Well here we are, December 31st, 2009. Most people are around celebrating a year that is ending. For some this is the end of a decade. (This is up for debate in a lot of circles, whether or not there is one more year to go in the decade or not.) For some, the pledge to change what they do in the new year. So I ask myself, how do I view this day? As I have matured I see this day as another one granted by God that I am thankful for.
A lot of people I know are about to get dressed and head to New York City..the city of bright lights, the city that NEVER sleeps. They are going over there to see the big ball drop in Times Square. Daddy, however, is going to kiss the girls and then head down to the House of God to bring in the new year as my ancestors did, in prayer.
(This next bit is for C.J., I have to make sure she is educated on why we do things.) The Watch Night Services in Black communities that we celebrate today can be traced back to gatherings on December 31, 1862, also known as "Freedom's Eve." On that night, Blacks came together in churches and private homes all across the nation, anxiously awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation actually had become law. Then, at the stroke of midnight, it was January 1, 1863, and all slaves in the Confederate States were declared legally free. When the news was received, there were prayers, shouts and songs of joy as people fell to their knees and thanked God. Black folks have gathered in churches annually on New Year's Eve ever since, praising God for bringing us safely through another year. It's been 141 years since that first Freedom's Eve and many of us were never taught the African American history of Watch Night, but tradition still brings us together at this time every year to celebrate "how we got over”.
Now with that said, I will reflect on this year of trials, tribulation, triumphs and defeats and all I can say is, "We serve an awesome God and through it all He brought me through." I thank Him for all the good times. I thank Him for all the bad times. I thank Him for putting up with me in spite of me. I adore Him and lift my hands in adoration. I praise Him with a voice of triumph and I worship Him with all I am. Most of all I thank Him for the baby he blessed my home with at 1:17am on August 7th, 2009. She has helped bring a change in me that was very much needed.
Honestly that is all I have to say today. The clock will strike twelve, and guess what, 60 seconds later all the hoopla will be gone. The year 2010 will be a minute old. The one thing I pray is that this minute, the next, today, and if God sees fit tomorrow, my steps, C.J.'s steps and my families steps are ordered in the word of God, and that His will is the only one governing our lives. WITH GOD 2010 will be AWESOME!
As I go, I have a list of people who have solicited prayer tonight. As I always say, we know that prayer changes things and people. Whatever it is these people need I am turning it over to God to handle. The same with my life...do God what you want. Lead me and I will follow. Lead those that have solicited to the place you would have them to be. To my readers, always remember to pray because prayer, even today, still changes things.
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Slobber
If it is one thing I have yet to adjust to with C.J., it is her slobber. When she was a new baby it was not bad. However, now C.J. creates slobber. Some say it is because she is teething. You are all wrong, my girl produces it. She loves to keep her hands in her mouth, which in turn, brings the slobber. The problem is that she makes her slobber take up residence on Daddy...on my face, arm, hand, shirt, pants and the floor. Today she had wet me so badly that I had to pass her off to Mommy.
Now I love my child America but this slobber can lead to problems. I can already see it. Daddy is running late for church while holding C.J. and then it comes, all on my suit jacket or on my tie. Then I have to change what I am wearing and be late for church. So I told C.J. tonight that I am going to create a baby retainer for her so she can hold that slobber in a little bit.
So C.J. is teething. We have some sleepless nights ahead because she already is restless during the day. One thing I noticed today is that C.J. always has her eye on me. It made it click for me even though I already knew this but today sealed the deal. I am her model and whatever I do she will think is correct. So I have to make sure I walk properly, talk properly and act properly so she always has her eyes on a great example of not only a man but a person.
One more day in the year 2009, God is truly GREAT and AWESOME! When I think of all He has done for me just thinking about 2009 would not do justice. 2009 was great! He blessed me with C.J. and entrusted her to my care. However what is in store is even greater!
Now I love my child America but this slobber can lead to problems. I can already see it. Daddy is running late for church while holding C.J. and then it comes, all on my suit jacket or on my tie. Then I have to change what I am wearing and be late for church. So I told C.J. tonight that I am going to create a baby retainer for her so she can hold that slobber in a little bit.
So C.J. is teething. We have some sleepless nights ahead because she already is restless during the day. One thing I noticed today is that C.J. always has her eye on me. It made it click for me even though I already knew this but today sealed the deal. I am her model and whatever I do she will think is correct. So I have to make sure I walk properly, talk properly and act properly so she always has her eyes on a great example of not only a man but a person.
