Monday, December 31, 2007

Happy Holiday's

I hope that everyone reading this blog had a wonderday Chirstmas. I certainly did. My daughters and I spent the day on the Island (Galveston) at my moms' with family. It was very entertaining, loving and refreshing.

I have one aunt, Frances, who just takes center stage every holiday. She tells the funniest jokes, pulls the kids hair, asks questions that noone wants to answer. She is the one person that as soon as you hit the door, you ask, "where is Frances?". If she is not there--stories begin about her encounters since the last time we were all together. If she is there, she will respond with "Who in the Hell Wants to Know!!" And it is on from there. It is all in fun. It is all about family.
I am sure many of you can relate.

I posted this picture because my youngest daughter, Laurryn felt the need to take a photo of me napping. I had just eaten Christmas dinner. As you can tell from the picture, I was quite content with my turkey, dressing, corn casserole, green beans, stuffed chicken, cranberry sauce and Michelob Lite. Don't I look full?

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU ALL!!!!

Thursday, December 27, 2007

Pakistan's Bhutto assassinated at rally


RAWALPINDI, Pakistan - Pakistan opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was assassinated Thursday in a suicide attack that also killed at least 20 others at a campaign rally, aides said.

Bhutto's supporters erupted in anger and grief after her death, attacking police and burning tires and election campaign posters in several cities. At the hospital where she died, some smashed glass and wailed, chanting slogans against President Pervez Musharraf.

The death of the 54-year-old charismatic former prime minister threw the campaign for the Jan. 8 parliamentary elections into chaos and created fears of mass protests and violence across the nuclear-armed nation, an important U.S. ally in the war on terrorism.

Musharraf convened an emergency meeting with his senior staff where they were expected to discuss whether to postpone the election, an official at the Interior Ministry said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks.

By SADAQAT JAN and ZARAR KHAN, Associated Press Writers

Scripture for the Day

Thursday, December 27, 2007

SCRIPTURE: Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.
2 Corinthians 9:10,

THOUGHT: God has blessed us so much in Jesus. Yet God longs to bless us even more. Why? God longs to bless us because ... he is a generous God ... because he is our loving Father ... because that is his nature ... because he wants us to be like him! God blesses us to be a blessing to others!

PRAYER: You have so richly blessed me, LORD, so please help me see the opportunities you build into each day for me to bless others. Make me a conduit of your blessings. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen

Source: http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

20 Year Reunion - 10 Degrees Below Zero







These are photos from the 20th Anniversary Celebration of my line, 10 Degrees Below Zero of the Xi Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority at Texas A&M University in 1987. The pledge process began one dark late night in October. The exact time-- noone knows. The exact date is a blurr to all that participated. The room was filled with....Jackie Caviel, Ericka Edwards, Demetra Andrews, Chandra Braden, Tammy Gilbert, Janet Bell, Kelley Eubanks (not pictured), Robyne Kelly (not pictured), Carolyn Calhoun (not pictured), and LaTricia Williams. The other names will not be revealed to protect the innocent.

The story goes on---The ten of us lived together, Studied together, worked together and participated in all activities together for six weeks. The journey was not easy but, as far as we know the pearls that we received were worth the 6 weeks journey!!! I proud to say that after 20 years, we still find time to meet, greet and be merry together!!!

November 21, 2007 marked our exact date of our crossing the burning sands. For our 20th Anniversary, decided to go to Isle Pedi Spa. It is a really nice spa as you can see from the photos. You are graced with a flat screen tv, a warm neck wrap, and beverages of your choice. After the Spa, my line sisters and I went over to Azuma's Sushi Bar were we indulged in sushi, sake and life talk. To end the night, we headed to Scott Gertner's Sport's Bar. While at the Sports Bar, we indulged in karoake and much more!!! It goes without saying that we had a great time as you can see in the photos. What is life without your girlfriends----BORING!!!

Friday, December 21, 2007

New Local Talk Show - Channel 39

Member of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church and Channel 39 Anchor Sherry Williams, hosts a new talk show called, "The Conversation with Sherry Williams". The first episode airs this Sunday, December 23rd at 10am on Channel 39.

The show is a panel discussion of LOCAL news events and newsmakers. The first topic is Joe Horn and the Pasadena shooting case. The first guest is Quanell X. The show will air monthly, every first Sunday at 10am on Ch. 39.

Please watch and also please e-mail the station to let them know if you appreciate this kind of local programming at: http://www.khcw.com/ then click "Contact Us".

Scripture For Today

VERSE: And again, Isaiah says, "The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; the Gentiles will hope in him." Romans 15:12, New International Version

THOUGHT: When Jesus came, he did come to the nation of Israel, according to the promises made to God's people. He was a proper descendant of King David, the son of Jesse. His birth was prophesied by Jewish prophets and recorded in the Bible of the Israelite people. But no matter how Jewish his origins, Jesus came for all people in fulfillment of Old Testament promises that God would save all nations through Israel and the Jewish Messiah. While David brought Israel great power and notoriety as an awesome warrior and King, Jesus brought the reign of grace to the hearts of millions of Jews and non-Jews by conquering death and bringing true life.

PRAYER: Father, as this year draws to a close and ethnic and religious emotions are stirred around the world, please bless us with peace. Give us a deep sense of your love and presence. Shepherd us in your grace. At the same time, rekindle in our hearts your desire to bring all people together in peace through salvation in Jesus. Please bless your children throughout the world who are lovingly sharing your gospel to a culture other than their own. Bless them as they are apart from their families. Most of all, bless them with the joy of their desire -- using them to lead someone to salvation during this holiday season. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Thursday, December 20, 2007

Congratulations Moriah Sells - Continental Math League Results

My oldest daughter, Moriah, participated in the December Continental Math League Competition. She was among the top scorers in this month's meet.
This month, all River Oaks Baptist School Middle School students participated in the second of five monthly Continental Mathematics League (CML) competitions and she did good work. There will be more emails updating you on her progess. She is so smart!!

