tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45832476625770621122024-03-12T19:44:37.924-07:00Touching, Truly TouchingTo be Touched is to be Impacted. Once one is Moved they are Touched forever. Let’s keep TOUCHING.MUATA NOWEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10163803445038361728noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583247662577062112.post-85367872026684510352015-04-07T14:58:00.002-07:002015-04-07T14:58:45.732-07:00The Message in Occurrence <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AgbMQybX3Os/VSRSxlbKKuI/AAAAAAAADkk/Lec0A5Y865w/s1600/universe.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AgbMQybX3Os/VSRSxlbKKuI/AAAAAAAADkk/Lec0A5Y865w/s1600/universe.png" height="235" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">The
universe works in ways that man/woman will never understand until he/she begin
to view life as a fragility…as if life is subject to termination at any time...as
if the life you have is not for yourself. As I drove home I was thinking about
life, and how I have been able to press on...live my life with humility
smacking me in my face. Then out of nowhere I rode up on this (the attached photograph
of the overturned sedan/below). Several of the people who had arrived on scene were hysterical
while two men were trapped in the car. Some of the young men (teenagers) were
trying to pull the men to safety without success (the car was smoking). Then it
happened. My naturally made body chemical, adrenaline kicked in then I went
into action without thinking. Not one </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18.6666660308838px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;">hesitation</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> thought surfaced. I was able
to break a back window with a two by four - and with all my strength pull both
men out of the vehicle. Guess what? This was the second time this week that I
drove up on an overturned vehicle (the attached photograph of the overturned
van/below). The first accident I did the same...I pulled two men out of an overturned
vehicle. The message? Not sure what all this means - but I know one thing. I was
supposed to be there. At both accidents.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Now,
the task is to decode the message. I guess I could make one up...one to suit my
egotistical desire. Here lies the dilemma with "messages" – no one
really knows the purpose of occurring events in our lives. No one knows why I
encountered the accidents. Perhaps it is coincidence? Is there a divine message
from God? Is God trying to <i>tell</i> or <i>show</i> me something? Ultimately, I will
end up putting purpose to the random accounts. It will be ME who will give
significance to occurrences that could have been more tragic. What I will not
do is declare that I am 'blessed'...like a bystander told me last night. <i>"You are blessed. God has his hands on
you.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I dislike when people
say that in any capacity. What makes me more blessed than others? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Geography? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 18.6666660308838px; line-height: 21.4666652679443px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.our-africa.org/images/poverty/kibera-slum-nairobi-kenya"><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 21.4666652679443px;">http://www.our-africa.org/images/poverty/kibera-slum-nairobi-kenya </span></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
could have been born in a poor village in Africa where there is limited hope of
ever leaving the village. Me blessed? And,
the millions of humans stuck in horrible conditions around the world are not
blessed? What makes me so special...other than being born in a community in the
United States of America? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Just
thinking out loud. Just glad I was present at both wrecks. Just thankful I did
not freeze up. Just thankful I had enough <b>guts</b>
to put my life in jeopardy so that others would be helped and/or saved.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 29.3333339691162px; line-height: 33.7333335876465px;"><b><i>Trying Touch You </i></b></span></span></div>
MUATA NOWEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10163803445038361728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583247662577062112.post-67118612761660149002014-05-11T11:53:00.001-07:002014-05-11T11:53:25.328-07:00Mother's Day For Some <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HVPA2luWOp8/U2_Gxc5e-eI/AAAAAAAADcY/w6nSTYJJ5EU/s1600/mother_daughter_argue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HVPA2luWOp8/U2_Gxc5e-eI/AAAAAAAADcY/w6nSTYJJ5EU/s1600/mother_daughter_argue.jpg" height="268" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mother’s Day for
some is just another day…a day that does not have any significance whatsoever. For
some it has the same effect as Christmas Day does for a Jehovah’s Witness: not
respected…unacknowledged. The day no matter what date it falls on in spring’s
most pollen-heavy month carries no emotional connotation or feelings of
gratitude for some. Surprisingly, for some men and women Mother’s Day is the
most inconsequential day of the 365 days. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When I became aware
of this, when I discovered that a number of mothers are not praised on Mother’s
Day, when I witnessed this disturbing attitude primarily from females - and
then finally believing that this disposition is a reality I still had
difficulty understanding that someone’s Mother’s Day sentiment was completely
different from my <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">romanticized</i> feelings
of the day Mothers are to be recognized for not only birthing and rearing
children – but for the vast sacrifices that are made to be a Mom. Right?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My experience with
Mother’s Day and my devoted connection to my mother conjure thoughts of appreciation,
honor and respect. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">My mother is the best
mom!</b> I am certain thousands have the same opinion of their mother. So, I am
in good company…I am amongst a large group that anticipates Mother’s Day.
Thankfully, I am not in the midst of too many unfortunates who harbor
unpleasant thoughts of a MMIA, Mother Missing in Action. Actually, how does
MMIA become a truth? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sadly, over the
years I have been associated with women who don’t know their mother: “I have no
idea who she is…I have never met her.” Regrettably, I have been involved with
women who have not spoken to their mother for a while: “I am not sure when the
last time I spoke to her. It may have been 3 years now. Not sure. Doesn’t
matter anyway.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Unfortunately, I have unknowingly been in serious relationship
with women who later informed me that their mother abandoned them when they
were a child: “One morning my siblings and I woke-up to no mother. She left us
for about a year on two different occasions.” Disappointingly, I have been by
default an unlicensed counselor for several women who have horrible mother to
daughter communications: “I don’t like to talk to her…we are estranged.” </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In all the
relationships described above there was/is significant conflict; that's
apparent. There were also serious complications between the females and myself.
Needless to say, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">dealings</i>…<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">connections </i>were severed once I was
informed by the female that her mother to daughter…parent to child association
was in a deflated state or was non-existence. I eventually bounced…left the
relationship with this thought process in mind:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Any girl/woman who has a volatile
relationship with her mother is not a good match for me or any man who has a
good relationship with his mother. This female has serious issues…she’s
damaged. </span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What was I to
think/believe considering my mother and I have evolved from parent to child to
confidants? Without fail or delay, we talk every morning! Of course, we had our
share of conflicts when I was of middle and high school age. That was to be
expected. But, there was nothing beyond this type of hormonal-laden tiffs…I
bucked-up at mom occasionally, and then coward-down repeatedly when she slapped
me across my big head. It was that simple. Nothing more, nothing less. She’s my
mother! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Who in their right
mind curses…disrespects…demeans…embarrasses…talks down to their mother? I
cannot comprehend this modus operandi. What I do know is that there has to be
some form of healing. Forgiveness must be considered, and later put into
practice. There has to be a meeting…a series of conversations that project genuineness.
Then mom has to be acknowledged as the Giver of Life. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Besides, who wants
to leave this earth without rekindling, reconciling with Mom? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you are the child
without warm thoughts of mom on this glorious Mother’s Day you are not at
peace. No matter the situation…no matter what was said in argument…regardless
of your discontent with mom you need to be healed. Take the first step. Be not
one of the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">For Some</b>. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><span style="color: #990000;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">Trying to Touch </span></i></span></b></span></div>
MUATA NOWEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10163803445038361728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583247662577062112.post-14788367610027839872013-05-02T09:18:00.000-07:002013-05-02T09:18:17.514-07:00<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_iI8V-gUnTA/UYKRkbfDylI/AAAAAAAADQU/XHUe7sEH18s/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_iI8V-gUnTA/UYKRkbfDylI/AAAAAAAADQU/XHUe7sEH18s/s400/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif;"> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif;">Have you ever been completely tired of
hearing/reading words of encouragement? Encouragement that's
given/shared by others when you are in an unwanted
predicament...encouragement that's meant to be caring...encouragement
that's obviously sincere...encouragement
that's so repetitive that you are wondering why in the hell you are
still in the unwanted place of emotional, financial and employment
discomfort? It makes you question what you are doing wrong...have done
wrong considering your life has been in a rumble for more than a year.
