Teaching About the Wedding At Cana



Photo Credit: family-prayer.org

Hi, Everyone!

So, this evening in Vacation Bible School, I taught the little kiddies the story of the wedding at Cana, and we had a great discussion about this particular lesson. In teaching this lesson to the Cradle Roll class, I focused more on the instructions that Jesus had given to the servants; if you recall, Jesus instructed the servants to fill up the six waterpots up to the brim.

And then it happened.

As I was giving the lesson, the kiddies had all kinds of questions. The most popular question of ‘em all, and admittedly my personal favorite:

“Miss Natasha, how did Jesus turn the water into wine?”

I just knew someone would ask me that, but I gave them an honest answer. I gathered them around and said: “Kiddies, I haven’t the slightest idea how Jesus turned water into wine; all I know is that Jesus told the servants to fill the waterpots up with water, and when they served it, wine appeared.” I was quick to point out to my Cradle Roll class that just because I was their teacher did not mean that I knew all of the answers. “If I knew all of the answers, I would’ve created the world in six days,” I said with a smile. Upon hearing my statement, my top pupil Beverly made it perfectly clear that I didn’t need to create the world in eight days because she thinks that I’m still a good teacher.

Out of the mouths of babes, y’all! Beverly’s compliment really made me smile.

Needless to say, the Cradle Roll did yet another great job in giving the review of what they learned in class. Personally, I don’t think I did that great of a job in teaching the story of Jesus’ first miracle, but Lord in Heaven knows that I gave it my all to tie tonight’s lesson in with the theme of obedience. I can’t worry about it too much… actually, I’m not gonna worry about it at all, because I did my best, and that is a victory in and of itself. Besides, it’s like Gramma Jewel has always taught me: I should just do my best, and let God do the rest.

Well, I’ve gotta get back on it again tomorrow, y’all. This time, I’m gonna teach the Cradle Roll the story of the Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace. I think they will enjoy that scripture because Heaven knows I loved it when I was a little kiddie myself. Anyway, I’ve got some studying to do, but I’ll holla at y’all later.


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Day #2 of Vacation Bible School

Hi, Everyone!

So, we had another great lesson on obedience in Vacation Bible School this evening. As I mentioned in yesterday’s blog, I taught the Cradle Roll class the story of Jonah and the big fish… y’all read right—it was not a great whale! When I read the book of Jonah for myself, I read that The Lord prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. As an aspiring teacher, I made darn certain that I drove that point home to the little kiddies.

Hey, if I’m gonna be a good teacher, I gotsta know what I’m talkin’ about, and be sure that I have the facts to prove it!

But anyway, I also discussed with the Cradle Roll the important lesson in the book of Jonah: When The Lord tells you to do something, and you don’t do it, you will suffer the consequences. To drive my point home, I told the Cradle Roll how I had gotten into trouble when I was eight years old—nothing serious, but yet and still, I got in trouble. My dad had told me that I could not watch television unless I finished my homework. Well, I was not about to miss Powerpuff Girls for anything, so I watched one episode, then I did my homework. Now, while I did finish all of my homework completely and correctly, I still disobeyed my dad, and as a result, I couldn’t watch television for two weeks. Now, can someone explain to me why my Cradle Roll class told part of that story during the review? I actually had to wave at them to leave that part out of the review; however, they still did a great job.

On the way home, my mom and dad commended me for my great teaching skills, and for “actually having the boldness and temerity” for telling the Cradle Roll class that story about my disobedience—those were my dad’s words. My mom just basically said that I was born to teach, but then she that “to whom much is given, much is required.”

Now, I have heard that phrase practically all my life (all things considered), but I never knew what it meant, so naturally I asked the meaning of that statement. Mom and Dad basically told me that the phrase is an interpretation of Luke 12:48, and they used me as an example. Right now, I am teaching the Cradle Roll class in Sunday School, and I am loving every minute of it. I am also one of the teachers in Vacation Bible School, and I am just as passionate in that as I am in Sunday School. I’m tellin’ y’all—it’s only a matter of time before I’m teaching for a living, and when that day finally arrives, I’m gonna rejoice!

Heck, I’m already rejoicing right now!

Well, that’s it for today. I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow evening with another blog post… and yes, I said “tomorrow evening.” As you know, a teacher’s job is never done, but let me at least give y’all a preview of VBS #3: Tomorrow evening, I’m gonna teach the little kiddies the story of the wedding at Cana. What does that have to do with obedience? Well, there’s only one way to find out—come out to St. Matthew Baptist Church and sit in the Cradle Roll class if you like!

Until next time, take care, and have a good evening!


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Vacation Bible School Has Officially Kicked Off!

Good Evening, Everyone—and welcome to Blog #301!

“Why such a late blog?” you may ask. Well, as you know, I have been studying lessons on obedience for my Cradle Roll class. You may also know that Vacation Bible School kicked off this evening at my church.

Well, y’all—the Cradle Roll class is on it!