13th Annual Birthday Bash Winter White Affair

City Council Member Ronald Green, Vince Jones, DJ Aggravated, Rob G & Bobby Taylor are celebrating their birthdays with a Bash at the Office Bar and Lounge, 310 Main St., Houston, TX, on Sunday, December 23, 2007. Featuring Peter Marker in the Mix (NYC).

Bring a toy worth $10 or more to Endzone Fashions to receive your invitation for complementary admission.

For more information log onto: http://ebonylifestyles.com/



Council Member Jarvis Johnson's Holiday Party

HOLIDAY PARTY GIVEN BY COUNCIL MEMBER JARVIS JOHNSON
When: Friday, December 21, 2007
Time: 5:30-Until
Where: Cotton Exchange Bar
202 Travis St, TX
To RSVP Please Call 713-247-2009
Join Council Member Jarvis Johnson in a
Celebration of the Holiday season.
Let’s eat, drink and be Merry!!!!!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR
HAPPY KWANZAA
HAPPY HANNUKAH
MERRY CHRISTMAS

Economy sizzled Over summer Despite Housing Woes

WASHINGTON — The economy sprinted ahead at its fastest pace in four years during the summer, although it is expected to limp through the final three months of this year as the housing and credit debacles weigh on individuals and businesses alike.

The Commerce Department reported today that gross domestic product grew at a 4.9 percent pace in the July-to-September quarter, unchanged from an estimate made a month ago. The performance was especially impressive given that the housing market plunged deeper into despair. Builders slashed spending on housing projects in the third quarter at an annualized rate of 20.5 percent, the most in 16 years.

The economy's growth in October through December is expected to have slowed to a pace of just 1.5 percent or less. Gross domestic product measures the value of all goods and services produced within the United States.

The big worry is that individuals will cut back on their spending and throw the economy into a recession. Former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan and others say the odds of that happening have grown this year. Greenspan recently warned that the economy is "getting close to stall speed."

To rescue the economy, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke and his colleagues have sliced a key interest rate three times this year; those moves dropped that key rate down to 4.25 percent, a two-year low. Still, Bernanke has been criticized for not moving more quickly and aggressively to deal with the problems.

The collapse of the once high flying housing market, a mortgage meltdown and a painful credit crunch, have propelled home foreclosures to record numbers. The problems have forced banks and other financial companies to rack up multibillion-dollar losses, have unnerved Wall Street and have the Bush administration and the Democrat-controlled Congress accusing each other of not doing enough to stem the crisis and scrambling for solutions to curb the fallout.

Credit problems have made it harder for people to get financing to buy a home, aggravating the housing slump. The inventory of unsold homes continues to pile up, forcing builders to cut back even deeper on construction projects. Home foreclosures and late payments are expected to get worse. The troubles in housing are expected to drag on well into next year, acting as a weight on national economic activity.

In the third quarter, the housing slump lopped a sizable 1.08 percentage point off GDP. Analysts expect the ailing housing market to bite into economic activity in the coming quarters.
Whether the economy manages to avoid a recession or not will hinge largely on how consumers and the nation's employment situation hold up.

Another report showed that more people signed up for unemployment benefits last week, suggesting that the job market is softening.

The Labor Department reported that new applications filed for jobless benefits rose by 12,000 to 346,000. It was a larger increase than economists were expecting. They were forecasting claims to rise to 335,000 last week.

Consumer spending grew at a lukewarm pace of 2.8 percent in the third quarter, just a tad better than the 2.7 percent reported a month ago. Consumer spending, however, is expected to get a lot cooler in the final three months of this year, economists say.

So far, the nation's job market, while slowing down, hasn't fallen to pieces. New job creation and wage gains have helped to support consumer spending and offset some of the negative forces from the housing and credit problems.

The unemployment rate, now at 4.7 percent, is expected to climb to 5 percent by early next year as the economy loses speed. Should the job market abruptly lose momentum, consumers could be spooked and snap shut their wallets and pocketbooks, sending the economy into a tailspin.

Businesses, however, largely carried the economy in the third quarter. Sales of U.S. exports abroad powered growth. Exports grew by 19.1 percent, on an annualized basis, the most in four years, and even better than previously estimated. Those sales were aided by the falling value of the U.S. dollar, which makes U.S. goods cheaper to buy on foreign markets.

A separate GDP-related gauge of inflation showed that "core" prices — excluding food and energy — increased at a rate of 2 percent in the third quarter, up sharply from a 1.4 percent pace in the second quarter. The new third-quarter core inflation reading was higher than a 1.8 percent growth rate estimated a month ago. The 2 percent reading was at the upper bound of the Fed's comfort zone for inflation.

That pickup suggested that high energy prices are pushing up the prices of other goods and services. High energy prices are a double-edged sword. They can put a damper on growth and also stoke inflation, which would be a dangerous combination for the economy.

The situation could complicate the Fed's job of trying to keep the economy growing, while making sure that inflation is under control. The central bank's bracing tonic for weakening economic growth is lowering its key interest rate, while the remedy for inflation is raising its key rate.

One of the reasons Bernanke and his colleagues opted to slice the Fed's key rate by just one-quarter percentage point on Dec. 11 was because of concerns about a possible inflation flare up. The modest cut disappointed Wall Street, which wanted a bolder, half-point rate reduction. That investor disappointment caused stocks to tumble.

