Pray, period. June 30, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, I want to be mature, perfect in You. Help me not to give away the worst that I own but the best to those in need. Help me to choose wisely as I give to others and follow You who had nothing in this world yet own it all!

Bible reference: Matthew 25:35-40

Pray, period. June 29, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, thank You for my friends. Right now, all I need is love from my friends. But I wonder if I've always loved my friends. I mean that constant, undying love, the kind that You show for us. Forgive me Lord, for the times I have fallen short. Help me to be there for my friends.

Pray, period. June 28, 2016

Boaz Ministries

All I have is Yours! Somehow, that takes a load off my mind, knowing that I am merely Your steward. Give me the wisdom to use the things You have given me temporary custody of to further Your kingdom. I want to live my life for Your glory!

Pray, period. June 27, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, may everything I do today leave Your fingerprints, because that is the way You created me. Help me to be a blessing to all those I meet. Give me the mind and servant attitude of Christ this morning and help me maintain it throughout this day.

Pray, period. June 26, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, bless my spouse today. Help us grow closer together with each passing year. Lead us to do what You have called us to do, as one standing before You this day. Help us to treasure each other more. Give us strength, hope, wisdom and guidance.

Pray, period. June 25, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, what You do for me each day is amazing. What You have done for me in the past is incomprehensible. There is nothing as powerful as Your Word for direction and encouragement. This morning, plant Your Word in my heart. Mold it into my spirit.

Change of Heart

In loving  memory of Rufus Lamont Wynn - as his birthday approaches

6/26/54-5/8/10

The spring and summer seasons always give me pause for review and reflection. Six years ago, I experienced a great loss - even the words great loss pale in comparison to the enormity of the impact. My husband and college sweetheart passed away in May, before his 56th birthday, which is coming up on the 26th of this month.

I commemorate his life, celebrating publicly here on this blog, because there is something of importance that I learned from him, especially in the final year of his life. It must be shared.

Having met in college when we were just kids, 17 and 19 years old, I was able to witness what God can do - the power to transform. I wasn't truly conscious of the changes until perhaps 4 or 5 years before he passed away. But the once quick-tempered, sharp tongued guy I used to know, became calm, peaceful, and forgiving. He had always been known by others as a "great person" - however, there was a remarkable shift. A shift in the way he viewed things; a change in the way he took on challenges, or not. His wisdom and counsel were sought after by many, and people quote his sayings to this day.

While it was true that the car accident in March of that year caused him some brain injury - the Psychologist and Neurologists determined there had been no brain damage - and the only affected part of his brain was the area that houses our emotions. There was a softness about him. He noticed it himself, and we both agreed that we liked him better this new way!

He loved the Lord, was in a committed relationship with God. And he was an avid student of the Word of God. He could be found up in the wee hours of the morning, sitting in his chair with his Bible in his lap, head bowed in prayer.

Because of his example, I've changed my way of responding to things and people. During the final two weeks of his life, one of my family members did something that could have negatively affected plans he and I had made - but his reaction was so opposite my own, I had to step back! He actually saw a bright side, and of course, things did work out.

Since his death, there have been situations and people that I've not forgotten, and only halfheartedly forgiven. Of course, as I engage in ministry, encouraging believers to be like Christ, I'm speaking to myself as well. "What would Jesus do?" is the question ever before those of us who profess Christ.

I've experienced a change of heart because of  God's supreme love for me by allowing me to be an eyewitness of His power to transform a life. And I'm still growing, by His grace and mercy! It's a process, but when we ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to us the things that need fixing, He will. Then I think about my late husband, knowing that's exactly what he did!

Rest in peace, Bro. Wynn - as your family remembers you on what would have been your 62nd birthday! We look forward to the Day of Rejoicing!

Pray, period. June 24, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, Your treasure of creation is a wonder to my eyes and a balm to my heart. With You supplying all that I need, providing evidence of Your glory in the beauty of nature - I am empowered to do good works, ready to share.

