Mount Olivet's Boy Scouts

Meme and Popa Time.......

We have to find Urgent Care (thats what its called in Tucson) for Rishard today. He has what some folk here have described as "Stomach virus" or "Stomach Flu". While I have never heard of it; its definitely something wrong with his stomach.. This has been like an all-nighter with him "up chupping" big time. Bill Davis gave me several numbers of Doctors and Pediatricians and OBGYN's.. I will have to get that emailed to me because what ever paper I wrote that information on is in whatever suit pocket I was wearing that day... point being...I dont have that information. Yvonne and I had a good little scare last night and this morning....Lord; nothing can happen to this baby....This is where Rishards Popa and Meme really come in! They were at the hospital when this baby was born and from the time Rishard was three weeks old until leaving Tucson, every weekend of his life was practically with his Popa and Meme. He went to school where Popa taught; and on Thursdays Popa took Rishard home with him for the remainder of the week and we got him at Church on Sundays; for his entire life. Actually, its been more of an adjustment to full time parenting than the new church; for me. Both Popa and Meme will be here for Installation and will be on the East Coast for a month or so. Rishard will return to Tucson with them when they go and spend much of the summer there! Yvonne and I will go back as I am doing a Revival in Tucson this summer...and of course, Rishard will return with us.. In the mean time we have to get this baby well.. Meme and Popa will have a fit if they get here and Rishard is not well... We are very much secondary and Rishard is the primary reason they are coming to Rochester. They truly served Yvonne and me as Parents and they continue that place in our life today and forevermore; and Rishard is for sure their Grandson!

In Loving Memory....

Uncle Paul Adam Willis, Sr, was born to life May 24, 1940 in Bolivar, Tennessee. He was born to Eternity March 8, 2009, in South Bend, Indiana. He was educated in Jackson, TN. He moved to South Bend in 1960 and worked at Westville Mental Hospital for six years. He was also a dedicated employee of A.M. General for 30 years as a Quality Control Inspector until his retirement in 1996. He was a member of the Olivet A.M.E Church where he served on the Usher Board, and was a Mason. He is survived by his 97 year old mother, his wife and five children, four brothers and six sisters, grand and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and lots of friends. The service was a wonder in bringing our family together. This a gigantic family and we can count on one hand those who were not there. Never have we experienced so much love in a family gathering. Yall remember how difficult of a time this situation was for the family, nontheless, God got the glory out of it, the family grew from the experiences and the peace of God prevailed!

Living By Promises Not Explanations

“Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask Him.” Matthew 6:8 According to an article, Henry Ford asked some engineers to box the transmissions for his Model-T Fords in certain sized boxes. He gave meticulous dimensions and material instructions for these boxes. The builders were confused, but they did as they were told. When the transmissions were delivered, the factory workers took apart the boxes and used them for the floorboards! Mr. Ford was thinking ahead! That’s what God does. He knows what we need even before we ask Him. We may not understand all of His ways, just like those workers who were boxing up the transmissions did not understand. We do not live by our understanding; we live by His promises. If there is something happening in your life right now that you don’t understand read Proverbs 3:5-6 and trust in the promise that He will direct your path. (lwfm-ar)

Health Management Update

I will let you be the judge of how I am doing with the weight thing. I had to pull back from the Table, hit the GYM, work out at home and say no to the wonderful freshly baked breads, cakes and cookies that the Saints were cooking for me.. Now I'm still eating well, just doing the vegetables, omelettes, (not too many though) watch the eggs, Oatmeal, Cheerios, salads, juices, and absolutely no bread.... Well hold up! I went to Red Lobster Saturday.. and you know you cant go in there without the Freshly Baked Buttery Garlic Bread.. Did about three of them. That was the first bread in like several weeks. I stay away from meats, both Beef and Pork and very little Chicken and Fish. I'm not on a diet at all.. I eat what I want to eat. I just know that there are consequences with the things that you eat! I too know that food is addictive.... If I am not careful I could relasp which means I enjoy the feeling of a crammed stomach; therefore I will eat and eat and eat! Believe it or not; when I'm happy, I do much better with my weight too. I am very happy with every facet of my life; wonderful God fearing Wife and Children, Wonderful Church, health is good, love my city, great family and friends, and bills are paid...

A Smile A Day

A smile reflects a joyous heart, for unlike happiness which is dependent upon favorable external conditions, joy is something that is much deeper and really reflects an inward state of the heart and soul. When Jesus was in the Upper Room at the last supper, and facing Calvary He said to the disciples:"Be of good cheer." What was about to happen to Him did not quench His joy which had its foundation in His relationship with the Father. He said" I have overcome the world." Make sure you have at least one laugh or smile every day. Even if you are disappointed in something, don't lose the ability to smile, laugh and see the humor in things. It's a great gift, it's free, and it can happen at any time! Jesus said" " My joy I give unto you...and no man taketh it away. And with that joy comes a smile that radiates and is infectious. A Boston newspaper once printed this item:"The day was dark and gloomy, but Phillip Brooks walked down through Newspaper Row and all was bright." The world needs more Phillip Brooks or perhaps it just needs more of a smile from you, a smile that has its foundation in our personal relationship with Jesus Christ the giver of abundant life and unspeakable joy.

