended from the ceiling he was holding at long stick candle. Very creative I tell you. It was definitely as show stopper and a great opening. Pastor Lee I commended you, just loose the outfit next year, my brother!

Syntel pictures with Dr. Barbara Caughman after the Candlelight Communion Service

Secondly, my friends mother, Dr. Barbara Caughman directed the first 3 songs and let me  tell you, she really brought it. Dr. Caughman danced across that stage so. LOL . It was classic, I tell you she was really moving. She conducted the Lord's Prayer and Jesus the Light of the World. Where she did her thang, that's right THANG,  was on Come Thou Almighty. Man, she danced across that stag, directed and punched the bass lines like no other. I really enjoyed it. The crowd was going crazy, yelling, "direct doc" "get it sister" "do that dance." LOL it was awesome.

Recording Artist LaShaun Pace singing at the 41st Candlelight Service

Last but not least, the guest psalmist OMG. Lashaun Pace, she truly rocked the house tonight. She had we so weak when she song Safe In His Arms. It truly ministered to me.

As you see, I really enjoyed myself this evening. I will definitely be to visit St. John on a regular Sunday morning. I look forward to 2012 Candlelight service.

Joe Paul "The Power of Yes!"

Morning Cup of Joe – The Power of Yes!

There is extraordinary power that lies within this three letter word. If practiced, this word can open doors you had no clue even existed. The opposite of this word will yield a particular set of results; most likely unfavorable. The overuse of this word has been known to build bridges that will lead to the discovery of your dreams. The magic word I speak of is – Yes.

Saying yes to a challenge, especially if you are not prepared and/or are unaware of the details of the task at hand, tests your tenacity. You truly never know what this simple gesture will lead to but you must practice saying it more often. For the past few summers, I’ve facilitated a leadership and internship program for underprivileged youth. During one of the leadership sessions, the Vice President walks in and shouts, “I need one volunteer who can help me with a project?” Without hesitation, one student jumps up and enthusiastically says, “I’ll do it”! The young man had no clue what the project entailed but was willing to accept the challenge without that knowledge. That risk turned out to be one of the best decisions he has made in his young life. When he completed the small project and submitted it to the Vice President, he had an opportunity to speak to her about his aspirations. Once the conversation was complete, she informed him that she was a part of a group that selected students for full college scholarships and that she would like to nominate him to be a recipient of the award. He was beside himself, especially since he had no plans to attend college prior to this experience. That’s the power of Yes!

The power of yes is a simple gesture that leads to extraordinary outcomes. Learn to understand the power in that word and what it means to say it often. We all have examples where saying “yes” began a chain of events that eventually lead to a miracle. Are you committed to being the best? Do you deserve the very best life has to offer? Are you willing to do whatever it takes to get what you desire? I am convinced that you know the answer to these questions.

To The Top!
Joe Paul

P.S. I would greatly appreciate it if you would consider giving to a great cause this holiday season. For more details go to: www.gofundme.com/ToysForBoys

I support Rev. Dr. George D. Crenshaw for Bishop...

For more information visit: http://www.crenshawforbishop.org/

My Quote of the Day... "The Drum Major Instinct"

I'm sitting at my desk and Dr. King is preaching me crazy! Touching so close to real life. I really needed to hear these words today. I truly made me think. I am sharing this with you, hopefully someone will be blessed by the words of this great man. Hope it works for you too!

"Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve.

You don't have to have a college degree to serve.

You don't have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve.

 You don't have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve.

You don't have to know Einstein's theory of relativity to serve.

You don't have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve.

 You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.

 And you can be that servant."

-The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

Back on the Map!

Hey Gang!

