Let Us Break Bread Together On Our Knees

It's a beautiful, sunny California morning. Tomorrow is the first day of school. It seems as if summer just began.

Thank you, Lord, for another glorious day!

In Jesus Name,
Amen

May Peace Ring In Our Hearts

I was shocked and saddened this week by the news that Oakland, California journalist, Chauncey Bailey, was slain in broad open daylight in downtown Oakland. The theory is that he was killed in retaliation for a story he was about to print. What kind of world do we live in when people are subject to be assasinated on their morning commute in front of onlookers, and apparently, even preschool children who were on their way to class. And what does it really mean to say "stop the madness?" It becomes rhetorical since the madness doesn't stop.

So, I ask for prayer for the family of Mr. Bailey, the community of Oakland and the world at large. Whatever happened to the First Amendment, Freedom of Speech and Freedom of the Press?

Tammy Faye Dies At Age 65

Tonight, I'm asking for a special prayer for Tammy Faye Messner (former wife of ex-PTL leader Jim Baker) who died Friday night at age 65 after a long battle with cancer.

I'm told by friends that she appeared on "Larry King Live" as recently as last Thursday night. While she was in failing health, she was at peace with dying and was faithful until the end. News reports say that she died Friday and a private family service was held today.

No matter what you thought of Jim Baker, the "PTL" (Praise the Lord) ministry or Tammy Faye, you have to give her credit for praising God in her way and always professing her love for the Lord with her mouth. She may have been what some might call "over the top," but she lived life to the fullest and I truly believe she is in God's loving care. While I always doubted the sincerity of Jim Baker, I truly never for a moment doubted that Tammy loved the Lord.

God bless her family, friends and fans throughout the world.

God's Beauty Is Everywhere

As I abruptly pulled over to the curb a few blocks from my home, my daughter said, "Mom, what are you stopping for??" I said, "I want to take a picture." She said, "What picture??" And I replied, "the beautiful patch of flowers." She said, "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?"

I explained that while she might just see a few flowers in a bed of brown uncut grass, what I saw was beauty in a most unexpected place.


My middle-aged mind saw what she didn't see and that was -- a) I woke up that morning in my right mind (well, sort of) and b) I must find pleasure whenever and wherever I can get it. . .including a patch of lovely flowers in a bed of brown grass on my morning commute!

God's Beauty Is Everywhere.

Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread

Mom went to the doctor yesterday and she's down to 96 pounds. . .the good news is that she woke up this morning and so did I - thank God for another glorious day.

My daughter says we need to fatten Mama up so she's making homemade rolls today. Remember the old Pillsbury jingle? "Nothing says loving like something from the oven."

Thank you Lord for this beautiful morning, guide us and keep us as we go about our weekend tasks and watch over us and our friends and families.

Love,

Dot

Megan Dickey Went Home To Be With The Lord

Last night, Miss Megan Dickey went home to be with the Lord. Please keep her family and friends in your prayers and special intentions.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his begotten son, and that whosoever believe in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life."

SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST FOR MEGAN DICKEY

Prayer request from Mercelle - she is asking all faithful prayer warriors to say a special prayer for Miss Megan Dickey.

She's a Colorado teenager who is battling serious illness. She is resting comfortably and spending time with her family.

Lord Jesus - we are praying for a miracle - and we know that you are the miracle worker. . .

"Hail Mary, full of Grace, the Lord is With Thee - Blessed Art Thou Amongst Women and Blessed Is the Fruit of Thy Womb Jesus. . ."

In Jesus Holy Name,

Amen

In Memory of My Daddy

My Dad died on July 4, 1996 - Independence Day. I like to think that it was the day the Lord took away Daddy's pain and suffering and set him free so that he might have eternal life. He was a wonderful man, a big man, a kind man, a gracious man and a humble human being. Even though it has been 11 years - it seems like yesterday.

When I took this picture of the Koi Fish Pond at The Embassy Suites, I thought how Daddy would have appreciated the beauty of this simple pond of Koi. . .I thank God that I had such a wonderful father and ask you to pray for me today that I might get through the day knowing that he is in a better place.

Peace and Blessings,

Dot

Tilden Park Murder Suicide In Berkeley

The news today reported the death of an entire family of four - apparently the Dad, a 51 year old man from Berkeley, killed his two adorable little girls, ages 6 and 8, his 40 year old wife who apparently was a very gifted doctor and then turned the gun on himself. The suicide note referred to "financial woes" from their business. My heart aches for the family left behind and I can only imagine what those girls' last moments were like. . .please pray, pray and pray some more. . .Come Holy Spirit.

Dot

Happy Father's Day

Sorry. . .I've been really bad about keeping up this blog. . .my mum is so sick and work is hectic and family takes time. . .but today is a special day for all fathers. I visited the cemetery to pay my respects to my Daddy who passed away nearly 11 years ago. I don't know where the time goes. . .I miss him like it was yesterday. I'm very grateful for the time we had together and that I was blessed with such a wonderful role model. So. . .go, DADS - today is your special day!

Bedside Manners by Christopher Wiseman

Poem: "Bedside Manners" by Christopher Wiseman from In John Updike's Room. ©

Bedside Manners

How little the dying seem to need—
A drink perhaps, a little food,
A smile, a hand to hold, medication,
A change of clothes, an unspoken
Understanding about what's happening.
You think it would be more, much more,
Something more difficult for us
To help with in this great disruption,
But perhaps it's because as the huge shape
Rears up higher and darker each hour
They are anxious that we should see it too
And try to show us with a hand-squeeze.

