Me and My Mother's Testimony

To all those who labored with us and shared with us in prayer my mother wrote this message to you. Let there be no doubt our God is real, and there is no thing great or small that he cannot do, if it is His will! Thank you, each and every one who have lifted my daughter and me and our family in prayer. We know prayer can move mountains. It certainly lifted me and Kelly. I am grateful to you, the faithful. I have limited means of expressing my thanks and how your prayers and scriptures, suggestions and sharing lifted me and Kelly. Again, My God is Real and to God Be The Glory! Beverly Spence

I too join in with my mother in thanking each and everyone of you who said you would and were already praying for us. If you took the time to come by my desk to hug me or say kind words or share in my sadness at that time, I thank you. If you emailed me, I thank you. For any expression or thought towards me, I thank you. The day I shared by email with everyone what was going on and asked for you to pray as well as sharing with you what I was praying for specifically, I began, on that day, to feel your prayers in my body. I know the power of prayer and faith in God for the outcome. I began to be lifted because of your prayers, literally, so I truly thank all of you. Love, Kelly.

Now, I must document what God did for us so that you may know and not doubt that our God is real and is still in the business of showing up and showing out in our lives! I choose to write it so that you may know the full story and so God will be Glorified through it all! As you read, you will know why it was important to write this.

Starting with Monday, the day of my mother's scheduled surgery, I called my mother that morning to read her the devotional message for the day because it cracked me up with how it lined up with what we were about to go through for the day. It was titled, "Go With The Flow." The scripture reference was "Brethren, for this reason, in [spite of all] our stress and crushing difficulties, we have been filled with comfort and cheer about you [because of] your faith (the leaning of your whole personality on God in complete trust and confidence) Amplified Bible 1 Thessalonians 3:7

"Go with the flow, and stop being anxious about things that may never happen. If you really trust God, you don't need a backup plan. Faith means that you have peace even when you don't have all the answers. Life will always be stressful if you constantly try to rearrange it... Grow in wisdom, and place high priority on keeping your peace in spite of any jams you get into today."

So here we go...,

When me and mommy arrived at John's Hopkins on Monday, I told my mother to go ahead of me, and I'll meet her at the front entrance because I was trying to get all of the stuff out of the car. Once I was walking toward meeting my mother, I was walking from the parking lot across the street. While I was still proceeding, I began to look around for my mother and didn't see her anywhere. While looking and still walking across the walkway, this man across the street pointed to me and motioned, sternly, for me to come to him. At the time, in my mind I was thinking maybe this man knows where my mother is, maybe she told him to tell me. Of course it doesn't make any sense, but that's what I was thinking so I went over to him. He was in the middle of helping this elderly lady in a wheel chair. He stopped everything and stood beside me and began to speak a word to me. The word he spoke was a personal word to me that he could not have known, and it was specific! God had spoke to me about that very thing two times prior to that day so when the man said it to me, I immediately knew it was being confirmed and that this man was a man of God. While he was continuing with me, my mother appears and walks over to us. The man then begins to speak words to my mother. He said to her, "He will never leave you nor forsake you. He's by your side. I don't care what they say. I don't care if it's cancer or what it is, it's not what they say that counts, it's what He says that counts. Increase your faith."

This is the word this complete stranger spoke to us on Monday. We both began to thank him, and I thanked him for his obedience and told him we were believers so I receive those words. At the time, I received it as God letting us know that she will come through her surgery fine! We were concerned about how my mother responds to anesthesia so the worst we were thinking was whether she would come out of the anethesia. Of course we had no way of knowing how true the man's words would be when we received the report that my mother was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer while still on the operating table.

The surgery she was there for was not about cancer, but while on the table they found material that they had tested to see if it was cancerous, malignant or benign. Well, on Monday, the doctors of John's Hopkins came to me in the family waiting room and took me to the consultation room and told me that my mother had an aggressive form of cancer. They showed me the xrays and everything and informed me that her uterus and bladder, etc. would have to be removed. Needless to say, you can imagine what I was feeling for her to have gone from one type of surgery to now she has cancer and this will have to happen and that will have to happen! When I was able to see my mother, she was still under the affects of the anesthesia, so when she would wake up for a few minutes or so, she would ask if they told me like they told her that it was cancerous, and I said yes. She would go back to sleep for a few and wake up again. Then she began to speak the words the stranger outside the hospital spoke of how the Lord would never leave you nor forsake you, it's not what they say that counts, it's what He says that counts. I was like, he sure did say that, and I'm going to hold on to that.

I stayed overnight in the hospital so on Tuesday, I went outside to get something out of my car. As I was leaving out of the hospital, the man who spoke the words to us on Monday was there again and motioned for me to come to him. He asked me what was going on, and I said, it's not good. They told us that she has cancer. He looked at me and motioned for me to stay beside him. For about 10 min. or so, he proceeded to have an inner conversation with God, and I just stood there and waited. He would shake his head and say umm hmm... okay.... etc. as if he were on the telephone with the Lord. Then he turned to me and said, "This is for you and your mother, "It isn't so, that report, it's not so..." In so many words God was telling him to tell me not to believe that report. The man spoke with such conviction. Once again, I thanked him and said to him that I was a believer and that I receive that.