Seeing as how I chose a theme about obedience, I started with one of the greatest examples that I could find in the Bible—to me, anyway. Let me rephrase that—I found several lessons on obedience, but seeing as how this was the inauguration of VBS 2013 at my church, I chose one of the biggest examples in the Bible. As my pastor would say: “If y’all would turn with me to the book of Genesis and the 22^nd chapter…”

Yes, I spoke to the Cradle Roll about how The Lord instructed Abraham to sacrifice his only son Isaac.

Now, I will admit that there were some crucial moments for me, mainly because Vacation Bible School is slightly different from Sunday School. Another crucial moment was that I really didn’t know any examples to relate this particular lesson to the Cradle Roll, but guess what, y’all—The Lord proved Himself to me and provided me with my very own ram in the bush! I honestly don’t remember what I said, but I do know that I taught that lesson with my whole heart. When it was all said and done, the Cradle Roll was asked to give a review of what they learned, and they made me proud yet again. My top student Beverly represented the little kiddies and gave a lesson review that was just as good as (if not better than) the elders’ review. Beverly did such a great review that she received a standing ovation, and it was another one of those moments where I ran up and gave her a big hug and kiss as though she was my very own child. Yes, I know—I don’t have any children of my own, but y’all know what I mean!

Well, that’s it for this evening, but I’ll be back tomorrow with another blog for y’all. Tomorrow’s lesson in obedience will come from the book of Jonah. I ask that y’all pray for me as I study this lesson and be able to present it to the Cradle Roll class.

Until tomorrow, y’all take care.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Blog Post #300, Tho!

Wow—three hundred blog posts within the year… THAT’S PHENOMENAL!!!

Yes indeed, y’all—we have reached Blog #300, and it’s Sunday on top of that!

So, here’s the update on my Cradle Roll Class: This morning in Sunday School, I taught the little kiddies Mark 10:46-52, where Blind Bartimeus boldly asked Jesus Christ to have mercy upon him. What I find amazing about this particular scripture is that the crowd tried to tell Bartimeaus to keep quiet, but such an admonition didn’t deter Bartimeus—in fact, the Bible says that Bartimeus cried louder for Jesus. Once again, y’all, I was so proud of my little kiddies; they really brought the lesson. At the risk of showing favoritism, little six-year-old Beverly did the Sunday School review all by herself—she really made me proud to be her teacher. I especially liked when she said: “Miss Natasha taught us that when this dark world tries to shut us up, we should continue to call on the name of Jesus, because he will look out for those who trust in him!”

No lie, y’all—I ran up to the front and gave her a big hug and kiss, as though she was my very own daughter… and I don’t have any kids!

After Sunday School ended, Beverly’s mother (Mrs. Woods) paid me a great compliment.

“My daughter loves your class,” she said with a grin. “All Beverly talks about is ‘Miss Natasha and her fun class’, and from what I can see, you are definitely born to teach, my love!”

More confirmation, y’all! I know I say this all the time—and I mean it everytime I say it—I may only be nineteen years old, but this is what I love to do. I truly believe that God has put me in this position to see how truly devoted I am to my dream. Well, as y’all can tell, I am truly devoted to being a dedicated teacher.

Of course, Vacation Bible School starts tomorrow at my church, and per the directive of Pastor Clark and the Sunday School superintendent, I have been given the green light to teach the Cradle Roll class all this week. I’ve already mentioned that I’m gonna teach them about obedience; it’s just a matter of putting a lesson together and having it make sense, and as usual I’m gonna need The Lord to help me. Not to sound cocky, but lately the Cradle Roll class has been on fire… and now I have to humble myself, because I know I didn’t do it all by myself.

Well, that’s gonna do it for today’s blog. By the way, didn’t y’all find it quite apropos that this 300^th blog post fell on a Sunday, and was also focused mainly on the Cradle Roll class and how well they’re doing? Now that I think about it, I’m not doing this all by myself—I’ve got more backup than reverse in this situation. The Cradle Roll thinks I’m a great teacher, but I can’t take any—let alone all—of the credit; as I read in Psalm 121, my help cometh from The One who made the heavens and the earth.

And with that said, it’s time for me to close this blog post and get back to studying some more on the lesson that I will teach the kiddies for Vacation Bible School this week. Oh, but don’t worry—I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow! Peace Out!


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Ain’t No Party Like Sapphire Street’s Block Party!

Happy Saturday Evening, Everyone!

I tell y’all—I have had a day and a half today. If I could sum up my day in one word, it would be: WOW!!!

“Just what am I talking about?” you may ask me. Well, allow me to paraphrase Montell Jordan and say that Sapphire Street does it like nobody does; as a matter of fact, that was the theme song for Sapphire Street’s block party. Y’all, I am a living witness—Gramma Jewel and her peeps really outdid themselves this year!

This afternoon, I attended the christening of the first annual Sapphire Street Summertime Block Party, in which KCLD-FM was invited to come out and broadcast live. Gramma Jewel and her block club had been planning this for about two months, and they did a damn good job—real talk! I also gotta give a shout-out to Mr. Frazier and his Delta Dinin’ restaurant for providing more than enough food for such the occasion. Let me put it this way: It’s no secret that Mr. Frazier loves to cook, but… well, there’s an old familiar expression that Mr. Frazier put both his feet in his food. Personally, I think he superceded his own expectations. Forget feet—Mr. Frazier went up to his knees in those cheeseburgers and barbecue ribs!