One more day in the year 2009, God is truly GREAT and AWESOME! When I think of all He has done for me just thinking about 2009 would not do justice. 2009 was great! He blessed me with C.J. and entrusted her to my care. However what is in store is even greater!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Things Happen
Today was an interesting day. We woke up at about nine (oh how I am loving this), watched Maury of course, and then got dressed. All we had to do was make a routine trip to the doctor's office. Today it was for Mommy. Now you have to understand that it was freezing outside and the wind was vicious, which made it seem colder than it was. C.J. is all bundled up and we headed outside. This is when the day goes bad. Of course I look ahead as we walk towards the car and notice the truck has a flat tire. Just my luck. I already need to fix a bumper, the front windshield, and some other minor things and now this. Thank God we have another car that was available to use. I did not want to have my babies, C.J. and Mommy, out in the cold.
So the day was not too bad; we just had to make some adjustments. C.J. and Daddy had a good day together. Tonight was Daddy's night to give C.J. her bath. My objective was to stay dry. Her objective was to splash as much water onto Daddy as possible. I am proud to announce that Daddy was successful tonight and remained bone dry. I will admit it is funny to see her kick the water all over the place and then snicker, but I was not having it tonight. I stuck to my guns and won the fight.
Today C.J. learned a valuable lesson. She was taught that she cannot always have things her way. C.J. prefers to eat and then be changed. Daddy has bought into this process. Mommy, on the other hand, chooses to do the exact opposite, which annoys the heck out of C.J., so of course she wines and cries. I know you all probably expect me to have sided with the kid, but I did what any other good daddy would do. I used this as a teachable moment and explained to C.J. that things will not always go her way, and when they do not, she can not yell, kick and scream. After I educated my Princess, I did what any great father would do for his daughter. I picked her up and consoled her. All Mommy could do was smile and shake her head.
So the day started off good, went a little sour, then ended with C.J. falling asleep in my lap soundly. Tomorrow the objective is to fix the flat tire, fix the light and get the truck back up and running so C.J. and Mommy can ride comfortably. So as I go, I solicit your prayers as I always do because we all know that prayer changes things!
So the day was not too bad; we just had to make some adjustments. C.J. and Daddy had a good day together. Tonight was Daddy's night to give C.J. her bath. My objective was to stay dry. Her objective was to splash as much water onto Daddy as possible. I am proud to announce that Daddy was successful tonight and remained bone dry. I will admit it is funny to see her kick the water all over the place and then snicker, but I was not having it tonight. I stuck to my guns and won the fight.
Today C.J. learned a valuable lesson. She was taught that she cannot always have things her way. C.J. prefers to eat and then be changed. Daddy has bought into this process. Mommy, on the other hand, chooses to do the exact opposite, which annoys the heck out of C.J., so of course she wines and cries. I know you all probably expect me to have sided with the kid, but I did what any other good daddy would do. I used this as a teachable moment and explained to C.J. that things will not always go her way, and when they do not, she can not yell, kick and scream. After I educated my Princess, I did what any great father would do for his daughter. I picked her up and consoled her. All Mommy could do was smile and shake her head.
So the day started off good, went a little sour, then ended with C.J. falling asleep in my lap soundly. Tomorrow the objective is to fix the flat tire, fix the light and get the truck back up and running so C.J. and Mommy can ride comfortably. So as I go, I solicit your prayers as I always do because we all know that prayer changes things!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Rest and Relaxation
I just realized today that I have not been at work for two weeks now but I still have been on the go. Today, Daddy, C.J. and Mommy stayed indoors and lounged all day long. I mean for the first day in a long time I did not step foot down the stairs at all. For Daddy this is a good thing because he can always find a reason to head outdoors. So when he sits inside and gets true relaxation it is a very, very good thing.
I said to Mommy today that when it is time to return to work I do not know what I will do. C.J. and I have been hanging out for a bit now and we both seem to be getting really comfortable with that arrangement. Unfortunately we both know it must come to an end and we will have to get back to our busy lives of going and coming.
As I sit and relax at home I can only think about balance. At this point in my life I am involved in a lot of things. I can truly say that I am not balanced though. I am working towards balance but I would have to grade myself with a C-/D+. Balance is something I want C.J. to see as she grows up. It would be my prayer that she is pretty active in a variety of things. However, when one is pulled in a number of directions that person must be able to give 100% towards all in equal intervals of time. I have to master that now so she will have a strong example at home.
