Annual Message to Our Children, Dec. 2012

ANNUAL MESSAGE TO OUR CHILDREN, DEC. 16, 2012

To Our Beautiful, Brilliant, Blessed Children...

God blessed us with a great big awesome family—eight children and almost two dozen grandchildren—And we praise Him every day for his amazing blessings!  Our big blended family has experienced some really exciting times, as well as some not-so-pleasant times.  However, in reflection, we thank God that He kept His loving arms of protection around our family and enabled all of you to grow into the remarkable beings that He created you to be.

All of you have faced your challenges, but with God’s help and with the love and support of your family, you’ve pulled through.  We thank God that everyone’s back on track and moving forward positively.

It is so nice to see all of you, now grown and raising your own families—all, working and/or studying in your chosen professions; all, making exemplary contributions to society;  and most importantly, all, with a firm faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, and raising your families to love and honor Him.

We can’t begin to tell you how proud we are of you!  It is especially rewarding to see our grandchildren growing up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, which is how we tried to raise you.  Remember, there is no greater gift that you can give your children than to love, respect and honor God.  God gave them to you as precious gifts to nurture and mold into little images of you, so let this be your incentive to be the very best parents you can possibly be.

Parenthood isn’t always easy, but it’s always rewarding, if you approach it as a blessed privilege, instead of as a dreaded chore.  You are blessed with the privilege of cuddling those little precious gifts from God and attending to their every need.  As they grow, you have the privilege of teaching them the life-building skills they will need.  The exciting part of this is seeing their little wide, eager eyes light up with excitement as they learn specific skills.  For example, last week when I was teaching Mykah how to write the letter “A,” she was so overcome with excitement when she learned how to write her first “A,” that she started writing lots of “A’s” all over the page!  She was soooo proud of herself—and so was I!  As parents, you get the opportunity to experience this LIGHTS-ON realization over and over again....

So, enjoy your parenting experiences.  I know It’s more difficult for you than for me as a grandparent, because you’re also overwhelmed with your careers and other responsibilities.  I’ve been there too.  Remember, you’ll never be able to retrieve these precious moments; so take advantage of every opportunity that you can find to enjoy your little bundles of joy.

In reflection, I wish I could have spent more time with you in those developing years, but I can’t change that now.  That’s why I’m sharing these life-lessons-learned with you.  You can learn from my experiences.  That’s how we thrive as a family—by passing on wisdom, knowledge, and truth with coming generations.

Our Christmas Wish...

And now, it’s Christmas in the Wesley family!  Such a glorious, happy, exciting time!  Remember to teach your children the real meaning of Christmas—That it is the time we celebrate the birthday of our Lord and Savior.  Teach them what a special gift we have as being recipients of His love and forgiveness...and most importantly, of eternal salvation.  This is why we give and receive gifts—to symbolize the incredible gift that Christ gave the world.

We’re looking forward to seeing some of you for Christmas.  Others will celebrate in your own homes far, far away.  But...where ever you are, whatever you do; we wish you lots of happiness and the joy that only Christ can give.  Hug and kiss each other with the kind of love that our family has shared down through the years; and know deep in your hearts that your parents love you sincerely, and that we are soooo happy and proud that God placed you in our care when he sent you to live on earth and to grow up to become the amazing young people you have become.

All Our Love, Mom and Dad... Christmas 2012

Gwen, The Storm is Over...

The Storm is Over, Gwen! 

Gwen, we can’t begin to say how proud we are of you!

You’ve raised your family all alone, plus finished your degree.

You’ve labored through your winter storms, when wind and snow were brisk;

But still you persevered alone, as God maintained your strength.

Sometimes you’d work twelve-hour days and come home burdened down,

but somehow mustered up the strength to forge on through the storm.

 

Demands of life would stress you out; your winter storms would rage—

with freezing hail and Ice and snow...all piled up in your face.

You’d shovel your assignments here...your work requirements there...

your children’s cares, piled ten feet high...sometimes, were hard to bear.

With time and finance challenges, your storms became intense;

But God was always in the midst to give a burst of strength.

 

You managed, well, your raging storm...with courage and with grace.

Two decades long, your storm would last; but you endured with class!

And now the brilliant sun shines through.  Your rainbow glows at last.

You’ve made it through with your degree.  The storm’s now at your back!

We’re so proud of you!

All our Love , Mom and Dad

12-17-12     

Bouquet of Love...