So I was gone for a little while. Did you miss me? This past weekend was an adventourous one. There was a lot that went on, but I was glad to see the godparentals in town this weekend and we went to Shell House Seafood Restaurant, went to the funeral to support my big brothers Eric and Derrick Sibert, our company Christmas Party, Chuirch at St. Paul @ 8:00am and 11:00 service at Butler Memorial, the 100 Celebrity Men Who Cook sponsored by the Savannah Sororities (AKA, ZPB, SGR and DST) and it was a wonderdul event and then I took a two hour drive to Charleston, South Carolina for my compainies SCP Traning. We definitely had a blast and I meet some AWESOME PEOPLE (Jackie, Jamie, Brandon, Devin and Delvin) we cried, we laughed, we drank, we cried, cried again and laughed-- boy, oh boy, what a wonderful time!

Syntel and Mamc C pictured at the funeral of Mr. Eric Tyron Sibert, Sr.

Friday, the Godparentals were in town we went out to eat. Then went and chilled with them.

 Saturday, attended the funeral of Mr. Eric Tyrone Sibert, Sr.

                 Company Christmas Party w/ Ms. Tiftany Huger              

Sunday, Church Service at St. Paul @ 8:30am
              Church Service at Butler Meorial @ 11:00am  *
             100 Celebrity Men Who Cook @ 3:00pm *
             Leave for Charleston, South Carolina @ 5:00pm

My SCP Buddies

L to R: Jamie, Brandon, Ricardo, Jackie, Devin and Delvin

*= pics to come

The Death of Leader (State Senator) Robert Brown

I would have blogged about this yesterday, but since, I had just come from the dentist and returned back to work the only thing I was thinking about when I got home was taking the meds and getting in the bed.

Yesterday, our great state lost an icon in politics. When I first meet Mr. Leader, as we affectionately called him, I was a in middle school. I paged at the state capitol for Sen. Daniel Lee. Senator Robert Brown at that time was the Whip for the Senate Dems. Even with me at the tender age of 13 or 14 Sen. Brown took time with me every time he saw me at the state capitol. He wanted to know who I was and offered to help me in anyway that he could.

As the years past, I would keep in contact with Sen. Brown and his aide, Doug Bennett. I am sure this is a difficult time for Doug. He's been with Senator Brown for many, many, many years.

I am reminded of last summer, when I was helping State Senator Valenica Seay on her campaign, I had stopped by her house to say hello and to talk business, while we were inside, the door bell rung.. to our surprise it was Sen. Brown and Doug just coming to say hello and spend time with Senator Seay as she was healing from her heart attack she suffered earlier that year. We sat and talked..... and had a great time!

Sen. Brown was known for being LIVE and in LIVING COLOR, when he spoke from the well in Senate Chambers. When ever he went to the well, you could bet your bottom dollar that you were going to laugh and that you would be so weak, because he would come up with the funniest analogies and stories to defend and present legislation he was for or against. There was no gray area with Sen. Brown. You knew exactly where he stood any issues, sometimes, you did not have to guess. He was not afraid to speak out. He leadership he provided the Senate Dems on the HOPE SCHOLARSHIP was outstanding.

I will keep you updated with more information  (memorial, services) about Sen. Brown.

My mouth is hurting

Today, I had to go to the dentist to get a tooth pulled. When I tell you I have been in pain. Although, Dr. Lorna Jackson numbed my mouth, 5 shots... it is still hurting.

I also had to come back to work to meet with 2 students, I set previous appointments with. Students FIRST ALWAYS!

I can not wait to get these meds and go to BED!!!

Willing to Wait by Pastor Crenshaw (Visonary Moment)

                            Visionary Moment from The Rev. Dr. George D. Crenshaw      

Beloved gospel recording artists' Donnie McClurkin and Karen Clark Sheard partnered together to present to the body of Christ a fit word for this hour. The lyrics are as follows:

Some time in life you'll find out, you get in a hurry
That when you have assurance there is no need to worry
You can wait, wait, wait on the lord and you'll see, He always keep his word. But just trust in him don't, be dismayed.

Perhaps the most difficult and audacious task in all of Christendom is to wait. How easy it is to receive God's answer when it is yes. It is more difficult, but we can accept God's answer when He says no. But it is unsettling when God does not answer and remain silent. As complex as the silence of God is, that is God's way of saying "Wait!"

