Chronicles of Christoph J...from my ANDROID phone!

Driving Next To A Die Hard Redskins Fan!

2012-01-26T14:25:00.001-05:00

I had to take this pic while I was driving lol.

Published with Blogger-droid v2.0.4

Successful Men Hanging Out With A Purpose!

2011-03-12T16:49:00.001-05:00

I'm on a Mega Bus on my way to New York to see the Lion King on Broadway so I just wanted to quickly post this pic of my partnas and I from last night's get together. We discussed and celebrated a number of things on this fun-filled night but the main topic of discussion was my boy Joel is having a baby!

We'll not him...his wife. Lol. She's due any day now! So among all of what was celebrated, we wanted to make sure he was the center of attention. Joel is the light-skinded, lol, guy in the red. And yes, I said skinded. Lol

We'll, like I said I'm on my way to a show. And I won't forget to blog about how we almost missed our bus and how the bus we caught caught a flat tire. Fun right? Right! Lol

Welp, until next time...I'm getting off of my T-Mobile G2 cuz I'm getting cramps in my thumbs and I'm about to recline in this seat and take a nap!

Finally! I attended a Wizards game where they actually win!

2011-03-08T20:52:00.001-05:00

Saturday was a clutch day for Shannon and I. We hooked up mid day and headed downtown to visit the Holocaust Museum because we like to do different things around the city instead of the normal activities like going to the movies and bowling.

So after the museum we got something to eat at Vapianos on H St. in Chinatown. Then we figured we'd catch a movie since the night was still young. As we're about to walk into the building, we notice that the Wizards and the Timberwolves were playing that night. And for those who are not familiar with Gallery Place in downtown DC, the movies are right next door to the Verizon Center where the Wizards play.

As we're walking, we walk right past this guy with a Wizards hat on and he's calling out, "Anybody got any tickets? Anybody need any tickets?" I said ok, this dude is selling tickets to the game for cheap. So I ask Shannon if she wanted to go to the game. Being the gangster she is, lol, she agrees.

I go up to the dude as discreet as I know how and guess how HOT this dude is. This guy yells out to his partner, "Hey Tim!!! I need two tickets!!!"

Lawd Jesus! Shannon and I, both, almost scramble. Lol. This dude was tryin' to get us locked up for scalpin' tickets cuz you know everyone involved gets in trouble. Lol.

I say, "Dog! Just give me the dag on tickets! You about HOT as they come.!" We snatched those tickets, that were under-priced of course, skidaddled into that arena, sat in our club seats, and sat down until half time. Lol.

This is why I love Shannon so much! She ain't scared of nothin'. Sometimes we go to the movies, see one movie...then sneak into another. Sometimes I wonder if I'm a bad influence on her...or vice versa. Lol

Even still...I'm signing off until next time because I'm getting cramps in my thumbs! :)

Daily Bible App: Strive to be more like CHRIST!

2011-03-07T06:32:00.001-05:00

Matthew 5:46-48

46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?

47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?

48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

In Remembrance of Thee: Communion Service & Baptism

2011-03-06T17:08:00.002-05:00

Today has truly been a great day. The services today have truly been uplifting. Not only were the services good today but business was good as well.

Earlier this week, I received a call from a client that I serviced a little while back. If you don't know already, I have my own business where I clean carpets in residential areas around the DC Metropolitan Area (www.CleanFloorsGalore.com). Long story short, I set an appointment to clean her carpet at 4pm after 11:15am service today and forgot that today was the first Sunday of the month. At my church, we have communion service at 4pm.

I don't like missing communion service nor do I like canceling or postponing an appointment with my clients, new or old. So I called my client and asked if I could come earlier and she was happy to have it done earlier. I was in and out and my client very pleased with the final result! I also arrived to communion service on time. I even caught some of the baptism.

Today was a great day and still is...at the same time it was tiring. And typing this post on my phone isn't helping my energy level nor is it helping my phone's energy level. Plus I'm getting cramps in my thumbs! :)

Daily Bible App: The truth will set you free!

2011-03-06T08:49:00.001-05:00

Proverbs 12:19

Truthful lips endure forever,but a lying tongue is but for a moment.

Daily Bible App: Let Your Light Shine!

2011-03-06T00:02:00.001-05:00

Matthew 5:14

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.

15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.

16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Eating Out in Downtown DC: Vapianos on H St. near Gallery Place

2011-03-05T21:26:00.002-05:00

Shannon was told about a slick lil slick restaurant called Vapianos on H St near Gallery Place. I like the way its set up.

You seat yourselves after your given a card. You go to the different stations where the chefs cook the food you order right in front of you. Once you've been given your food, you scan your card on the chef's machine thing-a-ma-jiggy. Then when you're finished your meal, you take your card to the register. Real simple and creative. And most importantly, the food was GREAT!

Oh yeah, its an ITALIAN RESTAURANT! ...and I'm out...because I'm getting cramps in my thumbs! :)

ChriShannon: Nice day to learn something; Holocaust Museum

2011-03-05T20:44:00.002-05:00

Shannon and I love doing different things around the DC Metropolitan Area. Earlier today we decided to make today an educational day so we utilized 'ol faithful Google and looked up some museums that might interest us. We settled on the Holocaust Museum because we've never been there. It was very interesting and informative.

Education is a must...and it is a must that I stop typing on this phone now because I'm getting cramps in my thumbs! :)

Daily Bible App: I do not own my body; I merely manage what God has given me!

2011-03-04T06:37:00.003-05:00

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

...do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,

20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

Buffalo Wings & A Beautiful Woman

2011-03-03T23:14:00.002-05:00

My girl, Shannon, is currently a grad student at Georgetown University so we haven't had a lot of time to hang out like we used to. Thank God for spring breaks though!

Even though her spring break is only a week or so...we still appreciate the time we have to share together. She has little over a year left in school until she graduates so times such as these are cherished when they arise.

Let me get back to this large variety of buffalo wings...and Shannon. Lol

Until next time... I'm getting off this phone because I'm getting cramps in my thumbs. :)

Daily Bible App: Fear Not!

2011-03-03T07:41:00.002-05:00

Psalm 27:1

The Lord is my light and my salvation;
whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
of whom shall I be afraid?

#Bible http://j.mp/fusJmT

Bible Study gets me from Sunday to Sunday!

2011-03-02T20:21:00.002-05:00

Sometimes when I get off work, I don't want to go anywhere but home...even on Wednesday which I have carved out for Bible study.
I get comfortable and don't want to leave and honestly, sometimes I don't make it but when I do, like tonight, I receive so much from God. I believe God appreciates one's honesty.

Sometimes you just don't feel like going to church...but its funny because when those times come and you still push your way out, it seems like those are the very times God uses the preacher or the choir to speak to you concerning an issue you're struggling with. Push your way to be in the presence of the Lord!

God is good and I'm done typing on this phone because I'm getting cramps in my thumbs. :)

High School Championship: Gonzaga vs Dematha

2011-02-28T21:07:00.005-05:00

The two best private high school teams in the DMV are on the hardwood right now. Its kinda bittersweet though. Its a good game to watch but I really hoped my lil cousin, Kelsey, who plays for Bishop McNamara, was playing. Unfortunately, they fell short last night to Gonzaga. Its cool though, he has another year of HS.

Now back to the game...because I'm getting cramps in my thumbs!

Posted from American University in Washington, DC 20016

Cubicle Swag! Lol

2011-02-28T15:18:00.003-05:00

I figured I'd make my first ANDROID POST dedicated to the place I spend most of my time during the week. As you can see I have plastered my cubicle with family/friend paraphanelia. And I know I'll get brownie points for my computer screen. Lol. Shout out to Shannon. Lol. If you look closely, you see that I have some very meaningful pieces that decorate my overhead cabinet.
You can see that I have my beloved grandfather's obituary, my cousin's grandmother's obituary, the program for my grandma's 80th birthday party we threw for her on the Spirit of Washington, among other things.

I'm done typing on this phone. I'm getting cramps in my thumbs. :)

Posted from Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC 20307

Vote for Shannon & I to be the CUTEST COUPLE!!!

2011-02-10T12:56:00.005-05:00

http://ChristophJenkins.blogspot.com

HAPPY FOUNDERS DAY BRUHS! A PHI A FOREVER!

2010-12-04T13:03:00.007-05:00

Today is the day my fraternity was founded. This means this day is very important to all of my frat brothers acroos the world. I never knew how much this brotherhood really meant to me until I went to live and work in Seoul, South Korea for an entire year to teach English as a second language. THe bruhs in Korea took me in as if I pledged their chapter. It was amazing!

Cheers to the JEWELS!

http://ChristophJenkins.blogspot.com

The world has the wrong definition of "SUCCESS"! How do you define it?

2010-08-18T06:43:00.019-04:00

Have you ever asked the question, "Why do famous people who blatantly reject God... prosper? Why do people who clearly worship other gods such as money, sex, drugs, and violence seem to be the ones who gain all of the wealth in the world while we who try our best to do the will of God...struggle?

Recently, I made a commitment to God! I told God that I would read and study the bible, more consistently. Well, lets take off the words "more consistently" off the previous sentence and just be honest. I need to get in the Word and stop making excuses! "I'm too busy!" "It feels like I have homework!" "I don't know where to start!"

What are your excuses???

I'm honoring my commitment! Even though I wasn't sure where to start, that didn't stop me, finally! lol In keeping with the question that inspired this blog post, I wanted to know what God had to say about this subject...so I googled "success in the bible" and clicked one of the top links called "Success According to the Bible." It is so on point. It has inspired me to really dissect Deuteronomy 8:10-20 and strategically apply it to my life. Check out the blue text below! A MUST READ!!!

The world defines success in terms of achieving one's goal, acquiring wealth, status, prestige and power. Successful people are those defined as people enjoying the good life. In short, dollars, power and status is the central definitions of success in the world today. Such definitions have many fatal flaws when we consider the lives of the rich and famous whose lives are wrecked by pain and tragedies.

Success According to the Bible God's measurement of success is defined differently from that of the world. God's measure of success involves our obedience and faithfulness to Him, regardless of the opposition and trials we face. In short God's measure of our success is whether or not we are being loyal to Him and obey Him.

The determination of whether one is successful or not is answered by whether or not one is satisfied with one's life. It should not be based on or measured by someone else's standards. We should determine what our success is by God's standards for He is the one who has created us and He is the one who will judge us and by His standards.

Success is much more than just money and status. All others is temporary. When we leave this world, none of it will be of any use to us nor will it guarantee us eternal life. So should we define money and status, which is temporary, as real success? Who amongst the rich today can guarantee their happiness on earth and in heaven?

Does God Want Us To Succeed?
God is not in the failure business. The scriptural truth is, God wants us to succeed. God's condition for success is simple - Obey Him and Obey His Laws.

God Wants Us to Succeed
Proverbs 16:3 - Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

God Wants Us to Prosper
Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

God Gave Us the Ability to Produce Wealth
Deuteronomy 8:18 - He gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your forefathers, as it is today.

Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/religion-articles/success-according-to-the-bible-504707.html#ixzz0wxajCxZ1

http://ChristophJenkins.blogspot.com

NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHED!!! A MUST VISIT!!! www.RemoteRide.com

2010-05-26T12:54:00.004-04:00

CLICK!

http://ChristophJenkins.blogspot.com

Begin again!!! ...updating blog as requested.

2010-05-17T06:42:00.004-04:00

It is amazing how the picture above portrays what I've been hearing since the day I took a break from blogging. I just "googled" three words, "back to blogging," and came across this perfect-for-my-first-post-in-a-while post. I like making up compound-sentence-words, as you can see.

Many things have occurred sine, April 6, 2010, the last time I've posted to this blog. And instead of listing all of the events and occurrences, I think I'll just back-blog. For all of the readers who don't blog and aren't familiar with blogging terms, I simply mean that I'll post about things that happened during my blogging hiatus.

Not only have I missed blogging but I missed browsing and reading my fellow blogger's blogs. The community of bloggers, affectionately known as the blogoshere, is like another world that people who don't blog will never know exists unless they begin. It's absolutely amazing.

Poetically speakin'.
I have decided to begin to blog again for the same reason I poetically utilize a pen; to express the feelin's that lie within and to inspire all dreamers to dream again...and again!

Until next time ...continue to recognize how blessed you are!

http://ChristophJenkins.blogspot.com

Celebrity blog reveals my fraternal loss!

2010-04-05T11:43:00.007-04:00

I know I haven't blogged in a good while but today I felt compelled to write after visiting a celebrity blog site, Bossip.com, that I frequent. This morning I was skimming through their many posts that are usually inspired by and derived from the daily happenings in the lives of the most popular celebrities of today and years past. However, I came across one post that truly disturbed me, simply because it wasn't about a celebrity. It was about a couple who I am unfamiliar with on a personal level but am connected to fraternally. My fraternity brother and soror were carjacked and murdered at 3 a.m. this morning. My heart is faint in light of this disheartening news. I don't know this this young couple...but I grieve and mourn the loss of two members of my fraternal family. I promise you! TOMORROW IS NOT PROMISED!!!

Just hours after friends joyfully toasted them at their engagement party, a couple lay dead on a Jersey City street this morning, shot during what police said was a possible carjacking.

College sweethearts Michael Muchioki, 27, and Nia Haqq, 25, had planned to marry next April, those close to them said. On Saturday evening, the couple celebrated their engagement with friends and family at Delta’s, a soul food restaurant in New Brunswick, and then at a larger gathering at Perle, a club and lounge also in the Middlesex County city. Afterward, a friend said, they begged off going to a diner, opting to return to Muchioki’s Jersey City apartment in Haqq’s Honda CRV. Police said the couple were shot around 3 a.m., a few doors from Muchioki’s home.

CLICK TO CONTINUE...

http://ChristophJenkins.blogspot.com

Do you believe that if you chase after God, blessings will chase after you? I DO!!!

2010-02-16T12:29:00.005-05:00

Good Morning Family,

When you live a life that honors God, when you obey His Word and you're a person of excellence and integrity, the Scripture says that God's blessings will chase you down and overtake you. You won't be able to outrun the good things of God. He daily loads us with benefits!

People get confused sometimes and think they have to go chasing after the blessings. But really, when you chase after God each and every day, when you make Him your highest priority, the blessings will automatically follow.

Today, make pleasing the Lord first on your list. Let go of any weights or sins that you know are holding you back. Be willing to deal with any issues God brings to light. Don't give in to compromise and temptation because all that will do is keep you from God's best. Instead, make the decision to daily put Him first and keep your heart pure before Him. Then get ready because His blessings will chase you down as He daily loads you with benefits!

God, today we dedicate every area of my life to You. Help us to live a life of integrity and honor. Thank You for daily loading us with benefits as we put You first in everything that we do. In Jesus' Name. Amen

http://ChristophJenkins.blogspot.com

We Are The World 25 for Haiti!!!

2010-02-13T13:52:00.002-05:00

http://ChristophJenkins.blogspot.com

In case you missed it! The 2010 State of the Union

2010-01-28T23:12:00.001-05:00

http://ChristophJenkins.blogspot.com

Wondering if smoking weed is a sin? Let's see what God has to say about it!

2010-01-24T01:00:00.003-05:00

http://ChristophJenkins.blogspot.com

IN HONOR OF MY FRAT BROTHER, MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.'S BIRTHDAY . . .THE FULL I HAVE A DREAM SPEECH!!!

2010-01-18T09:55:00.002-05:00

http://ChristophJenkins.blogspot.com

Raw Footage Of Woman Being Saved In Haitian Crisis [Video]

2010-01-17T07:55:00.002-05:00

PLEASE DONATE!!!

http://ChristophJenkins.blogspot.com

President Barack Obama gets involved in the Haiti Earthquake Catastrophe

2010-01-14T17:39:00.004-05:00

http://ChristophJenkins.blogspot.com

Daily Word: Do people who devote their lives to service but do not have a heart for God go to heaven?

2010-01-12T08:16:00.007-05:00

For centuries, people have been persuaded to believe that they could please God through service and offerings...regardless of the condition of their hearts. But in truth, no amount of activity for God will ever take the place of a heart that is right for Him. Sure, we can be deceived into assuming that God is more interested in our activity for Him than He is in the condition of our hearts. But we would only be fooling ourselves. We cannot buy our way into Heaven! God has consistently made it clear that He will not be pacified by even the most generous offerings and zealous service if our hearts are not right with Him. No matter how much we do, how active we are in the community or how honorable our reputations may be...God will not overlook a sinful heart. His desire is that we devote ourselves to knowing Him and loving Him with all our hearts.

Hosea 6:6

For I desire mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.

My Thoughts...

I've actually had this conversation with a close friend of mine not too long ago about this subject. I'm not sure how the subject came about but we were discussing this very question. Do people who have good hearts and are known for doing good deeds in the community and in the world but don't have a heart for God go to heaven? I think of the scripture, James 2:20, "Faith without works is dead." If this is true, then it has to be true in it's reciprocal form, "Works without faith is dead." Check James 2:20-26 for a reference. What are your thoughts?

http://christophjenkins.blogspot.com/

G.R.O.W. towards your greatness! (a poem)

2010-01-11T20:42:00.004-05:00

By Omekongo

They say greatness is a choice so what have you chosen?

You’ve been frozen in time and broken in mind

For too long the same song playing in your head

Living in breath but better off dead

But who said you didn’t have the power?

Who said this is not your hour?

You’ve been showered with a steady stream of words that kill your dreams

But it seems that since you’re still living that someone done lied to you

Tried to deny you of your own potential inside you

If you’d just decide to let no one deride you

Don’t even let them get beside you as you unearth the new you

Stop listening to naysayers and decide to do you

No more pity parties, sobbing and boohoos

If no one told you you’re great then let me be the first to

If you have the thirst to drink from faith’s fountain

You’ll develop the might to move mountains

We move tons of dirt to find an ounce of gold

So I ask you to move tons of hurt and find just one ounce of your soul

You’ll be on the path to control your own destiny

Getting out of your own passenger seat and driving your own car

Reaching for the moon but maybe landing among the stars

You have greatness inside you but you must choose to be great

Blaze a path of excellence, leave fear in your wake

All you need is already inside you

Just believe in yourself

G.R.O.W. towards your greatness and discover your true wealth

http://ChristophJenkins.blogspot.com

Daily Word: Have you prayed today? I need to...right now!

2010-01-11T12:25:00.009-05:00

Prayer...we've all heard of it, but how many of us actually do it? Or believe that our prayers will be answered? Do we really know the significance of prayer? Do we understand that it's a way for us to commune with God and strengthen our relationship with Him? Do we even know how to pray? Or do we only pray when we want or need something? It was common knowledge among the disciples that they would find Jesus praying during the early morning hours. Because He was often surrounded by crowds, Jesus knew He had to find a quiet place to pray in order to Hear His Father's voice. He understood that His mission was not to attract a crowd, but to remain obedient to His Father. Obedience to God is our mission as well. "Prayer is not about getting what we want, prayer is designed for us to discover God's agenda for us! Therefore, we would be wise to follow Jesus' example and let our time alone in prayer with God set the agenda for our lives as well." We know what we want...God knows what we need.

Mark 1:35
Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.

My thoughts...
I said a prayer today but I haven't really took time out to spend in his presence like I should...on a regular basis. I have to discipline myself in getting up a little earlier in the morning to do so. There a re many things that I need to thank God for and there are a few things that I would like God to consider granting me...if it is his will of course, ya know! It is my intention and my desire to get closer to God this year.

When searching for an image for this "Daily Word," I googled 'prayer changes things' and the image above caught my attention mainly because of the scriptures. Philippians 4:6 hits it right on the nail for me. When entering into prayer, I try to remember to give thanks to God before I ask Him for anything...at least, to show my appreciation. But then it also says to 'be anxious for nothing." This most nearly means to not worry. Worrying does not make things better...only the opposite. So instead of worrying about something or someone...pray about it. This will definitely up my prayer life because I feel I'm a natural worrier...like a lot of people.

Until next post...

Continue to recognize that you're blessed!

http://christophjenkins.blogspot.com/

My girlfriend understands what I've been telling her for a long time. Look!

2010-01-08T19:35:00.007-05:00

She gets the picture now. lol

http://ChristophJenkins.blogspot.com

Always Say A Prayer (A.S.A.P.)

2010-01-06T10:43:00.005-05:00

There's work to do, deadlines to meet,
you've got no time to spare,
But as you hurry and scurry,
Always say a prayer

In the midst of family chaos,
"quality time" is rare.
Do your best; let God do the rest:
Always say a prayer,

It may seem like your worries are
more than you can bear.
Slow down and take a breather-
always say a prayer,

God knows how stressful life is;
He wants to ease our cares,
and He respond ASAP-
Always say a prayer

Anonymous

This poem describes so many of our lives. Life can definitely keep us busy but we must not be so occupied with the things of this world that we forget to give thanks for the many things that we think we are entitled to such as waking up in the morning. Prayer is so important. Prayer, at least, tells God that you're thinking about Him throughout your busy day. I thank God for giving me the peace of mind to handle the stress of the day. Like in the last stanza, it says, "God knows how stressful life is; He wants to ease our cares." Prayer centralizes your thoughts and brings you to a place of serenity while allowing dialogue to take places between you and your provider.

Until next post,

Continue to recognize that you're blessed!

http://christophjenkins.blogspot.com/

Daily Word: Are you so blinded by your past to the point where you can't focus on your future?

2010-01-06T09:42:00.009-05:00

The world tells us that the dominating influence in our lives is our past. The world tells us that if we came from a difficult home life, our race was treated unfairly, we were hurt or abused or if we were rebellious in our youth, then we have no future. The world tells us that our past will determine the direction of our lives, dictate the condition of our present and the future will be spent struggling with our past. In truth, the world is preoccupied with its past because its future is uncertain! But the Christians of the world live in freedom because they know that Christ has overcome the past. God has forgiven the Christian's sin and therefore chooses not to remember it. That "does not" mean that Christians forget the past...it just means that they are not controlled or motivated by it. Christians look toward the future with hope. Because their future is so full, rich and exciting that it supersedes whatever happened in the past.