From John W. and Theressa Wesley

to our

Eight (8) Children and Nineteen (19) Grandchildren

“Bouquet of Love...”

__________________________________________

A Message of Love to Our Children  “Bouquet of Love...”

Your parents were born as truly soul mates—

God’s design... right from the very start!

From youthful, bashful high school dreamers, two young  hearts were intertwined.

But, in those times when love was tender, their young love was filled with trials.

She recalls as she’d stroll by, how his eyes leapt forth and smiled,

            showing his desire to hold her—and to shield her from life’s cold;

            So she reached out with sweet love notes, disregarding her young pride,

            But, before her notes could reach him, demon spirits intervened,

thwarted by their so-called friend.

Then there was their junior prom night, themed “...A Fantasy at Sea”;

        Fate, then, grasped their tender  moments during their time of ecstasy—

        Love was blooming; hormones...roaming; feelings...looming, brisk and wild

                        But, their youth and mass confusion interfered with rationale!

Thus, their destiny was threatened, killed by things they could not trace.             Their whole life assumed a new pace, ‘cause each needed time and space;

But the sadness that both hearts felt made them pine for their soul’s mates,

            yet their flirts and stolen glances kept the flame of love in place.

            Still, their childish inhibitions kept their sweet, young love at bay.

Now, it would be 13 more long years before their youthful horror was over.

Then... one cool, brisk  autumn evening, Fate led him to her front door:

And, the moment that their eyes met, he exclaimed excitedly:              “Theressa Gunnels!”    

“John Wesley!” was her quick, brisk, SHRILL... reply.

They embraced in haste, remembering...all the years they’d let pass by.

From that day forward ... HAPPY ENDINGS!  

     And they lived and loved as soul mates—not... as if they’d suffered loss. 

They were passionate in all things—deep in love...on one accord.

          In each other, they’d found flowers... full-matured and God-endowed.

          God, then, formed a perfect bouquet from the flowers they’d become.

          In the center of the bouquet, was the image of God’s Son.

           

Their true love began its course then... striving, thriving and  abiding

            in the power of God’s Love; and before they realized it,

  eight YOUNGER flowers had burst in bloom

  Adding to their family bouquet...and their happy-ever-after home!

Even now, when times are quiet,

            God sends them another flower—

            jumping, bouncing to the rafters!!!  ...giving them great satisfaction!!!

They thank God for all their flowers—19 grandchildren, now, they cheer!

            All...the center of their joy;  --All...sweet blessings God’s bestowed...

            Brilliant blessings... boundless love... countless grandeur to enjoy!

Now they tell their precious bouquet—their sweet blessings from the Lord:

Rest in Christ and you will, too, know

the same true love we now enjoy!

All Our Love--Mom and Dad--Grandparents, too! 9-14-14

______________________

(...Written in third person regarding the God-ordained relationship of John and Theressa Wesley...to their 8 Children and 19 grandchildren.)

Alex...Developmental Profile

Alex Colclough...Tiny Little Ball of Fire!

A tiny little ball of fire--Alex Colclough ...eight months old!

He understands the words you say...and loves to laugh and talk and play —

And, yes, at eight months; he walks and talks... has lots to say!

He's shrewd and sharp and quick, indeed! Knows how to ask  for what he needs;

And if, perchance, folks don't perceive—or misinterpret his mischief--

He knows just how to change the mood...with comedy that’s really cool!

           His humor starts in big bright eyes; gets impetus from deep inside;

Then, out comes laughter , brisk and loud,

 in baby chuckles, laughs and  smiles.

Hedged by dark, deep-dimpled cheeks...each side:

A chocolate symphony...replete—with humor from his face to feet!

Then, when he’s sad or hurt or fearful;  when his world is torn and tearful;

He cuddles gently in my arms, releasing love and so much charm!

And as he looks into my eyes...a precious smile, at once, transpires!

His smile consists of just two teeth, attached to gums...in shades of pink...

...A smile that’s hedged by chocolate cheeks...deeply dimpled...so, so sweet!

His tiny lips reveal a peek at chocolate smiles that light the skies!!!

His eyes--as big as midnight stars—and brighter, too, by far—

Leap like angels from  their places in his handsome chocolate face

And soar lithely to the spaces of my heart, his nestling place.

...My darling little Alex Baby Boy--He's such a joyful little boy!

Written by Grandma—Theressa G. Wesley, 5-28-12

Prayer for Alex...

I pray that the Lord will bless my precious little boy...That He will create within his total world the joy and happiness  of knowing Jesus as his personal Savior. 