I didn't tell anyone, including my mother, what the man said, determining that I would testify of his words once God did it! By Wednesday, I returned to work. At some point during Wednesday, I felt lead to share with everyone, by email, what was going on and to ask for everyones' prayers. I also shared some of what I was praying for and called my church to add my mother, myself and my family to our prayer list. Well, I began to receive all these email responses and messages of which I decided to print out to copy and give to my mother to encourage her so she could see how many people were praying for her. One of the messages came from my friend Laraye. She told me that for 10 years now, she writes down her prayers and put them beside the scripture Matthew 7:7 and suggested that I do that. So I immediately did that!

Matthew 7:7 says, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." And this is the prayer I wrote down and layed in my bible next to the scripture. "Dear Lord, I pray that mommy will be healed of cancer, I pray that it is isolated and hasn't spread. Lord, I pray that she will not have to have her bladder removed and if there's a way to just take the diverticulum out w/o removing all of the other areas that you reveal it and make it known to the doctors. Bless them with wisdom from on high. Bless mommy with long life, robust and healthy. Allow her to live and be retired and enjoy her grandchildren. Lord this is my prayer. I believe that if it's your will it can be done plus more. So if it's your will for it to not even be cancer there when they go back, I pray for your touch and your miracle work! I have faith and no doubt. May I accept your will and be strengthened during this season! I love you Lord, and thank you. In Jesus' name. Amen. I also pray that you bless mommy with the best doctors for what she will need. May they come from you and you alone! In Jesus' name, Amen.

This is what I wrote and layed it in my bible at my work desk. Thursday evening, I felt lead to pick up my written prayer and take it with me. On Friday, me and my mom went back to John's Hopkins for them to tell her, her options, percentages and schedule her for surgery to have her bladder, uterus, etc. removed. Well, when they called my mother's name to go back, I was supposed to go in the room with her so I could hear everything too, but they said she was going to be examined first of which my mother wasn't aware that she would be examined again. So I told her to tell them to come and get me when it was time for the consultation.

Not long after, my mom came back in the waiting room smiling and telling me she had good news. So once we left out of the waiting room and was walking down the hall, this is what my mother said. "I don't have cancer. The doctors said they were fully prepared to schedule me for surgery for removal of my bladder and uterus...but the head doctor at John's Hopkins felt pressed upon to get a 2nd opinion of what it was. And they found it to be precancerous, but not cancerous. So now they are able to do the 1st surgery I was supposed to have on Monday." She said they didn't have to examine her as they were going to do. Once she told me this, I began to share with her what the stranger told me on Tuesday, and when we got in my car, I read her my written prayer.

My mother does not have cancer! On top of that because of where the diverticulum is in her body and how it looks, etc. she will now have the best team of doctors in John's Hopkins working on her and with her when they proceed with the surgery she was supposed to have on Monday. She will also be a case written up in all of the major medical books, etc.

Remember what I prayed. I asked that when they go back that if it's God's will that it not even be cancer. I also asked that she receive the best doctors for what she will need and that they would come from the Lord and Him alone. He answered that prayer. The doctor said he felt pressed upon, he felt pressed upon because he was being prayed for and God pressed upon him to do this. The doctor said he felt pressed upon to the point that he had another, bigger lab get those results to us by the time we came for the consultation. None of this was suppose to happen. It takes at least a week, usually. Plus we didn't come that day for that, we were there for her to hear her options and then to schedule the option she planned to take. GOD stepped in! Lastly, don't forget the words the stranger spoke both days. So GOD used a stranger, someone not involved with any of this to speak a word that came true.

The stranger that spoke words from God was there on Monday and Tuesday and Friday when we went in the hospital. When we left on Friday after receiving the good news, the man was not there for us to tell him the outcome of the words he spoke. He was no where to be found.

BELIEVE AND NEVER DOUBT! HE'S THE SAME GOD THAT PARTED THE RED SEA, MADE BLIND EYES SEE, HEALED BODIES AND RAISED THE DEAD. THIS IS THE SAME GOD!!!! There's a story in the bible where Peter, one of Jesus' disciples was put in jail. Well the people began to pray for Peter to be released. While they were yet praying, Peter knocked on the door. The person who answered the door told Peter that it couldn't be him. The person did not believe the very prayer they were praying. When you pray, believe and not doubt and at the same time whatever the Lord chooses to do, accept. May He be glorified in this testimony and may you be encouraged in your walk with Him today!!!! He works all things together for them that LOVE HIM and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

SPARE ROOM PART 2

ALMOST 1300 VISITORS HERE! SEE ALL MY 1ST ENTRIES IN THIS BLOG THEN CONTINUE THE "SPARE ROOM 2" EXPERIENCE @ www.spareroom2.blogspot.com


CLICK THE ABOVE TITLE TO VISIT PART 2 OF SPARE ROOM @ www.spareroom2.blogspot.com. Click here to visit the very 1st site I created back in the day on AOL.

I've continued the "Spare Room" experience on a new page because the format of this page moved my side bar items to the bottom of the page as a malfunction out of my control. I have been unable to find out why so this page will be here to always see previous posts and information and everyone can visit part 2 to see current entries. Thanks always for your support, my people!!!!!!!!!! SPACE DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE TO SEE ARCHIVED POSTS AND INFORMATION AND A LIST OF LINKS THAT I HAVE ON THIS PAGE TO OTHER SITES WORTH VISITING.