Holy Week of Sacrificial Worship

Plan to attend Mount Olivet Baptist Church April 6th thru the 10th for the Holy Week of Sacrificial Worship. This is a phenominal time with the Lord where you will be blessed tremendously in the services and the Lord will meet you each day as you make the sacrifice to meet Him. Some of the finest Preachers in Upstate New York will join me in preaching. Darius Pridgen of True Bethel Baptist Church, Buffalo, NY preaches Tuesday, James Hartsfield of Mount Sinai Ministries Rochester, will preach us on Wednesday and Anthony Troy Bronner of the Elim Christian Church, Buffalo and Rochester, will join us on Thursday morning. I will open the service on Monday morning and close on Friday. Mount Olivet's Choir will sing, Elim, Mount Sinai, and local artist in the community will bless us each morning! The Bright Stars Gospel Singers are slated to join us in this Holy Week of Sacrificial Worship. You are encouraged to be there from opening to closing..Come expecting a blessing. Listen, each morning country styled breakfast is served; Bacon, eggs, sausage, grits, bologna, waffles, smothered chicken, fried potatoes, biscuits, jelly, juices, coffee, oatmeal, cold cereals. 5:00am each morning, April 6th thru 10th.

Greatness Attracts Criticisms

Greatness and Success always attract criticisms just as honey attracts bees! You must learn to feel at home with criticisms - to either ignore it or use the criticism to your advantage. If you can't handle criticisms, slandering, and false accusations, don't aspire for greatness, because the top is full of them; the top is very hot! If you are a man or woman who is on a mission and manifests significant achievements, be sure that you'll be attacked. If you have worthwhile goals and dreams, be sure that you will be criticized and slandered; it's part of the package. If you stand out from the crowd, if you are visible, be sure that you'll be unjustly criticized. So rejoice when you receive criticisms because it means that you are visible, that you are somebody significant. Criticisms signify visibility; the people in the audience notice those on the stage, those who are in the spotlight. People on stage, on the other hand are normally so blinded by the spotlight and busy with their stage demands that they do not notice the critics. The fact of the matter is that if nobody is criticizing you, you are not visible. In life, we're always going to have critics. We'll always have difficult people who try to upset and steal our joy and peace. But you dont have to respond to every critic. You can decide to take the high road and let your results speak for themself. And even if you dont have any results, learn to enjoy your life, however it is. (wdfavour)

March 22nd a Mighty Good Day

Look... You should have been at our church today... Mount Olivet Baptist Church, Rochester, NY... First of all the order of service was changed big time... Few of the members were aware that there would be change except those involved in the service. I thought it would throw things a bit; but let me tell you, it didnt! Service flowed so well today it was amazing. Now dont get me wrong, Service has always flowed well... I dont want to brag, but do want to give God the glory, Mount Olivet is just a great church yall.. So, the service went well.. The Mega Choir sang today.. Didnt get the count but maybe 75 voices or so.... Lawd they were great! guess I should not toot this horn... but my Dad used to say something about "a poor wind that wont do something, or poor wagon that wont do something, or poor something that wont toot its own horn." You get my drift.... The message was from John 14:1 Let Not Your Heart Be Troubled, Believe in God believe Also in Me... Talked about "Dont Go There.." Lawd, Jesus was good to us in that message... I told yall a few Blogs back that I was cutting my time.... Didnt cut it today......I love MY Church and there is nothing that anyone can do about it! Really, they love me too and I know it..... That's what makes this thing so good... Even said in the sermon today, its not solely the sermon or songs or such that makes a good church, its the "Sweet Commuion of the Holy Spirit and the Love that flows from Heart to Heart and Breast to Breast.... that's makes Church worth attending.... Lord I thank you for this day! Awesome showing of yourself in the place.... Amen!

The Difference 30 Years Make

Take a look at the difference 30 years make with two brothers. James and me.... He was Michael back then.. I'm not sure when his name became James... We grew up calling him Michael and one day in our adult life he became James....I think it had something to do with his birth certificate...and I think at the time James sounded more growner than Michael....you know; but here we are in 1968 and 2000. I guess I would change my name if I knew a better one to fit me, but everytime I look at me.. I see Rickey.. Rickey in 1968, Rickey in 2000, and Rickey Now. The top picture was 41 years ago, the bottom picture is 9 years ago and is a thirty year gap between the two pictures. I guess you could say we're aging gracefully! lol

Rochester Works .Org

The April 9th deadline is approaching. Youth seeking to be considered for summer employment through RochesterWorks and the City of Rochester/SOOP must submit an application no later than Thursday April 9th. Applications and information on potential summer opportunities can be got at the RochesterWorks! Career Center, 255 N. Goodman Street, Rochester, NY 14607, and City of Rochester, Bureau of Youth Services, City Hall, 30 Church Street, Room 222B, Rochester, NY 14614, and on-line at www.rochesterworks.org and www.cityofrochester.gov. Rochester City School District students can submit completed applications in high schools. Check with the Main Office for the contact person in your school.. Eligible youth are those who live within the City of Rochester and Monroe County, currently enrolled in middle and high school, between the ages of 14–20 years old. Additional criteria are required. Please refer to the Fact Sheet included with the application.