I pray that God will transform his total world into images of laughter and joy and humor...images of love and grandeur and happiness...that God will transform  his little world into images and concepts that reflect the integrity and convictions of his family patriarchs and matriarchs and that he will be wise enough to apply them to his generation...that he will make them flourish and prosper.  I pray for success and happiness for this young ball of fire.  May God's Holy Spirit linger with him and give him srength, peace, hope,love,success...all the things that he desires in life. 

For now, he's just a kid who loves to play and laugh and talk and demonstrate...to portray to all what God has wrought--the miracle his life has brought!

Have Mercy, Lord, on my precious little grandbaby boy.  In Jesus' name I pray.  Amen.

Written by...Theressa G. Wesley, June 8, 2012

FREEWRITING...
INCOMPLETE...

6-8-12

ALEX...

The smartest little guy I know is Alex Colclough ...eight months old!

He understands the words you say and loves to laugh and talk and play! 

He's shrewd and sharp and quick, indeed!  ...And boldly asks for what he thinks he needs;

And if, perchance, folks don't percieve... or misinterpret his mischief;

He knows just how to change the mood...with comedy that's real and deep

--that eminates in big bright eyes,
gets impetence from deep inside
and bounces forth in dimpled mirth--
a chain reaction that's replete with humor from his little face!

Then when his little world becomes entangled with his snares and cares

he musters up the cutest smile, which forms between cute dimppled jaws

...transforms his entire little world to images yet to unfurl.

He's just a kid who loves to play and laugh and talk and demonstrate...

portray to all what God has wrought--the miracle his life has brought!

That's Alex Colclough!  Hear him out!



Written by...

Theressa G. Wesley, June 8, 2012

FREEWRITING...
INCOMPLETE...

Today...June 7, 2012

ALEX...

Pretty Dark Skin...

...And Little Guy Alex—a bundle of joy, too! ... As perfect as grandeur can come in a brilliant, happy, healthy, energetic... absolutely wonderful little guy!

His skin is the color of the Nile’s riverside habitants...as smooth and clear and soft... as dark and brilliant... as the stunningly beautiful pure African skin of old;

Huge Eyes, Deep Dimples, Sweet Smile...

Alex’s handsome little face is accented by big pretty eyes that shine as brightly as the heavenly stars above.

He has two little white teeth, peeking through smooth pink gums at the bottom of his little mouth, welcoming two strikingly deep dimples in each of his cute little soft-skinned, dark brown cheeks!

And...as if there’s a union between body and soul; his cute little feet catch the beat to the sound of pure love—

a reflection of deep, dimpled smiles and a laugh that’s divine...and the twinkle of gladness that shines in his eyes. Then wrapped in his presence is the question of essence...the revelation ancestors bequeathed when they left us.

Reflections of Alex—Ancestors’Genes...

His deep hearty laugh is a mixture of textures... and symbols... and structures... and sounds gone before us!

First, the shrill gasps of Carrie billow forth from afar;

Then, the chuckles and cackles of grandparents galore...

Final triumph is Alex—his laughter is bold!

Laughter rambles, meanders, and saunters galore! What an awesome tradition! What a genetic core!

...So much I could say about this cool little guy

...Such images, such symbols, such traits...in disguise;

And, there in the midst is the one we admire—

He’s our perfect little symbol--
Check his eyes and his smile!

Finally, triumphantly...reminders of yore as Alex’s bold laughter saunters loud on the course! These varying phases of laughter roll forth—a remix!!! ancestors...and Alex...What a genetic core!

There’s so much I could say about this cool little guy--! His brilliant little personality literally reeks with images of his ancestors—Wesleys, Gunnels, Colcloughs...and relatives I’ve never even met!

Resemblance to Cousins S.J. and Anne Lee Jenkins...

Alex especially reminds me of Cousin S.J. Jenkins and Cousin Anne Lee Jenkins Spearman—his cousins who are in their late 90’s and both in good health...both, living alone. He has the same dark, lavishly clear skin. That’s right! at ages 94-96, they still have clear, unwrinkled skin—no baggy eyes...nothing like that. I’m making this point to project what Alex will look like another 100 years from now. And I’m sure he’ll still have the same, unblemished, un-demonized mind, heart and spirit. Let’s hope so anyway! Alex is an especially loving, giving, hugging little guy!

Alex's Resemblance with Reggie an Russell Wesley

Sweet Little Spirit...