Philippians 3:13

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.

My thoughts...

Too many people get burdened by their past to the point where they cannot focus on praying and working towards a better future. If more people looked at their past as a life lesson learned then theyw ould recognize that their past is more of a testimony and less of a burden. Whether your past experiences were positive or negative, your future has the potential to much better. My pastore told our congregation this not too long ago while presenting his sermon, "Yesterdays best is today's average." And what he meant by that was you have to continue to strive to better than you've done before. Basically, if you're not growing...you're dying. If you're not getting better...you're getting worst. Everyday, God is giving you another chance to do better than you've done the day before. This is striving for perfection!

Until next post,

Continue to recognize that you're blessed!

http://christophjenkins.blogspot.com/

Don't purchase this! Perfect reason why we need to study!

2010-01-04T13:49:00.008-05:00

Whoever thought of this t-shirt expects us as a black race to purchase the shirt and not read the scripture. Let's prove them wrong.......READ THE SCRIPTURE....DO NOT PURCHASE THE SHIRT!!!

Let's not let the enemy get over on us!! Although this story is in the Bible, it is in the old testament about people who were oppressed. The old testament tells us what happened. The New testament, Jesus teaches us what to do and to pray for our enemies!! Like these who came up with this shirt!

Psalm 109:8-13
King James Version

8. Let his days be few; and let another take his office.
9. Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow.
10. Let his children be continually vagabonds, and beg: let them seek their bread also out of their desolate places.
11. Let the extortioner catch all that he hath; and let the strangers spoil his labour.
12. Let there be none to extend mercy unto him: neither let there be any to favour his fatherless .children.
13. Let his posterity be cut off; and in the generation following let their name be blotted out.

http://christophjenkins.blogspot.com/

My Top 5 Movie Gadgets To Become Reality

2010-01-04T10:21:00.013-05:00

Chester Gould forever changed the Dick Tracy comic strip in 1946 when he introduced the two-way wrist radio, which has become the icon and a centerpiece of the comic strip ever since. In the 1990 movie, as in the comic, TV series, and earlier feature films, Tracy relies on his wristwatch communicator to catch the bad guys.
.
Watch phones and walkie-talkies have been available for a few years, and there has been a boom in designs in the last year.

James Bond’s tenth cinematic adventure, released in 1977, purported to star Roger Moore and Barbara Bach.
.
Inspired directly by the movie, Rinspeed completed the prototype of the world’s first car that can drive both on land and underwater in 2008. The car is completely electric and uses a Lotus Elise as the base. It can go to a depth of 33 feet and is powered by twin electric-powered propellers supplemented by two Seabob water jets, effectively allowing it to “fly” underwater (as opposed to driving along the bottom). It features an open cockpit as a safety precaution, so you’ll get wet, but it has scuba-style oxygen tanks and a water- and salt-resistant interior. The crowning piece is the laser sensor system that allows the car to be driven automatically—as in, with no one inside. Intended to be a “toy for rich people,” the sQuba prototype cost $1.5 million to build and may eventually get down to a bargain-basement $400,000.

Blade Runner was not the first to suggest a flying car (generically referred to as a “spinner”), but flying, hovering and levitating cars have been a standard futuristic assumption for decades. The Jetsons, Harry Potter, and the Fantastic Four all rode around in flying cars (though some were admittedly propelled by magic, not science).
.
At the 2008 New York Auto Show, Milner Motors showed off the AirCar, a four-door about the size of a Honda Civic with a wingspan of 28 feet (7 feet when folded) and two 40-horsepower rotary engines. Though the AirCar can’t fly yet, Milner claims it will eventually fly at up to 200 mph with a range of 1,000 miles. The car is expected to cost about $450,000 and is about 3 years away from hitting the market.

One of the handiest gadgets ever showcased on Star Trek is the universal language translator. The Languatron from Battlestar Galactica and the babel fish from Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy have continued our love affair with the idea of a universal, automatic language translator. But no matter how advanced the translator, it won’t protect you from Vogon poetry.

Amid a number of ho-hum translators there is the superior Voxtec Phraselator P2, which has an output library of over 40 languages. Originally designed for the U.S. military, the Phraselator spits out your phrase in just a few seconds. It also has a LCD touch screen, noise-canceling microphone, and an SD card slot. Voxtec plans to sell the Phraselator in the next three to four years for a few hundred dollars.

In Aliens, Sigourney Weaver’s character uses a power loader to even up the odds in her face-off against the Queen. She proceeds to kick some serious alien butt with the help of the futuristic technology at her fingertips.

This mechanized exoskeleton from Cyberdyne Systems uses electromygram (EMG) sensors on the shoulders, hips, knees and elbows to tap into signals sent from the brain to muscles throughout the body. Using these signals, the machine can aid a human in walking, climbing stairs, and heavy lifting, and is designed to help the disabled and the elderly regain strength and use of their limbs. The suit garnered media attention in 2006 when it helped a paralyzed man get within 500 yards of the summit of Breithorn Mountain in Switzerland. It’s currently only available in Japan, but when it becomes available in the U.S. this puppy will set you back $1,000 a month to rent, or about $50,000 to $60,000 to buy.

http://christophjenkins.blogspot.com/

Daily Word: Love God, trust God, be obedient to God...PERIOD!

2010-01-04T09:37:00.006-05:00

I love God...but. I trust God...but. I'm obedient to God...but. I know God loves me...but. Sounds familiar, doesn't it? Loved ones, WE HAVE GOT TO GET THE "BUTS" OUT OF OUR LIVES!!! Let them go. Begin again in the 2010! (that's twenty-ten for the slow-smile). Love God, trust God, be obedient to God...PERIOD! That's all you have to do. And please know that GOD LOVES YOU! He doesn't ask for perfection because He knows we're not capable of it. All He needs is our LOVE, TRUST AND OBEDIENCE! If we take one step toward Him, He will take ten steps toward us. Do not be afraid of Our Father. He knows us, He knows all our deepest, darkest secrets. He sees all. He knew who we were and what we would do before He ever allowed us into His world....And He still loves us anyway!!! If we would just "let go" and love Him, trust Him and be obedient to Him WITHOUT QUESTION...our lives will change dramatically and things will open up for us in ways that we never dreamed possible. You don't have to believe me. Just give it a try and watch what happens...WATCH HIM WORK ON YOU, IN YOU AND THROUGH YOU!

Psalm 9:1
I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works.

http://christophjenkins.blogspot.com/

Back to Bloggin'!

2009-12-30T10:11:00.006-05:00

Haven't posted to my blog in a lil while so please excuse my absence. Busy with life, ya know. The Christmas Season came and went and took my money along with it. Sheesh. I tried not to spend too much money to know success. The holidays were beautiful but good gracious! lol. The word frugile is almost nonexistant in the month of December.

All in all, my girl and I have been having a ball as usual. I have a lot of pictures and stories to post from these past few weeks a lone. One of our most recent adventures was this last Sunday when we went to the ever-so-disappointing Redskins vs Cowboys game! Even though that was the worse I've seen them play, we still had a lot of fun. Shannon is a HUGE Redskins fan so for one of her Christmas gifts, I got us a couple of "Dream Seats," front row in the enzone, next to the Redskins tunnel where they served us complimentary hot chocolate and hot dogs!

Await my next post! Happy Holidays and God Bless you and your loved ones!

http://christophjenkins.blogspot.com/

HILARIOUS!!! You better "Give Love On Christmas Day!!!

2009-12-26T11:50:00.005-05:00

This was at New Samaritan Baptist Church, my church's Christmas program. I was in the aisle rolling laughing. I couldn't take it! Pure comedy!!!

http://ChristophJenkins.blogspot.com

Weekly Motivation by Omekongo Dibinga

2009-12-18T10:28:00.008-05:00

Ladies and gentlemen, it is time that we stop and take a real good look at our children. Are we raising children who are going to be entrepreneurs and world leaders or criminals and dropouts? Are we preparing our children for success or failure? Do we want the best for our children or do we want them to not do better than we did? Lastly, do we look at our children as gifts from above or tax deductible expenses?

In these tough times, we need to make sure that we are continually investing in our children. We may lose a job or a home, but we must make sure that the psyche of our children is being protected from negative forces and that could often mean ourselves. If you are regularly feeding children fast food or junk food for their diet; are playing music laced with curses and hatred towards women when you drop them off at school in the morning; or if the language you use to communicate with your child is negative, then you are not creating a successful future for your child.

On the other hand, if you feed your children a healthy diet and do not depend on schools to feed them properly; if you play them positive motivational messages and uplifting music to affirm their greatness; and if you speak to them daily affectionately and affirm them, then you will truly be aiding in their growth and success. Think about our new president. When asked if his mother would be surprised about his nomination, he said that she wouldn't be. Can you say that about your child? Are your expectations so low that you get surprised at the smallest achievement or do you believe that you are raising a president in progress?

You must remember that children are the messages that we send to a future we cannot see. When the future answers the phone, you are the one who will determine what message it hears from your child. Don't be afraid of the challenge, cherish it!

http://christophjenkins.blogspot.com/

Pastor Jamal Bryant: He Can't Pull It Back

2009-12-15T08:25:00.000-05:00

Daily Word: Never argue with a fool, on lookers may not be able to tell the difference!

2009-12-08T12:04:00.005-05:00

At times people are going to disagree with you regarding God's Word. They will question the way you say God is leading you and they may even challenge your faith in God. At times like these it's pointless to argue...you will never persuade someone that God has spoken to you by out arguing them. But God is not interested in how right we are...He's interested in how obedient we are. Only God can convince others of the veracity of His word to you. If we will allow God to vindicate us in His time, in His way, a time will come when the wisdom of your choice will be evident. We bring no honor to God by winning a dispute in His name. But we reflect a Christ-like character when we demonstrate patience to those who mistreat us or misunderstand our motives. God's command is not that we win arguments, but that we are kind and forgiving when others do mistreat us.

2 Timothy 2:24

And the servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient.

http://christophjenkins.blogspot.com/

Daily Word: Are you growing in God?

2009-12-07T10:46:00.004-05:00

Some people know just what to say and do to encourage others who are going through difficult times. These people are sensitive to God's voice. Their words give strength to those who are discouraged and comfort to those who are grieving. They are not self-centered; they are keenly aware of the struggles of those around them. These are the people we seek when we enter a crisis. Their energy is so calming that their mere presence sustains us. God puts godly people in our lives so that we can learn from them and become more like them. He wants to develop each of us into the kind of people who are able to strengthen one another. Words are VERY powerful. They can cause extreme pain or they can bring extreme comfort. The choice is ours. What we say to each other and how we treat one another is important. The words we share and the things we do can bring laughter, joy, comfort, help and encouragement to others.

2 Peter 3:18

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

http://christophjenkins.blogspot.com/

This book's cover is very deceiving!

2009-12-02T23:00:00.003-05:00

Britains Got Talent 2009 Susan Boyle 47 Year Old Singer

http://ChristophJenkins.blogspot.com

Take a look at my new timepiece! Amazing!