Source: www.chron.com December 20, 2007

Scripture For the Day

VERSE: [As the prophet has written:] "But you, Bethlehem, in the landof Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for outof you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my peopleIsrael." -- Matthew 2:6 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Matthew+2:6

THOUGHT: The birth of Jesus at Bethlehem is no accident. The Almighty Godhad foretold this many years earlier through his prophets. EvenHerod's religious lackeys could determine that the Messiah was tobe born in the quaint old city of David. The human birth of thepromised Messiah would occur in the city of Israel's great King,poet, and shepherd. This was God's plan. It is also a reminder thatGod keeps his word and fulfills his promises.

PRAYER: Loving God, I find it hard to complete my plans and fulfill mypromises. This makes the unfolding of your plans, foretoldthroughout the winding story of the Old Testament, so amazing tome. Please use your Spirit to remind me during the darker momentsof my soul that you do fulfill your promises and will bring yourdeliverance right on time. Please give me patience to waitfaithfully, and to live courageously, for your salvation to befully revealed. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi?day=20071220Today's Verse is also available in:PORTUGUESE - http://www.iluminalma.com.br/dph/2/1220.htmlSPANISH - http://www.laluzdelalma.com/vdh/2/1220.html

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

"Dance With The Realtist"

The Houston Real Estate Association invites you to "Dance With The Realtist" on Friday, January 25, 2008 at the Houstonian Hotel, Club and Spa as we celebrate our 58th Annual Awards Gala and Banquet. Cocktail Hour/Silent Auction 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm. Dinner, Dancing and Entertainment 7:30 pm - 1:00 am.

The Houstonian Hotel is located at111 North Post Oak Lane.

Hotel accommodations are available at a special group rate $169.00 per night for HREA members.
Corporate Sponsorship packages are available:
$25,000.00 Diamond $10,000.00 Platinum
$5000.00 Gold $2500.00 Silver
$1500.00 Bronze
Want to advertise your business? Ad Space is available in the 2008 Souvenir Journal.
If you are interested in attending, please contact me at lsells@swbell.net or post your comment.

CAPITAL B,'S Bourbon & Boas

Moi Dame Spielberg is hosting a booksigning for her latest book, Adventures of a CAPITAL B! The event will be held at Melodrama Boutique, 5306 Almeda, Houston, TX 77004 on Saturday, December 22th at 11:00AM.

Come get your autographed copy of Moi Dame Spielberg's Adventures of a CAPITAL B! Remember --there is a 15% discount on all items in Melodrama for the month of December! For more information call 713-523-1608.

30% Off Salon Utopia (Pearland)

Friends-- Salon Utopia is offering 30% OFF to all first time customers, with chemical services.

Restriction are: No Saturdays!, 1 Coupon Per Customer. Must present coupon. Not valid with any other offer. Limit one coupon per customer. No substitutions. While supplies last. Not redeemable for cash, credit, previous purchases, gift certificates, or taxes. They reserve the right to refuse any coupon. The Coupon ID: 1056-1772-3. It is valid through - January 18, 2008.

Salon Utopia1910 Country Place ParkwaySuite 110Pearland, TX 77584(281) 477-6742.

Email me at lsells@swbell.net or post your email address on the comments section of this blog and I will email you the coupon.

Thousands here may face foreclosure if rates not frozen

A Bush administration proposal to freeze interest rates on certain subprime loans for five years could give thousands of Houston-area homeowners the relief they need to save their homes from foreclosure.

The White House released details today on a plan that would apply to borrowers with loans made at the start of 2005 through July 30 of this year with rates that are scheduled to rise between Jan. 1 and July 31, 2010.

Based on new and existing home sales, local economist Barton Smith says about 37,000 adjustable-rate mortgages — or ARMs — will reset by year's end in the Houston area, jumping to 50,000 next year.

And considering that the highest percentage of ARMs that went to people with subprime or poor credit will adjust to new rates in 2008, potentially thousands of cash-strapped borrowers could end up defaulting on their loans or losing their homes to foreclosure. "The consumer is stressed out right now with all other kinds of debt," said Smith, director of the Institute for Regional Forecasting at the University of Houston. "These resets are coming at a very bad time," he said.

Across Texas, of the estimated 91,600 subprime ARMs that had yet to reset as of the end of September, 66.8 percent will do so in 2008, with the biggest chunk coming due from March into the summer, according to estimates from First American LoanPerformance, a San Francisco research firm, which does not disclose city-specific data. Adjustments fall off significantly in 2009.

Without the federal assistance, Smith and other experts predict high foreclosure and delinquency rates through next year, peaking in the summer. While freezing rates helps lenders spread out their bad loans over an extended period of time, "sooner or later those interest rates have got to go up. It doesn't solve the basic problem," said Smith.

Source: www.chron.com , By NANCY SARNOFF Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle, Dec. 6, 2007

Scripture of the Day

VERSE: God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeemthose under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. -- Galatians 4:4-5

THOUGHT: God sent his Son. No one else would do. He had sent prophets,priests, and preachers. Religion remained earthbound, legalistic,and doomed. So God sent what is most precious to him, his Son. Why?So measly human beings such as you and I could be adopted into hisfamily and have the same rights as the Savior, God's Son and ourbrother in the faith!

PRAYER: Thank you, Holy God, for bringing me back into your familythrough your Son. Thank you for not treating me as my sins deserve.Thank you for not leaving me under Law, but redeeming me throughyour grace into a dynamic love relationship as your child. Thankyou for your plan of redemption that wound its way through OldTestament history until the time came to fulfill all your promises.Thank you for sending your Son. In the name of the Lord JesusChrist I thank you. Amen.

http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi?day=20071219Today's Verse is also available in:PORTUGUESE - http://www.iluminalma.com.br/dph/2/1219.htmlSPANISH - http://www.laluzdelalma.com/vdh/2/1219.html

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Houston-Area Home Sales Drop for Third Month

Houston-area single-family home sales fell 9 percent last month, according to figures released today by the Houston Association of Realtors.
While it marked the third consecutive month with a significant decline, the figures represent "comparative stability," with area sales and pricing performance still outpacing 2005 figures, the association reported.