For some it makes them question if God's test or plan is really real -
and for others they don't believe that God is in the testing business (I
definitely don't believe the latter). The waiting on a change or a
different result is the hardest part especially when all your efforts
have been unsuccessful...or not enough. All of this turmoil weighs on
you. It forces some to complete destruction: drug abuse, spousal
emotional and physical abuse, complacency, thoughts of fleeing,
over/under eating, unusual mood swings, indiscriminate sex,
uncontrollable anxiety, harmful behavior that's not apart of your daily
activity...there is so much many of us think when we continue to receive
Words of Encouragement. Nothing changes for the individual - but the
encouragement remains. I guess that's human nature...to care...people
actually caring. The funny thing about caring...it is useless to the
person who has been beaten...defeated by life's changes. Useless, in the
sense that caring is not what the defeated person possesses anymore. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, Times, Serif;"><span class="userContent"><span class="text_exposed_show"> <br /> So tired of the caption in the attached photo...so tired!!!!!!!!!!</span></span></span>MUATA NOWEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10163803445038361728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583247662577062112.post-77511330481251473572013-04-16T13:27:00.003-07:002013-04-16T13:27:53.914-07:00Trading Places with Love <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wH7fMMqzy64/UW20EYyEzYI/AAAAAAAADPQ/Kbsx9rJVMCI/s1600/trading-places-original1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wH7fMMqzy64/UW20EYyEzYI/AAAAAAAADPQ/Kbsx9rJVMCI/s400/trading-places-original1.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="userContent">It is so hard -actually it is <span style="font-size: small;">tra<span style="font-size: small;">umatic- </span></span>to watch someone that you love
waste away especially when you know without a doubt that you would be
wasting away too if you would have responded to that shared pain with an
inch of weakness. Which means that you are a viable <span style="font-size: small;">candidate</span> for the <span style="font-size: small;">suffering</span> that the love one is trying to fight off.<span style="font-size: small;">..w</span>hich means you are
in a position to help! Back to that Love: The love is so strong that y<span class="text_exposed_show">ou
are willing to trade places with the love one...thinking/believing that
you can endure the pain that they are suffering from <span style="font-size: small;">- </span>and when
you are<span style="font-size: small;"> </span>better...when you are recovered <span style="font-size: small;">T</span>rading <span style="font-size: small;">P</span>laces will be in order again...you will pass on
the baton hoping that your renewed strength will be everlasting for
th<span style="font-size: small;">e </span>special <span style="font-size: small;">L</span>ove <span style="font-size: small;">O</span>ne. Please remember that many of us are a foot step
away from addiction, insanity, suicide, homelessness, financial loss,
foreclosure, eviction, disease<span style="font-size: small;">. Thus, w</span>e are <span style="font-size: small;">Candidates</span> for Trading Places!</span></span></span><br />
<br />
MUATA NOWEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10163803445038361728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583247662577062112.post-80789128892774917352013-01-10T08:33:00.000-08:002013-01-10T08:33:09.725-08:00Documentation of Life<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nzr9G--bpB0/UO7s8IkgKhI/AAAAAAAADJM/O3Lu2_I4J_o/s1600/The+Journey+Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nzr9G--bpB0/UO7s8IkgKhI/AAAAAAAADJM/O3Lu2_I4J_o/s400/The+Journey+Logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When you give a person what they have been wanting
for The Longest Time you become an agent of change in the life of that person
who probably has attempted to satisfy that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">'want'</i>
for The Longest Time. <br />
</span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Time in fact is a change agent. All it takes for change
to occur is the ticking of a watch...the ticking symbolizes waiting....Waiting
for The Change to Come. For me within one aspect of my life I have been successful
at aiding in a life change for a friend...a true friend…I am extremely thankful
for the opportunity. <br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">She has no idea how much her approval of me has
benefited my life. She has no idea what she has given me. Like most life events
and attempts, the road has been filled with stress, disappointment and finally now,
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Joy</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">. <br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are numerous gifts that we can give someone.
What I have noticed over the past two years is how simple it is to give a gift.
A smile, a hug, a touch, a word of support. All are necessary for humans. We
need this type of attention so that we will be complete…Whole. We also need
this devotion to survive…to live within the context of a Good Life. We need it
so we can repeat over and over again, </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">‘Life is Good’</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">. <br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It definitely has the potential to be Good when we
take the time to Give to one another. Not solely during the Christmas, Kwanza,
and including Birthday Seasons – but each day that we awake to face another
opportunity to get it Right. These are the opportunities that mold and define
us. We need satisfying existence and we certainly need adversity…we need <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">tough</i> times. <br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We are enhanced people when we ‘go through the
storm’ especially when the storm is lengthy. Anyone of you reading can make it
through a brief, not so challenging period of hardship. We are human beings
that claim to be God’s creations. We say we are Believers, and Faith Walkers…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If we <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">are</b>
of God we should be prepared for lasting <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(some
refer to it as long-suffering)</i> circumstances that promote personality
change and psyche adjustment. We must endure so that we will continue to Live
after we Die. Death is a guarantee…no one can defy it. Death is our final
journal entry…it is our Documentation of Life. <br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I want to believe that my life has been a journey of
smooth and rocky roads that have defined me for not only myself – but for the
world…for anyone who has taken Time to engage me in friendship and in intimate
relationship. So many of you have been in my corner. You have not given up on
me when I repeatedly claimed that I have had enough…Enough with my present
reality which is completely different from what I molded over the years. You have
encouraged me. You have challenged me. You have supported me e.g. emotionally,
spiritually, and financially. I am the beneficiary of a dynamic group of remarkable
friends and a loving family.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So…I will not quit. I will push on. I will be what
my mother proclaimed that I would NOT be, a quitter. I will be what I was
created to be, a man that has no room in his life for ‘Long-suffering’. A man
who loves life so much that he is always in the graceful and humble mode of
Giving Life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I prefer not to die…but like all of us I will. In my
moment of death, I will be praying that I have been a Change Agent for at least
one individual. <br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Enjoy 2013!!!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div>
</span>MUATA NOWEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10163803445038361728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583247662577062112.post-66055952463372891862012-10-17T11:18:00.002-07:002012-10-17T11:20:46.976-07:00<!--[if !mso]>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k7UatPdldxE/UH71UUC0REI/AAAAAAAADBs/CMpxSY4MU08/s1600/mistakes-happen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k7UatPdldxE/UH71UUC0REI/AAAAAAAADBs/CMpxSY4MU08/s400/mistakes-happen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">In the Midst of Mistake…Construct</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">There is no reason for us to be
preoccupied with what people are going to think/will think considering most
lives are emotionally and spiritually embattled and are frequently plagued by
Mistake. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">We (humans) are subject to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">constructing</i> a decision that will challenge
us to either rectify our lives or permanently live with what we have created which
more than likely is a result of living in a world that tempts man and woman. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Some of the temptations that we
face can easily be denied - but there are some enticements that we as humans
have not refused or rebuked: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xYMIAu0EAUw/UH71iodVu4I/AAAAAAAADB0/dmQH81StjWM/s1600/Seven-Deadly-sins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xYMIAu0EAUw/UH71iodVu4I/AAAAAAAADB0/dmQH81StjWM/s400/Seven-Deadly-sins.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Many of us have lived lives that
are full of mistake - and filled with Falling because of decisions that are
plagued by our <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red;">envy, lust, pride, anger, greed, sloth, and
gluttony</span></i></b>. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">We are a fleshy people that
respond to what makes us feel good. And, we have to admit that feeling good is
a persistent yearning that gives Life and encourages man/woman to live without
inhibition…to be </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bSrKXASMwcU/UH71x6iF58I/AAAAAAAADB8/9AyXCLlZ2Oc/s1600/free2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bSrKXASMwcU/UH71x6iF58I/AAAAAAAADB8/9AyXCLlZ2Oc/s400/free2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">We are here to live...to
multiply...to advance...to conqueror...to move ahead and move on without a
price tag! That movement is forward, not backwards. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1NJv7JOUOm0/UH71_nN0n3I/AAAAAAAADCE/nZz2cAjnt3w/s1600/CMI-walking-backward-into-future1-300x167.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1NJv7JOUOm0/UH71_nN0n3I/AAAAAAAADCE/nZz2cAjnt3w/s400/CMI-walking-backward-into-future1-300x167.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">So, why not enjoy life with a
Mistake? Why not seize each and every opportunity to achieve and fail for your
future?</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The faster we fail, the more we
gain and learn. Let's learn from Mistake - and honor Mistake for what it is: </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #365f91;">Living</span></b></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Living as if your life is one big
mistake!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Ultimately, we must be what and
who we are while making Mistakes. That <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">who
you are</i> - is waiting on you and I to be fully IN-vested in how we Respond. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I am responding - and I don't
give a damn what will be said about my decisions.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Be of good cheer and spirit in
the midst of Mistake. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><b>A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more
useful than a life spent doing nothing. </b>-George Bernard Shaw</span></i></div>
MUATA NOWEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10163803445038361728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583247662577062112.post-65618997212762914102012-09-18T10:15:00.002-07:002012-09-18T10:19:54.725-07:00Paths Do Not Cross Paths Meet <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-itJJeMVvZCY/UFirQlB_gQI/AAAAAAAACkA/M7JmXQWmKSA/s1600/meeting.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-itJJeMVvZCY/UFirQlB_gQI/AAAAAAAACkA/M7JmXQWmKSA/s400/meeting.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="userContent">I needed to read this today (link below).
