Friday, December 31, 2021

寅 Chinese Zodiac




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".


🎉 It's New Year's Eve!





Thursday, December 30, 2021

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

⏰ 3 Mo Days 2 Go



It's National Tick Tock Day and no, it's not about the app that's all the rage right now. It's an annual reminder to complete any unfinished business that needs to be taken care of before the end of the year. Well, you know what they say... the clock is ticking, so get it done!


💯 #WordlessWednesday




Tuesday, December 28, 2021

🕛 4 Mo Days 2 Go



New Year Countdown


Monday, December 27, 2021

🕊 Divine Intervention



Okay, I play these games on occasion too and I know they give you the option to "try again" for a different outcome, which I have done. But, as God is my witness, this is the letter that came up on my first try. This is the first letter of my mother's name. I'm speechless...


Sunday, December 26, 2021

🤔 Things That Make You Go Hmmm...



Can you think of anything they missed?


😇 God's Promises



During these times of smaller family and social gatherings, remember God's promise and be blessed in knowing there is a promise for every circumstance and situation in life. Shine on and have a happy Sunday!


Saturday, December 25, 2021

🎄 Family Matters



We thank God for allowing us to enjoy another Christmas together. From our hearts to yours, we hope that you had a blessed, happy, and safe holiday as well. Thank you to my daughter and son-in-law for hosting a delicious dinner and Charlie for loaning me his antlers and ears!


😇 The Reason For The Season




Friday, December 24, 2021

🦌 Let's Go Rudolph...



Okay, I know I'm an OG, but I enjoyed tracking Santa with the grands when they were little and this wasn't an option when I was a kid. But, that being said, I need him to come through Philly a lot earlier 'cause I need my sleep!


🎅🏾 Season's Greetings



From The Lady(Bug) & Hubby


⏰ It's Christmas Eve!





Thursday, December 23, 2021

💔 Black Lives Matter




Kim Potter was found guilty, but it won't bring him back. Keeping his family in prayer and remembering his name... Daunte Wright.


⏳ #TBT Circa 1960s



Remember when Christmas looked like this...
silver aluminum trees and rotating color wheels?


Wednesday, December 22, 2021

💜 Memories Matter



A beautiful "thank you" design from the Lewy Body
Dementia Assn for my year-end donation in honor of mom.


🥴 #WordlessWednesday




Tuesday, December 21, 2021

💜 Memories Matter



Please consider making a donation to LBDA during
this annual time of year-end giving. Every little bit helps!


😇 #TransformationTuesday




Monday, December 20, 2021

🐈 #MemeMonday



 Pets & Christmas!


🥰 My Youngest Granddaughter

 


Passion Twists By Mom!


Sunday, December 19, 2021

😇 Prayer For The Season



Blessings 2 U!


🥰 New Do!



My oldest granddaughter started her loc journey Saturday!


Saturday, December 18, 2021

🥋 #2ndKyuBrownBeltBound

"A BLACK BELT IS A WHITE BELT THAT NEVER QUITS"


It was Obstacle Course Saturday in karate class this morning and here is a quick 22 sec video of my grandson going through it. It was his last class for 2021 before the holiday break.


❤️ Frosty The Snowman



Not ready for snow yet, but love this...


Friday, December 17, 2021

🎅🏾 It's The 3rd Friday in December...



If you have 'em, wear 'em today!


Thursday, December 16, 2021

☃️ Charlie Brown on PBS



Sunday, December 19th @ 7:30pm (ET)


🤑 Christmas Countdown




Wednesday, December 15, 2021

💙 Nicholas Watson



Autism is a journey no family expects, but anything is possible when you love, support, advocate, and pray for your tour guide along the way!


🔔 Philly Holiday Lights




When it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the city. There's a throwback you may remember in the mix too!


Tuesday, December 14, 2021

💙 Autism Community




Please consider making a donation to PAP during
this annual time of year-end giving. Every little bit helps!


🎄 #TransformationTuesday




Monday, December 13, 2021

♨ Meme of the Day




📣 CNN Hero of the Year



Congratulations to all of this year's heroes and the hero of the year!


Sunday, December 12, 2021

😂 Cats & Christmas Trees Xplained...




🥴 Snap, Snap!



Spent most of the Saturday in bed. I'm still recovering from side effects of the COVID booster shot yesterday... full body aches, headache, and sore arm. But, I'm enjoying The Addams Family Binge on Decades... haven't seen it in a long time!


Saturday, December 11, 2021

😷 Christmas Countdown




🎅🏾 Meme of the Day



Some may have to remember
further back than others, but do your best! LOL!


Friday, December 10, 2021

COVID-19: Get Boosted!



💉 🍟 Well, I've been boosted with Moderna and also received a coupon to come back for a free medium order of fries. Now, on to breakfast while I can still lift both of my arms to eat. Kudos and thanks to State Reps Morgan Cephas, Vincent Hughes, and Curtis Jones for this collaborative community effort with McDonalds and Penn Medicine.


⏳ #FBF Circa December 2012



ST. JOSEPH'S UNIVERSITY
My Daughter & Grandson @ SJU Kinney Center Christmas Party


Thursday, December 9, 2021

COVID-19: It's That Time Again



💉 Sista Girl is finally getting that COVID booster tomorrow and she would like it without a side order of sore arm, please!


😇 #ThankfulThursday




Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Tuesday, December 7, 2021

🦉 #TransformationTuesday




❤️ CNN Heroes of the Year



Yo, Philly! Let's support our own Dr. Ala Stanford for all she did to make sure everyone in our communities received vaccinations for COVID-19. She is one of the top 10 people being considered for "CNN Hero of the Year". It's time to show her some love in return and say "thank you" by casting our vote. Click on the image or text link to participate and let's get this thing done!




Watch your step!


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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!




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Now Playing... The Booga Wooga on YouTube!




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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!