Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Watch Night



The following information was actually written as an essay by Charyn D. Sutton, The Onyx Group, in December 2000 and revised in August 2004. The essay appears here in its entirety...

If you grew up in a black community in the United States, you have probably heard of "Watch Night" Services, the gathering of the faithful in church on New Year's Eve. The service usually begins anywhere from 7:00pm-10:00pm and ends at 12:00 midnight with the entrance of the New Year. Some folks come to church first, before going out to celebrate. For others, church is the only New Year's Eve destination.

Like many others, I always assumed that Watch Night was a fairly standard Christian religious service, made a bit more Afrocentric because that's what happens when elements of Christianity become linked with the black church. And yes, there is a history of Watch Night Services in the Methodist tradition.

Still, it seemed that most white Christians did not include Watch Night Services on their calendars, but focused instead on Christmas Eve programs. In fact, there were instances where clergy in mainline denominations wondered aloud about the propriety of linking religious services with a secular holiday like New Year's Eve.

However, in doing some research, I discovered there are two essential reasons for the importance of New Year's Eve services in African American congregations. Many of the Watch Night Services in black communities that we celebrate today can be traced back to gatherings held on December 31, 1862, also known as "Freedom's Eve."

On that night, Americans of African descent came together in churches, gathering places, and private homes throughout the nation, anxiously awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had become law. Then, at the stroke of midnight, it was January 1, 1863 and according to President Abraham Lincoln's promise, all slaves in the Confederate States were legally free. People remained in churches and other gathering places, eagerly awaiting word that Emancipation had been declared. When the actual news of freedom was received later that day, there were prayers, shouts of joy, and songs of praise as people fell to their knees and thanked God.

But even before 1862 and the possibility of a Presidential Emancipation, African people had gathered on New Year's Eve on plantations across the South. That is because many owners of enslaved Africans tallied up their business accounts on the first day of each new year. Human property was sold along with land, furnishings, and livestock to satisfy debts. Families and friends were separated. Often they never saw each other again in this earthly world. Thus, coming together on December 31 might be the last time for enslaved and free Africans to be together with loved ones.

Black folks in North America have gathered annually on New Year's Eve since the earliest days, praising God for bringing us safely through another year and praying for the future. Certainly, those traditional gatherings were made even more poignant by the events of 1863 which brought freedom to the slaves and the Year of Jubilee.

Many generations have passed since that time and most of us were never taught the significance of gathering on New Year's Eve. Yet, our traditions and faith still bring us together at the end of every year to celebrate once again, "how we got over."

Please pass this information on to your family and friends so that they will know the true history behind the tradition we call "Watch Night".

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Christmas Feathers & Smiles



My Oldest Granddaughter


Thursday, December 25, 2014

Merry Christmas & God Bless!



From The Lady (Bug) of the Household


Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Calling All Students K-12!



President Barack Obama has an assignment for you! Entries are now being accepted for the 2015 Student Film Festival and the deadline for submissions is January 20th. The theme this year is "The Impact of Giving Back". Submission Guidelines: (1) All films must be shorter than 3 minutes. (2) All films must be made by students in grades K-12. (3) No film may use copyrighted material including music, TV shows, or movies. (4) All films must be uploaded to YouTube. Click on the image or use the text link underneath to visit the White House website for full details. Then, spread the word ASAP to other parents who have school-age children that may want to participate!

Sunday, December 14, 2014

The Grands Are Ready For Christmas!


Picking Up The Christmas Tree...


Shopping For Decorations & Ornaments...


Putting Up The Christmas Tree...





The Christmas Tree!



Wednesday, December 10, 2014

'Big Eyes' Art By Eden - 1960s



My mother bought these two pieces for me and
they were hanging in my room when I was a little girl.


Sunday, December 7, 2014

Saturday, December 6, 2014

#ICantBreathe 3



and, once again, the system failed miserably!

Friday, December 5, 2014

#ICantBreathe 2



and, once again, the system failed miserably!


Thursday, December 4, 2014

#ICantBreathe 1



The Death of Eric Garner
and, once again, the system failed miserably!


Sunday, November 30, 2014

#FergusonDecision 6


The system worked for Officer Darren Wilson,
but not for 18 year old unarmed teen, Michael Brown!


