Talk about a disaster.

I recall being at a party for Whitney…as in Huston…and seeing LaToya along with a host of other people there.

At the time she was still very much cute and quite petite…as she is very tiny.

But when I happened to come across this video of her…I couldn’t help but go back trying to remember what she used to look like.  And it sure was nothing like this.

Boob job…lightening of her skin…and she definitely had a hair transplant. 

How much could she have hated herself?

Perhaps it was that crazy husband of her’s who smashed in her face.  Tore up her nose…damaged her eye…and all that other stuff he did to her…that older white guy who she married claiming… she was trying to escape from her abusive daddy…Joe Jackson.

In the video footage below LaToya looks so old.   And a little bit more plastic surgery she will be in the running for  a neck to neck race  to the finish line for  ‘who looks the worst…or the most terrorifying?’   Her or that Lion Woman.

I just don’t get it.

Why would you want to mess yourself up like this?

What some women won’t do.

Germaine is traveling around the world and doing his best to look like Michael…and be recognized as Michael’s all-in-all.   Holding his hands like Michael in a praying fashion…and all of that stuff.  Even in just how he steps back…then steps forth to speak to someone. Just the way Michael would do.   It is all a bit too much.   He is really taking it to the bank…and beyond if he can.

But then are they all?

Are they all finally doing in death to Michael…what they could not do to him in life?

And that is take him for a ride…straight to the bank?

My son called me other night saying-

“Oooh, ma. Everybody is calling me. And telling me I’ve got to watch the Jackson’s Reality Show.”

I’m wondering who wants to watch a bunch of over-the-hill…no-real-talent brothers?

But I guess some people do…obviously. And my son was one of them.

A friend did tell me that she loved the Michael Jackson movie though.

I guess when it has all been said and done.  He really was the greatest.  Like Muhammad Ali was to boxing…and Michael Jordan to basketball.  Michael was  it to the music and video industry.  And there can be no denying it.

In the end it was…what he wanted.

Well, tomorrow it is suppose to be in low 20’s…meaning degrees.   So, I am definitely planning on spending  my day inside.

What about you?

Have a beautiful day…however you spend it.

And oh, yeah….

I just finished putting the finishing touches to my book, THE BISHOP’S WIFE.   I can’t wait to tell you when it will be available for purchase…and my web site is up.  But rest assured that announcement will be coming very soon.   God is good…and greatly to be praised.

Well, Christmas is right around the corner.   I understand that it is next week. 

Wow…where did the time go?

This year has flown by.  It truly has.

While I was out shopping this evening…as I turned to leave I shouted out-

“Merry Christmas and Happy New Years.”

And I was almost amazed that I got no response back.  Times have truly changed.  Everybody wants to be ‘politically right.’  

What is that anyways?

I would rather recognize the Lord and give him glory…than try to satisfy a bunch of people afraid they are going to step on somebody’s religious beliefs. 

Jesus is the reason for the season.   And I just hope that you and your’s…or you and your family…and even just you if this happens to be your current situation…enjoy it.    I just hope you…and whomever have a very merry Christmas and a good and safe New Years.  But I am sure that I will be writing another blog or 2 or 3 before the year is out.  You know me…I’ve always got something to say…on something.

Well, God bless…

Thank you for reading this blog…and  my others.  Please be sure to continue to share this blog site with your family, co-workers and all your friends… “pass it on…”  www.bsmith101.wordpress.com  ©2009

Christians in the mainstream…

If you follow any Christian bands, you’ve probably heard that term thrown around. “We’re Christian by faith, not genre,” was quickly popularized when Tim Foreman of Switchfoot coined it during an interview. Bands such as Skillet get radio play on secular rock stations and are praised for their efforts in reaching the “unsaved” world. Kirk Franklin’s songs cross over to Urban radio, and Gospel music gets a good rap for preaching to the secular audience.

Then there’s bands that in no way define themselves as a Christian band, but have some meager tie to the church. The Christian music industry grasps at straws to prove that they are “one of us.” The Fray, for example, started off by playing worship songs in church and youth group. MAE’s former contract on Tooth & Nail led many to identify them with Christian music – a title that they never even remotely stated or implied in their music. (I’ve found that out firsthand). Lifehouse’s popular, “Everything,” has been translated into a powerful, moving drama that youth groups across the country perform. I myself have seen multiple renditions.