And y’all already know that my Gramma Jewel brought her award-winning strawberry seven-up cake! Admittedly, she had a little competition in Mrs. Frazier’s apple cobbler, but it was a friendly competition. As a matter of fact, radio personality Bobby-H tried to instigate a contest between Gramma Jewel and Mrs. Frazier, but both ladies looked at Bobby-H and said: “Ain’t nobody got time for that!”

It was just some good, clean summer fun, like the way it used to be when my mom and dad were growing up. There was all kinds of good music—and I’m talkin’ about that ol’ skool summertime music too: Kool & The Gang, Frankie Beverly & Maze, and the Sugar Hill Gang. And of course, my sweetie pie Ray showed up and made my day that much sweeter, and that reminds me about the photo booth set up at Mr. & Mrs. Duncan’s.  Ray and I took a couple of pictures, one of which we shared a sweet kiss.

Overall, it was a great day to be on Sapphire Street. If you weren’t there, then shame on you—hahaha! But seriously, it was that much fun; I even recorded some footage for my home movie, and that means I’ve got to do yet some more editing come Monday. Oh, yeah—I also got to meet Gramma Jewel’s new neighbors, Ricky & Gracie Guerrero. They are like, so cool; they even made some chipotle nachos for the festivities this evening… and they were good!

I could talk about the Sapphire Street Block Party all day if I wanted to, but I see that I have to close this evening’s blog. Besides, Gramma Jewel’s gonna post some pictures on her Facebook page real soon.

Well, I shall holla at y’all tomorrow, with yet another very special blog. Until then, y’all have a good evening, and God Bless.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Sending A Birthday Wish to Heaven

Happy Friday, Everybody!

Today’s blog is a break from the norm, such as the case may be… Ha-ha-ha!

Most of you may remember when I wrote about my church members, Mother Harriette Fields, who passed away five months ago. Well, today would have been her 90^th Birthday. I hadn’t said much about it since my return home, but ever since her passing this past February, things seem so much different at my church. No one could wear a yellow dress suit and matching hat like Mother Fields, nor can anyone give that sunny smile and pinch your cheek. Yes, Mother Fields’ presence is terribly missed, and it seems as though every Sunday, I find myself taking a couple moments after Sunday School to sit in her seat and reflect on the wonderful woman that she truly was. And I know that I mentioned that Mother Fields was the Gramma Jewel of my church—and that still stands to this very day. I loved how everytime I spoke to Mother Fields, she would say “Hey, Tasha!” just like Gramma Jewel!

I’m glad that I got a chance to know Mother Fields, albeit for a little while. Since I’ve been back home, I’ve often wondered what life at church would be like if The Lord didn’t have to call her home so soon. I could only imagine her beautiful grandmotherly smile, which radiates like the yellow sunshine dresses that she always wore. This morning at breakfast, I was talking to my mom and dad about the time we were invited to Mother Fields’ 80^th birthday party. I was nine years old at the time, and I remember how Mother Fields was just so full of life; she outdanced my mom, and that speaks more than enough volumes! But anyway, my mom pointed out how I had asked Mother Fields to give me her secret of being 80. With that same bright beautiful smile, Mother Fields said: “Sweetie, just remember to acknowledge God in any and everything, and live your life—but don’t rush it, though; you’ll be 80 soon enough.”

Well, I’m in no rush to be 80, but I do pray that I at least look as half as good as Mother Fields did. Like she said, I’ll be 80 soon enough, so I’m not gonna rush!

With that said, I close this blog by saying: Happy 90^th Birthday, Mother Fields—and thank you for blessing my life. God Bless.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Results of the T-Shirt Project

Hi, Y’all!

Before I begin today’s blog, I want to make an important announcement.

Happy 31^st Birthday to Jessica Douglas—celebrate it well, celebrate it in style, and celebrate the whole month. Oh, and make sure that Howie takes you someplace that he knows you absolutely love. God Bless!

Well, y’all—the t-shirts are done! Not only are the done, but they’re also reasonably priced, and the quality of work is damn near perfect! I want to thank Cousin Candace for taking time from her schedule to help a sista out yesterday afternoon, and for telling me about Long Beach. You see, folks—when you expand your horizons and think outside of the box, ain’t no tellin’ what possibilities will come up.

And just in case y’all didn’t catch on to it, I want it stated for the record: Yes, I am very satisfied with the final results of these t-shirts. I’ve been wanting to wear my shirt since yesterday, but I restrained myself. Hell, I kinda want to wear mine right now—at least for a little bit—but to be fair to Ruby and Theo, I’m not gonna do it… ooh, they’re gonna be so excited when they see these shirts!

Notwithstanding this particular project having come to pass, Cousin Candace and I enjoyed kickin’ it with Cousin Calvin yesterday—yeah, Cousin Nessa had to work yesterday, but we did pay her a visit at her job, if for nothing but to make her laugh by making silly faces. Come to find out, she was on her lunch break anyway, so we kept her company until she had to go back in to work.

