Beth Moore Series: Daniel

The one benefit of the bible study that I was not expecting was the friendships we developed. Fourteen weeks ago we were all strangers who came together to study God's word, but I truly feel that when we departed today we left as friends, and as sisters. I hope and pray that this will not be the last time I get to fellowship with them. But if it is I just wanted them all to know how much I enjoyed the time we spent together and that it has forever changed me (in more ways the you can even imagine). Thank you ladies.

I had the privilege of spending a little over 12 weeks in bible study with some amazing women studying the book of Daniel. The Beth Moore series is very deep, and at times I didn't think I was up to the task. But I have learned so much about myself and what I can do, and be when I just put my faith and trust in God. If you are ever given the opportunity to study one of her series I promise you that it will be a blessing.

Some things are just wrong

I don't post about things that disturb me to often, but this just did not sit well with me. No matter what your personal opinion is on abortion this is just wrong. Also I will be the first to tell you that their are many things that I love about Oprah, but to deny that God is the only way goes against everything that I believe in. I'm not mad at Oprah, but will be praying for her because obviously she is a very confused women when it comes to God's grace and mercy. I hope that one day she sees the light and reverses some of the destructive things she has put into place. Sometimes you have to stand up, and speak out on things that are wrong in the world. Otherwise you risk falling for anything. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Quisha's Door

Just sharing Quisha's classroom door that she created. Last month her temporary position at the preschool turned into a full time position. She even had her first parent teacher conference last week. She comes home exhausted at the end of the day, but very happy with where she is. She has always had a gift for connecting with the little ones since her early teen years, and has been doing it for so long that she is now seeing some of her "babies" grow into young women.

Yah !!!!!!!!!

Its been a busy weekend. We celebrated Women's Day at our church this weekend. Both of the girls were on the program. Nicki was MC for our breakfast on Saturday and kept my friend Gail in stitches the whole time. Quisha gave the welcome for the Sunday morning service and blew us away. I am so proud of my girls. They continue to amaze me with the growth they are making in their walk with Christ.

Meaningful Moments

Nicki had one very meaningful moment while on the trip that she wanted me to share. Everywhere the choir sings they are usually blessed to be able to receive a warm meal before departing. They always "sing" their grace, and then serenade the people who feed them with a special "thank you" song. While in Miami the music professor had actually brought the students pizza before a performance, so that when the time came to feed afterwards many of the kids were not hungry (including Nicki). They decided to take their box lunch and give it to a homeless person on the street. The man that Nicki approached saluted her, accepted the food and said "I love you" and thank you. Nicki said it brought her close to tears (those of you who know her know this is not an easy thing to do). I posted earlier in the week that I can tell that my child is changing, that she is growing up. I thank the Lord that he placed such warm, caring children into my life. This is not a testimony of a parent, but of my children who are providing their own testimony based on their own personal relationship with Christ, and for that I am very thankful and feel richly blessed beyond words.

Savannah: The Last Stop

Sunday the choir sang at the First African Baptist Church in Savannah, Ga. Also in attendence that day was the Wardlaw Brothers. All in all I am glad that Nicki got the chance to experience this journey. I think when she looks back at her college years she will remember this trip with fondness. Right now I am just glad to have her back home, safe and sound. It was the very best Birthday present a mother could receive.

The Choir

The choir outside of the First African American Baptist Church in Savanna, GA. The church is the oldest Black church in North America. It was established in 1775, and constituted in 1777.

Miami

Some of her pictures from Miami. The choir sang at historic St. Agnes Episcopal Church.

Just Being Girls

The girls took these pictures out in front of their hotel. They stayed at the historic Winter Haven Hotel, in South Beach Miami for two days. I'm thinking they had too much time on their hands(lol).

Miami (South Beach)

Nicki has been dreaming about going to Miami for years. I think this was probably the highlight of her trip. She actually captured some great shots while there. I will try to post a few before the day is over.

Roommates

Nicki with her roommates on the beach.

Poolside

A bunch of the kids poolside (and yes, I can call them all kids because most if not all of them are younger then Nicki)!

Non-Disney Bus Ride

Nicki and one of her roommates took the city transportation to Target (long story). Frankly I think their should be a law against riding a non-Disney bus in Florida (lol).

Orlando (land that I love).

Nicki and I spent a lot of time talking while she was in Orlando. She called from the Double Tree hotel asking for directions to Target of all places (they ended up catching the city transportation). I told her she really should have just caught the Trolley down to International Drive and she would have known her way around. This really is our second home, and if she had been at Disney she really would have been able to get around on her own...lol). Boy do I miss that place. If I have any say in it that will be where we head next year for vacation ( hard to believe its been so long since our last visit). I don't even think I was blogging at the time!

The Bus Ride

The hardest part of the trip for Nicki was the bus ride. So what's a girl to do? Take lots of pictures of course! The choir spent two days in Orlando (the sang at Jones High School in Orange County), before departing for Miami (Nicki's favorite part of the trip). They also visited Maynard Evans High School, and West Orange High School in Orlando.

Morehouse College

The choir sang at Morehouse College. Nicki loved the pipe's from the organ (and apparently so did her professor).