2009-12-01T10:38:00.007-05:00

This watch is so attractive! Ever since I walked into my place of business today people have been stopping me, asking me where I got my watch! I tell them, "I sell them. I have others that are as attractive as this one!" This watch was delivered to my home in only 5 days and in it was over the Thanksgiving weekend. So it might even be faster next time. For more information, hit me! (240) 258-8104

http://christophjenkins.blogspot.com/

Mountains & Molehills! You need to try! Get inspired!!!

2009-11-28T12:10:00.001-05:00

http://ChristophJenkins.blogspot.com

My Poetry: Please & Thank You!

2009-11-24T21:01:00.010-05:00

by Christoph J.

Lord God, I need You, NOW!

Please?!

I'm praying! Please, hear me!
I'm broken! Please, fix me!
I'm wounded! Please, heal me!
I'm dirty! Please cleanse me!
I'm naked! Please, clothe me!
I'm hungry! Please, feed me!
I'm without! Please, provide for me!
I'm weak! Please, strengthen me!
I'm vulnerable! Please, defend me!
I'm alone! Please, accept me!
I'm scared! Please, lead me!
I'm naive! Please, learn me!
I'm lost! Please, guide me!
I'm worried! Please, soothe me!
I'm crying! Please, hug me!
I'm here! Please, notice me!
I'm empty! Please, fill me!
I'm bound! Please, loose me!
I'm sinning! Please, deliver me!
I'm guilty! Please, teach me!
I'm sorry! Please, forgive me!
I'm honest! Please, believe me!
I'm vacant! Please, live in me!
I'm clay! Please, mold me!
I'm yours! Please, control me!
I'm ready! Please, send me!
I'm grateful!!!

THANK YOU JESUS!!!
I LOVE YOU!

http://christophjenkins.blogspot.com/

WOW!!! I've reached my 500th blog post TODAY! It's a celebration!

2009-11-24T12:14:00.008-05:00

WOW!!! This is really surprising to even me...and I'm the one posting to this blog. lol. Time flies! I started this creative, literary journey while living in Seoul South Korea on Wednesday, October 17, 2007. Initially, I titled this blog, "The Seoul of a Black Man" and the title of my first post to this blog was, "Reaching My Seoul." Living and teaching in Korea for a year has made an enormous impact on my overall perspective on the way I see and approach things in life. Being away from home for so long will definitely bring you closer to God. My walk with God has been enhanced since I started this blog because I have purposely become much more transparent in my writing in hopes that people will be encouraged to do the same.

My initial purpose for starting this blog was to publicly share my experiences in Seoul, South Korea with my family and friends. I thought that if I wrote about how Korea was treating me, maybe once a week or just once a month, lol, then my family and friends wouldn't ask me, "So, how is Korea treating you?" However, every time I got on the phone to call home, sent an email, or signed into Facebook, I'd read or hear, "How's Korea treating you?" And I would respond, "Go to my blog!" lol

I changed the name of this blog from "The Seoul of a Black Man" to the current title, Chronicles of Christoph J." because of the obvious, lol. I am no longer in Seoul, South Korea. I returned from Korea little over a year ago, on October 4, 2007. I knew that I would need to think of a title that could accurately describe the reason for continuing this blog. Therefore, I chose a title that has done just that; chronicling my life. This blog is my legacy...my promise to become a success. I pinky swear... with no fingers crossed behind my back that I will be successful!

Thanks for helping me celebrate my 500th blog post!

http://ChristophJenkins.blogspot.com

Please keep my brother in your prayers while God heals his body!

2009-11-24T08:22:00.009-05:00

I ask that you lift my frat brother in prayer as he recovers from a severe stroke. We already claim his healing right here, right now! We just have to be patient and let God work! Below are a few emails from some of the older brothers from my chapter who know him very well. I never met him but had the priviledge of being in his presence at homecoming this year. I found this out when I was sent a picture of him at homecoming...and I was in the picture. That's wild!

I'm the one in the army fatigue shorts holding up a pic of one of our recently deceased brothers, Bro. Arthur Smith, and Bro. Kilroy is to the right of my in the all black with the A Phi A shirt.

Brothers of E Pi,

Tony (KILROY) Hall, who pledged in the Fall of 1981, suffered a severe stroke yesterday in his home outside of Houston. He is paralyzed on the left side of his body and this morning became non-responsive. Doctors say he has massive blood flow on his brain. His wife, Amanda, is there by his side and asks for prayers. Let's not let her or Kilroy down.
.
If you know Kilroy, you know he's one of the finest and most genuine brothers of any walk of life. He suffered a more mild stroke a few years ago, but rebounded well and not too long after returned to one of his passions of basketball. "This one is bad," Amanda said to me.

.
So, let's pray and pray hard for Kilroy and his family, which includes four children. I will keep you informed on his status.
Peace and blessings,

BUNN
Fall '82
Curtis Bunn

http://www.curtisbunn.com/

Bro. Kilroy is in the upper right

Brothers of E Pi:

Just spoke with Amanda, the wife of Anthony (Kilroy) Hall. Here's the latest: Kilroy went through two surgeries yesterday...They told Amanda to go to see Kilroy, that the surgery was successful. Amanda was relieved and headed that way. When she got close to the recovery room, she saw a team of personnel rushing him back into surgery... So, they had to go back in and clap some vessels and provide blood flow for others. He slept well last night, Amanda said. Doctors sent her home this morning. She said nurses indicated he has been responding some, not so much verbally but through sounds and expressions. Kilroy remains paralyzed on the left side of his body. The prognosis and/or recovery at this point is unclear.
.

Amanda sends so much thanks and appreciation for all the calls, text messages and prayers from E Pi. She said nurses at the hospital were asking, "Is he famous or something," so many people bombarded the Hermann Hospital at Texas Medical Center. It is one of the best hospitals in the country, which is a blessing. We know Kilroy loves life and is a fighter (he pledged E Pi, after all). But let's not let up on the prayers. We know prayer works!!! Thanks for all your support. Amanda said she will call me when there is more news and I will relay that to you. Peace and blessings,

BUNN

Fall '82

Curtis Bunn

http://www.curtisbunn.com/

Bro. Kilroy and his lovely family

Greetings Brethren of EPI,
Everything happens for a reason and now that this awesome power amongst the EPI bretheren has risen once again, we'll utilize this power in prayer towards the speedy recovery and the healing of Kilroy. For such a time as this. Ecclesiastes 3 verse 1 says, 'To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.'
.
God has done marvelous things. The last few weeks have been a temendous blessing in witnessing the manfestation of God's will take place. That will being the reunion of brothers heart and soul. He has brought each and every one of us from a mighty long way and has resurrected the God in us all to reach out to one another with love and respect.
.
Bretheren, this is our time. Let us all lift Kilroy and his family up in prayer and expect the praise report that everything is going to be alright.
.
Let Brotherly Love Continue,

R.B
Black Magic
Trouble Fall '80

http://ChristophJenkins.blogspot.com

Daily Word: Have you ever been jealous of someone, honestly?

2009-11-23T09:23:00.009-05:00

Jealousy...it's a destructive attitude that poisons the way we view life. In fact, it's so harmful that God condemned coveting in "two" of the Ten Commandments. Even though none of us deserves it, God has made "all" of us His children. So there's no need to compare our blessings to those of others. Jealousy is self-centeredness at its worst. It robs us of our joy and chokes our contentment. It hardens the heart and stifles gratitude. Jealousy even has the nerve to assume that God's resources are too limited for Him to bless another and still bless us! We have to watch over our hearts very carefully. We cannot allow jealousy to taint us. And when we are tempted to compare our success in life to that of another, we ought to ask God to remind us of all the ways He has blessed us...undeservedly.

1 Samuel 18:15
Therefore, when Saul saw that he behaved very wisely, he was afraid of him.

I think we've all had a jealous spirit once or twice before. I'll be the first to admit that I have. However, I reserve the right to conceal the details of the occurance...lol...but I have in the past been jealous of someone. I have learned through my experiences that what God has for you is for you. In the past, I have asked God to give me what a person had and He did...I think to teach me a lesson though. I say that, because when I received it, I noticed that the "thing" that I asked for came with other things attached to it. And I didn't do my research on the "thing" that the person had. Had I done my research on that "thing" that I said wanted, I would have found out that I wasn't ready for the things that were included in its packaging. Little did I know when I was consumed with that jealous spirit, the person who had the "thing" that I wanted had been preparing to handle all of the things that came with it prior to him receiving it. This reminds me of the time my mom said to me, "Be careful what you ask for...you just might get it!" I want what God has for me!

http://christophjenkins.blogspot.com/

Yet, another Alpha Man achieves greatness and sets an example for many brothers who look on.

2009-11-23T08:31:00.009-05:00

I have to say that I love being an Alpha Man who was made and groomed by the brothers in the illustrious Epsilon Pi chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. You see, in our chapter, we like to shine light on brothers who continue to achieve and strive to be better men. This is why I'm taking this time out to lift my younger brother, Tim Russell, in this post. His Lb, Steven Dent, explains what this picture conveys.

I just wanted to take the time out to congratulate my lb, Tim Russell, on his promotion in the military. Tomorrow he will be sworn in as an officer in the army tomorrow at 9am. After what he has been through in the last couple of years, I know how much this means to him and how big of an accomplishment this is for him. Tim we're proud of you bruh. E Pi making moves once again. 06!

-Steven Dent, Fall 07 #5 Made Man

Good stuff Tim!..Achievement is everything!..
-Wes Wesson

Tim,Congrats. Welcome to the Officer ranks. Now get to work and go get me a Mountain Dew and a Bag of Harbo Gummie Bears, lol.
-Roderick Bell

From Bro. Russell:

First and foremost, I would like to thank my Line Brothers Stephen Dent, Stef Alexander, and Tejay Lord for making the 10hr drive down to Fort Benning to watch me walk across the stage. Seeing them in the crowd supporting me through one of my the biggest accomplishments of my life was great! All my line brothers know my passion for the Army, and my dreams of becoming an Officer. I worked so hard to get where I am, and I am grateful for everyone who has offered support through my struggle. This has been a rough few months, and I have about 9 more months of intense training away from my wife, daughter, family, and the bruhs. Although the separation pains me, when I complete each obstacle I feel a sense of pride like no other. Every day that passes, I think about how great E PI is, and the loyalty we show to one another. I am proud to have crossed into this chapter, and proud to be apart of the baddest line alive.....FALL 07, GORILLA M.A.P.H.I.A.

Christoph, big bruh, I appreciate the look out on your web page. I had to send that link to everyone I know..lol..

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

http://christophjenkins.blogspot.com

Bow Down & Worship Him- Bishop Paul S. Morton

2009-11-22T08:28:00.002-05:00

http://ChristophJenkins.blogspot.com

Daily Word: Do your ACTIONS speak louder than your WORDS?