The Reverend Timothy Wright

Many of you know of the horrible wreck that Pastor Timothy Wright and his wife and grandson were in this past July. He was critically injured in a car crash in central Pennsylvania that killed his wife and a wrong-way driver who hit their vehicle. Wright, 61, was seriously injured. His 14-year-old grandson, D.J. Wright, and his wife Lady Betty Wright, 58, died in the three car wreck on Interstate 80 in Greene Township. Timothy made slow but sure progress along the way and even a limited public appearance. However, recently Pastor Timothy Wright had a heart attack. Now all of his accomplishments of recovery has relapse. He is not able to talk but with his eyes. This is a very challenging time for him and his family. Let's be in prayer for the man who gave us that wonderful song, of which I may do tomorrow, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!

Michael Jackson is Hot Again

Folks, this is who I grew up listening to every morning on WDIA Radio Station in Memphis, Tennessee; Michael Jackson and the Jackson Five. I went to their concert at the Midsouth Coliseum in Memphis in the Third Grade and I guess Michael was like Ten years old at the time and killing us. I have always loved Michael Jackson and hated it when he was going through his "Challenges." My belief is just as the Jurors, "Innocent" on all ten accounts. If I like you, I like you regardless of what people say or what is the most poplar stance to take. That's for those of you who know me. If I'm your friend while you're up; I will be your friend when the odds and people are against you! Sadly, Michael left the States; the place where he felt that Americans had given up on him, and moved to London for rest, healing, sanity and all. The media has given us all kinds of stories about Michael like he's broke, deathly ill, whacko and all. They tell us that no one wants to see MJ in concert anymore....tell that to those people who brought tickets for his show that sold out in FOUR HOURS. Looks to me like SOMEONE wants to see him perform! Fans in London bought 750,000 tickets in Four hours to Michael Jackson's concerts at London's O2 Arena. Michael calls this the "The Final Curtain Call". Tickets are being offered for resale at a price of $35,000. I am so happy for him. We all know that he will have his ACT together. I just hope its on Video for us to have as a keepsake.. Make that money Michael... Live your life! Do your thing. We're not mad at you! Guess you know now that "Amazing Grace" isn't the only music that I like!

Toto, Our Cairn Terrier

The family and I have settled on a beautiful Cairn Terrier, Toto. Toto was born November 11th in Rushville, New York. He is a wonderful puppy; the Wizard of Oz Dog, remember? He's one of the easiest to train and most calm puppies I have ever had, and there have been many. Toto came from an Amish Family in Rushville who make a living selling Milk. It was a very interesting set up. The only work the family does is on the farm, the children are taught at home, they know nothing about school, they raise all the food that they eat saving flower, meal, sugar, and I think he may have said a few other things that they purchase from the store. Their transportation is solely the horse and buggy unless an emergency occurs and they need to get to a Rochester Hospital, then they "Hire Transportation." They are only around their kind, so they have a very different dialect from regular American people, and I tell you that to say that even the Toto had a very different kind of bark from regular puppies. Now that Toto has been in our home since shortly after Christmas, his bark has changed. He barks like a regular puppy! May sound crazy but its true. He's a very welcomed addition to the family and Yvonne likes him a whole lot more than she did the Chickens. Now dont believe everything she tells you about not liking my Chickens. Yvonne loves me so much until whatever I bring home, she falls in love with it. Once I had like 15 baby chicks born in the cooler part of the year in Tucson. I came home, Yvonne had the chicks in our bed, under cover "keeping them warm." LOL She loves what and who I love. Wonderful lady! I wish I had posted pictures of Toto earlier so you could have watched him grow.

Mount Vernon's Men's Day

Reverend Harmon Stockdale and the Mount Vernon Baptist Church of Rochester honored us with the priviledge of being their special guest in their Men's Day Celebration. It was just that! The house was packed, the Men of Mount Vernon presented wonderful music, sang greatly, the music was good, the fellowship was great. It was such a good chemistry with Stockdale and me and our churches. A Great Fellowship! Everybody was glad to be in service. Their theme was "Men of Wisdom and Understanding". I got it via email, text, and in the mail twice so I knew that I would need to speak on that subject. I once didn't speak on Church Themes, but now I figure if the scripture didn't mean anything to the Church then they wouldn't have chosen it! Duh! I had a funeral Saturday, my service Sunday Morning, a great dinner afterwards at the Cresent Beach Restaurant (Nice waterfront property; and good food. Yvonne and I have not seen that much water or any water in a place that we called home in over a decade) and traveling on the road for sixteen hours roundtrip drive and at the church by eight Sundy morning, It was a DAY. I was not nearly as long with Yesterday's sermon as normal. My fellowship line was as long yesterday as it was my first Sunday. NOT sure if they were glad we made it back from South Bend safely or glad the service wasnt long. Probably a combination. You think? I'm gonna try shorter sermons. You know it may really help if you dont give so much. People may be able to remember more and the more that is remembered, the more will be practiced. Oh, that's Deep! See, I can come up with Deep Stuff sometimes...Ok; here we go! Let's start Sunday and see how it goes... Above are some pictures taken from the Mount Vernon's Men's Day Service.

