Easter Is In The Air

      I was glad when I had the opportunity to take my daughter and her two cousins to a Easter egg hunt today.  Before we picked up my niece and nephew we got into a discussion about the true meaning of Easter and I didn't want to miss out on this teach moment for my daughter, but to my surprise she understood it all.  No.. I wasn't doubting she didn't know the meaning, but was ensured she knew Easter eggs was a part of the commercialization of Easter.  Now I must say I remembered as a child that picking out the right Easter basket and making sure you had enough salt and pepper with you to along with the eggs you found after the church Easter program was priority one lol. I find nothing wrong with kids being kids, but lets make sure once all the commercial stuff is said and done that we educate our children about the greatest day in history.  The death, burial and resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ.  Allow yourself to take possession of the most valuable thing in the world and it's free, SALVATION.  I pray that everyone enjoy the good meals that will be cooked.  The Easter egg hunts that will be done and the feeding of your soul through the holy spirit at sunrise service.  God Bless you and keep each of you is my prayer.

Proud Of My Little Girl

     We sometimes as parents forget to tell our children when we are proud of them.  After all of the yelling, grounding, and spankings are done we hope that they follow the right track.  I know that discipline doesn't start out of the blue, but it's something that you start training at a young age.  My wife is the best about keeping Peyton on top of her school work.  As a child she has her days, but when that folder that she brings home everyday has some good news you want to let her know how proud you are of her.  Peyton continues to do well and It doesn't go unnoticed when she works hard to do so.  I am proud of her as well as her mom who takes the time to do whats needed to make sure that she is successful in her efforts.  I love you baby and keep up the good work.  That goes for both of my ladies (Christi & Peyton) :-0

Saying Goodbye

       I'm blessed to have lived 42 years and have my parents and my brother here.  As I get older I take not for granted my time with not only them, but other family and friends.  Yesterday was a day a childhood friend was buried.  I hadn't seen him since my early 20's, but as I walked by his casket so many fond memories of him crossed my mind.  There was also a slideshow playing of him from over the years.  I was glad to see appearance wise he hadn't changed much.  Facial hair was maybe the extent of anything new to me.  There are a lot of people that would rather not be on facebook, but It has truly help me to connect with friends that I hadn't seen in over 25 years.  Although I didn't connect with Marcus I had been talking to his older brother Quentin.  After finding out that Marcus had pasted.  I contacted Quentin to find out the arrangements and how long he would be in town.  I wasn't able to make it to the funeral, but I wanted to be sure to go by and see Quentin and show my support to the family.  You can tell people who have a relationship with the lord.  There's nothing wrong with grieving, but there mom was truly leaning on God for support.  Only people that trust and know God show the type of strength she showed me yesterday.  As I mingled and caught up with Quentin and conversation with others it was coming time for me to go.  As I said my goodbyes Marcus mom handed me a rose in memory of him.  I was speaking about some inspirational blogs that I know that come only from God.  I really had no intent on blogging, but after leaving the rose in the car last night.  As I opened the back door today to put my camera bag there I noticed the rose.  My daughter was playing outside and I asked her to come and get the rose for me and take it inside.  Handing her the rose I saw the sun shinning on it just as I took the picture.  Knowing it had dropped down in temp last night I figured being a closed cold car it would be a little withered. It was standing strong as to let me know Marcus spirit was to.  As I end, let me share this verse from Isaiah.  

Fear thou not;  for I am with thee:  be not dismayed;

for I am thy God:  I will strengthen thee;

yea, I will help thee:  yea, I will uphold thee with the

right hand of my righteousness.

Isaiah 41:10

"INSPIRED"

      Christmas day is always a beautiful time for me.  I think we take it for granted that everyone feels this way.  As I look back at just a few days before Christmas the news reported a 7 year old girl was killed, so I think this can't be a good time for them.  Then my wife received a word that she had lost a co worker to the complication of cancer, so I think this can't be a good time for them.  See it is not only death at holiday time that makes it hard, but also the lack of having.  The hustle of getting gifts for the children and love ones can become a little overwhelming if you have a lack of.  So, once gathering all of this in there's always been one thing my mom would say in times of trouble "It could be worse".  I think this state of mind puts you in a grateful attitude.  As we had our Christmas dinner yesterday I was reminded of those exact words.  See the picture here is of my mom's sister and my aunt Corrine (Cokie).  She was diagnose with cancer the early part of the year.  After finding a 10 pound growth and to find out it was cancerous was a bit much for me and my family to take in.  Shocked, disappointed, worried was just a few of our emotions.  When me and my mom went up to the hospital to visit her after the surgery.  My mom was breaking down and we talked about having faith and being strong in front of her.  Once in the room there were others there, but the thing I notice most was my aunts uplifting spirit that filled the room.  You didn't have a chance to come in and be sad because to see her smiling and encouraged was truly a blessing.  After that visit I felt a sense of relief.  My aunt a mother of the church she attends was believing in Gods words.  This is what brought this attitude of rejoicing in her spirit.  As Christians we are tested, but how many of us trust in Gods promise to us.  I think that's why he says if you have the faith only the size of a mustard seed.  That's not a whole lot, but God doesn't require a whole lot of faith to bless you.  Just the size of a mustard seed will do.  Cokie told me one day as I called to check on her that God was already answering prayers.  See it could've been worse if the growth that they removed had spread through out the rest of her body.  That wasn't the case though it hadn't spread.  She's still taking chemo but because she believe I believe that much more.  My aunt is going to the salon to get her hair done.  She's doing things for her, so after I saw the image of her from yesterday I was inspired to share not only the image but a little of her story. 