DON'T FORGET, CLICK ABOVE TITLE OR HERE TO VISIT PART 2...

Momentum Experience

Click above title to visit site.

Will and Jada Smith, Duane and Tisha Martin-Campbell, Blair Underwood are investors in this company founded by entreprenuers Nia Hill and D'Angela Steed. A black owned distribution company. First project release is the "Seat Filler," which can be purchased now at all the major stores like Target, Walmart, etc.

Duane Martin was on the Steve Harvey show, this morning, saying there are black films being made, but are hard to get distribution for, so they thought it was about time to create such a company to get our films out there as well as to make films that show all sides of who we are. He said it's very rare that you see two lead african americans in romatic comedies. Like in Will Smith's "Hitch", they wouldn't have Will with a Halle Berry type because it costs too much, so they put him in with someone else. With them having this company, they can get these kinds of films out there. Steve Harvey was saying that so many times they keep us doing comedies and have ridiculous rules that a white person has to be in the cast somewhere, but in their comedies and sitcoms, a black person doesn't have to be in the cast if they don't want one.

Duane Martin said that the proceeds of those purchasing the "Seat Filler," Momentum Experience's first film, will go back into another project. So, please get out there and support this black owned company! Purchase the film, add yourself to their mailing list to get updates on what's going on and/or being released, etc. and spread the word people! Here are some articles on the "Momentum Experience."

Jet Magazine: http://www.momentumexperience.com/jet.pdf

Atlanta Journal: http://www.momentumexperience.com/atlanta_journal.pdf

Sister 2 Sister: http://www.momentumexperience.com/news_nov_05/momentum_sister2sisterclip_oct_2005.pdf

Rolling Out: http://www.momentumexperience.com/news_nov_05/rollingout_aug4.pdf

Daily Variety: http://www.momentumexperience.com/variety.pdf

NPR: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4864215

THE GIFT OF DOUBT

The Gift of Doubt

How singer/songwriter Sara Groves's dark night of the soul led her to a better understanding of God, his kingdom, and our role in it. by Camerin Courtney -- CLICK THE ABOVE TITLE TO READ ON...

The Lure of Lesbianism

Could my attraction to women ever change? by Misty Thigpen Grimes Read On...

My Dirty Little Former Secret

God used a movie about gay cowboys to release me from the burden of my past. Click Title above to read more!

Purity Promise/Purity Rings

Different sites on purity promises and rings for children and parents or individuals desiring to abstain from sex or drugs, etc. whether you're a virgin or not, took drugs or not, one can take this step from this day forward.


PURITY PROMISE (CLICK HERE)
Help Is Here... With this in mind, the Purity Promise® Program, a verbal, contractual and public commitment all in one, came into being. The Purity Promise® symbols were designed to be a public commitment to help keep young people accountable for their actions...

PURITY RINGS (CLICK HERE)
Purity Rings : a symbol of a promise made between parent and child regarding chastity and/or abstinence from substance use. A purity ring may be a symbol of religious or moral conviction.

PROMISE RINGS (CLICK HERE)
Promise RingsWhere to buy promise rings, purity rings, friendship rings, poesy rings, and more. Find promise rings for sale at a fabulous selection of online stores.

Love Won Out!

People are saying...

"I was pleasantly surprised that this conference was not a platform for [the] right-wing political agenda. I have a very different opinion of Focus on the Family after attending this conference."

"Words cannot express how valuable this conference was to me! I am a very broken individual, and this has shed light on several areas in my life. I thought I was coming to learn how to 'defend my view,' but now I know God told me to come for my own personal benefit, for my own healing journey."

Click the above title to visit this site for more information. Coming to various cities, including Washington, D.C. A dynamic one-day conference addressing, understanding and preventing homosexuality.

You can expect to get answers to tough questions, like:
Is it genetic?
Can it be prevented?
What's being taught in schools?
How will gay marriage affect our society?
What causes homosexuality?
What should I say to my children about it?
I don't think it's right, so what should I do?
What should the church's stance be?
What about gay rights and minority status?
How do I help my friend who's gay?

SPEAK LIFE!

Feed yourself hope, life and victory!

Feed your inner man life, speak words of life and not death!

Personal Tyler Perry Message To Us...

