Listen to get the full effect.(http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/t/o/togodbe.htm)
To God be the glory, great things He has done;
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life gate that all may go in.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He has done.


Great things He has taught us, great things He has done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son;
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord,
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father, through Jesus the Son,
And give Him the glory, great things He has done.

Daddy is rejoicing because of the Lords movement in his life. CJ is battling congestion but still is giving God praise for keeping her strong through her battles. Today was a great day and this is why I wanted to share the aforementioned lyrics with you. You all keep praying, prayer changes things, people, and situations. I declare you should praye with great expectation becasue God does deliver! I leave yo with more lyrics today the first was a hymn and this is a prasie song. CJ, you should always have asong in your heart. Jonathan Nelson says, "Expect The Great!" enjoy these lyrics. Follow the link to hear it. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHhvuV7Z8sw)

This is just the beginning
The year of refreshing
His plan now unfolding
The time of your great blessing

Expect nothing but victory
That's the promise of our King
To do exceedingly, abundantly
Above what you ask or think so

Expect the great
Expect the great
Expect the great
Expect the great

Expect the great
Expect the great
Expect the great
Expect the great

This is just the beginning
The year of refreshing
His plan now unfolding
The time of your great blessing

Expect nothing but victory
That's the promise of our King
To do exceedingly, abundantly
Above what you ask or think so

Expect the great
Expect the great
Expect the great
Expect the great

Expect the great
Expect the great
Expect the great

Expect the great

Anticipate
Faith activates
This is your year
Your moment is here

Expect the great blessing now
Expect the great blessing now
Expect the great blessing now
Expect the great blessing now

The blessing is on you
The blessing is on you
The blessing is on you
The blessing is on you

Expect the great blessing now
Expect the great blessing now
Expect the great blessing now
Expect the great blessing now

The blessing is on you
The blessing is on you
The blessing is on you
The blessing is on you

The blessing is on you
The blessing is on you
The blessing is on you
The blessing is on you

Expect the great blessing
The blessing is on you

Church

Well after arriving home at around 2:30am and operating on about three hours sleep. I met up with my wife and Princess and made my way to church. Yesterday night Daddy had to chaperon a college party so Mommy and CJ stayed at Grandma's house. That meant that when Daddy arrived home this morning he had no Princess and no Mommy present. He was lonely and had a rough time going to sleep even though he was very tired. Today we went to church as a family and afterward celebrated the baptisms of Uncle Duke, Hadi and cousins Davon and Danielle. It seems like today would be long simply because Daddy wanted to be home. The coffee has helped but it will feel even better to relax with Mommy once CJ is asleep.

SO today was spent in worship, From the pulpit Daddy could see CJ clapping and trying to sing along with the Worship team. I am glad she enjoys giving God the praise! Daddy is giving God the praise as well the forecast looks dark right now but I know God will make a way for us! You all keep praying because prayer changes things, people, and this situation looming!

NOTE TO CJ: CJ, in life there will be good times and there will be bad. You must give God the praise you no matter what the situation, he will bring you through.

Papa John's

When Daddy orders pizza he generally likes true italian made pizza. However we have not found a pizza spot that we have fell in love with. So when we are in a hurry we usually get Domino's Pizza until they changed the recipe. So tonight Daddy figured to try something new, Papa John's. So daddy ordered the pizza and when it came it smelled good. Daddy sliced CJ's pizza into smaller pieces and he sat down to enjoy his. CJ might have eaten two pieces before she began to hurl iton the floor. Daddy said to Mommy, "I guess she does not like Papa John's. In true CJ fashion I guessshe would have preferred some Ellio's from the oven. How Daddy wishes she could articulate that. CJ has also been acting strange for shower time. She is usuallytired and I think it is the only way she can express herself. Today she literally jump out of the tub and left the bathroom. (That is correct folks,she was missing her clothes) Daddy held her and talked to her until she seemed ready to be cleaned.

Folks please keep us in your prayers. We do not want CJ running from baths. We know prayer changes things, people, and situations. This one he will work out too!