Pray, period. June 23, 2016

Boaz Ministries

I want to become less so that You become more. I am Your servant, Lord. Help me to serve productively and creatively. At the end of the day and the end of my life, may You say to me, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"

Bible reference: Matthew 25:21, 23, 33-40 (note: for proper context, always read the entire chapter)

Pray, period. June 22, 2016

Boaz Ministries 

I am saved, born of You, and I know You. Now I ask for Your love to fill me to overflowing. Help me to forgive. Heal my wounds, O Lord, my strength and song. Thank You for Your eternal forgiveness and friendship! I praise You! Amen.

Pray, period. June 21, 2016

Boaz Ministries

When interruptions come, Lord, help me to be calm and accepting, remembering that the prince of this world, the evil one, can't steal my peace and joy. For You, my Lord and Savior, have overcome this world! Hallelujah!

Bible reference: John 16:33, Ephesians 2:1-2

Birthday Note to My Son, Jonathan, on His 25th Year of Life - June 20th, 2016

Out with Jonathan, on Father's Day - 6/19/16

Dearest Jon -

What a blessed day it was when you finally came forth on the afternoon of June 20th! I remember every detail like it was yesterday. How proud and giddy your father was, and how relieved I was that God had answered his silent prayer for a son! You are so loved by the village - and you are able to capture the hearts of people that you meet. Everywhere you go - your name is remembered, and it's a good thing. I am thankful you had such a firm paternal foundation in the person of your father, for the first 18 years of your life. Bro. Wynn would be so very proud of you!

I am confident that your continued faith and trust in the Lord will take you from glory to glory as you travel the path and fulfill His purpose for your life! I am proud of you, son! The language isn't adequate enough to express what my heart feels at this moment. My prayer is that you live your life in service, unto God, that your name may be remembered. Happy birthday, son - ENJOY your special day!

First birthday! June 20, 1992

Proud escort/groomsman in his sister's wedding, 2010

 

 

 

photo booth fun, 2013

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24th Birthday at the Smithsonian Institute - 2015

Pray, period. June 20, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, would chasing after my dream be Your will for me? If I am to stay where I am, help me to be content in my present job. But if it be Your will, give me the courage to pursue the dreams You have for me.

Pray, period. June 19, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, thank You for all the spiritual, physical and financial gifts You have showered upon me. You give me the strength to go out each day to work and support myself and my family. Your Word gives me the spiritual strength to battle the schemes of the evil one. Thank You for Your protection. Thank You for Your guidance.

Pray, period. June 18, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, I want to be an encourager. I want to build people up and not tear them down. Words can be so painful, so hurtful. Help me to be a person who encourages others. Put a kind word in my mouth. Give me words that are sweet to the soul that others will know Your Spirit dwells in me.

Bible reference: Proverbs 16:24; Ephesians 4:29; Romans 15:2

The Back Story - My Reflection of D.G.

James Barron and I met my first day on the job. I was fumbling with my key to the employee entrance outside, when I heard the door buzzer, allowing me to enter. After I got off the elevator on the first floor, I was greeted by a smiling, older gentleman at the front desk. He was chuckling as he said, “You must be Mrs. Edwards, I saw you struggling to find your keys in that big bag of yours. Just use the bell next time. I can see you.”(as he pointed at the wall of monitors) Indeed, he could see everything in the building, across the street, and even down the block both ways! He introduced himself as James Barron, and I would come to know him as a dedicated coworker who was outspoken, and a trusted and loyal friend.

James Barron, aka "D.G." 4/2/1935 - 6/11/2016 RIP

We had a bumpy start, however. Mr. Barron, as we always called him, stood about 6 feet, 3 inches, and he could be a bit abrupt in his speech, and sometimes, incorrigible. And maybe because of his extensive employment history and life experiences, especially working with our population - even though retired - he just didn’t take “no tea for the fever!” We butt heads a couple of times, but I was determined to work peaceably with this man. There was just something about him. He reminded me of my father, and I had an occasion to tell him so. He seemed to like that fact. I don’t remember the day or how it happened, but in a short period of time, we became friends.