Hello everybody! Thank you so much for your support. I got all of your emails about Oprah. I was really pleased when I saw them. Thank you for watching and encouraging me to do it. I wish everybody could see how cool she is. Behind the professional talk show exterior is a woman who is so funny she could be a stand up comedian or Madea's daughter. There's only a few weeks until Madea's Family Reunion opens. I hope you areas excited as I am. On Feb 24th I will be camped out at my website messageboard all weekend. You know the critics may say one thing, but what you say is all that really matters. I've been doing a lot of promotions for the movie and have been working like a mad man, including doing a lot of T.V. as well as magazine interviews. Speaking of which, I am on the Cover of Essence, it's actually two covers one of me by myself that will be on the news stands in a couple of days and the other one is a beautiful cover of me and three ladies from the movie, that one is my favorite, but it's only for the subscribers. The writer of this article really listened and heard what I had to say. I think out of all the interviews I've, done this writer really captured the spirit of me and who I am. I've been so busy lately that I decided to go out to dinner with a close friend of mine last week and try to clear my mind and not think about business. Not possible in L.A. After a nice Italian dinner we were getting into the car and paparazzi jumps out from behind the building and starts taking pictures. (I may as well tell you who it was I'm sure these pictures will show up some where) Tyra Banks being the professional that she is drops her head and her hair falls in front of her face so that he can't see her. She jumps into the car with her head down. I got in the car looking at the guy like WHAT? (New Orleans was about to come out 3rd ward style) She was like get in the car. So I got in the car and drove off and almost run over the man. I can see the headlines now "MADEA GOES TO JAIL, FOR REAL"(lol) Tyler Perry runs over Paparazzi. Please Pray for me, this is all so new and crazy to me. By the way I will be on Tyra's show, Feb. 23th. This is an interview that I want you to see because this was the most relaxed that I have been on TV. It's probably because we are such close friends. We even talk about the rumors going around about us being married. You should check it out. It comes on the day before the movie comes out. I know this is a lot of information so I'll stop now. But on a serious noteI do need your prayers. And thank you for your support and being a friend to me and mine. Be Blessed, Tyler

Coretta Scott King

As we mourn the passing of one beautiful and phenomenal woman, I would like to share her homegoing program with you. To view it, visit here. If for some reason you have trouble pulling it up, click and paste the following:

http://alt.cimedia.com/ajc/pdf/kingfuneral/funeralprogram.pdf

I was pondering God's word on being a living sacrifice. What does that mean to you? I mean, I was really thinking about it. A sacrifice that's living; sacrifice of self; ALIVE, NOT A DEAD SACRIFICE; NOT DEAD ANIMALS AS BEFORE, but a living sacrifice! Giving sacrificial praise and worship when you feel like it and when you don't! One who lays down his or her life!

Look at Mrs. King's life, I thought! She was a living sacrifice if I ever saw one! She layed down her life! To marry the man and the cause! To never remarry! To even keep the same appearance as she always had, same hairstyle, etc. That was intentional, I believe! To not go off and do what was easy or pick up another life! No, she was a living sacrifice for her husband, children, you and me! She layed it down! She took the hard path, did the hard things. She taught her children and lived the Lord's words that our lives are not our own!

We honor you Coretta Scott King! A Living Sacrifice! An Example! A Proverbs Woman! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Karen Clark Sheard

New Release by Karen and she worked with Israel Haughton of Israel and New Breed on this project. Check her out, support and visit her site here!

COMMENTS, COMMENTS, COMMENTS...

Have you seen the movie "The Gospel?" If so, let me know what you thought of it and would you like to see more of these kinds of movies? Post your comments. Also, check out this article on the movie here...

Also, I've added a "Today In History" window. Check it out. Look forward to hearing from you.

MOVIE: "The Gospel"

This movie will be released October 7, 2005. Go out in droves and support this movie. God is raising up people that are His, and they are bringing these projects to us and are taking Hollywood back for God. Support, Support, Support!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cast: Boris Kodjoe, Delores "Mom" Winans, Keisha Knight-Pulliam, Nona Gaye, Clifton Powell, Donnie McCurklin, Omar Gooding, Tamyra Gray, Hezekiah Walker, and more.

Performances by: Yolanda Adams, Fred Hammond and Martha Munizzi.

Music by: Kirk Franklin

Visit the movie's site here for more information or click the above title.

BattleCry for a Generation

A ministry fighting to save America's youth! Click the above title or below to visit the website.
Main Page: http://www.battlecry.com/index.php

IMAGE MAGAZINE

SUBSCRIBE TO THIS WONDERFUL MAGAZINE AND SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH EVERYONE YOU KNOW!
Welcome to the world of image Magazine: The Revolutionary Publication for Today’s Christian Youth. image is an acronym that stands for Igniting the Millennium with A Generation Explosion. How are we creating this generation explosion? By exposing youth to positive answers to some of life’s toughest questions. Continued...

MAIN PAGE: http://www.myimagemag.com/

DORINDA CLARK-COLE'S NEW CD

NEW CD AVAILABLE NOW!!!!

September 01, 2005
By Rene Williams
GospoCentric Records/Zomba Gospel
Dorinda Clark-Cole was destined to sing gospel music. The daughter of gospel legend, Dr. Mattie Moss-Clark and a member of the famed Clark Sisters, Dorinda stepped out on her own a few years ago with her eponymous debut. The traditional and contemporary gospel project garnered Clark-Cole two Stellar Awards, one for Female Vocalist of the Year and one for Traditional Female Vocalist of the Year. Now back with a brand new CD, Dorinda Clark Cole delivers what she calls “Part 2” of her debut on Live From Houston – The Rose Of Gospel. Read More...

More Goodies...

Kirk Franklin's Next CD To Hit Stores, October 4th with Dorinda Clark-Cole of the "Clark Sisters" singing on his title track. First album on his new label, Fo Yo Soul Entertainment label. Be on the lookout my brothers and sisters. Check out Kirk's Diary here...

Check out this interview with Mary, Mary here...

Recap of Ronald Winans Homegoing Service

Read the recap of his services with pictures and words from the likes of Gladys Knight, Kim Fields, Ce Ce Winans, Andrae Crouch, Rance Allen, Vickie Winans, Gayle King and others. Read On...