Okay, y’all—I’m gonna cut it short for today, mainly because I find myself running out of stuff to talk about; besides, I’ve got to study my Sunday School lesson for my Cradle Roll class, and then I gotta do some more research on Vacation Bible School. I’m starting to realize that being a teacher is a lotta hard work, but it’s so worth it. After all, if I am to be one of (if not) the best in my craft, then I gotta work for it.

Alright, y’all—I gotta go, but I’ll definitely holla at y’all tomorrow. Peace Out!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Update On My T-Shirt Project

Happy Wednesday, Y’all!

So, check this out: I was talking to my Cousin Candace yesterday evening, and she was telling me that there is a t-shirt printing shop that is not only reasonably priced, but also has five-star quality. I asked Cousin Candace where this place was and how we missed it the other day, and she says: “Well, Tasha, the reason why we missed it is because we didn’t think to go to Long Beach.”

Y’all already know what this means—I also get to hang out with Cousin Nessa and Cousin Calvin!

I actually called the printing place around 9am this morning, and I got their voicemail; it turns out that they open at 10am. No biggie—I’ve already taken care of my morning chores, and Cousin Candace has taken a sick day (she’s got plenty sick days that she has stored up), and everything is good on my end; I’ve got my photos and design that I would like to have on the t-shirts. I’ve already called Candace, and she told me that, since the place opens at 10am, she’ll come by and pick me up at exactly 10am.

Candace has a method to her madness that I have not yet figured out.

Anyway, I’m all set and ready to go, but before I do, I gotta call Cousin Nessa and Cousin Calvin to let them know that they should expect me and Candace to show up within the next hour or so.

Well, I really hate to cut this blog short, y’all, but I must do so on account of there’s really nothing else to talk about today. Oh, but I do want to give y’all an update on my home movie project: It’s progressing very well; it’s just a matter of splicing and editing certain sections on the actual videocassette, and then transporting them to DVD. I’ve already made a promise to myself that the video would be completed exactly one week before I have to go back to Rust… and speaking of the latter, that seems to be rapidly approaching.

Gramma Jewel was right—time waits on no one!

Well, y’all—that’s gonna do it for me today, but I will be back tomorrow with another blog, so until then, y’all take care, and pray for me that I get these t-shirts printed to my liking.

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Ode to Great Gramma Lynn

Hello, Everybody!

Today, I am willing to take a break from the norm and dedicate this blog to someone very special—my great grandmother Lynn Agnes Coleman.

It was exactly 29 years ago on this very day that my Great Gramma Lynn went home to be with The Lord. Though I never met her personally, I feel in my spirit like we were introduced years ago. If y’all remember, I had written a paper in my Grammar & Comp I class on about my Great Gramma Lynn, and I received an “A” on it. I’ve seen pictures of Great Gramma Lynn, and I could tell that she was just the most vibrant woman with a beautiful spirit.

My Gramma Jewel was witness to Great Gramma Lynn’s transition, and she recounts everything that happened on that fateful day. The following is an excerpt from Gramma Jewel’s memoirs:

It was very peaceful in Mama’s hospital room. I happened to glance out the window and see the clouds fill the afternoon Nashville sky. A bird landed on the window of Mama’s hospital room and tweeted its sweet song.

“I’m ready when You are, O Lord!” Mama called out, squeezing our hands as if she wanted us to guide her to the pearly gates.

Tears welled up in my eyes, but I still had a smile on my face. Reesie tried in vain to fight back her tears, as she looked at Mama and said, “Give my love to Daddy when you get up there.”

“I will, Sweetheart,” Mama whispered. “And thank you for takin’ such good care of me. The Lord gon’ bless you real good for that.”

Mama then turned to me with a great big smile and said, “My sweet, stubborn little Delta Jewel—you are definitely your mama’s child. Continue sparklin’, Baby.”

And then she lightly bopped me on the top of my head. I just chuckled and said, “Thanks, Mama.”

I thought about the Bible verse that talks about the twinkling of an eye—that’s exactly how quick it was when Mama went home to Glory. She first mentioned something about a marvelous light, and then she closed her eyes. Once Mama took her last breath, Reesie and I nodded at each other.

“I think she made it home safely, Jewel,” Reesie said, trying not to break down.

“I know she did,” I replied as I closed my eyes and leaned into Clark’s hug.

When Clark, Reesie, and I left the hospital, we looked up at the cloudy sky and saw an image of Mama’s face—just more affirmation that Mama made it over.

That is such a beautiful story, and everytime I hear it, I get chills. I mean, to witness a transition from this life to life everlasting, and then to see Great Gramma Lynn’s likeness in the clouds—I’m very sure that Gramma Jewel, Grampa Clark, and Great Aunt Reesie will forever cherish such a poignant, peaceful memory.

There’s only one way to close this blog: Great Gramma Lynn’s legacy continues to live on in each and every one of us. As I mentioned once or twice, I’m sure that she’s up there in Heaven, with a great big smile on her face!

