The Big D - Family and Friends Make The Difference!

 Detroit still has some very special things to offer...

Family and Friends
    make the Difference!

We had a wonderful time with family and friends, during our visit at the Big D.  It's amazing how much of our neighborhood has changed.  So many abandoned homes, blight and neglect, we could only identify a handful of families still living in their homes on our street. However, there are many natives of Detroit that have decided to ride it out. There are those who have invested much into keeping their neighborhood as beacons of light.  Including my Dad, who is the proud owner and manager of the Hamilton Manor.  It is a 3-story, 20-unit apartment building on the corner of Fullerton and 14th St.

I applaud him and am in agreement for a turnaround, not only in the downtown area, but throughout the city. Many businesses have come and gone, but there are a few that are doing well in various parts of the city. There's always a remnant in the bush!

What makes Detroit so special to us is the wonderful family and friends that are not only surviving, but thriving. What makes true friendship so rich?  The richness of true friendship is embedded deep in our hearts.  It's that kind of friendship that you can spend years apart, living miles away from each other, but with just a little conversation, the friendship is rekindled and the sharing from the heart continues.  It's as if you are writing a story, lay the pad down for just a few moments, but you can pick it up and continue the story at any time.

There are not many friends and family that can fit in this category, but the ones that do fit, make any time together so very special!. 

I hope this inspires you to periodically take the time to reconnect with those special family and friends that your consider your "true friends," in which your relationship withstands time and distance. 

58 yr Anniversary and Going Strong!

My #1 Favorite Parents

Walter and Willetta Hamilton

Back in the day, the marriage vows customarily included ... For better or for worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, til death do us part.  Well, that was back in the day!  Now there is so much flexibility, prenuptials abound, divorce is rampant, annulments are common, shacking and common law marriages are more common place and marriage to many is not as sacred as it used to be back in the day.

Well, I am proud to salute one of my favorite couples in their tenacity to work together to help raise a family committed to God, to each other, with determination to be the very best that they can be.  My #1 Favorite Parents - Walter and Willetta Hamilton.

Today they celebrate 58 yrs of marriage.  Although neither would say it has been a total honeymoon experience, however, just like fine wine, their marriage has become sweeter and they have bonded even closer over time.  Their commitment to each other and raising their family together has been one of the most important bonds holding them together. 

Our family is similar to the Huxtables (Cosby Show), which we loved to watch together, laugh and admire how they resolved issues all in one segment.  Of course, in real time, the journey to resolving issues may not be as pretty, but we managed to work through our challenges, still walking in love, learning and continuing to grow stronger individually and as a family. It's the core values of friendship and being willing to forgive, that kept their love alive and it is what keeps my husband and I going from year to year too.

It's been 17 yrs for my Hubby and I, but we are pressing towards 58 and beyond! We're committed to God, each other and family. Thanks, #1 Favorite Parents for your example!  Happy Anniversary, you inspire me.

Yeah, I'm a graduate without student loans!

Citizens Police Academy - SAV, GA

2014 Spring Class

 Who would have thought an investment of $10, for a one night/wk, 

3 hr course could be so rewarding!

What an interesting 13-week training! I meet people from a variety of backgrounds and learned some so many wonderful things about fellow classmates, myself, the police department, the many agencies working together in the criminal justice system and how we as citizens can help to make an even more positive impact in our communities.

The training not only included classroom presentations, but we were able to participate in field work too.  We visited the 911 Call Center, participated in firearms training simulation, learned self defense tactics, toured the Chatham County Detention Center, learned about forensics and even had a ride-along shift with a precinct officer, and so much more!

Ms. Gianna Nelson, served us well as Assistant Director, guiding us through each weeks activities. As part of our training, we received a binder packed with resource information, that we can reference at any time.

If you are not in the Savannah, GA area and are interested in taking a course like this, check with your local police precinct or search online for a local Citizen Police Academy.  In order to make an even more positive impact in our communities, it will require a joint effort between the citizens, police, businesses, churches and community agencies.  This training helps to bridge the gaps, promote awareness and it is fun too!

The next class starts Thursday, September 11, 2014.  For more detailed information or to apply, click this link: http://www.savannahga.gov/index.aspx?NID=641

Our 17th Wedding Anniversary - Daddy Was Right!

The Wedding Day - May 17, 1997

Love and Soul - Monthly Event

The Simmons and The Tuckers

Daddy Was Right!

Last Sat, May 17th, my husband and I celebrated our 17th Anniversary doing "something special" each day of the entire weekend. It started on Friday night attending a fun-filled, inspirational Love and Soul event hosted by Kimberly Gunn.  Once a month a great line-up of musicians, comedians and artists come together to share their gifts and talents. This is our third time attending and we are never disappointed.

On Saturday, we had a wonderful, somewhat restful day, beginning with a little exercise, then a "light" breakfast at the Original House of Pancakes.  The blueberry pancakes and turkey sausage were wonderful.