The Public Life of Sissy Pike

A new series about the life of a teenage girl, named Sissy Pike. A series you can rest assured to share with your teenagers. It is available for purchase, now. Visit the site for a coupon on the DVD and for more information on the cast and show. We want quality programming that is safe for our kids and teenagers. Please go out and support this project so we can build a future for more of this kind of programming.

The creator and a cast member, Willie Aames - Once known to millions of television viewers as the girl-crazy, trouble-prone, but good-hearted middle son, Tommy Bradford, from the hit series "Eight is Enough," former teen heartthrob, he is all grown up these days and faithfully uses his talents to create quality family Christian programming. In addition to starring in the wholesome Bibleman video series, Aames' thirty years of experience in the entertainment industry is unmistakable in the widely acclaimed video series and popular live-action stage show.

(CLICK HERE OR THE TITLE TO GO TO THE SITE)

New Yolanda Adams CD Release Today...

Yolanda Adams' new album, Day By Day, releases on August 30th, 2005, on Atlantic Records.

Ask Yolanda Adams what she loves about her music and ministry. The answer is as warm, embracing, and reflective as her songs. "The music brings joy. I truly believe that my songs bring the answers and the solutions, as opposed to just talking about the problems. My music at its core is joyful." (Read More...)

New Tyler Perry Movie...

Well I finished it! Madea’s Family Reunion, this was my first time directing a film so it was a challenge. I hope you like it. I am really pleased at the way it turned out. The cast was awesome. I made some new friends; Dr.Angelou was a dream and of course Ms. Tyson did her thing. Boris, Henry, Lynn and Blair were all so special in this film. Jennifer Lewis is a nut! By the way, there is a wedding in this film that is so incredible. I think that it’s the most incredible wedding that has ever been on film before. Some people that have seen a little of it and have read the script say that they like it better than Diary. I’ll let you be the judge of that. I know that you are going to blow the message board up with your comments! I added more pictures on the website for you to see, so check them out. We are adding a lot of cities onto the tour schedule for Madea Goes to Jail. If you don’t see your city now just check back in a couple of weeks. I plan to hit as many cities as I can before May of 2006. So, we will be seeing you. I’m going on vacation again so that I can get ready for the next leg of the tour at the end of the month. I’m going to find a little island and read, write and drink (smile). I’ll be talking to you soon. P.S. some of you are so funny on the message board with discussions about Diary. I read them and laughed. I thank you all for your prayers and support. Be blessed T.P.

New CD by CeCe Winans

Her new CD "Purified" will be out September 13th. Go out and support her new project!

Award winning CeCe Winans returns with her 7th solo album. With moments of encouragement, comfort, celebration and a focus on God's sovereignty, Purified is a masterpiece painted in a way that only CeCe could showcase. (Family Christian Stores Internet write up)

Seven Components of a Supernatural Breakthrough

Supernatural Break-through is defined as God’s predestined purpose meeting up with people, places and things to manifest His destiny in our lives.

1. Repentance: Rom. 2:4 To repent means to turn around, or to change one’s mind. It is a process designed for breaking strongholds over the power of the sin nature. God is not interested in healing the act of transgression; He wants to destroy the yoke of sin that binds us. When we refuse to repent, we deceive ourselves and live beneath our privileges in a pit of carnality. This only brings about a spiritual separation, where there is no longer an active covenant or power of agreement. Here is where repentance becomes necessary to restore the intimacy; and to receive his promises. Repentance, combined with a godly sorrow (2Corinth. 7: 9-10) produces the character of Christ. This continuous act of the yielding of our will moves us past the premises of salvation into purification, sanctification, and holiness. Click Here to Read On and Click "Heart To Heart"

Tyler Perry (Message and Directing New Movie)

Hello Everybody,

I'm back from vacation, and I needed it. It's time to work now. Speaking of which, I have been working for three weeks now, and all is well. I have to tell you all how good things are going on the set of "Madea's Family Reunion." Ya'll know that this is my first time directing a movie, so pray for me. I need it! The movie is going so well, and it is so beautiful. I can't wait for you to see it so I'm going to give you a sneak peek. I have posted a few pictures on my website so that you can see a little bit of what's going on. You can check them out at www.tylerperry.com. Since you all are the people that started this, I thought that you should be the first to see the behind the scenes. A couple of other things I want to share with you. Do you know that "Diary" was the number two video in the world last week? I am so excited about that. You guys bought 2.3 million copies the first day. That is unheard of! I am so proud of you. Thank you! You have really made Hollywood take us serious. Also, I think this was the first time in history that three videos, by the same person, have been in the top ten in the same week. The plays "Madea's Family Reunion" and "Madea's Class Reunion" were the number seven and eight video. If you get a second, go to the message board and let me know what you think about these shots from the movie. Be blessed and try not to work too hard! T.P.P.S. What do you think of the new website? (CLICK THE TITLE ABOVE TO SEE THE NEW BEHIND THE SCENES SNEEK PEEK)

MARY MARY'S NEW CD RELEASE

RELEASE DATE TODAY, JUNE 19TH. GET OUT THERE AND SUPPORT OUR SISTER'S WORK! CLICK ABOVE TITLE TO VISIT THEIR SITE FOR MORE INFO.

