Whitney Houston

I was at Riverbend when Whitney Houston came here with her first project when I was in high school. If ever asked which Whitney Houston song is my favorite, hands down it is "How Will I Know". That song only comes second to my all time favorite song "Rock With You" by Michael Jackson. Whitney's music has taken me from high school, to college, to becoming a parent. Like Whitney I have had my share of obstacles, that according to my mother, most people probably would have taken an easier way out and possibly even their own life. The major differences in our stories is that hers has been magnified and ran through the media over the past years.

What we can't deny about Whitney is that voice...that voice! Whitney is like any other woman searching for love and self-acceptance. There have been many negative stories about her over the years but her true fans have stayed planted knowing that her time would come to come back. Not with just another project but with a story of being unbreakable. Earlier this week, as I was driving to work I hear the song "I Didn't Know My Own Strength". My jaw dropped and I stared at the radio in amazement of Whitney singing the story of the past several years of my life.

There were many days and nights when I didn't know my own strength. I didn't know how I was going to keep it all together and stay sane. The enemy would creep into my thought processes and further attempt me to believe that I would not make it through. But God has a plan! And I did not crumble, I stayed in the process with all of its hurt, confusion, and disappointments. I can sit here at 11:41p.m and tell you I didn't know my own strength. I didn't know I would survive through all of it. I didn't know I could survive through all of it. Many days I thought I was down for the count.

Whitney has gone through it and survived it. Those who truly love her will embrace her and her new project, "I Look to You", that is due to come out on August 31, 2009. On September 14 I will plant myself in front of the television to watch Oprah in what is being called "the most anticipated music interview of the decade". Coco Brother has been playing some tracks from the project on his show and I tell you what, from what I have heard this project is incredibly inspirational and incredibly uplifting. I don't even want to hear what the critics have to say until I have heard "I Look to You" in its entirety.

I say a prayer with every heartbeat,


Lindar

오직 주로 인해 (Because of who you are)

Is this song not awesome....Lord, I worship you because of who you are.

Like Me

I told Gary and Tony that they were my play cousins. I am so glad to see more and more African American men stepping up to the plate to represent Christ.....

Jesus or Bust y'all

TriBlessed @ New Life

I love these young men so much. I have had the awesome experience of seeing them minister twice and all I can say..Oh My God!!! These young men are so down to earth, so gracious, and so humble.

This is what our young people are needing to see, young men being themselves for Christ.

Whitney Houston 2009 - "I Didn't Know My Own Strength"

I heard this song today on the radio. Wow! I love Whitney! and this song is what alot of people need to hear right now.

Enjoy the song and read the lyrics.....I know I didn't know my own strength...God knew, that is all that matters....

Somebody's Sinning in My Bed by Pat G'Orge-Walker

In exactly one week on August 25, 2009 author Pat G'Orge-Walker will release her new novel Somebody's Sinning in My Bed. Pat G'Orge-Walker is an Essence bestselling author and a Christian comedienne.




Her latest novel involves a strained relationship between two sisters, Chyna and Janelle. Chyna is currently the First Lady at New Hope Assembly and Janelle has never forgiven her sister for swiping her first love. Besides the strained relationship between the sisters, New Hope Assembly is torn between the traditional way of how the church has been ran and how to currently serve the community. This exciting novel includes, blackmail, deceit, facing the impossible and reconciliation.

The author wants people to see the complexities of family and the journeys we all face being Christians. I believe we can all relate to Janelle and Chyna and learn something from their relationship.


Join us tonight at 8:00EST for a jaw dropping Intimate Conversation with Christian fiction author Pat G'Orge Walker. We will discuss her journey to publication as well as her new book, which releases August 25, 2009. Chatters can call in and share reviews of Pat's other Sister Betty books or ask questions about the new book!

Meet us at: Tuesday Night, August 18, 20098:00pm-9:00pm EST
Call into the show and speak to Pat G'Orge Walker
(646) 200-0402

Chat live with the guests in our chat room during the showwww.blogtalkradio.com/Black-Author-Network







Enjoy
Lindar

Murder on the Down Low Spotlight

Murder on the Down Low is the latest book written by Essence bestselling author Pamela Samuels Young. This novel circles around the deaths of prominent African - American men in the Los Angeles area. She became inspired to write this book after watching an episode of the Oprah Winfrey Show which featured the author of On the Down Low. Pamela also uses this written work to bring awareness to the HIV/AIDS crisis that is running rapid among African-American and Latino women. Currently Murder on the Down Low is a finalist for the 2009 African-American Literary Awards in the mystery category.

This evening you can learn more about Pamela Samuels Young and Murder on the Down Low. From 9:30 - 10:30 p.m. Pamela will be chatting about her latest novel and other upcoming projects. Listeners will be able to ask questions and share their reviews about Murder on the Down Low.

We will also hear about her soon to be released novel, Buying Time, which goes on sale November 1.

Listeners can call in to the show at 646.200.0402 or chat live in the chat room during the show at www.blogtalkradio.com/Black-Author-Network

The Impact of Young People

As I reflect over my summer I am realizing how much I have been impacted by young people. Many of them I did not even know. It started with our Youth Explosion in June when I hear a nine year old girl sing "Who Am I", by Casting Crowns, acappella. Tears fell as I heard her angelic voice draw tears from many in the audience. My pastor said it was the allergies that caused his ;). There was also Megan, Amber, and Jauna, who commanded the audience like she opening up for a national gospel concert. As I put this program together each of the participants said yes on the first request. They were all under 19 and yet sometimes we can't get season saints to anything on the first, second, or third request. Hello?....you know I am right about that.