In these moments, God does not indicate whether He will perform our requested action or not, He simply instructs us to wait. Although it is difficult to wait, it is comforting to know that the weight of the world does not have to fall on our shoulders. If we remain convinced that God's will in an extension of His love, we can wait productively. While often it seems impossible to wait, there is an assurance in knowing, God always has the last word on everything!

We must continually spiritually prepare ourselves to be in communion with our Heavenly Father.If God answers the way we are expecting, we are prepared. Likewise, if in His divine providence He decides that our desire is not appropriate for us, we must to be prepared.

We can never forget, God sits at the circle of the universe with all power, wisdom, and knowledge in His hands. When our loving Father informs us to wait, we do so with grateful hearts because He is granting us time, to prepare ourselves for His ultimate in our lives.

Like Job experienced, often the actions of God are in stark contrast to our expectations. But when we prepare ourselves spiritually, we are able to say, "God I trust you." It is then we are able to demonstrate our love for our Father above  things,  people and circumstances.

While we are waiting, we choose not to have pity parties and isolate ourselves, but we will continue to give glory and honor to God. Our history with God reminds us that His ways are perfect, His will is infallible and love is immeasurable.

If a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait for my renewal to come.

Job 14: 14

Grace and Peace,
 

Pastor Crenshaw

My force behind blogging...... Randi R.

On Monday, I was having a conversation with one of my co-workers (Randi) and she was checking her family blog, she created for her, Andre and her dog. I thought it was the neatest idea, and decided that I wanted to do something just like it.

So... three days later, I have created my own blog about ME! I think this is going to be interesting. I just have to figure out what in the world I am going to blog about.

Well peeps, the best is yet to come. I will keep you all informed about me being here in Savannah, Georgia.

Randi, thank for your sending me your link. I look forward to us blogging together!

Peace & Blessings!

Ricardo B.

My pick for Bishop of the A.M.E. Zion Church

Syntel pictured with (Mama C) Mrs. Laurenna Y. Hardy-Crenshaw 

About Dr. George D. Crenshaw

George Crenshaw was ordained in the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in 1986. He is married to the former Laurenna Hardy and is the father of two children, Quentin Dewayne and Kennedy Diane.
Dr. Crenshaw has had a blessed and productive life in ministry having served in the capacities of Pastor and Presiding Elder. As a pastor, Dr. Crenshaw has served in Calcis, Alabama; Indianapolis, Indiana; Cheraw, SC; Lancaster SC, and presently is serving in Smyrna, Georgia at the Shaw Temple AME Zion Church. His position as Presiding Elder has placed him in the Indianapolis District, Cheraw-Bennettsville District and Lancaster District.

Dr. Crenshaw has exercised his dominant spiritual gifts of Administration, Teaching, Shepherding and Preaching to fashion a ministry designed to empower and edify.
Among his many accolades, Dr. Crenshaw holds an Honorary Doctorate Degree from both Clinton College and Livingstone College; a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Indiana University, a Masters of Divinity from Hood Theological Seminary, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Ministry from Hood Theological Seminary.

Dr. Crenshaw has held many outstanding memberships and positions as well as having been recognized for many distinguished acclaims. He has served as president of the Cheraw Branch of the NAACP. He is a member of the AME Zion Connectional Budget Board and served as First Vice President of the Presiding Elder's Council 2001-2005. Pastor Crenshaw is a past board member of the Chesterfield General Hospital, Cheraw SC.
He is a five-time delegate to the AME Zion Church General Conference and delegate to the 2001 (Brighton, England), 2006 (Seoul, Korea), and 2011 (Durban, South Africa) World Methodist Conferences. Dr. Crenshaw is also a member of the World Methodist Evangelism Institute Board of Directors.
He is a 2000 James Varick Freedom Medal recipient and is a past President of Hood Theological Seminary Student Government Association. Dr. Crenshaw was a contributing Writer of the AME Zion Church Christian Education Manual in 2002.

