Fishing in New York

First, you're not going to believe that I went fishing on yesterday, secondly, you're not going to believe that I caught these fish, and thirdly, you're not going to believe that I have three wonderful fishing partners now. We went to Honeoye Lake in Honeoye, New York. That's like about thirty miles from Rochester. I know you're dying to know who my fishing partners are! Bishop Jerry McCollough of Faith Temple, Bishop Melvin Cross and Vick, one of the associate pastors of Faith Temple. We we're like on this ship-size boat, all the way out in the water. I have pictures on my iphone that will prove this....... let me get them downloaded and you will see for yourself! It was like an all day fishing trip.... Most relaxing day ever! Ok... So what do you think of my first mess of fish? Wish I had taken pictures of the worms too.... I have to go "Fishing Shopping" now.. I need my own Reels, tackle, tackle box, and stuff! oh yeah... decided to attach me "First Fishing License" ever in my life! I have a license to fish! hmmmm Gonna have a "Fresh Fish Fry" after my next batch is caught!

Mount Olivet's Golf Tournament

Rishard and I held up rather well at the Mount Olivet Baptist Church 14th Annual Golf Tournament to just have traveled 2500 miles across country and still being jetlagged. The weather was wonderful, the fellowship was second to none, the food was superb, the sodas and water were plentiful and free, the greens were emaculate, the foursome was awesome, the tournament was one to be remembered. Mount Olivet Baptist Church sponsored its fourteenth annual golf tournament at Victor Hills Golf Course in Victor, New York. John Hill and George Opira lead the event... It was an awesome experience. I know there is a picture of my foursome floating around somewhere. Cecil Lee, Rob Small, Rickey Harvey Jr, and I were a great group if I had to say so myself. Of course playing best ball, each of us at points had best ball; one of us having more "best balls" than Lee, Small, and Jr, but who's counting? Rishard was there with lil Mat Blue under the care of Mrs. Blue and fully wired.... I dont know what he was doing under the table while I was addressing the golfers and blessing the food... (Steak, Chicken Cordon Blue, Veggies, Fruit, Sodas) You would never have thought that Rishard was jetlagged until of course he got home.. as a matter of fact; you would have thought that Rickey Jr was jetlagged too... I'm not sure if either of them even remembers gettting home... He was sleep as fast as he got in the house. Well, it just seems that the entire time we have been in Rochester, all we have been doing is having fun. Speaking of fun, next weekend is Summer Bash, which is simply more fun! Oh, As you can see; the picture of the foursome was found, sent and posted.... I take back everything I said about having more best balls! LOL

Flying Just Isn't Fun

My first flight was in April of 1988 to Los Angeles from Memphis to preach at Evangelistic Baptist Church for youth events.. Flying was wonderful back then. All of my family took me to the airport and walked me to the gate and stood there waving as I was getting on the plane... Then they stood in the window and watched the plane from taxi to take-off.. No security, you could take anything that you could carry on the plane.... Now; long story short; its all together different. You just about have to strip, although I must admit, security is loosening a little bit from what it was shortly after September 11 in New York City.... Rishard and I had to take off our shoes, empty our bags, and walk through security.... as we waited on our plane in Phoenix that would take us to the wild and crazy JFK Airport in New York City.... That was such a long flight.. It so much has to do with when we return to the WEST Coast.. Four + hours of flying is a lot of time to be in the air.... For me that is.. I know many of you are frequent "Out of the Country" flyers.. I'm not! Airports are so crazy... At least Delta will give you those wonderful Biscoff cookies that I love so well... Be good... Talk to you soon!

