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LaToya M. Sutton

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January 11, 2010 Music Monday — "Word of God Speak" by MercyMe

Billboard Magazine recently named MercyMe the Christian artist of the decade, and they chose their song “Word of God Speak” as song of the decade. I think it was a great choice. That is one of those songs I could just put on repeat and never get sick of hearing it.

Among my other favorites from MercyMe are “I Can Only Imagine” and “God With Us.” What I love about their songs is that they are so simply and beautifully presented. They don’t muddy the message with all this extra stuff. It’s just good music.

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January 8, 2010 Who do you look like?

We’ve all seen children who are the spitting image of one of their parents. I’ve had many people tell me, “You look just like your mama” or “You look like your daddy.”

Just as we have a physical resemblance to our earthly parents, we as Christians should bear some resemblance to our heavenly Father. To resemble someone involves sharing some of the characteristics that person has. When someone looks at you, can they see any resemblance to Christ? Can they tell if you’re living the faith you’re professing?

For me, to look like Jesus is to live a life that honors Him. It means my relationship with Him must be above everything else in my life. My identity as a Christian is more important than my race, nationality, family background, the school I went to, the team I cheer for — whatever. I’m proud to be apart of those different communities and groups, but I don’t make decisions based on that.

I’m not perfect by any means. None of us are. My prayer is to look more and more like Jesus every day.

“Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents.” Ephesians 5:1, The Message

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January 4, 2010 Music Monday — "Restored" by J. Moss

I love the song “Restored” from J. Moss’ latest album, V3: Just James. The lyrics say, “I’m restored/ I’ve been rewarded/ I’m redeemed from guilt and shame/ Never rejected, just reconnected/ Now I’m exalted because I know His name.”

What beautiful lyrics. I imagine if King David was around, this song would be his jam. After he sinned with Bathsheba, David first tried to cover his transgressions. But, he eventually came to a point where he was truly sorry for what he had done. It was at this point that he came to God and asked Him to remove the guilty stain from him. “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me,” David prayed in Psalm 51:10. David was praying for restoration.

Once David confessed his sin, Nathan, a prophet, told David, “Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you, and you won’t die for this sin” (2 Samuel 12:13).  I John 1:9 lets us know that if we confess our sins to God, He is “faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.” God wants to forgive us, but that doesn’t mean that we should continuously and willfully commit the same sins and take advantage of God’s grace (Romans 6:1-2).

The blessing is in knowing that if we fall, we have a God who will pick us up, remove the stains of guilt and shame and restore us to right relationship with Him.

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December 31, 2009 Top nine of 2009

2009 has been an interesting year in the Sutton house, and these are nine of my most memorable moments from the year.

9 Turning 30

I must admit, the thought of leaving my 20s behind was a little upsetting for me in the weeks leading up to my birthday. But, I know God still many great things in store for me, so I’m not so worried about that number anymore. Plus, I still look great for my age!

8 Birthday weekend in Charlotte

I’m a simple girl, and I’m pretty easy to please. So, one of the most memorable moments of the year was spending the weekend of my birthday in Charlotte and visiting the Billy Graham Library. I had so much fun, and I was really glad just to get out of Raleigh and take a break. I look forward to going back to the Queen City really soon.

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7 Diva for a day

A month before my birthday, I had the pleasure of living out my dream of becoming a model. My good friend and photographer Rick Crank brought out my inner Naomi Campbell during a diva photo shoot. I have never worn so much makeup in my life, but I think my pictures came out great. I don’t know if I missed my calling, but Rick sure makes taking pictures fun.

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6 Reunited, and it feels so good

Reliving my college days and reuniting with my friends at Peace College’s Alumnae Weekend was one of the highlights of my summer. I had so much fun laughing with my girls and hanging out on campus and at Crabtree Valley Mall. It was just like old times. I hope we can do it again next year. Go Peace College!

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5 “I’mma let you finish but…”

Who can forget Kanye West’s antics at the MTV awards, or Adam Lambert’s performance at the AMA’s, or the hot mess that was the BET awards? Award shows have provided some of the best water cooler talk all year. Yes, celebrities have given us quite a lot to talk about. I hope in 2010, we hear a lot less about Kanye West and Tiger Woods. That’s all I ask.

4 Meeting Mike Huckabee

I was so excited to meet former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee at Quail Ridge Books and Music in Raleigh. It was a great night and just a fun experience to be there with all the other Huckabee fans/supporters that night.

mike huckabee

3 Michael at midnight

I knew I had to be at the first showing when I found out there would be a movie featuring the footage of Michael Jackson’s rehearsals for his “This Is It” concerts at the O2 Theatre in London. Wayne and I were there with about 100 or so other Michael Jackson fans for the midnight debut of “This Is It” at North Hills in Raleigh. Being in a room full of Michael fans and feeling all the love everyone had for him there made the moment that much more special. I didn’t cry, but my eyes definitely watered a few times. I was so tired, but so happy when I left the movie theater that night.

2 The inauguration snow day

One of the most exciting things in my life, let alone 2009, was watching the first African-American president take the oath of office. Barack and Michelle Obama made us all proud in January when they officially became our new first family. To add to the excitement, up to six inches of snow fell around the Triangle area. Local news outlets reported that our area had the highest concentration of inauguration viewers in the nation.

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1 Michael Jackson’s death

Without a doubt, the death of Michael Jackson will always be what I remember most about 2009. I’ve been a fan of his since I was just a little girl. I love music, and I will always remember all the wonderful music Michael made. I truly hope he knew Jesus as his savior and that he is in a better place now.