Don’t get me wrong – I’m not bashing these bands at all. I’m a fan of some of them, and wholeheartedly appreciate all of their efforts. However, I think that we need to re-shift our focus and look outside the pop/rock world. A large amount of ministry is occurring right now in the industry. The large part of this takes place in the indie and underground scenes, making most of those who solely listen to Christian and Gospel music virtually unaware of these developments.

If you haven’t yet been exposed to the hardcore scene, consider this your entrance. It’s more than just two-stepping, windmill kicking kids with super tight pants and scene haircuts. It’s an underground movement.

Traditionally, hardcore music has been seen as violent, angry, and even evil. I won’t deny this fact – I recently saw a band that screamed at the crowd saying, “We aren’t here to be happy! Everyone around you is a target, and on this next breakdown, get them!” It was awful. Let’s just say, I stayed far, far away from the crowd.

My boss recently asked what I thought the next big “thing” or genre would be in the music world. I told him that there is, and will soon be, a countless amount of “Owl City” guys emerging from behind Mac’s all across the world. But as electronic beats move into the limelight, the hardcore scene is rapidly growing as well. However, most people don’t know this. You don’t hear these songs on the radio, or see them getting TV or film placement.

Nevertheless, Christian bands in the hardcore scene are some of the nicest, most humble people I have ever met. They tend to live simply, boldly proclaim their faith, and truly relate to fans. Granted, this isn’t to say that the Hawk Nelson’s and David Crowder’s of the world aren’t as well – I’m positive that they are. But hardcore and indie bands are just…well, different.

I’m not totally sure how to describe it. I attempted to relate these ideas to my mother a few months ago. She couldn’t get past the fact that they are screaming, and that it sounds extremely angry. We had a pretty in-depth discussion about it. As it ended she said, “So they’re a lot like the disciples?” I guess that’s a good way of putting it. I pulled out I Am Terrified’s CD liner and gave it to her to read. After she read it, she was pleasantly surprised. The lyrics were more evangelical and “worship-like” than she would ever have expected. I can be led in worship by listening to their CD, just as I can Chris Tomlin or Matt Redman.

During Warped Tour this year, I witnessed Underoath stand up in front of hundreds of drunk and high teenagers – some vomiting over the barricade in front of the stage from being intoxicated and moshing in 100 degree weather – and proclaim the name of Jesus Christ. Some voices cheered them on, while others gave blank stares.

Most recently, I was extremely humbled and blessed to speak with Tommy, front man and lead vocalist of Sleeping Giant. I won’t give too much away, because I’ll be posting the interview soon, but I will share this much: That man is incredible. He knows what he believes and proudly shares it. The band is currently touring with Circle of Contempt, Oceano, Stick To Your Guns, and Winds of Plague – all bands that use profanity as often as a valley girl uses the world “like.”

Sleeping Giant has the opportunity to stand in front of the brutal, metal loving, hardcore kids who are drawn to their tour mates. Tommy tells them about his previous life, how he had an affair with his friend’s wife, and how he was a scumbag and the worst in the crowd. He then shares of the forgiveness than can be found in Jesus Christ, and how He has changed his life.

As two friends and I stood behind the pit, I smiled as I watched Tommy share his heart. People around us mock cheered, some talked, while others hung onto every word he spoke. Their band is their ministry, and this is extremely evident. Not only is their music quite good, their message of redemption and hope is even better.

Ascend The Hill (more on the indie side) and Holding Onto Hope are others that I’ve seen evidence this outpouring of ministry and prayer, along with I Am Alpha and Omega and For Today. They reach kids where they are and quickly engage in prayer and healing. I am not by any means limiting this principle to the bands listed here, because there are countless more. Honestly, I’m not even the biggest fan of hardcore. I’d take singing over screaming any day – but the impact that Christians are making in the scene is too large to be overlooked and too meaningful to not share it with you.

Hopefully this rant/random group of thoughts has helped open your eyes to the Christian hardcore scene and how they are “making disciples of ALL the nations.” I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, and felt led to put it all into words. So grab an album sleeve for yourself and read the lyrics. If your ears can tolerate the volume, and you don’t mind dodging some punches and hurtling bodies, check out a ministry –minded band in concert. Your mindset towards these hardcore bands might be changed, and your life may be blessed by what they have to say.

