"But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him."

Hopefully, all have had a wonderful week and are looking forward to a great weekend and an even better week.  

Mine was busy, but I had eyes to see, ears to hear, feet to walk, tongue to talk and health and strength.  

The birds sang of a soon coming spring, and my heart rejoiced in the Lord.  

If your week was as great, then continue being thankful, and if it wasn't so great, then be thankful anyway because better days are coming!  

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding.

He cares for you.

Trinity A.M.E. Church

Trinity A.M.E. Church presented the sixty-six books of the Bible program (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth) on Sunday, Feb. 28th at 4 p.m. with Sister Jacqueline Goss, presiding.  

Others on program were Sisters Hermenia Carr, Juliette Lance, Annette HIcks Trudell Dease, and Mildran Walker, along with Brothers Charles Cohen and Robert Cohen.  Rev. Herman Ford, Jr., is the pastor.

Tracy Swinton Bailey

I had the pleasure recently to sit in on the last class of Tracy Swinton Bailey at the Waccamaw Campus of Coastal Carolina University's Life Long Learning Program (OLLI).  

The class was entitled:  African-American History of Georgetown County.  

The students entered the class enthusiastically as if it were the beginning of the class and not the end.  

They chatted for a while, and then took their seats; some up front, others in the middle, and still others in the very back.   

On this particuar day they were introduced to two very important persons in Tracy's life.  

They were Mr. and Mrs. Richard and Frances Swinton, Tracy's parents whom she had invited for this last class day.

 Let me explain that these students were all adults, mostly retired, and most from the north that had come down to spend their winters in Myrtle Beach and other areas.  

They are mostly known as "Snowbirds".  Coastal offers these wonderful courses under the direction of Linda Ketron, and though many of the local residents don't take advantage of them, those from out of town think they are wonderful.  

You can learn to oil paint, water paint,create stain glass pieces, or create fused  glass, sing, dance and act on stage, study photography, master the computer, learn Bible study techniques, the Old Testament and a host of other things too numerous too mention.

This day Tracy would focus on Atlantic Beach, SC in its hey day and in what seems today, to be its demise.  

Frances and Richard gasped as the pictures of a very young couple standing in front of a black and white wooden emblem with Atlantic Beach written in bold, black letters flashed on the screen.  

This was followed by  other photos of the fifties era in Atlantic Beach.  

It seems Tracy had helped herself to the family album.  The students loved it.  

Later mom and dad, along with yours truly, were asked to come and stand in front of the class and answer questions about Atlantic Beach.  

Some of the local students remembered Atlantic Beach.  Tracy explained that it was a place where Blacks could go and enjoy the pleasures of the beach, since they were not allowed the season pleasures of Myrtle Beach at that time.  It was quite interesting.  

Later soul food and other African-American traditions were discussed.  

The highlight of the class was the uncovering of a large baking pan in which Frances had baked a golden brown potato pone, as Tracy explained that what Bill Gates was to computers, that her mom was that to cooking.  

Indeed in a matter of minutes, everyone was enjoying the rich taste of grated potatoes seasoned with spices, sugar, and shortening, was stirred, simmered and baked to the perfection of potato pone.  

As far as I can remember, it was one of our treats during the Christmas season.  

The grating itself almost makes one want to divert to another dish, but it is the rich rewards in the end and the lingering taste on the palate and the longing of wanting more that drives you on with great determination.  I

 hadn't had any in months, and I congratulated Mrs. Swinton on the wonderful "memory" food.  

Of course, Mrs. Ketron joined in to listen to the student's appreciation of the class, and to enjoy some tasty pone.  

It was like a big family ending.  Congratulations to Mrs. Tracy Swinton Bailey on a job well done.  

I am also extra proud of her accomplishments because she was one of my former Sunday School students at Mt. Zion A.M. E. Church in the North Santee community.   She is married to Isaac Bailey, author and journalist and they have two beautiful children.  

Just an example that if you put your mind to it, and keep God in it, that you can accomplish much in life.

Diabetes CORE Group

Don't forget to join Mrs. Florine Linnen and the Diabetes CORE Group at the old Choppee gym on Saturday evening (March 13th) for a dinner theater with a play entitled:  Tired of Wearing Black.  

It is an original play and one that I thoroughly enjoyed writing since it centers around trying to do the right things, eating the right things, and living right on without having to wear black from the ravages of diabetes.  

The characters are funny and entertaining, serious and sincere.  

Some of the featured guests will be poet, Jody Jones, the Mt. Sinai Choir, Terry Cox and the Heavenly Angels.  

The fee is only $15.00 for an enjoyable evening.  For more information, call Mrs. Linnen or Mrs. Carretha Vereen at 843-545-8723 ext. 114.

Afternoon Blessings

Don't forget to join me on Saturday at 1230 P.M. on WLMC Radio 1470 AM for Afternoon Blessings and a word for now.

Prayer

Please remember to pray for the sick and shut in, the bereaved, those in nursing homes, our men and women on the battle field in Iraq, the earthquake victims, those with lung cancer, single parents and for one another. God bless you.  Have a great day!