2009-11-20T15:04:00.004-05:00

We've all heard the phrase before, "actions speak louder than words." Many of us often "say" things and then "do" something totally different. Listening to what people say is good, but if you really want to know someone, watch how they act. We put our time and energy into the things we feel most passionately about. The way we live reveals the condition of our hearts and tells our real reasons for living. Anyone can pay lip service. But our words and actions should mirror each other. And although we will never be perfect in this life, we should still do our best to remain obedient to God and live as He wants us to. Living for anything less than God's intended purpose is a waste of time.

2 Corinthians 2:15

We are to God the fragrance of Christ.

http://christophjenkins.blogspot.com/

My frat brother, Roderick Bell, was announced Winner of the 2009 GE AAF Icon Award for Lean Six Sigma

2009-11-20T13:04:00.009-05:00

AAF Members,
I am pleased to announce the winner for the 2009 AAF Icon Award in the category of Lean Six Sigma. This award recognizes accomplishments and contributions to GE and to the African American Forum. The ICON award promotes role models through recognition of chapters, clusters, and individuals for their outstanding achievements, commitments, leadership, and demonstrated excellence in various functions within GE and within AAF activities. The AAF Icon Lean Six Sigma Award is given to recognize competency, achievement and innovation in Six Sigma methodologies and processes. Roderick utilized innovative approaches and demonstrated project leadership while also mentoring others in Green Belt projects. Please join me in congratulating Roderick.

Lani D. Hall
Diversity Manager,
GE Energy

Bro. Roderick Bell emailed in to our listserve as modest as he could be...

All,
This is an award that I just won at GE. I did not know how big this was until people started coming up to me, and saying "You won an ICON award"All I can say is God is good.

Many of our brothers took the time to email in congratulatory comments concerning Bro. Bell's accomplishments.

Big ups brotha! When u shine, Epi shines! Keep gettin' it brah! 06!
-Bro. David Lewis

Congrats Rod!!! I've met a lot of SES's that have received that award. That is major!
-Bro. Steve Parker

Congrats, Brother Bell!
-Victor Patterson

Congratulations, Bro. Bell on your award!!! Another example of your good work in Alpha.
-Gregory Willis

Proud of you, Bro!

http://christophjenkins.blogspot.com/

Do the People Wanna Hear My Song? Enchantment - It's You That I Need, 1977

2009-11-20T08:41:00.001-05:00

http://christophjenkins.blogspot.com/

Wanna See Something Cool? Pic of Martin Luther King, Jr. the day he crossed ALPHA PHI ALPHA FRATERNITY, INC!

2009-11-19T20:56:00.002-05:00

Bro. Martin Luther King, Jr., (bottom far right)

Boston University

Sigma Chapter

Line #5

Spring 1952

May 13, 1952

I have been searching for a picture of my frat brother, MLK, in a picture with paraphnelia on or just throwing up the sign or something and I finally found one. Then I emailed some of my chapter's brothers for more information conerning him and Alpha. So my bro, Parker, replied with all of the info about where and when he crossed. I said I gotta post it!

Look at these brothers! They are clean! Bro. King had to be like 18 when he crossed. Look at 'em cheesin.' He looks so excited! Wow! I feel so proud right now, just knowing that he and I have something so dear to us in common. It means a lot to me to know that Alpha has impacted our lives and had a big hand in grooming us to be the men we've come to be. Absolutely amazing!

Looking at Bro. MLK smile so proudly makes me recollect the feelings I had when I crossed. Sharing something so dear to me with the man who, without a doubt, is one of the main reasons African Americans are accepted the way we are today is just...uplifting!

To be an Alpha Man!

http://christophjenkins.blogspot.com/

Why I Write: I know that's WRITE!

2009-11-19T10:27:00.013-05:00

I have many reasons for why I write...and maybe if I share with you the reasons why I write...you'll get inspired...to write! I write to express my feelings...because...I feel I write better than I speak. OK, I said it! Writing allows me to think before I speak. You will never read the sound "um" in my writing...unless I ask you to edit one of my rough drafts and you see a word, phrase, or sentence with a line through it. I write because I can utilize tools like a thesaurus to find a better words to use to make me sound even more intelligent. You do it too when you right! :) I write to make room for more thoughts and ideas. I wrote a poem that spoke to this. Get inspired!

"My mind is a canister filled with ink/ My thoughts take a timid dip the moment I think of my potential/ The pen is the preferred utensil/ The use of a pencil would lead to the temptation to erase the tread marks of my thoughts/ I cannot risk forgetting the lessons that I was taught"
http://christophjenkins.blogspot.com/2008/01/sought-potential.html

http://christophjenkins.blogspot.com/

Daily Word: Are you watering the seeds God has planted in your heart?

2009-11-19T09:45:00.004-05:00

All of us have a "secret garden" of the heart. How we tend that garden will determine what words we speak and what behavior we exhibit. Proverbs wisely teaches us to "keep our hearts with all diligence." The word keep means "to watch or guard with fidelity." Guarding what we take into our hearts and monitoring our response will determine what takes root there. God wants us to water the seeds He plants in our hearts. If we neglect to nurture our hearts, in order for them to grow in the way God wants...the garden fills with weeds and eventually dies! But if we do protect and nurture our hearts, we will produce love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Now...how are you tending your garden?

Proverbs 4:23

Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.

http://christophjenkins.blogspot.com/

Friends! How many of us have them? A Collage of Many of My Friends!

2009-11-18T11:50:00.001-05:00

Daily Word: Tell 'em why you mad, son!

2009-11-18T10:33:00.005-05:00

Few things are more destructive than anger. Anger causes us to lose self control and to say and do things we would otherwise never consider. If we allow it to remain, anger turns into bitterness that eats away at our hearts. Most of the time, we try to defend our anger. However, Scripture consistently commands believers to put away anger...listing it as one of the sins of the flesh. We should not cease to have strong convictions or lose our desire for justice. But we must be careful not to justify our anger with Scripture. And we should not allow the sins of others to cause us to sin as well. Anger never brings about God's redemptive work. More often than not, it hinders what God is working to accomplish in us and through us. Therefore, we should deeply examine any anger that is within us and allow God to remove any sinful attitudes that our anger may have produced. That way we won't block any blessings or get in God's way.

Ephesians 4:26"

Be angry and do not sin", do not let the sun go down on your wrath.

http://christophjenkins.blogspot.com/

Why I Write: Writing is a "Precious" gift from God!

2009-11-18T07:32:00.007-05:00

I have many reasons for why I write...and maybe if I share with you the reasons why I write...you'll get inspired...to write! I write because "Precious" wrote. I write because "Blu Rain" saw fit that Clarice wrote on a daily basis...even when she didn't feel like writing. I've been writing since I was young but I continue to write because of such inspirations as "Precious". I write because I CAN read and write! I write because you are reading what I'm writing and I will continue to write...even if you don't leave a comment, lol. I write because Sapphire felt the need to write the book, "Push," that inspired the movie, "Precious". You see, it's all about inspiration! Get inspired!!!

http://christophjenkins.blogspot.com/

Daily Word: Why are we so judgemental of others?

2009-11-17T09:36:00.003-05:00

There is a significant difference between judgment and discernment. Only God can see our hearts, therefore He is the only one who knows our motives. And only God can accurately judge those who deserve punishment. The problem is we like to sit in the judgment seat and pronounce condemnation upon those whom we think have sinned! While God commands us "not" to judge others, He does want us to be discerning. Jesus said we would recognize a person's spiritual condition by the fruit of their lives. And scripture commands us to avoid associating with scoffers and fools. But unless we are able to identify scoffers and fools, we cannot obey God's commands! That's not being judgmental...that's being discerning.

Luke 6:37

Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Can Chris Brown get back to where he used to be? Maybe... if he "Crawls" before he walks :)

2009-11-16T17:24:00.007-05:00

I like this song!

Daily Word: Has God ever been unfaithful to you?

2009-11-16T12:34:00.005-05:00

God never calls us to do anything without faithfully keeping His word and enabling us to do it. We may not always be faithful in doing what God tells us...But He always remains faithful and stands by His word to fulfill what He has promised. Sometimes we have what can be called a "Red Sea" experience. We've gotten a clear word from God, we obeyed Him and then we came up on a Red Sea, blocking us from doing what God called us to do. When we face this type of opposition, we feel as though God has abandoned us and His promises to us. This is when we have to trust in God's character. And remember that it is His very nature to be faithful. Regardless of how our present circumstances may appear to be, we must never lose hope. Give God time to reveal His faithfulness to you, because GOD HAS NEVER BEEN UNFAITHFUL.

1 Timothy 1:12

And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry.

It's a bitter-sweet day for my LB, Bo Jackson. So I share his joy and his pain! "To be as one!"

2009-11-15T18:07:00.000-05:00

Bo and his Granny who recently past. R.I.P!

Me and Bo at our Graduation in 2006

Dale, bo, and I at our Caberet

Torrey, Dale, Bo, Me, Kevin, Jason

We all cam back together for Homecoming '04! Where is Smoke and Wiggy?!

Lunchin! Gettin ready for a party!

My line brother's birthday was the other day, November 13, 2009, so naturally I was excited for him. In the middle of the day, I was on Facebook and I figured I'd go to to his page and write on his wall before I texted or called him for his birthday. Then I saw his status! :(

It read...

Bo Jackson is thankful for my 25th bday! But I'm glad you lived to see 88! I LOVE YOU AND WILL MISS YOU GRANNY! thanks for raising Bo Jack! 7-8-22 to 11-13-09 R.I.P.20 hours ago

As soon as I read his status, my heart became heavy. My boy who I met in college even before we crossed A Phi A together had to go through something so tragic on his 25th birthday. I immediately began to think about how good life could be one day and then the during that same day life can send you on a rollercoaster of emotions.

So first, I prayed for him and his family and then I began to think of all the good times Bo and I had in college. Here area few pictures to show how much fun we have when we get together. Bo and I crossed A Phi A in Fall of 2003. I'm the 7 and Bo is the 5 of our line.

I remember one time when I got mad at Bo. I had some Mrs. Fields chocolate cookies that I had saved and stashed at my other line brother, Roc's house. My entire line frequented Roc's house often for one common reason and one common goal. '06! So anyway, when I was in class, I couldn't wait to get to Roc's house to open my bag of cookies. Everybody knows about Mrs. Fields cookies. Oh boy... when I got to Roc's house and opened that kitchen cabinet and so that there were only like 3 cookies left....whew!!! I already knew who to go after! I couldn't killed Bo! I was so mad!

But then...the phone rang, sounding that God awful ringtone that we all dreaded hearing! Then it was time...if you are in a fraternity or sorority, then you know what phone call I'm talking about. Well, let not assume you know...some have never heard that call before!

Happy Belated Birthday Bo!

No facial hair! lol

Bo was the Dean of this Line!

My LB, Jason's wedding

The Pacquiao & Cotto fight was the best fight I've seen in a long while

2009-11-15T16:06:00.007-05:00

My brother, Bruce, ordered the fight and threw a party over his place the other night. This fight here was a fight to be seen. We've seen a good number of fights but we have not seen a GOOD fight in a while. Initially, I wasn't too sure about who would win because it looked as if Pacquiao's punches weren't effecting Cotto. But good gracious! After a while, Cotto could not figure out how to contain Pacquiao.