It's Getting Tough

Ladies and gentlemen who ever thinks that raising a child is easy you must have never done so. As CJ continues to grow and get bigger she is becoming more and more strong in her position. The problem is that her Daddy is a no nonsense kind of guy who is not afraid to let her know when she is not doing as she should. So of course the Princess gets beside herself when the King has to lay down a decree which involves her. I guess she figures, but it is my the King, my Daddy to be exact. My Daddy that dances with me, my Daddy that dresses me every
morning, my Daddy that soothes me when I run from Mommy,
my Daddy who I run to when he comes up the stairs, but it's my Daddy. He can not possibly be unhappy with
something I am doing.
These days Daddy is trying to make sure he is loving in
his dicipline. He wants to make sure that CJ is learning
from her mistakes. She makes them, she touches things she should not. She enters restricted areas, and she
loves to ignore you when she feels like it. So when Daddy scolds he preaches a sermon to her. The sermon is not to turn her off or upset her. The message is a
message of love and protection.
Sometimes she looks at me as if she is letting all the words soak. Other times she catches a fit and says her favorite word, NO! Daddy has learned to deal with it but not let her get away with doing wrong. Daddy will admit that disciplining the Princes is difficult but he just prays the lessons he is teaching will lodge themselves within her being and help her to grow into a remarkable young lady. Strong, independent, well mannered, intelligent, caring, loving, and respectful. Keep praying for us, we know that prayer will carry us throug. Prayer changes things, people, and situations.

Snowed In

Another snowstorm and CJ and Daddy are waiting to see how it turns out.

JANUARY 25

CJ was a good girl today.

All Hands In

Mommy was upset. Daddy took a picture. CJ decided to do some finger painting with her mashed potatoes and spinach tonight. This was after her bath. So what say's Daddy, she will learn how to eat on her own by feeding herself more and more. Mommy's concern was that she tosses the fork, lol!

(Will add more just wanted to make sure I posted something)

Trix May Be For Kids But Kix Are Not

Today was spent with Daddy receiving updates from Mommy because CJ somehow lodged a Kix in her nose. I have to admit that I was a bit scared at first but once I learned it was soft and half of it had come out I was a little more at ease.

Mommy was not and called Daddy saying that the doctor felt we should take her to the hospital. Daddy felt that the trip was unnecessary. He talked with Mommy about massaging CJ's nose, giving her saline drops and looking up her nose with a flashlight to see if she saw anything. He told her that if she wanted to go once he arrived home then he would take her.

When Daddy came home CJ was making cow sounds. All I heard was MOO, MOO, MOO! I hope that my daughter was not calling me a cow.

Well now that the Superbowl is set I will join my Princess and go to bed. Who cares who wins. Keep praying folks, we need it. We know prayer will change the situation we are in. Prayer changes things, people, and situations.

HOOPSTAR

She finally touched the rock! Well she picked up the wrong ball, the soccer ball at that. However she was yelling out ball and tossing it up like a basketball. All this while the Duke versus Wake Forest game was on. So you know this proud Papa ran to get her basketball so she would at least have the proper utensils. I have been waiting for a while for this day so you know I am excited. I even did her player introduction for her. And now the starting line up for your Duke Blue Devils. Making her first appearance at forward here in Durham, let us give a Cameron Indoor welcome to #7 C.J. Johnson! I did it in an announcers voice and she smiles from ear to ear!

Also today, Daddy and CJ were in the house all day long. By the end of the night Daddy told CJ that they can not do this again. She tried to undo everything he did. We know CJ is like her Daddy and gets claustrophobic indoors and bores easily. So no matter what we MUST see the outdoors one way or another. All in all it was a good day and now we have to get CJ to go to sleep. We allowed her to stay up tonight so she would sleep late and give Mommy a break tomorrow morning.

So pray that all goes well and that our plan works. Web know that prayer changes things, people, and situations!

Friends

Anyplace CJ goes she makes friends with anyone she meets. We wen to the diner tonight and the entire staff wanted to speak to CJ. Now yes, she did engage them but they should have known that if you talk to her she will not stop talking to you. I try to inform people of that early but CJ reels them on in. Maybe CJ should start asking to get our meals free!

More to come!