Remarkable. It is amazing how paths DO NOT CROSS they MEET. To cross
indicates ‘a pass by’…Dr. Durley’s CONTINUED path moved him in the
direction of service, and now he serves as a beacon of motivation. Thank you, Dr. Durley.</span><br />
<br />
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<a href="http://littleblackvillage.wordpress.com/2011/10/26/little-black-village-presents-community-service-with-dr-gerald-l-durley/#comment-36">http://littleblackvillage.wordpress.com/2011/10/26/little-black-village-presents-community-service-with-dr-gerald-l-durley/#comment-36</a></div>
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Wish more African Americans would embrace the value of living and
working overseas. The Peace Corps is a DYNAMIC opportunity. I ask myself
all the time, 'Who in their right mind would pass up a FREE
opportunity?' Is that person you...? If it is you are missing out on
meeting -not passing- up with a path that will not only change your life
- but the lives of others. Of course, it is a big step to
take...joining the Peace Corps, I realize that. It has been the most
important step that I have every taken. Would not trade it for anything!
And, if Peace Corps is not right for you or you are not in the 'right'
place now - contribute to the betterment of humanity in some
form...PLEASE.<br />
<br />
The World Needs You!</div>
MUATA NOWEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10163803445038361728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583247662577062112.post-62957258260648431162012-06-18T07:04:00.001-07:002012-06-18T07:04:41.757-07:00<!--[if !mso]>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eJLxzj9LCc8/T98zKnKdV9I/AAAAAAAACL8/iIw6J1CzG7o/s1600/love+dog+man.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="351" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eJLxzj9LCc8/T98zKnKdV9I/AAAAAAAACL8/iIw6J1CzG7o/s400/love+dog+man.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 36pt; line-height: 115%;"> <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Who
Saved Who</span></b></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That
is imprinted on a bumper sticker I saw a few days ago. The sticker is an image
of a dog's paw.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">My
dog, Jesse, saved me a year ago. Literally saved me…I did not save her or
rescue her from a canine life of misery. I soon learned that after a month.
During those welcomed four weeks I was no longer in the bosom of depression. I
recall how difficult it was for me to get out of the bed. Even, eating was a
challenge which has always been an activity that I have passionately relished
when I have been at my lowest emotionally, </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mNLg8H_Bzy0/T98ze7qfx0I/AAAAAAAACME/eLYyFAiLm3c/s1600/20110525-0514-disch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mNLg8H_Bzy0/T98ze7qfx0I/AAAAAAAACME/eLYyFAiLm3c/s400/20110525-0514-disch.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Nothing
like a </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;">Yeah Burger</span></i></b><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-themecolor: accent6; mso-themeshade: 191;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">when
you are swimming upstream…wondering when life will pay off. Throughout this
brief period of hopelessness, I did not resort to pleading and lying to God. We
fail to admit it, but we lie to God all the time…lying to God is nothing more
or less than lying to yourself! And, my recent adapted assessment of Jesus
Christ proved to be insufficient. Nothing worked until Jesse came into my life
which further increased my God aberration…My inquisitive and respectable <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: red;">Rage Against God</span></i></b>,</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aTPQLgSkkB8/T98zufQ-5aI/AAAAAAAACMM/Bi7oFe9Xeok/s1600/9780310320319-hitchens-rage-against-god.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="345" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aTPQLgSkkB8/T98zufQ-5aI/AAAAAAAACMM/Bi7oFe9Xeok/s400/9780310320319-hitchens-rage-against-god.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesse
has been with me for a year now. My gracious and super sexy friend Bianca found
her in an abandoned foreclosed home. Jesse and her sister were in the steaming
hot garage without food and water. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Unlike
most human beginnings, Jesse’s initial days on this God-forsaken earth were
excessively tough, heartbreaking, and traumatic beyond measure. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Immediately,
upon meeting Jesse and hearing Bianca relive Jesse’s tragic abandonment story,
I like so many 30 and 40 year olds decided to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Save a Dog</i>. Unbeknownst to me, I had no idea that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">rescuing</i> a dog in the 21<sup>st</sup>
century is the latest urbanite vogue – and trendy sob story that could possibly
get me laid… </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But,
something else was in store for me. My life in all of its complexity was about
to change forever, </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m6Ny1cYJA9k/T980GDp-H_I/AAAAAAAACMU/fBGahEJwKiw/s1600/335046_304938329544162_100000839929925_805723_1511051735_o+%282%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m6Ny1cYJA9k/T980GDp-H_I/AAAAAAAACMU/fBGahEJwKiw/s400/335046_304938329544162_100000839929925_805723_1511051735_o+%282%29.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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</div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesse
is safe. She has a permanent home. Well, she does if she stops destroying my
furniture! Just yesterday, she ripped up my sofa cushions, </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QrwlJzSHCvA/T980a9ZJRPI/AAAAAAAACMc/ZhCL6BMyorU/s1600/411298_367297523308242_100000839929925_956671_202969501_o+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QrwlJzSHCvA/T980a9ZJRPI/AAAAAAAACMc/ZhCL6BMyorU/s400/411298_367297523308242_100000839929925_956671_202969501_o+%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-no-proof: yes;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A
few days before that she literally chewed through my mattress box spring. I did
not send her to the dog pound…I still have her…after repeatedly threatening to
give her away. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Parting
with Jesse is something I cannot do…will not do. She has been loyal even after
I crate her during my less…very less frequent nights of entertainment (Jesse
gets more of my time than any other female, by the way). Nothing…nobody but my boys
will hinder me from reciprocating the love and devotion Jesse has provided. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
needed Jesse last year in June. Life was cruelly tossing me around...no job...no
money...no health insurance…no consistent means to support my children. So,
when I saw the bumper sticker it hit me; I remembered that I did not save Jesse...She
Saved Me,</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FhiX87WWdu8/T9801-tdBRI/AAAAAAAACMk/0J-pUsi6VXY/s1600/dfdfdferwr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="383" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FhiX87WWdu8/T9801-tdBRI/AAAAAAAACMk/0J-pUsi6VXY/s400/dfdfdferwr.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b> Happy Birthday, Jesse!</b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 36.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Touching </span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>MUATA NOWEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10163803445038361728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583247662577062112.post-42810394177742349852012-05-13T10:06:00.001-07:002012-05-13T10:09:16.783-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cxb-Z5mt5_4/T6_mRgULeQI/AAAAAAAACIw/N2hxwq5snNM/s1600/black-woman-in-pink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cxb-Z5mt5_4/T6_mRgULeQI/AAAAAAAACIw/N2hxwq5snNM/s400/black-woman-in-pink.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; line-height: 115%;">Beating
Cancer...a long time ago</span></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">This Mother's Day is definitely
special. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">A few months ago the woman who gave me life
received a diagnosis that so many women...countless Mothers - get every single
day. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Breast cancer - any form of cancer - is
serious. The initial shock from a doctor saying, 'You have breast cancer is
traumatic. It paralyzes the person on the receiving end...it puts her life in
complete perspective. An evaluation of what she has done for her kids flashes…</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sAzl-SAZirs/T6_nG2xjFYI/AAAAAAAACI4/tpfeXm0XUmE/s1600/bright-light-calling-thumb13754660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sAzl-SAZirs/T6_nG2xjFYI/AAAAAAAACI4/tpfeXm0XUmE/s400/bright-light-calling-thumb13754660.jpg" width="322" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">My mother, Mommy Mary, did what she has
always done when the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">diseased</i>
information was shared with her. She held onto the altering, not bad, news for
weeks before she informed her kids. She didn't care to worry us which is a typical
example of a mother that thinks of her kids first. She let us carry on,</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5BiuqxVxpY8/T6_n0voGG_I/AAAAAAAACJA/51Cho1-w_lA/s1600/kids+playing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5BiuqxVxpY8/T6_n0voGG_I/AAAAAAAACJA/51Cho1-w_lA/s400/kids+playing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">My mother is a remarkable lady. She has
always endured...sacrificed immensely so her kids could have. When she could
not give us what we wanted she made sure we had what we needed…her never-ending
love <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(regardless of our strange adolescent
hormones and reckless young adult behavior) - </i>and her relentless giving of the
essentials: food, clothing, shelter, morals, and the ability to make nothing
out of nothing. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">As a matter of fact, this is what
mother’s from all walks of life have done for decades…Creating from nothing –and
then delivering the Creation to the family. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DR-ChHzUMsI/T6_om3SU4LI/AAAAAAAACJI/HB_iopCmJkk/s1600/women-carry-water-on-their-head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="268" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DR-ChHzUMsI/T6_om3SU4LI/AAAAAAAACJI/HB_iopCmJkk/s400/women-carry-water-on-their-head.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> I know a lot of people will say on this
Mother's Day:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; line-height: 115%;">'My mom is the best mom.'</span></i></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Like you, I believe that with every
fiber of my body! </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I am nothing without her, and I will
continue to be more than something with her. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fviVndIKspI/T6_pGpAI8pI/AAAAAAAACJQ/ea6_mqsaM6o/s1600/momm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fviVndIKspI/T6_pGpAI8pI/AAAAAAAACJQ/ea6_mqsaM6o/s400/momm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Mary Payne Scott like so many moms from
