You use to get tickled when this beautiful young lady was a little one. How she had me wrapped around her little finger. Well she still does. She is 11 years old now and I already wish she was just a baby again. Wish were still here laughing at me.

There are a lot of stories behind pictures, but this picture J and Yveshia is just priceless. Thanks Belinda for taking this picture. Love it for life and the joy it brings to my heart.   Kid

by Kirk Franklin

Silver and gold, silver and gold I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold No fame or fortune, nor riches untold I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold

Don't give me a mansion on top of the hill Don't give me the world with a shallow thrill But just give me a Savior, my life He can hold I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold

Woke up this morning, feeling kind of down I called on my best friend, (Kenneth)he could not be found But I called on Jesus, my life He can hold I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold

Silver and gold, silver and gold I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold No fame or fortune, nor riches untold I'd rather have Jesus

For unto us a Child is born, a Son is given I'd rather have Jesus You see what profits a man to gain The whole wide world and lose his soul I'd rather have Jesus

In the midnight hour when my body is rocking with pain I'd rather have Jesus, I'd rather have Jesus The Son of Man, the King of kings I'd rather have Jesus than silver and gold

I'd rather have Jesus, I don't need a fancy car I don't even have to have a diamond ring Hey, but give me Jesus in the midnight hour When all of my money is gone

I can call on Jesus, hey And I know He'll answer, I know He'll answer He's the only One that can save your soul He can [Incomprehensible] heart, He can [Incomprehensible] you I'd rather have Jesus, I'd rather have Jesus

I'd rather have Jesus, I don't need nobody Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Hallelujah Hail, He's the only One to save you 

J AND ME  -  LOVE, LOVE  THANK YOU JESUS FOR MY BROTHER'S LIFE.

SERENITY PRAYER

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time;

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right

if I surrender to His Will; That I may be reasonably happy in this life

and supremely happy with Him Forever in the next.

Amen!

I have such fond memories and how my brother would talk about my cooking.  I can hear him telling me that I simply don't know how to cook and I could really learn if I wanted too and he was right.  I would watch the cooking shows but it just don't seem to come out right.  The other night, I made Ma some lima beans and smoked neck bones.  The beans were perfect until I took them off the heat and covered them, when I came back with a big smile ready to serve Ma, it was a big pot of mush, I couldn't believe it, I could hear my brother laughing and talking about my cooking.  I really tired, Ma didn't make it any better when she said what is THAT.  I said WHAT and she said THAT (LOL)  Too embarrassed to post a picture, but they tasted good.  I can hear you J saying "Shellene, stay out of the KITCHEN!


Miss you telling me that "J"!
  I know I can take some lesson from Lynn!   

Wish you were here so I can crack on you, getting up there close to 60 old man, I can hear you tell me, very funny Shellene, I'm not 60 yet, it's close to 55.  And then you would laugh and tell me, look who is right behind me, ha, ha!  I would have also told you that your gift would be coming next pay day, lol!  I use to get you with that one didn't I.  When payday come, you would call and I would say, right, gotta you, sending it now, lol!

Just think you don't even need money where you are, you have everything in Christ Jesus, we will see you again "J" and what a celebration that would be, we will be at your resting place on Saturday, have to work today and Friday.  Mom and Lu is good, we all miss too much!


We thank Jesus for your life with your family and friends.  You will never, ever be forgotten...thanks for my being my big brother and confidant!   

Well, son, I'll tell you: Life for me ain't been no crystal stair. It's had tacks in it, And splinters, And boards torn up, And places with no carpet on the floor— Bare. But all the time I'se been a-climbin' on, And reachin' landin's, And turnin' corners, And sometimes goin' in the dark Where there ain't been no light. So, boy, don't you turn back. Don't you set down on the steps. 'Cause you finds it's kinder hard. Don't you fall now— For I'se still goin', honey, I'se still climbin', And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.

Hard to believe, you are not here to send Ma her card and beat me and Lu in sending it.  Ma is coming along, so glad she is still here.  Wish you were here too!  But I know you are with Jesus Christ, where we all want to be and will be.  We are taking Ma to Red Lobster today, she doesn't want to go to the Grand Luxe and Lu said Ma probably wouldn't eat all that food anyway.  So Red Lobster is better, just dealing with CROWDS, well maybe not to bad today, the weather is a little chilly, but that's okay with me and my hot flashes, oh, Lu is having them too.  When you get past 50 all heck starts happening (lol). 