Never Sucked Bottle...

Alex is a unique little guy. Shortly after his mom, Crystal, was accepted into medical school (pharmacy); she ended up having to leave her precious little baby and return to school only four days after his birth. I told Crystal that if she could continue in school, I certainly could come to her house and babysit for her. So we DID that thing! We worked it! Do you hear me?

Unfortunately, however, Little Alex was caught in the middle of it all—he had to give up his mommy, and he wasn’t at all pleased about it. Well, he made up his little 4-day old mind that he just wasn’t going to take a bottle—and he didn’t!

The more we tried to put that bottle nipple in his mouth, the angrier he became! Ultimately, he won. No matter how hungry his little tummy became, he still refused to suck that bottle nipple.

After a few days, we gave up; and Crystal just had to come home for lunch every day. That meant driving 20-25 minutes home and 20-25 minutes back to school just to feed her baby. It was tough, but she did it. She loved that little guy with all her heart!

After about five months, she began feeding him foods, so that helped some.

Crystal's Rotations...Another Change in Schedules for Alex...

Now that Crystal is doing rotations, she’s even further away from Alex, which makes it even more difficult for her to come home during lunch. Since he’s older now, we assumed that now he’d accept the bottle and would be ok with not seeing his mom all day—“No way!” he says. So we’re still trying desperately to get him to adjust. But it’s really hard!!!

Alex...Talking at one-Week-Old; Walking at 8-Months-Old...

Alex is sooo smart..... He knows exactly what’s going on around him...even tries to respond verbally. In fact, he began saying “Ma-ma” when he was less than a week old. When he was trying desperately to get to his mama’s milk that first week of his life, his little vocal cords actually articulated the word “Ma-ma.” And not just once! He did it over and over again—crystally clear!

...And as he developed, he began to murmur and actually utter enough of words to mimic what he means. Such a smart little guy!

Alex...Precocious in Every Respect...

Alex did everything early! He never dropped his head from side to side or had to have his back and neck supported as other newborns did. He was strong the very day he was born! ...Acted as if he knew exactly what people were saying to him...would smile, frown, respond... perfectly. We talked to him as if we were talking to a much older baby, and he genuinely understood!

Pediatrician...Jealous of both Grandbabies (Mykah and Alex)...So Sad...

When Crystal took Alex to the doctor for his six-month check-up, she told the doctor how well he was sitting alone. The doctor totally dismissed Crystal’s explanation of Alex’s development. She said simply, “It may appear that he’s sitting alone, but you’re giving him support. Mothers often confuse what their babies are doing.” Crystal nonchalantly said, “Okay, then.” But she knew what her baby was doing!

In fact, both of Crystal’s babies—Mykah and Alex—were months ahead of other babies. The pediatrician’s daughter just happened to have had a child the exact same age as Mykah; so initially, the pediatrician enthusiastically compared her grandbaby’s development with Mykah’s. However, even from the very beginning, her grandbaby’s physical and mental development was so far behind Mykah that the pediatrician was visibly embarrassed. She constantly attempted to negate Mykah’s obvious precocious development.

The Pediatrician was so jealous and envious of every milestone that Mykah reached that it was ridiculous! Crystal reached the point that she refused to even tell the pediatrician what Mykah was doing because such mean-spiritness and abject vitriol would issue forth from the pediatrician’s demeanor that it became utterly uncomfortable even being around the pediatrician. How pitiful is this situation?!?

Blacks and the Gay Marriage Controversy

                                                           By Theressa G. Wesley

Gay Marriage Controversy

Imagine this—In the USA, there are actually Black people who say they are not going to vote for President Obama, because he supports gay marriage rights.   And...guess what!  Mitt Romney only recently began supporting interracial marriages.   What does this reveal about Romney’s perceptions regarding blacks? 
(Continued below...)  Check out the following news release:

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Romney Finally Embraces Interracial Marriages...

Not long after President Obama declared his support of same-sex marriage in an interview with ABC’s Robin Roberts, Mitt Romney held a private interview with Fox News’ Greta Van Susteren to declare his decision to fully embrace interracial marriage.

“This has been a decision that has been a long time coming. My views on interracial relationships have changed over the years. I now see them as two individuals just seeking the same rights and benefits as everyone else. They want the chance to be happy, and it is with my full support that I now whole-heartedly embrace interracial marriage.”

