May's Novel "PUSH" by Sapphire

Our novel has been selected! The novel is short and the movie will be out inMay. We will do our next meeting as a dinner and a movie.

"Don't nobody want me. Don't nobody need me. I know who I am...ugly black grease to be wipe away, punish, kilt, changed, finded a job for"[p. 33]. This is the voice of Precious Jones, a viciously abused Harlem girl. At sixteen, Precious is pregnant-for the second time-with her own father's child, and regularly beaten and ordered around by her jealous, reclusive mother. Though she sits dutifully in class every day-"I always did like school, jus' seem school never did like me"[p. 38]-she has remained completely illiterate. Her life seems set to repeat the self-destructive pattern of her mother's, until her principal sends her to an alternative reading class where, with the help of a dedicated teacher and fellow students who have undergone experiences as harrowing as her own, she begins an intoxicating discovery of words, friendship, and, in the process, herself.
Precious's voice-stark and crude yet filled with raw intelligence and even humor-demands to be heard and, once heard, will prove unforgettable.

April Meeting

Hello Ladies,

I hope everyone is or has enjoyed the novel!!!

Our book club meeting is in two weeks. April 25, 2009 at 2 p.m. I know a lot of you wanted an earlier time but I have to work for the next three Sat. until noon. I hope you are able to make it; if not please let me know. The next book has been chosen and all information will be available at the next meeting.


If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact me. Also you can RSVP under the comments so we will have a head count.

I'm so excited. I miss all of you whom I have not seen since the last meeting. Also we have some new memebers who will be attending and we have an open chair for any guest you would like to invite.

Thanks and see you soon!

Death Of An Innocent

Iwent to a party, Mom,
I remembered what you said.
You told me not to drink,
Mom,so I drank soda instead.
I really felt proud inside, Mom,
The way you said I would.
I didn’t drink and drive, Mom,
Even though the others said I should.
I know I did the right thing, Mom,
I know you are always right.
Now the party is finally ending, Mom,
As everyone is driving out of sight.
As I got into my car, Mom,
I knew I’d get home in one piece.
Because of the way you raised me, so responsible and sweet.
I started to drive away, Mom, But as I pulled out into the road,
The other car didn’t see me, Mom, And hit me like a load.
As I lay there on the pavement, Mom, I hear the policeman say,
“The other guy is drunk,” Mom,and now I’m the one who will pay.
I’m lying here dying, Mom… I wish you’d get here soon.
How could this happen to me, Mom?
My life just burst like a balloon.
There is blood all around me, Mom,and most of it is mine.
I hear the medic say, Mom, I’ll die in a short time.
I just wanted to tell you, Mom, I swear I didn’t drink.
It was the others, Mom.
The others didn’t think.
He was probably at the same party as I.
The only difference is, he drank and I will die.
Why do people drink, Mom?
It can ruin your whole life.
I’m feeling sharp pains now.
Pains just like a knife.
The guy who hit me is walking, Mom,
And I don’t think it’s fair.
I’m lying here dying and all he can do is stare.
Tell my brother not to cry, Mom.
Tell Daddy to be brave.
And when I go to heaven, Mom,
Put “Daddy’s Girl” on my grave.
Someone should have told him, Mom,
Not to drink and drive.
If only they had told him, Mom,
I would still be alive.
My breath is getting shorter, Mom.
I’m becoming very scared.
Please don’t cry for me, Mom.
When I needed you,you were always there.
I have one last question, Mom.
Before I say good bye.
I didn’t drink and drive, So why am I the one to die?
Author Unknown

I believe it takes a village to raise a child as the African proverb so elegantly states. Are you willing to do your part? We do all we can to ensure our lives are perfect, but what are we doing to help others! To find the purpose God’s have for your life change is necessary. We can’t keep doing the same thing expecting different results. Achieving God’s purpose may cause you to give up and clean out some things, but the reward will be a Life design by God. I believe if you ask God to show up in your life every day, he want let you down.

My daily prayer

Dear Lord,
Thanks for showing up yesterday. I’m asking you to show up today as well. Lord it is visible in my daily activities that you are ahead of my life leading me to discover my purpose. Lord I believe that when you show up to lead my day, all my problems are handled. I don’t live in fear but by faith. You are the head and not the tail. So, I closed by thanking you and knowing your almighty powers. So, again thank you, thank you, thank you, Lord. Amen
It’s neither hard nor complicated but it does take effort. God is waiting for his invitation to show up in your life.

Psalm 34:4
I sought the Lord and He heard me.

W.I.N's questions for the week!

I'm excited that most of you have picked up your novel! All comments have been positive and that's great news. One member stated that they can't put it down... I am so happy our first book is a winner. For those of you who have not started try to dedicate to one chapter a day and I guarantee you will be hooked. It is an excellent read.