Mr. Barron had other duties; he was also the driver of the company vans. And he would transport us to training sessions, and when I had business at our main office, he would always volunteer to take me so I wouldn’t have to use my car on the days I drove to work. During our many rides together (I always rode shotgun, it was uncontested on group events) he shared his life story with me. He was born, Don Goodjoines, in Brooklyn, NY, 1935. However, he was adopted as an infant by James and Gladys Barron. He told me he was a grown, married man when he found out about his biological parents. And he went in search of his long lost family members, brothers and sisters. He said he was thrilled to make their acquaintance because the Barrons had no other children. He never met his biological parents; both sets of parents preceded him in death.

When Mr. Barron came into my office last December and told me that he’d been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, we hugged and wept. I prayed with him and encouraged him. I told him that I would have all my prayer warriors on the case, but because I wanted to keep a certain amount of privacy for him on Facebook, I would use his birth name. He was so appreciative of all the prayers, and he approved of the confidentiality. It was our secret, he said. During his medical leave, we remained in contact - I sent little cards periodically. I spoke to his wife, Barbara, over the phone on a couple of occasions - a wonderful, strong, sister in the Lord.

The day my Mother’s Day bouquet came to the office, it was a bit surreal for me. The note had a beautiful, short message of thankfulness, signed, “Don.” I was overwhelmed - I couldn’t speak. I took them home that day and kept them as long as I could.

Today, they laid my friend to rest. The service was warm and dignified - as he was. I had the opportunity to meet his lovely wife, 4 children, and 2 grandchildren. It was a blessing to be in the midst of all who knew him and love him still. He was our Mr. Barron, here at work. I will remember him fondly as DG.

Please keep the family lifted in prayer for continued comfort and peace. 

Thank you for reading.

Pray, period. June 17, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, there is nothing better than being in Your presence, seeking Your face. Thank You for Your Word and the treasures I find there. I go forth in this day with the power of contentment firmly in my heart, knowing I can do all things through You.

Bible reference: Psalm 119:105; Philippians 4:11-13

Pray, period. June 16, 2016

Boaz Ministries

This thing I'm going through, Lord, I don't know how to handle it. But You can handle it. You hear me when I cry out to You, and You bring me into Your presence. Help me to find the strength to carry on.

Bible reference: Psalm 55:22; Psalm 68:19; Matthew 11:28

Pray, period. June 15, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, Your presence in my life is my soul's desire. Help me not to become too anxious but to keep Your Word of peace in my heart and be a beacon of peace to others.

Bible reference: Philippians 4:5-7

Pray, period. June 14, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Good morning, Lord. May You walk down the road with me today. May Your light keep me from the darkness surrounding me. May You give me grace and peace and strength for the day. May You give me someone to bless as You have blessed me.

Pray, period. June 13, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, I want to live my faith before my children and others. Help me rein in my mouth. Give me words that will lead my children to You. Help me to live a life that is rich in Your love and may that love affect my speech.

Pray, period. June 12, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, the more I give, the more I get. Yet that's not why I do it. I give of myself to bless others. The more I step out in Your Word, with You walking before me, the more I am blessed by Your presence and Your promises! Your love is amazing!

Bible reference: Proverbs 11:24-25; Proverbs 19:17; Luke 6:38; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7

Pray, period. June 11, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, be with me today as I share my faith through fellowship and study of Your Word. You have made me both a symbol and a source of blessing to others. I will be confident in the benefits You bestow upon me, able to magnify Your name and encourage others in their walk of faith.

Pray, period. June 10, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, I am thirsty,parched with the demands of this world. I am in want in so many ways. But You, Lord, supply all my needs. Help me not to focus on what I don't have, but to focus on You and the blessings that You have prepared for me and my children. And Lord, thank You for one more day!

Pray, period. June 9, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, I praise Your name this morning! I breathe in Your strength and exhale my tears. I have courage of spirit and strength of heart for all my hope is in You. At the end of this day, give me the peace of sweet slumber as I lie down within Your mighty arms.

Prayer Request for DG

Facebook post, 6/7/16

I just heard that my dear friend, DG,who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer 6 months ago, isn't doing well at all. This bouquet was a "thank you" from him for Mother's Day that I received at work. When I saw the card, I gasped - tears shot from my eyes and I just broke down, it was so unexpected!