Pacquiao, who fought at 144 pounds Saturday, the heaviest he ever had weighed for a fight, dominated Cotto virtually from start to finish. He showed Cotto no mercy as he pounded away and eventually put the Puerto Rican champion away to become the first boxer to win seven world titles in seven weight classes.

Cotto (34-2), who earned $4 million, paid homage to Pacquiao in defeat.

A beautiful Homegoing Service for our beloved Bro Tracy Stokes was witnessed by Bro Roderick Bell

2009-11-14T19:54:00.008-05:00

One of my older frat brothers, Bro Roderick Bell, was one of the multitude of brothers who attended Bro. Tracy Stokes funeral. After leaving the funeral, Rod sent an email to our chapter's email listserve to give an account of how the funeral turned out. Below is the message

Click to View Obituary!

Brahs,

I just left the Funeral Service for Brother Tracy Stokes. It was truly moving. There were a lot of people in attendance. The weather stop some from making the trip, however they were there in Spirit. There were about 6 people there from BET, Tracy's Class of 1990 from his high school, members from his church in Clinton and also MD, NSU representative, old classmates, childhood friends, family and of course Alpha Phi Alpha, we all sat together.

Some selected members of the audience were allowed to say a few words about Tracy. This went from the Class of 1990, The Community, The Family (his two cousins), The Churches he attended, BET News and his Parents. Not listed on the Obituary, were his LB's from FALL 93 (John, Q, Bush and Derrick). They all went up to say a couple of words about Tracy and the impression that he left of them. It was a very emotional moment. Derrick telling stories of the birth of his child and how Tracy song "Eye is on the Sparrow" to him and his wife while they were in the hospital, Q quoting Tracy with one of his favorite sayings "Now how about that", John telling everyone how Tracy got them out of trouble and how they both were the singers of the line. Then Bush, this really hit me when he started reading the poem that their Dean sent, via cell phone. That was a tear jerker. From my angle they were all in line with Tracy's casket, it was a sight to see.

Then Tracy's parents got up to say a couple of words. His dad went first, and the one thing that he said that will stick with me was "If a tree falls in the woods, and there is no one there to hear it, does it make a sound. Tracy was the tree that fell, and he made a huge sound. You can tell this by all the people that were there to pay their last respect". That was heart warming.

Then his mom took over after that, and let me tell you, for those who never met Momma Stokes (as John M. calls her), she can go. She had everyone in there feeling it. She thanked everyone.

Tracy's casket was Black with Gold trim which was draped with flowers. Tracy did not have an open casket, due to his request that follows: Back in August, Tracy told his mom, that "I have been blessed with all these material things, however I am not enjoying them. I am tired, I am tired. Mom, if I go before you and dad, do not have an open casket at my funeral, I don't want people looking down at me...and don't bury me in the ground." This was the reason there was no open casket, and he will be buried in a Mausoleum.

As the funeral ended we were asked to exit the building, as we were waiting outside, they asked us to help carry his casket to the hearse. So Q, Bush, Derrick and myself along with others help carry our Frat brother away. Now I don't know about yall, but that was a very touching moment for me to carry Tracy away like that and say my last good byes.

I have enclosed a copy of his Obituary for those who were not able to make it.

Life is too short, Love yall dudes.

Daily Word: Are you taking God for granted?

2009-11-13T11:22:00.003-05:00

Some of us live our lives in a constant state of fear. We don't go anywhere or do anything because we're sure doom and gloom is just waiting for us. Others walk through life doing whatever we want...laughing, carefree and having a good ole time, without a care in the world. Then there are those of us who, for reasons that are unknown to us, live in relative calm all the time...seemingly unaware of our own fragile existence. No matter how we live our lives, one thing is true for all of us, were it not for the grace of God, many of us would be dead as a direct result of our own idiotic behavior. We have no idea the world of trouble we would be in if God chose to remove His protective arms from around us and really allow Satan to get at us. God's love still stands even when all else has fallen. DO NOT TAKE HIM FOR GRANTED!

2 Corinthians 1:9
We should not trust in ourselves, but in God.

Beyonce opens her first International Dereon store in my second hometown, Korea!

2009-11-12T17:39:00.002-05:00

A little more over a year ago, I lived in Seoul, Korea teaching Korean students English for a year. While in Korea, I started this blog. The initial title of this blog was, "The Seoul of a Black Man." So I feel like Korea holds a big place in my heart so when I see things this, it brings back memories of how much fun I had when I lived there. I wrote a lot about my experience in Korea in this thread of posts!
http://christophjenkins.blogspot.com/search/label/My%20Korean%20Experience

I was surprised to see how much Korean I could understand in this video. It was funny to see Beyonce puzzled when they were speaking Korean.

Beyonce also performed in Seoul in October and I found a reaction to her concert from one of the soldiers stationed over their who attended the concert.

My Beyonce Experience in Seoul!!!

Wed, 10/21/2009 - 08:07 — Rozzee

Oh my God!!!!

Beyonce you gave a "FIERCE" performance! Finally, I wasn't sent of on any special assignments nor was my husband gone away from home deployed this year for this first time in two years, where I was yet blessed and afforded the opportunity to witness your show live!! I took the bus four and half hours from Daegu,Korea to Seoul just to come to your show on Tuesday night!!! Believe me, this was well worth the bus ride!! I will be station here in Korea until 2011 do you think you could schedule a show here in Daegu. There are many of my Soldiers, wishing they could have collected the info earlier to attend your show.

Again great show, I loved it so much I cried when you asked Koren Guy his name. I was feeling his emotions! LOL! The Band, The Momma's, and The Dancer's all were too profound in their routines and energy. Oh did I mention the clips on the screen! AWESOME! When your dedicated you are truly that!!! Ka Sum Mee Dah!!!! In Korean Thank You!!! From both, myself and my friend Monica!

--
Rosalind Snyder-Collins
188th Military Police
Daegu, Korea

Daily Word: Sometimes God answers our prayers before we finish praying!

2009-11-12T15:26:00.004-05:00

At one time or another, we've all prayed to God about something. Sometimes God answers our prayers before we finish praying. At other times His answer is slow in coming...or it may not come at all...or it may come when we least expect it. When we pray, we want God to answer us immediately, but often times He has something else in mind. Whatever the case may be, we have to be patient and wait on Him. It's not about what we want at any given time. IT'S ABOUT WHAT GOD WANTS FOR US AND FROM US. God intends to change our hearts, not just our circumstances. He could very easily fix any problems we may have or give us what we want when we want it. But then we would not 1.) learn the lessons He's trying to teach us or 2.) mature into who we are meant to be. If we watch, wait, listen, learn and obey, we may find that God's answers to our prayers may exceed our expectations altogether!

Isaiah 64:1
Oh, that You would rend the heavens! That You would come down!

The DC Sniper dies at 9:11pm? Too much!

2009-11-12T12:19:00.002-05:00

It's just crazy how people and the media try to correlate certain events in the name of numerology. Did he really die at 9:11pm? Why wasn't it 9:10pm or 9:12pm?! Maybe I'm looking too deeply into this but it always seems like all the major events, especially tragic events, have to mean something because of some numbers. I looked up numerology via google and found a few people who had posted their experiences concerning number theories. They were trying to figure out why they were seeing certain number arrangements so often. It's just wild to me!

"Ever since around August of last year, the number 9 11 keeps popping up in everything I do. Usually at least once a day, but sometimes more. Sometimes, it's the time on a clock, other times it page numbers, intervals, weight, price, etc. I was just wondering what the implications of the number are? If it helps any, my life path is 7."

"I keep seeing the same number pattern, it happens so often. Going back 2 1/2 years, it started off slow, maybe I wasn’t noticing it as much. I keep seeing the number 1134 over and over and over. I always see it on the clock and many other places. it shows up on the caller ID, it has shown up in at least 4 retail transactions in the past 3 months, when I filled up my tank of gas-it equaled 1134, and other places too. What does this mean?"

Fire & Ice out on the ice, ice skating on our day off...and I didn't fall!

2009-11-12T09:06:00.005-05:00

I didn't fall because majority of the time I was using the lil baby/senior walker. I don't know what it is about ice skating but I just cannot get the hang of it! Me and the lil babies skatin' around with the lil walkers still about to fall. lol. Then there is Shannonshowing off, lol, skating in reverse, doing spins, and back flips. lol.

It's just not right. But get me out on that roller skating rink and you'll think I was in the movie with TI and them. lol

HAPPY BELATED VETERANS DAY!!! Now back to work! lol

My girl beat me in darts but I beat her in pool!

2009-11-11T21:57:00.008-05:00

My girl and I like to do different things. Here we are playin' some
darts after I beat her in pool.  I lost in darts though!!

- Taken at 8:29 PM on November 10, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu

Tuesdays are S&C day! Playin' some pool about to lose! Sheeesh!

2009-11-11T10:07:00.004-05:00

Shannon is getting much better! I'm proud of her. We haven't played pool since earlier on in our relationship. Well, let me get back to my game before I end up losing! Gone!

- Taken at 7:37 PM on November 10, 2009 - uploaded by ShoZu

As people posts more HOMECOMING pics to FB, I will follow suit on my blog!

2009-11-11T08:18:00.004-05:00

You see that ALPHA hand above the heads of this Que and AKA?

That's me! lol

Can Christian singers sing R&B/Love Songs? PJ Morton vs. Tye Tribbett

2009-11-10T17:18:00.004-05:00

I believe that you can!

Bishop Paul S. Morton's son, PJ Morton, responds to the critics. MUST SEE!!!

2009-11-10T10:32:00.001-05:00

Daily Word: Are you patient enough to wait on the Lord?

2009-11-10T10:21:00.003-05:00

We have become a society that does not enjoy waiting. We want instant gratification in every area of our lives. The Lord wants us to enjoy the abundant life He intended for us. But the key is we have to wait on Him. We tend to rush through life without stopping to really evaluate our activities. Sometimes in our haste to achieve our goals, we race ahead of God. If we find ourselves taking the lead, we need to stop and re-think our position. We are in charge of nothing...He leads, we follow. Part of God's teaching and restorative process is to slow us down and make us listen to Him. When we slow down and seek His will, He will reveal His plans for us. However, waiting requires us to cease our own pursuits and give God our complete attention. And as we wait on Him, God will remind us of our utter dependence upon Him and His strength. Be patient.....

Psalm 40:1

I waited patiently on the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry.

I took 7 for the JEWELS on my BIRTHDAY!!! Revenge is eminent!!!

2009-11-10T08:30:00.009-05:00

ONE!!! With a cup of juice in my hand! Not a problem!

I know that I'm late! I know! But I've been so busy. I've been participating in so many activities so I'm back logged with blog posts. I have a lot of fun things that took place recently that I need to write about. Shannon and I went to Nascar in Delaware, sightseeing in New York, the list goes on. We like to have fun so we do a lot different activities to keep things brand new.

At work on the Friday before my birthday, my co-workers threw me a potluck birthday party. WOW! It was like thanksgiving dinner in my office. I ate so much I hurt myself and then took home a doggy bag. My co-workers and I love to eat so we eat out or throw potlucks for every occasion; big or small.

