LindarInsights: 2013

Fusian~ Hyde Park

Over the holidays my son & I visited Fusian in Hyde Park. We're new to eating sushi but we know what we like, smoked salmon. Fusian puts one in the mind of Chipotle. It was open, peaceful and you get to select what you want in your sushi roll.

And you can call in your order for pick up. Nice!!!! As I try to move to become a more cleaner eater I'm glad I've found another restaurant that supports that.

Visit Fusian

Tis The Season To Shred & Remove The Clutter

I've been on the path to declutter my life. By getting rid of items that clutter your space you're also creating a healthy mind. Why not begin the year with nicely organized spaces?

Since summer I've been pulling stuff out of the garage, closets and corners. We sort through it. It's then either thrown away, given away or organized very neatly. No, I haven't done it alone. There's no way I could have. I needed someone who had no connection to my stuff.

Those guys are Heaven Scent. They came up with the idea to help people organize their homes hence organizing their lives. So if you come to my home and you see a clutter free area or a really organized closet or bookcase it was probably a Heaven Scent production.

I have a way to go but I'm so glad I've started the process. The next two days I'll be shredding and filling up recycle bins and garbage cans. It actually feels good letting go of stuff that has no place in my home.

Wow!!! Two cars can now fit in the garage.

Awaited 2013 ~ Crossroads Oakley

Imagine sitting at your computer waiting for 4pm to log on to a site to get tickets to attend a play. Then imagine waiting 90 minutes to obtain those tickets. That was me on November 30 when Awaited tickets became available. And guess what? The tickets were free.

Awaited is Crossroads very creative interpretation of the birth of Christ. I first saw it two years ago and over the years since I didn't fair well in the ticket area. This year I was ready. So was Awaited worth the hassle? Let's see:

-Kettle corn

-Hot cocoa

-A beautifully decorated atrium that reminds me of being a little girl visiting Shillitos, in downtown Cincinnati.

-A play that is so amazing and the best part is the snow falling, no it's the singing of O Come All Ye Faithful...... It's so many beautiful things. And yes it's worth it. Everyone should attend at least once. For me I'll attempt attending once a year.

I awaited for this moment. Happy Holidays!!!

Galatians 6:9

Mom gets a new stove and catches the holy ghost

Hebrews 12:11

No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11

Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!!

May your Christmas Day be filled with peace & love. For God is love.

About That Last Post.....God Hears Us

After I wrote the last post I received several responses one being, "Yeah, I know that feeling." Another one was from my cousin, " I GOT YOUR HOLIDAY FUNK!! THAT TREE IN THE BASEMENT GRRRRRR".

She's been trying to get that tree to me for weeks. Well after church on Sunday we venture out to go and get it. Initially when I see the tree my first thought was, that box is big. Then I hear, y'all need the ornaments too. Ugh!!!!

This is a true story now. My older son and I take the tree home, get it in the house and......we took a nap.

Hours later my younger son comes home and sees the box and yells out "Christmas tree!!!" He begins to open the box and get all excited. I did mention it was nap time right? I couldn't yell at him for being excited about Christmas. Well, I could have but it would have been just wrong of me.

So my son and I get up and put the tree together. We decorate it and turn on the fire place. I tape Christmas cards to the mantle and tidy up the living room. We send out emails and text messages of the tree.

The look on my son's face was so happy and content. He told me now we need cookies, presents and company. Whoa!!! Hold on. Now he needs a nap. Lol

Thanks Lora aka Loopy for our beautiful tree.

Probably the biggest lesson learned is that God hears us. He desires to bless us. God wants us to ask for those things that He wants to give us. Even a restoration of holiday cheer. Right as I'm writing this I receive a text from a friend that I've not seen in years. "Can we stop by tomorrow?" Hmmm.... I'd need to buy some cookies and cocoa. Merry Christmas!!!!!!!!