Ronald Winans Homegoing Program

Click the above title to view his program. What a true blessing this man has been. I have followed him since the beginning and have all of his family & friends CDs. He will be missed, truly! The program is awesome and very fitting of his life!

TYLER PERRY

Click Tyler Perry's name, above, to visit his site. Below is a message from Tyler. Support the brother and be sure to BUY, BUY, BUY his works, don't get black market versions. Sow seeds in the lives of those who are working hard to bring you a good product!!!! **** DIARY OF A MAD BLACK WOMAN AVAILABLE TODAY!****
------------------------------------
Wow, wow wow! This has been one of the most amazing years of my career and I thank God for all of you. You didn't have to sell out all the shows on this tour, but you did. You didn't have to make Diary number one at the box office, but you did. Thank you. I know you are with me and I know what side my bread is buttered on, (smile).

I see you all are hitting the message board about me coming to your area. We have one more year on this tour and we're adding a lot of new cities. So get ready to bail Madea out of jail in your town!

As you know Diary of a Mad Black Woman is out on video tomorrow (Tyler mailed this out 6/27/05; so, it's now available as of this posting). I hope you are excited to get it. You can buy your copy just about everywhere; Wal-Mart, Target, Blockbuster, Best Buy. You name it. So go out and get it and see all of the added footage and the behind the scenes antics. I know you will enjoy it.

Let's make this DVD the #1 movie sold this week. Let's show them that we want more movies like this and as you all know the only color that Hollywood respects is green. So go out and get the DVD for yourself or for someone that is going through. What an effective tool to give to someone that you don't quite know how to tell they need to get out of a bad situation.

Oh by the way, one of the producers of the Oprah show told me that the ratings were so high the day we were on that they will rerun the show. So if you missed it the first time, it airs again June 29th.

Hey, did you see 20/20? What did you guys think? You know I used to be able to go to the message board and see what you thought of the shows but "some of y'all ain't talking to me no mo? What's up? I'm lonely. Talk to me (laughing out loud)". That was Madea talking. On the other hand, I did get all the e-mails about me and Tyra Banks.

I'm leaving the country for a week on vacation so pray for me as I try to get a little rest before I start shooting Madea's Family Reunion on July11th. Oh and don't think I'm being selfish because not only am I going on vacation, I am sending my cast and crew and their families on an all expense paid vacation to a destination of their choice because they all worked so hard the past six months. So whisper a prayer for them if you don't mind. It's time to rest and restore, but we will be back soon.

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to be able to do this.

May God bless you. Tyler

Answers To Tough Questions

Click the above title to go to the main page or click below on the topic of interest:

GOD

PERSONAL STRUGGLES

RELATIONSHIPS

CONTEMPORARY ISSUES

WORLD RELIGIONS

THE BIBLE

THE PARANORMAL

CHRISTIANITY

ETHICS

MUST HAVES! (CDs, Books, etc.)

WALTER HAWKINS' "A Song In My Heart" CD (Click Here To Visit His Site)
Bishop Walter Hawkins is free.
A Song in My Heart, his new album denotes his long prayed-for musical emancipation. Inspired by his undying reverence for God, Hawkins uses all of God’s sonic possibilities, which have been laid at his feet. “This time, with my music, I was trying to figure out what was me, at this late date in my life. I tried to do songs with a timely message. I wanted to do things that would make me stretch. I decided, I am going to sing everything that I love.” Read On... (Click Here and Click "Bio" on page to continue reading)

Jackie Clark-Chisholm's "Expectancy" CD (Click Here To Read Interview and View CD summary)
There’s a certain ‘expectancy’ on the part of the public, when the Clark Sisters take any concert stage or church podium. From their earliest days at the annual C.O.G.I.C. convocation services, Twinkie, Dorinda, Karen, Jacky and Denise have been turning the concert halls out and setting church sanctuaries on spiritual fire. A palpable energy takes over the room and an undeniable spirit of healing consumes the beholder, as the first ladies of Gospel music get into their set of harmonies that leaves all spectators in awe and holy worship mode.
It’s from this remarkable genesis that the incredible Clark Sisters would each launch their individual solo careers, with Twinkie, Karen and Dorinda all sharing a personal testimony of faith in song…which brings us today to the ministry of Jacky Clark Chisholm. Read On... (Click Here)

LaShun Pace is Back! "It's My Time" CD (Click Here To Visit Site)
While Pace soared professionally, her existence was hardly charmed. Over the past ten years she has endured serious health problems, the breakup of her marriage and, most devastating of all, the death of her oldest daughter, Xenia. It's My Time is an album composed of tears and prayer. Pace wrote all but one of the ten tracks after a friend asked if she'd ever put lyrics to all she'd been through. The suggestion was just the spark she needed and the songs poured out of her. (Click Here To Read On)

"Your Best Life Now" by Pastor Joel Osteen #1 New York Times Best Seller (Click Here To Find Out More About This Awesome Book)
Do you often dream of living a more rewarding life? Do you aspire to obtain a better job, a stronger marriage, a happier home? Do you wish for more gratifying relationships with your family and friends? Perhaps you simply want to accomplish more and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.

Ron Winans Family & Friends 5 "A Celebration" (Click Here To Read On...)

Click here to visit another site on Ron Winans 5 CD

COMING SOON, NEW CECE WINANS CD "PURIFIED" CLICK HERE TO READ ON...