"The drop in property sales, while disappointing, is not unusual at this time of the year, and is far from the loud thud being heard in markets outside Texas," Rob Cook, the association's chairman and broker-owner of Robert D. Cook Properties, said in a news release.
Houston's housing market, he added, is expected to fare much better than the national market when the figures are tallied at the end of 2007.

Year-to-date single-family home sales were down 3 percent in the area. That compares to an estimated national decline of 12.5 percent this year, according to the National Association of Realtors.

Houston-area Realtors sold 4,863 single-family homes in November through the Multiple Listing Service. Most of the homes were used, but some were new.
While sales were down, the median price rose 1.7 percent to $150,000. That's 27.1 percent lower than the national median, which reached $205,700 in October.
The increase in home prices, Cook said, "demonstrates that Houston's real estate market has staying power through the subprime debacle and continues to offer a sound investment opportunity as we head into 2008."

But some clouds are on the horizon. The number pending sales at the end of November — those properties expected to close within the next 30 days — dropped 5.7 percent from the same time last year, signaling another likely decline in sales for December. And more homes were on the market in November than last year. That figure jumped 13.3 percent to 52,217 properties. But if fell from October by 1,190 units, a positive indicator for the market, as lower inventories generally support pricing levels, the association said.

Source: NANCY SARNOFF, Houston Chronicle Copyright 2007, December 18, 2007

NASA Internship - Exploration Systems Mission Directorate Student Project

NASA is currently accepting applications for the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate Student Projects opportunity. Students can apply for exploration-related internships or senior design projects for student teams.The ESMD Student Project provides opportunities to involve a diverse group of students (graduate and undergraduate) in substantive, hands-on, engineering experiences to prepare them for future careers in space.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens who are 18 years or older. Community college, undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to apply. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required.

Applications for summer internships are due Jan. 28, 2008. Fall internship applications are due on May 1, 2008.

For more information and application instructions, visit http://education.ksc.nasa.gov/ESMDspacegrant/ <http://education. ksc.nasa.gov/ESMDspacegrant/> .If you have questions about this opportunity, please contact Gloria Murphy at Gloria.A.Murphy@nasa.gov.

Scripture of the Day

December 18, 2007

VERSE: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord JesusChrist, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the presentevil age... -- Galatians 1:3-4 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Galatians+1:3-4

THOUGHT: Jesus comes to our rescue! Why? Because he knows the times inwhich we live aren't easy. He knows that the world in which we liveis caught up in wickedness. That, however, is not the only reality.He gives us great victory through his Cross. No wonder we can greeteach other with grace and peace. He purchased them for us.

PRAYER: Father, please help me distinguish between good and evil as Iconfront them daily in my life. Make evil repulsive to me despitethe many ways that Satan tries to make it look seductive. Thankyou, Jesus, for coming to my rescue when I was a sinner, unable tosave myself. Thank you for sharing your grace and giving me peace.Through the blessed Holy Spirit I offer my thanks and praise inJesus' name. Amen.

http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi?day=20071218Today's Verse is also available in:PORTUGUESE - http://www.iluminalma.com.br/dph/2/1218.html

Monday, December 17, 2007

NBMBAA - Houston Chapter 2008 Leadership Empowerment Scholarship Banquet

SAVE THE DATE

The Houston Chapter requests your attendance at its 11th Leadership Empowerment Scholarship Fundraiser Banquet. This evening will also highlight the 25th Anniversary of the Houston Chapter.The event will feature Ms. Charlayne Hunter-Gault, Former Foreign Correspondent, NPR as the keynote speaker.

Theme: "Maintaining the Momentum with Strategic Vision"Date: Thurday, February 28, 2008Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.Location: The Power Center12401 South Post Oak @ South Main

Corporate and Community Sponsorship opportunities available. For more information, contact Banquet Co-Chairs, Renita L. Scroggins or Jocelyn D. Wright at renitascroggins@sbcglobal.net or JWright654@aol.com.
Purchase Tickets

Job Announcements

Assistant Director, Media Relations (Houston Astros Baseball Club)
The Houston Astros are looking for a hard-working and team-oriented individual with strong communications skills to serve as the ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MEDIA RELATIONS. This position will assist with all aspects of the media relations department, with heavy emphasis on baseball-related information and daily game notes. This individual will be responsible for pre-game, on-field PR for media interview coordination and player requests, and will also assist with community events and with securing player cooperation for community and sponsorship- related appearances.

This person will also be one of the primary writers of the office, particularly with baseball-related news releases. The person who serves in this role will be involved with travel to both Spring Training and on selected regular season road trips, and will need to develop and maintain strong relationships with players, media, and baseball operations personnel.A minimum of 4 years of experience in professional sports or sports information is required. At least 3-5 years of experience in Major League Baseball is preferred, particularly in a full-time capacity. Prior travel experience with a Major League club is also a plus, as well as a degree in a communications-related field. Salary is commensurate upon experience and qualifications.


For those interested in applying for this position, please send a resume, cover letter, and list of references via e-mail to: LStokes@Astro s.com.Or, you can mail application materials to:Houston Astros Baseball ClubAttn: Larry Stokes, Senior Director, Human ResourcesP.O. Box 288Houston, Texas 77001-0288Please have all application materials in by Friday, December 28, 2007.


