Buyer’s Remorse

YES! It FRIDAY and the Week has come to an end He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness. —Isaiah 61:10 Have you ever experienced buyer’s remorse? I have. Just prior to making a purchase, I feel the surge of excitement that comes with getting something new. After buying the item, however, a wave of remorse sometimes crashes over me. Did I really need this? Should I have spent the money? In Genesis 3, we find the first record of a buyer’s remorse. The whole thing began with the crafty serpent and his sales pitch. He persuaded Eve to doubt God’s Word (v.1). He then capitalized on her uncertainty by casting doubt on God’s character (vv.4-5). He promised that her eyes would “be opened” and she would become “like God” (v.5). So Eve ate. Adam ate. And sin entered the world. But the first man and woman got more than they bargained for. Their eyes were opened all right, but they didn’t become like God. In fact, their first act was to hide from God (vv.7-8). Sin has dire consequences. It always keeps us from God’s best. But God in His mercy and grace clothed Adam and Eve in garments made from animal skins (v.21)—foreshadowing what Jesus Christ would do for us by dying on the cross for our sins. His blood was shed so that we might be clothed with His righteousness—with no remorse! —Poh Fang Chia Then will I set my heart to find Inward adornings of the mind: Knowledge and virtue, truth and grace, These are the robes of richest dress. —Watts The cross, which reveals the righteousness of God, provides that righteousness for mankind.

Did U Catch Her Liv Warfield On Fallon

Did U Catch Her. My NPG SISTA Liv Warfield on Fallon well in case U didn't HERE She is with tha NPG HORN HEADZ and Tha Black Birds. LOVE U LIV my NPG SISTA 4 LIFE.

President State Of The Union Address

Last Night the President Of The United State gave his State Of the Union Address. In the State Of The Union President Obama laid out his plan for the Future of his Presidency. He talked about the Economy, The Affordable Care Act, Minimum Wage and many other topics. So if you missed it Here it is.

HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY OPRAH!

Today the Daytime Television Queen is Celebrating a Milestone she turn the BIG 60. So on today I would like to take a moment to say Thank You Oprah for being such an Inspiration to me BUT to Millions of others. This is What Oprah wrote today on Turning 60. What Oprah Knows for Sure About Opening Her Heart Sixty. I'm turning 60 this month! I'm so glad I've lived long enough to say those words and celebrate their meaning. I'm turning 60. I'm alive. Healthy. Strong. I'm turning 60, and—please don't take offense—I no longer have to be concerned about what anyone thinks of me! (You know, the old Am I doing it right? Am I saying it right? Am I being what or who I'm "supposed" to be?) I'm turning 60, and I've earned the right to be just as I am. I'm more secure in being myself than I've ever been. I have reached the moment Derek Walcott describes in his beautiful poem "Love After Love": "...with elation / you will greet yourself arriving / at your own door, in your own mirror / and each will smile at the other's welcome." I am in awe of the way my journey here on earth continues to unfold. My life has been marked by miracles for as long as I can recall—and even before. (My entire existence is the result of a onetime frolic under an oak tree.) My early days speaking in a Mississippi Methodist church—Baptist leanings, shoutin', and Holy Ghost included—prepared me for a future of speaking in a public arena I could never have imagined. And now, at 60, I simply want to share what I've been given. I want to continue to encourage as many people as I can to open their hearts to life, because if I know anything for sure, it's that opening my own heart is what has brought me my greatest success and joy. My highest achievement: never shutting my heart down. Even in my darkest moments—through sexual abuse, a pregnancy at 14, lies and betrayals—I remained faithful, hopeful, and open to seeing the best in people, regardless of whether they were showing me their worst. I stayed open to believing that no matter how hard the climb, there is always a way to let in a sliver of light to illuminate the path forward. We go through life discovering the truth about who we are and determining who has earned the right to share the personal space within our heart. This I also know for sure: God—however you define or refer to Him, Her, or It—is for us. The forces of nature are for us, offering us life in abundance. We humans narrow what is an open field of wonder and majesty to the myopic reality of our day-to-day experiences. But there is extraordinary in the ordinary. Every day and every breath is magic—if we can only see it for what it is. Some days the awareness of the sanctity and sacredness of life brings me to my knees with gratitude. I'm still trying to wrap my head around the idea that the little girl from Mississippi who grew up holding her nose in an outhouse now flies on her own plane—my own plane!—to Africa to help girls who grew up like her. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound! I approach this milestone, the landmark of 60, with humility, supreme thanksgiving, and joy. Knowing for sure grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.