And The Story Goes A Little Something Like This...

A little while back, I started a story that visitors can contribute to. Read the previous post then add your part of the story in the comments section to keep our story going. Have fun.

Click the above title to view the previous entries and space up to see where the story began.

WHAT HAPPENS TO PEOPLE WHO HAVE NEVER HEARD THE GOSPEL?

If Jesus is the only way to God, what happens to those who’ve never heard the gospel, but follow their own religions? Can they be saved? Read on...

What To Do In GRAY AREAS

U CLICK THE ABOVE TITLE TO READ

Funny Bone

Kids Say The Cutest Things!
Going Crazy … Wanna Come?Yolanda Derstine, Missouri

On one particularly hectic day when my three children were small, I'd come to the end of my rope. "I've lost my mind!" I exclaimed. My four-year-old son, Stephen, piped up, "Did you look under the couch?" Read More...

OUT OF SITE! (Click on the names to visit)

Morning and Evening (devotion)

oneplace.com (everything is here)

Freedom (article)

Christian Atheletes

I was a daughter of Islam (article by Rae)

Joel Osteen Ministries (books, tapes, cds, sermons {watch or transcripts}, etc.)

This Day!

First, I would like to thank my fellow blogger "dd" for your encouraging comment. It's great to hear from visitors. So, if you're here, please feel free to post your comments, visit often and share my blog with others. There are some great articles that are good to read any day that are posted in other months on this blog. So, check them out. It was my youngest daughter's second birthday yesterday. Where does the time go? My babies are growing up. And in another week, my oldest daughter will be 4 and starting school this year. My goodness, where does the time go? They are a blessing. Lord knows, they stretch me beyond where I can stretch. There's no way I can be the wife and mother I need to be without the Lord. I tell you, with all the responsibilities and time management we have, one needs the strength of the Lord. And, I call on Him wherever I am. The amazing thing is, He does it everytime. I have had times where I've done so much in a day, and I get at the end of a day feeling like I have not another lick in me. Well, I still have a husband to care for too. In times like these, I've come before the Lord and have asked Him to fill me, to do for me what I cannot do, do it in spite of me, do in spite of current feelings, I tell Him that I submit myself even though I don't feel like it. Guess what, I've prayed honestly and still gave myself, in spite of myself, and the Lord honors it. You can be brutally honest with the Lord because He knows what you're thinking anyway. So, you might as well say it out loud to Him and then ask Him to do whatever it is through you that needs to be done even if your feelings don't line up yet. He will do it for you everytime. All He wants is an honest and willing heart. I have seen Him plant in me the strength and desires for whatever else was on my plate to fulfill. Every single time. Thank you Lord! Be encouraged today, God cares about every aspect of you. Every single nook and cranny of you. You are loved with an everlasting love!

Ecetera

I saw that I hadn't visited my blog world or blogs in awhile. I've been busy with life. Hope all you bloggers out there are doing well. The blog world is truly fascinating. It's great and interesting to see what people come up with. I've been a busy bee serving others in my life, which gives me great joy. Daily desiring to be the best wife and mom I can be, just the best I can be period. We've had lots of sudden deaths in our church family. Most were in there 40s. None of us knows what day the Lord will say it is finished; so, I truly try and appreciate everything and everybody. I love to love and show love, to encourage others. It gives me great joy. I'm seeking to become a part of a mentoring program for girls ages 10-18. We've had a couple of meetings, and it sounds promising, exciting and fulfilling to think of pouring all of what I've experienced in life into others to help their road be better, brighter and to experience the love of those of us who desire to be there for them and be used. I'm really excited about this. To much is given, much is required, and the Lord has given me much. I'm busting loose in all of His blessings. I know they're not to be kept to myself. I have my own family to take care of, but I always have a nag within to share myself even more. Hopefully this mentoring will be the niche for however long the season is for me to do so. People, be encouraged. As long as you are alive, there is God hope available to you!

Reflection

Reflecting Back

This day will reflect back to you the thoughts and feelings you have
about how it is going. The world will reflect back to you the
expectations you have of how it will be.

The people you encounter will reflect your attitude back to you. The
situations you come across will reflect your own perspective back to
you.

The shortcomings you notice in others are reflecting similar things
within yourself. The beauty you see around you is a reflection of the
beauty that is a part of you.

The problems you encounter out there can be most effectively addressed
by first considering what they reflect within you. The opportunities out
there can best be grasped by first connecting with the part of you that
they reflect.

Be your best, and life will be too. Live with integrity, a generous
spirit, a positive enthusiasm, and the world will reflect it all back to
you.

What you experience is a reflection of who you are. Nurture the value
and goodness inside you, and the reflection will be magnificent indeed.

Freedom

Then, Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are my disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." John 8:31-32

How many times have you heard persons say, "You know they say the truth will make you free?" A zillion times. Did you know that those words were based on the above scripture? People may say, "You know THEY say..." But who is the "THEY?" God's word says it, but many may not have read it in context. One is not set free by truth alone. Jesus was speaking, first and foremost to believers. Those who actually believe in Him. Then he goes on to say to those believers that if they ABIDE in His word, they are His DISCIPLES INDEED! After saying all that is when He gets to how a believer will know the truth and the truth shall make the believer free.