All is well with everyone...Love and miss you still "J"!  

23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me All the days of my life; And I will dwell[a] in the house of the Lord Forever.

I just had to post this inspiration...from Max Lucado


In God's plan every life is long enough and every death is timely.  And though you and I might wish for a longer life, God knows better.


More importantly, we may wish for a longer life for our love ones, they don't.  Ironically, the first to accept God's decision of death is the one who dies.


While we are shaking heads in disbelief, they are lifting hands in worship.  While we are mourning at their grave, they are marveling in heaven, Glory to God!  While we are questioning God, they are praising God.

But Max, what of those who die with no faith?  My husband never prayed.  My grandpa never worshiped.  My mother never opened a Bible, much less her heart.  What about the one who never believed?

How do we know he didn't?  Who among us is privy to a person's final thoughts?  Who among us knows what transpires in those final moments?  Are you sure no prayer was offered?  Eternity can bend the proudest knees.  Could a person stare into the yawning canyon of death without whispering a plea for mercy?  And could our God, who is partial to the humble resist it?  

He couldn't on Calvary.  The confession of the thief on the cross was both a first and final one.  But Christ heard it.  Christ received it.  Maybe you never heard your one confess Christ, but who's to say Christ didn't?  Thank you Jesus!  

We don't know the final thoughts of a dying soul, but we know this, our God is a good God.  "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9).  He wants your loved one in heaven more than you do.  And He usually gets what He wants.

You know what else God wants?  He wnats you to face your sorrow.  Denial and dismissal are not a part of God's grief therapy.

God will lead you through, not around, the valley of the shadow of death.  And, by the way, areyou glad it's just a shadow? (Parts from Traveling Lightby Max Lucado).

God have mercy and bless us all.  Thank you Jesus!                         

Remember when...


I was telling Don that when we were little, Friday nights was our night, Ma would go out, she would give us a dollar and we would go to the drugstore on Clybourne and get a pint of Neapolitan ice cream and a pack of Lorna Doones or Chocolate Chip cookies, get back home, watch creature feature and sit in front of the TV, J would get the first scoop of ice cream, then when it would get to the point of almost gone, "J" would tell me and my sister to get our last scoop and he would get the last scoop and last cookie.  Lu and I would try to get a big last scoop and Kenneth would get the last scoop but it was little, ha, ha, OMG, what a memory!  Our family!

Your service, flag to your daughter...Glory to God!

"He shall enter into peace; They shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness." (Isaiah 57:2)

Prayer:

My, loving heavenly Father God!  You know how troubled we have been thinking about our love ones who have departed from this world recently, "J", Tracie and Darryl.  Lord my God on the memorial day of our love ones, we pray for new strength, grace and new mercies to carry us through the days without their presence.  Your word says that as your children, we will meet our departed love ones again.  Until then Lord, please comfort our hearts and minds, be with us and guide us as we still struggle with our loss.  Praying that their souls rest in peace and You my Lord, keep us strong in your word until we all meet again in your glorious kingdom.  I pray this all in the matchless name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

God Has Spoken, Let the Church Say AMEN!

Yes, we braved the cold and placed Poinsettias for you.  We know you are not there in spirit only in the old body.  You now have a new body that will never, ever, break down.  Trust me, me and Lu are feeling getting old, ha, ha.  Once you turn 50, somethings in your body starts aching. 

We love and miss you so much.  Too cold for Ma, we know you understand.  Last email or story for this year.

It was difficult year and somehow, God still gets the Glory, Praise and Honor. 

Love Lu and Kid

Unforgettable That's What You Are and Will Always Be!

 Ms. Tracie Conner, miss and love you Sister Girl!  Will see you again...Shellene

Picture not coming up, sorry, she was a beautiful spirit inside and out!