Until tomorrow, y’all take care.

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Busy Bee Monday

Happy Busy-Bee Monday, Everybody!

I tell y’all—I have had a busy day today. As I may have mentioned in a previous blog or two, I’ve been practically all around the city today, trying to find a decently priced printing shop that could make some t-shirts for me, Ruby, and Theo. By the way: I want to give a shout-out to my eldest cousin Candace for helpin’ a sista out today in her task. I’m almost certain that Cousin Candi had plenty to do on her day off—and as a matter of fact, she did. She said that she had some errands to run, but she needed a tag team partner to ride along with her. Well, seeing as how I’m off for another four weeks or so, I agreed to be her huckleberry. Yes, I said “huckleberry!”

Anyway, Candace and I must’ve gone to every printing shop within our home radius, but I was not satisfied with any of the places; they were all either too pricy or lack of quality. Oh, well—the trip wasn’t too much of a loss, because I did get to kick it with Candace all day. And then too, we were able to brainstorm some ideas for our slumber party weekend with Gramma Jewel. Matter of fact, we’re gonna hold a conference meeting with Becky, Trisha, and Nessa this evening, and then we’re gonna confirm a good week with Gramma Jewel. I can tell y’all right now: This week isn’t good for anybody on account of the Sapphire Street Block Party this Saturday, and then next week is Vacation Bible School at my church… and guess who is gonna teach the Cradle Roll class during that week?

Y’all guessed it—it’s gonna be me!

So, since I have an even bigger role in my church, I’ve been racking my brain for the past couple of hours to see which lesson I want teach to those little kiddies. I gotta be careful not to teach the Sunday School lessons that I have planned for them in the next couple of Sundays. Of course, I could give a lesson on obedience… and the wheels in my head are starting to turn. There are plenty of examples in the Bible pertaining to obedience, and I’m thinking that I could look at both sides of the coin. I can teach the Cradle Roll what happens when you obey God, and then I can teach them what happens when you disobey God.

Forgive me for sounding like Dolph Ziggler, y’all, but once again, I’m here to show the world!

And I see that it’s time for me to close this here blog and get back to working on my lessons. Once again, I apologize for the rather late blog, but like I said, I was kickin’ it with Cousin Candi all day today. We gotta do this again real soon, and I’m talkin’ like, before we have our slumber party… and hopefully I can get these t-shirts printed for Ruby and Theo before I head back to Rust in about a month or so. I still have time, so it’s all good.

Until tomorrow, y’all have a good one! Love Y’all!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

The Jones Family's Got Talent!

And a Very Happy Beautiful Sunday to Y’all!

Well, it happened again, y’all—my Cradle Roll class made me proud to be their teacher. As I mentioned the other day, I taught them Romans 12:1-2, and I taught them how it’s okay to be different in Christ—and yes, that’s as eloquent as I put it. I told the little kiddies how we as Christians (both young and old) should show that we are set apart from the world, and there are various ways of doing that. For instance, when someone is being disobedient to their parents, we who have been transformed should continue to obey our parents, mainly because they know what’s best for us.

The cutest thing was that one of the kiddies asked me if I still listen to my parents, and I gave them a brutally honest answer: “Yes, even when I don’t want to!” Now, explain to me why those kiddies brought that up during the review. I was too through, y’all, and to make up for it, I simply looked at my mom and dad stated publicly how much I love them… hahahaha!

Out of the mouths of babes, y’all—for real!

And of course, later on in the afternoon, we went over to my Gramma Jewel’s church to hear her sing at the talent show. Gramma Jewel sang “In The Upper Room” by Mahalia Jackson, and of course, she put her own spin on it. She’s always been one of the best singers in my family, and she proved it again this afternoon. Of course, Gramma Jewel had Mother Davis, Bro. Chandler, and Bro. Hawkins to back her up. Speaking of Bro. Chandler, I didn’t realize he had such a deep voice; he sounded just like the dude on the record. And I also want to point out that Bro. Hawkins sang a song called “Ride This Train” by the Canton Spirituals, and he brought it! Everybody in the church was standing up and clappin’ it up for him.

Also, Becky recited a poem called “The Evolution of Rebecca Morgan,” and in it, she discussed her struggles to find love, and she found it in the form of a silver-haired angel in plum purple glasses. Now, check this out: I was paying close attention to Becky’s poem, and… well, a stanza in her poem mentioned that she was “college-bound and heading east, but bouncing back westward.” That’s when it hit me—Becky had accepted the call to attend Chamberlain University in West Covina. She ended her poem by saying: “That’s right, y’all—I’m gonna be a Puma!”

I kinda knew she was gonna accept admission to Chamberlain because that’s all she’s been talking about for the past month now. And actually, I can finally tell y’all a secret: Becky had talked to the Chamberlain Admissions Department last week and accepted their offer, but she had confided in me that she did in fact have her mind made up after visiting Goss University in Torrance. She said that the call of “Puma Paradise” kept beckoning for her, and she ultimately answered.