1 John 5:14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us.

Holiday Funk

It's 5 days til Christmas and our home is not illuminated with holiday lights. The tree is nicely decorated in its box. No Christmas cards have been purchased. Shopping? **crickets**

Fortunately my sister has all of that together so that when we visit I kinda feel somewhat festive. Then I go home and Bam! Nothing. Nap time.

I know Jesus is the reason for the season. I know He loves me. I know He has plans for me. I'm just in this funk and I can't seem to shake it.

As we are traveling on the Interstate this evening Jesus speaks to me. He says, "Arlinda, I know things are not as you want them but think about something for me. Think about the many parents who don't have their children to shop for and love on this season. Everytime you get down think about SandyHook. Think about grieving parents in Chicago and DC. Pray for those families. Pray that God will strengthen and keep them during this holiday season."

After that talk, I went to my sister's home. We had cookies and punch. December birthdays were celebrated. I took the family pic. I looked at that picture and saw the happiness of the people surrounded by the decorated Christmas tree.

Lord, please take this feeling away. Get me out of this funk so that I can celebrate the birth of Christ in a manner that is pleasing to Him. Bless those who are going through similar situations. Let them know that you knew of our lives in eternity. Bless those who have experienced loss and are struggling with grief. May we all stay in Your will and continue to trust in Your word.

In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Anybody's Daughter by Pamela Samuels Young

Anybody's Daughter

Donald Lawrence - The Gift

Romans 8:28

Hezekiah Walker New Video "Every Praise"

The Empowerment Encounter with Pastor Jamal-Harrison Bryant

Da'dra Crawford Greathouse ~ Arms Wide Open Official EPK

Mark Robinson at Back To Worship III

Da'dra Crawford Greathouse Releases ~ Arms Wide Open

Da'dra Crawford is one of the co-founders of the multiple award winning group Anointed. She currently serves as one of the worship leaders at Lakewood Church under Pastors Joel & Victoria Osteen.

Listen to Da'dra discuss Arms Wide Open on YouTube

Purchase Arms Wide Open on iTunes, Amazon & Google Play

Sitting On The Passenger Side

I'm sitting at my desk yesterday and I could spit nails. It all started with one of my girlfriends sending me the small straws in the soft wind for the day. It spoke of having a solid building and a good foundation but the inside is messed up from being ravaged by storms and it needed to be remodeled on the inside.

I'm mad at her faithfulness of sending these emails. Every morning? Every morning! What has me a bit on edge is a recent encounter. Ok. Ok. It was the day before. I met up with a friend after deciding to say "Yes" to meeting with him. He had asked twice but I have a lot of "No's" in my spirit. If you read this please forgive me. It's not personal rather internal.

So we met up and had a really nice conversation. I haven't seen him in years and it was really cool. He's always been so cute to me. It was nice to see him in person, distinguished gray hair and all. He's such an intellectual and very open. We chatted it up for a while. I wasn't as standoffish as I thought I would be. He doesn't know this, I guess he will now, but I was nervous about seeing him. I was even tempted to provide a disclaimer prior to meeting. I'm a pro at throwing up security walls.

Commenting and inboxing on social media is one thing for me. Direct communication with others, especially men, not in my direct circle is very rare for me. Even if you know me a little bit. It's complicated.

Now when the conversation is over I'm like "Yay! I did it." After reading my friend's email I'm like "No, you didn't. He shared with you openly things he didn't necessarily have to." I was surface. I was safe. After reading the email again on rebuilding and restoring I heard the voice of my friend I met with. That voice said, "Who do you trust to share your brokenness with?"

That's where my "I could spit nails" moment came into play. On the surface I'm good but it took an email and a childhood friend to shake me up about what's going on within me. In that same conversation he and I discussed why I don't mind my son driving my vehicle so much. It's because I want to sit more where my friend shared his life with me. On the passenger side.

There are days that I want to take the cape off. I wasn't created to be Superwoman. Rather just a woman. Sigh.......

