One Generation Plants The Trees; Another Gets The Shade!

How are my favorite people in the world? Hope all is going well in your life.

Well, I'm getting down to the nitty gritty as the previous generation used to say:-). My latest visits to my doctors went very well. Because of large fibroids and a previous surgery, I cannot have a natural birth. So, Dr. Nugyen scheduled my C-section on my mother's birthday, January 14th 2010, without any prompting from me I might add. However, she did say my iron was a little low and placed me on yet another vitamin regimen. I am now seeing her every two weeks.

The next day I went to see my favorite physician, Dr. Chatman who performed another 3D/4D ultrasound and wouldn't you know it, our little girl looks just like her dad. I guess she calculated that she would fair better if she looked like the one who pays the bills instead of the one who housed her for 9 months...lol. Seriously, it was the most awe inspiring feeling to finally get a view of our little pumpkin. She did say that as of right now, the baby is in a breach position. My last visit to Dr. Chatman will be December 23 where she'll document her weight and final position before birth.

THE IMPORTANT ISSUE OF NAMING

At first, my husband and I were planning on naming our bundle of joy after our mothers, Thelma Yvonne and Beverly June. Then, I happened across a book called A treasury of baby names, and we begin to sort through the origins and meaning of the names and decided that we'd rather give her something unique and more meaningful to us. So, for the next few weeks, everyone who came to our home had to look through the book and write down their choice in the journal we started for her. Since I was on a Maya Angelou reading binge (I'd read over 8 of her books in a two month's span) I was set on naming her Maya. As a matter of fact, until October 11th we had been addressing her as Maya in her journal and when we talked to her. On that day; however, my brother and his wife came over to eat and as customary they had to sort through the book and pick a name. It didn't take long for my brother to spot a name that was so meaningful that my husband actually shut down the naming game and settled on my brother's choice. Ashira, which is Hebrew for wealthy was the winner. Her middle name was chosen as a result of me searching the internet for the translation of the word blessing which is, Naima. Ashira Naima Pratt will always know that she is a wealthy blessing to us every time she hears her name.

ONE GENERATION PLANTS THE TREES; ANOTHER GETS THE SHADE
As a final thought, I'd like for each of you to do me a huge favor. I believe our time on earth should be meaningful and celebrated. When someone makes a mark on our lives, I don't think we should just let their memory fade into obscurity. This is what I believe is at the heart of the empathy and rebellion we're seeing in today's youth. They really don't know where they came from and the legacy of those who preceded them. They are merely living their lives based on what they see and know now, which is mostly negative and derogatory information. Don't start me to preaching, but it's high time we re-introduce the next generation to their grandparents and forefathers who fought incredible odds to allow us to get where we are today.

N.T. BURLESON

I'll never forget the day it dawned upon me, like a ton of bricks, that my entrepreneurial spirit actually originated from my maternal grandfather. N. T. Burleson, who was a real estate investor, savvy trucking business man and an intellectual made a huge impact on me during my formative years. He always warned us against wasting our money on renting houses or apartments. He'd sit up with us for hours talking about current events, money, investing and other things that were way over our heads at the time. Subconsciously, I was soaking in all of that knowledge, and in due time the seed that he planted sprang forth and I started my own business at the age of 30, bought real estate and started being more serious about life, which was one of my grandfather's favorite quotes out of many. He'd say to us kids when we were acting silly, "This thing we call life is serious business." No matter how many times I fail in any of my ventures (and I've failed quite a bit), I continue to press forward because of his example.

ESTER ROGERS

My paternal grandmother, Ester Rogers possessed the strongest will in Eunice, LA. Nothing and no one got in her way. When we were growing up, you could chastise kids without any repercussions. When the next generation came along, however, everything was considered child abuse. Well, Miss Easter was going to raise her young grandchildren the same way she'd raised all her children and older grandchildren, with a firm hand. She believed strongly in discipline and order. When the Eunice police department tried to interfere with her disciplining her grandson, she actually invited them inside and told my cousin to get her strap so they could witness. They told her she wasn't allowed to whip him and she retorted, "If I'm not allowed to discipline him, then you will have to take him with you and raise him". She said, "If I don't whip him now, you will after he's grown." Needless to say they left without saying another word. I believe her strong and indomitable spirit passed on to me in ways that has kept me from becoming a statistic or product of my environment. I refused to go down the road that was presented to me as a child no matter how persuasive. I chose a different path based on what I felt was right for me. This felt normal to me after having witnessed my grandmother do what she want to do when she wanted to do it.

IMPORTANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, I said all of that to say, could you please assist me in documenting the legacy of our parents and grandparents? There is so little I know about them because of all the brokenness we experienced as children. I would love to have printed stories about our father, mother and all our grandparents to share with Ashira. Unfortunately, she will not get to meet some of them, but perhaps reading about them will give her a strong sense of identity as she grows up and start to make her mark in the world. My address is P.O. BOX 38097, Houston, TX 77238. Could you send pictures, write down stories, events or memories that you have of:

My side of the family

Bennett Rogers ~ my paternal grandfather;
Ester Rogers ~ my paternal grandmother;
Will Rogers ~ my father;
N.T. Burleson ~ my maternal grandfather;
Thelma Burleson ~ my maternal grandmother;
Thelma Yvonne Rogers ~ my mother;
Tanya Nichole Rogers ~ Myself

Alfred's side of the family

Cecil E. Pratt ~ his paternal grandfather;
Revia Brown ~ his paternal grandmother;
Alfred Pratt Sr. ~ his father;
Robert Jones ~ his maternal grandfather;
Lessie M. Beatie ~ his maternal grandmother;
Beverly June Allen ~ his mother;
Alfred Pratt Jr. ~ Himself

Your stories will be turned into a special book for Ashira so she'll be able to read about her amazing ancestors whenever she wants. I am counting on 100% participation from everyone. PLEASE!PLEASE! PLEASE! HELP ME DO THIS!!!!!

And It's A...

(Crystal and I in Chicago for mother's day 2007)


Yesterday, we visited a specialist who measured all of the baby's organs and told us that we are having a baby girl! Dr. Chatman was very pleased with the results of the ultrasound and scheduled us for a follow-up, November 12. Now that I know that the baby is healthy and vibrant, I feel so much more elated. I praise God for his goodness and faithfulness. After the doctor's visit we went to the house of worship and got our praise on. I had the most wonderful time worshiping God for his gift!

But this particular blog is dedicated to the first person I thought about when the doctor told me we were having a female baby. I immediately began to picture my little girl growing up to be just like my God sister, Crystal Black. Now, I must admit, I didn't always have such fond memories when it came to her:-). Strong-willed would probably be a understatement if I used that to describe her back when we were still teenagers. As a teenager, Crystal was bold, argumentative, tenacious and definitely outspoken. Since I was a few years her senior, I felt like she should respect and honor me as the elder sister. Instead, she questioned my judgments, openly disapproved of my boyfriend and castigated me in front of others. Oh boy was I livid with her, until......

I found out that she was mostly correct. I was too timid and not discerning enough and as a result tended to be thought of as weak by others. People took advantage of my kindness and generosity. As my life began to evolve, I had to seriously rethink the attributes I had subscribed to my God sister. She was not being mean, hateful or evil as I once thought. Crystal was actually intuitive and wise beyond her years and could see through people and situations much clearer than I. In her own way, and probably not aware of it, she was trying to toughen me up, make me stand up for myself and have my own mind about life. Boy, did I have some growing up to do.

And now, 17 years later, Crystal has proven herself to be all that I knew she would be. She is still wise beyond her years, tenacious and strong-willed. With these attributes, she has obtained her Master's degree, delved into a successful acting and teaching career and has been the greatest big sister 3 brothers could ever have. Crystal is also an ambassador for Christ in these last and evil days and her heavenly Father has smiled upon her in extraordinary ways.

I said all of this to say, thank God my little girl will have a role-model in her God-aunt Crystal whom I hope will say, when I grow up I want to be just like her.

May we all live a life that glorifies God and causes others to want to walk in our footsteps.

Trails Come To Make Us Stronger!

How are my favorite people in the entire universe? It's been a little while since I've updated everyone on the progress of my 1st pregnancy. I have been in transition, so to speak. I have gone through some emotional hurtles during the past 2 months. Since there's not anything too hard for God, I know I will get through it. This is why I believe so strongly in the power of agreement. I sincerely believe that because my prayer-agreement partners are continuing to use their faith on my behalf, I am overcoming all things. I am also exercising my faith on their behalf. It is truly a blessing to be in fellowship with strong men and women of God.

Tuesday, my husband and I went to our doctor's visit. As I was being weight-in, my primary doctor was leaving to attend a birth at the hospital. Her associate, Dr. Campbell saw me. She perform the usual exam and said everything was going perfect. She did say I was a bit dehydrated. Other than that, I went for blood work and they will schedule me for a comprehensive ultrasound that can detect birth defects. Of course, we are believing for a healthy baby, In Jesus Name.