Saturday, November 29, 2014

#FergusonDecision 5



Black-owned businesses were among the hardest hit during the riots in Ferguson, MI. Natalie DuBose depends on the income from her cake shop to feed her family; she vows to re-open immediately. Click on the image to go to her official Facebook page, if you want to help.
The system worked for Officer Darren Wilson,
but not for 18 year old unarmed teen, Michael Brown!


Friday, November 28, 2014

#FergusonDecision 4



The system worked for Officer Darren Wilson,
but not for 18 year old unarmed teen, Michael Brown!


Thursday, November 27, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving & Black Friday!



Grammy & Pop-Pop with all of the grands on Thanksgiving Day after the annual family dinner of thanks at their great-grandmother's house. Our daughter and son-in-law were there too. We are very grateful for the blessing of family!



Grammy & Pop-Pop out and about with the oldest and youngest grands on Black Friday. First, we had breakfast at IHOP in Center City. Then, we went to the Reading Terminal Market to see 'The Holiday Railroad' display. After that, we went to Macy's to see 'The Light Show'.



Our oldest granddaughter had Mommy & Daddy all to herself on Black Friday, and she had a fun day out and about and shopping with them too. She's was very happy being daddy's (only) little girl for the day! Just look at that smile!


Wednesday, November 26, 2014

#FergusonDecision 3



The system worked for Officer Darren Wilson,
but not for 18 year old unarmed teen, Michael Brown!


Tuesday, November 25, 2014

#FergusonDecision 2



The system worked for Officer Darren Wilson,
but not for 18 year old unarmed teen, Michael Brown!


Monday, November 24, 2014

#FergusonDecision 1



The system worked for Officer Darren Wilson,
but not for 18 year old unarmed teen, Michael Brown!


Sunday, November 16, 2014

My Grandson Loves K'Nex!





Check out this Sea Plane he made at our house yesterday!
#Knex King #FutureEngineer


Saturday, November 15, 2014

Monday, November 10, 2014

Autism Speaks: iPad Grant Application Is Open!



If you are on the Autism Speaks email list, check your inbox for the following announcement you probably received this morning or click on the image of the notice above to apply. Time is of the essence because the deadline for application is Friday, November 14th @ 11:59pm (EST). Due to the high volume of people who apply, you might need to return to the webpage later to try again. But, please share the information appropriately with other autism parents and grandparents who might not know about it so they can apply too, and make sure they know about the deadline! #iPadGrants

Sunday, November 9, 2014

Just Me Day w/ Grammy & Pop-Pop!



Our youngest granddaughter had Grammy & Pop-Pop
all to herself yesterday. She is 2 years old and such a sweetie pie! 


Monday, October 20, 2014

Halloween Autism Awareness



Please repost and share on all social media to help spread awareness!


Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Susan G. Komen 3-Day For The Cure


Nancy G. Brinker promised her dying sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to end breast cancer forever. In 1982, that promise became Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched the global breast cancer movement.

Komen for the Cure is the world's largest grassroots network of breast cancer survivors and activists fighting to save lives, empower people, ensure quality care for all, and energize science to find the cures. Thanks to events like the Komen Race for the Cure® and the Komen 3-Day for the Cure, the organization has invested more than $1.5 billion to fulfill its promise, becoming the largest source of non-profit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world.

Komen for the Cure’s commitment to the 3-Day event has always been strong. Formerly known as the Breast Cancer 3-Day®, Komen for the Cure received 85% of the net proceeds to fund breast cancer research and community programs. The net proceeds from the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure™ are invested in breast cancer research and community programs.

In 2010, Komen for the Cure strengthened its commitment to the Breast Cancer 3-Day, by becoming the organizer of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure™. It's the same bold event with the same incredible spirit, but now under a new banner that brings it closer into the fold of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure® family of events.

3-Day For The Cure will be held in Philadelphia this coming weekend. For more information, click on the image or text link above to visit the website.


Motivational Poster of the Day




Monday, September 15, 2014

Thursday, September 11, 2014

🕊 We Will Never Forget



A PROCLAMATION
By The President of The United States
Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance

Through the twisted steel of the twin towers of the World Trade Center, the scarred walls of the Pentagon, and the smoky wreckage in a field in southwest Pennsylvania, the patriotism and resiliency of the American people shone brightly on September 11, 2001. We stood as one people, united in our common humanity and shared sorrow. We grieved for those who perished and remembered what brought us together as Americans.