Well, I see that it’s close to 9pm PST, and that means I’ve got to close this here blog. Besides, I’ve gotta get ready for tomorrow… it may not be much, but I’ve got to check a couple of t-shirt printing shops and see which is the more reasonable price for my budget. And of course, there’s my ever-growing home video, not to mention that I’m gotta see which one of my sundresses I’m gonna wear for the Sapphire Street Block Party this Saturday. Looking good for myself is no problem, but I do wanna look good for my sweetie pie… hahaha!

Until tomorrow, y’all take care!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

One Sensational Saturday, Tho!

What Up, Y’all!

I trust that your Saturday is as sensational as mine.

I just got back home after a wonderful afternoon with my Auntie Gloria and Uncle Gregory, and my cousins Matthew and Trisha. Now, before y’all get started, yes—I did in fact invite Ray to go with us, but he had a prior engagement; his mom and dad celebrated their 22^nd wedding anniversary, and ironically enough, Ray had invited me to go with him. Talk about a double conflict of interest… at least, that’s what we called it, anyway. Oh, well—those are the breaks, but at least I invited him to the Sapphire Street Block Party on next Saturday, and then too, there’s the talent show at my Gramma Jewel’s church as well.

And now, in the famous words of Snoop Dogg, back to the lecture at hand!

As I mentioned earlier, on, I kicked it with my Auntie Gloria, Uncle Gregory, Cousin Matt, and Cousin Trisha all day today. We went to Knott’s Berry Farm, and we had so much fun. And as a bonus, I got to wear one of my sundresses; I decided upon my navy blue one with yellow polka dots—and my shoes were the same color as the polka dots. I’m color-coordinated like a boss, tho!

Anyway, we rode on so many rides, but my personal favorites were Montezooma’s Revenge, the Dragon Swing, and the Waveswinger. I think I may have gone on the Waveswinger at least five times—it was that much fun. Of course, Uncle Gregory wanted us to try the Boomerang, so we did… and it turned out to be the biggest mistake of all our lives! That was our first, last, and only time riding that damn Boomerang, and I’ve never heard Uncle Gregory cuss like he did today. He didn’t really say a whole lot; all he said was: “Damn you, Boomerang!”

Oh, for the record: I did bring along my camcorder, just in case I wanted to use some footage for my home movie.

I’m tellin’ y’all—this has been one helluva summer vacation for me. I mean, I have had so much fun thus far. And again, next Saturday is the Sapphire Street Block Party over at Gramma Jewel’s house… well, her neighborhood, anyway. It’s gonna be nice to see the Burkalters, the Robertses, the Douglases, the Duncans, the Fraziers, and the Takashis. Oh, and I understand that Gramma Jewel has some new neighbors west of her—the Guerreros. I wonder if they’re related to the legendary Eddie Guerrero… I’m just askin’!

Anyway, it’s time that I settle down and rest up. Besides, I’ve got a big day planned for tomorrow. Notwithstanding my second Sunday teaching the Cradle Roll class, I also have to lend my heart and my support to Gramma Jewel as she sings in a youth-sponsored talent show tomorrow afternoon at her church. I know she’s gonna do a great job, and if y’all really know my Gramma Jewel, then y’all already know—she’s gonna be dressed to the nines!

Well, I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow. Peace Out!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Officially One Month Away!

And a Beautiful Happy Friday to You, Babies!

If y’all don’t know by now that I am the youngest grandchild of Vivian Jewel Jones, then y’all will never-never-never know me… ooooooooooohhhhhhhhh!

Well, y’all—this is it! Today is July 19, 2013, and we all know what that means to this little Rustite. I am officially one month away until I return to Bearcat Country and begin my sophomore year. I go back on August 19, bright and early; my plane arrives in Memphis at around 7am CST. And it’s a good thing that I’m talking about this right now, because I just reminded myself that I need to call Auntie Gladys and let her know what’s up. Before I left for Cali, she told me that she would pick me up from the airport, but just as a safety precaution, I should call her a month in advance. Well, y’all—it is literally a month in advance. As soon as I finish up this here blog, I’m gonna call Auntie Gladys and let her know that my inevitable return is drawing near.

And while I’m on the subject of my inevitable Rust College return, I must reflect on what I was doing around this time last year. It goes without saying, but a lot has changed from this time last year to now. I remember around this time last year, I was getting everything together for my freshman year to start a new life in new surroundings. I had so many emotions running through me, so much so that I suffered a slight anxiety attack. Hey, y’all can’t blame me—all I knew was Los Angeles. I had heard of Mississippi and Tennessee, and my Cousin Candi attended Bennett University in Atlanta, but only when I saw the South for myself did I truly understand the true meaning of “down home livin’.”

As I look back and visit the many, many memories that I made in only my freshman year, I can’t help but think about how the memories that I’m gonna make in this, my sophomore year. And now that I think about it, I just remembered that Ruby, Theo, and I were gonna get some t-shirts made. We never really took care of that piece of business, mainly because we hardly saw each other during the summer school session…

A-HA—I’VE GOT AN IDEA!!!