SMALL STRAWS IN A SOFT WIND by MARSHA BURNS:

I saw a house that had been ravaged by storms. The outside structure was still intact and the foundation was firm, but the inside of the house needed to be completely restored. I then saw builders come in and tear out all that had been damaged and construct a new and better interior. It was beautiful and so much better than what had been destroyed. And, the Lord said: There has been much chaos and destruction that has challenged your very existence in some cases. But, I have allowed this for the sake of establishing strength and order in every area of your life.

Pastor Jamal Harrison Bryant ~ Save Our Sons

Do our boys matter? In a time when African American boys are being incarcerated and murdered at alarming rates one pastor has boldly proclaimed that it's time to Save Our Sons.

Imagine for a moment watching cable television about 12 or 13 years ago and seeing a pastor preach about how we pay more to foreigners to get our hair and nails than we do for tithes and offerings. That is how I was introduced to the ministry of Pastor Jamal H Bryant of Empowerment Temple. He captured my attention with his ability to display the fact that he's well educated and from a family of incredible leaders but also that he's not far removed from what's going on in our communities.

Nearly every Sunday morning I get up to watch the 7:30 Service on my iPhone. Yes, there's an app for that.

What has garnered my attention about the Save Our Sons series is that I'm a mother of two sons, who I know will face tremendous obstacles in life. I recall being pulled over when my son was a junior in high school. I was prepared to give my information, I was the driver. To our surprise the officer demanded my son's ID because he "fit the description".

In this series Pastor Jamal is dealing with some real issues that every parent, educator and members of the community can identify with. Over identifying for Special Education services, the School to Prison Pipeline, high rates of incarceration and the ratio of low African American males on college campuses but they make up the highest percents on the football and basketball teams.

This morning I did something that's rare for me but I found it to be necessary. I watched all three services. The first service was entitled He Gotta Count For Something from Psalm 23:1. Pastor Jamal gave us the four seasons of sheep. The second service was entitled The Game Done Changed from I Samuel 17:41-45. He discussed how David was able to stand his ground against his enemy and not only defeat him but kill him with the sword intended for his own demise.

Now that last sermon was one for the records. It was entitled It's Music To My Ears coming from Exodus 32:14-20. Pastor Jamal gave a back drop to the struggle of our ancestors and the music that was birthed from it. From slave ships to water hoses, our people gave us music of hope and determination. Yet now if you turn on the radio we hear young men calling each other n..... Women are referred to names not given by their parents.

He even played some of the music, It's Levels To This, and recited the lyrics which to some may have been horrific though without a doubt necessary. In our era of "keeping it real" Pastor Jamal suggests that we look in our mirrors and clean it up. He later stated "You know all the words to Holy Grail but can't recite the 23rd Psalm". How true.

I can add to this as an educator. Our boys know and play the latest video games. They recite the lyrics to every popular rap song. Ask some of them to solve for an unknown variable or write a two paragraph response to an article. You would be suprised and saddened at the various and/or lack of responses.

My prayer for Pastor Jamal's Save Our Sons series is that those who have heard it will purchase it and share it with boys across the country and have real discussions. We can't have any more of our men in the season 2 of the sheep. A rut.

Thanks Pastor Jamal H Bryant for being that empowering and informative voice.

David Crowder*Band - How He Loves (Official Music Video)

New Hezekiah Walker Song -Every Praise

Women's Worship Encounter 2013 ~ Cincinnati, OH

Hello Ladies,

I just want to take a moment to invite you to the Women's Worship Encounter 2013, being held on November 9 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Blue Ash, OH.

Everyone, involved in planning, is so excited about how God is moving & providing. The goal for the women attending the encounter is to 1) simply worship in their own way & 2) to leave with a deeper connection with God.

I would encourage you to read about Hanna in I Samuel 1:1-20. Hanna was so desperate for God to bless her with a child & as she prayed from her heart someone assumed otherwise. Maybe you've been in that position also where you were going through something but others assumed another thing about you. I know I have and sometimes it didn't feel good.

