What a wonderful day for our Family!!

This past Wednesday was the 1^st month of our family challenge it was awesome!  Nervous on what God place in my heart…who knew that the spark was going to be lit so quickly (but I should have know with God in the midst)!!   As, I shared thoughts of our history and stats for today’s world I was excited to see our family was on the same page. 

 Starting the night off with a family pray lead by Dude put us all on one accord and the night started!!  Discussions started, ideas got brewing, and encouragement was definitely in the building.  With advice and strength giving by our elders Aunt Lorraine and Elaine Sr. we could not be led wrong.   And, a beautiful uplifting song by Mendy Ramalho - I hope You Dance…

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance

I hope you dance

As, the kids looked up and realized the dream we have for them and agreed on the expectations we set for them, as we all told them how we all will stand behind them and push their dream I had seen a hope in their eyes.  Then we get the call!!  The call to tell us the Chrystal Bush and her son Cody who was on their way to the seminar was in a terrible car accident!   First we heard broken legs, car was totaled, and it’s serious.  As we set to close the night early to get to the Hospital.. With the direction of Dee-Dee we quickly gathered in prayer and lifted their name!  NO WEAPONS!  As, we got to the hospital and to Chrystal’s room our hearts were heavy... then came running in the room was CODY!!  Now, did I mention how the car hit her on Cody’s side and it was totaled?  .. Not a scratch on him!  Then the Doctor came in and said to Chrystal, “nothing is broken”.   Hallelujah!   There is nothing that can touch our family… when we cover each other with prayer!  Nothing!  She still is in a lot of pain... but we will continue to keep her and Cody in prayer!

 Agenda for the Night

v  We discussed where we came from.  

v  What God’s plan for us.

v  Where we are right now as a whole.

v  Where we should be

v  And how we can get there.

Ideas for the Night

v  Strategy’s on how we can improve our kids education

v  How to provide a stable atmosphere for the kids

v  Improving and setting goals for adults... networking, career push

v  Being better family members for those leaning on us and being there for each other

v  Money that is raised will go towards: future seminars, health, and family needs to move forward positively.

Something to look forward to next month...

    1.       Will follow up on last month agenda and see what progress was made.

    2.       We will be raffling off a pillow hand made by Aunt Lorraine for black history month, so bring your dollars.

    3.       Each Month we have entertainment being done by the kids and 1 adult.  (Nantezza and Tymagee are handling the kids’ entertainment).  Please email or call me if your child would like to participate for the upcoming months.  

    4.       This month’s topic:  Physical, mental, and spiritual war.  Anyone would like to be a speaker, share a story, or have ideas please contact me.

    5.       Miguel is the head of the music department.

*A special thank you to Paulette and Jeffrey for helping me put this together.   To those that donated, your gift is very much appreciated.

Elaine's contact info. : emcallis57@yahoo.com or txt me at 203-545-2302

SAVE THE DATE: WED. JAN. 30, 2013.

Great News!!!  

I have a place where we will be having monthly meeting for all of 2013!!!!  Unfortunately, in order to get a good deal it will have to be during the week.   I will make them on the last Wednesday of each month from 6-8:30 beginning this month on January 30, 2013.  

These meetings will be seminars to help build and strengthen our family as a whole in a positive light!  It's all POSITIVE - Please please come with a clear mind and a humble attitude to learn and teach each other. 

I have been speaking closely with Aunt Lorraine for advice and guidance.  She has decided to  come on board.  Aunt Lorraine not only believes we can do it.. she will be guiding us all through it!

ATTENDING****

This is something for the entire family.. kids, parents, and You.  And, when you think of the umbrella if your last name does not end with Bush, Belle, & Nichols but your  parents and/or grand-parents does that includes you as well.  But, this is not the place to bring non-family members.  The fortunate thing of having a huge family is that we have a big support system.  The unfortunate thing is we don't have room to hold friends and your other family members in all events. What is a non-family member- A non-family member is a person that does not have Bush, Belle, Nichols blood running through their veins.  With the exception of marriage and adoption. 

FUNDING ****

I  will be paying for the location and expenses.  If anyone would like to help out your more than welcome.   All you have to do is bring cash and place it in the donation box on the table.   You can put in whatever your heart desires.  There's no keeping track of who donated, there is no designated amount to contribute, I don't really want to discuss money. No, I don't have it like that!  I just don't want to lose focus on the reason why we are doing this... LOVE.