This gentle man - who would act like a "tough guy" (except with me, ha!) - is missed around here. He's twice retired (military, and government), so working here at the front desk was just something for him to do. It hasn't been the same at work since he left for treatment in December.

DG reminds me of my father; shares my dad's initials and his first name! He's 81 years old; same age my father would be right now, had he lived.

So prayer warriors, please lift DG and his family up in prayer for peace, comfort, strength and confidence in the hope of Glory.


Thank you.

Pray, period. June 8, 2016

Boaz Ministries

I know You, my Good Shepherd, will take care of me. You will take me to a place where I can rest. You will lead me to a place where the water is still. You are an oasis in this hectic world. You will lead me closer to You.

Bible reference: Psalm 23; Psalm 27:5; Isaiah 4:6...

Pray, period. June 7, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, this day I choose life! I choose to live and work and have my being in You. Instead of looking at all that I don't have, I choose to look at all that You have blessed me with. Thank You so much for being in my life!

Bible reference: Acts 17:28

Pray, period. June 6, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Your Word says that You guarantee a blessing on my going out and my coming in! That's a promise I can count on, and one I revel in. It gives me the confidence that You will be with me in all that I do, blessing me at each and every turn. Help me to continue to obey and place my trust in You.

Bible reference: Deuteronomy 28; Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 121:8; 2 Corinthians 9:8-10

Pray, period. June 5, 2016

Boaz Ministries

In the stillness of the morning, Lord, I hear Your voice. And I thank You for the blessings that You have showered upon me. Sometimes I feel so unworthy, but You love me so much that at times I cannot understand it. Tell me whom, what, and where You want me to bless.

...just before the miracle

FACEBOOK POST 

Last night I began to write on my blog - moved by the atrocities going on around us, and the evil reports, grave prognoses - all the suffering and pain; and specifically my dear friend, DG and now, another dear, dear sister/friend, both diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. And the working title of my post is, "Looking for a Miracle." I'll probably share it from "the attic" - someday soon.

But today - as I was scrolling through FB, I saw a post about PurpleStride Washington, DC, 2016 [Wage Hope]. It's a 5k to raise funds for the cure of and awareness about pancreatic cancer! I wept for joy!

Folks, I don't believe in coincidences. The event is happening next weekend - June 11, 2016. And I tell you I haven't been keeping fit for nothing! I signed up as a participant in the walk/run. For the support of my beloved friend, DG, and my dear sister/friend - I'm all the way in.

Sometimes, we are part of the miracle we're looking for.

Pray, period. June 4, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, You've blessed me, and I am so grateful to You for all that I have. As You bless me, I am able to bless others in so many ways. Help me to give of my talents, moneys and time - a sacrifice of praise, all to Your glory!

Pray, period. June 3, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Lord, Your Word is my confidence and my strength. When the arrows of misfortune come my way, help me to lean back and rest in Your Word, committing Your promises to memory, strengthening my spirit and my soul. Take care of me today and through the days to come.

Bible reference: Psalm 7:10; Psalm 18:2; Psalm 28:7 Psalm 91:4-5; Isaiah 54:7...

Pray, period. June 2, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Thank you, Lord, for my spouse; for rewarding me with his/her presence in the morning and at night. Help us to be the example of godly unity before our children. And in all things, may we praise Your name for the wonders and joy of marital love.

My Hair - The End of the Story

I originally wrote this piece about my hair (a very, short, short, short story) December 1, 2011- when I thought I was done with processed hair. Apparently, I wasn't. It was the same old love/hate relationship I've had with my hair style choices for many, many years. And after two years of wrestling with the relaxer - I'm going back to my roots. As I've told friends, "I'm happy going nappy." My workout schedule and lifestyle changes are not conducive to chemicals and having to fuss with keeping that sleek appearance. I just needed to find a way to make it all work, and still feel confident about the head. Plus, I have to keep things consistent, as I am a strong advocate for natural - everything!  And I'm happy to say that I've come full circle.

June, 2016 - Today 

This is me - all the way back!