Alright, here's the fun part; question time???????????

Make sure you comment on all questions because each comment allows your name to go in the drawing for the next novel.

1. What does Kyla's long-term friendship with an unsaved person like Jasmine reveal about how believers should handle close relationships with unbelievers? Also consider: Is it realistic to expect to have an unbeliever as one of our closest friends? Is it advisable to cultivate or maintain relationships with people who do not believe as we do hoping that we may influence them to make a decision for Christ some day? Read 2 Corinthians 6:14-15.

2. In what ways did Jasmine set herself up for unhappiness by comparing her life and standard of living to Kyla's? How does focusing on what we do not have create personal unhappiness and make us more vulnerable to temptation? Read Ecclesiastes 5:10.

3. Give your comment on any scene or character in the novel thus far. Also, state the page and chapter so we may reference your comment.

Alright ladies, keep notes for discussion and I'll talk to you next week.

Temptation by Victoria Christopher Murray

Our first novel has been selected! I will have a copy at the meeting on Sat. You can pick your novel up at any local bookstore, order online or see me for other options. There will be questions posted on the blog weekly and we will begin reading this weekend. The meeting will be the last Sat in April.

Synopsis of the Novel
Kyla and Jefferson Blake count their sixteen years together as a wonderful blessing from God. Their marriage is passionate, their daughter is a joy, Jefferson's medical career is prospering, and they have loyal friends.
Unfortunately, this angers Kyla's friend Jasmine Larson, a recent divorcee. Even after Kyla gets a warning, she doesn't believe that Jasmine would hurt her....

Ladies we have all experience hurt at one point or another in our lives. This novel teaches us about kingdom principal of forgiveness and unconditional love. We don't know the "Why" all the time but our faith in God allows us to believe it all works for our good.

Four things you need to have in order to experience victory in trials are:
1. A joyful attitude
2. An understanding mind
3. A surrendered will
4. A believing heart
See if you can locate these characteristics in our main character.

I know you will enjoy the novel and don't forget to post comments as you read to keep the dialogue throughout the month. Please take a look and answer the weekly questions but also give your opinion on the characters and events of the novel.

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!

Lord Teach Me To Pray

My prayer is that we learn the kingdom principals of

God and the wisdom to use them in your Christian walk.

God is real! His kingdom is real! Why not enjoy the

kingdom experience doing the duration of our

earthly visit? You do realize that this is a temporary

life living in the flesh but our spirit will dwell in

the house of the Lord forever. Learn to live in the

spirit of the Lord and start with how to pray.

Lord Teach Me to Pray
-Kay Arthur

“Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”
Hebrews 11:6

Many of us when it is time to pray freeze up as we are not sure what to say, how to go about praying or even where to start. Because God wants to have a relationship like none other with us He has ensured that we have a pattern to follow which He has taught us through His Son.

There are seven topics of prayer which can be easily identified through the Lord’s Prayer Matthew 6:9-13. If the pattern of prayer taught is followed (as seen below) it will cover every topic and keep you balanced.


1) Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
Worship

2) Your kingdom come.
Allegiance

3) Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.
Submission

4) Give us this day our daily bread.
Petition & Provision

5) And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Confession & Forgiveness

6) And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from evil.
Watchfulness & Deliverance

7) For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.
Worship

Amen

Welcome

Dear Ladies,

I'm so excited about the start of the W.I.N. book club. We are all winners in God's eyes and it's time we take our role in the Kingdom of God. Our first meeting is this Sat. the 21st of March 2009. I hope everyone is enjoying the novel and it's beneficial to you in some shape, form, or fashion. I know you have a lot of questions concerning the vision and purpose of the book club. I would like to have an idea of your concerns before the first meeting, therefore, I would like everyone to leave a comment or question before Sat. on the blog. This will allow me to have answers to all your questions in advance. You can also reach me on my cell if you have any further questions. Our kick off devotional and overview is listed below.

Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be: A 90-Day Guide to Living the Proverbs 31 Life
By: Donna Partow

Every woman needs a little jump start in life. Donna Partow knows how to make it happen. In Becoming the Woman God Wants Me to Be, author Donna Partow shows women how to reenergize their lives in 90 days. She covers everything from faith and family to fitness and fashion (with lots more) in this comprehensive plan for greater vitality in life and intimacy with God. This in-depth study of Proverbs 31:10-31 will make women feel in control and on top of things as they study and even memorize that famous passage about the ideal woman of God. This positive, life-affirming book includes a leader's guide, making it perfect for small group use.

For information on the 90-Day Jumpstart to a New You, based on the book Becoming the Woman God Wants Me To Be, please visit www.donnapartow.org