The Wonder Of The Cross

The New Week has begun and I want to Stop and take a moment and just think about the The Wonder Of The Cross. [Look] unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross. —Hebrews 12:2 While visiting Australia, I had the opportunity on a particularly clear night to see the Southern Cross. Located in the Southern Hemisphere, this constellation is one of the most distinctive. Mariners and navigators began relying on it as early as the 15th century for direction and navigation through the seas. Although relatively small, it is visible throughout most of the year. The Southern Cross was so vivid on that dark night that even I could pick it out of the bundle of stars. It was truly a magnificent sight! The Scriptures tell us of an even more magnificent cross—the cross of Christ. When we look at the stars, we see the handiwork of the Creator; but when we look at the cross, we see the Creator dying for His creation. Hebrews 12:2 calls us to “[look] unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” The wonder of Calvary’s cross is that while we were still in our sins, our Savior died for us (Rom. 5:8). Those who place their trust in Christ are now reconciled to God, and He navigates them through life (2 Cor. 1:8-10). Christ’s sacrifice on the cross is the greatest of all wonders! —Bill Crowder When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride. —Watts Christ’s cross provides the only safe crossing into eternity.

Where Have You Been?

It's Friday and the Week has come to and End. How shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? —Romans 10:14 Missionary Egerton Ryerson Young served the Salteaux tribe in Canada in the 1700s. The chief of the tribe thanked Young for bringing the good news of Christ to them, noting that he was hearing it for the first time in his old age. Since he knew that God was Young’s heavenly Father, the chief asked, “Does that mean He is my Father too?” When the missionary answered, “Yes,” the crowd that had gathered around burst into cheers. The chief was not finished, however. “Well,” said the chief, “I do not want to be rude, but it does seem to me . . . that it took a long time for you to . . . tell it to your brother in the woods.” It was a remark that Young never forgot. Many times I’ve been frustrated by the zigs and zags of my life, thinking of the people I could reach if only. Then God reminds me to look around right where I am, and I discover many who have never heard of Jesus. In that moment, I’m reminded that I have a story to tell wherever I go, “for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him. For ‘whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved’ ” (Rom. 10:12-13). Remember, we don’t have just any story to tell—it’s the best story that has ever been told. —Randy Kilgore I love to tell the story, For some have never heard The message of salvation From God’s own holy Word. —Hankey Sharing the good news is one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.

Catch Her-Liv Warfield

So EXCITED! about My Gurl and NPG SISTA making her Television Debut an Artist you have seen performed with Prince and The New Power Generation as a backup Singer I am talking about none other than Liv Warfield. YES! She is making her Television appearance on Jimmy Fallon on January 28,2014 Can't wait 2 see this Performance. So Catch Her If U Can coz if you don't she is outta here.

New Year, New Beginnings

In the January 2014 Issue of CCFA'S Newsletter here is What's Going On Letter from Rick Geswell, CCFA President & CEO Rick Geswell, CCFA President and CEO Thank you for making 2013 such a success in the battle against IBD! You had the opportunity to make twice the impact in our matching gift challenge, and your response was overwhelming. Together we met our match goal – which was doubled by our board members. We're that much closer to a future free from IBD. Thank you! The Foundation is also proud to recognize our partners who, year after year, provide generous support for our education programs and patient services: AbbVie, Aptalis, Coronado Biosciences, Janssen, Pfizer, Prometheus, Salix, Santarus, Shire, Takeda and Warner Chilcott. Thanks to the support of you and our partners, we're looking forward to a year of giving back – to you! We have lots of exciting things in store including events, webcasts, scholarships, Camp Oasis, and, as always, patient education and support. Here's to a productive and happy 2014. A Career Change Because of IBD Claudia had a thrilling, fast-paced life as a music journalist in California. Between late nights at rock concerts and constant deadlines, Claudia was always on the job. After years of reporting, Claudia began experiencing extreme weight changes, including a 60-lb weight loss in just three months. After several tests, she was diagnosed with Crohn's. Soon, Claudia was struggling to manage her diagnosis and the demands of music journalism. She hesitated to approach her employers about her IBD, but when she did, she was pleasantly surprised by their reaction. They helped her find a much more suitable position... and things have only gotten better! Read Claudia's story here. read more Webcast: Health Insurance Marketplace 101 Want to learn how to navigate the health insurance marketplace? On Wednesday, January 29, from 3-4pm EST, join us for our Health Insurance Marketplace 101 webcast. Developed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the program will provide an overview of the Affordable Care Act, including the enrollment process and available options for coverage. Speakers will include David Santana and Tarnisha Brown, both health insurance specialists for CMS. Register today! Scholarships for IBD Patients Did you know that scholarship opportunities are available for people with IBD? Gearing up to go to college is an exciting time, but it can get costly. Scholarships can help with these costs and, as an IBD patient, you can apply to opportunities tailored especially for you from UCB Pharmaceuticals, Convatec and the Patient Advocate Foundation. While CCFA does not directly offer scholarships, you can visit our scholarships page or contact us at info@ccfa.org to learn more. JANUARY 2014 ISSUE New Diet Brochure! For IBD patients, choosing what to eat can be complicated, since certain foods may exacerbate symptoms. This new brochure helps you make healthy food choices that are right for you. What Will Your Challenge Be? As a Team, we will challenge ourselves, change lives and fundraise for cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. There are seven great endurance events scheduled this summer, including five half marathons and two triathlons! Join us and find your team today! CCFA Partners Receives Funding from PCORI! CCFA Partners Research Initiative, our patient-powered research network, received a $1 million grant from the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI)! The additional funding will be used to further develop and expand a health data network that will be part of the National Patient-Centered National Clinical Research Network, or PCORnet. Register to participate in CCFA Partners today and help us improve the quality of life for patients living with IBD! IBD Clinical Trials & Other Studies CCFA provides a comprehensive database of studies, clinical trials and other research on Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Some of the recently added studies include: • A study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PF-04236921 in subjects with Crohn’s disease who are anti-TNF inadequate responders, conducted by Pfizer • A study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of AMG 181 in subjects with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis, or severe Crohn’s disease, conducted by Amgen • Mind/Body Medicine and Ulcerative Colitis study, conducted by Rush University. Deciding whether to participate in a clinical trial is an important personal decision, best made with a full understanding of the drug development process and a participant's role. doctors Learn More