This time around I was a little disappointed because I couldn't see the baby during the routine ultrasound exam. The ultrasound machine she used was different than the one my doctor uses. I was laying completely flat and as a result, we didn't get a print-out and I wasn't able to see much. My husband on the other hand saw everything. He said the baby was in the position of a track star about to run in a championship race. I know that's some high level stuff for a 4 month old but it's true...lol. Usain Bolt, look out because you apparently have some competition. Since my husband was so estatic about what he saw, I feed off his excitement and became content.

That's everything for now. I'm trusting everything is going well in your life. Continue to walk by faith and not by sight. Love you!

Baby's heart beating today!

Here's my Doctor, Dr. Nguyen discussing the baby's health


Today on my second visit, we heard the baby's heart beating and saw the baby wave his/her arm. It blew us away how much the baby is growing. Dr. Nguyen said the heart beat was normal and my blood work was perfect. When she tried to get the baby to move again by shaking the ultrasound probe, he/she refused. We had a great big laugh at his/her strong will already.

We also discussed how much it'd would cost to have the baby and we found out just how expensive they are, and we haven't even brought a diaper yet..lol. This was the most exciting day of our lives to hear our baby's heart beating and see him/her waving at us. It's so inspiring how they have to trust us completely to eat right, get exercise and take good care of them until they make their arrival. We plan to do just that.

We have a faith confession that we'd like to share with our family, friends and prayer partners. We strongly believe in the power of the spoken word and how faith can move mountains, if you believe. For those who believe int he power of faith confessions, please repeat these affirmations everyday.

Father, In Jesus Name, I thank you for the gift of a healthy child given to Alfred and Tanya. We thank you for your divine protection of the life of the unborn child, the mother and the father. We praise you that they have the wisdom of God to raise this child in the nurture and admonition of You Father. Now, we agree with them that every Spiritual, Emotional and Financial need in their lives are met with Heaven's best. Thank you Jesus for blessing the Pratt Family, In Jesus Name. AMEN

We'll until next time, stay blessed and have a great day on purpose!

My Gift from God!

What an awesome day! Saturday, May 23 at 8:30 a.m. I found out that I was carrying God's anointed seed in my womb. Today was my first prenatal visit where I was able to see the baby for the first time. The first person I called after taking the pregnancy test Saturday was my Aunt Brenda. I called her first because she has become a great depositor in my life. She deposits faith, dream building, encouragement and understanding into me. My whole goal in life is to become a great depositor in others lives. While growing up, I had a whole lot of people who sowed negative seeds but they didn't take root, Praise God! I become a born-again Christian at the tender age of 13 and God placed some truly magnificent people in my life to guide me along the way. As I celebrate the wonderful news of becoming a first-time mother, I would like to acknowledge God and his great supporting cast of Women and Men of God who helped me get where I am today.

1.) My grandmothers, Esther Rogers & Thelma Burleson. Actually, I know God is sovereign and can do anything at anytime, but it was my grandmother's, Thelma zeal for God and worshiping Him in Spirit and Truth that lead me to salvation. I know this will sound funny, but I was actually mimicking my grandmother in church when God touched me and brought me out of darkness. God has such a sense of humor:-). After that day, we became inseparable. As a young Christian with a zeal for God, My grandmother and I went to mission workshops together on Saturdays, thrift stores on second Tuesdays and she even walked with me to the movies to see The Body Guard. If anyone out there is Pentecostal, you know how terrible that went...lol. My other grandmother was a little firecracker and inspiration for all blacks during her time. She didnt' take mess off no one, including the police. My grandma Esther was so strong-willed that one summer my brother and cousins stole bicycles and lead the police to her house. When they knocked on her door to indict her grandsons, she stood up to them and declared her grandsons were innocent. Even though they knew the truth, they wouldn't dare stand up to Miss Ester. Believe me when I say, those boys got their punishment after the police left..lol. Seriously, I couldn't do my grandmother justice on this blog. That's how large her life actually was. She was loved by all her children, grandchildren, and neighbors. They just don't make'em like Miss Ester anymore.