I’ve got plenty of time to do this, but ain’t no time like the present! I ‘m gonna find a printing shop that prints t-shirts. I already have the design, the logo, and our “team name” written down. And like I said: Ruby, Theo, and I have talked about it briefly, but because of our own separate academic agendas, we didn’t really get anything finalized… or did we? Since I’m the appointed secretary of our little group, I’m gonna go ahead and make an executive decision.

Oh, yeah—I was so totally born to be a teacher!

Anyway, let me get started on this idea right now, while it’s yet fresh on my mind. I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow, but until then, y’all have a good rest-of-the-day!

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Kickin' It With Mom & Dad, Tho!

Happy Thursday, Everyone!

I don’t know about y’all, but I had a supercalatastalistic… whatever that Mary Poppins word is—the bottom line is that I had a great day today!

Before I tell the story, I want to state for the record that I absolutely love my mom and dad. Though it may be true that you cannot pick and choose your parents, in my case, I’m glad that I didn’t get to choose mine. I think I mentioned once before how much I’m crazy about Benjamin & Danielle Stewart, and that has not changed one iota—I am just as crazy for them today as I was yesterday.

And y’all already know how I feel about my aunts, uncles, and cousins—and hell, Gramma Jewel is in a class all by herself!

Anyway, on to the story: Around 7:30am this morning, I was about to make breakfast, but my dad instructed me not to cook anything for him on account of—and these were his exact words—he had a breakfast date with two gorgeous chicks. My mom and I already knew that he was talking about us, so we asked him if he was taking us to IHOP or Denny’s. He just grinned and told us to get in the car. He treated us to IHOP, and I want to say that the food was absolutely delicious—or maybe I was just hungry. Heck, it may have been both!

After breakfast, we drove around for a minute, and then Dad took us to the mall, which I thought was a blessing in disguise. As soon as we all stepped into the mall, I saw a lovely pink-and-lavender sundress that I just had to have in my collection. I know, I know—I’ve been wearing a lot of sundresses lately, but y’all can’t blame me; I mean, after all, they say that if you’ve got it, flaunt it… and Baby, I gots it! Ain’t no shame in my game, tho!

Needless to say, I got that sundress plus two more, all with matching shoes and earrings. And y’all shoulda seen my dad; he was all blushing out of embarrassment and everything. He even tried to buy me some sweaters because—and again, these are his exact words—he’s concerned that my “ample décolletage will cause a distraction to all those one-track minded boys up at Rust.”

Well, I assured my dad that my sundresses were not that revealing, and then too, I come from a long line of curvy, voluptuous women. Maybe my dad forgot about that; after all, he married my mom, and she’s perhaps the most voluptuous of us all!

Anyway, I’m back home now, and I’ve tried on my sundresses. Y’all, they each fit me so perfectly, and you just know that I recorded some footage of me modeling each and every one of them. I don’t know if I’m gonna put that particular footage in the actual home movie just yet, but I have about four weeks to make my final decision.

Until tomorrow, y’all have a good rest-of-the day. Peace Out!

Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha

Time For The Next Project

Hey, Y’all!

I trust that you all are having a great Wednesday—I know I am.

Y’all probably took a look at the title of today’s blog, then took a look at my featured photo, and said to yourselves: “The next project must have something to do with Candi, Nessa, Trisha, and Becky.” Well, I don’t need to tell y’all this, but you’re absolutely right! The next project is called “Operation: Summertime Slumber Party,” and it’s taking place at Gramma Jewel’s place. I’ve already spoken to my girls, and then we confirmed it with Gramma Jewel. Now, check this out: Why is Gramma Jewel more excited about the slumber party than we are? She told me that she’s gonna go grocery shopping “like, right now,” and she’s gonna treat us to a great big ol’ breakfast.

Gramma Jewel is so cute—she’s always going above and beyond to see that her family and friends are happy and well taken care of. I think I should point out, however, that our Summertime Slumber Party is not until August 4… actually, it’s a whole week of chillin’ with Gramma Jewel and my girls. I do want to spend one whole week with them before I head back to Rust—and yes, I’m gonna bring my camcorder with me!

And speaking of my camcorder, I have an update as it relates to my home movie project: As you know, I came up with an idea to have opening credits, and I used a couple of pictures from some of my mom’s photo albums. If you recall, I also mentioned that I found a picture of Grampa Clark and his Sapp Elementary Family. Well, just as I was about to start recording footage for my opening credits, an idea struck me to leave the Sapp picture out and use it to make a dedication to my Grampa Clark, so that’s exactly what I did!

I know—I’m so full of ideas, but then again, a teacher has to be creative!

Well, that’s gonna do it for me today. I made a promise to myself that I would give my home movie project a rest, just to work some more on my Sunday School lesson for the Cradle Roll class; I’ll do that later on this afternoon. I finally decided that I’m gonna teach them about how it’s okay to be different, and there’s no better lesson than Romans 12:1-2. I’m sure there are other scriptures that talk about being different, but when I read what Paul said in Romans 12:1-2, I was like, “Whoa!” Paul basically says that we as Christians ought not allow the world to define us, but we are to be set apart from the world. I believe there’s another scripture that makes it perfectly clear: We are in the world, but not of the world.