Anthony Pettus and Ray Owens

They were having a service here in South Bend last night with Anthony Pettus and Ray Owens preaching at Second Baptist Church in this service that's being taken across the country; like a tour or something. Ray Owens is the pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church in South Bend. Anthony Pettus is the former pastor of Macedonia and he currently pastors Greater Progressive Baptist Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana; easily one of the most progressive churches in the state of Indiana. Upon hearing of my Uncle Paul's passing and learning that I would be in the city; Ray Owens invited me to preach in the service with Anthony Pettus in his stead. I was really appreciative at the opportunity and here's why; Five of my six sisters would get to hear me, both Anthony's mother and my mother would see and hear their sons preach, my four Uncles, two Aunts and cousins from everywhere would be in the service. Pettus' relatives would be there as well. So it turns out to be like a reunion for Pettus and me. We appreciate Ray Owens, a man who is is secure in who he is but more importantly in whose he is. So of course I accepted the invitation and word got out that Anthony Pettus and I would be preaching. I have been preaching in South Bend for the last twenty years and this is one of the towns that once people know you and love the preacher, you're in. So last night the pastor and former pastor and one of the favorite sons of Macedonia Baptist Church, of South Bend, Indiana were in the pulpit at the same time. You could feel in the air how excited everyone was. Great night. Mount Olivet Baptist Chuch will meet Ray Owens and Anthony Pettus.

Family Talking it Out

Today feels like an eventful work day. I have been talking to people all day long, The only difference is; these people are Uncles and Aunts. It seems to me that they are getting the point, still hurting but realizing who is in charge of the services and coming to grips with it and planning to attend the services on tomorrow and I think it will be without drama and folks will be fine. You know sometimes people just have to get their oppinions out, and then they are fine. They are talking it out! I think most of the siblings have voiced their thoughts to others; certainly to me, and the opportunity to encourage has presented itself. Thank God for being the Guide in our life that He is. He always makes things out alright. While we're not out of the woods; It feels so much better now. Moma is here and she is incredibly calm with the matter. Often times as my mother goes (the oldest sibling) so goes the others. I'm going to try to get you a picture of the ten siblings together. Right now I'm on my way to a memorial meal and then to preach at the Second Baptist Church along with Anthony Pettis.

The Deep Love of Jesus

I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ. (Ephesians 3:17, 18) Who can fully grasp the dimensions of God’s great love for us? Scriptures teach that we are to have a growing awareness of divine love. Love is the very heart and essence of God, not only for the lovely but for the vilest of sinners. Christ did not die merely to display God’s love—He died because God is love (1 John 4:8). Becoming a Christian in a very real sense is simply putting ourselves in the way of being found by God—to stop running from His loving pursuit. As we mature in the Christian faith, we begin to realize that every situation that comes our way is an opportunity for God’s love to be made more evident in our lives. Once we realize this, our attitude changes dramatically toward suffering people as well as toward ourselves when we are called to suffer. Then even during those times when our spiritual fervor declines and our devotion to God subsides, despite these shortcomings, God’s love remains unfailing—continually working for our eternal good. Ask God to enlarge your understanding of His great love and the ability to share it with others.

Safe Arrival in South Bend

Hey yall, we want you to know that we had a wonderful eight hour drive to South Bend. Pulled out Thursday morning at four o'clock and at noon we were in South Bend. Only got pulled over once and that was for changing lanes without signal. Rishard spoke to the officer and it was funny how his mood changed, we didnt get a ticket or anything... That was good. When you're driving 90 West coming through Ohio, be careful. The Police are stationed like every two miles. We're at a hotel. You know when you have a young child that can sometimes be a bit much to put on folks, even family, so we typically do hotels for everyone's sake. Now pray for us because there is a little drama festering as a result of Uncle Paul's service being at the funeral home instead of his home church. The Jehovah Witness Aunt; "A Sweetheart" I might add, as far as I know too, I might add, will not submit to the wishes of Uncle Paul's ten siblings and take the service to the Church. Neither is Uncle Paul's minister invited to have words at the service or any of the siblings' Pastors who live in South Bend and know Uncle Paul well allowed or asked to have words on behalf of the family! Thus, who is the minister that can speak on behalf of the family? Yeap, you got it. Now listen, while I understand the wishes of Uncle Paul's siblings, and I totally agree and wish as they are wishing, Uncle Paul's wife is in charge. I dont want and will not violate her rights, but given the opportunity to speak on behalf of Uncle Paul's "Jesus the Risen Savior Family" then I will. I think the most hurtful part for the siblings is that Uncle Paul has told each of them including his wife that he wanted his service at his church and not a Kingdom Hall service. He was vehemently opposed to that! I will visit my Aunt-in-law later today, and dont want the siblings to feel that I'm betraying them.....If you ask why I'm sharing this then I will tell you. I think its important for all of us to know that we're not in our situations alone. Many folks look at the person(s) in leadership roles, high places, etc. and think they are exempt from the norms of this world. It's just that, normal disfunctional acts that happens with many families. The abnormal is when there is no drama. God is yet in control. I will speak tomorrow in the service, I will encourage Uncle Paul's wife as well as Uncle Paul's siblings. Not sure if healing will take place; as a matter of fact I'm sure that if it does, it wont be tomorrow. I'll try to get back to you before leaving here. On my way to meet my four remaining Uncles to help with another dramatic area before the service time. See ya!