Crude/Feedstock Supervisor (#2550) - CITGO Petroleum Corporation (Houston)Division : Finance & AdministrationDepartment : Controllers Band / Salary Range : Band 3 - (Min: $66400.00 Max: $139100.00)

Minimum Qualifications :College Degree (Bachelors Level)SAP Processes and Reports (MM, Financial) Excel Spreadsheets LIFO Inventory Costing Strong Analytical AbilityThe minimum number of years of job related experience required by this job is 5 years.

Job Description : Supervise accounting and finance functions related to Crude Supply Department's crude oil and feedstock purchases and sales for Lake Charles, Corpus Christi, and Lemont Refineries, Risk Management Department's crude oil wet barrel trading activity, and Citgo's hydrocarbon inspection services. Ensure all transactions are processed timely and correctly in the financial statements. Provide financial analysis and support for Crude Supply, Risk Management, and Refinery Operations departments. Report financial results of Crude Supply and Feedstock Supply profit centers. Coordinate annual budget for crude oil and feedstock purchases and sales.

To Apply Visit: http://www.citgo.co m/Jobs.jsp

Compliance Coordinator - Motor Fuels Reporting (#2549) - Citgo Petroleum Corp (Houston)Division : Finance & AdministrationDepartment : Corporate Risk ManagementBand / Salary Range : Band 2 - (Min: $50100.00 Max: $105000.00)
Minimum Qualifications : College Degree (Bachelors Level)Bachelor's Degree: Accounting, Finance or Related field preferred; will consider 10 years of job related experience in lieu of a degree Good communication, interpersonal and organization skills. Must be able to prioritize and handle multiple tasks. Must analyze situations and recommend alternative solutions. Strong analytical and reconciling skills. Strong Excel and Access.The minimum number of years of job related experience required by this job is 3 years.Job Description : Analyze refinery, terminal, pipeline, and import operations data to report applicable product movement data to the EPA. Perform motor fuel credit calculations. Analyze and prepare volume balancing. Track activity utilizing varied means of data collection and presentation. Enforce the EPA quality assurance program for motor fuel tracking. Job requires meeting strict deadlines. Work has high exposure and a low level of materiality requiring attention to detail. Must interpret and apply regulations to multiple situations.

To Apply Visit: http://www.citgo.co m/Jobs.jsp
Regional Accounts Representative (#2541) - CITGO Petroleum Corp (Houston, TX)Division : LubesDepartment : Lubricants Customer ServiceBand / Salary Range : Band C - (Min: $28900.00 Max: $60200.00)

Minimum Qualifications : College Degree (Bachelors Level) PreferredAdvanced Communication SkillsStrong Analytical Problem Solving Skills AdvancedDecision-Making Skills SAP and e- Business Skills PreferredThe minimum number of years of job related experience required by this job is 0.

Job Description : Required to manage all Lubricant orders from inception to fulfillment and perform the duties of the Regional Account Manager on a routine basis. The scope of this position involves not only total management of the orders, but the ability to problem- solve and make independent decisions to eliminate the potential for errors that could prove very costly to CITGO. Must be customer focused, demonstrate a strong ability to multi-task, and conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times as this position is the front-line image of CITGO.

To Apply Visit: http://www.citgo.co m/Jobs.jsp
Best wishes in your job search!

Scripture for the Day

Monday, December 17, 2007

VERSE: You know my folly, O God; my guilt is not hidden from you. Maythose who hope in you not be disgraced because of me, O Lord, theLORD Almighty; may those who seek you not be put to shame becauseof me, O God of Israel. -- Psalm 69:5-6 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Psalm+69:5-6

THOUGHT: While we're all weak and sinful, and while we do have Jesus toatone for our sins and to intercede before the Father on ourbehalf, there are still a couple of big problems with our sin. Thisverse reminds us of one of them: we don't want our sin to be anembarrassment to God or his people. Let's avoid sin because that iswhat God wants us to do. Let's avoid sin so it won't reflect badlyon God's people. But let's also pray for ourselves and our brothersand sisters in Christ that God will not allow our failures to bringshame on his Church, his Christ, and his cause.

PRAYER: Forgive me, loving Shepherd, for my sins. I am sorry forrebelling against your grace. I am fully confident that you haveforgiven and cleansed me of my sins through Jesus' sacrifice. Butplease, dear God, use your divine power to prevent them frombringing shame or embarrassment on you and your people. In Jesus'mighty name I pray. Amen.

http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi?day=20071217

Today's Verse is also available in:PORTUGUESE - http://www.iluminalma.com.br/dph/2/1217.html

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Press Release on Dr. Wendy

For Immediate Release

Houston, TX - (December 11, 2007) - Motivational speaker, consultant and columnist, Dr. Wendy Johnson is here to provide your motivational speaking and consulting needs.

Dr. Wendy has over 20 years of business experience, a BS in Accounting/Economics from Lakeland College, an MBA from LeTourneau University and a PhD in Applied Management and Decision Sciences from Walden University.

She is the President of Emerge Consulting Group, LLC, a management consulting firm and the parent company of Dr. Wendy and Emerge Publishing. Dr. Wendy is known for her straight-talk approach, as she feels it is her social responsibility to create change. She does this by motivating and developing others to be all they can be.