Images by Sis.

Idag på förmiddagen så kom Jimmy och hans son Kendal och hälsa på mig under några timmar. Jag och Jimmy satt och snacka medan Kendal tittade på Bollibompa. Jag brukar vanligtvis inte titta på barnprogram men det är roligt att se hur ett barn kan bli så upptagen av att titta på tecknade serier. När jag var liten så såg man bara på tecknat en gång om året och då var det Kalle Ankas Jul på julafton. Dessutom så hade vi bara två tv kanaler, så det fanns inte så mycket att se, och det som fanns var antingen ”fem myror är fler än fyra elefanter ”som faktiskt var ett riktigt bra program, men sen så hade vi ett annat program som sägs ha fördärvat mångas barndom och det programmet hette ”vilse i pannkakan”. Nästan alla barn blev skiträdda för storpotätan, som var en potatis som var lite otäck. Vi hade inte så många kanaler som man har idag, vi hade två kanaler och för det mesta så var det bara en klocka man kunde se på dagarna, ja så roligt hade jag det när jag var barn.

Den senaste tiden så har jag lagt upp en hel del videoklipp, antingen med människor som berättar hur dom fann Jesus eller så har det varit musikklipp. Nu idag så visade Samuel Ljungblahd ett klipp på Facebook. Han finns nämligen med i min vän lista. Klippet visar när han var i Globen och spelade, men just det här klippet så är det Kirk Franklin som ber Samuel att sjunga med i en av Kirks sånger. Jag är vanligtvis ingen större beundrare av gospelmusik men Kirk Frankling har jag alltid gillat ,i alla fall i små mängder. Jag gillar inte när det blir “Tjat gospel” Nu är ju Samuel inte direkt någon gospel artist utan snarare soul artist. Han har nog en av Sveriges bästa soul röster om du frågar mig.

Samuel Ljungblahd & Nikki Ross singing Kirk Franklin’s – “Don’t Cry”

.

Här är en till video med Samuel när han var med i så ska det låta, och låter det gör det verkligen.

.

Ta hand om er!

I just want to start off my day by saying Thank you, Thank you for allowing me to open my eyes yet one more day and breathe the life that you have blessed me with. Thank you for your renewed grace and mercy that you shower me with daily. Thank you for your hedge of protection and your blood covering keeping me safe thus far. If I had ten thousand tongues O’ Lord I could not Thank you enough. Today I ask for many Blessings to fall fresh on myself, family and friends. Touch the ones who don’t know you O’ Lord and lead them to know you the way that I do. I ask for continued peace, wisdom and knowledge in all that I do. I love you Lord, I adore you and I ask that you help me make the very best of this new day. In Jesus name I give you all the Honor, Glory, and Praise………. Amen!

Written By Ms. Dawn

I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together! Psalms 34: 1-3

Our Saviour’s Baptist Church is definitely on the move doing great things. Minister Annesah Shabazz is calling all Youth Of Our Saviour’s to join her in Praising The Lord in song. Minister Annesah has been led by God to start a Youth Choir for all ages. The first meeting  will be held November 15th 2009 right after morning service. God’s Blessings on the start of a wonderful ministry.

Sister’s Circle is off  to fantabulous  start. We The Sisters of Our Saviour’s welcome you to come Pray, Fellowship, and Discuss the word of God with us. We truly have a high time  together. Click on Sister’s Circle tab for further details.

May God Continue To Pour Out Blessings,

Ms. Dawn

Praise the Lord, all you nations,

glorify God, all you peoples!

Praise the Lord, faraway space,

glorify God,

Praise the Lord, world of today,

come with your blessings;

Praise the Lord!

Those who obey my commandments are the ones who love me. John 14:21

If You truly love God you will be obedient in all that he commands of you to do!

Never put off until tomorrow what you can do today.
- Thomas Jefferson

Will You Accept Or Deny Christ? The choice is Yours and  I hope you choose to accept!