Because he hath set his love upon me, therfore will I deliver him:

I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

He shall call upon me. and I will answer him:  I will be with 

him in trouble:  I will deliver him, and honour him.

With long life will I satisfy him,

and shew him my salvation

Psalm 91; 14-16

Little Mrs. Morgan Bailey - Blessing

         Great to be a part of something so precious. Wanted to share just a few pics of Morgan's christening or some may call blessing ceremony.  Thanks to Rosie Spragins (God Mother) for contacting me to capture this special day.  I must share that it had been some trying circumstances that almost took precedence.  Morgan's older brother had some issues with his health in the prior weeks, but God granted direction and healing so this family had been through a lot leading up this day.  I was glad to see him walk in with his parents.  It was surely a lot to be over joyed about.  Congrats to the parents Delano and Carleen Bailey and to the God Parents Darryl Owens and Rosie Spragins. God Bless!!!

Happy Birthday Bush (Little Brother)

          My little brother turns forty today.  It brings me joy to see that not only did we both make it, but a lot of things are better than we could of imagined in this stage of life.  I value my brother more than he may even know.  I think he may look at me as his bossy brother, but I've always felt I had to protect him from the mistakes that I made coming up.  The beautiful thing about our relationship is that we were raised up to be  close.  He was my best man when I got  married and I was his.  Not because we didn't won't our friends to be upset if we picked one over the other.  He has truly been my best friend.   As I think what this last week has bought.  I ponder on my step father preparing to bury his older brother.  I was told by my mom he felt that he was all alone in this world without him.  I'm sensitive to what he's feeling.  If I lost my brother I know It would be a void that is irreplaceable.  Well to happier feelings, Bush is funny, out going, and a person that will give you his last if it would make it better for you.  Our family got together and gave him a little surprise birthday party yesterday and I don't know if he was really surprised, but I'm glad he knows we care enough to make sure his birthday was special to us as well.  Thanks to his wife, Lynn who altered her plans she had for him to accommodate our little surprise.  His oldest son evidently pays attention to him.  Bush loves cars and Javon couldn't get him a real one, but he made sure he got him his Mustang.   To me that was one of the touching moments of yesterday.  Happy Birthday little brother enjoy your day and make sure Lynn gives you the big piece of chicken today lol.  Love you, God bless!!!!! 

Thanks Hurricane Chapel First Family

        Me and Pastor Battles go way back. We're always happy to see one another when our paths cross.  We had the chance to see each other more often when our daughters were all involved with the same upward basketball program.  He mention that he was now the Pastor at Hurricane Chapel and would be needing me to help him with a couple of things.  That opportunity came faster than I thought when he needed a family picture for a billboard.  It was my pleasure to accommodate this request.  The congregation has grown since under his leadership and I expect nothing but the best out of this man of God.  I never take for granted my opportunity's and want to thank Pastor Battles and First Lady Battles and I can't forget about his adorable girls.  Thank you and my God continue to bless you and the Hurricane Chapel family.

Wedding Albums

         The business of weddings have changed dramatically over the last few years.  The way videographers and photographers capture the moment is a little different with the new dslr becoming a part of the video world and the advancement of technology has helped the photographer able to see in the dark lol. I think the one thing that I love are the wedding albums.  Every now and then we get the request for the old school, but it's hard to beat the new albums.  Rather you want Cover wrap or the Leather there all great albums. The lay flat pages and the thick hand crafted interior for long last viewing set these albums apart from what I was seeing 13 years ago.  Here is one of the albums from a wedding we did last year and this is our entry level, but as you can tell its a well crafted book.  If your budget doesn't allow you to purchase one right off.  Be patient and save those coins because I guarantee this is a purchase that will last a life time.  God Bless.......

A Walk In The Park

           This shot was taken as me and the family enjoyed the outdoors the last weekend of February.  This little city I call home has a lot to offer when you speak of peace.  Yeah of course we have our crime just like any other city, but those from here know the stroll around Big Spring Park on a pleasant Sunday evening is as peaceful as it gets.  Feeding the ducks has always been a peaceful past time, but I really enjoy walking to the East side of the park to be entertain by the drummers that gather here religiously on Sundays.  If you haven't had a chance to visit this part of Huntsville on a Sunday evening and you're new to this area take the time to stroll through the park and meet some beautiful people.  Oh yeah and don't forget your bread lol....... This is the only admission fee there is. The ducks and fish can go through a loaf in no time.  May God Bless you and keep you, Peace...... 

Forty The New Thirty (Cassandra Rice)

          Is Forty the new thirty? If you asked those who have reached it they'll probably say yeah lol.  My dear friend Cassandra has become the newest member of the forty club. Her mom contacted me a few months back about this opportunity.  We discussed her plans on giving her oldest daughter a fortieth birthday party. Knowing that one thing that she could not do is keep it a secret from her, so San had knowledge all about it.  I say that because all that know San, know that she is one hell of a detective lol.  Berta (San's mom) did an excellent job on putting it together.  Once she told me she was cooking all the food.  I was coming if for nothing but to eat :-) .  This family is close and it showed as they all came through to help San celebrate.  J's Special Occasion had a full house this Saturday night and I was blessed to be a part of this milestone in her life.  This is one party that once everyone ate they kept someone on the dance floor as for myself I thoroughly enjoyed the young ones showing us how they do it now, but the d.j. also gave the old school a chance to do it ourselves.  I send Mrs. Cassandra Rice another Happy Birthday and here are a few images from the fun we had last night.  God Bless, Peace......

New Business Cards

     I've been meaning to do this, but wanted to thank Cedric Taylor of Dreamworkx Graphix & Signz for taking the time to design my new business cards.  I thought I left you confused with all of the request lol.  Thanks bruh I really like them