I knew that day was coming, still is hard knowing this time last year, we were there at the hospital with you, crying and praying that you would survive this massive heart attack that claimed your life.  Touching you, kissing you and talking to you swells my heart and my mind, knowing if I could have saved you, I would have.  God has the final say so and we all know that, I wanted you here for all of us.  I do thank God for your life and for all the memories we have of you in our lives.  Life is goes on, but it is definitely different.  Missing you in our lives, you were the key "J", you had a heavy load being there when Deddie wasn't.  Didn't realize the toll it would take on your life and how it would shape your life.  You shared a bond with all of us and I know I speak for everyone who's life you graced.  God has a good man up there with him to carry another load, I'm sure you are better equipped now in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, will see you again "J", NO DOUBT ABOUT THAT!

Miss and Love You Still "J"

So Unforgettable, You Are!


 

The employees here at Accenture wanted to celebrate the service that our love ones gave to the United States of America. 

I posted "J" pic...he will never ever be forgotten as well as others who have served this country.  J wasn't a lifelong member of the armed forces, but he sure was funny in telling his stories.

I remember when he first went to the Gulf war, I cried and cried.  I would write "J" every day, sometimes, saying the same things over and over.  Just couldn't believe he was there, but I wrote often because I wanted him to know that he was missed, he wasn't married and didn't have Vet or Veshia, so it was just me.  Lou was busy with her family and I was leading a boring life too.  What better way to spend time writing my brother, he really appreciate the letters...felt good to hear his name that he had mail.  Had to keep him posted on everyday life with our family and friends.  Don't know whatever happened to those letters...I remember playing over and over Get Here by Oleta Adams.  Just wanted my brother to get home as soon as he could and praise the Lord he did come home!

That song put her on the charts...Praise the Lord, she is a gifted in song and praising and worship Jesus Christ all day along!

Amen!

I'm FREE

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free
I’m following the path God has laid you see.
I took His hand when I heard him call
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found that peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Oh yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and peace to thee
God wanted me now; He set me free.

Girl, you have a good memory...dang that was a long time ago, thirty something years ago. Lynn, I thank God for you...love and miss you.  When Don and I get to AZ to visit his family, we are coming to see you.  I won't leave without seeing you.  I hope it's this Christmas.

Love Shell

We have so much to catch up on...I can hear J now, boy when the two of you get together, watch out!

Be bless!

P.S. we were going to some pictures and we found a pictures of Arie and Marcus!

Memories, memories, memories.....

Well, today is Michael Jackson's birthday and what I remember most about one video in particular is "BAD"! I remember when this first came out and we were over Mom's (Ms. Jones) home. Lu was the one to show the video for us to view for the first time!!! Wonderful memory!!!! We had a blast!!!

3 There is a time for everything,
    and a season for every activity under the heavens:

2     a time to be born and a time to die,
    a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3     a time to kill and a time to heal,
    a time to tear down and a time to build,
4     a time to weep and a time to laugh,
    a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5     a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
    a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6     a time to search and a time to give up,
    a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7     a time to tear and a time to mend,
    a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8     a time to love and a time to hate,
    a time for war and a time for peace.

9 What do workers gain from their toil? 10 I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet[a] no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. 12 I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live. 13 That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God. 14 I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that people will fear him.

J, your nephews are growing up, this was taken on your birthday at Abe Lincoln.  I just can't get use to saying "grave"...I know you are not there, you are resting, until Jesus comes and you will rise first with him.  Glory to God!  J you were "Always first " at everything!  Miss you being first...I will always be second, but first girl (ha, ha) and Lu the baby, that's our family with Ma and Daddie!

I have a white sweater that Ken Ken gave to me while in college!!! He purchased it from Marshall Fields, one of our favorite stores and he always looked so handsome wearing it. He had no problem giving it to me! So caring, so loving and giving. 

Got off work early...Lu, Thomas, JJ and I went to visit your resting place.  We brought 6 red roses for your day and expressing our love for you still. 

Lu said the day before, Thomas was downstairs and was watching a game and he was laughing out loud just like you, she said it brought tears to her eyes. 

And I don't know why or how a card that you sent me on my birthday appeared on the table, I asked Don if he put this card here and he said he had not...brought a smile to my face, happy birthday to me.

Love and miss my brother, still!

Never, ever will be forgotten, Kenneth Michael Jones!