I keep tryin’ to tell y’all that I reads my Bible, Baby… Hahahaha!

Okay, y’all—I’ll holla at y’all tomorrow. Take care, and Peace Out!

Hugs & Kisses

Natasha

The Extra Motivation To Pursue My Dream

Hey, Y’all!

Isn’t this a beautiful picture? This is the Sapp Elementary Faculty, taken in the 1990-91 school year—and yes, that’s my Grampa Clark over there on the back row, left side.

Y’all ain’t gonna believe how I stumbled across this gem of a photo: You see, I was working on the introduction of my home movie project, and I needed some old photos to make the perfect opening credits. I remembered that my mom had at least three or four photo albums in her closet, so I decided to look through them. Well, I barely opened up the first photo album, let alone picked it up, and a photo fell out—it just so happened to be the one that I posted in today’s blog. I can tell in this photo that Grampa Clark and the Sapp Faculty had a lotta fun together. Heck, I know they had a lotta fun together; if we could just go back to Mr. Arthur’s retirement party about two weeks ago… it was just a wonderful sight. Not only did each and every colleague show up to give mad support (both past and present), but no one would let a conversation slide by without talking about Grampa Clark’s legacy and how much he meant to the school as a whole.

This photo has given me the extra motivation to pursue my dream. I know there may be times where I may feel disappointed and down, but I’ll just look at that photo of my Grampa Clark and his second family, and I’ll get the encouragement that I’m looking for. And perhaps one day, when The Lord deems it so, I’ll grace the schoolgrounds of Sapp Elementary and make my mark in the lives of those little ones. I can picture it so vividly, y’all: It’s my very first day of teaching kindergarten, and I have on my schoolmarm dress and one of my Gramma Jewel’s sweaters—hell, I’ll probably have a pair of her glasses, too (hahahaha). But anyway, I’m teaching my little kiddies all about love, caring, and sharing, and above all else, I’m definitely gonna tell ‘em about The Lord. Y’all oughta know me by now—this Christian life is a part of me, so I’ve got to tell these little kiddies about how Jesus loves the little children. And I’m quite certain that I’m gonna win some awards like my Grampa Clark and Mr. D, but the biggest reward of them all will come from the heart of a little child when they say: “Miss Stewart, you are the bestest teacher in the whole wide world.”

That will be bigger and better than any physical award, and at the same time, I would still like a physical award—hey, I’m just sayin’!

Well, that’s gonna be it for me today, y’all. Let me get up here and look through the rest of these photo albums, and then get started on my opening credits for my home movie. That’s so ironic that I didn’t come up with any ideas for opening credits until now. It’s funny how you don’t think of certain stuff until later. Oh, well—the bottom line is that I thought about it, so let’s get to it!

Hugs & Kisses,

Natasha

Monday, Monday

Good Monday Morning, Y’all!

Well, I just finished breakfast, and I also finished cleaning up the kitchen, so now I’ve got the whole day to myself… oh, yeah—I cleaned up my bedroom as well. Later on this afternoon, I’m gonna get to working on a new lesson plan for the Cradle Roll class next Sunday. I’m trying to decide on Romans 12:1-2, or Luke 10:25-37. Maybe I’ll give a lesson on my Uncle Gregory’s favorite scripture—Mark 10:46-52. Whatever I decide, I know I’ve got to do like Paul instructed Timothy to do in II Timothy 2:15 and study to show myself approved—unto God, though!

And I just realized that I’ve got about three or four lessons already in the making—and seeing as how there are five more Sundays until I return to Rust next month, I’m already a step ahead of the game! That is like, so freakin’ awesome!

Anyway, I’ve been doing some more recording and editing on my home movie, and it’s lookin’ real good, y’all! Granted, I’m no professional when it comes to actual editing and everything, but it’s not bad for a first try. I still laugh at my makeshift commercial about the California Vipress—yes, the same commercial that I did in my Fundamentals of Speech class, and got an “A+” on. But anyway, when I put the commercial to video, all I did was hiss like a snake, and then pop up on screen and say: “The Vipress-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s-s!” Lemme tell y’all: When I saw how I popped up on the screen, it scared the hell out of me. I kinda find that funny—I’m the one who wrote, produced, and starred in this damn makeshift commercial, and when I watched it, it freaked me completely out! I think I may need to tone down the element of surprise just a little bit. I mean, really though—if it scared me like that, then that means it’s definitely not for the weak at heart.

Well, it’s time for me to close today’s blog, because I’ve got a lot to do today… actually, I don’t have anything to do that’s pressing, but I did say that I was gonna work on my lesson plan for next Sunday’s class. Other than that—notwithstanding my home movie project—I’ve got nothing else to do.

Oh, yeah—before I forget: My Gramma Jewel’s still gonna sing at her church next Sunday, and y’all already know that I’m gonna bring my camcorder. Her solo is most definitely going in my home movie!

Until tomorrow, y’all be good.


Hugs & Kisses,
Natasha