Sooooo... about the pictures above. I have a co-worker who just started working in my office. He's a cool guy and 3 weeks after him working with us, he noticed that I had an A Phi A lanyard hanging out of my pocket. And he caught me off guard when he identified himself as an Alpha from Spr. '90 ( I forgot what school he said he crossed at. Charge it to the head, not my heart!) but it's cool to have family where you work.

Long story short, everyone new that my birthday was fastly approaching. So he says, "You gotta take "3" for your birthday right, 'Phi'?!" And me being competitive and macho, lol, I tell him to bring the wood; not knowing that he was serious! For a week, we went back and forth about how great our chapters are. Just to let you all know, Alphas are very competitive but it's all in fun; most of the time. lol

On that Friday, the day of my potluck, here he comes with the wood in his hand mockin' me. "Come on Phi!" Let's go! Felt like I was on the yard again tradin' with the bruhs.

Now mind you, I hadn't taken wood since I was in school, in 2003. It had been 6 years since I felt the fire! Whew lawd! It took me so long to get my mind right. Plus, I HAD SLACKS ON! Usually, when us bruhs take wood, we have jeans or sweatpants on to cool the fire a little. I had my fresh blue slacks on! My favorite joints!

Needless to say, I got into the zone and took the 3 with no problem. All the while, I had a cup of juice in my hand to show that "E Pi don't flinch." E Pi is my chapter at NSU. So I get real bold and prideful because I'm representin' my chapter now, ya know, and I say that I'ma taken 7 for the Jewels (our fraternity's 7 founders are known as the 7 Jewels). I was good on the fourth one, but on that fifth one. OMG!!! lol. No joke! And unfortunately, I had 2 left to go. Why did I elect to take 4 more after the three that I agreed to?

That 7th one!!! Didn't make no since!!! I had to ask the Lawd to help on that one! Good gracious! It's been 3 weeks and just writin' about it brings back the fire! lol

All in all, my bruh/co-worker gave me my props for takin' them like a soldier. He didn't think I was goinna take them. Well, I told him to just get ready for our Fraternity's birthday, December 4, 2009!!! REVENGE!!!

TWO!!! I'm good! Chillin!

Three! Not a problem! E Pi don't flinch!

Let's go 7 for the Jewels!!!

FIVE!!! I shouldn't have worn slacks!!!!!!!!

SEVEN!!! GOOOOOD LAAAWWWWDDDD!!!!!!

Wait until Dec. 4! REVENGE!!!

Chris Brown tactfully responds to Rihanna's interview.

2009-11-10T08:25:00.002-05:00

Another Alpha Man from NSU has been called home. 3 E Pi bruhs in 1 month! :(

2009-11-09T14:35:00.011-05:00

BET.com News Producer Bro. Tracy Stokes

The Brothers of the Epsilon Pi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha at NSU have lost another one of our beloved family members. That's 3 in 1 month. We all are taken by these occurrences and have decided to use these tragic events to recognize that we cannot take life for granted. We all have vowed to tell each other and our family and friends how much we care before it'd too late. Tomorrow is not promised; so we tragically have seen in this past month!

One of the brothers from my chapter, Bro. David Lewis, sent an email to our chapter's email listserve to encourage and appeal to us all.

Bro's, I'm so distraught that there's been another death in E Pi. Tracy Stokes...Fall 93' ....Thats right brahs, 2 off one line. 3 BRO'S in little over a month. Bros, if you never heard me tell you before, I love you all. Life swoops us all up and we put each other last. I personally have had many an obstacle but my heart has always been with E Pi but we all need to make E Pi a part of our lives again. Sometimes we argue, we have differences, we have uncommon interest but as we are so harshly reminded of again, 2 morrow's not promised. I challenge all of u to find room for E Pi in your life as I have challenged myself with the same charge...RIP Tracy

Peace 06

David Lewis,
Spr90 #12
Texas Pete a.k.a Backdoor..''

Nexus'' (Lester Arnold Dp 'Fall '87)

The journalism world and Black Entertainment Television lost a true professional and friend Sunday afternoon when BET.com news producer Tracy Stokes succumbed to complications from kidney failure. He was 37 years old.

According to his mother, Lilly Stokes, a retired teacher living in North Carolina, Tracy died at 4:07 p.m. Sunday at Wake Med Hospital in Raleigh. He had pneumonia in both lungs, she said.

Despite his long bout with kidney problems, which meant steady visits to doctors and other specialists, Tracy enjoyed working, and he never used his illness as an excuse for giving less than his best.

“I don’t think most people know just how giving Tracy was,” said Mrs. Stokes. “He really believed in helping people, and he wanted to see folks loving one another. He couldn’t deal with people disrespecting each other. He liked people to be straightforward.”

For those who never had the pleasure of working with Tracy, you were likely connected to him in ways you didn’t even know. If you visited BET.com over much of the past half-decade and clicked on such popular BET.com segments as the “Bring That Week Back” photo flipbook, the annual “Those We Lost” obituary compilation or the “World Lens” section, which highlights photos of people of color making news throughout the world, you were indeed connected to Tracy. He worked meticulously on these projects, among many others, and went about his duties as a news gatherer and producer with passion and pride.

It was only fitting that many of his activities and assignments at BET.com revolved around photography. Tracy was an avid and accomplished photojournalist, who established a successful photography business, Fotos By Tracy, which he ran with V. Scott Hamilton and Rodney Turner.

Tracy landed at BET.com just shortly after Hurricane Katrina had ravaged the Gulf Coast. I was BET.com’s managing editor at the time and heard about Tracy from Retha Hill, then the vice president of content.

I hired Tracy, who had worked at ABC Channel 3 in Norfolk, Va.; NBC Channel 10 in Portsmouth, Va., and ABC in Washington, D.C., and he helped plan and execute the most comprehensive news coverage on the Internet of that tragic natural disaster as it related to African Americans. Not only did he serve as a deft photo editor, but he wrote timely, interesting articles; uploaded daily video clips; recorded and produced person-on-the-street interviews; and corresponded with students and reporters who converged in the Gulf Coast. Tracy was also a major part of BET.com’s election coverage over the years.

One of my special “Tracy Moments”: I arrived at BET.com one morning about 7 a.m. Tracy, who had already been there about an hour working on the day’s news, didn’t know I had entered the news room, and he was belting out the most beautiful version of the Negro spiritual “His Eye is On the Sparrow” I have ever heard.

“Wow!” I said. “Are you kidding me? You can sing like that?”

Responded Tracy: “You’d better not tell anybody!”

Of course, I couldn’t wait to tell everybody I ran into that day. I hope he forgave me.

“‘His Eye Is On the Sparrow’ was his favorite tune,” Mrs. Stokes told me today. “He would call me sometimes and sing it to me over the phone, and it would make me cry.”

Tracy was born in Clinton, N.C., but spent many of the past several years in Waldorf, Md. A graduate of Clinton High, he attended Hampton University, eventually transferring to Norfolk State University, where he graduated cum laude. He was a member of the Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

“Tracy was a good friend and trusted colleague,” said Tanu Henry, senior manager of BET.com News. “He brought energy and attitude, an appreciation for detail, thoroughness, organization and passion to everything he did in his life and at work. His contributions will be missed sorely, even as we fondly keep him in our memories.”

“Tracy Stokes has had a great impact on BET.com,” said Diana Clark-Baty, Senior Vice President of BET Digital. “I, like many of you, will personally miss the interactions with Tracy. I am enriched having known Tracy Stokes.”

In addition to his mother, Tracy is survived by his father, William Stokes Sr., a retired principal.Funeral arrangements are pending.
http://www.bet.com/News/Obituary_BET_News_Producer_Tracy_Stokes_Dies.htm

--Shelley A Simpson
Media ManagerCleanSkies.TV News

Daily Word: Have you fallen to temptation lately...me too!

2009-11-09T10:42:00.006-05:00

Those who know have heard say it before, "God's always talking, but we're not always listening." Sometimes we can hear God clearly and we still don't get it right. The moment we understand what God wants us to do, suddenly everyone and everything around us requires our time and attention. We become distracted and lose sight of the big picture; doing what "we" want to do instead of what "He" told us to do. If we know what God wants us to do, we are to set our sights resolutely toward that goal "with full determination" in order to accomplish it. Our resolve to go where God is leading us ought to be evident to those around us. And we should beware of becoming so sidetracked by the opportunities around us that we lose sight of His ultimate goal for us. We cannot succumb to the temptation to delay our obedience or discard it altogether. Once we have received a clear assignment from God, our response should be unwavering obedience! We may fall short...but we have to try.

Luke 9:51
Now it came to pass, when the time had come for Him to be received up, that He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.

Chris Brown does an interview with MTV to shed some light on his current outlook on the entire Rihanna ordeal!

2009-11-08T15:56:00.004-05:00

Here is the full interview of Rihanna giving a full account of what occured between her and Chris Brown.

2009-11-08T11:26:00.004-05:00

Daily Word: Will you wait for God's wisdom before you make a decision?

2009-11-08T11:19:00.003-05:00

The world is full of so-called "experts." They're everywhere and they want to convince us of the wisdom of their opinion. They feel that if they are loud enough, then they must be right. But, God says it's not the one who declares his viewpoint the loudest who is wisest...it's the one who is vindicated over time. Wisdom is proven over time, not by argument or debate. The end result of a practice proves its validity, not how loudly it's promoted. Oftentimes we are criticized by those who disagree with the wisdom of our actions. And our immediate response is to vindicate ourselves. However, if we wait patiently, time will reveal the wisdom of our actions far better than we could through arguing. If we base our life choices on the Word of God, time will eventually be our defender. And if we find that we were wrong, we need to ask God's forgiveness and await further instructions from Him. Then obey those instructions and watch Him confirm His wisdom in our lives.

Luke 7:35
But wisdom is justified by all her children.

Rihanna continues to speak about the ordeal with her ex, Chris Brown

2009-11-06T18:16:00.002-05:00

Rihanna finally speaks out on Good Morning America about her ordeal with Chris Brown

2009-11-05T18:11:00.003-05:00

Daily Word: Do you have a habit of disobeying God?

2009-11-05T09:32:00.003-05:00

It's never a minor thing to know God's will and not do it. That's blatant disobedience and God calls that sin. We can come up with several excuses for our lack of obedience, but in the end, there's no real excuse. We rationalize and procrastinate. At times we even deceive ourselves into thinking that good intentions are enough. But they aren't. Good intentions without corresponding activity is still disobedience. When we encounter God and He gives us a direction, it's not enough to just take it under consideration. And making public commitments is not the same as obeying God. We have to make the decision to obey and actually do it! We will never be perfect in this life. But God desires obedience from us. And only obedience will satisfy "God's desire" for obedience!

James 4:17

Therefore to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.

I'm officially an 'ol school bruh! 6 years as a brother of A Phi A! Happy Birthday to "The Light!"

2009-11-04T07:41:00.006-05:00

1:36pm and 06 seconds on January 3, 2003, I became a member of the greatest fraternity ever to be founded and I did not come in alone! I crossed the burning the sands of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. with 9 individuals who are now my brothers; my line line brothers to be exact. I pledged and crossed in Fall '03 at Norfolk State University to become a member of one of the most accomplished chapters of this renowned fraternity, Epsilon Pi.

