african american

18 Days Til Christmas

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Sometimes a gift doesn’t look like a gift. One of the most fun gifts I received this year was my small small group. I lead a study of God’s word with about 6 ladies who crack me up. Do we ever stay on topic? No. Do we ever finish on time? No. Does God use us to bless each other? You better believe it.

I am surrounded by a group of social workers who deal with tragedy in other people’s lives everyday. It helps me keep things in perspective about my own life. It reminds me that there is much in life we take for granted, like a sound mind and a well body.

These ladies keep me honest (it does help that two of them are my sisters). God teaches me a lot through them.  I have been very fortunate to be born African American and female on this timeline in history. He has poured out such a gift of Himself on us. Not everyone in the group is African American, but His Spirit reigns in their lives also. There is a camaraderie with Christ that we are not ashamed of.

Small Group

20 Days Til Christmas

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I appreciate the awesome gift of a road trip.  My WWCrew and I have been to many places. This year we made some short trips, but they were just as fun. There is nothing like taking off with my friends to chart uncharted territory.

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We load up on snacks and hit the road. It is too fun. The car is filled with laughter and learning. We are foodies, so the destination usually involves a restaurant.

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We stopped at KD’s in Oklahoma City. This one was fun. The menu’s lite up, the food is good, but warning the portions are huge.  We have discovered through trial and error that there are two things we need to ensure a good meal: Dr. Pepper and Bread. We enjoyed the food and realize needed to walk around after eating.

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We also believe in experiencing history and learning from the past. It was a beautiful day to visit the Oklahoma  Memorial.

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Life is too short to spend it with a bunch of haters. Cling to those who love you, let go of those who don’t.  Peace is a gift and you need to protect it. Lots of people will say that they are your friends, but how do they react when you need them? When people show you who they are, believe it. God reveals things about people to us for a reason.  He doesn’t want you to stop loving and praying for them, but He doesn’t want destructive people having influence in your life.

23 Days Till Christmas

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It is easy to get caught up in the need for more things. We spend a lot of time thinking about the things we want and dream about, but not enough time grateful for the things we have.

God has given me some awesome friends! I have the best time with my WWC (Wrong Way Crew). We have earned this nickname because we are always going the wrong way (directionally) even with GPS.

With Me

The night this name stuck, we were in Washington DC heading for our hotel.  We had just gotten off the Metro and were walking down some dark streets with our suitcase.  We walked almost two blocks from our hotel before we realized we were going the wrong way.

What I love about these ladies is that they make me laugh. I laugh so hard I almost black out for lack of oxygen. We have learned to enjoy life whether it is travelling across the country or hanging out in our home city.

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Fort Worth

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Today I am thankful for Fort Worth. It ain’t perfect, but its home. It is the place where I was born and raised. I have been fortunate enough to travel to other cities so I do have something to compare it to.

I love the beach, not too fond of the mountains. I am amazed by the tall trees in the Carolinas, and love the vibes in Harlem. I have ridden the “L” in Chicago, but DC’s Metro is my favorite.

I have walked the streets of New Haven and driven the freeways in LA. I have gotten a kick out of Beale Street, but the food in New Orleans will always be my favorite.

I have stood at the High School in Little Rock, the motel in Memphis and the Holocaust Museum in DC. I can’t wait to walk across the bridge in Selma on its 50th anniversary.

In Fort Worth, there is no Atlantic or Pacific Oceans. We are landlocked. The trees are not as impressive as the Carolinas and there are no subways connecting us to other communities. We are notoriously lacking in Civil Rights History, but when I think of home: Mama’s Pizza, Robinson’s Barbecue and Good Luck. The South Side, Stop Six and Meadowbrook. Remember Seminary South or when Stage West was in the TCU Theater? My Paschal and TCU purple blood runs deeper than the Barnett Shale.

Does Fort Worth ever cross your mind?

Jesus

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Today I am thankful for Jesus. I love me some Jesus. Unlike fried chicken, sweet potato pie and cranberry sauce, there are no calories associated with Him. But He will change your life. #won’thedoit.

The more I learn about what God did to bring me back into a right relationship with Himself, I can’t do nothing but shout. Some people find my praise offensive, but to whom much is given, much is required. #don’twaittilthebattleisover

He could have let me drown. I would have let you, if you had sinned as much as I did. I would have given up on you. But God fills me with His hope so now I can’t give up on you. He changes lives. Many of you are still my friends because of Him. He loves us more than we can imagine.

He died in my place, paying a debt to sin, I could not. I don’t deserve His grace and mercy, but am blessed because of it. Thank you, Jesus.

Friends

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Today I am thankful for friends. I have been blessed to know some of the most interesting people on the planet. They inspire me.

I am not talking about the words Facebook uses as friends. I am talking about those folks who have physically moved me over and over again. I am talking about the ones who we sat laughing so hard we almost passed out for lack of oxygen. I am talking about the ones have supported me through ups and downs.

My friends have taught me more than I ever learned in school. They have encouraged me. They have been God’s hugs and kisses. They bless me.

Worship

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Today I am thankful for worship. I have had the opportunity to worship God with all that I have, physical, emotional and spiritual. Worship has led to a connection with the Savior that few can imagine.

I am thankful that He has given me a heart to want to worship Him. I am thankful that I am not ashamed to worship Him. I am thankful that I have had the opportunity to worship Him.

He has taught me I can’t come to Him any old way and throw any type of praise His way. He has taught me that He is holy and must be worshiped by His standards.

I worship Jesus because He is awesome.

Family Tree Movie Update

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One of my goals for Family Tree was to make a movie you could watch over and over and laugh every time. I am almost there.

Not only are you going to want to see this when it opens, you will want to take a copy home with you. (smile)

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I can’t take the credit. The actors did a great job of telling the story. As I reviewed the footage, they had me laughing and I knew what was going to happen. This happens when you get a group of talented people and challenge them to take their skills to another level. They did that thang!
There are going to be moments in the movie where you just stop. You won’t be able to believe what they just did or said. It is going to be sooo fun.

I can’t ignore the larger force in this project. God brought all the right people together at the right time. Lately my prayer has been, “Lord, don’t let me get in your way.” Every time the situation seems impossible, He handles it. Sometimes He tells me yes and gives me the industries best. Sometimes He tells me His grace is sufficient. My goal is to stay in His will cause He has a plan.
I love what He has done so far.

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Another thing I started this weekend was Outtakes. I am compiling those into a presentation of its own. I promise to play these at the premiere. We spent a lot of time laughing and I will have to share. I want you to fall in love with cast. They have earned it.

Peace and Hair Grease
Karen
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