Different Evening

Mommy was not feeling well this evening and has not been feeling well for the past few days. So tonight Daddy made the decision to take CJ with him to Bible Study. CJ was cool with the situation until Daddy changed the plans. he asked his Mom if she would watch CJ and she agreed. CJ was not pleased and when Daddy left she was crying. She was fine soon thereafter. When I came to pick her back up she was glad to see her Daddy and told everyone bye! She did not even last to the corner of the block before she was sleep. I guess she was satisfied to be back with her Daddy and then felt comfortable to go to sleep. We pray Mommy will get better. We know prayer changes things, people, and situations!

Slip and Slide

What an interesting day. Today Daddy woke up to an ice storm. While he was in the shower he received a call that the school would have a delayed opening. No good for Daddy since he lives so far away and traffic would get hectic. He decided to keep getting dressed. Good thing he did because Mommy received a call saying that her school was closed. That meant Mommy and CJ got the chance to stay home while Daddy had to brave the elements.

Daddy did not see CJ again until he returned home from a meeting down at the church. She was waiting for her dinner which never came. Luigi's on 516 in Old bridge will hear it tomorrow. She had just had her hair washed with her new products and she smelled so ethnic with natural African American hair care products. I like the shampoo and can't wait to use it.

CJ is sleeping soundly and Daddy is about to join her. Daddy thanks God for traveling mercy today. prayer does change things, people, and situations including road conditions.

One Shining Moment

At the end of the NCAA Mens Basketball Championship game, as the credits role and all the commentator's have had their say one song plays. That is, "One Shining Moment". It nearly brings me to tears when I hear and that is the feeling I felt tonigt. CJ had been put to bed but I guess she was not ready to go to sleep so of course she whined. For the past few weeks we have just let her be but tonight Daddy was in the room so he sat down and talked to CJ for a bit. She then gave him a hug and he just held her head to his face. He got her pillow and when she felt like letting go she laid down. Aw man that moment tonight felt great. I will savor it for a long time.

I pray we have many more moments. If we keep praying we will. Prayer changes things, people, and situations.

It's Morning

CJ slept the entire evening from about 5PM until. The question is when will she wake up? Daddy will fill you in tomorrow morning.

Just Highlights

Due to the late hour and the bunch of work Daddy has to do tonight and get rest you will only get highlights of the day.

CJ and Daddy had Saturday breakfast as usual.

Daddy and CJ were able to see both the TCNJ Women's and Men's basketball team lose today. Making shots was a problem. CJ cheered for the wrong team but as Mommy said maybe she just wanted to support the winners.

CJ visited the sitter and got her hair done.

Daddy and Mommy bough their own toothpaste no more using CJ's.

Keep us in prayer, as always prayer changes things, people, and situations!

Testing

OK, CJ is really beginning to test her luck. No is not just her favorite word but she is catching tantrums along with it. It is very lear that she is aware of what she is doing so Daddy is acting accordingly. CJ seems to have developed a real fiesty attitude when she does not get her way. Recently Daddy has found himself having to lay down the law more often. CJ must learn right from wrong and how to listento her parents or fear having a miserable life.
Discipline will always be tough for me. I will always
pray that I have a level head and that I alway am
teaching through discipline. Daddy wants CJ to mature positively and not develop any resentment towards her
Daddy. So keep us in prayer. We know prayer changes things, people, and situations.

NOTE TO CJ: Understand the decisions you make. Follow the directives taught to you and you will not have to be discipline in a negative way. Daddy wants you to have self-discipline which is the best discipline of all. I Love You!

Pass The Time Away

Tonight we needed to accomplish two things. Get Daddy a haircut and get Mommy to the doctor. Poor CJ had to endure it all.We had to wait for a guy to get his hair dyed which took longer than we anticipated. Once we were done we had to make the bank which we were successful in doing. What sucked up the entire not was Mommys trip to the doctor. CJ and Daddy wasted time by shopping and when we could not waste anymore time went back to pick up Mommy. We waited for a good half hour, which was not to bad.

We are all home and CJ is sleeping. Daddy is wasting precious moments watching Jersey Shore. Pray for Daddy, prayer chanhes things, people, and situations.

