50 New Units for Senior Residents in the San Francisco Bayview Hunter's Point

Reverend Calvin Jones and the Providence Baptist Church celebrated the opening of 50-brand new housing units for seniors in the Bayview-Hunter's Point Community.

There was food, fun, festivity and a whole lotta praying going on.

God Bless Reverend Jones and his congregation for the wonderful work they do.

Providence Baptist Church

www.providencecares.org



(Photos Courtesy of Edward Miller Photography, 510-237-0479. All rights protected.)

Give Thanks for Friends

The Bible tells us that to have a friend, we must be a friend. I woke up this morning. That's the first thing I'm thankful for.

I was in my right mind (somewhat - LOL), that's the second thing for which I'm thankful. And, of course, my family woke up with me.

I called my "cousin" Sandy who was making gumbo today and asked her to save me a bowl. And, boy, was I thankful that she said "sure." I haven't had gumbo in over a year. My mother-in-law is like the "Queen of Gumbo," but since she retired out-of-state, I don't get to enjoy it very often.

I turned on the dishwasher and then threw a load of clothes in the washing machine.

I poured myself a nice hot cup of coffee. This morning I used soy today instead of Coffeemate because it's supposed to be good for you. I was thankful that I had soy because with the rising cost of everything, so many people don't have milk or coffee or sugar or even a home. So, I was thankful for that cup o'joe.

Then, as always, I turned on the computer to check my email.

There was a beautiful ecard waiting for me from my friend Sue Ann who lives up north. It brought tears to my eyes. Sue Ann and I met years ago when we worked for the same company. We clicked instantly (I think it's our Southern roots) and we've been friends ever since.

We have so much to be thankful for - the least of which is our friends, both near and far.

Make a friend's day today.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Dot

Dear Mama

Mama, I can't believe that today marks one full year since you've been gone. It feels like yesterday you were here. Your presence is everywhere and in almost everything I do. There are so many things I want to tell you. At least once every two weeks, the telephone will ring and for a fleeting moment, I think it's you calling. I hope you know how much John, Simone and I truly loved you. I appreciate what good care you took of Daddy. I visit your grave and remember that you and Daddy are side-by-side, together again. I know you are at peace. No more suffering. I am so happy that we were able to share moments of prayer and I miss calling you on Sunday morning to tell you to turn on Joel Osteen.

We thank you so much for your legacy. Please give Daddy a kiss and tell him that the economy is horrible right now, so I always remember what he used to tell me to "keep what you got, til you get what you want, and then you'll have what you need." (smile)

Love you and think of you every day,
Always,
Dotson

Blessings to First AME Church, Oakland - FAME

First AME Church in Oakland celebrated its 50th Anniversary over the weekend.
Congresswoman Barbara Lee, Dr. J. Alfred Smith were among the award winners.

First AME Church is located at 530 37th St,Oakland, CA 94609,(510) 655-1527.
Rev. Dr. Harold R. Mayberry is the Senior Pastor.

Plan a visit to this historic church. You will be blessed.

Treat The Children Well

The heart of a child is the most precious of God's creation.

Never break it. At all costs, never break it.


-- Joseph L. Whitten

Have you hugged your child today?

I just left an appointment at Children's Hospital with my daughter. We were there for an upper GI series, which seems at this point, to mean that she has reflux. Phew! That is a blessing believe it or not. There are SO many sick children and the voter's initiative to provide more funding to Children's Hospital was not approved by the voters.

Within the past 10 days, two of my friends have lost their children to tragedy.

Remember, to take time to today to give God a great big 'thank you' for children (whether they're yours or just children in your neighborhood).

The best things in life are free - hug a child today.

Peace and Blessings,
Dot

If Peter Piper Were Picking Pumpkins Instead of Peppers

For details, call 510-234-9690
www.cohnstone.com

Email:
cohnstone@sbcglobal.net.

Lordy, Lord, Look Who's 40!!

Had a great time last night "roasting" and celebrating with Big Mike. The theme for the night was "40 Years of Foolishness." Michael Pritchard summed it up best during his speech directed to the "Birthday Boy," when he said that money comes and money goes - success is great - but people are what really matter. It was so wonderful celebrating with the folks who were there to honor "Big Mike," both in body and spirit.

Thanks for the fond memories.

Here's to 40 more!

p.s. "Shoo Doo Fufu Oooh," by Lenny Williams ;0

RIP, Levi Stubbs

Sad news for all us "OGs" (original God-fearing people).


Four Tops lead singer Levi Stubbs,died today at age72.

Reportedly, Stubbs had been ill and died in his sleep at home in Detroit. Stubbs was featured on such hits as "Baby I Need Your Loving,""Reach Out (I'll Be There)" and "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch.)"