To have the freedom Jesus is speaking of, you must be a believer of Him, abide in His word and from His word you will know the truth and the truth from His word shall make you free. Blankly saying the truth shall make you free is not complete without the full context in which it was taken. Do you want to experience His freedom and His peace which surpasses all understanding, you must repent (agree with God that you are a sinner, turn away from your sin and turn to God), realizing there's nothing you can do to pay the price for your sin, which is death (eternal spiritual separation from God). But believe that the Lord Jesus Christ's death, burial and resurrection is true and is the true payment for what you and I justly deserve. If you believe, you are born again! The Holy Spirit, the comforter of promise has sealed you until the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:7-14). Pray and ask God to lead you to a good church family where you can grow, be taught in God's ways and serve. Pray for a wise mentor to walk alongside you. Visit www.equip.org (Christian Research Institute) for great information and to ask for a good church home in your area. Welcome to God's family! May you become all He's called you to.

Great Quotes...

If you have a great quote, post it in the comment section and yours may be displayed on this main page too.

"Broken People Become Master Menders." JoAnne Barnes


"To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one's self; to leave the world a little bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived-this is to have succeeded." Anonymous

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." God's word (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Two Christians working for the Lord Should keep this goal in mind:
Give praise for what the other does - To your success be blind. Branon

"Most of us spend the first six days of each week sowing wild oats; then we go to church on Sunday and pray for a crop failure."
Fred A. Allen

Communion Service

Today was a good day! Our service was a great blessing. The music ministry did an awesome job ministering and ushering us into the Lord's presence. Our Pastor did a great job too. We had many persons who were baptized today, men, women, girls and boys. It was such a blessing to see. Watching them placed down in the water (burial) and raised up (resurrected) always blesses me with memory of when I was baptized. Plus, I always receive something new from witnessing it. Either the person who's getting baptized and their story blesses me or something Pastor will say that will touch me a new. Either way, today was a blessing. Fellowship with others and fellowship with my husband and children. God blessed us to have a good dinner together at home, and I got some things done around the house. I just want to tell you, Lord, how much I love you. Thank you for being YOU! You are great, pleasant and pleasing to me. May I choose you and your ways in all I do because your way is wonderful!

NEW SITE

Great articles, broadcasts and devotionals. Check it out by clicking on the above title. Enjoy!

The Price of True Happiness

We live in a culture that is selfish and self-absorbed maybe like no other culture in human history. A few years ago Barron’s Magazine ran an article entitled “We Have Too Much.” It talked about how more and more Americans want things that make them feel good—cruises, makeovers, golf lessons, etc. Recreational spending jumped 30% from 1993 to 1998, while the luxury segment of the economy rose 21% in 1996 alone. In short, people are spending a lot of money giving themselves grins.

Yet all of this material abundance has not resulted in an abundance of happiness. (Click Here To Continue Reading)

And The Story Goes A Little Something Like This...

To everyone who visits, lets write a story together and see how creative we can be. This is how it will work. Read the previous post and then write your part of the story. I will start it and you pick up the baton and continue and continue and continue...

Once upon a time there was Leah. Leah was a special somebody! Everywhere she went, she left a special impression, whether male, female or child. She new she had a special gift, and she made sure she shared that gift with everyone she met. One day, Leah met another special person. That person she met was...

WEBSITE HIGHLIGHT (God Said Man Said)

GOD SAID MAN SAID (CLICK HERE TO ENTER)

This site has more articles than one could mention. Many questions you may have had, they address. Check it out and post your comments to what you've read here.

Your Rights (Students and Workplace, etc.)

Click on the above title to view the following issues of interest and more:

Work Place Rights
Witnessing @ School
Prayer in the workplace or school
Bibles and Bible Studies in the workplace or school
Sharing your faith/witnessing
Free Speech
Student Religious Displays
and more... Click on the title above and click on the issue of interest to you!

Israel: God's Answer to Skeptics

Ever desired a better understanding of God's Chosen People. Here's a good article to provide some understanding. An article for all to benefit from. Click on the above title to view.

The above article discusses how we're interconnected to Israel/Jewish people and the following:

The Chosen People
The Preservation of the People
The Conflict of the People
The Cosummation of the People
The Purpose of the People (That people may see, know, consider and understand...)

Contentment

Lisa Barry: This morning I was telling God that even though I was in a situation that was unpleasant to me, I accepted it as from His hand. My very next thought was to be critical of the person through whom that difficulty came. God quickly corrected my thinking in the Book of James where he said, "With the same mouth you praise God and curse your brother, this should not be" (James 3:10).
Are you willing to be content with God's will for you even if it's not what you planned? Elisabeth Elliot talks about this very important subject next on Gateway To Joy. Read On...

The Secret of Contentment

Elisabeth Elliot: If you feel as though there's some desperate need in your life, some material need perhaps, and you don't have it today-then if you really trust God, you will see that you don't need it. Read On...

Escaping Envy

Click Title to Read.

The Secret To A Great Valentine's Day

Click the title to read.

The Evidence For Christ's Resurrection

Click on the title to read.

Is The Bible Hard To Understand and Does It Contradict Itself?

Click Below to View the Articles:

Is It Hard To Understand?

Does It Contradict Itself?

Leggo My Leggings

For the funny in you! Have a laugh. Click on the above title and enjoy!