that Small Place, Thomasville, North Carolina are warriors. They have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">beaten</i> so much! Winning in life and
defeating cancer! </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">I asked my mother, "When will you
be considered a cancer survivor?" </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">A few weeks went by...she later called
and said, "Brian, a friend of mine who had breast cancer answered your
question…FOR ME. My mother’s sister in Pink Defiance continued, </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: blue; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Cooper Black","serif"; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">“…I beat cancer the day I was told that I have cancer...I
became a Survivor on that very day!" </span></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">That's my Mom, she <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">beat</i> breast cancer a long time ago. The crossing of that minor
hurdle was achieved when she gave birth to the deceased unnamed twins, Shirley
Jean, Brian Eugene, Clinton Tyrone, and Melanie Renee. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Look at yourself...today, Moms: </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PEwKuW1YCc0/T6_pXUKGE-I/AAAAAAAACJY/0s7ChBnVaLI/s1600/mirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PEwKuW1YCc0/T6_pXUKGE-I/AAAAAAAACJY/0s7ChBnVaLI/s400/mirror.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"> You are Life. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">And, to the numerous moms with child
now <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">(carrying the life form)</i> and to
the moms who WILL one day soon be a mom: Be of humility on this day. Your
creation is coming soon and very soon – and then you will SEE your King or
Queen!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; line-height: 115%;"> "</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">الله</span><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; line-height: 115%;">أكبر</span><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; line-height: 115%;">"</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Allahu Akbar...yeah God is Great. God
has to be...God made you!</span>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 28pt; line-height: 115%;">The Toucher</span></i></b></div>MUATA NOWEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10163803445038361728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583247662577062112.post-51894886501055372602012-03-07T06:47:00.001-08:002012-03-07T06:48:53.653-08:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur48PmmRN5s/T1d0oJNYunI/AAAAAAAACAo/5ukw5QYsqGE/s1600/get-attachment.aspx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ur48PmmRN5s/T1d0oJNYunI/AAAAAAAACAo/5ukw5QYsqGE/s400/get-attachment.aspx.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">Had a brief conversation with a young man from The Gambia. He has been in the USA for seven years. He graduated from college in North Carolina - Montreat College! Same college my mentor earned a pastoral care credential from. Adain (young man) has a BA International Business with a minor in Marketing. As I type now, he is mopping a floor. While I was listening to him I could sense his appreciation for the opportunities that he has had thus far on his journey in the United States. He was so positive...so upbeat...so pleasant. I was reminded of the fragility of the employment market as I felt his appreciation for LIFE and OPPORTUNITY. I was also reminded of the man I met 3yrs ago that lived in a refugee camp in Rwanda for 2 years. He made it to the US without his siblings. They were killed during the genocide. He is now working for Emory University. The more and more I experience unemployment and limited employment the GREATER APPRECIATION I have for education, hard work, and life. My inspirations have always been men/women who value breathing, living, and WORKING! </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A man told me this morning, “Life is not hard if you know how to live. Learn to live..." </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: orange;"><i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Touch </span></span></b></i></div>MUATA NOWEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10163803445038361728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583247662577062112.post-20437266775136007942011-11-22T07:11:00.000-08:002011-11-22T07:17:30.100-08:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AVojJxixZNw/Tsu47iGotfI/AAAAAAAABv0/jb5DLmz1CD8/s1600/176422_182854511752545_100000839929925_395425_1345358_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AVojJxixZNw/Tsu47iGotfI/AAAAAAAABv0/jb5DLmz1CD8/s400/176422_182854511752545_100000839929925_395425_1345358_o.jpg" width="400" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Freestyle Script"; font-size: 36pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Freestyle Script"; font-size: 36pt; line-height: 115%;">F<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ather to Son, a Lesson in Leaves</i></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>November 22, 2011</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dear Judah Mordecai,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fall is my favorite season. The trees sway from side to side. The leaves are bright red, orange, and brown. The red stands out to me because the color red is Power. Its shade is the one element that binds mankind. That element is blood. </span></div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You are my blood, Judah Mordecai. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As the Fall moves to Winter I want you to focus on what makes you a Cooper-Payne. You are a Dual Force that represents the name Cooper and Payne. You are the only one who’s charged with the responsibility to carry on what your mother and I created, Cooper-Payne. You are, Judah…you are the ONE and ONLY!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Only…elevates you to a singular position. You are at the top. It is your mission to represent. Floss…you have to rep da name. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Do you remember one of the first names I encouraged you to memorize? Say? Speak? I would say, “Your dad’s name is BRIAN E. PAYNE!” And, you would repeat my name back to me. I did not do this in an effort to be arrogant. No…Judah. I did it because I wanted you to understand that your name is all you have. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Do you remember when we were walking through the cemetery? I challenged you to find two headstones that read, Cooper and Payne. One with Cooper and one with Payne. Even with my assistance we could not find either. Why? We assumed no one was buried at that location of remembrance with those last names. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I had an intense memory of you last week. I was working outside of my specialized background. Not within my educational and professional training. I was raking leaves so I could purchase a few meals for the week. Here is a picture of the heap I tirelessly piled-up:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_1u-BFRS9C8/Tsu51LW8taI/AAAAAAAABv8/tV2iU2DpARQ/s1600/lll.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_1u-BFRS9C8/Tsu51LW8taI/AAAAAAAABv8/tV2iU2DpARQ/s400/lll.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: "Euphemia","sans-serif";"></span><span style="font-size: small;">Pretty big, right? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I thought to myself, ‘Judah already knows the value of work he witnessed his mother work a full time job, go to law school full time, and care for a teenager and a preteen.’ </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, with this letter to you it is only a reminder of how much I love you, how much I want you to bring the two C’s up to B’s…then A’s. You owe your name, Judah Mordecai that, your mother, and me that. I, too, worked full time and completed a Master’s degree at the same time. And, when I was unavailable to you, Judah, please know that your dad has always wanted the best for you even when I could not provide the best. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I want you to feel what I felt at the end of my time working with those leaves…well, not the physical part…I am still sore from that day of yard WORK. I want you to feel that familiar feeling of accomplishment. You have experienced it before with a football season ending…the most recent football season proved that you are a STAR! Your improvement is outstanding! You also experienced success when you were one of two fourth graders out of at least 75 other fourth graders remaining in a mathematics competition, and the taste of accomplishment got sweeter when you won an award for a science fair project. </span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span><br />
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</div><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The photograph below was my sense of accomplishment. It is a photo of bags filled with leaves…twenty-one bags. I finished the job, </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G6UEWPMzjkg/Tsu6bDYl5II/AAAAAAAABwE/tL0RIpENlR0/s1600/tttttttttttt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-G6UEWPMzjkg/Tsu6bDYl5II/AAAAAAAABwE/tL0RIpENlR0/s400/tttttttttttt.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You do the same Judah Mordecai…finish the job like you did when you wanted to quit playing football that first season of play. I said to you, “You started this so finish it.” You looked at me with those intense eyes and said, “Okay…let’s go to practice. I will continue to play.” You cannot imagine how proud of you I was on that cold rainy evening. So proud! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Judah Mordecai, always remember that when no one is looking your shadow is lurking behind you ready to help you make the RIGHT decision or your reflection is glowing and asking you to RETHINK your decision. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif; font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">While you are thinking…think about another name I encouraged you to repeat after me, <b>Muhammad Ali</b>. There he is…in the picture below with you and your reflection. He won, Judah Mordecai…You CONTINUE to do the same! You are a winner! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jkF0WTvWXAI/Tsu7aB-huII/AAAAAAAABwM/bFJceiTVKMk/s1600/gggggggggggggggggggg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jkF0WTvWXAI/Tsu7aB-huII/AAAAAAAABwM/bFJceiTVKMk/s400/gggggggggggggggggggg.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Love your Dad,</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #e36c0a; font-family: "Freestyle Script"; font-size: 72pt; line-height: 115%;">The Touch </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Euphemia","sans-serif";"> </span></div>MUATA NOWEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10163803445038361728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583247662577062112.post-7667392398139216532011-10-14T06:25:00.000-07:002011-10-14T06:25:23.348-07:00Sentimental Mood in the AM<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k0enmpH5ElQ/Tpg3S-X7zOI/AAAAAAAABmE/jWjW-ftOiuE/s1600/1011064134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="365" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k0enmpH5ElQ/Tpg3S-X7zOI/AAAAAAAABmE/jWjW-ftOiuE/s400/1011064134.