2.) My Spiritual Mother, Bridgette Black. What a powerful woman to know during the first years of my being a Christian. Sis. Black was our Sunday School teacher, one of our youth department leaders but most importantly, she was the strongest woman I had ever known. Growing up without a full-time mom, I didn't really understand what it was like to be a Christian Woman. Well, Sis. Black answered all of those questions for me. She was unwavering in her faith, sincere in her service and bold in her declaration of her love for God. I would watch how she dressed, spoke and ministered to the people of God. I'll never forget one Sunday, she had come to church with a really nice fancy hair-do. I couldn't pay attention to the Sunday School lesson for watching her hair. In the middle of her lesson, she stopped abruptly and scolded my Aunt Miracle and I for not paying attention to the lesson but to her hair..lol. I spent a many a minutes in the Ladies restroom at Mt. Rose M.B.C. getting counselling and words of wisdom from my precious, Sis. Black. She also was the first woman to open my eyes to my outward beauty. I was such a tomboy growing up, playing sports, climbing trees and running after my brother, that I didn't look at myself as pretty or feminine. One Easter season, my Spiritual mother took me to the mall to buy my outfit. We tried on several, but there was one that I tried on that showed the outline of my shape. She exclaimed with extreme pride, "Nichole, you are so fine." Well, I didn't know what in the world she was talking about. She laughed and said, "I'm not talking spiritual but I'm talking about your body. You have a nice shape." That was my first indication that I had a beautiful outside to match my inside. Bridgette has always been a down-to-earth woman of God who can communicate with everybody on their level. I am forever indebted to Sis. Bridgette Black for what she has deposited in my life.

3.) My God-mother, Vanessa Matthews. I didn't have God-parents until I became 16 years old. At least I didn't know about them if I had them. It was because of my love for God and his people that I ended up becoming Sis. Matthews god-daughter. I was at a mission workshop one Saturday when my grandparents said we had to drop by the hospital to see one of the members. It was Vanessa Matthews. Her husband Issac Matthews was a minister at the church. After the visit to the hospital, I believe Sis. Matthews commented that she always wished she had a girl. She only had Kevin Matthews, my God-brother. Somehow she took me under her wings and became my God-mother. I was so happy on Saturday's when she would pick me up and take me to the beauty shop. It was a dream come true. I had someone who wanted to spoil me and treat me like their daughter. I love my God-mother so much and I believe God will cause our paths to cross.

4.) My Spiritual Mother, Paulette Mitchell. It is so amazing that the world is just recognizing what the people of God have been knowing for generations, It's takes a village to raise a child. I cannot quantify the impact this powerful woman of God has had on my life. Paulette shared her life with me in many intimate ways. She brought me to her home, along with my aunt Miracle and gave us personal access to her. She counselled me during my teenage years. She encouraged me to maintain my love for God even during difficult times of trials and testing. She also deposited financially into my future by purchasing my school clothes and supplies. She is the most lovable woman I know. All the youth at the church looked up to her. Her faith through the years has only gotten stronger and her light has only shone brighter. She believe in me, even when I didn't believe in myself. It is people like Paulette that creates the Oprah's, Condoleezza's and Bridgette Hilliard's in the world. We all need someone who encourages us to reach our full potential by reminding us that God is our Father and He gave his Son, Jesus that we may have LIFE and LIFE more abundantly.

I must include the whole supporting cast of Mt. Rose M.B.C. members. One year, Rev. Winn, Bro. David Glenn and Bro. Bobby Joe Glenn gave me a card with money in it with wonderful words of encouragement. Sis. Nikki Winn played a huge impact on my growth and development. Sis. Teresa Johnson always taught us about money and being a good steward. Of course, you must acknowledge the Matron of all matrons, Sis. De'Arcy Glenn. Sis. De'Arcy was the most selfless woman in the universe. She poured her heart, mind and soul into the youth of Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church. Sis. Ozella Glenn and Sis. Debra Eckwo are mighty women of God and impacted my faith. My mission workshop sisters had such a spiritual impact on my life. I will never forget wailing in the pews while listening to Sis. Adam's meditation. Getting spiritually lifted after hearing Sis. Owens, Gardner, Lula Mae Williams and Sis. Kinsey set the house of fire with topics and themes.

Outside the church I must acknowledge people who've helped me tremendously. All of my neighbors: Mrs. Frank, Mrs. Carmouche, Mrs. Wardsworth, Mrs. Pekins, Mrs. Madison and Mrs. Mary (the crossing guard). My fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Blakely took me to her house and showed me much kindness. My six-grade teachers, Mrs. Delores Baker, Mr. Dean and Mr. Munson. They looked out for me a great deal because I was so lost and in transition. I'll never forget them buying me an ironing board, chocolate chip cookie lip gloss and another item that I can't remember for my 13th birthday.

My Aunts, Kathy, Carolyn, Lillian, Brenda, Gloria, Essie Lee, Estelle, Betty and Hazel were the bomb. They were at all at the same time hard and easy going on me but all of them helped to shape me into a woman. Thank you very much.