Today, we honor the lives we lost 9 years ago. On a bright September day, innocent men, women, and children boarded planes and set off for work as they had so many times before. Unthinkable acts of terrorism brought tragedy, destruction, pain, and loss for people across our Nation and the world.

As we pay tribute to loved ones, friends, fellow citizens, and all who died, we reaffirm our commitment to the ideas and ideals that united Americans in the aftermath of the attacks. We must apprehend all those who perpetrated these heinous crimes, seek justice for those who were killed, and defend against all threats to our national security. We must also recommit ourselves to our founding principles. September 11 reminds us that our fate as individuals is tied to that of our Nation. Our democracy is strengthened when we uphold the freedoms upon which our Nation was built: equality, justice, liberty, and democracy. These values exemplify the patriotism and sacrifice we commemorate today.

In that same spirit of patriotism, I call upon all Americans to join in service and honor the lives we lost, the heroes who responded in our hour of need, and the brave men and women in uniform who continue to protect our country at home and abroad. In April, I was proud to sign the bipartisan Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which recognizes September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Originated by the family members of those who lost loved ones on 9/11, the National Day of Service and Remembrance is an opportunity to salute the heroes of 9/11, recapture the spirit of unity and compassion that inspired our Nation following the attacks, and rededicate ourselves to sustained service to our communities.

Throughout the summer, people of all ages and backgrounds came together to lend a helping hand in their communities through United We Serve. As this summer of service draws to an end, we renew the call to engage in meaningful service activities and stay engaged with those projects throughout the year. Working together, we can usher in a new era in which volunteering and more service is a way of life for all Americans. Deriving strength from tragedy, we can write the next great chapter in our Nation's history and ensure that future generations continue to enjoy the promise of America.

By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as Patriot Day, and by Public Law 111-13, approved April 21, 2009, has requested the observance of September 11 as an annually recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 11 as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance. I call upon all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States to display the flag of the United States at half-staff on Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001. I invite the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and interested organizations and individuals to join in this observance. I call upon the people of the United States to participate in community service in honor of those our Nation lost, to observe this day with other ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services, and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46am eastern daylight time to honor the innocent victims who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

Barack Obama

Monday, September 8, 2014

Sunday, September 7, 2014

❤️ Happy Grandparents Day!




From The Ladybug of the Household
The little 'ice cream' girl is my absolute favorite!


Saturday, September 6, 2014

A Fresh Cut For A Fresh Start!




This is my grandson on the last weekend before school starts on Monday. He is 8 years old and will be starting 3rd grade.



Pop-Pop was honored and touched that he was asked to take him to the barber shop to get his back-to-school haircut. He requested a 'big boy' cut, shape-up, etc. for him and we think he looks very handsome!

Friday, September 5, 2014

R.I.P. Joan... You Will Be Missed!




Yesterday was my birthday, but I took pause to remember this great lady of comedy. I remember watching her on the Ed Sullivan show when I was a little girl and she was the first comedienne that grabbed my attention with her infamous catch-phrase, "Can We Talk?" I was sorry to hear about her passing and my prayers go out to her family.

Thursday, September 4, 2014

I Was Born On This Day!



As of September 4, 2014 @ 12:00 AM ET:

* I am 56 years old.
* I am 672 months old.
* I am 2,922 weeks old.
* I am 20,454 days old.
* I am 490,896 hours old.
* I am 29,453,762 minutes old.
* I am 1,767,225,738 seconds old.

Fun Facts & Trivia:

* My date of conception was on or about December 12, 1957.
* I was born on a Thursday under the astrological sign Virgo.
* My opposition sign is Pisces.
* My ruling planet is Mercury.
* The moon's phase on the day of my birth was waning gibbous.
* My birth flower is Aster.
* My birth tree is Weeping Willow.
* My birthstone is Sapphire.
* My lucky day is Wednesday.
* My lucky dates are the 5th, 14th, and 23rd.
* My lucky number is 5.
* My opposition number is 3.
* My Life Path number is 9.
* I'm most compatible with people with the Life Path numbers 3, 6, and 9.
* I'm least compatible with people with the Life Path numbers 4, 8, and 22.
* My age is the equivalent of a dog that is 8.00547945205479 years old.
* My fortune cookie reads: Good things are being said about you!