“But whoever disowns me before men, I will disown him before my Father in heaven”. Matthew 10:33

Written By, Ms. Dawn

THE BUZZARD:
If you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet and is entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of its ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of 10 to 12 feet. Without space to run, as is its habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top.

THE BAT:
An ordinary bat, is a remarkable nimble creature in the air, but it cannot take off from a level place.  If it is placed on the floor or on flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the air. Then, at once, it takes off like a flash.

THE BUMBLEBEE:
A bumblebee, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until it dies,
unless it is taken out.  It never sees the means of escape at the top, but
persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself.

PEOPLE:
In many ways, we are like the buzzard, the bat, and the bumblebee. We
struggle about with all our problems and frustrations, never realizing
that all we have to do is look up!  That’s the answer or the escape route
and the solution to any problem is to always look up to God.

Sorrow looks back. Worry looks around. But Faith looks up!

Submitted By, Pastor Isaiah A. Brown Sr.

Ni som läser min blogg – ni VET – att jag älskar Kirk Franklin. Skulle bli själaglad om det gick att hitta singbackversioner som går att köra i Garageband (Mac) för att spela in min sång över.

Önskelåtar;

Could’ve been

Imagine me

Chains

Help me believe

My life, my love, my all

Afterwhile

+ många andra.

Blir oerhört tacksam för hjälp.

LOVE YA!

Have you ever lost something of great value, like that woman that Jesus talks about in Luke 15:8 did? If so, you probably spent some moments searching, retracing your steps, and may have even asked others to help you look for your lost valuable. Do you remember the joy you experienced when you found what was lost? Well, that joy pales in comparison to the joy that occurs in heaven when one “lost” sinner repents (Luke 15:10). If there is someone in your life who does not yet know God, pray often that he or she will soon come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour so that you can rejoice along with the angels in heaven when they get saved and repent!

Submitted by Minister Trayce Brown

Therefore, there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2

As you may know, when you get caught committing a crime you must pay the price and go to jail. And with serving jail time comes a penalty , along with what ever penalty you are sentenced with comes the consequence of putting your wrong doing on “permanent record” for others to know about. In doing so this ruins your credibility with things you want to do in life. Luckily our life is not that way with God when we commit to Sin, our permanent record can be made temporary if we go to God confessing the Sin we have committed and ask for true forgiveness. God will write off our debt and forget all about it if we are truly sincere in our asking. His mercies are new each and everyday and we should be thankful to serve a God who gives second chances and continues to love us unconditionally. Remember through God’s word you can be assured that your sins will NOT be on your permanent record as you stand before God on judgement day.

Written By, Ms. Dawn

I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen”. 2 Timothy 2:10…….  What are you going to do?  May God Continue To Pour Out Blessings!!

… kommer det öronbedövande lugnet.

My life, my love, my all… This song always makes me cry of love for Jesus Christ.

Den här sången får mig alltid att gråta av min kärlek till Jesus Kristus.

<blockquote>I heard this song recently and I like it! Love the meaning.</blockquote>
<div style=”width: 300px;”><object width=”300″ height=”110″ data=”http://media.imeem.com/m/OEKF_3Fc_j/aus=false/” type=”application/x-shockwave-flash”><param name=”wmode” value=”transparent” /><param name=”src” value=”http://media.imeem.com/m/OEKF_3Fc_j/aus=false/” /></object>
<div style=”background-color:#E6E6E6;padding:1px;”>
<div style=”float:left;padding:4px 4px 0 0;”><a href=”http://www.imeem.com/”><img src=”http://www.imeem.com/embedsearch/E6E6E6/” border=”0″ alt=”" /></a></div>
<form style=”margin:0;padding:0;” action=”http://www.imeem.com/embedsearch/” method=”post”> <input name=”EmbedSearchBox” type=”text” /> <input style=”font-size:12px;” type=”submit” value=”Search” />
<div style=”padding-top:3px;”><a rel=”nofollow” href=”http://www.imeem.com/ads/banneradclick.ashx?ep=0&amp;ek=OEKF_3Fc_j”><img src=”http://www.imeem.com/ads/bannerad/152/10/” border=”0″ alt=”" /></a><a rel=”nofollow” href=”http://www.imeem.com/ads/banneradclick.ashx?ep=1&amp;ek=OEKF_3Fc_j”><img src=”http://www.imeem.com/ads/bannerad/153/10/” border=”0″ alt=”" /></a><a rel=”nofollow” href=”http://www.imeem.com/ads/banneradclick.ashx?ep=2&amp;ek=OEKF_3Fc_j”><img src=”http://www.imeem.com/ads/bannerad/154/10/” border=”0″ alt=”" /></a><a rel=”nofollow” href=”http://www.imeem.com/ads/banneradclick.ashx?ep=3&amp;ek=OEKF_3Fc_j”><img src=”http://www.imeem.com/ads/bannerad/155/10/OEKF_3Fc_j/” border=”0″ alt=”" /></a></div>
</form></div>
</div>
<a href=”http://www.imeem.com/dacharm/music/ONW156tn/kirk-franklin-i-am-god/”>I Am God – Kirk Franklin</a>
<p style=”text-align: center;”><strong>Kirk Franklin (feat. tobyMac)</strong></p>
<p style=”text-align: center;”></p>