Continue to stay in your Bible, to pray & to stay encouraged. We are excited about meeting you on November 9 for an incredible worship experience. If you dance in the Spirit, pray in tongues or whatever you do to connect with God...you are free to worship!)

You can find out more information on our Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/events/189166014597727/ or contact Arlinda at lindarinsights@gmail.com

In His Will

Arlinda

8/28/13 ~ God's Promise, It Works Together

So today, I'm a little flustered. Somethings ain't, yep I used that word, particularly warm and fuzzy here lately. Though I stay encouraged, I know God has placed me here. I walk down to the end of the hall and I'm in a coworkers room and while I'm talking about defeat I look on his board and I see the date, 8/28/13.

Wow! Wow! Wow! Last night I was just studying about the #13 and how it means God's promise. And there's not enough that can be said about 8:28 in the book of Romans. When I realize what I'm seeing, I look on the next board. What does it say? Same thing. 8/28/13.

My interpretation of 8/28/13. God's promise is that He'll work all things out for my good. I love Him. I've been called. My God is so awesome in that He brings me to the end of the hall in a weary state and restores me with a double message from Him.

Then add to that, the remaining pieces of a vision God gave me came together on today, on 8/28. People can say what they want about me but it's not what it seems.

My pastor spoke a word to us on Sunday from Psalm 23:1 and today I can truly say the Lord is my shepherd & I ain't worried about nothing.

J.Fraze ~ Upcoming #SoulMusiq Ministry Dates

August 31 ~ Worship Unplugged at The Wade, Bluefield, WV

Sept 6 ~ The Spot, Richmond, IN 8pm

Sept 7 ~ Fifth Christian Church 3pm

The Pharmacy 8pm

(Both events are in Cincinnati, OH)

Sept 21 ~ Mt. Hope Jubilee Concert, TBA, Mt. Hope WV

For booking contact booking@beechstrecords.com

Follow J. Fraze on Social Media

Twitter: @JFraze

Facebook: J.Fraze

Fifth Christian Church (Cincinnati,Ohio) Presents J.Fraze Live on September 7

Come out to Fifth Christian Church at 3pm on Saturday September 7th. Christian R&B artist J.Fraze, coming off the heels of his 2nd release #SoulMusiq, will be ministering live.

Not only is J.Fraze anointed but he delivers a powerful message about his journey to having no joy as a boy in the hills of West Virginia to a powerful man bringing forth the Word of The Lord.

Follow J. Fraze on Social Media

Twitter: @JFraze

Facebook: J.Fraze

Fifth Christian Church

3203 Wold Avenue

Cincinnati, Ohio 45207

513.221.0577

R&B Divas LA ~ Kelly Price, Last Night"s Episode...Disappointing

So last night I tuned into TVOne to watch R&B Divas LA. Mainly at my friend's, Stephanie, urging. Rarely do I watch reality television shows, they tend to make me feel some kind of way. I’ve watched a few episodes of R&B Divas LA. I like the women on there. Their music has been a back drop for my college years and for several of my relationships. When I saw who was going to be on the show I was like, “Ok. I’ll watch.” Now after last night’s episode I’m thinking, “Maybe I won’t watch anymore.” To be honest I can just follow on Twitter, where fans of Kelly Price have been very upset at her attitude and treatment of the women on the show. Well…not Dawn. That’s a whole other set of thoughts though.

I think what bothered me was how Kelly constantly throws up the fact that she’s busy. We know! We know! We get it. You can’t be everywhere the group is because you’re so busy. Yet, you’re not too busy to always let us know how busy you are. You’re not too busy to make attempts of making others feel bad because they are not as busy as you are. Yes, the Not Your Momma Monologues was your idea. Yes, you brought that idea to the table and the women were all excited to participate. Now when it comes to the planning and the direction guess what? Kelly Price is too busy. So they go and find someone to assist them, Mr. Fred (he seemed like a professional and mild person), and you dismiss him and treat him like he is less than you. I’ve read where you believe that the show’s editing is putting you in a negative light. Last night, those were your words. Your actions. Twitter was filled all night with fans who were disappointed, not in the show. Rather they were disappointed in Kelly Price.