Her seminars and consulting topics include, but are not limited to,
· Adult and Youth Empowerment
· How to Be All You Can Be
· Striving for Success
· How to Organize for the Next Level
· Creating Your Self-Success Plan
· Dealing with Peer Pressure
· Successful Single Motherhood
· How to Effectively Juggle Work, School and Motherhood
· Real-life Dialogues (Straight-talk) (Facilitated with a male colleague - if requested)
· Are You Ready to Take Control of You?
· The Attitude Factor
· The Jealousy Factor
· Youth and the Success Factor
· College Students and the Success Factor
· How to Deal with a New Boss
· How to Deal with Change in the Workplace
· When Is it Time to Cut the Old Associates and Find New Ones?
· The Jealousy Factor in the Workplace
· Goal Setting
· When Is It Time to Move on to the Next Career Opportunity?
· Having Difficult Conversations
· Do You Dress the Part? Dressing for Success
· Public Speaking and the Importance of Articulating

Dr. Wendy's mottos are "Let nothing stop you in the pursuit of your passion" and "Stay grounded, determined and focused, and what you desire in life will transpire."

You can also hear Dr. Wendy on "Let's Talk with Troy" on WTYJ - FM 97.7 in Fayette, Mississippi, every Tuesday at 7pm (CST).

Please go to the following Websites- www.emergeconsultinggroup.com and www.askdr-wendy.com to find out more about Dr. Wendy and her services.

Proverb of the Day

Proverbs 30:11-14 (KJV):
11 There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.

12 There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness.

13 There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up.

14 There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.

Prayer for the Day

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your many blessings. Lord, may all of Your people be mindful of honoring and blessing their parents. Lord, I pray that You will use me to reach out to the poor and needy. Lord, scatter this wicked generation of people who are exploiting the poor and needy. Send your servants out to minister to the poor, the hungry, the needy, the hurting, the sick and the lost. As You use each of us to do our part, we can be the answer to the cries of the needy. Meet all of their needs. I ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Freddie Mac predicts billions more in mortgage pain

WASHINGTON — The chief executive of Freddie Mac estimated today the mortgage finance company will lose an additional $5.5 billion to $7.5 billion over the next few years as the housing crisis worsens and home-loan defaults rise.

The government-sponsored company has already logged about $4.5 billion in projected losses during the first nine months of this year.

"I honestly think it's going to get tougher before it gets better," Richard Syron, the company's chairman and CEO, said in a discussion with financial analysts in New York.

Freddie's shares fell $1.80, or more than 5 percent, to $33.24 in morning trading.
While the mortgage crisis has brought a rising wave of foreclosure notices into public view, less evident have been "pictures of people standing with furniture on the lawn" after being forcibly evicted from their homes, Syron said. "As that begins to happen, and it will happen, I am afraid of the impact that this has."

Syron's remarks came a day after Freddie Mac and its larger government-sponsored rival Fannie Mae said they are changing their criteria for purchasing delinquent home loans they've guaranteed, in order to reduce the number they buy from investors.
On Tuesday, Freddie Mac announced it was imposing a 0.25 percent fee on all new home loans it buys or guarantees with settlement dates starting March 9, matching an earlier move by Fannie Mae.

The two companies, which together own or guarantee around two-fifths of U.S. home-mortgage debt, have cut their dividends and sold billions of dollars of special stock recently to buttress their finances after posting stunning third-quarter losses. They have been forced to set aside billions of extra dollars to account for bad home loans, eroding their profits at a time when home prices are falling and defaults are spiking on high-risk mortgages made to borrowers with weak credit histories.

Fannie's shares declined $1.85, or 5 percent, to $35.06.

Source: Houston Chronicle, December 11, 2007

Monday, December 10, 2007

Scripture for the Day

December 10, 2007

VERSE: Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what dorighteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship canlight have with darkness? -- 2 Corinthians 6:14 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=2+Corinthians+6:14

THOUGHT: There is probably no other Scripture that has produced moreconflict for ministers than this one. While not applying just tomarriage, this verse is a powerful reminder that when we makelife-long partnerships with those who do not share our deepestvalues, we are endangering our spiritual health. Just as God wouldnot allow the Israelites under the Law to yoke a donkey and an oxtogether because it would ultimately break them both down, Paulreminds Christians that the same is true in their deepestrelationships as well.+

PRAYER: Father God, I know your will is not arbitrary. I know you wantwhat is best for me. So please give me wisdom as I choose mypartners and my closest friends. Help us to help each other livefor you and share your blessings and grace. Help us to influenceothers to come to know you, your mercy, and your salvation morecompletely. In Jesus' name. Amen.http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi?day=20071210Today's Verse is also available in:PORTUGUESE - http://www.iluminalma.com.br/dph/2/1210.html

Friday, December 7, 2007

House in Katy for Sale

WILL SALE FAST!! LOCATED IN KATYLAND. THIS 3/2/2 HOME IS 1395 SQ.FT. FEATURES EXTENSIVE TILE THRUOUT* AMPLE AMOUNT OF CABINETS IN KITCHEN*STORM DOOR IN FRONT* CEILING FANS IN ALL ROOMS* RECENT MICROWAVE,STOVE & DISHWASHER,MASTER BATH VANITY CABINET,SHOWER & OVERSIZED SHOWER* RECENT INT. PAINT, RAISED PANELED DOORS* QUIET STREET W/AWARD WINNING SCHOOLS! ASKING PRICE $99,000.

For more information contact, LaTricia Sells at Lsells@swbell.net or directly at 832.428.4686.

UNCF 19th Annual Black Tie Gala

Saturday, December 08, 2007

19th Annual Black Tie Gala (Celebrating Education: The Great Equalizer)

Location: George R. Brown Convention Center - Houston, TX

Description:UNCF Black Tie Gala is our premier fundraiser. This event includes dinner, dancing and outstanding entertainment. Entertainment for the night will be the 1970s rhythm and funk group Con Funk Shun, with noticeable disco hit songs like Loves Train and Ffun (fun, fun, fun). What better way to have fun while raising scholarship dollars!

