Help Save The Pink Tea Cup!

I was truly saddened when I've read that The Pink Tea Cup, a great Soul Food restaurant in Greenwich Village, will be closing after 55 years. It's one of my favorite restaurants and they have the best Banana Pudding ever (next to my own, of course!). Unfortunately, due to my own financial constraints, I haven't been able to dine there this year. But I felt compelled to do something. So I'm spreading the word!

"Team Tea Cup", a group of loyal patrons, will be having a fundraiser at the restaurant on January 3, 2010 - the day the restaurant is set to close. The goal is to raise $100,000 for the current manager, Vincent Pickney to purchase the restaurant from owner Lisa Ford. There are other ways you can help:

1) Stop by the restaurant - 42 Grove Street, New York, NY 10014. Enjoy the food - especially the banana pudding!

2) Go to www.savethepinkteacup.blogspot.com. There's a donation link on the blog.

3) Become a Facebook Fan - http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-York-NY/Save-The-Pink-Tea-Cup/203415786606?ref=mf Post this on your page.

As soon as I can obtain some funds, I'll help contribute to save the restaurant. If you really look at it, we really don't have that many good Soul Food restaurants left in NYC. Shouldn't we do what we can to save the good ones?

Until next time....

A Deep Reflection - Chapter 15

"As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take lots of pictures, laugh a lot, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back."

This was an email I've sent to my friends back in 2006. I was deleting my archived email when I came across this email. I guess this is God's way of reminding me that people will always fail you and to trust Him because He never fails!

As 2009 comes to a close, in a nutshell, this has definitely been the most challenging year of my life! I've lost a lot, I've gained a lot, I've learned who's truly there for me and I've learned about those who truly don't give a damn. I've learned that I've grown in some areas and I've learned that I have a long way to go.

There's 3 more weeks before 2010 arrives. I still believe that God will bless me with what I prayed for despite what my situation looks like. And when He does, trust me...you will know! For God is not a man that He shall lie!

Until next time....Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

From Hell's Gate to Hope - Chapter 14

I was watching "Praise the Lord" TBN earlier today and I've watched a pastor telling a story about a woman he was praying with. I'm sure you'll find this story just as interesting as I did.

This woman was driving on the Alaskan/Canadian freeway and landed in a place called Hell's Gate. She was filled with fear and couldn't drive, so she called the pastor's office for prayer. She told him that she was trying to a place called Hope, a town that was 52 miles from Hell's Gate. After he prayed for her, he suggested to her to drive for 1 mile, pull over then pray and continue to do it each time until she reaches her destination. He told her if she needed anymore to give him a call. He didn't hear from her for weeks. He received a letter from her months later explaining her experience and he read it to the audience. She said that she took the pastor's advice pulled over after each mile and prayed. Around the 26th mile, a Toyota Camry zoomed right passed her and the licence plate said "Praise Him." That's just what she did.

She realized the significance of the road she traveled. The road from Hell's Gate to Hope was long scary journey for her, but through prayer and praising God, not only did she make it to a place called Hope, but she also made it through with no fear! It was no coincidence that I watched this program going through what I'm going through. I got the message...did you?

Until next time....

The "Job" Experience - Chapter 13

Since my last post, there has been some challenges I've had to face. You can say that I'm going through my "Job" experience! No, not Job as in work, but Job from the Bible.

You know the story. But in case you don't, a man named Job was one of the wealthest man of his time. He was extremely blessed because God blessed him. God and Satan had a conversation regarding who Satan can devour. God asked him "Have you considered my servant Job?" God allowed Satan to take everything from Job, from his land to his wealth to his children. Satan also made Job gravely ill. The point of this was that regardless of Job's situation he would not curse God, but continue to praise Him! Long story short, not only did Job not curse God in the midst of his situation, but Job receive double for his trouble!

Even though I'm going through my "Job" experience, I still believe that God will bless me! I've left my church on faith because I was tired of my gifts being stiffled. I've quit my job on faith because God's preparing me for something greater. Although things doesn't look good for me right now in the natural, I know in my heart that God is doing great things for me in the Spirit realm! The Lord promised me that He will give me the desires of my heart before 2009 ends and I believe it! I'm holding on to that promise because that's all I have - His word!

Until next time...

Each Day Gets Better - Chapter 12

As each day passes, life does get better. Especially when you walk out on faith!

All God wants us to do is to have faith, believe and trust in Him and He will fulfill the desires of our hearts! Can we honestly say that we do that? We say that we trust Him, but we still do our own thing. We say that we believe Christ, but we do the complete opposite of what we say. When are we as people of God are going to mean what we say and say what we mean? When are we as lovers of Christ are not only to speak about it, but BE about it? Enough is enough!

I took that leap of faith and I don't regret it. I love the Lord that much! And I know God will bless me - not because I've been faithful, but because He loves me. For God I'll live and for God I'll die!

Until next time...

