Starting A New Chapter in Life...

While December of each year makes me literally thank God I made it through somehow, it's also a time to lament.

I get to bemoan the fact that I'm no closer to being debt free, then I was last year.
Not cool.

On the way home tonight, a friend and I were discussing the largest encumbrance in our lives:
DEBT.

In conversation, we realized what's needed is a network of support that's designed to encourage and uplift as we forge our path to financial freedom.
Getting a copy of one's credit history can cause some people to become gripped by fear.
It can be embarrassing, and humiliating-but it's necessary.
It will serve as a gauge of where we are and where we're going.

Credit is personal.
Your personal information isn't needed, simply your struggles (i.e., sticking to a budget, can't pass up a shoe sale, etc) and your goals (to put $10, $100 etc in the bank, monthly).

If you would like to know where to start, how to start...then this support group may be for you.

There are many books and websites available that offers great advice on how to get out of debt. Please share them! Understand, what works for you- may not work for someone else; but you WILL NOT come across information that says you DON'T NEED your credit report and a budget.

This is a journey.
Debt did not happen overnight and realistically,
financial freedom will not come overnight.

If:

• Financial freedom is something you desire.
• You are willing to be brutally honest with yourself.
• You are seeking a support system, as you make changes in your life
• You would like to be part of the support system.
• Have ideas, strategies, contributions that may be beneficial to those wanting to make a change in their fiscal lives.
• You are ready for a CHANGE

Then this may be for you.
This will be a support group made up of everyday people with everyday problems.
We'll work together towards financial freedom.
Some will achieve their goals sooner than others, and that's fine.
We (esp. in the black community), must stop making excuses for being fiscally deficient.
Honesty with self is necessary, so that we may leave a legacy of fiscal responsibility to our offspring.
If you are interested please send an email with "Debt Free" in the subject line to:

iventbybloggingYBR@gmail.com

Remember:

"Smooth seas do not make skillful sailors."
-African Proverb

(african proverb courtesy of Motivational Sayings)

Get Your Money Straight, Girl!

Vickie Elisa, who also is division director of marketing and business development for the DeKalb County Board of Health, recently received Redbook magazine's Strength and Spirit Award.RENEE' HANNANS HENRY/STAFF

Financial advice for struggling women:
Tucker resident speaks from experience in her Smart Women & Money workshops

Many of the women who come to hear Vickie Elisa talk about money aren't who you'd expect to see at a financial planning workshop.

The audience at one of her free, day-long sessions on budgeting, debt reduction and retirement investing might include former or

current prostitutes, drug users and victims of domestic abuse.

"It's different than [personal finance expert] Suze Orman. She's not talking to crack addicts," Elisa observes dryly, adding, "not that that's my whole audience."

No, but it is what distinguishes the Tucker resident and DeKalb County health official's work from that of other financial advice gurus.

In the 10 years since she founded Smart Women & Money, Elisa has preached financial literacy to an estimated 40,000 people across the U.S. and as far away as the African nations of Ghana and Nigeria.

Her work in the program, part of the Georgia chapter of the HIV/AIDS awareness group Mothers' Voices, recently earned her Redbook magazine's Strength and Spirit Award honoring individuals who are "making big changes in our world, one small step at a time," according to the magazine's Web site.

Elisa, 49, is still awed by the honor, given to her at a ceremony in New York last October. She was presented by actor Dennis Leary and given the kind of star treatment that, she says, "I never could have dreamed of when I started this."

Twenty-five years ago, Elisa says, she couldn't even have conceived of a program like Smart Women & Money. But personal circumstance taught her a lesson.

Back then, the Georgia native and Spelman College graduate was newly married and, it appeared, moving on up. But excessive spending buried the couple in $30,000 of debt, helped bust up their marriage and literally drove Elisa into the street: she lived in her car for a time.

It took six years to clear up the debt, thanks to extra jobs selling magazines and folding laundry in hotels, in addition to a full-time marketing position in state government.

Though she eventually got back on track financially and established a career, she never forgot her own struggles, their cause, or what it took to get out from under.

"I can honestly say, been there, done that," Elisa says.

Another personal event, the loss of her brother to AIDS, prompted Elisa when she was still in her 20s to help launch the state chapter of Mothers' Voices. In time, she became president of the national organization.