My nephew, who is 17, was a tennis instructor this year. How many aunts can say that? My niece went back to tennis, Venus and Serena.....she's on her way. My older niece interned with a law firm. Now, she will be entering her 2nd year of college in September. But by Spring she will be a junior. She's such an achiever. She has decided to leave us after graduation and go to law school. At the rate she is going in college that will not be long from now.

In my own home, my older son found time to work, to travel playing basketball, and to finish his summer homework. I didn't think he would be able to work but he has managed to stay employed and balance everything out that he does. My younger son, who has been diagnosed with a speech delay used words like awesome, and scrumptious. He also makes several references to my book Ghetto Chick and my Romance Curls daily. We also spent time this summer making pizza, just like Calliou and his friends did, and he planted a garden. Yea!!! He's only 3. The best is yet to come.

Jenifer, I call her my publicist, has been so full of wonderful ideas and she is such an organizer. I do love to write but this blog and my page on fb...that's all Jenifer. As I grow, she is right there giving me advice and suggestions. Sometimes I think, "Where would I be if I were motivated like her at 20?" Probably writing for Vibe or Essence to be truthful. I love her so much. We both share the same ideas of succeeding, "When I succeed, we all succeed".

So the summer is winding down and I have the joy of attending a back to school event. I received more than I bargained for. Through an awesome worship experience I witness the ministries of Speak Life and Jesus or Bust. Wow!!! What God is doing in our young people is so uplifting. What I love about both of these ministries is that each member becomes completely transparent in front of their audience. What you would hear about them through gossip circles they send it through the mics personally. That way you are getting it first hand. They speak about not only about their past, but about their present situations and God's plan for their future and the futures of those in attendance.

When I left that worship service, because that is what it was, I could only say to God. You did all of that for me. You put me in a place where I see young ladies completely clothed, harmonizing about You. In a place where handsome young men in urban wear were worshipping You, over hip hop beats, and not the street corner or the club. In a place where I saw three brothers in unity speak about what thus says the Lord. (Tri-Blessed) When I got home I requested to be their fans on fb because I want to support them in any way that I can.

One day I am on fb and a member of Speak Life requests to be my friend. She is so polite and we chatted for a while that day. The encouragement I received from her is something that I expect from.....well not someone her age. She knows the Word of God and it is so evident that God is using her for such a time as this when our youth need to hear from their peers.

As I am still dealing with me and preparing to go back to the classroom I thank God in knowing that all is not lost with our youth. These experiences will aid me in my days of teaching. As I pour into young people I want them to grow and pour into others. Once you plant the seeds and tend to the soil, some plants have to come forward. I truly believe that. This summer I have encountered some very blessed and anointed young people, who are speaking life, declaring jesus or bust and hunting for the king.

http://www.iwillspeaklife.com/SpeakLife/Home.html

http://www.jesusorbust.com/


In Awe of Him,

Lindar

Seasons Have to Change

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall. You may put another season at the beginning of how you list the seasons but we know that after Winter comes Spring, after Spring come Summer and so on. The seasons can dictate what we wear, what we plant, and often how we travel.


Over the past several weeks I have been hearing "Well, Alright" by Cee Cee Winans on the radio at least once a day. This song is not a new release, so I believe that God is sending me a message. Each time I heard the song I thought to myself, "What I am to get from this?" Then it dawned on me.


In the lyrics there is a part, of the song, that states "Seasons have to change, it won't always be this way" When I hear this I cry nearly every time. God is truly sending a message here. Just as the snow has to melt, in most states, or the leaves on a tree must fall our personal seasons must change also.


If we truly believe that God has a plan for our lives (Jeremiah 29:11) then we are assured that the seasons of financial troubles, heartache, and despair must come to past. We must be prepared for the change in the seasons. Years ago I purchased a shovel because I know at some point I have to clear the walkways. I have purchased a water hose because I know at some point my yard will need to be watered. In my garage there is a trimmer that at some point is used to keep the weeds and bushes under control.


Yet be ready! Just as seasons have to change, we also need to be equipped for the change. I am equipping myself by staying not only in the Word but in close conversation with Him. I am equipping myself by making better choices for my family and myself. I am equipping myself by holding on to His unchanging hand.


Equip yourself.......change is about to come to you and I want you to be ready.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BL1gs71stB0

Believing in Him,
Lindar

Getting To The Afterwards

This week my sons and I went to the dentist. As a child I went regularly and I want to instill this routine into my son's lives. I was the last person to be seated. My oldest came out of the office smiling, showing off his clean white teeth. My younger son was still in the chair having his teeth cleaned as he watched Sponge Bob.

When the dental assistant came into the room, she asked me if I was ready. I told her I was not ready for the cold water. Every since I was a little girl I could never stand anything cold on my teeth. To me that is equivalent with fingernails scratching a chalkboard. I can't take it! The assistant assured me that at least afterwards I would have clean, beautiful teeth. My response was "But I have to get to the afterwards."

We know that there are rewards at the end of a journey, whether it is a dentist visit, a weight loss program, or finishing an education program. It's the getting there, getting to the grand reward, that can be difficult for some of us. From the beginning of a project to the end there will be growing pains and setbacks. Self-motivation and endurance are the key to completion, the key to get to where we want to be.

Several years ago my older son had an And 1 shirt that said, "It's not how good you are. It's how bad you want it." We have to continuously asked ourselves, "How bad do we want the dream employment opportunity, to be at our optimum weight, to live a purpose driven life?" Only we can motivate ourselves to be at our very best.

So on Tuesday I sat in the patient chair with the cold water constantly spraying on my teeth. I didn't complain or ask the dentist to give me a break, like I have requested in the past. I knew that once he was finished, my teeth would be pretty and clean. I was ready for my afterwards. How about you? Are you ready to go after the thing you want most in life? Are you ready to endure setbacks to reach your intended goal? Keep reaching for your afterwards.

I Am Reaching For Mine,

Lindar