I'll Try Again - Chapter 10

A lot has happened since my last entry.

My mother has been in & out the hospital, I resigned my membership from my church and I withdrew from school until the fall.

Now, I’ve registered for the fall, looking for another church home and pray for full healing for my mom. Most importantly, I pray that all of greatest desires will be fulfilled before I leave this earth.

Until next time...

I'm So Done! - Chapter 9

2009 has been a rough year so far. Between my mom being sick for over 3 months, going to school – only to drop-out, people at my job stressing me out, some members of my family being just down-right psychotic in their behavior, and my own health is in question, it is only by the grace of God that I’m still sane!

I can’t help but wonder if God is punishing me for all the turmoil I’m going through!

I feel completely numb! I’m sitting here at work contemplating if I want to return or not. I have a MRI appointment on Monday. The technician will scan my brain and I’m afraid of the worst. All of weight I’ve lost I’ve gained back – and then some. I gave up hope on ever being married.

The bottom line is this – I’m 36 years old, single, no children (not that I want any), no property, a damn assistant (not a manager, not a director, but an assistant!), with nothing to call my own! A dream that hasn’t been fulfilled and I constantly suffer because of my calling!

This will be my last entry for a while. I give up….I’m done!

Is it just me? - Chapter 8

Is it just me, or that pastors, preachers and other leaders have taken God out of the picture?

Please understand, we are all human and none of us are perfect, but leaders in ministry are set apart and are suppose to set an example on how to handle situations God's way.  From what I have seen, it is the reason why I'm not ready to be a leader!  My motto is if you're gonna speak about it, then be about it!  That's the code I live by!

I am truly disappointed in what I have seen and experience with church leaders and I pray that we ALL have a humble experience with the Lord and I also pray that we FINALLY get it together with Christ & be a better example for the unbelievers to come to Christ!

Until next time....

The Worst Is Over!- Chapter 7

Praise God, as of March 5th, my mother is out of the hospital and is now at a rehab facility gaining her strength back after being in & out of ICU for a month. I thank God for keeping her here on Earth and I am proud of her for finding the strength to keep on going.



Now that she's in rehab, I have to resume to my normal schedule. Unfortunately, I'm behind in my classes and in my job. I pray that I get caught up soon. Since my birthday is coming up, I decided to take some time and spent the day at a spa. I need to relax! I don't have a husband to relax me in other ways - so this will have to do for now! LMAO!



Until next time...

Why Don’t My Mother Want to Live? - Chapter 6

It’s been nearly 20 days since my mom has been in the hospital. It has been a wear & tear on me & my family. It hasn’t been easy traveling back and forth to Staten Island, as well as taking an extended vacation from work to be by my mother’s side. What’s worst is that I’m falling behind on my studies. Being that this is my 1st semester, the transition has been a rocky one – to say the least.

What I am most grateful for is that family & friends had came by to see my mom and have given my brother & I their support and prayers. It’s truly have been a humbling experience for us. Again, it’s such a shame that it has to take a traumatic event for family to come together. The point is that we’re together.

Now if my own mother can see what’s really going on, she would be so surprised and humbled. The fact is that my mother is depressed and she doesn’t have the will to live. I know that’s nothing but the enemy and the Lord Jesus Christ rebuke him! I came to find out recently that Mom hasn’t been happy for quite sometime – with herself & her life! Any other time that Mom has been sick, she would go straight to the doctor without hesitation. This time, she wanted to solve all of her problems the only way she knew how – death!

It is blatantly obvious that it was not her time to depart from earth. If so, God would’ve already taken her. But the fact that she still here should be some sort of comfort to her, but it’s not. She thinks my brother, companion and I are mad at her for letting herself get to this dark & ugly place. We’ve reassured her time & time again that we’re not mad at her, but we love, honor & support her. But she’s been so sad & depressed – hence these relapses. Every time she makes progress, she has these setbacks. I’ve learned all to well that a setback is nothing more than a setup for a comeback!

Now if only my mother would fight to live – not for her children, not for her companion, but for herself! We can continue to pray for her, the doctors can do all they can for her, but when it’s all said & done, it is up to her to pull through!

Until next time…

Talk About a Distraction! - Chapter 5

Early Friday morning, I received a call from my "stepfather" telling me that he called 911 for my mother and sent her to the hospital. Earlier that week, both my brother & I have tried to convince her to go to the hospital, but she refused. She believed that she had flu-like symptoms. What she was diagnosed with was severe pneumonia (fluid in both lungs), blood sugar levels over 600 (and she wasn't diagnosed with Diabetes by her primary doctor), and a blood infection. All of this could have been avoided if my mother went to the hospital sooner.

Then again, because of this situation, issues with people were temporarily mended, folks who couldn't stand to be in the same room together had actually got along. But most importantly, I now realized how much people love my mother. Unfortunately, she felt alone and unwanted. My prayer for her is that when she survives this thing - and I KNOW she will survive, that she would realize that not only is she loved, but respected by many people including her children. She has touched so many lives and had blessed many people with her advice. God uses her in such a way that is unexplainable.