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Toucher is in a sentimental mood this morning. Not a sad mood but a mood of prideful recollection...The accompanying picture solidified the moment. I was tying my favorite tie...attaching it to my Breast Cancer Month pink shirt...and positioning the tie inline with my cherished lapel pin (Peace Corps). I thought about one of my mentor's, Marc Goodman. He taught me how to tie a tie. Then I thought about big bruh, Richard Flippin. He made certain that I stood up straight! Memories of men stepping in when father WAS (no longer) occupied by a powerful force. </span><span class="messageBody translationEligibleUserMessage" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody translationEligibleUserMessage" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody translationEligibleUserMessage" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">We should pay Homage to those who help YOU pave the way! </span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;" /></div><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody translationEligibleUserMessage" data-ft="{"type":3}"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody translationEligibleUserMessage" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody translationEligibleUserMessage" data-ft="{"type":3}"><span style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">Respect, Flip and Goodman!</span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody translationEligibleUserMessage" data-ft="{"type":3}"></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span class="messageBody translationEligibleUserMessage" data-ft="{"type":3}"> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCQfTNOC5aE" rel="nofollow nofollow" style="display: inline;" target="_blank"><span>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v</span><wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>=sCQfTNOC5aE</a></span></span></div>MUATA NOWEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10163803445038361728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583247662577062112.post-11446520438850917032011-09-05T09:01:00.000-07:002011-09-05T09:03:39.715-07:00Alpha Babies and Omega Babies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T8trXzHOKdI/TmTsqE9wSnI/AAAAAAAABew/pkYa9k1Ppew/s1600/old-lady+shopping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T8trXzHOKdI/TmTsqE9wSnI/AAAAAAAABew/pkYa9k1Ppew/s400/old-lady+shopping.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I see them the last week of every month. They slowly enter the building. Some needing assistance and others adamant not to accept any help. They are transported by a youthful black man who appears to enjoy his occupation. Once inside they are off! It is time to shop! Some head to the vegetable market and others dash to the frozen food section. That section is adjacent to the chips and beer isle. Only one of them travels down the spirit section. He usually grabs a 30 can pack of America’s pride of beers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RcwCWn_yIbo/TmTu4ThGFGI/AAAAAAAABfA/U2aMeW6Ull4/s1600/bud45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RcwCWn_yIbo/TmTu4ThGFGI/AAAAAAAABfA/U2aMeW6Ull4/s400/bud45.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> *Vintage 1945*</span></b></div><br />
He evidently does not care that Budweiser sold out and abandoned their American owned brand to foreigners. That in itself is a sign of the times and a disappointing indication that America’s Seniors are of little consequence when it comes to commerce e.g. Medicaid reductions, expensive health insurance, the constant threat of social security benefit termination, mental and physical abuse. Evidence of this is within the conversation I purposely overhear.<br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"> <b><i>“I hope those crooks in Washington get their crap together. I need my social security next month. What is all the fuss about anyway? –Unknown Elderly White Female</i></b></div><b><i></i></b><br />
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</div><b><i> </i></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><b><i>“All the fuss is about the president being black. That’ the only reason they hindering progress. May as well me back in the 50’s when I was a young'in at Brown University. –Unknown Elderly Black Woman</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">They may be of the privileged old - but their stories of a late life struggle is always the subject of conversation while they share one donut among four of them; and drink free sample cups of Starbucks' coffee - while reminiscing with 1960's compliments of Folgers coffee...</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lFidgD0xE2E/TmTup4V2F2I/AAAAAAAABe8/JqFYJr578og/s1600/folgers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lFidgD0xE2E/TmTup4V2F2I/AAAAAAAABe8/JqFYJr578og/s400/folgers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><i>"There was a time when a cup of coffee was only ten cents. Those were the days. Folgers and Maxwell House are better anyway." </i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Their privilege is noted and acknowledged by their place of residency. These men and women of wisdom have the resemblance of a<i><b> bordering school life</b></i> in their old age. Dorm style rooms, small efficiencies, fancy cafeterias, and swank great rooms: </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n5_bPLQ2x0U/TmTvyWO3uRI/AAAAAAAABfE/8tDelIQZR9U/s1600/Living-Room-images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n5_bPLQ2x0U/TmTvyWO3uRI/AAAAAAAABfE/8tDelIQZR9U/s400/Living-Room-images.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">However, the less financially stable have to travel down the hall to relieve themselves…that’s if they are not fitted with a Depends diaper. Of course, when the elder cannot control their bladder he qualifies for a nurse aide.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YaoXR3avh9c/TmTwCp1VaiI/AAAAAAAABfI/7WDPOH7hyig/s1600/a-nurses-aide-helps-an-elderly-patient.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YaoXR3avh9c/TmTwCp1VaiI/AAAAAAAABfI/7WDPOH7hyig/s400/a-nurses-aide-helps-an-elderly-patient.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><pre style="background: white;"><tt><span style="color: black; font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></tt></pre><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">My mother <b>(not pictured above)</b> was forced into a premature retirement. Many of her friends found themselves thrown to the curb after working for Thomasville Furniture Industries which is another company that sold out to a corporation that eventually outsourced their labor to China. Wonder if we will ever outsource the caretaking of our Golden? Thankfully, Honeybee (mom) was able to recover. She went back to school, and now she is tending to the gems of wisdom, The Old.</span></div><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";"></span><br />
<pre style="background: white;"><tt><span style="color: black; font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></tt><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";"> </span></pre><div class="MsoNormal">There is a guarantee that we have to face, Death. We are going to die one day. The condition you are in when you die should be the way you came into this world, as a Baby. When you need assistance walking, talking, relieving oneself, eating, reading, writing, standing, sleeping, understanding, learning, breathing, seeing and hearing…you are back where you started, The Alpha. </div><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";"></span> <br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">In the beginning, God created us to live a full life. One filled with joy and happiness. Somewhere along the road we make mistake after mistake that hinders the clearing of a path. Leaving us to PathFinding. We search and search until we meet that one element that bonds us all, Love. In most circumstances the battle is to embrace our love within. When we accomplish what appears to be impossible…<i style="color: #274e13;"><b>self love</b></i>…we with hesitation seek to share it. Therefore, concluding our Temporary Existence. Hopefully, in old age. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As the surplus of Certified Nurse Assistants provide care for the Baby Boomer Generation who are in need of dignified babysitting we –the recent generations- should remember that life actually begins on two occasions:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>When we are Alpha Babies and Omega Babies</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cK9hrrehVqY/TmTx3B6vZ3I/AAAAAAAABfM/4_GC5a8OseY/s1600/b.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cK9hrrehVqY/TmTx3B6vZ3I/AAAAAAAABfM/4_GC5a8OseY/s400/b.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif";">*Alpha in the Hands of the Omega*</span></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
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</div>MUATA NOWEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10163803445038361728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583247662577062112.post-35227814456452466682011-08-12T08:06:00.000-07:002011-08-12T08:07:23.558-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pyCoJYp6ld4/TkVA9GpMz5I/AAAAAAAABd4/f5hCsWVY2Ho/s1600/words-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pyCoJYp6ld4/TkVA9GpMz5I/AAAAAAAABd4/f5hCsWVY2Ho/s400/words-1.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: large;">The Word…When it needs to be Nude </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">In times like this week and last week, the people need a Word. They don't need theology. They don't need analysis of the Word. The Word has to cross all boundaries. It has to come from a HUG filled with Love. It has to be connected to what we all can relate to when all understanding has been confused...Questioned...When it is ALL said and done ALL we have is what we Believe. What we hold dear to us. That belief does not have to be Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Atheist, or Agnostic. Belief is of Word – and it just has to be of upliftment. It has to be clear, and in many ways: Silent. Peace is still. It is the solitude that's demanded when we are facing the unknown and the complexities of Life. It is the purity that was with us when we made our arrival into this intricate universe, Naked. Unclothed. Cloak someone with The Word today. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Let's continue to share The Story of the Word...No matter where it comes from. It is needed all over the world...but my ONLY concern today and for an undetermined number days is on: </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.seeklogo.com/images/T/Thomasville-logo-A064AF5C43-seeklogo.com.gif">http://www.seeklogo.com/images/T/Thomasville-logo-A064AF5C43-seeklogo.com.gif</a></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal">Be Still, Family…Be Still for a moment. Don’t move. Don’t MOVE. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f9GvL23POU">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9f9GvL23POU</a></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b> </b></span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: yellow; font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Thomasville Made Me</b></i></span></div>MUATA NOWEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10163803445038361728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583247662577062112.post-17019269651320717002011-05-03T18:30:00.000-07:002011-05-03T18:33:07.234-07:00Tribute to Bobby Stevenson<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JRo7SwNZmMo/TcCqppjRB1I/AAAAAAAABYw/ICc2uCn1KxA/s1600/Wagners_Supermarket.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" j8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JRo7SwNZmMo/TcCqppjRB1I/AAAAAAAABYw/ICc2uCn1KxA/s400/Wagners_Supermarket.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">We Knew Him as Bobby Stevenson</span></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In my time of working under his guidance and becoming one of his sons, I never heard anyone refer to him as Bobby. It was always Bobby Stevenson. That in fact means something now that I have prepared my wandering mind to think nothing but of Bobby Stevenson today. </div><br />