For more information download 2007_Gala_Invitation.GIF

Contact:For addtional information contact Juana Collins at 713-942-8623 in the Houston area office located at 1235 North Loop West, Suite 1010, Houston, TX 77008.

Sponsor:Corporate sponsorships are available:
$25,000 Diamond
$15,000 Crystal
$10,000 Gold
$5,000 Silver

Scripture for the Day

December 7, 2007
VERSE: Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the graciousand compassionate and righteous man. -- Psalm 112:4 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Psalm+112:4

THOUGHT: What a powerful promise! Just as night passes into dawn, for thegracious and compassionate and righteous, dawn comes even in theworst nights of deep spiritual darkness. The Holy Spirit isreminding us that even in those worst times of cultural decay anddecadence, Satan's darkness will not rule forever. His darknesscannot stay where Jesus' disciples reflect the character of theLight of the world.

PRAYER: Holy and loving God, help me to shine your light of holiness andJesus' light of hope to those trapped in darkness. O God, pleaseforgive my sinful failures. Please cleanse me and create a pureheart in me. I don't want to dim or to diminish your light as itshines through me. Help me so that I can more perfectly shine yourlight to those around me. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi?day=20071207

Friday, November 30, 2007

Attention Former Praire View Choir Members

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Attention all former Praire View A&M Choir Members especially the 1967 -1968 A CAPPELLA CONCERT CHOIR MEMBERS of Praire View A&M who sang for Dr. Martin Luther King in Memphis, Tennessee.

The choir landed in the arms of CIVIL RIGHTS HISTORY when they met and sang for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tenn. On March 18-19, 2008, we will "Return to Memphis" to complete a documentary of that historical moment. This date also marks the 40th Anniversary of the event. We will "Return to Memphis" to complete a documentary of that historical moment.

Two former Music Professors Dr. H. Edison Anderson, Sr. Conductor of the A Cappella Choir and Dr. Robert A. Henry, College Choir Director and Music Dept. Chair will be honored.

For more information, contact Tom Jones at 713-330-4206 or 832-891-829 or via email at 1MAESTRO@SBCGLOBAL.NET

Proverb of the Day

Proverb s 23:9
"Do not speak to fool, for he will always scorn the wisdom of your words."

Thursday, November 29, 2007

TAKE ACTION

FHA Reform S. 2338
Ask your Senator to support FHA reform legislation this year. FHA reform will provide existing homeowners with secure and affordable refinancing alternatives and more mortgage options for first-time homebuyers. Increasing the supply of affordable mortgage money is a critical component for bringing stability to the nation’s turbulent housing markets.

In a nutshell, this reform will:
1. Reduce the required 3 percent minimum downpayment to 1.5 percent, and provide FHA with the flexibility to offer varying downpayment terms to different types of borrowers.
2. Increase the FHA high cost loan limit from $362,790 to the 2007 conforming loan limit of $417,000.
3. In non-high cost areas, the FHA limit would increase from $200,160 to $271,050 for single unit homes.

Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae (GSE) Loan Limits
Ask your Senator to support legislation that allows regional increases to the Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae loan limits and stress the need for quick Senate action on this vital reform. This change will make lower-cost GSE mortgage financing available to more families trying to buy homes in high cost areas and increase the supply of mortgage money.

The main points f the Freddie Mac/Fannie (GSE) Loan Limits are:
1. Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae conforming loans are not readily available to homebuyers in the nation’s high cost metropolitan markets.
2. The 2007 Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae loan limit cap of $417,000 is well above the national median sales price of $220,800 for single family homes and exceeds the local median in most housing markets, BUT it is consistently well below the local median in high cost areas.
3. Increasing the Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae loan limits will also help inject more mortgage money into the market.
4. Increasing the loan limits will help boost the national homeownership rate.

Source: National Association of Realtors. Take Action: http://takeaction.realtoractioncenter.com/campaign/fha_gse_reform/explanation

African/Caribbean/ American Communtiy Meeting

Thursday, Nov 29th (Time: 6pm - 8pm)
SHAPE Community Center
3309 Almeda Houston, TX 77004


The iFest Town Hall Meeting is the formal final community outreach effort for iFest 2008. The iFest Chair, President and CEO, and key iFest staff will be present to explain the theme, concept and strategy for iFest 2008, answer questions and receive input.We will be explaining to the community at-large how they can get involved and what the timelines they need to be aware of:

1. General information about iFest.

2. Contact information regarding who and how people who want to:
a. Get Food Vendor Booths
b. Get Information regarding Arts and Craft Sales Booths
c. Get Information regarding Information (No Sales) Booths
d. Who to submit information to artist recommendations
e. Information on the Mayor's Gala and Table Sales
f. Information on Business Conference (Registration and Luncheon)

3. Website Informationsurf the website at www.ifest.org <http://www.ifest.org> Houston International Festival4203 Montrose Boulevard, Suite 200Houston, Texas 77006713/654-8808 ext. 280713/654-1719 fax

Proverb of the Day

Proverbs 15:1
"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Early Voting Begins TODAY!

Remember Early Voting began today, Wednesday, November 28th and will continue until Tuesday, December. 4th. You can vote in this election even if you did not vote during the November election.

Scripture For Today

Provided by Charlean Burris:

VERSE: Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you maybecome blameless and pure, children of God without fault in acrooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars inthe universe. -- Philippians 2:14-15 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Philippians+2:14-15T

THOUGHT: "Don't complain or argue!" We don't normally associate thesethings with purity and blamelessness. Paul was extraordinarilyclose to the Philippians and knew them well. He knew theirweaknesses and shortcomings. He also knew the destructive powerthat complaining and arguing have on the life of an otherwisevibrant community of Christians. Let's heed his warning today, aswe see church after church taken under by the negative and cynicalspirit that pervades modern culture.