Heading to South Bend

Yvonne and I are up now. Its a little after 3:00am on Thursday morning. The truck is about to be loaded; not much stuff considering its a turn-around trip but what bit we have will be loaded shortly and the goal is to pull out in the next 30 to 45 minutes. I know my Mount Olivet Family and friends abroad are praying for our safe travel and I want you to know that your prayers and love are needed and appreciated. Mount Olivet has shown us so much love from day one, so its not surprizing that as we approach Uncle Paul's Funeral that my church family would show us even more love. This drive is scheduled for eight hours according to the GPS. I love that thing. It tells you how long the trip and what time you should arrive. I always wondered how pilots could tell you the estimated arrival time and get it almost on the minute; The GPS. We will drive Interstate 90, West I guess because we go through Buffalo and its supposed to take us all the way to South Bend's toll road. I am rested and so is Yvonne. She and Rishard will sleep until daylight. I'm generally good for about five hours before stopping. One stop and we're there if everything goes as planned. The truck has new tires, tire-rod ends, wheel barrens, and a cuple othere new parts. This Rochester Winter put a whipping on the truck and my pocket. Uncle Paul is married to a Jehovah's Witness and she has decided not to have the funeral at his church but at the funeral home so that she can attend. Oh well. It's her husband, and her decision. My life is so drama free. Learn to go with flows and not get bent out of shape over stuff. You know! Pray for us! And I'll talk to you in South Bend.

The Lord is Our Shepherd

Folks why dont we have a little devotion together sometimes. It's hard out here and the only way that we can make it from day to day is through prayer by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. For scripture lets try Isaiah 30:21 "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, 'This is the way; walk in it" Amen. One of the characteristics of the relationship that exist between a shepherd and his flock is that sheep can always distinguish the voice of thier particular shepherd. The sheep's responsibility is simply to listen and follow. As Christians, we worshp and acknowledge God as our Creator and Redeemer. But how comforting it is to realize that this same great God is also "Our Shepherd." In times of stress, we can rest securely in His strong arms. Death's dark vale need not be feard since death to the believer is simply a release to God's eternal home. Be sensitive to God's inner voice with directions for you life. Determine to follow whatever He indicates. Abandon yourself to His divine guidance. Sing as you go-

Alabama Shooting Rampage

A gunman on a terrifying rampage across two southern Alabama counties killed at least nine people Tuesday, including members of his own family and apparent strangers, and burned down his mother's home before shooting himself at a metals plant. The afternoon of bloodshed began in Kinston, near the Alabama-Florida border, where the shooter burned down his mother's house. He killed his granny and granddaddy and aunt and uncle. The towns of Geneva and Samson are near the Florida border in southeast Alabama. Geneva's population is about 4,400 and Samson, 2,000. The victims are dead and the assailant is dead but their families are left undoubtedly traumatized. Please lets keep the families of all of these ten people in prayer and be careful each day to pray for the minds and hearts and conditions of even people whom we do not know. My heart aches in this situation.

The Strangest Thing

I was the last one to leave Church tonight along with a couple who walked out of the door for me to turn off the lights and set the alarm. I did just that; turned off ALL of the lights and set the ALARM. While standing outside of the Church talking, all of the lights in the Church came on. I'm like, I know that I turned the lights off. All up stairs lights came on. I'm like, OK Holy Ghost, I dont know what tomorrow will bring, but I'm not going back in to see what's going on! Im out! Called someone to tell them what happened, they suggested that it may have been Jesus. It may have been, and if it was, I hope He turns the lights out when He's done doing whatever He was doing.

Daylight Savings Time

This is so new to me. For the last ten years in Tucson, the State of Arizona did not change times. Sunday was absolutely crazy. One because of my Saturday. I worked most of the day, went to the gym, then to dinner with a great couple from our church. I learned that this was the first double date that this couple had been on in the more than twenty plus years that they have been together. How special it was for Yvonne and I to be their first double date. After dinner we went to the Hoshstein Performance Hall to hear the Morgan State University Choir. I hope that my nodding in the place, didn't upset them (oh we decided upon honesty right) I was full blown sleep in the Performance Hall; that is until this Brother Nathan Carter comes up to the microphone and begin to sing "If I Can Help Somebody" Oh my Gosh... He sounded like no other singer in the world. The Best kept secret ever. I mean ever. Then I was pretty much awake, I thought from that point on, but for some reason Yvonne and our companion couple were up putting on coats, and walking out, and I'm like, "But its not over." I hate to get a good sleep going and then folks talk about lets go! Oh, but my point is, I got home late, looked over my message, laid down for a minute and it was time to get up. Nobody told me to change the clock, but like Tucson, you feel the difference. I could not get going, my regular programming on the radio was not there, the Bobby Jones show was on for the first time, I'm like "Whats going on." Then I get a text from a couple of my Brothers at Church asking if I set the clock, If I was ok, or what, because I wasn't at church when they got there and thats never the case. I'm always there before these guys. Well now we are on that full blown Eastern Time and its great! It's fast but my body will catch up to it as it has everything else here on the East Coast and be fine. I have to tell you about a situation with a Church that called me before Mount Olivet did.....Stay tuned to my Blog... This is really a trip! Don't let me forget to tell you! Gotta get Rishard to school otherwise I would tell you now!

