The President's Call to Service

We are blessed to have a President that knows the importance of engaging the American people in the political process. There is no longer politics as usual and we are learning that the real work of making this nation great begins in our communities. With this in mind President Barack Obama is challenging and encouraging us all to serve our fellow man. I want to be able to share service and volunteer opportunities in the Central Illinois area. Please help me compile a reference list to share on the air at WVEL and on this blog. Many people want to contribute and help but don't know where to begin. Let's make it simple. If you are aware of any agencies, programs or service projects let me know. Go to our station website, www.wvel.com, and send me an email message with the details.

Let's take up this call to action and make a difference, because united we can do anything.

Optimistically,


J

This is the Day!

All I have to say can be summed up in one word, WOW!! I feel so blessed to be alive today. To witness a day I never thought possible in my lifetime. The moment is bigger than anything I can say. I'll make this short and sweet. God bless you President Barack Obama.

J

Inauguration Weekend!!!

I can't remember a time in my life when there was so much excitement in the air that you could actually feel it. That time is now. I'm working the afternoon shift today instead of my usual Saturday morning routine. Normally I would be taking advantage of the opportunity to sleep in, but not today. I got up bright and early to catch the Obama Express on CNN. Yes, my CNN addiction is still going strong, but perhaps not past Tuesday??? We'll see, pray for me. LOL Anyway, there is so much going on this inauguration weekend and thanks to many of the TV channels we can still experience the moment without being there. CNN will have great coverage all weekend long, but even pay cable channels like HBO are getting in on the Obamarama. You can check out one of the main balls for free tomorrow evening on HBO, if you have cable service. Check your local listing. I am dvr'ing CNN while at work and at a meeting tonight. My DVR will be working overtime the next few days. Thank you Jesus for technology!

Seriously, whether you are democrat, republican or other, you have to be proud of this moment in history. Put aside your ideological differences and share in this time of unity. Watch what you can of the inauguration celebrations and perhaps your spirit will be boosted with a jolt of hope.

Please remember to pray for the safety of the Obama andBiden families. As far as this country has come, there are still plenty of hateful crack pots out there that would love to do harm.

Peace and blessings to all,

J

The Shack

Hello everyone,

If you've read my bio on the station website you have seen that I am a voracious reader. It is often my frustration that I rarely come across a really good book. I'm talking about the kind of book that sticks with you and is not easily forgotten. A co-worker was raving about the book she was reading and couldn't wait to pass it along to me. The book is The Shack by Wm. Paul Young. I just started reading it today and I'm not quite a third of the way in, but the reaction I keep getting from people has me a little excited about this one. Several people have seen me with the book and the exclamations are almost always the same. "Oh, you are reading that? That is one of the best books I've ever read! You're gonna love it." That level of praise is setting the bar high for my expectations, but we shall see. I'll report back with my critique. I know I'm way late getting to this one, but hopefully it will be worth the wait. If you've already had the pleasure of reading the book, let me know what you think.

J

Gospel Music Update

Okay gospel music lovers. Today is release day Tuesday and ready to be added to your collection are BET's Sunday Best inaugural winner Crystal Aiken and runner-up Sharri Addison. Both are self-titled debuts from Verity Gospel. I shared some selections last weekend, and I hope you had a chance to check them out. Crystal comes with a more contemporary sound, while Sharri takes you to church traditional style. I'll give them both three shakes of my tambourine out of five. (LOL)


J

Inauguration

Unfortunately I will not be among the million plus people from all over the world attending the inauguration ceremonies for President Barack Obama. However, I know Central Illinois will be well represented. If you or someone you know will be attending any inaugural events, please send them my way. I would love to be able to share some first hand accounts of this historic occasion with our WVEL listening audience. Allow us to experience these events vicariously through you. I know I will be glued to the television and Internet on that day, but there is nothing like actually being there.

Thanks in advance.


J

Happy Saturday to You

Ah, finally the weekend! What are your plans? I usually just veg out at home and recuperate from the week, but my husband is over due for a date night. I think the new T.D. Jakes movie is in theaters this weekend, Not Easily Broken. I didn't care for Woman Thou Are Loosed, but I'm willing to give this a shot. I've gotten lazy about going to the movies. Since I get them delivered to the house I am usually willing to wait a few months for them to go to DVD so I can watch from the comfort of my home. (LOL)

Just in case I don't venture out into the world tonight, feel free to respond with your own review if you check it out.

By the way, I really enjoyed the T.D. Jakes interview on Larry King Live this week. He was as articulate and profound as ever. There is definitely something soothing about him. I guess that would be the anointing. :-)



J

New Music Saturday

Hello everyone. I know it's been a while. Happy belated New Year!

This is just a short post to encourage you to listen to my show, The T.W. Parks Colonial Gospel Hour, tomorrow morning at 10:0 am. I will be sharing brand new music from Sunday Best inaugural winner, Crystal Aiken. Her self-titled debut album will be in stores Tuesday, January 13th and you'll hear select tracks here first on WVEL! For you runner-up Sharri Addison fans, her self-titled debut album drops the same day! I wish them both much success.

J