President - Professor - Police

President Barak Obama was right in every word that hs said... "he acted stupidly" dont handcuff and man in his own home after having seen his ID and knowing that he is not a burglar; and is upset over the whole matter... "dont have his keys, cant get in the house, finally bust in, and here comes the police to take him to jail after the fact... I think I'd rather Al Shaprton and Jesse Jackson on those cases though! As the President was speaking; it seemed that the racial upheavel that still exists in America was about to levitate to an unprecedented plane. I was like; Yeah Mr. President you're absolutely right, and thank you for saying what you said... you spoke truth, you showed America (especially those who have doubted) that you are fully aware of the pain and hurt suffered by Black America. Had a Black Cop done that to a White man; the Cop would have lost his job, his retirement, and the chance to ever gain law enforcement employment again. It reminded me of watching the Rodney King tapes and Bush 41 saying "He was tired of seeing the tapes" and a White Jury finding the Cops not guilty of brutally mistreating a Black man. Damn this makes me mad! If this happens to a Black man who is in his seventies, on a cane, living in an upscale community, walking on a cane, then what are the chances for a Black man in his twenties, pants hanging off, in a lower scale community, and harmless as a dove. The President did well in calling both of the children (police and professor) into the office, give them some cookies and milk and tell them to be good boys... This quietens things down and allows everyone not to think too harsly about where the world really is! America has seen, the President has spoken, the Media has shown us, and now we know even the more; that We have not "OVERCOME".

Yvonne's Hair Care - Grand Opening

Well its official now..... Yvonne's Hair and Nail Care Salon, 900 Genesee Street, Rochester, New York; 14619 is officially opened. The people of Rochester and of course of Mount Olivet Baptist Church brought her in in grand style. The salon offers great hair care services... Yvonne is a magnificent hair stylist who loves her clients and pays close attention to their hair care needs as well as to their time. We are both so appreciative to our Church family, Mount Olivet for their wonderful support! Of course many many people have their stylists and are happy with them, and that's good. Rochester is a city where there is just a plenty for everyone....be that Church, Business or just plain ole Fun... Its a plenty! Come in and see her Tuesdays thru Saturday.....like from 8:30am to like whatever closing time is.... LOL I'm just her husband and my job in the salon is simply whatever she needs done... My Job description says; WHATEVER and that's all! The Mayor Bob Duffy and city officials were there to celebrate in the ribbon cutting ceremony!

A Mount Calvary Tucson Moment

I returned to Tucson, Arizona on July 21st 2009 for the first time since leaving permanently in October 2008. It was such an experience. It felt like I was returning to my real home; Memphis, Tennessee where I was born and raised. Whenever I go to Memphis, after being gone for almost 12 years; there is always some type of reception, plenty of breakfasts, luncheons, and dinners; always more than my short schedule can accommodate. Going to Tucson was no different and for some reason I was not surprized. It was a memorable decade served in both places and I'm thankful to God that as He as moved me from place to place He allowed life long relationships that were established through ministry to last forever. Life is designed to build bridges and not burn them. You never know when you may have to cross it again. I will never forget the precious times spent in Arizona; thus I have forgotten every tough, hard, or painful time. Why? It's not necessary to store foolishness, pain, and hurt in your heart. Love people, forgive people, do justly and show kindly affection to others and it will come back to you! Just look! Not only will it come back but; DOUBLE, as it has happened to me with the wonderful church family, friends and people in good ole Rochester, New York, where the grass is green, the flowers are blooming, the people are outside, the air is cool and fresh, and the water is blue, and the Lord is good! :-)

Grand Opening Celebration Today....

Today, July 17th 2009 is Yvonne's Hair Care and Nail Salon's Grand Opening. It starts at 4:30pm and will last until 7:00pm. Refreshments, music, fun, fellowship, a blessing over the business, and a ribbon cutting will take place today. Both Yvonne and I are extremely pleased at this opportunity to serve within the community. It's a Full Service Salon; Hair, Nails, and Feet are properly cared for here. Come today and celebrate with Yvonne and her friends, laugh and have fun, eat the good foods, book appointments, and help get the word out about Yvonne's Salon! Feel free to call Yvonne at 585 436 2122

Yvonne's Hair Care and Nail Salon

Not sure why it has taken me so long to post this great announcement. As you well know Yvonne has opened her Salon; Yvonne's Hair Care and Nail Salon on 900 Genessee Street. It just another one of those signs that God continues to give us confirming our being where we're supposed to be for such a time as this. It's unbelievable if you dont know how the Lord works, and if you know how He works then you know that; "Eye hath not seen, ear hath not heard, nor has it entered into your hearts, what Good things the Lord has in store." Grand opening is Friday; July 17th from 4:30pm to 7pm.... Several of the City's Officials have agreed to come and particiapte in the Grand Opening Celebration; to Include Mayor Bob Duffy, former Mayor Bill Johnson, Council John Lightfoot, local Pastors, Hair Stylists, Clients and of course the Mount Olivet Baptist Church family! Pass the word and invite your friends to Yvonne's Hair Care and Nail Salon Grand Opening.