<p style=”text-align: center;”>[Kirk Franklin:] Toby Mac! (huh!) Turn it up!
[Toby Mac:] Kirk, gonna get his white boy on!
[Kirk Franklin:] God, I know You up to something. (uhhh!) I can see it all right now. (woo!) You pulling back my covers. It’s getting crazy. (Come on!)

<p style=”text-align: center;”>[Verse 1: Kirk Franklin]
Think I’m gonna walk away
You’re messing up my life today (wassup)
This time I refuse to pray
Still you keep calling me (calling me)
I don’t wanna see your face
The thing I love you erased (Come on!)
Nothing but an empty space
Now I don’t know how to be
I know it wasn’t right for me. (Yea!)
What you liking what you need.
I feel like I’m in surgery
Still you cut deeper

<p style=”text-align: center;”>My secrets within
My blanket of sin
Lord how much longer ’till ya through with me
Please take what you need (Can I get up now!)

<p style=”text-align: center;”>[Chorus:]
Be still and know I am God
Be still and know I am God

<p style=”text-align: center;”>[Verse 2: Toby Mac]
Loving you Lord is my way
Everything you don’t explain
Somethings I don’t want to change
So you keep breaking me (There you go!)
It’s like I’m fighting for my life (woo!)
You hit me with another light
I feel like Jacob in the night
Won’t stop ’till you bless me

<p style=”text-align: center;”>My flesh and my will (Yes father!)
Is yours not to kill (To kill!)
Bringing myself to you (Come on!)
But living sacrifice is more (Can I get up now)

<p style=”text-align: center;”>[Chorus:]
Be still and know I am God (Gotta know Gotta know Gotta know Gotta know)
Be still and know (yea) I am God(Gotta know Gotta know One more time!)
Be still and know I am God (You are God! You are God! Gotta know! Gotta know!)
Be still (Be still) and know (and know) I am God (yea!)

<p style=”text-align: center;”>[Bridge:]
If I could I’d fly away from here
But even when I’m far you still are near
I gotta get out (There’s no way out)
Where is there to run(There’s no where to run)
Don’t go(Don’t go)
Don’t go (Can’t go)
No! No! No! (Whoa!)

<p style=”text-align: center;”>[Kirk Franklin:]
You win. (uh huh!)
I’ve been trying to do it on my own. (Yes Lord!)
But right now I gotta surrender.
You know what’s best. (Say it like you mean it!)
It’s not easy waiting on you.
It’s not easy believing that you got this together.
But without faith it is impossible to please you. (We recognize you!)
So I’m gonna stand right here. (We are still before you!)
You got me. (We are still before you!) You got me. You got me.

<p style=”text-align: center;”>[Chorus:]
Be still and know (we know!) I am God (We gonna lift those hands. I surrender to your authority God! I surrender!)
Be still (we’re still!) and know (we know!) I am God (I give you my will)(Gotta know! Gotta! know! Gotta know!)
Be still (I’m yours!) and know (we know!) (I’m yours!) I am God (I’m tired of living on my own! I’m tired of living on my own!)
Be still and know (we know!) I am God (You are God!)
<p style=”text-align: center;”>Hallelujah! Without God, I’m nothing.</p>