Grace

"We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted."--2 Corinthians 8:1

God's Art

www.godsart.biz

925-705-2924

Scolded For Love - Mark 14:4-5

Scolded for Love

Some of the followers there saw this. They became upset and
complained to each other. They said, "Why waste that perfume?
That perfume was worth a full year's work. It could be sold
and the money could be given to poor people." And they
criticized the woman strongly.

Marsha, thanks for always sharing and encouraging others.

p.s. - Happy Birthday, J! May you be blessed abundantly.

Haters (Author Undetermined)

The following "poem" was allegedly written by Maya Angelou. However, I don't think it sounds like her. Nonetheless, my friend Liebchen shared it with me and I'm sharing it with you. Whomever the author - I like it.

Blessings

Haters

(Author Unknown)

A hater is someone who is jealous and envious and spends all their time trying to make you look small so they can look tall.
They are very negative people to say the least. Nothing is ever good enough!
When you make your mark, you will always attract some haters. That’s why you have to be careful with whom you share your blessings and your dreams, because some folk can’t handle seeing you blessed. It’s dangerous to be like somebody else.
If God wanted you to be like somebody else, He would have given you what He gave them! Right? You never know what people have gone through to get what they have.
The problem I have with haters is that they see my glory, but they don’t know my story. If the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, you can rest assured that the water bill is higher there too!
We’ve all got some haters among us! People envy you because you can:
Have a relationship with God
Light up a room when you walk in
Start your own business
Tell a man / woman to hit the curb (if he / she isn’t about the right thing)
Raise your children without both parents being in the home

Haters can’t stand to see you happy, Haters will never want to see you succeed, Haters never want you to get the victory, most of our haters are people who are supposed to be on our side. How do you handle your undercover haters?

You can handle these haters by:
1. Knowing who you are & who your true friends are *(VERY IMPORTANT!!)
2. Having a purpose to your life? Purpose does not mean having a job. You can have a job and still be unfulfilled. A purpose is having a clear sense of what God has called you to be. Your purpose is not defined by what others think about you.
3. By remembering what you have is by divine prerogative and not human manipulation. Fulfill your dreams! You only have one life to live…when its your time to leave this earth, you ‘want’ to be able to say, ‘I’ve lived my life and fulfilled ‘my’ dreams. Now I’m ready to go home! When God gives you favor, you can tell your haters, ‘Don’t look at me…Look at Who is in charge of me.’

It's a Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood

What a gorgeous day in the City today. People bustling about and the Blue Angels flying overhead. If you have to work, what a great place to do it.

Happy Thursday!

Just A Spoonful of Sugar Helps the Medicine Go Down

Quote for the Day (thanks, Lynette)

God's love doesn't seek value; it creates it.
It's not because we have value that we are loved, but because we're
loved that we have value.
So you don't have to prove yourself -- ever. That's taken care of."


William Sloane Coffin, Jr.

"It Just Looks Like We're Not Hurting" by Terrie Williams

Ms. B - thanks for the tip on this one!

Dot

"It Just Looks Like We're Not Hurting" by Terry Williams
Hardcover: 368 pages
Publisher: Scribner (January 8, 2008)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0743298829
ISBN-13: 978-0743298827

"Strength Of A Woman," The Phyllis Hyman Story

by Jason A. Michael - is now on sale. Available at:

www.phyllishymanstory.com

Phyllis Hyman (July 6, 1949 - June 30, 1995)

A superb singing talent and Tony-nominated actress, took her own life by drug overdose on June 30, 1995. While incredibly beautiful and gifted, those close to Ms. Hyman, and those not so close, knew that she battled mental illness and subsequent drug abuse for years.

However, no one has bothered to honor her life and legacy, as well as, shed light on the serious issues of mental illness (in particular, bi-polar disorder), as Jason A. Michael has in this book. Mr. Michael tells the story - no holds barred.

Mental illness is real and affects everyone. This book is a must read, especially for African Americans.
Own it today!

Peace and blessings,
Dot

"Palace In The Haze" by San Francisco artist, Greg Gandy

“Palace in the Haze”

24x30 in oil on panel. Available at the John Pence gallery in San Francisco and online atL

www.greggandy.com.

Thank God for Art!

Beware of the Ducks

Today my prayer is personal.

I ask the Lord to protect me from being "pecked to death by ducks." I once heard the famed poet/author Maya Angelou, speak many years ago on "Oprah" about being "pecked to death by ducks." She used this phrase to describe people who make it their business to tear you apart, piece by piece. If we do not hold strong to our faith and remain centered, we can easily fall prey to these often subtle attacks.

Make it a great day - and Watch Out for the Ducks!