Where Has All the Power Gone

The Holy Spirit is the power of God and Jesus has promised us the power.
You will receive the power.
The power of the Holy Spirit is unlike any other power.
It is not a power that is invented sculpted, or demolished by human hands.
It is not a power that can be manipulated for political or social purposes.
It is not a power that can be manufactured, canned or distributed like dry goods.
The power Jesus promises is a transforming, liberating redeeming, life changing power that can change the course of nations, history, you and I and this church.
It is a power unlike any other.
The Greek word for the power is dunamis, it is the root of the word dynamite.
It is explosive, changing power.
It is not limited to strength beyond the ordinary.
It is not just the power of miracles;
It is also a power that brings courage, boldness, confidence, insight, ability and authority. Jesus knew the disciples needed this power to fulfill their mission.
This power to face the challenges and temptations of this world,
This power to fulfill our individual and corporate church mission,
We need the infilling of the Spirit,
Jesus promises we will receive the power.
Verse 8 - you will receive the power and you will be my witnesses. Now I know this means that we will be testify and tell others about God’s power but also Jesus was making a little play on words here.
Jesus said you will be witnesses,
Jesus said amazing things will happen.
The disciples waited on the power of the Holy Spirit,
They became witnesses for God,
They saw astounding results.
120 Christians, empowered by the Holy Spirit began to speak a new language,
A language of love that breaks down all barriers.
They saw three thousand come into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ in one day.
They saw a new synagogue of faith formed in the birth of the church.
They saw their numbers grow daily – every day someone else came to faith in Christ.
On the Day of Pentecost the disciples were gathered together in one place, in a house, with four walls just like this church.
When they received the power of the Holy Spirit they could have remained in the house.
They could have kept the power for themselves and I believe that power would have worked in them to bring changes in their lives and bring them closer to Christ and give some peace.
But I also, know that power could not have worked in those people to the fulfillment of God’s plan if they had not committed themselves to going out to where the people where.
If they hadn’t committed their lives to following God’s lead.
If they hadn’t committed to sacrificing their own desires and wishes for the glory of God.
And they had to commit together.
It was not a job for one or two people.
It took all 120 of them to convert 3000.
It took all 120 of them to bring others to Christ every day of their lives.
when we commit together to make a difference in the community, when we commit to sacrificing our own priorities and schedules in lieu of God’s plan and purpose for this church – we too will witness amazing results.
The Power is still here,
The Power is in the Atmosphere,
The Power is in your praise,
The Power is in your hand,
It is time to open up to the life changing power of God.
The power of God that can invade the body,
The power of God will inflate the mind,
The power of god will swell the soul,
The power of God will lift the Spirit and make us more than we ever imagined.

No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus

My Bloggers... I need you to see the words to a song that put me on the floor one evening it blessed me so.....I was like fit to be tied when I heard Douglass Miller sing this song. I ran across the lyrics and wanted you to hear the song that speaks to my testimony!

I would love to tell you what I think of Jesus,
Since I found in Him a friend so strong and true.
I would tell you how He changed my life completely;
He did something no other friend could do.

No one ever cared for me like Jesus;
There's no other friend so kind as He.
No one else could take the sin and darkness from me;
O how much He cared for me.

All my life was full of sin when Jesus found me;
All my heart was full of misery and woe,
Jesus placed His strong arms about me
And He led me in the way I ought to go.

No one ever cared for me like Jesus;
There's no other friend so kind as He.
No one else could take the sin and darkness from me;
O how much He cared for me.Ev'ry day

He comes to me with new assurance;
More and more I understand His word of love.
But I'll never know just why He came to save me,
Till someday I see His blessed face above.
No one ever cared for me like Jesus;

There's no other friend so kind as He.
No one else could take the sin and darkness from me;
O how much He cared for me.

Gone Kings

The “King of Pop” is gone . . .The “King of Comedy” is gone . . .The “King of Soul” is gone . . .The “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” is gone . . . BUT . . . The “KING OF KINGS” lives forever!!!