LOCATION****

Trinity Hall 99 York St. Bridgeport, CT 


Please email me with any questions or concerns at:  emcallis57@yahoo.com.

"BNB -Campaign For Change in 2013"

BNB

 BUSH ~ NICHOLS ~ BELLE

Hello My Family!

Boy have I missed you!!   We are coming to a new year and God has put in my spirit that 2013 is a year of change!!  Looking around the world today... our kids are falling by the waist side.  And, I say we can't change the world, but we can change our FAMILY.  There are dreams that are not being met and in a family with so much love and support this shouldn't be.  I am looking for ALL of the family member's to come together on this "BNB -Campaign For Change in 2013" !!!   What is this about?  This is about change in numbers... it's easy to say this child failed or this didn't work out.  But, that will put the blame on one individual... when it's proving that we all have an influence on everyone's child!  We are family and as a whole if some child is not in the position of not reaching their dream... it’s a family issue!

We are all one level.  Some may want to say that others are less important and that is far from the truth.  Some may say that my child is fine and that's all that matter - NOT.   Some may say - my child didn't reach theirs, so I don't care if anyone else does - FALSE! 

We are a family that cover's each other, we sing, party, laugh, and cry together.  We lift each other up in numbers.  There has never been a hospital room that hasn’t been filled from day and night when one of ours is in there.   There hasn't been a birthday party that hasn't been packed!  When I look for support I do not have to go far!  Now, I am looking for support for our children.

Let's show them in numbers that we stand behind their success... that they are more than the street corners, jail, drop outs and all that has been going on with our kids today's.   Let's expect more... let's raise our expectations and let's stand behind them and show them that we stand for more!!

2013 will be a host of family events that are going to focused on our children and change!  We are no longer going to talk about.. but be about!!!

There will be a survey posted shortly.  This survey is for us to get numbers of what we are truly producing as a whole; we can see where we stand as of Dec. 2012 and where need to work at to improve in 2013.

Each event will be put together carefully with the thought of saving money, improving our kid’s lives, and putting more value to our love for one another!!  So who's with me.. let's go!

1st event will be closing 2012 with a bang!!  Getting everyone excited for Change... 

Save the date- December 29, 2012

   "WALK FOR CHANGE 2013!!!"

More information to come… 

Prayers Works ~~ Aunt Trudy, we love you!!

Words of encouragement and Prayers go along way!! Family our beautiful “Aunt Trudy” to most is in strong need of prayer. She has been sick for some time and we need to pull together and send our prayers for her and her children.

I know everyone can agree that Aunt Trudy has always been a strong woman in our family. She helps others and her love pours out to us all! She keeps a smile "with her beautiful cheeks" and always there for us. Through the lost of our recent family members she’s always been there sick or not to encourage and remind us where we came from and share wonderful memories. Now, it’s time for us to encourage her to pull through... it’s time for us to ask God to send his Angel of comfort out to her and her children.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 All praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. He is the source of every mercy and the God who comforts us… When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.

The comforted becomes the comforter. That is the role of God has for us. As he comforts us in our time of trouble, so we comfort others.

PROMISE FROM GOD: Nahum 1:7 The Lord is good. When trouble comes, he is a strong refuge. And he knows everyone who trusts in him!

If anyone has some warm comforting words, please post and possiblely she can read them when she gets home! I will follow up with hospital information as soon as I speak with her children.

Aunt Trudy, feel better!

Wendy Ramalho

We Will Always Love You, Wendy!!!

The one Blessing of God that is all so great to me is how he created everyone to have their own individual identity... there is no two of the same kind of people. Wendy is the only Wendy.. can not be duplicated!! Her smile is big enough to brighten the whole world. Anyone that comes encounter with Wendy knows about that beautiful smile. Even if you're down one look at Wendy's smile your face will transform non- intentional to a smile. It's like speaking with no words. Sending a warm message to your heart.

While we are sad that she is gone.. we should be pleased to know that she is present with the Lord!! I pray for that. People may say - how do you know?? I don't ... i know that Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts.. (Prov. 21:2).

Knowing we can look forward, knowing we will see our loved ones again, love them again, and enjoy worshipping God with them forever that our tears are made dry.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Friends and Family are invited to the viewing from 10:00AM – 11:00 AM at the Chapel.