In the course of that work, Elisa saw a link between economics and health, specifically the corrosive effect of financial need on health choices. Women, she saw, might work as prostitutes or stay in abusive relationships merely to survive financially and to take care of their children.

From that idea sprang Smart Women & Money, which she saw as a means to help troubled women find a path out of poverty and social problems to relative prosperity and healthier lifestyles. The classes, she says, provide mostly basic information because they are tailored to the needs of her audience.

One observer says the workshops work wonders.

"Information is power and so these workshops are empowering to these women," says Gloria Tate, who runs a media buying business and is a member of the Mothers' Voices board of directors.

"This is sort of a euphoric experience for them," Tate adds. "They're suddenly in a setting with other women who have similar experiences, and that provides them a system of support. Many of the women in the audience have never been exposed to that kind of knowledge."

Elisa conducts 25 to 30 of the 6- to 8-hour workshops, which are free of charge, each year. They are held in social clubs and at local libraries before a hundred or so people, and also in civic centers and large auditoriums before hundreds and even thousands. Her audience is mostly women, but men do show up on occasion, if only to check up on their wives or girlfriends, she said.

Though many in attendance have serious financial issues, there is a mix of incomes and social backgrounds. Elisa says half her audience earns $50,000 annually or more.

"I get a lot of women in Atlanta who are 50-55 who've been downsized and they're at the age where no one wants to hire you," Elisa says. "They say, 'I never thought it would be me.'"

There are also the "first wives," she says, women from well-to-do households who are now divorced and are looking for a bit of financial advice.

All are welcome in Elisa's sessions, although it is her reach-out to the disadvantaged and the abused that earned her the Redbook honor and nationwide attention.

Because Elisa has a full time job as division director of marketing and business development for the DeKalb County Board of Health, her work with Smart Women & Money is a volunteer effort. And quite an effort it is.

"It is exhausting," admits Elisa, a single mother of one child.

For that reason, Elisa says she's training others to conduct the workshops in her absence. That would allow her to spend more time with her daughter.

Still, she adds, "I don't see myself ever stopping doing these workshops. I learn something every time I do one."source

***
I must give it to Vickie...she's voyaged where few others dare too. It's admirable for her to take the time to help women rebuild their lives...esp those who are most overlooked by society.
Awesome!

This Episode of "Shysters & Perverts", Creflo Says I ain't doing jack!

Creflo Dollar not cooperating with Senate probeDollar, Texas minister don't plan to turn over financial records by today's deadline

(edited by Ivent; courtesy of ajc.com)

The Rev. Creflo Dollar of College Park's World Changers Church International refused to cooperate in a U.S. senator's probe into televangelists' finances and uses of tax-exempt status.
His was one of six media ministries, including Bishop Eddie Long's New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, from which Grassley asked documents.

The others — the Rev. Benny Hinn and Kenneth and Gloria Copeland of Texas, and Randy and Paula White of Florida — had not turned in records as of Thursday morning.
Benny Hinn of World Healing Center Church Inc. and Benny Hinn Ministries of Grapevine, Texas, said in a statement to the AP on Thursday that he will not respond to the inquiry until next year.
Only Joyce Meyer of Fenton, Mo., has complied so far with Thursday's deadline looming.
Dollar's attorney sent Grassley a letter telling him to get a subpoena or to refer his request for a review to the Internal Revenue Service.
The letter expresses concerns about giving documents to the government, explaining such action could trample on the constitutional rights of people to practice religious beliefs without government interference.
The letter says the six ministries targeted preach the "...'Prosperity Gospel,' a deeply held religious belief that God's devout followers and earthly leaders will prosper and be successful in all they do, including in financial matters, as the outward expression of his favor."
It went on to say, "... we believe that the religious doctrine and practices of a church should not be held out for the world to evaluate as a result of responding to Congressional inquiries."
Dollar could not be reached Thursday morning.
Grassley said he is not interested in doctrine. He wants to make sure media ministries are not abusing their tax-exempt status.
He is the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee and has probed other nonprofit organizations, uncovering fraud and waste.
He believes he has a right to review records because when non-profits get tax breaks, the general public has to pick up the financial slack.
"I have an obligation to protect the integrity of U.S. tax laws," Grassley said in a written statement. "If tax-exempt organizations, including media-based ministries, thumb their noses at the laws governing their preferential tax treatment, the American public, their contributors and the Internal Revenue Service have a right to know. Considering tax-exempt media-based ministries today are a billion-dollar industry with minimal transparency, it would be irresponsible not to examine this tax-exempt part of our economy."
Long could not be reached, but a spokesman said they are preparing their response.
Meyer took an opposite stance from Dollar. She turned over records Tuesday.
In a written statement, Meyer said the ministry embraces "... this latest opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to transparency with our supporters and our dedication to the continual improvement of our own systems of accountability."