Did your team not read the Tweets last night? Did you not feel in any way that something was not right last night? Did your close friends text you? Call you? Someone had to tell you the Kelly Price train was crashing.

Is the next step for you to go on Fix My Life? Ms. Iyanla is going to suggest that you sit in your own reality. Maybe you’re too busy to realize that you need to talk to someone about what’s going with you. Sometimes we wear masks to hide the very thing that hurts us. Being busy could be that mask that you hide behind. As if all off that busyness will prevent you from seeing yourself. Look in the mirror. There’s a person hurting here and instead of dealing with that hurt you’re spewing it on others. Hurt people hurt people.

This show consists of your peers. Is it their skin tones that are an issue for you? Is it that one is already being asked by fans to have her own show? Are you dealing with too much for you to handle? Sometimes we have to ask the hardest questions of ourselves.

I’ve been a fan for years but last night was a bit much. No, we shouldn’t put celebrities on pedestals but you put yourself on TV for all to see. I don’t even know if I can sit through another episode and for this show to appear on a station that should celebrate each other as women that moment was definitely harmed last night.

Whatever the issue, I hope it all comes together. I just know that after the way you spoke to the women on R&B Divas LA last night you wouldn’t be a friend of mine.

Limited Edition: Rose Powder Blush

Rose Powder Blush

Wonder Twin Powers

Wonder Twin Powers Activate. Form of....Shape of....If they could not touch each other then their powers could not be activated. Be mindful to not let just anybody touch you. There is power in you that only comes forth when you're connected to the right person.

There is no power in a disconnect. You say you're a Muslim sleeping with the gin. Well, Lauryn Hill told us that years ago. Come again. Some people are only worried about that thing.

But Glory!!! When you connect to the Source!!! The form of any body of water. The shape of any existence.....

Who are you connected to?

‘Harlem Shadow’: Russell Simmons, Common team for Jazz Age animatedhero series

Harlem Shadow Animated Hero Series

Prayer of Serenity

"I'm in Love with a Church Girl" Starring Ja Rule and Adrienne Bailon

Rapper Ja Rule will be staring in the upcoming Gospel inspired film, “I’m in Love with a Church Girl.” The film, inspired by a true story, follows a successful entrepreneur haunted by a criminal past who finds faith and redemption when God puts a woman in his life. Ja Rule will play the lead role of a drug dealer trying to change his life when he meets that woman, a church girl, played by Adrienne Bailon (Cheetah Girls).

The heart-warming story is actually based on the true story of Pastor Galley Molina who wrote the script while in prison.

“In 1996, I was sentenced to five years in prison,” explained Molina. “During that time, even before I was arrested I was already attending church. It’s not like I went away and then found God. God and I were already having some time together. God used this; that’s why we tagline the movie ‘God sometimes uses extreme measures to deal with extreme circumstances.”

The pastor believes the rapper is the best person for the role saying, “Ja Rule has been ministered to. He’s a dear friend. We’ve been praying for him a lot. He’s been open; he’s been so receptive to the word.”The film is scheduled to be released October 18, 2013.

Message From Sybrina Fulton

My Love For Lavender

Pic taken at Joseph Beth in Rookwood

If one didn't know. I love everything lavender. My mom introduced the scent to me years ago. She told me it was a calming scent. That is all I needed to know. Doing my first years of teaching my mother gave me lavender oil in a very unique glass bottle. Even now on my desk I keep lavendar oil in a bottle with wooden reeds in it.

At home, most of our handsoap, dishwashing liquid and detergent is lavender scented. There's the lavender oil that burns and the Glade Plug Ins. In the window sill I am growing lavender that will be planted soon. There's another plant I love too, Russian Sage. It is so beautiful and I love to see it blow it in the wind. I can't wait for my lavender plant to grow some more.