Lent Season Commitment

I just wanted to let you know quickly that this is like the second weekend since Lent began and I have held fast to the no bread no meat commitment. Honestly, more of this is physical than spiritual. Ok.. If you dont want honesty then dont read my Blog. I was getting embarrassed at the weight that I had gained over the last couple of months. This gave me a good opportuntity and reason to take control of what was turning out to be a bad situation. Its a terrible thing to try on three or four suits on Sundays because they are too tight. Well, this Sunday I was able to reach back into the closet because of having lost right at ten pounds. This week I hope to go at it hard and strong. Working out daily, sometimes twice (home and gym) and lots of Grapefruits, oatmeal, lima beans, and I think I will stop and get like six or eight bunches of turnip greens...Cook them and eat on them as long as they last! Yes mam; I can cook very well! Good members of Mount Olivet.... I think you're doing it on purpose.. No more Breads and Cakes... I have a freezer full of your Breads. Oh, no way I'm giving it away! It's the Best Breads EVER. That's the Problem. Some of my members keep saying they're going to fatten me up... "Hast thou not heard; hast thou not seen; I'm already fattened!" Smile...

Passion of Christ Services.

The following Pastors and I meet for breakfast regularly and agreed upon a joint Series of Services leading up to Resurrection Sunday. The first service has passed and it was at Memorial AME Zion Church, packed and on Ash Wednesday as well. The next services are listed. Join us if you can; pray for us either way!

March 11, 7:00pm
First Mid-Lent worship - Baber A.M.E. Church,
Rev. Fred Johnson, Speaking
April 1, 7:00pm
Second Mid-Lent worship - First Genesis Baptist Church,
Rev. Rickey Harvey, Speaking
April 5, 5:00pm
Palm Sunday Services, Easter Program Mount Olivet Baptist Church
Sunday School Department
April 9, 7:00pm
Maundy Thursday
Mt. Olivet Baptist Church, Rev. Kenneth Q. James, Speaking
April 10, 7:00pm
Baber A.M.E. Church, "7 Last Words of Christ" Speakers:
1 Weldon Thomas, 2 Kenneth Q. James, 3 Patty Lark, 4 Arthur Dilbert
5 Marlowe Washington, 6 Rickey Harvey, 7 Fred Johnson
April 12, 6:00am
Easter Sunrise - New Bethel C.M.E. Church,
Rev. Johnny Harris, preaching

Circle No Longer UnBroken

In these photos you see my Mother and Grandmother. I told you that my mother is the oldest of eleven and from that eleven there are thirty-five grandchildren of which I'm in that number and from us there are almost fifty great-grands and maybe a dozen great-great-grands. My ninety-seven year old Grandmother is doing very well as far as we can tell. She has been so sick so many times and the Lord has always raised her. We know God has been very good to Moma Louise, and to us for allowing her to be in our lives and to still know all of us. Well she knows those of us that she helped raised. She doesn't know Rishard, (My 4 year old) but she knows Ricketa, Rico and Rickey Jr very well. So she knows the ones who were around when she was really up in body, mind, spirit and heart. Well, the circle in our family was broken last night! Uncle Paul Died. There is just no such thing as being ready; even with Doctor's forewarned notice. You dont get ready for a loved one to pass. You think that you do and you think that it wont hurt because you have had some prep time, but it hurts. My family is blessed. Blessed in so many ways and I dont mean monetarily, but I mean spiritually. Its a family who loves God. No jail birds, (got a couple in the family who stay in and out of jail, but this is not a jail loving family) You know what I mean. Nobody on crack or cocaine to my knowledge. Most of the family are working in Church somewhere around the country. Now, the Circle is Broken. I will be joining my Mother and siblings in South Bend, Indiana later this week for Uncle Paul's funeral. I think this will be a tough one because while we are used to being there for so many other families in bereavement; our family is not used to bereavement. Are we any special from other families, Absolutely not!!! God has just been good to the family. Not a lot of sickness, nobody shot, cut, beat-up, or death in the past decade or more and now in these later years, and rightfully so; We're beginning to experience what other families experience. A Stroke here and there, Cancer, Diabetes, and now death! All families must look to the hills from whence cometh our help, Our help comes from the Lord who made the Heavens and the Earth. I'm glad that I have you to share with! Maybe you should consider your own Blog. I may have rambled in this one, but Thanks for praying for my Uncle Paul and thank you for listening!