When one's name is said in the fullness of down-home southern vernacular, it is a true testament of the love the individual gave and in turn garnered. It regulates one to a status of honor. <br />
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Bobby Stevenson was more than special in life. Therefore in my humble opinion and I am certain in others, he has become in death a Legend. He was a giant for the city of Thomasville, North Carolina. Small in stature but big in memory!<br />
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Do you remember Wagner's Supermarket? Do you remember going not only every day, but every other hour in a day? I do! Usually, I was TOLD to go by Bobby Stevenson's friend, Frankie Payne. He had many friends, by the way! Grandma Frankie was forever sending Black Boy (me) to Wagner's for Goody's Powder. "This arthritis is painful!" She would yell. So, I had to help grandma with her discomfort. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nj9DwZX192Y/TcCrPpAvhKI/AAAAAAAABY0/E-Un_Zmpxr8/s1600/GoodysPowder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" j8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nj9DwZX192Y/TcCrPpAvhKI/AAAAAAAABY0/E-Un_Zmpxr8/s400/GoodysPowder.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was not an issue for me to be her errand boy because I enjoyed going to Bobby Stevenson's. It was a short walk. From 312 Small Street to the street Smoky Cochran lived on (Davidson Street). Then to Jacob Street (now Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive) to the avenue that will take you to the best BBQ in the world, Lexington, North Carolina - and if you go in the direction opposite of Lexington on Lexington Avenue you will eventually run into National Highway where the second best BBQ is made in the world, Tommie's Barbeque. By the time I got to the cash register, Bobby Stevenson would have the Goody's in hand. I would greet him and Richard Skeen, The Dad of the Thomasville's favorite Mom and Pop; and then I would take off running and skipping after I tried to convince Mr. Skeen that I was ready for employment by bagging a few groceries for Bobby Stevenson's favorite neighbor, Mrs. Gladys. </div><br />
I never paid for the Goody's Powder or the other goods I was instructed to pick up thanks to Bobby Stevenson's generous credit line that was issued to almost everyone in the city. As long as the 3rd of the month came Bobby Stevenson would get his money from grandma because her social security check would be cashed at Wagner's Supermarket. "Frankie, you paying your bill today?" He would ask. And, Grandma Frankie would respond, "Yes- darn it! Don't I always pay my bill? And, add these orange slices to next month's bill." They sparred all the time. Even on God's day, Sunday. <br />
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There was no way really to get around settling-up your tab. Bobby Stevenson would talk about you to everybody if you tried. For everyone in the store to hear he would ask every customer in that deep voice, "Have you seen _________ he has a bill here and it is Friday. Didn't TFI get paid today?" <br />
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So getting the cash for his produce and beer was never too much of an issue. Speaking of cash…Bobby Stevenson has given his share away. He was the Bill Gates of Bulldog Country. The first step in his charity was to employ you. From that point, you worked and he gave: advice, comedy, stories, and ultimately financial assistance if you or your family needed it. <br />
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Inconsequently, the charity was not in the money. It was in just being in his presence. I will never forget how he consumed the entire store. In all ways, Bobby Stevenson was Wagner's Supermarket. And, he projected a mystic persona when he was up in his small office handling the business of the business which eventually became the responsibility of his sweet cousin, Lisa Wagner Shuler - who in turn delegated the cash register duties to Maxine, Carol, and Robin. <br />
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As I honor him, I am reminded of the last prideful compliment of himself that he shared with me:<br />
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<em>"Brian E. Payne, I did well with you. Look at you. You first started with me by cleaning the meat room at 13. You and Chesnutt. Then you made your way to bag boy with Peaches right next to you. And, in the end you went off to college with my money for your text books. I am so proud of what I have done. You will always be my son."</em><br />
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I laughed and said,<br />
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<em>"Bobby Stevenson, you can’t imagine what you have done for me outside of the job, my red Volkswagen Beetle, and the financial contributions for college. You helped me realize that you and others are HUMAN - and not just WHITE men/women. You have helped me understand selflessness and love without condition. You have motivated me to always cherish where I started, <strong>Thomasville</strong>. You help make me. I love you. Thank you."</em><br />
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At that moment two months ago, I knew it was my last time seeing him alive. He must have known too because he began to cry. <br />
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Praise Him, We Know Him as Bobby Stevenson! <br />
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I remember the soft rock playing in the background at Wagner's...I loved <em><strong>faithfully </strong></em>spending my weekends there:<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMD8hBsA-RI"><strong><em>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMD8hBsA-RI</em></strong></a><br />
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Brian E. PayneMUATA NOWEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10163803445038361728noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583247662577062112.post-14153982074142737642011-02-24T14:52:00.000-08:002011-02-24T14:52:52.216-08:00<span style="font-size: x-large;"><strong>Chip's Nation</strong></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f0DJyTZPijY/TWbgt-2ADTI/AAAAAAAABV4/METc95pmGzw/s1600/CHIP_NATION_WRIST_BAND.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" l6="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f0DJyTZPijY/TWbgt-2ADTI/AAAAAAAABV4/METc95pmGzw/s400/CHIP_NATION_WRIST_BAND.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This one not only touched me, I was slapped by it. I was reminded that my life is ultra lovely. I have no problems. My life is one of privilege. I have no issues. But, Chip and others around the world have the toughest time. </div><br />
Facing unemployment...so freaking what! I can walk. I can talk. I can see. I can hear. I am perfect..in comparison to the despair so many endure. Despair like this, <br />
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<a href="http://jubileeusa.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/10/11/haitiblogimage_3.jpg"><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://jubileeusa.typepad.com/photos/uncategorized/2007/10/11/haitiblogimage_3.jpg</span></a> <br />
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Chip's Nation, Chip's Life...is worthy of OUR respect. Our money. Our tears! Our time to watch! <br />
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<a href="http://www.11alive.com/rss/rss_story.aspx?storyid=178831"><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://www.11alive.com/rss/rss_story.aspx?storyid=178831</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
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Touch Chip:<br />
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<a href="http://chipnation.org/">http://chipnation.org/</a><br />
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<div align="left"></div>MUATA NOWEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10163803445038361728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583247662577062112.post-68059190790747901762011-02-13T22:25:00.000-08:002011-02-13T22:41:39.883-08:00Righting Valentine's Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cEIW-n5zlYY/TVjKqZDf_7I/AAAAAAAABU8/0f5IOvxvoP8/s1600/44611-bigthumbnail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cEIW-n5zlYY/TVjKqZDf_7I/AAAAAAAABU8/0f5IOvxvoP8/s400/44611-bigthumbnail.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><strong><span style="background-color: #4c1130;">'Right'</span></strong> is a whole lot better than this new phenomenon: living in the abstract - living on the fence - living in the subjective - living outside of self while regulating self to a vulnerable state - living while simultaneously presenting self as an insecure object ready to be used - living as if life exist to take people for granted or to be taken for granted. <br />
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We have to re-apply Right to the universe - not only on the day nationally identified for Lovers - but each and every day that we live in self and an outside of self…The mask that we wear! Makes you wonder who you are sleeping with?<br />
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If not, it -life and love- will be devoured by a reckless liberalized agenda that supports a 'do as you please mindset'.<br />
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We see the trinkets of this substandard living in marriage and other forms of commitment. Approved infidelity i.e. indirect swinger acceptance for the man. Communication avoidance i.e. break up emails and text messages. And, the conveniently played emotional abuse: Silence - are only a few vices of relationship. <br />
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Right is loud! Bold! Highlighted! Ultimately and rightfully, Right is a relic blissfulness waiting to be incorporated by the modern generations.<br />
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Right to me in many ways is reflective of a good down-home tradition - eating together as a Fam. Taking a Sunday drive w/ the Fam or with your valentine.<br />
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Being chivalrous for no reason, and not opening the car door to receive sex vouchers e.g.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QgUSrLzOpz4/TVjORiTPIKI/AAAAAAAABVA/TTgarWjJm-c/s1600/realview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QgUSrLzOpz4/TVjORiTPIKI/AAAAAAAABVA/TTgarWjJm-c/s320/realview.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The old-time tradition was Right. It was moral, decent, simple - it was worthy of a rose. </div><br />