True Greatness

It's the beginning of a New Week and as we take a moment to observe Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I am reminded of the fact of what True Greatness is all about and Dr. King displayed that True Greatness among Millions has he took a stands on Equality and Civil Rights for ALL of us. So my question today is How many of us are going to use our voice to display True Greatness? Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. —Mark 10:43 Some people feel like a small pebble lost in the immensity of a canyon. But no matter how insignificant we judge ourselves to be, we can be greatly used by God. In a sermon early in 1968, Martin Luther King Jr. quoted Jesus’ words from Mark 10 about servanthood. Then he said, “Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don’t have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve. . . . You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.” When Jesus’ disciples quarreled about who would get the places of honor in heaven, He told them: “Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:43-45). I wonder about us. Is that our understanding of greatness? Are we gladly serving, doing tasks that may be unnoticed? Is the purpose of our serving to please our Lord rather than to gain applause? If we are willing to be a servant, our lives will point to the One who is truly great. —Vernon Grounds No service in itself is small, None great, though earth it fill; But that is small that seeks its own, And great that does God’s will. —Anon. Little things done in Christ’s name are great things.

Heavenly Perspective

The Long Work Week has come to an end and I would like to share with you one of the passages that I read today in my Daily Bread devotion time. The things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal. —2 Corinthians 4:18 Fanny Crosby lost her sight as an infant. Yet, amazingly, she went on to become one of the most well-known lyricists of Christian hymns. During her long life, she wrote over 9,000 hymns. Among them are such enduring favorites as “Blessed Assurance” and “To God Be the Glory.” Some people felt sorry for Fanny. A well-intentioned preacher told her, “I think it is a great pity that the Master did not give you sight when He showered so many other gifts upon you.” It sounds hard to believe, but she replied: “Do you know that if at birth I had been able to make one petition, it would have been that I was born blind? . . . Because when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior.” Fanny saw life with an eternal perspective. Our problems look different in light of eternity: “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2 Cor. 4:17-18). All our trials dim when we remember that one glorious day we will see Jesus! —Dennis Fisher Dear God, please help us to see this life from a heavenly perspective. Remind us that our trials, however difficult, will one day fade from view when we see You face to face. The way we view eternity will affect the way we live in time.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Steve Harvey

Today were taking a moment to wish those that are Celebrating a Birthday today and Kick Starting it off is Legendary Comedian and TV-Host Steve Harvey who turned 57 years old today. Here are other Celebrities who have a Birthday's today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! To you ALL May God continue to richly bless you all as you Celebrate another year. Celebrity birthdays for Jan. 17, 2014, include: Actress Betty White is 92. Actor James Earl Jones is 83. Talk-show host Maury Povich is 75. Singer Chris Montez is 72. Singer William Hart of the Delfonics is 69. Actress Joanna David ("Downton Abbey") is 67. Former Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor is 66. Singer Sheila Hutchinson of the Emotions is 61. Singer Steve Earle is 59. Singer Paul Young is 58. Actor-comedian Steve Harvey is 57. Singer Susanna Hoffs of the Bangles is 55. Actor Jim Carrey is 52. Actor Denis O'Hare ("American Horror Story") is 52. Actor Joshua Malina is 48. Singer Shabba Ranks is 48. Drummer Jon Wysocki of Staind is 46. Actor Naveen Andrews ("Lost") is 45. Musician Kid Rock is 43. Actor Freddy Rodriguez ("Six Feet Under") is 39. Actress-singer Zooey Deschanel is 34. Singer Ray J is 33. Singer Amanda Wilkinson of the Wilkinsons is 32. DJ Calvin Harris is 30. Drummer Jeremiah Fraites of the Lumineers is 28.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SADE!