Get Out of Debt...The Early Show-Shows You How!

Handle Your Financial Business!!

Check out this video from the Early Show that will put you on the road to financial freedom.

For serious minded folks only!

source

Churches Called to Accountability

Senate member seeks financial records of Atlanta megachurches
New Birth, World Changers asked to provide details of spending
source

The gospel message that links God with dollars has been called to judgment before a powerful U.S. senator.

Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) sent letters requesting detailed financial documents to two metro Atlanta preachers and four other ministries nationwide whose leaders are known for opulent, or as the ministers would say, blessed, lifestyles.

Grassley is the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee and has developed a reputation for demanding financial transparency from non-profits.

He wants to know how much Bishop Eddie Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia and the Rev. Creflo and Taffi Dollar of World Changers Church International in College Park make, how their church-issued credit cards are managed and how many cars, planes and foreign bank accounts they own. He has asked for information on the ministries' boards, business relationships and associated organizations.

"I'm following up on complaints from the public and news coverage regarding certain practices at six ministries," Grassley said in a press release.

The other ministers are the Rev. Benny Hinn, based in Grapevine, Texas; David and Joyce Meyer, Fenton, Mo.; Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, Newark, Texas, and Randy and Paula White, Tampa, Fla. All are well known in the evangelical religious broadcasting world. They are also known for preaching that financial blessings are part of Christian life.

"The allegations involve governing boards that aren't independent and allow generous salaries and housing allowance and amenities such as private jets and Rolls Royces," Grassley said.

"I don't want to conclude that there's a problem, but I have an obligation to donors and the taxpayers to find out more. People who donated should have their money spent as intended and in adherence with the tax code."

A spokesman for Long said that he intends to comply fully with Grassley's request.

Dollar said in a written response that Grassley is setting a precedent that would allow the Senate to pry into donations from any church or church school.

"Because of this fact, we feel it is prudent to consult well-respected legal professors and scholars to see what their thoughts are," the statement said in part.

"The questions are much bigger than World Changers as it could affect the privacy of every community church in America."

Dollar said his life and ministry have always been an open book.

Not so, said Rod Pitzer, who helps run Ministrywatch.com.

The 7-year-old group finds and asks for information on ministries and grades them on openness so that donors can decide where to give their money.

Many nonprofits have to file Form 990s with the Internal Revenue Service that detail salaries and expenses. Those forms are public documents, but religious ministries are exempt from filing them.

Pitzer said because of that, he depends on churches to voluntarily provide information. He has requested documentation from Dollar's church, such as audited statements or yearly reports. He has never received anything from them, he said.

Because of its lack of transparency, Ministrywatch.com grades World Changers an F.

"He's one of the few organizations that have an F, among about 500 that we are currently grading," Pitzer said.

Pitzer has not dealt with Long's ministry.

None of the six organizations that got Grassley's letters belong to the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability.

It is a voluntary organization of more than 2,000 members that sets professional standards for ministries.

Ken Behr, its president, was an executive with Ford for 24 years. He called the letter from Grassley unprecedented.

"If they were [ECFA members], this probably wouldn't have happened," Behr said.

The agency requires its members to have independent boards that do not include family members, but do adhere to high accounting standards and justify expenses.

"When a person using a credit card turns in a receipt, they have to justify that charges were ministry purposes, not for a family vacation to Hawaii," he said.

Jill Kozeny, a Grassley spokeswoman, said the senators chose the six ministries because of reports from third parties, whistle-blowers and the press.

In 2005 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ran a story that looked into Long's founding of a charity that paid the minister more than $3 million over a 3-year period, bought him a $1.4 million house and paid for the use of a $350,000 Bentley car.

Grassley's letter to the Dollars mentions information that Dollar tried to raise $1 million from other minister to give to Kenneth and Gloria Copeland for a celebration of their 40th year of ministry and that Dollar's ministries gave more than $500,000 to them.

Kozeny said, "Some of the accounts were of particular concern about lack of transparency, about how [the ministries] spend millions while you have it all exempted from federal taxes."