If I were to receive a rose today from a valentine, know that the giver represents my wants and desires. And, when I happen to not fall in but embrace love for the second time my sweet valentine will want:<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Tradition</span></strong><br />
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Just like me...<br />
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Enjoy this day, and all the others.MUATA NOWEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10163803445038361728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583247662577062112.post-45787582554053659302011-01-28T06:33:00.000-08:002011-01-28T06:35:52.977-08:00The Great Anticipation, Meeting Sister<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1Z75XLyDPsg/TULTOAO4KCI/AAAAAAAABTQ/FAFht05s2j4/s1600/oprah.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1Z75XLyDPsg/TULTOAO4KCI/AAAAAAAABTQ/FAFht05s2j4/s400/oprah.bmp" width="278" /></a></div>Oprah did it again!<br />
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She cannot be touched. Her unquantifiable contribution to the world is unmatched. Her energetic drive to unselfishly give of herself is phenomenal. The unconditional love she shares and produces will never be reduced or eliminated.<br />
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Oprah Winfrey is a Legend. <br />
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She is doing what each of us can do: <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1Z75XLyDPsg/TULQ0pa7W7I/AAAAAAAABS8/xl_K6TtadF8/s1600/Leave_a_Legacy_Blog-_1657AF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1Z75XLyDPsg/TULQ0pa7W7I/AAAAAAAABS8/xl_K6TtadF8/s320/Leave_a_Legacy_Blog-_1657AF.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We don't need her money to do it! All we have to do is keenly focus on how we want to be remembered, and live accordingly.<br />
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With great anticipation, the world waited for Monday's show. Then as the world watched the heroine did something that has made so many of us pause, reflect, and become village investigators. We began to investigate our family trees, or should I say we began to dissect our webbed families. We became intrigued with family. And, we became passionately tangled up with thoughts of what we will find in the near future or tangled up with what we have found in the past four days.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1Z75XLyDPsg/TULRPFb6aSI/AAAAAAAABTA/1m4RH8r52YQ/s1600/oprah_halfsister.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1Z75XLyDPsg/TULRPFb6aSI/AAAAAAAABTA/1m4RH8r52YQ/s320/oprah_halfsister.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>An atmosphere has been framed for people to compassionately think about family and what family really means despite the dynamic complexities: infidelity, molestation, incest, skin complexion division, choice of religion, substance abuse, money, and various other developments that may cause familial breakdown.<br />
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Surprisingly, many of my confidants have pledged not to use "half sister and half brother" any longer. That in itself is a rejuvenated beginning. The necessary beginning of mending hearts and removing pain. Oprah Winfrey has us <em><span style="color: #990000;">rolling</span></em> with a purpose, and with an expectation of irreplaceable:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1Z75XLyDPsg/TULRfyEC6FI/AAAAAAAABTE/SFq6Msa0wfc/s1600/Dignity_graphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1Z75XLyDPsg/TULRfyEC6FI/AAAAAAAABTE/SFq6Msa0wfc/s320/Dignity_graphic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garamond; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6A2QkgMvTtM"><strong><em>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6A2QkgMvTtM</em></strong></a><em> </em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1Z75XLyDPsg/TULR53J4KII/AAAAAAAABTI/0AdWuLyf78k/s1600/rolling+stone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1Z75XLyDPsg/TULR53J4KII/AAAAAAAABTI/0AdWuLyf78k/s1600/rolling+stone.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Garamond; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Garamond; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">We are familiar with this song. It is an unfortunate – but - accurate indictment on men from all walks of life that decided to lay up any and everywhere. Leaving his seed pleasingly planted in the wombs of God's Greatest Creation:</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1Z75XLyDPsg/TULSGXfrBRI/AAAAAAAABTM/04GdoCBByFs/s1600/ERTICA%257E1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="273" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1Z75XLyDPsg/TULSGXfrBRI/AAAAAAAABTM/04GdoCBByFs/s320/ERTICA%257E1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><strong><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Garamond; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #e06666;">The Female</span></span></span></strong><br />
Therefore, resulting in Papa becoming daddy to girls and boys all over the world. Also, resulting in brothers and sisters never meeting. While I do not condone this reality, I do support that element that has been missing for such a very long time:<br />
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<strong><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">The Search for Brother and Sister</span></strong><br />
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Some will stay focused on the Papa was a Rolling Stone paragraph with negativity, and with undeniable pain. The pain is understandable. I acknowledge that!<br />
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What I recognize and accept too is the possibility of reconciliation and restoration. We have to restore what has been broken. Torn-up and destroyed. We have an opportunity to reconnect or connect with the seeds that have become Flower Children. We have to forge a bond with the sister and brother we never knew. We have to honor the legendary moms that endured, pressed on when Papa rolled out.<br />
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Ultimately, we have to learn from this week's Great Anticipation.<br />
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Wasn't it worth it? Don't you feel good? Aren't you ready to be ONE with your sibling(s)?<br />
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Seek out, find, and love what was lost - and remember that you are <strong><em><span style="color: #cc0000;">Half of NOTHING</span></em></strong>.<br />
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-TouchedMUATA NOWEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10163803445038361728noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583247662577062112.post-27725616628139470232011-01-13T19:07:00.000-08:002011-01-13T19:07:20.882-08:00Did Your Snow Days Bring Darkness?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1Z75XLyDPsg/TS-76zjEJbI/AAAAAAAABQ8/3jnQljFl5kE/s1600/sitting+in+dark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1Z75XLyDPsg/TS-76zjEJbI/AAAAAAAABQ8/3jnQljFl5kE/s320/sitting+in+dark.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>I am so surprised by the number of people that have expressed how "tired they are of being stuck at home". The disclosure has been more than the usual cabin fever itches. I certainly understand the want and need to receive the daylight. The people that I have communicated with are actually uncomfortable with the solitude, the loneliness, and the quietness. That in itself speaks volumes about the shallow depth of human psyche. Sadly, it also indicates how much we have moved away from Aboriginal traditions. Meaningless Modernity (reality television) has conquered Spiritual Simplicity (meditation). <br />
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The mind can recklessly wonder when there is nothing to do. It can play tricks on you too - but the plus that should be gained during Snow Days is way more valuable than having something to do. Also, it has been noted for years that a whole lot of sexual intercourse is had during inclement weather. I remember while serving in the Eastern Caribbean how the population rose nine months after a hurricane. Go have sex! <br />
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Returned Peace Corps volunteers talk all the time about their service abroad...Sometimes too damn much! The common denominator in their story telling is their initial struggle with 'having nothing to do'. That Nothing has been known to early terminate the experience of living and serving overseas. However, in time while truly living in small villages in Botswana and other Peace Corps host countries the returned Peace Corps volunteers grew to appreciate The Nothing. It is during those very moments of Nothing that these men and women from all walks of life conducted an inventory reflection. For some that Nothing has literally made them better and/or saved their lives. For me, my life was finally put into context with the help of Buddhist Chant and Meditation.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1evxMA7yYw"><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1evxMA7yYw</span></a> <br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR3dM-GlZK8&feature=related"><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR3dM-GlZK8&feature=related</span></a> <br />
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When was the last time outside of two minutes after the clock striking midnight on New Year’s Eve that you 'took some stock'? Really examined the inventory within your life reservoir? This is always a challenge for me! <br />
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Like the Peace Corps volunteers serving all over this world - as I typed are doing and as you read - we (us bored Americans) should sit in the dark. Actually, some Peace Corps volunteers live without indoor plumbing and electricity for 27 months or more. They are living like the people:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1Z75XLyDPsg/TS-8JYynYJI/AAAAAAAABRA/WivQ1V_-tW0/s1600/CIMG3326b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1Z75XLyDPsg/TS-8JYynYJI/AAAAAAAABRA/WivQ1V_-tW0/s320/CIMG3326b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Then you have those ‘pussy-foot’ volunteers who lived LARGE:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1Z75XLyDPsg/TS-8gw6xm1I/AAAAAAAABRE/KEHBPbB8yro/s1600/american_standard_flowise_high_efficiency_toilet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1Z75XLyDPsg/TS-8gw6xm1I/AAAAAAAABRE/KEHBPbB8yro/s320/american_standard_flowise_high_efficiency_toilet.jpg" width="241" /></a></div>That would be me…<br />
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Sitting in Darkness is Doing Something. It is an opportunity for us to make every attempt to SEE ourselves in the Dark.<br />
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What did you see over the past three Snow Days? Or, did you avoid The Darkness? If you did, you may have just missed out on Doing Something.<br />
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Oh! You could have used your imagination too; I went for a swim.<br />