Easy Home Workouts

Here are some simple exercises you can do to start with. Cardiovascular Exercises:
Walking
Walking is the simplest, cheapest and easiest form of cardiovascular exercise. It is the best starting point for anyone who is just starting to exercise. It is very low impact and is extremely convenient. Start slowly, then gradually work up to walking longer and faster. Finding a walking partner can help keep you motivated.
Jogging/Running
This is a step up from walking. It is harder and puts more impact and stress on the body. If you are just starting an exercise program, work through fast walking before moving up to jogging.
Cycling
Riding a bike is an excellent, no-impact form of cardio. Be sure to follow the rules of the road and ALWAYS wear a helmet.
Chest - Wall Push-Ups
Stand facing a wall with your feet about 1 to 2 feet back from it. Place your hands on the wall just outside shoulder-width apart. Bending only at the elbows, lower yourself forward towards the wall then push yourself away from it. Keep your body stiff and straight during the movement.
Back - Standing Rows
These are done from a standing position. Loop a towel around a vertical pole or column or another fixed object so that the ends of the towel are pointing towards you and the towel is wrapped around the far side of the pole. Have your feet close up to the pole and lean back gripping on the ends of the towel and keeping your body stiff and straight. Row yourself up with both arms. Keep your back arched and row with your back.
Shoulders - Presses
Use something around the house for weight, e.g. soup cans or milk jugs with water in them. From a seated or standing position, hold the weights just above your shoulders. Push them up overhead slowly.
Legs - Squats
Place your feet about shoulder width apart. Keeping your torso vertical and a slight arch in your lower back, start the movement by bending the knees. Go only as far down as you feel comfortable when first starting out. If you can go down until your thighs are just below parallel, do so. This is the full range goal. Using leg power, push yourself back up to the start position. Use your grip on the bar only for balance unless you absolutely need to pull yourself up. As you get stronger with squats, don't use the bar anymore. When you can do good, full-range reps without the bar, you can start using weight. For weight, use two duffel bags (evenly loaded) or two milk jugs, etc. Hold them at your sides and squat.
Abdominals - Crunches
Lie down flat on your back with your knees bent and your feet on the floor. Hold your hands wherever you feel comfortable (on your chest or beside your head - just be sure you don't pull on your head). The typical crunch is taught by instructing you to simply roll your upper torso forward. This is fine to start with. To increase the effectiveness of the crunch movement, push your chest and head up towards the ceiling pushing your lower back flat onto the floor. Your anatomy will automatically cause you to follow a crunching pattern.
Hold at the top of the movement for a second and squeeze hard.
Biceps - Curls
Stand with your knees slightly bent, arms at your sides, holding your resistance bags or two dumbells in your hands. The curl movement happens only at the elbow. With your upper arm pinned at your side and bending only at the elbow, lift the weight up to shoulder level. Your palm should be facing forward all the way up and all the way down. Squeeze hard at the top then lower slowly. Do the same with the other arm, alternating back and forth.
Admittedly, these exercises may not be easy, and some of them I dont do myself, but do the ones you can, or make up your exercises. Do something that helps get that heart to pumping, and for crying out loud, you dont have to have a sausage, egg, toast breakfast every morning.

Some Things We Control Ourselves

This Blog may be in total contradiction to a previously posted one which speaks to God having everything in control. While He does, yet He doesn't control everything. Like the things we eat, how much and how many times; that's up to you! I had like lost it upon arriving in Rochester. Folks at Mount Olivet are great cooks as are the people in Memphis and Tucson and at one point I thought they were out to prove to me how good they cook or prepare food, but later I learned that good food is simply a part of the ministry. Now if you have any concern about your weight, size, shape, etc.. then you have to take control of things. I dont say that to mean Vanity; rather to mean concern with your health. Most folks with high blood pressure, diabetes, headaches, shortness of breath, fatigue, etc would find some relief if they would simply change their eating habits. Listen folks; I dont care how good ham hocks and chitterlings and neckbones and potroast and ribs and BBQ Shoulder or pulled pork (as folks of late have started calling it) Corn bread, carbs (baked potatoes, white bread, waffles, pancakes) are, they just aren't good for you! It's not good inside nor out. It makes you feel bad and Lord only knows how you're looking these days with the extra poundage... LOL Look at yourself! How do you feel? Are you glad you gorged down then entire plate of food? No you're not! And some of this is not our fault. We would get whippings for not cleaning our plates, or in the words of Tyler Perry "cleanting our plates." Folks when you're full, stop eating. It doesnt matter how much steak, or chicken or sausage is left on your plate, STOP EATING once you're full... You will find yourself feeling so much better over the meal you just ate and over how you feel physically! Food to the body is like gas to the car, its supposed to make you GO not stop you from GOING...While I may not be an Authority on this matter, Good Common Sense which is not common when it comes to eating and exercising, but it works all day if you listen. Act like this is coming from an Authority and do better about yourself at the table and with some type of exercise as I am! I want you to be around when I get turn 110. Smile.

God Has it All In Control

I have received numerous calls over the past 24 hours concerning my Mother's Brother, Uncle Paul. He has been ill for quite some time. He has suffered with liver disease (go figure) and a number of other physical issues. God has spared his life many times as He has yours and mine of course. However, with Uncle Paul, he has had some really really sick days and then he would get up from his sick bed and do well for long periods of time. The phone rang yesterday to inform me that Uncle Paul had a stroke, obviously a major one, and the doctors have given him four weeks to live. Many of the members of family have seen Uncle Paul so close and yet pull out so many times until only a few have accepted the Doctors report. Personally, I have encouraged each person and continue to encourage family in knowing that God Has it All in Control. I know too that it is appointed unto man to die, you, me, and every man that walketh upon the face of Earth who will not be caught up in the Rapture will die. To that end, its still not easy when your loved ones are ill, are hurting, in trouble, or threatned by death! I continue to pray to to God that His will is done, and that the entire Willis Family will have the strength to accept God's will as just that; God's will. Your prayers for my Mother's family are appreciated. By the way, I failed to mention that My Grandmother; Moma Louise is 97 years old and doing pretty well and all of her eleven children are alive and doing very well saving Uncle Paul. God is a wonderful God!