My lavender plant in a bag

Recently a friend posted about a store that sells lavendar gelato. I'll be there before summer ends. There is something very important to me about being calm and having calm things around me. Our lives our chaotic and we are always on the go. When I sit I just want to inhale the scent that my mom introduced me to and think about all things wonderful, all things calm.

Whenever you come in my home, calmness and peacefulness is mandatory in our sanctuary and at some point you will encounter the beautiful smell of lavender.

A New Me

About two years ago my son was asked to play football. He tried it for a while but then I noticed the excitement was leaving from him. It even got to the point where when I said time for practice, he would have tummy pains and fall asleep. By the time my cousin got to my home, my son would be knocked out. This went on for many practice days. Heck one day wasn't even a practice day and I told him it was time to get ready for football practice. He grabbed his little tummy and curled up on the couch and went to sleep. My older son and I commenced to watching two movies with popcorn uninterrupted. Yeah. I know we were wrong for that. We still laugh about that til this day.

See, I knew that there wasn't anything wrong with my son. He had just lost interest for some reason. I asked him what had happened. He simply said, "I don't like when the coaches yell at me." Hmm. At that time he was only 5. I didn't want organized sports to be a bad experience for him. We pulled him from the team and guess what? No more tummy aches. No more all of a sudden naps. No more interrupted movies.

This year a co-worker asked if I would be interested in my son attending the Marvin Lewis Camp. My first thought was, this boy about to take a serious nap. I recruited a friend who loves football to take my son the first day. I was concerned about the outcome. When my son comes home he goes straight to his brother's room and starts talking about his experience. My friend Mike comes in the house and excitedly yells out "He loves football now!" Does he?

The camp was for 3 days and for 3 days my son was ready. One morning he's laying across the bed and he has on his camp shirt and he's looking like he's ready to go. Camp was at 6pm, it was 10a.m. I looked at his very long legs and noticed how tall he was getting and I said to him, "I thought you didn't like football." My son, without mising a beat said, "Mom, this is the new me."

Not only did he finish the camp but he also attended the Anthony Munoz camp and had the nerve to inquire about the A.J. Green camp. Hold up now!!!!

Since birth my mom has always stated that my son would play professional football for the Seahawks. She has his number picked out and everything. One day, last year, at Walgreens a stranger said to me, "Do you know that you are standing next to a professional football player?" As I looked around he stated, "He's right there beside you." I looked over and it was my son. The man put money in my hand and walked away.

A new me? Just maybe my son is already walking into the path that has been predestined for him. Whether he plays organized football or attends another camp is not important to me.I am just glad that he overcame his dislike of football. He's even asked about going to the camps next summer.

My older son has played basketball since kindergarten and is now going into his 3rd year of college, he plays at the Division II level. I guess if football becomes a part of this family you'll be seeing a "new me" also.

If I Could Just Stay Right Here

Months ago I wrote "If I Could Just Stay Right Here". I shared it with a friend and this was his response. It amazed me that he was able to so quickly response. When I asked him where did he pick up so much about me. He said, I read your book. #Flattered

I do not want you to languish to long in this one place for you have been there for too long.
If you stay there much longer, you will miss the sun rise and the dawning of a bright future.They violently placed you in a cacoon, and you took it as a net, a blanket of safety;it is not.
They blinded you and raped you of your promise, your promise of love and possibility.
They robbed you, took you and surrounded you with mal intent and darkness; too long have you laid in the darkness.

Now look to the shadows, the clouded hero, the one who you knew would come because you knew you deserved rescue.
Your hero charged in not wearing the typical garb of one foretold. His hat isn't white and his bullets aint silver.
His character is flawed and his soul is tortured. He is a grisly grimy hero, yet your hero never the less.
His equine influenced mask is not to hide his identity, it is to hide his scars, he is beaten, bruised, and pale.
The epic demonic battles that he has fought were not of satanic influences they were battles used to forge and temper his soul, his God given soul.
With each battle he was being shaped and molded, tempered and tested so that one day he could stand before you.
His hands are unclean marred with dirt and blood yet he offers them to you and says trust me, follow me, I got this, I will lead the way.
Take his hands,part them and place your heart, fears, and pretty girl face into them.
Get off the couch and follow this violent hero into your destiny, why just stay there when tomorrow has a greater promise.