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That’s it for my 2009 memories. I started the year with the motto, “the best is yet to come.” I still believe the best is yet to come for 2010. I’m excited for what God is doing in my life and how He continues to bless me and my family. I can’t wait to tell all of the wonderful things that will happen in this year to come.

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December 23, 2009 Just remember — Jesus is the reason

Christmas is definitely my favorite holiday. I love the feeling of joy and love that seems to take over everyone during the season.

In the last couple of years, we haven’t been able to do a whole lot of Christmas shopping. And for the second year in a row, we never got around to putting up the Christmas tree. But, with all that, I’m still just as happy about Christmas. You see, I understand what the holiday is really about. Gifts and decorations are nice, but Christmas is all about Jesus. That’s something we should always remember.

 

Fred Hammond "Just Remember"

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December 18, 2009 It’s my nappiversary!

View My hair

Seven years ago today, I started my natural journey. I had gone seven months without a relaxer, and decided I was ready for the big chop. I didn’t go natural to make a statement, but I made one nonetheless.

Being natural means I love my hair just the way it is. It means I don’t believe the lie that black women must wear their hair straight because someone said nappy, kinky, coily – whichever term you like best – is bad.

When I decided to go natural, there were two resources that proved especially helpful. One was the book “Good Hair: For Colored Girls Who’ve Considered Weaves When the Chemicals Became Too Ruff” by Lonnice Brittenum Bonner. One of the criticisms other people have about the book is that Bonner texturizes her hair, but the book is a good start. And if it wasn’t for nappturality.com, I don’t know if I would have been able to stick it out during the transitioning phase and the first couple of months (and years) of being natural.

So, if you’re thinking of kicking the creamy crack to the curb, go ahead and take the leap. You won’t regret it. Seven years after I made the change, I can say I love my hair!

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December 11, 2009 No more Tiger talk!

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I am so sick of hearing about Tiger Woods! He apparently cheated on his wife, and that’s really too bad. But Tiger’s infidelity is not news, it’s gossip. That’s the thing that is driving me nuts.

It doesn’t matter which news station you watch, Tiger is going to come up. This is not something news reporters need to be talking about. This is something for TMZ, Media Takeout, the National Enquirer, and all those types of tabloids to talk about. The daily news has turned into the daily gossip report. Are the networks really so desperate for ratings?

Unfortunately, a lot of people looked up to Tiger Woods and they are disappointed by his actions. I understand that. But maybe if people stopped worshiping these celebrities, they wouldn’t be so disappointed when one of them makes a mistake.

I just hope this mess is coming to an end — soon!

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December 10, 2009 What I’m listening to

Besides my new favorite, Eric Roberson (see my last post), these are the artists and songs I just can’t get enough of right now. Enjoy!

Fred Hammond feat. John P. Kee

“They That Wait”

Any Fred Hammond song is the ultimate soundtrack for your praise and worship, and this one is no different. This song just makes you want to dance before the Lord!

Brian Courtney Wilson

“All I Need” and “Already Here”

This new brother on the gospel music scene knocked it out of the park on his two first singles. I love them both. He’s got a great voice, and these songs, like Fred’s, are in my worship soundtrack.

Lauryn Hill

“To Zion”

Even though it’s 11 years old, this song has been stuck in my head lately. It’s Lauryn’s beautiful tribute to her son, and what a blessing and an honor she felt through motherhood. Love it!
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December 5, 2009 Love at first listen

A few weeks ago  I was listening to Last.fm, and I heard him. And I fell in love with the music.

The artist is Eric Roberson, and where have I been? How could I have missed out on all this great music all this time? I have been slipping on my music game for quite some time. But I can say that I’ve been making up for lost time since I heard that first song, which was “Only For You,” and I like what I hear.

So, this is a public service announcement for all those who have been under a rock like me. Eric Roberson is good stuff. Get acquainted with his music; you will not be disappointed. Now, I have about six albums to buy.

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November 14, 2009 Hangin' with Huckabee

me & huckabee

I spent about two hours in a crowded book store last night for a chance to meet Mike Huckabee. The former Arkansas governor and 2008 presidential hopeful is touring 60 cities in three weeks to promote his new book, “A Simple Christmas.” He was at Quail Ridge Books and Music in Raleigh on Thursday night.

I am an enthusiastic Huckabee supporter. In fact, I changed my party affiliation from Democrat to unaffiliated so I could vote for him in the Republican primary. With that said, I was excited to have a chance to shake his hand and say hello.

It was great to be in a room full of other Huckabee supporters. I must mention that I was the only black person there. But, I wasn’t worried about that; I was on a mission.

Mr. Huckabee’s bus was an hour late. I’m sure the weather didn’t help. It was cold, rainy and windy. The weather made me want to stay home, but I decided I couldn’t miss this opportunity.

The wait wasn’t bad at all. The time seemed to fly by pretty quickly, plus there was a little girl who was quite entertaining. I read a little bit of “A Simple Christmas,” and having my iPhone didn’t hurt either.

Pretty soon, the bus pulled up and the wait was over.

simple christmas bus

The signing line went pretty quickly, and before I knew it, it was my turn. There was a lot I wanted to say, but I just said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Yeah, I totally froze! But hopefully I’ll get a chance to meet Mr. Huckabee again, and hopefully we’ll see his name on the ballot in 2012.

mike huckabee

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