Just wanted to wish the Nigerian Queen a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY! On January 16, 1959 Helen Folasade Adu better known to Millions as simply Sade was born. Sade was born in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. Her middle name, Folasade, means "honour confers your crown". Her parents, Adebisi Adu, a Nigerian lecturer in economics of Yoruba background, and Anne Hayes, an English district nurse, met in London, married in 1955 and moved to Nigeria. Later, when the marriage ran into difficulties, Anne Hayes returned to England, taking four-year-old Sade and her older brother Banji to live with her parents. Later on Sade and her brother lived with their grandparents just outside Colchester, Essex. When Sade was 11, she moved to Holland-on-Sea, Essex to live with her mother and after completing school at 18 she moved to London and studied at Saint Martin's School of Art. Here are just some of my Favorites by Sade Live.

Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

I just wanted to take this time to Celebrate and Honor Dr King On January 15, 2014 What would have been Martin Luther King Jr. 85th Birthday I am consistently reminded of how Dr. King would be proud of our Nation to see an African American President in Office today. As a child growing up I remember hearing his famous "I Have A Dream" Speech, I also remember hearing stories from my Mom and Dad about Dr. King and how they remember growing during that time of Civil unrest. Now today I am proud of the progress my Culture has made BUT we still have a LONG way to go. But like that Old Negro Spiritual says "We will March on till Victory is Won". Here is Dr. King's Famous Speech.

Crohn’s Forced Career Change for Journalist

Here is a story about a Music Journalist who's name is Claudia take this journey with her as she share about her bouts with IBD and Crohn's. Claudia was a busy music journalist covering rock bands in California. Life was a thrilling, fast-paced world wind of late nights at rock concerts and constant deadlines writing for her local newspaper. After years of being in the demanding reporting world, Claudia began experiencing extreme weight changes-a 60-lb weight loss within three months to be exact. “I had a primary care physician that just assumed I was just losing weight, and I was tired. But the one thing I did get out of that situation was a referral to a gastroenterologist,” she says. Within six months, after several tests, Claudia was diagnosed with Crohn’s. Claudia has been living with IBD since 1997, and although she says she’s in control of her life now, in the beginning she was faced with worrisome uncertainty about the future of her career. “When I was first diagnosed I was running around writing stories and because I was covering the music business, that meant a lot of late hours, going out at night, going to concerts, going to bars to see bands,” says Claudia. “You know where that puts you in terms of bathroom access.” Her diagnosis forced the longtime journalist to completely shift her priorities, starting with her job. Despite her concerns, she eventually opened up to her employer about how her condition was affecting her at work. “There were instances when I would have to leave mid-shift because I was so sick,” she says. “Once I had a better handle, after a hospitalization, on what was going on, then I felt more comfortable being candid with my employer.” To her surprise, her employers were so supportive, they helped her find a new position as a health and fitness writer- an ironic move that helped ease her stress. “I thought that I had lost my life, the life that I had known and liked. And that it was never going to be good again. And of course, I’m here to tell you that it does get better. And things can be good again.” Claudia is one of the many patients sharing advice on IBD management at IBDetermined.org. Download the GI Buddy Disease Tracker app when you visit today! Now available on Android!

Celebrating Life- A Year Ago

WOW! I can't believe it's been a YEAR already. As I have shared with many on January 8, 2013 I had Major Surgery for a Disease called Crohn's I can say that Today I am VICTORIOUS I OVERCAME this nasty disease. And God brought restoration back to my body so toady I am REJOICING and THANKFUL 4 my LIFE!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

WOW! 2013 has been AMAZING I can't say it enough. I came into 2013 Smiling and I am leaving 2013 still smiling. I haven seen with my own eyes Gods miracle working POWER, He has brought me out of a near DEATH experience. I don't know about any 1 else BUT I know that GOD IS REAL 2 me. You see I was walking DEAD BUT GOD turned it ALL around I overcame a disease that could have KILLED ME. So I am walking into 2014 Thanking God 4 my Life. This whole year there has been a song that I have been playing ALL year it's by my favorite Gospel group call Mary Mary. I am so EXCITED! about this new Chapter in my life it is going 2 be filled with alot of Surprise's and Adventure I am looking forward 2 challenging myself and removing ALL of the boundaries and henderence's out my way. So get READY 4 this Queen because I have ARRIVED. This is the song that I have been playing this Whole year. What better way to start off a new year than to concentrate on conveying gratitude to our Lord! “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever” —Dave Branon How good it is to thank the Lord, And praise to Thee, Most High, accord, To show Thy love with morning light, And tell Thy faithfulness each night! —Psalter When you think of all that’s good, give thanks to God. Blessings