Even though I love my mother with all of my heart & soul, nothing will stop me from pursuing the plans of Christ for my life. I love my family, but I love God so much more.

Until next time...

The One That Got Away - Chapter 4

When I first got saved several years ago, I promised God that when I see my ex-boyfriend from high school, I would apologize for hurting him. I'm not proud of the things I've done in the past, but through those trying times and lessons, I've not only matured - but I now understand why I went through all that I had endured.

B - that's the name I'll call him, was one of the good guys. He was smart, athletic, good-looking, loved his family. He poured his heart and soul into our our relationship, but, unfortunately, I didn't love me enough to love him the way he deserved. I know that is not an excuse, but it explained everything as to why anything good that happened in my life at that time I destroyed. I wasn't happy with myself at all. In fact, I can't tell you how many times I've attempted suicide back then. When I was dating B, I fell for the oldest trick in the book - other guys were interested in me at the same time (or so I thought!). I realized after the fact that these guys only intentions were to break us up. I was stupid.

Long story short, I took advantage of his love for me. I constantly tested him for absolutely no reason. Now, nearly 20 years later, I can admit that I would give anything for a man to love me now that way B loved me then!

With all of that said, I wanted to use my blog to say this:

B, if you're reading this, I want to say that I'm truly sorry for the way I've treated you, for the way I've used you and, most importantly, I'm sorry for not loving you the way you deserved to be loved at that time. I also want to thank you for the way you loved me, cared for me, supported me and believed in me. I pray that you have found love & happiness in your life. May God bless you! By the way, happy belated birthday!

Until next time...

Am I In Over My Head? - Chapter 3

It's been a couple of weeks since I've started school and couldn't help but wonder - am I in over my head? Currently, I have three classes (the 4th one I'll start later on this semester), 8 textbooks, quizzes every week and 8 term papers to write. I haven't been to school in over 8 years and even though, according to the bible, I can do ALL things through Christ which strengthes me (Philippians 4:13), a very small part of me wonders "can I really do it?"

I do know this fact - this is my time & this is my season! The Lord has made every way for me to do this. The ONLY reason I considered going back to school is because I said "yes" to His will and "yes" to His way! When I committed my life to Jesus Christ, it was no longer going to be about me - but it was going to be ALL about Him. The only way I'm going to make it is through my faith and trust in Him because without faith, it's impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).

I will continue to press on. I will not let doubt and/or fear stand in my way!

Until next time...

Embarking on a New Plateau - Chapter 2

I've recently went to my Seminary's orientation and, I can honestly say, I was truly blessed by the experience. Pursuing this degree is not only going to be an educational experience, but it's also going to be a spiritual transformation for my life. I've met some nice people - some I will probably see in my classes.

I start my first class on Saturday and I'm a bit nervous. But I know that the Lord is with me and He'll be with me always. Praise be unto God for all that he has done!

A Brand New Journey - Chapter 1

Today was the beginning of a brand new journey for me. I'm going back to school for my Masters of Divinity in Bible & Theology. This was a direction I didn't expect to take. But I followed the path that God has laid out for me.

My classes are as follows:

- Church as a Social & Cultural Institution
- Biblical Theology
- History of Christianity
- Revelation

Just by these classes, I already know that my mind is going to be blown! As time goes by, I will be sharing my knowledge as well as my thoughts on these classes here on this blog. It's going to be hard work and a lot of determination, but I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me!

Guess that's why my future husband hasn't come yet, huh...?

Living Single & Saved in a Worldly Society

Let me start from the beginning.

I've given my life to Jesus Christ for nearly 13 years. I haven't been in a committed relationship in 12 years and I haven't have sex for over 10 years. Hence, the frantic impatience on waiting on God for my mate instead of obeying my biological clock and picking just any Joe Schmo to have sex with. With all of the temptations from the media and listening to other people talk about their sex lives, I'm a tad bit frustrated!

On one hand, I know that God knows what's best for me and I'm sure that His choice will be better than my choice - Lord knows my choices in the past sucked! On the other hand, it would be nice to come home to someone and ask me "How was your day?" It would be nice to split all of the expenses in the household with someone. Most importantly, it would be nice to have a warm pair of thighs in bed with me and have me screaming at the top of my lungs in pure ecstasy!

Don't get me wrong, I am so appreciative to God for what He has done for me and for what he is doing in my life. I'm just at the point of my life where I wonder if I'm ever going to be married. I certainly don't want to live my life the way I used to live - having meaningless sex with guys I would never bring home to Mom...much less carry their seed! I wasn't happy back then. I'm happier now than I was back then. I'm just not satisfied. There's so much more that I want from this life. I'm going to do my part to get it - but God has to take care of the rest. I've waited this long - there's no point of half-stepping now!