The summer before I joined the frat, I stayed with a friend who shared the same interest as me. That summer, we grew closer in friendship. My LB, William "Roc" White, opened his home to me and during that time we studied and prepared to make sure we could answer thee question, "Why do you want to be a member of this great fraternity! By the end of the summer, we both could answer this question in a convincing manner to show the current brothers that we are destined to become Alpha Men! It's funny, in the end, I became the 7 and he became the 8 of the line.

I love all my LBs and I love all of the older bruhs who were instumental in bringing me through! Shout out to Dirty, Wiggy, and Precursor! Couldn't have done it without yall, man!

Our line has had a very influential impact in every line that has come through our chapter after us. And I am proud of the all of the younger bruhs who have come through, continued in the footsteps of all of the brothers who have come before them.

Happy Birthday LBs! We are the "The Light." E Pi forever!!!

#1- Torrey Watkins

#2- Dale Barfield

#3- Charles R.D. Powell

#4- Mickey Armstrong

#5- Brandon Bo Jackson

#6- Preston Brinkley

#7- Christoph Jenkins

#8- William White

#9- Kevin Tatum

#10- Jason Parker

"Chilluminati!"

This year's HOMECOMING was the best ever! Wouldn't have missed it!

2009-11-04T00:52:00.018-05:00

A couple of weeks ago, I took a trip down to my Alma Mater, Norfolk State University, for our Homecoming. This trip was great for a number of reasons. One of the more obvious reasons this was a great trip was that I got to reconnect with my 'ol college friends and fraternity brothers. The weather was perfect and I was able to take off that last Friday and head down to Norfolk for the pep rally.

This year was special because I didn't ride alone. This year, for the first time, my bff, my girlfriend, Shannon, road with me; along with my two lil cousins. This was the first homecoming Shannon and I shared together so we were both excited from the jump. I had the privilege of introducing her to all of my friends from school. She's very outgoing and personable so it isn't difficult for her to go with the flow of things.

This year, I was able to bring along my lil cousins as well, Kelsey and Shaquille! They had a ball. I plan on taking them on some more trips in the near future.

Everything was just great! When we arrived on campus, I was like, WOW! So much has changed since I was there for last year's homecoming. The new student union is now open. I remember when they began brainstorming about how it should look. NSU has a new tech building, and new research building. OUTSTANDING!!!

I had so much fun hanging with my frat brothers and friends from school. Later that night, we all went to the step show and had an even better time. Saturday was the best day! THE TAILGATE AND THE FOOTBALL GAME!!! It's funny, I never go to the game. The tailgate is my domain. I think that I hit every tailgate vendor out there. That morning, I purposely did not eat breakfast so I could eat as much as possible. The current chapter bruhs collaborated with the grad chapter bruhs to make a great tailgate with great food.

In the evening, all of the bruhs gathered over at the new ALPHA plot to sing the hymn, offer up our prayers, and to pay tribute to two of our fallen brothers. I must say that I have never, in the 6 years of me being a member of this fraternity, seen that many NSU Alphas at a homecoming. I don't know what it was about this homecoming but I met some 'ol school Alphas who crossed in '64. My chapter was chartered in '62 so that means they were the second line to come through E Pi. They know our charter members and are willing to pass on pictures, documentation, and memories to the younger brothers who have followed in their footstps. So we made sure we exchanged contact information in order to stay in contact.

This year NSU hosted the best homecoming yet!

Check out the pics!!!

Wait until I get off of work! I can't wait to talk about NSU's Homecoming! Had a time!

2009-11-02T12:57:00.004-05:00

As soon as I get to my laptop, I'ma write about how much fun I had at Homecoming. By the time I begin writing, my frat brothers and friends will have posted their pictures to Facebook so that way I can steal a few to post up here on my blog. lol. They won't mind, I'm sure.

Stay tuned!

PS. I have never EVER seen or met so many my bruhs at Homecoming in my life! It was amazing. There were bruhs who crossed in 1964. That is second line of brothers who came through my chapter. Couldn't believe it! Still can't!

Daily Word: Are you grateful for God's Grace, Mercy, and Peace?

2009-11-02T09:44:00.002-05:00

Grace, mercy and peace. We need all three of these things, whether we know it or not. Grace is the unearned gifts the Father bestows upon us. His grace blesses us with the riches of Heaven, brings peace in troublesome times and brings us good things every day. Mercy is God withholding the punishment we deserve because of our sinfulness. God is long-suffering and will delay giving us our just punishment so that we will have every opportunity to repent and receive His gift of salvation. Peace is the state of mind and heart we experience when we are confident of God's mercy toward us. Peace comes from knowing that God's grace will sustain us, even in our most difficult times. The world seeks to sedate us from our problems through counseling, drugs and alcohol, or temporary pleasures. But the peace from our Father goes right to our soul...relieving the heart and mind.

1 Timothy 1:2

To Timothy, a true son in the faith: Grace, mercy and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

This is just wrong! Poor Redskins!

2009-10-28T10:57:00.004-04:00

Someone actually took the time out to create an obituary for the "Deadskins." This is just wrong! You know what, I had friend tell me that she received a call from the Season Ticket folks from the Redskins camp and they told her that she could get free tickets for the remainder of ther season and for the entire season next year! That is just terrible...I'ma tell you that right now!

No further discussion!

Daily Word: Will you allow God to carry you through?

2009-10-28T10:21:00.002-04:00

GOOD MORNING!
I HAD AN UNEXPECTED VISITOR THIS MORNING. HE ARRIVED EARLY, SAT DOWN WITH ME AND CHATTED FOR A WHILE ABOUT HOW THINGS WERE CURRENTLY GOING FOR ME IN MY LIFE. AFTER VERY CAREFULLY AND COMPASSIONATELY LISTENING TO ALL THAT I HAD TO SAY, HE SAW THE STRESS ON MY FACE AND THE TEARS IN MY EYES.

HE STOOD UP, WALKED OVER TO ME, LEANED OVER AND GENTLY HELD ME FOR AWHILE BECAUSE I WAS HAVING A REALLY BAD MORNING. THEN, AFTER REASSURING ME NOT TO WORRY, THAT EVERYTHING WOULD WORK OUT FOR ME AND BE JUST FINE, HE ASKED ME IF I KNEW OF ANYONE ELSE THAT COULD USE A VISIT FROM HIM.

I IMMEDIATELY THOUGHT OF YOU MY FAMILY & FRIENDS. I GAVE HIM YOUR NAME AND TOLD HIM WHERE YOU LIVED. HE GAVE ME ANOTHER REASSURING HUG, THANKED ME AND I WALKED WITH HIM TO MY FRONT DOOR. HE TOLD ME THAT HE WAS ON HIS WAY TO YOUR PLACE.

Daily Word: Will you allow God to fulfill his promise?

2009-10-27T12:06:00.003-04:00

At some point in life, we may find that our hearts have grown cold toward God. And if that's the case, then that's exactly when we need Him the most. Only God can restore life to something that has died. It doesn't matter how many good deeds we perform or how much we tithe. It's futile to try and bring life back ourselves...we are not able. It's not our activity, but our relationship with God that brings life! And if God has initiated something in our lives, only He can sustain or revivie it. However, He does want us to intercede with Him so that "He" might . Jesus said that He Is Life! Therefore, it's unnecessary for us to remain spiritually lifeless when God has promised vibrant, abundant life...if we will claim it.

Habbakuk 3:2
O Lord, I have heard Your speech and was afraid; O Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years! In the midst of the years make it known; In wrath remember mercy.

Am I Awkward?

2009-10-27T11:28:00.003-04:00

When I lived in Korea for a year in 2008, one of my co-workers from th US, who became one of my friends, shared a video of him performing a poem he wrote while attending his church in Korea. He entitled this piece, "Akward." When I heard it, right then and there, I could relate to it. Amazing!

Marcus and I taught at the same "Hagwon." Hagwon is Korean for a private school that teaches English. We could relate to each other because we were the only black people in the entire school. Interesting situation...but I digress!

Enjoy!

Link to video!

Marcus Corpening

Daily Word: Can you hear God's voice?...Well, do you listen?

2009-10-26T11:39:00.006-04:00

Christians habitually seek God's voice through prayer, through His Word, or through messengers. Yet, sometimes we fail to hear God speak through His activity, "even though he's working all around us." Or we see and hear Him clearly, we just don't understand what we're seeing and/or hearing... We don't know it's Him. God encourages us to watch for His activity so we will know how to respond and adjust our lives accordingly. We don't always have to understand what God is saying to us. But we should always listen and obey Him anyway! We ought to be sensitive to what Our Father is doing around us, He speaks to us clearly through His activity. If we want to hear God's voice, all we need to do is look around us to see what He is doing. When we are watching for God, what we see will reveal His character...and we will have a fresh understanding of how to respond to Him.

Habbakuk 1:5
Look among the nations and watch...Be utterly astounded! For I will work a work in your days which you would not believe, though it were told to you.

First Lady Michelle Obama gets her hoola hoop and double dutch on!

2009-10-26T09:30:00.006-04:00

First Lady Michelle Obama gets her hoola hoop and double dutch on with local children on the South Lawn of the White House hula-hooping and double dutching for a good cause, Children’s Healthcare Video.

This is real cool to me. This shows how personable the Michelle and the First Family is. I enjoy seeing pictures like these.

It's really cool to see people join in appreciation for the military!

2009-10-26T07:36:00.001-04:00

Working at Walter Reed Army Medical Center has given me a greater appreciation for the military. I have gained and developed a lot of friendships working here and to see businesses and organizations join in appreciation for all of the soldiers who serve our country is really awesome!

Military Appreciation Monday

Free "Thank You" Dinner

Monday, Nov. 16, 2009,

5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Golden Corral's & Applebees

9th annual Military Appreciation

Monday dinner will be held on Monday, November 16, 2009, from 5 to 9 pm in all Golden Corral & Applebees restaurants nationwide. The free dinner meal is a special "thank you tribute" to any person who has ever served in the United States Military. If you are a veteran, retired, currently serving, in the National Guard or Reserves, you are invited to join us for Golden Corral's Military Appreciation Monday dinner. To date, Golden Corral restaurants have provided over 2.2 million free meals and contributed over $3.3 million to the Disabled American Veterans organization. To locate a Golden Corral near you, visit http://goldencorral.com/locator/default.asp.

Simply speaking, my 27th birthday was GREAT!

2009-10-25T22:44:00.001-04:00

Well, my Birthday is just about over and might I say, it was a great one. My laptop is down right now so I'm blogging from my phone. I had a birthday weekend instead of a day. For the most part, I spent my birthday with my family. My girlfriend had to go out of town on business on Thursday and came back today. And she came back baring gifts. She's so good to me! She made my birthday! I'm still smiling! I couldn't wait until she returned from out of town. I'll go into detail about what I did this weekend tomorrow when I get to work. my thumbs are getting numb from texting this blog post. lol http://christophjenkins.blogspot.com