We panic to do more for them,
And especially when it's your father,
And his eyes are far away, and your tears
Are all down your face and clothes,
And he doesn't see them now, but smiles
Perhaps, just perhaps because you're there.
How little he needs. Just love. More Love.

Yolanda King has passed away at age 51

Yolanda King has died of an apparent heart ailment - suddenly in Los Angeles. I am speechless.

Dear God: Please bless her soul and a special prayer for her family and friends and people like myself who did not know her personally but felt a deep connection with her.

As a child growing up in the '60s, I pride myself on being educated by the likes of Ebony and Jet magazine. This is truly a sad day.

Peace and God's Blessings,

Mocha Dot

A Prayer for Celeste

My dear friend, Celeste, lost her father yesterday. Suddenly he was taken from this earth and went home to be with his Heavenly Father.

A devoted husband, father and friend he will be missed by so many. However, his good deeds will never be forgotten and we know that he is resting in peace.

Many prayers and love to the family of Leonard Llorens.

This time it's personal

I have been too depressed to write on this blog lately due to my mom's illness. About a month ago, she was diagnosed with the big "C." While I am grateful that she has lived to a ripe old age - 82 years old, I am still very sad about the possibility of life without Mama. I keep thinking, "Mama is way too ornery to die," but I know that none of us are immortal.

I pray that she will open up her heart and trust God to guide her through her illness so that she may reap her reward on the other side.

Of course, I could go before she does but it's very hard to watch a loved one deteriorate.

I promise to get back to my blog real soon ;0

He Is Risen

Happy Easter.

Two Horses (Author Anonymous - submitted by Esther)

Two Horses
Just up the road is a field, with two horses in it.

From a distance, each horse looks like any other horse. But if you
stop your car, or are walking by, you will notice something quite
amazing....

Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His
owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for
him.

This alone is amazing.

If you stand nearby and listen, you will hear the sound of a bell.

Looking around for the source of the sound, you will see that it comes
from the smaller horse in the field.

Attached to the horse's halter is a small bell.

It lets the blind friend know where the other horse is, so he can
follow.

As you stand and watch these two friends, you'll see that the horse
with the bell is always checking on the blind horse, and that the blind
horse will listen for the bell and then slowly walk to where the other
horse is,

trusting that he will not be led astray.

When the horse with the bell returns to the shelter of the barn each
evening,

it stops occasionally and looks back,

making sure the blind friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell.

Like the owners of these two horses,

God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect

or because we have problems or challenges.

He watches over us and even brings others into our lives

to help us when we are in need.

Sometimes we are the blind horse being guided by the little ringing
bell of those who God places in our lives.

Other times we are the guide horse, helping others to find their
way....

Good friends are like that... you may not always see them, but you
know they are always there.

Please listen for my bell and I'll listen for yours.

And remember...

be kinder than necessary-

everyone you meet is fighting

some kind of battle.

Live a complaint-free life.

Live simply,
Love generously,
Care deeply,
Speak kindly....
Leave the rest to God

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Easter

Rest In Peace - Bishop Gilbert E. Patterson

Bishop G.E. Patterson

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - G.E. Patterson, the presiding bishop of the Church of God in Christ and a minister for almost 50 years, died of heart failure Tuesday, the church announced. He was 67.

The predominantly black Protestant denomination, headquartered in Memphis, claims 6 million members worldwide and traces its origins to the 1870s.

Patterson was hospitalized in January for an undisclosed illness and told his followers in 2005 that he had prostate cancer.

At the church's annual Holy Convocation in November, he said he had considered stepping down but changed his mind after an outpouring of support.

"If my body being afflicted can get us back to where God wants us to be, then I'm willing to suffer," said Patterson, who then received a standing ovation.

"It was a direct result of his work, such as his TV ministries, that allowed people to see COGIC as it should have been projected," said jurisdictional Bishop Jerry Maynard, the chief operating officer of the national church, who had worked with Patterson since 1992.

"Under his leadership we've seen tremendous strides toward true spirituality," said San Diego jurisdictional Bishop George D. McKinney, a member of the church's General Board.

Maynard said the church would begin selecting a successor after memorial services.

In January, he won the traditional male vocalist of the year honor for his "Singing the Old Time Way Volume 2" at the 22nd annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards.

He was born in Humboldt, Tenn., and was ordained as a church elder in 1957 in Detroit.

Patterson attended Lemoyne-Owen College in Memphis, Detroit Bible Institute and held an honorary doctorate from Oral Roberts University. He was the editor and publisher of the Bountiful Blessings Magazine, with a distribution list of more than 100,000 individuals.

In 2005, he told the church's annual convention in Memphis that believers should overcome differences of race and culture to spread their faith.

"I don't know why we ever got stuck on that thing that we're only supposed to witness to black folks," Patterson said. "Once you've received the word, spread it. God's not going to do something to bless your work until you do something to bless his work."

Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press

FEET O' JESUS By Langston Hughes

At the feet o' Jesus,

Sorrow like a sea.

Lordy, let yo' mercy

Come driftin' down on me.

At the feet o' Jesus

At yo' feet I stand.

O, ma little Jesus,

Please reach out yo' hand.

Prayer Meeting by LANGSTON HUGHES

PRAYER MEETING

Glory! Hallelujah!
The dawn's a-comin'!
The dawn's a-coming'!
A black old woman croons
In the amen-corner of the
Ebecaneezer Baptist Church
A black old woman crooons-
The dawn's a-comin'!