Don't imagine, just do.

She Blames Me ~ We Can't All Be Princesses

Sit Here In This Silence

Early in the morning

Late in the night

I'm just sitting here, laying here

The silence is what I need to think

To hear

From Him

Only tonight, He's not speaking

Rather listening to me

Decisions I need to make

Decisions I shouldn't have made

Thinking back on voices heard

Telling me

Trying to break me

Convincing me

Deciding not to be bitter

Trying to be better

My crown slipped

Had to go back to Him

He sent me to her

Esther & I sat several times

Just talking about being a princess

Becoming a queen

She adjusted my crown

Told me not to feel down

Assured me that what others try to do to you

It's already done to them.

No need to wish for what already is.

Jesus Will

Jahbarri singing Take me to the King

Sushi, My Son & Me at Sakura Asian Fusion in Kissimmee, FL

Sakura Asian Fusion

For a couple of years I have been attempting to get my son to try Sushi. The answer has always been 'No". I kept telling him that he was going to meet someone who would make him try something new. Sure enough two weeks ago he tells me that he is going out with a friend, who was home from college. "Where are y'all going? Sushi? Sushi? Really?"

See, I told him. He didn't listen to me. Well, I didn't listen to my mom about a lot of things either. (Hmmmm. The payback begins.) Ok. Back to Sushi. I had to go online and tell him all of the things he would not like. I told him to remember this word "tempura", which means the food is battered and then fried. He's not a real seafood person so I knew salmon would be a sure bet for him to try for the first time. Later that evening when he comes home he tells me that Sushi is not bad. Again I say, "Really?"

Now we are on vacation and what do my son and I desire to eat? Yes, Sushi. We can't find any place open in the Kissimmee area and eventually we give up. Days later we are sitting at the pool and a friend tells us about a place right outside of the resort that rolls Sushi to order. Right outside of the resort? Before you get to the traffic light? That is a whole nother blog about what you need being within your reach, yet you all over the place looking for it.

The day we hear about Sakura is the day we visit. With my sons in tow we walk into this incredible restaurant. The owners were so nice to us and so pleasant. We order the Tempura Salmon Roll and Krab Rangoon. The preparer allows us to watch him prepare our meal and begins to tell us about how Sushi places are becoming popular and that people needed to understand that Sushi is also an art form. As I watched him I was in agreement. From the method of cutting the food to creating the roll, it was like watching art come to life.

He even told us that we needed to eat it immediately or the crunchiness would disappear with the steam. With their permission I took pictures. Sakura is so welcoming, so inviting, so pretty. When we arrived back to our room, we were more than satisfied. My son and I were filled with the best tasting Sushi I've ever had.

So on Wednesday as we prepared for our last meal in Florida there was no doubt for me. I called and placed my order. When my son came in with my Tempura Salmon he said, "Mom, he remembered me." Well, I'll never forget them. We will see them again next summer.

Fix My Life ~ Pastor Jamal H Bryant

Happy Birthday Heavy D

Sending light and love to the family and friends of my fav Hip Hop artist Heavy D on what would have been his 46th birthday.

Hev, we have nothing but love for you.

DLamb Studio ~ The Gallery Experience ~ Cincinnati, Ohio

DLamb Studio

4728 Vine Street, Cincinnati, OH

513.375.7478

DLamb Studio ~ The Gallery Experience ~ Cincinnati, OH

United Tenors ~ Unshakeable

United Tenors ~ I Need You

United Tenors ~ You Have To Get This

I follow Fred Hammond on Social Media and I had heard him talking about United Tenors over the past several months. It must have been early April when I purchased it. I went to iTunes and listened to the sample selections. I heard I'm In the Midst and it was over, at that point I was sold. I simply pressed the purchase button.