There are some things I have to still delete from my schedule. Some events I will have to miss. I have to read more at home, do constructive work at home, engage in exercise and recreational activity. All of this while going to work, doing what I need for church and making sure the family spends time together. It is important that I promote a balanced lifestyle now so C.J. is able to grow right into the mold. Which in turn would help her be successful in whatever she puts her mind to.
So another day is coming to an end. It has been another day full of blessings from the man upstairs. I know that with him balance will be achieved and C.J. will have her example when she needs it. Please pray for me...a lot is on my mind. I am turning it all over to God so I know things will be alright. So remember to pray because prayer always changes things. Be blessed.
Note to C.J.: When you are really involved with a lot of different things you must balance your time. When you start something you finish it and you must put 100% into all you do. So plan carefully so you do not get overwhelmed and begin to cheat yourself and not put your all into what you are doing. I love you very much Princess C.J.!
I said to Mommy today that when it is time to return to work I do not know what I will do. C.J. and I have been hanging out for a bit now and we both seem to be getting really comfortable with that arrangement. Unfortunately we both know it must come to an end and we will have to get back to our busy lives of going and coming.
As I sit and relax at home I can only think about balance. At this point in my life I am involved in a lot of things. I can truly say that I am not balanced though. I am working towards balance but I would have to grade myself with a C-/D+. Balance is something I want C.J. to see as she grows up. It would be my prayer that she is pretty active in a variety of things. However, when one is pulled in a number of directions that person must be able to give 100% towards all in equal intervals of time. I have to master that now so she will have a strong example at home.
There are some things I have to still delete from my schedule. Some events I will have to miss. I have to read more at home, do constructive work at home, engage in exercise and recreational activity. All of this while going to work, doing what I need for church and making sure the family spends time together. It is important that I promote a balanced lifestyle now so C.J. is able to grow right into the mold. Which in turn would help her be successful in whatever she puts her mind to.
So another day is coming to an end. It has been another day full of blessings from the man upstairs. I know that with him balance will be achieved and C.J. will have her example when she needs it. Please pray for me...a lot is on my mind. I am turning it all over to God so I know things will be alright. So remember to pray because prayer always changes things. Be blessed.
Note to C.J.: When you are really involved with a lot of different things you must balance your time. When you start something you finish it and you must put 100% into all you do. So plan carefully so you do not get overwhelmed and begin to cheat yourself and not put your all into what you are doing. I love you very much Princess C.J.!
Sunday, December 27, 2009
A Family Affair
What I did not know was that today was the last Sunday of 2009. So of course I was glad that the Johnsons of Old Bridge spent it in worship. I am so thankful for many things this year. I know I should not rank blessings but God really hooked me up when he did his thing yet again and blessed me with another woman in my life. I was born to my mother thirty years ago. Then almost eleven years ago he sent my help mate to me and almost five years ago allowed me to wed her. Then this year he blessed me with a princess to love, protect and nurture. When I think of all the rough spots I have gone through, just thinking about C.J. alone reminds me of how awesome God is.
Today in church during worship we were reminded of how incredible God is. This evening my family came together to remember our family members who have been called home. We had fallen out of touch for a bit. Many had never even seen C.J. before today but God is incredible and C.J. was able to meet a lot of her family today. Family is very important to me and I want her to know where she came from and where her support is at all times.
So of course that meant a lot of passing and holding which bothers Mommy and Daddy sometimes, but we bear with it. I even met the grandmother of a potential suitor for C.J. He is a little younger but he comes from a good home and a loving grandmother who understands my plan to have my princess already prepared with a kingdom while she is young. I know how to contact her so we will see if this goes anywhere.
So today C.J. and Daddy were both filled with Worship. We enjoyed our time in church and C.J. had the loudest toy for the "Toy Blessing". This is where Pastor MP3 reminds the children that their parents work very hard all year to get them some of the things they received for Christmas. He also reminds them that the birth of Jesus Christ is the true reason we celebrate on December 25th. As you know this is a message that I want C.J. to know from now until forever!
As I part ways with you tonight an older man, I implore that you always remember to pray because we all know that prayer changes things!
C.J. I want you to know that you come from a rich legacy of strong individuals that make up your very large family. When you get a little older I want you to take the time to talk with all of them. Your mother, father, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins and anyone else to learn about who you are and the long journey that your ancestors travelled that all make you who you are today!