Our Friend the Holy Spirit

10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
The Holy Spirit is our Friend, He is our Support, He is our Refuge, very present Help; There is always more of God than we can understand. We have an innate hunger, an inborn, instinctive, inherent, intrinsic hunger for something that only the "Comforter" satisfies. Something that only the Supernatural can satisfy.The enemy goes to great effort to deceive, distract, and destroy the Spirit within the people of God. He doesn't want you to believe that "though you walk through the valley of death, the Lord is with you, His rod and staff, Comforts you!
The most common name is the Spirit of God.
Older English translations used the phrase Holy Ghost.
This wording conjures up images of Casper and spooks. Some origins of the word relate it to our word “guest,” and unseen guest. So the Holy Spirit is also your Holy Guest.They all are related terms for breath, breathing, breeze, or wind. Ghost came from older terms related to words like gasp. For the ancients, breathe meant life.
When a person stopped breathing, he died. Wind meant power and strength. When they sought a term for something powerful and invisible and beyond what they could control or explain, they often used this term we call spirit. It could be the spirit of man, and evil spirit, or the powerful wind of a cyclone. They didn’t mean that all of these were the same thing, simply that these were invisible mysteries.John 3:5-8 Jesus mingled these concepts in his figure of speech to Nicodemus: I tell you the truth; no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. Marvel not that I say unto thee, you must be born again. The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God—the unseen, the personal, the powerful presence of the Holy God of the Universe.It is not enough to worship God as we conceive him, or imagine him, or wish him to be. He is real; he is the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. He is not, as Plato said of the Greek gods, our own shadows projected on the wall of the cave by the campfire. No! God is God. The God of the Old Testament was not one God, and then the God of Jesus developed, and then later the God of Pentecost, another God. The God we serve is not a God who is way off somewhere, inaccessible, esoteric, unavailable, unreachable, .
He is Real and He is Near!
He is True, He is Authentic,
He is a Fact, He is Eternal,
He is Everlasting, He is Timeless,
He is Faithful, He is Powerful,
He is Robust, He is Mighty,
He is Distinguished, He is Enormous,
He is Stately, He is Notable,
He is Lord of Lord,
He is King of Kings,
Thou alone art most high, and the most powerful,
Thou alone most sufficient and most full,
Thou alone most sweet and most full of consolation.
Thou alone are most lovely and the most loving,
Thou alone most noble and glorious above all things;
He is the Spirit of God. He is the Spirit of Jesus.
Romans 8:9, he says that anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not know Christ. Romans 8:11 links the Holy Spirit with the resurrection power of Jesus.
To know the Holy Spirit is to know Jesus,
To know Jesus is to know the Holy Spirit.
Jesus says, I will not leave you comfortless.
Jesus says, I will not leave you desolate, barren, bleak, deserted, depressed, grim, gloomy,
You're not orphans. He didn’t live, die and go away to abandon you. You are not on our own, You're not forsaken, You're not left behind, forgotten about,
You're not unloved, Jesus loves me, Jesus Love you, Yes Jesus Love me, for the Bible tells me so, Little ones to him....
You're not uncared for,

You're not by yourself, I have seen the lightening flashing, I have heard the thunder roll, I've felt sin breakers dashing, trying to conquer my soul, I heard the voice of Jesus saying, Fight on....
You're not without a Friend, What a Friend we have in Jesus, the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, What a privilege it is to carry, Everything to God in prayer. Oh what peace we often forfeit, oh what needless pains we bare, all because we do not carry everything to the Lord in prayer..You're not left alone, Never alone, Never alone, I don't have to worry, I'm never alone, He walks beside me, All the way, He guides my footsteps, Every day, And let me tell you, Never again, Will I be insecure anymore, Because Ye though I walk, through the valley of the shadow of death, The Lord is with me, Thy Rod, Thy Staff, They Comforts me....
Thank God, for His Spirit,
The Spirit of God is personal,
The Spirit of God is powerful,
The Spirit of God is the presence of the Living God working in
and working through us.
The Holy Spirit sanctifies us,
The Holy Spirit purifies us,
The Holy Spirit justifies us,
And every once in a while,
I tell him, breath on me,
Breath on me,
Breath on me,
Breath on me,

Church was Packed

We had an amazing day today. When I say Church was packed; while the pews were full, I speak not in terms of numbers only! The Holy Spirit packed Mount Olivet Baptist Church from start to finish. You can have a crowd without the Holy Spirit and you have nothing, but Lord when God's people get together and God's Spirit move in the midst, Mercy Lord!!!!! Packed is when "He who is able to keep us from falling, pays you a visit!" I knew when I walked into the building early Sunday morning that it was going to be a different kind of experience and possibly a first time experience on that order since I had been here. Listen to the services of the Mount Olivet Church by way of the World Wide Web at the following site http://www.mt-olivetbaptistchurch.org/MessageShare/WeeklySermons.htm then you will notice that there was no "Children's Moment" today; at least not as we have typically known it to be. Today the children did a "Black History" piece entitled, "If There Were No Black People In the World" and Yall, it was remarkable. These kids were super, they had their parts, none of them were shy, they lined across the entire pulpit and gave their speeches like they were Pros, (most of them) and ultimately made their leaders, their parents, their church family and pastor very proud. At Singing time, the choir reached back and got a couple of numbers, Wade Davis and Audrey Davidson were the lead singers and they were in the Spirit and backed by the Sanctuary Choir who was filled and moved and there it was. This is one of those days... The Anointing fell up in that place today. Point being, God is always good and always worthy to be Praised.