Still didn't listen to it. But I had purchased it in support of one of my favorite Gospel Artists. Fast forward to the Saturday before Resurrection Sunday. I'm laying down in my bed and decide to listen to the entire project. Tears, tears and more tears. Now, it may not have the same impact for you. But I guess I needed to hear some of these songs. I got stuck on some of the songs. Love You Like That, We Worship You, I'm In the Midst, Everybody Get Up, My God Is Real, and I Need You had to go on repeat several times. Sometimes I Need You stays on repeat so I can cry my face off when I think of how I've messed up and I can't make it without Him.

On this project are some very talented and vocally blessed brothers. Brian Courtney Wilson, Eric Roberson, David Hollister and Fred Hammond. Wow! Is about all one can say. Each song contains a contribution from each member that grabs you, making you want to hear more.

When I heard Unshakeable, I said to myself "Hearing UT live would be crazy." Well on May 17, I had the opportunity to bear witness to United Tenors ministering at the I Hear Music In The Air Concert. Those brothers tore it up, literally. Before I knew it, it was after 12:30 in the morning. Not only did they sing music from the UT project but near the end of their set each member sang a Fred Hammond song. You know how hear someone sing someone else's song and you get disappointed? That didn't happen. Rather you could see how Fred's music has had an impact on each member of the group. To see Fred sit, listen and watch the other members sing his music was humbling. It was like they were saying "We are going forward with United Tenors but this is what your music has done for me."

If you love gospel music and have a heart for worship you have to purchase this project and if you get an opportunity to see United Tenors in concert please do. It's an incredible worship experience and during their concert they encourage men only to get up and worship. Imagine a room full of men crying out to God to heal their brokenness, their family and their heart. It's truly a United Tenors moment.

And when our hearts are overwhelmed, we look to the cross

And there we are reminded that You are here.

I'm In the Midst ~ United Tenors

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2013 I Hear Music In The Air

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Don't Let Go ~ Jerry Savelle

Today's Topic: Don't Let Go
Author: Jerry Savelle
Verse(s): Hebrews 10:23
Today's Confession: I will hold fast to MY profession of faith. God is faithful!

Devotional:
Is there a storm going on in your mind today? Are thoughts of hopelessness raging? Are you so tormented at night that you can't sleep?
Well, I want you to know that the storm you are facing is designed by Satan to destroy your life. This battle that's going on in your thought life is nothing more than his attempt to distract you, to get you off course, and ultimately, to get you to become offended at God.

The Bible tells us in Hebrews 10:23, "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised)."

In other words, your faith in God is trying to drift away. Satan is trying his best to pull you into another direction. But you have to hold fast to your faith with everything that is in you until your breakthrough comes.

"And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." Luke 22:31-32

". . . I've prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out . . .

(The Message Bible)

Just like with Peter, Satan is trying to sift you as wheat. He is trying to break you down through this battle in your mind. But if you will allow God's Word to consume your mind on a daily basis, then this storm will pass and peace will come.

You may feel as though you can't hold on anymore. You may feel like everything around you is going under and falling apart, but you've got to hold on. Don't let go. Don't let go of God's plan and His promises for your life. Hold on to them firmly and make up your mind that you are going to stay focused. Your destiny depends on your ability to hold on right now.

"Oh Brother Jerry, you make it sound so easy."

No, it isn't easy. If it were easy, every Christian would be victorious. If it were easy, every Christian would be successful. I'm not going to lie to you and lead you into thinking that living by faith, controlling your thoughts, holding on in a storm is easy. It takes faith. It takes patience. It takes will power. It takes strength. It takes discipline.

But remember this: Storms don't last forever. They eventually pass.

Have you ever noticed that when the storm finally passes how peaceful and calm it becomes? When this storm passes in your life, you are going to be happier, more fulfilled, more confident and experience more peace than you've ever known before. You have what it takes to win this battle. Don't give Satan opportunities to defeat you by loaning your mind to wrong thoughts.

www.jerrysavelle.org

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