Thank you Jesus for his life.

THANK YOU JESUS FOR KENNETH MICHAEL JONES - WE LOVE AND MISS YOU "J"! GONE TOO SOON...STILL

ALTHOUGH, WE DON'T KNOW THE PLANS GOD HAD FOR YOU OR WHY YOU WERE TAKEN TOO SOON, WE THANK GOD FOR THE TIME WE HAD WITH YOU AND THE ETERNAL LIFE YOU HAVE WITH HIM NOW.  THAT SUPERCEDES ALL BIRTHDAYS AND DEATH.

WE LOVE AND MISS YOU SO MUCH J

LOVE ALWAYS AND FOREVER YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS!

"J" this was your day...Ma, Lu and I were there for you.  It was nice and crowded and hot.  We cried and prayed, miss you so much!  This day represents "freedom" and price that was paid by the lives of Veterans who served so that we may have freedom on this earth and I can add that price that Jesus Christ paid for us ALL so that we may have eternal life.  We will see you again and AMEN!

Lu was laughing at your flowers...well I have to admit, it was too late to get some real flowers and because it was so hot, I didn't want them to wilt on the way to Abe Lincoln, so I brought the next best thing that will hold up through heat and rain, ha, ha!  They look very nice I think so.  Praise the Lord, too bad the groundskeepers take away all the flowers and flags so the sites stay uniform. 

Love you and miss you always and forever...your family, Ma, Lu and me!

"J" 

I can remember your army stories...too funny to mention!  But I remember how scared I was for you when you went to Desert Storm, I use to write you letters every week and would play that record by Oleta Adams, get there all the time.  So glad you made it back from that war. 

We are getting ready to go to the memorial service, you and others have served this country and you have served God.  Miss you so much, know that you are absent from the body and present with the Lord and I wouldn't have it any other way! 

Thank you Jesus and we love you!

What a beautiful head Stone for Ken!!!! I'm just grateful that I didn't sign in sooner. I would have had a major melt down on May 12th!!! 

MOTHER AND HER FAVORITE #1 SON!  GLORY TO GOD!

Well Said! 

Yes, Praise the Lord for the sweet Salvation...glory to our Savior Jesus Christ, he was in Christ Jesus and we can't stop thanking Jesus for his life.  He was a special son, brother, nephew, father and friend.  

Say it again Pastor!

Rest My Brother as you are now safe from all turmoil, trouble, trails and tribulations.  Be Blessed in your new Home in Heaven!  "For we know that if this earthly house of this tabernacle be dissolved, we have another building a house not made with hands."    

Amen!



 

We have come this week from Orlando, FL, to pay our last measure and tribute of respect to the Homegoing of a friend and a brother whom I met while I was Pastor of the Second Baptist Church of Lafayettee, IN. in 1999. Brother Jones and I have shared many conversations, dinners and moments of prayerful concerns.  One of his happier moments in life was his coming forth to accept Jesus Christ as his personal savior to reaffirm his belief in the God of His Salvation.  This week while in Kokomo, IN conducting  a Revival Meeting I went to Elwood, IL to pay my last measure and tribute of respect for a Brother who loved God, His Family and People!
 

Rest My Brother as you are now safe from all turmoil, trouble, trails and tribulations.  Be Blessed in your new Home in Heaven!  "For we know that if this earthly house of this tabernacle be dissolved, we have another building a house not made with hands."    


Our thoughts and prayers go our to Yvesihia, Mrs. Jones, Shellene and Lu!  from the Turner Family  

Kenny, well you use to laugh and get a kick out of my oldest granddaughter Lilly, how I would do anything she wanted. Well look at all of these other ones that have come along, they certiantly keep me hopping!!! You would have been in stitches watching me handle all these at the same time. LOL
The Flynn's (Lillian, Griffin, Isabella, Xavier, Owen and Jonah)

German Chocolate Cake....Now I have an order to make another one! oh my!!!

I'd give you the moon
But you'd never the warmth of the sunshine
I'd give you the world
But exactly what would that do?