Service: Funeral services will be held Saturday 11:00 AM at Morton’s Mortuary Chapel, 25 Margaret E. Morton Lane, Bridgeport, with Apostle Ardeen Richardson, officiating.

After, services family and friends will be fellowshipping at Wendy's church Mt. Olive Holy Ghost Cathedral at 705 Arctic St. Bridgeport, CT.

The Family asks if anyone wants to bring food the list is on the right of this blog and to contact Elaine so I can pass the information to help simplify things during this difficult time. Monetary donation is definitely appreciated as well, which can be given directly to the immediate family members.

Please make comments to reflect Wendy and your relationship with her.. short stories, wishes to the family, your thoughts etc. will be appreciated....

ADD & ADHD?? I came upon a good read!

“Just because somebody doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with everything they got”

How should a Christian view ADD and ADHD?"ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) are terms to describe conditions associated with particular sets of behaviors. There are generally both physical and spiritual implications associated with those who have been diagnosed with either of these conditions.

Much of the research and debate on this issue centers around the physical cause and potential cure or care for the conditions. However, in that the essence of the conditions involve behavior that the Bible addresses, it is very important for Christians to consider the spiritual impact on those diagnosed as ADD or ADHD.

ADD tends to describe those individuals wrestling with inattention. Inattention is described as possessing some or all of the following: often makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work or other activities; often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities; often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly; often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace; often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities; often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks that require sustained mental effort; often loses things necessary for tasks or activities; is often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli; is often forgetful in daily activities.

ADHD tends to describe those individuals wrestling with inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The individual may have some of the above characteristics along with some of the following: often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat; often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected; often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate; often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly; is often "on the go" or often acts as if "driven by a motor"; often talks excessively, often blurts out answers before questions have been completed; often has difficulty awaiting turn; often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g. butts into conversations or games).

Undoubtedly, there are various reasons why individuals are diagnosed with ADD or ADHD. However, in cases where the evidence rests primarily on the behavior of the individual, the Supreme Authority should be consulted. The Bible is not silent on many of the above behaviors.

The following are biblical teachings concerning the issue of attentiveness:

1. God recognizes that some tasks are hard, yet it is good for us to be faithful with our tasks – 2. Proverbs 6:6-8; Colossians 3:23.

2. God recognizes that it is hard to stay focused, yet there are rewards for staying focused – Proverbs 12:11.

3. God recognizes that it is hard to develop priorities, yet there are rewards for making good choices – Proverbs 24:27.

4. God recognizes that it is hard to listen to instruction, yet there are rewards for listening to those who are teaching – Proverbs 7:24; James 1:19.

5. God recognizes that it is hard to remember things; that is why He tells us to develop reminders – Proverbs 6:20-21; Deuteronomy 6:6-8; 2 Peter 1:12-15.

The following are biblical teachings concerning the issue of self-control:

1. We typically do not exhibit self-control; it is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:23), as well as that which we add to our faith (2 Peter 1:6).

2. The Apostle Paul described bringing his body under control as a battle (1 Corinthians 9:27).

3. The Bible even encourages controlling the use of our words (Proverbs 10:19; Matthew 12:36).

4. We are encouraged that control of our lives begins with control over our minds (Proverbs 25:28; Philippians 4:8).

The following are biblical teachings concerning impulsivity:

1. God states that there are consequences to being hasty (Proverbs 21:5).

2. There is value in listening before speaking (James 1:19).

3. It is wise to listen to a matter before answering (Proverbs 18:13).

4. Patience and longsuffering (holding back passion) are signs of spiritual maturity (Galatians 5:22; James 1:2-4).

Typically one focuses on the negative behavior without realizing that there are positive traits behind those behaviors. The day-dreamer or forgetful one tends to be quite imaginative. The impulsive one tends to have a burden to get things done. The hyperactive person tends to have ample energy that can be turned to benefit others. Therefore, it is important that such individuals be considered for what part they play in the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:11-26).

The behaviors above are considered signs of wisdom and maturity, or the lack thereof. Therefore, it is the role of the church and parents to help redirect the attention and energy of such individuals. Discipling such individuals will involve the following:

1) Helping the individual develop a servant’s heart. Many of the behaviors listed above reflect a rather selfish motive in life. Learning to serve others helps individuals push through unpleasant tasks and to be more patient (Philippians 2:3-4).