The X-Ray

Well Daddy got his wish and the job was closed today. That meant a day home with his Princess and lovely wife. So the day started as any day we are home would with Daddy and CJ awake and Mommy sleeping. Daddy prepared breakfast for CJ and himself. Eggs, corn beef hash, and grits with cheddar cheese. The meal was scrumptuous too. CJ had a scheduled appointment for 5:45pm today for an X-Ray. Mommy thought to ask if we could get it moved up since the snow was really not that bad. So Daddy called and we were able to have the appointment pushed up four hours. This allowed us to relax some more.

CJ was taller than the normal child so the technician needed to adjust the machinery for her. Since CJ is so observant it took her a while to get focused for the x-ray. Both Mommy and Daddy needed to get involved. Once we were finished CJ wanted to talk to the old guy in the waiting area. Daddy told Mommy that the "do not talk to strangers" conversation will have to be very detailed for CJ.

Next up is back to the Ear Nose and Throat specialist to see if CJ will need surgery or not. Keep praying for her. We know that prayer changes things, people, and situations.

Blackout 11

1-11-11 will always be historic. CJ is sound asleep. The premiere of a new BET show The Game is on. Daddy and Mommy are chillen then the blackout begins. We just went shopping too. Will report more in th morning.

What A Blow!

Today was going well until we received some breathtaking news. You would think that Daddy leaving CJ's medicine at work in the refrigerator would be a blow enough, especially since Daddy would possibly have to drive back to Trenton for the second time in a day because CJ really needs it. However that was the least of our worries today. As we left the babysitter's house she asked to speak with Mommy. So CJ and Daddy proceeded to the car. When Mommy joined us Daddy asked if everything was OK? That is when Mommy dropped the bomb on us. She told Daddy that the babysitter just informed her that she would be moving to Atlanta at the end of the school year. This news crushes us as a family. CJ is comfortable with the sitter, Mommy and Daddy are comfortable, the sitter loves CJ and we were looking forward to CJ being with her until it was time to start school. Many thoughts go through Daddy's mind, the one thought that jumped out was how he wished Mommy was able to stay home. With that not being the situation Mommy and Daddy discussed some possible scenarios. The first, however, was to leave it in God's hands.

So as Daddy and Mommy sat awestruck, CJ sat in the back with a bad cough. Daddy was a bit concerned too. On the ride home Daddy called the pharmacy to see if they could give him two doses of the medicine CJ needed. They said they could not, but if the doctor called, they could refill the prescription. So then Daddy called the doctor's office and asked if they could make that call. They obliged, but the insurance company would not cover it, so Daddy had to pay out of pocket. No problem because what CJ needs, CJ gets. Now that would have changed if the out of pocket costs were more than a tank of gas. Daddy would have driven down to campus in Trenton and gotten the medicine.

So we still are in a bit of shock but God will send us another blessing and we will be OK. We just pray that the babysitter will be OK as well. So tonight as we pray, we pray for her. We know that prayer will change her situation. Prayer changes things, people, and situations.

Back At It

CJ has roared back in dramatic fashion. Early this morning she woke up from her sleep again and had trouble going back to sleep. So Daddy, trying to help Mommy get her sleep and simply wanted CJ to quit it with all the noise, decided to take CJ to the living room and they slept on the floor. Seems to be that the living room floor is the only spot in the house that CJ would relax this past weekend. Once there CJ slept through the rest of the morning. Daddy had to go to church so he left Mommy and CJ asleep, as Mommy took over for Daddy on the floor once he got up to get dressed.

When I returned home after church I found CJ to be up and at it. Back to her usual antics of getting into anything and everything in her path. The thing is that Mommy was tired and Daddy's neck is suffering from the floor this morning, so no one could really keep up with her. She still is not eating like normal but she is back to drinking. CJ had her fun today running through the house and hiding from Mommy or Daddy as we searched for her. Funny thing is even though the house is small she can go missing for a second. She is really quick on her feet.