 

This was me - on my way back to my roots

December, 2015 - happy going (back) nappy

I was going through my "stats" here on the blog the other day, and saw that this post had several 'hits'. I thought, this would be a great time to update readers about my choice.

I'm feeling free, and looking good! I'll not go back to the heat of the chemicals or the flatiron. Natural I came into this world, and I'll be natural until I leave here!

MY HAIR, A VERY SHORT, SHORT, SHORT STORY

So, as of about a month ago, I realized that I wasn't wrong after all. I am NOT a "grand diva" (one who goes to the beauty shop every week)...nor am I a "diva" (every other week). Matter of fact, my hairstylist has to call ME to remind me about touch ups! It's just a fact and I'm not going to force what doesn't fit.

Hair crack (relaxer), 2011

My style is natural hair. But for about 10 months, I tried the relaxed look. Short, sassy... suave swagger swoosh with a tapered back and soft, feminine line at the neck. My former profile pic on this blog (above) was the beginning phase of my new do last December . A little boyish, but - you know, I'm not the glamor queen.

Well, I'm over it. Again. I've been having this love-hate relationship with relaxed styles for 40 something years! The press and curl was a fave style in the 80s because the beauticians learned how to turn their wrists just right with those hot combs and curling irons - and you couldn't tell it was a press job! Just that, it still wasn't moisture friendly!

I love walking in the rain with my natural hair! Sudden showers don't faze me a bit. (walking in the rain with a relaxer meant I had to make an emergency visit to my stylist! UGH!) I'm NOT good with the tools of the trade so whenever I decided to relax - I knew I'd be coughing up the funds to stay chic about the head.

Did I mention that I'm over it? Yes. One evening after work, I told my daughter to get the scissors and cut all the relaxed ends off my hair. BAM!  A devout proponent of natural hair/care, she did a wonderful job...sculpted my extra kinky locks into a little afro. I felt like myself again. With her help, I went to the beauty supply store and purchased a couple of items I never thought I'd buy! WIGS! My daughter informed me that wigs are one of the forms of protective hairstyles while natural hair is in "recovery". (I learned there's also extension braiding, cornrowing, and even weaves!!) Braids are not my look, never had them. My mother cornrowed my hair when I was a small child - no thanks. Weaves - well, the jury is out on them. I'd need to pay serious dollars to a VERY reputable stylist - and the style would have to match me. SHORT and to the point. Not now. (maybe not ever)

The wigs are working for the time being during this transition. And they photograph well, don't they? - Betcha didn't even know! Check my current blog pic - (only my hairstylist knows for sure!) They are believable because they look like my relaxed style. I'm not one to go crazy and get a long haired wig...or something blond or radical. I don't do Halloween. I let my hair breathe regularly, and now that it has grown out more, I've worn my 'fro out in public. Its reappearance has been met with rave reviews. I'm more gray, though. *one issue at a time*

Can't really say exactly what I will do as the natural hair continues to grow. A friend of mine said he's been noticing a hairstyle trend among some Black female writers... the Toni Morrison dreadlocks. I took that as a compliment to the Art..and that he would think I rate like that was coolness. (honnesstly!) I could probably do Nubian Knots. My eldest daughter rocks some fierce dreads. She's a writer and artist. (could there be something to this?) I don't think long dreads is me because unlike many, I don't enjoy/wish for long hair. I don't even let it grow too long before I feel the need to chop-chop! In the meantime, I am caring for my hair as it grows back. Will continue to shampoo, condition and oil it as guided by my stylist and my daughter. They know hair.

Natural with my daughters - 2010

Hair crack, 2011

2010

"Protective Custody" (wig)

My comfort zone - just shave it off and be myself!

I do like my style options, too. I'll throw on one of my cute cut wigs and walk out the door with a quickness! I'm looking pretty good; my mind is at ease because, as I've joked to my girlfriends, my hair is in protective custody. Ok. You had to be there!

THE END

Pray, period. June 1, 2016

Boaz Ministries

Dear Lord, I remember how Peter's friends prayed for him while he was in prison, how they constantly and consistently interceded for him. You sent an angel to visit Peter, and his chains fell off! Help me to be such a prayer warrior today!

Bible reference: Acts 12