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Muata NoweMUATA NOWEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10163803445038361728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583247662577062112.post-35693050091295083552010-11-01T10:29:00.000-07:002010-11-01T10:29:33.017-07:00Dreaming with Seniors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1Z75XLyDPsg/TM74q4oXJRI/AAAAAAAABOI/V1C2H9Snjgg/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1Z75XLyDPsg/TM74q4oXJRI/AAAAAAAABOI/V1C2H9Snjgg/s400/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
When one genuinely cares for the elderly the caring displays respect and honor of those who paved the way. <br />
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Jeremy Bloom does not have to do what he does. He is a popular man with money. But, he has decided to help dreams come true by working with men and women we refer to as senior. <br />
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Touching, Truly Touching<br />
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<a href="http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/olympic-skier-makes-dreams-true-elderly-grants-wishes-jeremy-bloom-jeremy-hubbard-11998692"><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://abcnews.go.com/WNT/video/olympic-skier-makes-dreams-true-elderly-grants-wishes-jeremy-bloom-jeremy-hubbard-11998692</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
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Jeremy’s Foundation:<br />
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<a href="http://www.seniorwish.org/">http://www.seniorwish.org/</a>MUATA NOWEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10163803445038361728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583247662577062112.post-1076887678678597692010-10-07T13:13:00.000-07:002010-10-07T13:13:18.818-07:00The Peace Corps will be 50 Years Old Next Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1Z75XLyDPsg/TK4pmMMho2I/AAAAAAAABNA/SlSHDASww0Y/s1600/untitled.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_1Z75XLyDPsg/TK4pmMMho2I/AAAAAAAABNA/SlSHDASww0Y/s400/untitled.bmp" width="400" /></a></div>The Peace Corps is when it all changed for me. My life changed. I became a new person. The people I met…Amazing men and women! So much courage. So much heart. To be a part of the Peace Corps Family is my badge. I wear it with honor. I will defend my experience and my service with my life. Nothing will ever take the place of those 2years (1994-1996). My love is strong for John F. Kennedy’s baby, Peace Corps. <br />
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<a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#39546419">http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#39546419</a> <br />
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It is <strong><em><span style="color: #741b47;">Touching, Truly Touching</span></em></strong> to view this video. The memories come back like a tsunami. I remember my first night. My first home stay family in St. Lucia, The Browns. Then my Antiguan home stay family, The Scholl’s. Myrna, my mother a way from North Carolina. Alan, Leslie, and Brian – my brothers. Love…Service…Sacrifice…Dedication…<br />
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The pictures...<br />
<a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39173126/ns/nightly_news/">http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/39173126/ns/nightly_news/</a> <br />
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Brian E. PayneMUATA NOWEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10163803445038361728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583247662577062112.post-5732575978239594982010-09-08T08:03:00.000-07:002010-09-08T08:03:28.340-07:00Finding Father<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1Z75XLyDPsg/TIelmr6dtoI/AAAAAAAABL4/5A6ZJHrI3E0/s1600/miracle+meeting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1Z75XLyDPsg/TIelmr6dtoI/AAAAAAAABL4/5A6ZJHrI3E0/s400/miracle+meeting.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I am definitely not one to say that ‘God works in mysterious ways’…this story may not be a coincidence. What I will admit: <strong><span style="color: #990000;">Nothing is Random</span></strong>. I learned that the hard way a few years ago - thanks to Reverend Wilkins. <br />
What a <em><strong>Touching, Truly Touching</strong></em> story:<br />
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<a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/09/03/2010-09-03_terminal_cancer_patient_reunited_with_long_lost_daughter_who_turns_out_to_be_hos.html"><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2010/09/03/2010-09-03_terminal_cancer_patient_reunited_with_long_lost_daughter_who_turns_out_to_be_hos.html</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br />
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Brian E. Payne sharing.MUATA NOWEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10163803445038361728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583247662577062112.post-35047419222368797712010-07-13T09:51:00.000-07:002010-07-13T09:51:19.850-07:00Praying that My Prayers are Answered<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1Z75XLyDPsg/TDyY6FPKiOI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/fMH6DFx3Qco/s1600/haiti-women_1296972i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" rw="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_1Z75XLyDPsg/TDyY6FPKiOI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/fMH6DFx3Qco/s400/haiti-women_1296972i.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="color: #990000;">*Haiti needs a reason to Dance*</span></em></strong></div><br />
I wish I could say a Haiti prayer that would be answered – and wake-up to news that Haiti’s situation is getting remarkably better. Better faster! That has been my prayer for the past six months. Actually, I stopped praying for myself long ago. All of my ‘good thoughts and energy’ have been for Haiti and Haiti’s people lately. No more do I get down on my knees – and ask God to ‘look out’ for me, my family, and my friends. While I need prayer, I refuse to be so self centered with my prayers. My focus is on the world’s humanity. This does not make me any different than thousands of men and women who have decided to channel their communication with a God for the benefit of those suffering. Suffering, in all my drama throughout this life, is not something I am familiar with – so why should I continue to pray for me and my mess? My praying energy needs to be with people like the young lady featured in the video below. <br />
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A good story: <br />
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<a href="http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/38202943#38202943"><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/38202943#38202943</span></a> <br />
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Brian E. Payne sharing.MUATA NOWEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10163803445038361728noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583247662577062112.post-69831744162586470152010-05-28T18:08:00.000-07:002010-05-28T18:08:03.855-07:00The Skydiving Hero<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1Z75XLyDPsg/TABoxqwtcdI/AAAAAAAAAxc/kT_3SqTe4oU/s1600/image6471295g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" gu="true" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_1Z75XLyDPsg/TABoxqwtcdI/AAAAAAAAAxc/kT_3SqTe4oU/s400/image6471295g.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
Heroes are known to sacrifice. <br />
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While watching this video (below), I thought of one man. His name is Michael Hatfield. A marine. A friend. A man that has and will sacrifice for another person. I just know if placed in the situation you are about to view that he would do the same for me. I am fully confident of that! <br />
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That's what men and women who serve/served our country are trained to do. And, to be 'trained' to <strong><span style="color: #073763;">ultimately sacrifice</span></strong> one must have <span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong><em>heart</em></strong></span>. <br />
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Marines, Army, Air Force, Navy, and Peace Corps men/women are sacrificing for us...<em>ON THE FRONT LINES</em>. <br />
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I honor all those who have served and/or serving our 'in trouble' country on this very special weekend, <span style="background-color: red;">Memorial Day Weekend</span>. Stop and praise them in between hot dog eating bites!<br />
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The Skydiving Hero:<br />
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<a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=6471304n&tag=related%3Bphotovideo"><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://www.<span class="goog-spellcheck-word" style="background: yellow;">cbsnews</span>.com/video/watch/?id=6471304n&tag=related%3Bphotovideo</span></a> <br />
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Brian E. Payne sharing.MUATA NOWEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10163803445038361728noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4583247662577062112.post-20171394903273285682010-05-13T13:54:00.000-07:002010-05-13T13:54:57.494-07:00Shoeless Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1Z75XLyDPsg/S-xmzSBkNDI/AAAAAAAAAwU/ikLOqobKIi0/s1600/shoeless.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1Z75XLyDPsg/S-xmzSBkNDI/AAAAAAAAAwU/ikLOqobKIi0/s400/shoeless.bmp" width="400" wt="true" /></a></div>Please watch the 3 minute video:<br />
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<a href="http://www.11alive.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=84301143001"><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://www.11alive.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=84301143001</span></a> <br />
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Some say that shoes describe and/or characterize a person. I wonder what is said about the person who has no access to shoes or cannot afford to purchase any? <br />
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I remember the summer of 1982. It was <strong><span style="color: red;">hot!</span></strong> We were living on James Avenue, The New Projects of Thomasville, North Carolina. Momma could not afford to purchase us (Shirley Jean, Clinton Tyrone, and Brian Eugene) shoes so she did the next best thing: She went to Family Dollar and purchased us some flip flops. Remember these:<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://smartleah.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/haveana-flipflop-gold.jpg"><span style="font-size: x-small;">http://smartleah.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/haveana-flipflop-gold.jpg</span></a>? We wore them all summer with no complainants. No lip! We had no reason to give any lip! We enjoyed having our feet exposed. Back then we had no concept of our poverty. We were happy kids like most Old and New Project kids. <br />
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In some parts of the world kids drastically need shoes, <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j270/JohnnyGunn/Cush194011_IN_Indiana_Farm_Children.jpg">http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j270/JohnnyGunn/Cush194011_IN_Indiana_Farm_Children.jpg</a> </span><br />
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Brian E. Payne sharing.MUATA NOWEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10163803445038361728noreply@blogger.com2