56 Candles:

The number of candles on my birthday cake produce 56 BTUs or 14,112 calories of heat and that's only 14.1120 food calories. I can boil 6.40 ounces of water with that many candles.

Celebrities Who Share My Birthday:

Henry Ford II (1917)
Jason David Frank (1973)
Mitzi Gaynor (1930)
Paul Harvey (1918)
Beyonce Knowles (1981)
Dan Miller (1980)
Mike Piazza (1968)
Dr. Drew Pinsky (1958)
Ione Skye (1970)
Tom Watson (1949)
Damon Wayans (1960)
Richard Wright (1908)
Dick York (1928)

Top Songs of 1958:

"At the Hop" by Danny & The Juniors
"It's All In the Game" by Tommy Edwards
"The Purple People Eater" by Sheb Wooley
"All I Have to Do Is Dream" by The Everly Brothers
"Tequila" by The Champs
"Don't" by Elvis Presley
"Volare" by Domenico
"Modugno Sugartime" by The McGuire Sisters
"He's Got the Whole World In His Hands" by Laurie London
"The Chipmunk Song" by David Seville & The Chipmunks

1958 in the United States:

* The President was Dwight Eisenhower.
* The Vice-President was Richard Nixon.
* It was not a leap year.
* The date of Ash Wednesday was February 19th.
* The date of Passover was Saturday, April 5th.
* The date of Easter was Sunday, April 6th.
* There were approximately 1,667,231 marriages and 385,144 divorces.
* A new person was born approximately every 8 seconds.
* There were approximately 4.0 million births.
* The population was approximately 150,697,361 people.
* One person died approximately every 12 seconds.
* There were approximately 1,452,000 deaths.
* Click here for more information about 1958...

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Photo of the Day



There are still 2 Americas and anyone
who doesn't see it, doesn't want to see it! SMH...


Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

❤️ National Grandparents Day Is Coming!



Please encourage the kiddies to do something, make something, and/or spend some quality time with their grandparents on Sunday, September 7, 2014. If they live far away, consider FaceTime or call them on the phone--but, try to avoid ecards and text messages, even if they're tech-savy. And, the same goes for all of us adults who are blessed to still have grandparents and great-grandparents in our lives. Take the time to show them some love on their special day! :)

Monday, August 25, 2014

Me & The Hubby



Cracker Barrell-Plymouth Meeting
Sunday, August 24, 2014


Sunday, August 24, 2014

Parents of Young Black Males w/ Autism Fear Police Even More...



Click on the image or this text link to read this story on the NPR website.


Saturday, August 23, 2014

Congratulations Jackie Robinson West!!!



Click on the image or this text link to read the story!


Click on the image for a larger view of the champions!


Friday, August 22, 2014

ALS #IceBucketChallenge



Oh, I remember all too well what can happen! Don't you do it, Gizmo!
Click on the image to learn more about the challenge and show your support.
As of August 22, 2014, ALS has raised 53.3 million dollars for the cause!




Watch your step!


This household is protected by Ladybug Home Security.







As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord...


Christian Internet Code of Ethics

As a Christian who is active on the internet,
I hold myself to certain standards of conduct:

  • I guard my online relationships.
  • I am careful to visit websites that do not compromise my life in Christ.
  • I take care that my written communications reflect Christ in my life.
  • I guard my time to assure that my time online is kept in proper balance with the rest of my life.
Visit the home page to view a more detailed version:

The Nazarene Network @ NazNet.com





April is World Autism Awareness Month!




On Newsstands Now... Get copies while supplies last!




Now Playing... The Booga Wooga on YouTube!




Proud member of OSP Group on Facebook!




Follow The Lady (Bug) on Good Reads!




Follow The Lady (Bug) on Pinterest!




Thank you President Obama for 8 great years!




Household Humor, Rules, and Membership











Deviant Art: "Cho & The Ladybug" By Cypherx





Virgo Rules in This Household!