I'd promise you wings to fly
But how would you ever learn to run?
So I wish you all you need to be than I could be
This is what I wish for you

I wish you rainy days
So you can know the beauty of a clear blue sky
I wish you falling leaves
So you understand that seasons change

And if I gave you the mountains would you learn to climb?
I pray you'll always see the forest through the trees
This is what I wish for you
This is what I wish for you

If I could I'd say the word
And chase your fears away
And I'd stay right by your side
(From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/h/heather-headley-lyrics/i-wish-lyrics.html)
And point the way that you should take

But this is your life
This is your story
And when all is done and said
Say you lived with no regret

I wish you ocean breeze
And rivers that bring you everything you need
I wish the air you breathe
Is all that you'll ever need

And I wish you nights of love
And days of joy and shoulders when you cry
And just enough hellos to get you through goodbye
This is what I wish for you

I pray one day you'll have a home
With arms that open wide
And you'll have someone who loves you
Always by your side

And when you lose your will to try
I wish you wings to fly, I wish you wings to fly
I wish you everything you need
This is what I wish for you, this is what I wish for you

OMG!!!! Pardon me I most certainly forgot to include the family on the cooking list!!! Love you guys madly!! The cheese grits are still a hit in my family. My children hate them lol.....won't touch them. Another fav was the fruit salad. Ken never missed out and was so proud!

Now this pic was an all time classic!!! Love this!! We had sooooo much fun with him and he was such a great sport about whatever we did as long as it was JUST RIGHT!!!! I know that was after I graduated and started working in Corporate, because I cut my hair lol.....

Lynn,

 You are right, "J" loved your cooking, you were always a good cook, I remember your cheese grits, never heard of them until you made them.  Now I try and make them every now and then, but can't make them like you did.

Look what I found back in the day!  I don't think "J" remembered that we had our two bunny fingers behind him (ha, ha).

Oh my God, look how skinny we were...(lol)!

I can't forget any of his friends either!! He would tell them no most of the time and would have them check on me regularly when he was not in town!! LOL He set the bar high for any other man in my life!!!!!

Apple Pie...A different type of recipe. They tell me it was delicious!!! 

God knows I love Sundays!!! Yesterday I thought about Ken Ken so much because I had a major production going on in my kitchen!!! As you can see from the pic, it was a good one. There were dinners that he was ALWAYS on time for without a doubt! My homemade deep dish pizza, fried chicken (special recipe), all summer holiday meals and all others!!! Miss you dearly Ken Ken!!! 

Red Velvet Cake Balls 

"J" this was indeed one of your favorite Psalms...and mines too.  It was the first psalm that I memorized and understood.  Miss everybody, Pappa, Vinnie, Tiny and Michael and Ma's mother and brother and Cheryl's Kimberly Denise and Edward, so glad you are up there with them too.  Miss ya, Henry!  We will see you again, no doubt about it!  In the name of Jesus!

PSALM 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Yes, Veshia, you are so much like your Dad.  He would always say no matter how mad you would get because you couldn't get your way, "You're daddies baby".  Glad he was stern, but he was a big softee too!  Make him proud of you no matter what, stand firm on making something out of your life.  Life is too short, live and enjoy.  Your dad will be so proud of you, that's what he wanted most!

"Love my big brother, what an undeniable mark you made in my life.  I love you "J" always will, forever and ever and ever and ever...

Love Kid!

EVERLASTING LOVE
THANK YOU
JESUS 

"J" I know you were worried about us: Ma, Lu and me.  You were the ultimate worry wart in the family and I think I'm right behind you.  Know this Lu and I will pick up where you left off, we got Ma and Jesus has you.  Worry no more my dear brother...you've have done your part and you have done it well.

Ma made sure she would call us and let us know that she received her cards from her favorite son before we gave her cards.  We know, we live right here and Ma would always get her cards day after, but Mr. Goodie Too Shoes would always be first (ha, ha). 

Love Kid!

God hath not promised skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through;
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, peace without pain.

God hath not promised we shall not know
Toil and temptation, trouble and woe;
He hath not told us we shall not bear
Many a burden, many a care.

God hath not promised smooth roads and wide,
Swift, easy travel, needing no guide;
Never a mountain, rocky and steep,
Never a river, turbid and deep.

Hallelujah, glory to God in the highest!  Thank you Jesus for your mercy and grace.