On Sunday, we were blessed to celebrate the goodness of God at Overcoming by Faith in SAV, GA.  After service we had a wonderful dinner with a truly anointed and inspirational couple, Bro. and Sis. Simmons. 

It's hard to believe a week has gone by, so quickly.  As I reflect on our Anniversary, I recall how my Dad was one of the key people who admired my husband, when we were "just friends."  He recognized there was something "special about him," when it "came to me," even before I did.  I was 35 yrs young when I got married, so I wasn't a young chick.  When my Dad gently mentioned Otto as possibly being "more than a friend," the Daddy's Girl that I am said, "You just want to get rid of me hugh?"  

Since that time, I have come to appreciate how "wise counsel" from "select people" can help me see more clearly the "better" choices for my life.  It was amazing how his input along with other "confirmations," helped me to make the second most important decision of my life. I married a true friend and partner in ministry and life. It's rare that you find someone to support you through the good, bad and sometimes "ugly" seasons in your life.  With all of my "special needs," he has been the most patient man of God that I could have hoped for. The Bible says, that a man should love His wife as Christ loved the church.  I believe my husband of 17 yrs is doing his best to uphold that standard and I'm so thankful I listened to my Dad on this one.  Daddy was right!

Ride-a-Long to Get-a-Long

A Special Day On The Streets

I am so glad a fellow Toastmaster introduced our club to the opportunity of becoming a graduate of the Citizen's Police Academy in Savannah, GA.  It has been an amazing 13 wk, 3 hr a wk journey.  I have learned so much and have a much greater respect for the Men and Women in Blue. The learning experience only cost $10, gas to and from training locations, and the investment of time required to attend the Thursday evening sessions, 6:30pm - 9:30pm.

I will share more with you in detail, AFTER GRADUATION DAY on May 15th!

Today, I wanted to give you a glimpse of the highly respected, eye-awakening, thought provoking Ride-a-Long!  We had a time frame of 10 days to schedule our Ride-a-Long, which ideally would be with officers from the precinct in which we live. I chose the the early morning shift from 6:30a-2:30p on the Monday after Easter. 

Without divulging any confidential information, let me say it was a VERY INTERESTING morning.  My partner for the day was Officer Potter who is a young man with a BIG HEART! He is a hard-working  man who is working several jobs to help provide for his family.  He "handled" the various "situations" through investigation, much conversation and exchange of information, with compassion and professionalism.  He treated me and everyone he came in contact with as if we were CEO's or dignitaries. I recognize, he had me as a "close observer," but for some reason I sensed, he wasn't putting on a show for me. He appeared to genuinely respect everyone for who they were and did not prejudge them. In many instances, he even shared "the story behind the situation," which gave light to how he really tries to get each individual's perspective before making decisions that would be best for them and the community.

I applaud Officer Potter's fairness and the way he "connected" with people.  The badge and fancy cop car did not make him feel "superior," but at the end of the day, he just wanted to "do his job well, ideally help someone and his community to have a better day, then return to his personal life with his family." Although each officer that I meet, "policed" a little differently, it is good to know they worked as a "team," backing up one another on every call.   If the initial call didn't require a back up, as the "situation" unraveled, either officer could make that call, being confident that "the Calvary" is on the way! 

I'm not naive to believe that "all officers" serve the community in the same way as Officer Potter.  There are some "really good cops" and some "really bad ones too." As for me, this experience has increased my awareness and desire to pray for and support officers like Officer Potter, who are committed to  "doing the right thing, the right way." Keepers of the peace, I applaud your efforts, for blessed are the peacemakers.

Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live

peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.

I Timothy 2:2

 

He Got Up! He Has Risen!

Three of my FAVORITE songs will be ministered during our Resurrection Sunday Celebration!

If you don't already have plans, join Overcoming By Faith at either 9a or 11a 

at the Savannah Civic Center, SAV, GA.

It's so cool being married to the guitar player in the band.  I get a sneak preview of the songs!

I hope you plan to celebrate this special day in a very special way!

The lyrics and music says it ALL today!!!

What's So Good About Good Friday?

For those of you who believe as I do, this is a very special time of year, we celebrate Love coming down in the flesh.  I am honored to say, because He lives, I can face tomorrow.  If it was not for the precious promises planted in my heart, I would not have the sense of Hope and Purpose that I have today.

I recall formatting a template for a tract many years ago, What's So Good About Good Friday?  Well, the Good News is that He came and was touched with our infirmities.  He died that we might live.  He knows what we go through and tempted in all points, but without sin.  He walked upon this earth, in order to be that sacrificial lamb for us.  He is our example and source of Hope, Peace, Healing and Strength.

We are so thankful throughout the year, but especially in this Easter season, we recognize what a sacrifice He made, so that we can have life and that life more abundantly.  Regardless of this ever-changing world, God has given us His son, He sacrificed His life for Us and His Love Remains The Same!

As we choose to watch the "Passion of the Christ" on an annual basis and pause to consider what sacrifice He made, I am inspired to reevaluate the life that I live in honor of Him. I hope this post will inspire you to do the same.  Selah