The King of Pop

While I was familiar with James Brown's, (the King of Soul) music, "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag" "Black and Proud" "A Man's World" "Lickin Stick" "Please Please Please" "Popa Dont Take No Mess" and many other hits.....; James Brown was before my time..... Michael Jackson, the King of Pop was "MY TIME." I grew up on "I'll Be There" "ABC" "Ben" "Never Can Say Goodbye" "The Love You Save" "Billy Jean" "Thriller" "Dancing Machine" "Man In the Mirror" "Earth Song" and hundreds of Michael and the Jackson Five Hits... It's no secret that we all loved Michael and that Michael impacted the world like no other artist of our time; perhaps saving Elvis Presley; thus Graceland, Neverland; WOW...... Elvis Presley, the King of Rock and Roll is gone. James Brown the King of Soul is gone. Bernie Mack, the King of Comedy is gone. Johnny Carson, the King of Late Night is gone. Luther Vandross, the King of Rhythmn is gone. Tupac Shukur, the King of Rap is gone. And Now Michael Joseph Jackson, the King of Pop, is gone. While I may have used my Blogging Power to make some of these men King, the point is they're all gone. None like Michael Jackson. I was happy that Michael had a will....Folks reading my Blog... get a will...If you have anything; little or much, then you have a need for a WILL. I was happy that Michael gave his Mother, Children and Charities his estate. I was so happy that he put someone in charge of helping Mrs Jackson handle the estate... So that no one can take advantage of her. Wasn't it great to see such a classy service with dignified people speaking so intelligently and well of Michael and the Jackson family! Al Sharpton was off the chain. I was holding my breath and so afraid that he would get up and play the racial card, just make a fool of himself, the Jackson family and the African American race. He didnt. He was excellent; and he did not hog the spotlight and left no place for media criticisms...Al Sharpton's stock went up with African Americans. Where was Jesse this time? hmmmmm, interesting! Where was Oprah? Usher killed me crazy with "Gone to Soon". Lionel Richie was filled with emotion and challenged but did very well. It was just a great classy service. The Martin III and Bernice could have sat down much sooner, and Shelia Jackson Lee, responding to Michael's critics....she could have been left off the program for the insignificant comments that she gave and the length of time she took in giving them. I was told that responding to negativity only feeds life into it. We were not there to defend Michael; only to Eulogize him. Al Sharpton may not have been most truthful in saying it but he said it best, "There was nothing strange about Michael Jackson" it was strange the things that he had to deal with and how he dealt with it....Even his brothers said, Michael could not walk out side of his door without being Mobbed.. Michael, you did the best you could with what you were working with! Rest in Peace!

God and Water

God has a way of using troubled water to manifest miracles. For Noah it was rising water, but God gave him a blueprint. For Elijah it was a lack of water, but God gave him a brook. For Elisha it was bitter water, and God gave him a bowl of salt. For Jonah it was stormy water, but God gave him transportation to his next destination. For the disciples it was raging water, but gave them the Peace right in the ship! Now if that wont preach!.... lol