He was recognized as the 1999 “Man of the Year” by the Lambda Iota Iota Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and recipient of the “Outstanding Community Leader” award from the Bennettsville Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dr. Crenshaw is a community activist and was recognized as “Citizen of the Year” by the Cheraw Branch of the NAACP.

He is the founder of the Zion Center Community Development Cooperation in Cheraw, SC as well as the founder of the Cheraw-Bennettsville District AME Zion Church Mass Choir. He is Founder of the Shaw Temple Biblical and Leadership Institute. He has led Shaw Temple in three missionary journeys to Liberia and Ghana, recently being honored at the World Evangelism Institute as Church of the year 2011.
Dr. Crenshaw presently serves as Chairman of the Budget Committee, Home Missions Treasurer, Vice Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee, and Member of the Admissions Committee and Conference Examiners for the Georgia Conference of the AME Zion Church.

Dr. Crenshaw is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., a lifetime member of the Connectional Lay Council AME Zion Church, and a life patron of the Women's Home and Overseas Missionary Society (WH & OMS).

Dr. Crenshaw was one of the ten Pastors selected for the 2011 Atlanta Gospel Choice Awards

For more infomation about the campaign, please vist, http://www.crenshawforsbishop.org/

Reaching Out!

So the coolest thing happened today.......

I was at work and decided to rome through the mall and try to recruit some students for college. Upon me doing so, ran into a young man who really was not interested however, he decided to give me a chance and listen to what I had to say.

I inivited him to the office, the good thing about that was, his cousin, was acutally enrolling in school today and he just tagged along. After we began talking about education and exchanging background information on each other, he told that I was on to something and that he wanted to enroll in school. :-) At this point, I was happy about the young man enrolling. He was very smar, I tell ya! we went back to my office and i proceeded with the interview questions. He was really into it, and becuase to elaborate on his answers on his own.

He then was so moved about enrolling, he asked me to call his grandmother, who is an evangelist in south carolina. He told me that he was so use to telling his family, he was going to do stuff, but yet he would accomolish it. He then asked me to call his grandmother and let her know what he was doing. So, I began to dail the number and then she (grandmother) picked up. I introduced myself told why I was calling, She beganto cry because he was the first peson in their family to enroll in college. He then started crying and then it wass ALL OVER for me, I got emotional as well. The young man has decided to major in culinary arts. Ibegin to speak about different culinary experiences from my days at my alma mater THE Johnson & Wales University. ( I was not a culinary major, i had friends that were)

This was a great day as well. In the words of my good friend, Mr. Joe Paul, Touching Lives , One PERSON at a time, was definitely the phrase that would sum up today.

Side note: Joe Paul has a blog as well, his is is more creatove  way more advance than mine, please check it out @ http://www.joepaulspeaks.com/.

One of the Greatest Days

                                     Rev. Dr. Marcus D. Cosby pictured with ME.. Syntel Brown

On November 26, I had a chance to meet one of my favorite preachers. This was at the wedding of Jeremy & Patrice Lacy Smith. On this day, Dr. Cleopatrick Lacy father of the bride and Senior Pastor of Griffin's Mount Zion Baptist Church  gave me the tak of greeting the ministers and their guests.

I first learned about Pastor Marcus Cosby through a college friend, Mr. Cornelis Polk, III. He is a member of Cosby's church and had a CD with Cosby preaching. Since that time, I have followed the ministry  of Pastor Cosby.

Cosby is one who can and will preach. His thorough knowledge of the bible in its entirety especially the book of Psalms, will send any saint, running, screaming and shouting about the goodness of our Lord and Savior.

Cosby is the senior pastor of the Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston, TX. 

Pastor Cosby was the Chief Officaint of the Smith and Lacy wedding. His smooth style of officiating was noticed by many people. He performed the entire wedding ceremony from memory. No black book was used, as you often see other preachers use. This was absolutely amazing! (Shouting moment..LOL)

It is my prayer, that you will learn more about Pastor Cosby and his ministry. You may google, facebook and you way youtube Cosby. You will definitely be blessed.