Confused, Greta Van Susteren asked Romney why it took him so long to embrace something that has been legal for quite some time now. To which he replied, “I wasn’t sure if all of my supporters were on board, and many still are not, but I need to go with my gut on this because equality should be for everyone… well, except for homosexuals.”

Romney’s evolving viewpoint comes at a critical time in his campaign, and only time will tell if this “bold move” was a wise decision.
______________________________________________________________

Theressa G. Wesley, cont’d

 Gay Marriage Controversy

The choice of voting for President Obama instead of Mr. Romney is a no-brainer if I’ve ever heard one!   Let me point out three good reasons why  the recently generated  gay marriage controversy is just another of the conservative politicians’ low down dirty tricks to divide the black vote:

            1.      Consider the Alternative

2.     Consider the concept of conservativism

3.     Consider their Political games...

Consider the alternative –-Mitt  Romney--A rich white man who has a history of aversion to black issues.

·        Who dogmatically practices a religion (Mormonism) which considers blacks as inferior, incompetent beings; 

·        Who advocates the dismantling of all Civil Rights reforms of the last 50 years;

·        Who, for the last 25 years, has actively been involved in sending American jobs overseas; 

·        Who has aligned himself with an overtly racist political group (conservative republicans); 

·        Who claims that a return to conservative values is the ideal path for America.

·        Who blatantly supports the wealthy one percent at the expense of the poor and struggling 99 percent.

       

CONSERVATIVE  Values...

First, consider the root meaning of  the word, “conservative.”   To conserve  means to reverently hold on to past ideas...

 to conserve... to keep, to accept, respect, admire, adore, emulate; to hold on       to; to be guided by; to teach one’s children according to; to  fashion one’s values, principles, morals, customs, beliefs, standards... by the identical beliefs and value system of one’s (whites’) American ancestors.

Now, what were the beliefs and values of our white American ancestors?  Was it the tradition of SLAVERY and the despicable RACISM that emanated from this outrageously vicious demonstration of  man’s inhumanity to humankind?  And... Who were the SLAVES?  Who were the SLAVE OWNERS?  Have we forgotten the predicament of slaves in the United States? 

I’d be willing to bet that conservative Republicans have  not forgotten.  They were taught to CONSERVE these traditions.  They were taught every principle and concept of their ancestors’ way of life.  They were meticulously drilled on every detail.  They understand what to say, how to say it, how far to go in their deliberations, and if all else fails, they know how to “...stand their ground.”

Political Ramifications...

Conservative politicians especially know how to intermingle politics with religion, and thus create political chaos in our midst.  Although most whites are generally not deeply religious people, they know how to throw a Biblical juggernaut into the equation when attempting to divide and conquer the black vote.  This technique, learned from their ancestors, works well  with “one-issue people.”  Therefore, blacks are going to have to learn to think politically, to avoid the demonic schemes and games that politicians play.

Conservatives understand that blacks are basically honest, decent, truthful, forthright people...and that blacks usually take their theology seriously.  Most blacks respect and honor every word of the Bible and believe that politicians stand on those biblical principles too—no matter what!  most blacks don’t realize that whites are accustomed to playing political games, especially with blacks; and since politicians generally have no biblical principles, they merely say what is expedient for black people’s biblically focused minds.

Then, while blacks are engaged in theological discussions about which person has the best position on one single  issue—usually an issue that doesn’t even impact our lives or our people’s well being—these conservative white politicians are trying to figure out how they can defeat blacks’ best political advocate (President Obama).  Conservative Republicans have boldly stated that their major objective is to defeat President Obama and to destroy fifty years of Civil Rights legislation.

Blacks can’t afford to allow this to happen to us regarding the gay marriage issue.  We don’t have time to play little mouse and cat games with deceptive politicians.

This is not the time for blacks to prove what  strong, principled, moral, upright, conscientious biblical scholar they are—not this time!  We can do that at our segregated conventions, etc.  When we become engaged in an important political forum—such as this Presidential election, we’re going to have to speak the language of master politicians.

The first thing we must understand is that most white conservative politicians don’t care anything about gays and gay marriage.  President Obama doesn’t care; Mitt Romney doesn’t care; other politicians don’t care.  Only a few theologically- challenged people who are trying to prove their convictions  are sincerely concerned about this  really insignificant issue.

The challenge for people who sincerely care about liberty, justice, and opportunity for all is to elect President Obama.  We need to put our theological bickering aside and speak the political language of our opponents.  Otherwise, we are going to find ourselves stuck with a conservative President who favors only the wealthy one percent.  Then, what???