Today in church during worship we were reminded of how incredible God is. This evening my family came together to remember our family members who have been called home. We had fallen out of touch for a bit. Many had never even seen C.J. before today but God is incredible and C.J. was able to meet a lot of her family today. Family is very important to me and I want her to know where she came from and where her support is at all times.
So of course that meant a lot of passing and holding which bothers Mommy and Daddy sometimes, but we bear with it. I even met the grandmother of a potential suitor for C.J. He is a little younger but he comes from a good home and a loving grandmother who understands my plan to have my princess already prepared with a kingdom while she is young. I know how to contact her so we will see if this goes anywhere.
So today C.J. and Daddy were both filled with Worship. We enjoyed our time in church and C.J. had the loudest toy for the "Toy Blessing". This is where Pastor MP3 reminds the children that their parents work very hard all year to get them some of the things they received for Christmas. He also reminds them that the birth of Jesus Christ is the true reason we celebrate on December 25th. As you know this is a message that I want C.J. to know from now until forever!
As I part ways with you tonight an older man, I implore that you always remember to pray because we all know that prayer changes things!
C.J. I want you to know that you come from a rich legacy of strong individuals that make up your very large family. When you get a little older I want you to take the time to talk with all of them. Your mother, father, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins and anyone else to learn about who you are and the long journey that your ancestors travelled that all make you who you are today!
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
This Christmas
So today was C.J.'s first Christmas and of course I have a story to tell. Not only did she sleep until 11:00am but she was so not into gifts this year. She is only 4 months old, so anything we gave her she put in her mouth. She did open a musical drum and another musical cube, along with her soccer ball and basketball. So that means she still has about 90% of her stuff remaining under the tree. Now we chose not to make a big deal out of getting her stuff she would not need. One reason is because she will not remember this Christmas. The other reason is that she is not old enough to tell us what she wants anyway. This was so not a big deal that we chose not to even bother wrapping C.J.'s presents. Daddy, just being Daddy, I wrapped one and we will see how long it will take for her to tear the wrapping paper off before I go ahead and do it for her.
I have to tell you about one gift though. Of course it is the most meaningless and the one that you would think she would toss aside. However my girl C.J. actually used her feet to kick her soccer ball. I bet you will not believe it so I have a picture that will be up soon that will prove it. It is these moments that excite me because she is starting to let her athletic side peek out just a bit.
Today was a first for C.J. too. She had sweet potatoes for the first time and Daddy fed them to her. To my surprise she ate them and enjoyed them immensely and did not even make a mess. She smiled as I would feed her spoonful after spoonful until she decided to call it a day and ask for her milk.
Christmas 2009 and C.J.'s first was great. We stayed home as a family and remembered why we even celebrate this day. We made sure to offer up thanks to God for blessing us with Jesus Christ. I also again let C.J. know that this day is not about receiving gifts it is about spreading love. C.J. and I also watched basketball for the majority of the day. Our team, the Lakers took a loss but we enjoyed the game anyway. As I sign off for the last time in my twenties you all remember to pray because we all know that prayer changes things!
Note to C.J.: Today marks the countdown to our tree trimming date next year. 2010 we go live and we go early to make sure we have the proper white blinking lights on our tree. You seem to have enjoyed your parents today along with your foods. Daddy played soccer with you too. I love you!
I have to tell you about one gift though. Of course it is the most meaningless and the one that you would think she would toss aside. However my girl C.J. actually used her feet to kick her soccer ball. I bet you will not believe it so I have a picture that will be up soon that will prove it. It is these moments that excite me because she is starting to let her athletic side peek out just a bit.
Today was a first for C.J. too. She had sweet potatoes for the first time and Daddy fed them to her. To my surprise she ate them and enjoyed them immensely and did not even make a mess. She smiled as I would feed her spoonful after spoonful until she decided to call it a day and ask for her milk.
Christmas 2009 and C.J.'s first was great. We stayed home as a family and remembered why we even celebrate this day. We made sure to offer up thanks to God for blessing us with Jesus Christ. I also again let C.J. know that this day is not about receiving gifts it is about spreading love. C.J. and I also watched basketball for the majority of the day. Our team, the Lakers took a loss but we enjoyed the game anyway. As I sign off for the last time in my twenties you all remember to pray because we all know that prayer changes things!
Note to C.J.: Today marks the countdown to our tree trimming date next year. 2010 we go live and we go early to make sure we have the proper white blinking lights on our tree. You seem to have enjoyed your parents today along with your foods. Daddy played soccer with you too. I love you!
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