“God has smiled on me; He has set me free… God has smiled on me; He’s been good to me!” I was asleep and in my dream I was singing that song. It woke me up and just like Joseph, I couldn’t let it go. It was in the morning I sought Thee, and the song that my Father gave blessed me throughout the day. It was exactly what I needed and in that moment things worked out. God is able to give you everything that you ever need and want when you acknowledge Him in all your ways.

Well we’re here- the G.T. has pulled into the last season of the month, December, the month that you go for broke (no pun intended). This is the time that you give, receive, ask, lend, or borrow. If you’re wondering what to give, of course you know I’m going to tell you to buy some music and pass it on. You know we use songs to encourage, lift up, and exalt, but what do you do with it afterwards? Do you pass it on or do you lay it aside? It’s not a weight, but it’s for a reason that He gives us these gifts. Yes, songs are gifts too.

In the season of giving, not only did he give His only Son, He gave unto us gifts and talents to use for His glory. Patty LaBelle (who has her gospel tribute out- ”The Gospel According To Patti LaBelle”), says when you’ve been blessed (feels like heaven) pass it on! No I’m not saying that when you get a song you have to sing it to someone else (you can but…), you can demonstrate your interpretation of the words, so that you can help to make someone feel like they can make it. Like I always say, just a few good words can make someone’s day or life. Ok, here are some good stocking stuffers:

For the return back home R&B fans, who are now taking a stand telling the world about Jesus there are:

Coko (the lead singer from the all girl group SWV) has given the world of gospel her renditions in song, titled Coko. Dave Hollister (formerly of Blackstreet) sings another chapter in his life called “ The Book Of David: The Transition.” Then there is Detrick Haddon’s new one called 7 Days; The McC\lurkin project- We Praise You; Micah Stampley - A Fresh Wind; Marvin Winans, Jr. -Image of a Man; and a great comeback with Doc McKenzie and the Highlights titled, What You Gonna Do for Him?

There are several Christmas CD’s out as well, MaryMary has their own interpretation simply titled A Mary Mary Christmas. Israel & New Breed has their version called A Timeless Christmas. Now you don’t have to get just CD’s, you can get the concert DVDs, too, so you can get your in-house praise on.

Now if you’re short on cash, but if you really want to give a special gift, I’ll let you in on a little secret that is free. It’s called LOVE. It can go a long way even after the CD skips; the love goes on and on. Demonstrate love for the right reasons with no expectancies, but do it because God commanded us to. Some people have the opportunity to find love; some can’t comprehend its magnitude. But if you demonstrate it daily you’ll know that you have done what the Father requires of us. It is the greatest gift He’s ever given us. And although it’s hard sometimes, don’t worry about who loves you back. Know that your assignment was fulfilled, and because of it, you will always be remembered and identified by it.

Finally, in all your giving you then take a break to come up with this end of the year tradition. So now you begin to take time to gather your imperfections, desires, and need-to-dos (yeah that’s a phrase). Make up in your mind your final decision of what you will/must give up or change for the New Year (hopefully you decide to stick to it this year) so you can continue to walk in your destiny. Now I know this time of the year can be challenging for some, or it can be exciting for others but, hey, change is never easy. There is a lot of adjusting and commitment so you have to be mentally ready, spiritually equipped and focused on the will of God and His plan for your life. It may not be clear and you may do a bit more loosing than what you expected, but in due time, you will understand it better “by and by,” and you will see it was for your good! And even though you may not believe that, remember that He is the Alpha and Omega and worship Him for that. Our Father knows your destiny and He has called you for this moment. Know who you are in Him. You are His legacy; you are an Heir of the King; see yourself in the future, you are royalty!

You know as 2007 approaches, the watch night ministers always come up with little rhyming slogans, but I will go a different route and recognize that seven is the number of completion and on the seventh day, our Father rested. So rest in His word and plan, for it is done!

To my family, (Mommy, Daddy & Ervin) The Baldwins (Bullocks & Welch), Auntie Babies Alisha, Omariah & Elijah, My God Children Mark (Joey), Jarius & Xavier, The White-Roberson-Toney family, The Grants, The Goodmans, The Rochfords, The Ervins, The Pankys, My Bishop and First Lady Watts along with my Fountain Christian Center church family - to all of the readers and T. P.C. Family, the saints and the ain’ts,

I love you all dearly with the love of the Lord. Let’s Go Higher!

To God be all the Glory and Honor! Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!