5th of July Sermon

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
This statement is recorded in history as "One of the best-known sentences in the English language"
The passage has often been used to promote the rights of marginalized groups, and it came to represent for many people a moral standard for which America should strive.
Independence Day is the national holiday
in America commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
America, as myth and reality, has for centuries played a part in how other peoples think about their own societies.
America has frequently been viewed from abroad as the embodiment of one or another kind of Freedom. Some foreign observers have taken a rather jaundiced, distorted view of Americans stress on their own Freedom. Other nations are killing for Freedom, To worship, to vote, to choose, to Christianity, for Democracy, America is killing for Ipods, Cell phones, Laptops, TVs, Rims, Because God has already blessed America with Freedom,
This message is designed to help Believers recognize the Freedom they we have in Christ Jesus; and to motivate Seekers to accept Christ as Lord and Savior of their lives.
We must remember that freedom isn’t free.
Freedom is very expensive. (Choice, Independence, Nonconformity)
It has cost some people everything, including their lives.
Freedom isn’t free, it's infinitely valuable.Fortunes, families, and reputations, and their honor were risked.
November 13, 1787, Thomas Jefferson wrote, “the tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots & tyrants” Freedom is not free. The price is always paid in blood. Jesus came in order to bring us freedom from a host of human maladies, difficulties, troubles, woes and ills.
John 8:34-36 Jesus says Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. 35 Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.
36 So if the Son sets you Free, you will be Free indeed.
Chapter 8, begins with the story of the woman who was caught in adultery. The scribes and the Pharisees brought the woman to the temple where Jesus was teaching.
They knew the law and what was to be done to her, “stoned to death”. But in an attempt to test Jesus, they asked Him, “what do you think we should do with her?”
Jesus simply bent down and begin writing on the ground. Some suggest that perhaps He was writing the Ten Commandments.
They were persistent in wanting a answer. If Jesus would have said not to stone her, then He would have contradicted the Jewish Law.
If He would have said, “Stone her”, He would have been contradictory to the Roman law which did not allow the Jews to carry out their own executions.
John 8:7 they continued asking Him, He raised Himself up and said to them, "He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first."
One by one they begin to leave, being convicted of their owns sins.
John 8:10-11 When Jesus had raised Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, "Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said to her, "Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more."Go and sin no more. He did not condemn her, but neither did He condone her sin as well.
Jesus said to the Man at Bethesda's Pool, Go and Sin no more,
Lest a worst thing come upon you…Sin No More. Don’t do that again.
In the text today Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him,
"If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.
And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."
They answered Him, "We are Abraham’s descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, ’You will be made free’?" Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
Romans 8:2 - The Apostle Paul says that the Spirit of life in Christ, like a strong wind, has magnificently cleared the air,
The Spirit of life in Christ has freed us from a fated lifetime
of brutal tyranny at the hands of sin and death
Celebrate our independence from the tyranny and bondage of guilt, Celebrate our independence from sin, fear, and death;
Celebrate our independence from oppression, repression, burdens,
At the Cross, where I first saw the light, and the burdens of my
Heart rolled away, it was there by faith, I received my sight, and now I'm happy all the day…
Celebrate an independence that will last for all of eternity.
Celebrate Freedom from the weights that have tied your life down, No more being buried under mountainous loads of fear and guilt,
God has Blessed you!
I'm talking to somebody today…
Who knows that you have been Blessed,
The Lord has freed you,
You're Free say Amen, Show some sign!
Praise the Lord, You're Free,
I'm no longer bound, no more chains holding me,Soul is restingAnd it’s just another blessingPraise… the Lord
Hallelujah, I'm free

Update on Moma Louise

Moma Louise Willis was at my mothers house; her oldest child for the 4th of July. She was singing, laughing, and charging the grandchildren to take pictures of her. I'm told that she was the center of attention. God has spared this 97 year old Great Great Granny to live a good strong life. When asked how old she was for the sake of her birthday cake's candles she simply said, "50 candles is enough, foot." Foot has always been Moma Louise's curse word. Make her mad and she woud say something like, "You know that's not right, FOOT," and when she said "FOOT" she was mad! Well, you know we all thank God for His blessings and mercy on Moma Louise and for His healing hand....

Upper Marlboro Maryland Trip

This trip started off hard. I drove from ten at night til five in the morning with only one stop to get to Upper Marlboro Maryland. No problem, right? Wrong! We reached our destination at five a.m. and I was in the bed like 5:30.....Problem..... We had like an 8:00am Tee time scheduled at the Presidential Lakes Golf Course; the second finest public golf course in the state of Maryland. 18 holes too. So; I get up, go play as best as I could under those conditions; somewhere between terrible and fair.... It was best ball; and I had a few best balls from the Drive, the second, third and putt. That's not really a terribly hard thing to do on 18 holes...Then it was time to leave the course, get back to the house, rest a bit and hit the road again at 4:00am. It was pouring down raining and I wasn't about to let Rickey Jr or Yvonne drive in the rain around the hills and mountains.... So I head out in the rain, driving like a Trucker, but as soon as we were fairly free of the hills and the rain slacked, I was totally out of it... That's where a truck like Expedition or so comes in handy... Now for sure; those SUV's are by far the best traveling vehicles ever..Especially with few people so you can stretch out and rest.... Regardless of the gas prices; I hope to always own one for that purpose alone...You just cant beat them on the road.. So I got a nap for about two hours and I was up and at the rest of the way! Sometimes two good hours will do a world of good! By the way; driving to Maryland is an easy drive on a dry day! So is driving to West like to Chicago, South Bend, Detroit.... Just straight, no hills highway.... Hills going to Maryland, but no problem... You just have to watch out for the deer.