So Mommy already called the sitter to let her know that we will be dropping CJ off bright and early. She has had her run on us so now it is back to the sitter and our normal lives. The sitter is very happy about that, she really misses CJ when she is not there. It is definitely not about money when it comes to her. She is an absolute blessing to us all.

So as CJ continues to heal keep her health in your prayers. We know that prayer changes things, people, and situations!

Strep Throat - The Second Time Around

The diagnosis is a little worse than Daddy expected. He wanted her illness just to be a common cold, however the strep test at the doctor's office revealed otherwise. CJ, for the second time in six months, has strep throat. You all remember the last time she had this, right? She not only took herself out, but Daddy made two trips to the hospital around his first Father's Day and they gave me the wrong medicine which caused my sugar to spike up and Daddy to black out, literally. I still have canned cherries that were supposed to go in the cobbler for the Father's Day dinner at the church, as well as we still have not replaced the computer table I fell through. This time Mommy is praying hard the outcome is not the same. She has threatened to walk out on CJ and Daddy for her sanity's sake. Though CJ is still technically under the weather she is still up to her regular antics with a twist of extra whining we all could do without. We will be past her being contagious tomorrow afternoon around 2PM. Hopefully this strep was self contained and Daddy (especially), along with Mommy, will be strep free.

So there is your highlight for today. Let's get the prayer wheels turning folks, we know prayer not only leads to healing but can change people, things, and situations.

Snow Flurries and A Snotty Nose

Usually the day breaks before CJ and I have anything to highlight. Today was different. At about 3:00AM (You see it right) I woke up with CJ in my arms but the only problem was that she was boiling. I felt her head, her back, her chest, and her legs and they all were hot to the touch. Daddy is thinking about the very important staff meeting at work, and the impending snowstorm that should be dropping the white stuff down at that very moment. What was the morning to bring? Of course he called Mommy to make sure that she felt the same thing Daddy did and she confirmed Daddy's belief. She also was nice enough to stay home with CJ today because she knew Daddy had a big meeting at work. Now even though he had a meeting he fell back asleep because he stayed up with his Princess too long and almost slept too long.

Reluctantly and because the promised snow was a bit whack Daddy went to work. Mommy called him and Daddy called Mommy periodically throughout the day. The sitter even called to check in on CJ. She is a trooper, We figured she was winning the battle early in the week trying to fight the sickness off but she is currently losing the later rounds. All week she has not been sleeping as soundly as we are accustomed to but today Mommy said she slept during the day. The fever went away but came back so Mommy called the doctor and he wants us to bring CJ in tomorrow morning. We had to cancel her appointment with the radiologists because of the fever so that will have to wait as well.

So prayerfully she will be better in the morning and the doctor will help nurse her back to 100%. It really is a dull time when CJ is not well. She shuts everything down as I tweeted earlier. So as I listen to her breathe hard, whine, and shift all over her bed, you all please keep her health in your prayers. Daddy knows that prayer changes things, people, and situations.

Sleeping Easy

With a date for X-Rays looming it seems like CJ is coming down with a cold. Which makes the trip to the Radiologist very important. CJ continues to be very nasal and sometimes it worries dear old Dad. Sometimes to the point like yesterday where he would not move from the side of her crib. When your child is sick you automatically get uneasy but when it is Daddys girl all you want to do is comfort her and make everything better.

So tonight I bathed her a little earlier, had prayer and fed her. We were still at the table when Mommy drew my attention towards CJ and my girl was dozing off in the high chair. So instead of bothering her I waited until that head dropped and then proceeded to move her. I sat with her in my arms for a bit just to make sure she was out for sure. Also because I love chilling out with her and letting her know that she is always safe in Daddys arms.

So now CJ is sleeping and Daddy still is listening out to make sure she is OK. Please keep CJ in your prayers as she gets her X-Ray done tomorrow. We know that prayer changes people, things, and situations. Not to mention anything the doctor says!

NOTE TO CJ: Always remember that God is our Doctor. His is the only opinion that matters.

Daddy Has Had Enough

Sleep Deprived

OK, simply put, today CJ woke up at 3:23am. Why, Daddy does not know but he was up with her until he needed to wake up. So Daddy is one about three and a half hours of sleep. CJ is sleep now. Daddy just woke up. The last I remember it was after eight. Anyway I'm headed back to bed and we are praying CJ sleeps until Daddy wakes her to get dressed. Prayer changes things, people, and situations and this one needs changing. Night, night folks!