2) Helping the individuals control their own thinking. The Bible talks of renewing the mind (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23). God instructs us to focus on eight attributes in Philippians 4:8. Those who wrestle with fantasy can be encouraged to think on those things that are true.

3) Helping individuals to renew their minds as to what God teaches about their behaviors (note the above examples).

4) Helping the individuals to establish structure. The Bible describes the Christian life as being a “one another” experience. They met daily in the early church (Acts 2) and we are encouraged to motivate and encourage one another (Hebrews 10:24-25). Too often we give people a “pass” on their behaviors when what they need is help in changing them.

5) Helping the individuals by modeling proper behavior. Paul modeled for Timothy (2 Timothy 3:10-11). Undoubtedly, many individuals learn better by seeing than by hearing. It is extra work, but patiently helping such individuals turn the corner will have dividends in the long run.

6) By embracing the special place they fulfill in the body of Christ we can tap into the gift they have to offer.

There are certainly other things that can help those diagnosed as ADD or ADHD. However, parents, pastors, and those who work with children and adults with ADD and/or ADHD, should not be discouraged from utilizing the Word of God, which is profitable for teaching, reproving, correcting, and instructing (2 Timothy 3:16).

LET'S SEE WHO WON!!!

The Cook off event went well. The one issue we have is that we ate late; due to waiting for promised food to come. Being late is something definitely hinders are events from being a great event!!! Though I have an issue of being prompt myself; its not fair to those who do not suffer from this issue. All I can say it that we continue to work on it and keep in mind to try be considerate of others.

Let's see who won!!!

The rules:

We had 3 catagorize and 6 judges. Each dish was labeled by numbers (so the judges did not know who cooked it), then were rated on the scale of 1-10 (10 being the best), after totaling each dish we had a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

1ST Place winners
Desiree Bush- Curry Chicken
Helen Belle- Lasagna

Robin Belle- Seafood salad

Diane Bush - Cake

Ruthy Minick - Sweet Potato Pie

2ND Place winners
Brian Blackwell- Turkey Legs
Deirtra McAllister- Cabbage
Brian Blackwell- Sweet Potato

3RD Place winners

Paulette Bush- Fried Fish
Desiree Bush- Baked Macaroni

Let's give it up for our 6 judges: they've done a wonderful job:
Barbara Bush, Courtney Melvin, Davaun McAllister, Shirlae Bush, Mark "Quick" Bush, and James Cook.

Also let's give it up to our family DJ Tyrone Bush on the one's and two's. He was awesome!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 2010!! 2010!! 2010!!

Name one thing your grateful for from last year & name one thing your looking forward to in 2010!!! Please type your answer under comments.

Who Got the Dish!!!!

The Big Cook off..
Here we go family.. I mentioned to you before about our teen committee and how they have joined together to help raise money for our family reunion this year. Well their first event is in January 30, 2010!!

Our family member will cook their BEST dish and it will be served to everyone in our family who attends the "cook off". Only the judges will make a decision on who is the winner. There will be trophy's given out for the best dishes in each category.

The Rules

1. There will be a $10 fee to enter your dish into the "cook off". Any add'tl dish can be entered in for only $5.00. (Required-include your recipe so we can build a family cookbook.)

2. There will be a charge at the door which covers dinner & drinks:
$5.00 - Adults (16 and up)
$2.00 - child (15 - 2)
(Of course those that pays $10 to enter their dish does not have to pay at the door.)

So, please come and bring your family out to enjoy a beautiful dinner designed by your family!! Oh and yeah come out to see who really makes the best Chicken!! lol.

Najla "born of wide eyes" and Khapri "sun"

Did we see it coming family.. Fat-Man becoming all mushy. Helping with the family reunion; we should have know when we saw him placing candles on the table preparing for the family reunion. Few months later, we were surprised to hear FAT-MAN was becoming a father soon by the lovely Taqiyya . And soon enough July 08, 2009 a princess was born:

Najla Khapri Bush




At 3 months Najla is already sitting up and teething (you know what that means family: ready for the next one). She has the most beautiful smile and smooth skin. It's great to have another beautiful princess enter our huge family of princess and queens. Keep it comming Fam!!!