PRAYER: Forgive me and cleanse me, O God, from my argumentative spirit.Please empower me with your Spirit to use my speech only to blessand to build up, never to tear down or discourage. In Jesus' name Ipray. Amen.

Two Restaurants for Sale - Invest Now

This is general information on two restaurants that are for sale. These restaurants will sale fast:

The first restaurant was established in early 2007. It is located in Southwest Houston. This location is primarily delivery and take-out only and there is only seating for a few people at a counter. The square footage of the restaurant is 1400 Square Feet. There is a from February 1, 2007 – January 31 2010. Owner is asking $75,000. This price includes equipment.

The second restaurant was established in 2005. This setting is in a highly populated area of North Houston. This location has the most space of all the locations giving it a nice feel inside and enough room for a live band. The square footage of the restaurant is 1750 Square Feet with
50 persons occupancy limit. The lease dates on the property are January 18, 2005 – December 31, 2015. Owner is asking $110,000. This price includes equipment. Owner willing to owner finance a portion of sales price for second restaurant.

For more information, post your information or email me at Lsells@swbell.net.

Proverb of the Day

Proverbs 1:7
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Moriah turns 14 on November 28th


Can you believe it? My oldest daughter, Moriah, will turn 14 on tomorrow, November 28th. Where has the time gone? It was just yesterday I was holding her in my arms and nursing her. Yes, she was nursed. I nursed all three of my daughters. Can't you tell by the way they hold their tea cups and smile?

Now, Moriah is in eighth grade at River Oaks Baptist. She just completed her 8th grade Volleyball season. Currently, she is a guard on the Basketball team, an Ambassador for the school, a Raider Singer (School Choir), Girl Scouts, Chapel Choir at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. This weekend Moriah is going camping with her Girl Scout Troop and is working on her Silver Award. She is in honors Algebra, in her third year of Spanish and so much more. I am so proud of her. I thank God for blessing me with such beautiful daughters!!!
In the first photo, Moriah is in New York at the mall . The girls and I spent Thanksgiving last year in New York with my line sister, Chandra Bradon Hummons. This is one of the many photos taken during our trip. The second photo was taken at an Annual Tea Party Fundraiser for Project Row House that was hosted at Anita Smith's home. Pictured left to right: Moriah, Laurryn and Charity.

100 Women For Paula



As you all know, I had a very busy summer. One of the many projects that I completed was Organizing "100 Women for Paula", a fundraiser for Paula Harris who is pictured in the center of the photo in the red shirt and gray pants. She ran for Houston Independant School Board Trustee, Position 4 and won in the November election. Paula is a native Houstonian. She is my soror. That is, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is a diligent and productive community leader. Cheryl Butler who is not pictured, organized the fundraiser along with me.


The photo displays only a small number of the women that contributed to Paula's campaign. We actually had over 100 ladies contribute to the campaign through this effort. This photo was taken at Cafe 4212 which is located at 4212 Almeda. It is an "One Stop Shop" private party venue. Check it out for your next event. Thanks ladies for your support!!!

Top 10 Things I am Thankful For

I know that Thanksgiving is over but, God is so good that I can not resist listing the top ten things I'm thankful for. Please comment and tell me your top ten!

1. For Jesus Christ, who died that I might have an abundant life.


2. My grandmother who did not have a car but sent me to church every Sunday that I was with her. She did not care the demonination of the church that her grandchildren attended. She placed us on the first church van that showed up on Sunday.

3. My grandmother who made sure that I said my prayers every night. She would wake me up to say them, if she was not sure if I had.

4. My mother who made sure I attended a Christian Elementary School and who took very good care of me growing up. She is still making sure I stay on task.

5. My beautiful and smart daughters who are focused and full of life.

6. My girlfriends. They are they best!! We have had a wonderful year. They keep me young, laughing and always have a listening ear. They turn my trials into triumphs.


7. Life lessons. Without them--I would not grow.


8. My brother who loves me in spite of.


9. A roof over my head, food to eat, clothes to wear, tears to cry, a voice to sing, ears to hear, feet to walk and dance and joy in my heart.

10. Last but far from least... this blog to share my life and experiences with you!!!

P.S. I also thank God for LOVE, LOVE, LOVE... Love is patient, love is kind...I love love!!! I love it so much. Let me say it in Spanish--"Me Amor Amor".

Why Should You Hire A Realtor to Sell Your Property?

As we all know, you are not required to hire a real estate agent to sell your home. So why bother hiring one? After all, you can save some money doing it yourself, right?

Let’s see… This may or may not be true. In many instances, listing your home with a Texas REALTOR® will realistically net you more money after the sale than selling it on your own. It’s not worth “saving a commission” if you end up selling your home for significantly less without a REALTOR®. Your REALTOR® can help you optimally price the home, market your home to a large audience and can give you tips for getting your house in shape for showing it at its best. All of which will increase your chances for selling at the greatest profitability while still meeting your timetable. After all, the costs of carrying a property longer than you planned, scheduling showings, answering potential buyer’s questions while performing your day-to-day responsibilities add to the cost of selling your property. Both of these services may add or subtract from your bottom line when offers come in.

Speaking of offers, your Texas REALTOR® has negotiating experience that can put you in a position to get more money and achieve the terms that work best for you. They can also provide you with useful Comparable Marketing Analysis, Seller’s Net Sheet which provides comprehensive details of closing cost associated with the sale of your home.

Finally, your REALTOR® knows and should understand the entire process of real estate transactions. That is, what information must be disclosed, which forms to use and countless details that can make or break a deal. One mistake or omission on your part not only can delay or ruin a transaction—it could land you in court.