Back To Work

Daddy went back to work.
CJ went back to the sitter.
We both had great days.
Keep praying, prayer changes things, people, and situations. We are praying today will be the start of a domino effect for the remainder of the year, especially at work. CJ was so happy when we picked her up I wanted to let her stay. It is great to see her so happy at the end of the day. It makes me happy!

10-6 Does Not Get You In

So I have to begin tonight by saying that the 2010 Football season is officially over. The New York Giants went 10-6 on the season but we did not get into the playoffs. Both Daddy and CJ are a little disappointed but now we move to college basketball. Today was a long day for us, we had two church services. This morning CJ slept through getting dressed. Daddy was sluggish but we managed to get out of the house in decent time. CJ was awake during the 8am service and during breakfast she was all over the place socializing. The 11am service was a little different today. CJ was not awake for most of it. She did her best to stay awake but sleep was necessary for her towards the middle. She woke up towards the end but was not too bad.

At the house (in East Orange) CJ and her cousin Jaylen had a great time, picking with each other, making truces, and then reigning terror amongst everyone and anything in their path. She wanted what he had, and he wanted what she had. They both are quite selfish. We had to get home as soon as possible because Daddy and Mommy must return to work tomorrow. The babysitter already called and is all set and ready for CJ. So it is a new year and time to get back to the daily routine. Pray that we have a smooth transition. We all know that prayer changes things, people, and situations!

Tummy Filled With Glee

Today was the first day of the New Year. Everyone has been using this 1-1-11 which is kind of neat. I wonder if that will come out in the Pick-It, lol I do not even play. Anyway today was another day of Daddy and CJ hanging out. One of our cousins had everyone over for brunch and you know where food is CJ and Daddy will make ourselves at home. It is very interesting so see how the family grows each time we come together. Today there were four kids that were not around this past summer. It always feels good to meet new family members.

So we get to the venue later than expected but right on time it seems. We were right on time for the food. Daddy and CJ were a bit hungry too. So Daddy prepared a plate of bacon, eggs, grits, home fries and biscuits. He made sure he made enough for CJ because he was sure she would be front and center at his plate and he was correct. CJ wanted to hang out with her cousin that just enlisted in the Army. He is home for the holidays and I guess she decided to use him. He could not resist her cute face and gave her everything she wanted and today that was more food. She also worked her uncles, they were a little more stern but they give in too but they only supplied her bottle and not more heavy food. When her aunt arrived and prepared her food CJ made her way to her plate and was fed again. No wonder this girl is getting so big, Daddy just has to make sure that he keeps her active to keep height and weight proportionate.

CJ also got a bit rough today. Daddy says that she has to let people know that even though she is from the suburbs she still has a hood side if she needs to pull it out of her Louie V, lol! One little girl grabbed a toy CJ had, so CJ yanked it back and threw it at her and told her to stop. The other kid was a boy trying to make his way past CJ but put his hand on her. She yelled to him STOP, and then swatted him out the way. Her aunt was a bit shocked but recognized that CJ is not afraid to throw hands if she needs to.

CJ fell asleep on the ride home and I believe it is the reason her behind is still up at 9:42pm but as soon as I complete this blog she is going to the crib and whatever happens, happens. She had a long day and she had fun so I guess she is going to try to ride the wave as long as she can. (Sidebar) She is now crying hysterically because Daddy put her in the crib. Back to business, CJ continues to be very inquisitive, she looks to find things to get into, good, bad, or indifferent. She is a risk taker which can be good or bad. Today it hurt her because she hurt her lip and we had to ice it down a bit. She went into the bathroom and fell but she is OK.

So keep praying for CJ and her Daddy, she is now at the stage where she wants to tell me No and Stop, and Daddy is having none of it. We are laying down the rules here and it gets a little testy at times but it is all for the better. With prayer we know things, people, and situations can change! Happy New year people, we have a lot to be thankful for and a lot in store for you!