WHO'S BEING INVESTIGATED
Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, is investigating the finances of six well-known televangelists.

The organizations and their leaders are:
- Randy and Paula White of Without Walls International Church and Paula White Ministries of Tampa, Fla.

-Benny Hinn of World Healing Center Church Inc. and Benny Hinn Ministries of Grapevine, Texas

-David and Joyce Meyer of Joyce Meyer Ministries of Fenton, Mo.

- Kenneth and Gloria Copeland of Kenneth Copeland Ministries of Newark, Texas

-Bishop Eddie Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and Bishop Eddie Long Ministries of Lithonia

-Creflo and Taffi Dollar of World Changers Church International and Creflo Dollar Ministries of College Park

$$$ Financial Freedom Friday $$$

Family,

Don't forget...on the right sidebar, is a link to get your credit report.

Take a step towards financial freedom, get your credit repot today.

$$$ Financial Freedom Friday$$$-Family Financial Fitness

How does your family's financial picture look ? You don't know? Well click here to get started: click me

$$$ Financial Freedom Friday $$$

Money Sense: Got Debt?
Tips to finding a sound counselor
source

October 10, 2007--Managing credit and keeping debt to a minimum is a key element of our ability to transition from a struggling consumer to a successful wealth-builder. That's why I often recommend that people who are struggling with debt seek credit counseling before they do something out of desperation—such as file for bankruptcy—unnecessarily or prematurely. In fact, one of the major components of the recent changes in the bankruptcy law is that credit counseling is now required before a bankruptcy can be filed.

However, it is often difficult to tell the difference between legitimate, not-for-profit counseling agencies and those focused on taking advantage of your desperation. Some may want to simply separate you from your money without solving your debt problem at all. When looking for a credit counselor, you'll do well to watch out for the following red flags:


Educational materials are unavailable or only available for purchase.
The organization pushes debt management plans as your only option, without offering such services as budget counseling or debt management classes.
The agency's employees are paid based on how many people they get to buy or sign-up for services.
The counselors are not accredited or trained by an independent, outside organization.
The credit counselor refuses to help you because you can't afford to pay.

Go to the National Foundation for Credit Counseling Website to find a NFCC member agency in your area. You may also want to check out the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's Website. This site will help you find reputable credit counselors and debt management programs, as well as offers you more tips to avoid the scammers.

$$$ Financial Freedom Friday $$$

You can always trust Grandpa Terry, for
good financial advice!


Grandpa Terry's Tip of the Week

Quick Money Tips #1 from Budget Stretcher

This is the 1st in a series of articles that provide helpful
money tips that you can use to stretch your budget.

1. Don't use your credit cards unless you intend to pay off the
balance at the end of the month.

2. Prepare a simple budget that you can stick to.

3. Organize your bills and receipts so that you can lay your
hands on anything you need within 60 seconds.

4. Use your checking account only to pay bills. Use cash for
everything else.

5. Control your impulse spending.

6. Don't spend more than you make each month including credit
card purchases.

7. Plan all of your purchases no matter how large or small.

8. Set your financial priorities keeping in mind you and your
family's survival.

9. If you are having money problems, find out how you got there
so you can make a plan to get out.

10. Set aside some money for a crisis fund you can use for
unplanned and unexpected expenses.

***********************************************************

Site of the Week

Frugal Families
http://www.frugal-families.com/





source

Profitess, PLEASE GO FIND A THRESHING FLOOR AND LAY ON IT! THANK YOUUUU!

Is That a Bic?! AWAY FROM ME-COMMONER!
image source: Google Images

If you write with a Bic pen you are "common", ordinary. You need to "upgrade." At least that's according to the gospel of Ms. Her-face-is-in-everyplace-Bynum.

She has paid $5,000 for a pen! Did you read that Bynum followers?? She's paid $5k for a pen, but she wants you all to finance her threshing floor complete with gold placards...yeah right!

I followed a link from independentconservative.com's site and it linked to YouTube. I.C.'s post was about RingoTV (the one who uploaded this YouTube video of JB). I'm not promoting Ringo...I just want to expose JB'S nonsense to as many people as possible!

Listen as she continues to talk out of the side of her neck:

$$$ Financial Freedom Friday III $$$ NOOOOOOO, NOT THE BABIES!!

THE COLOR OF MONEY COLUMN: Child Identity Theft
credit: blackamericaweb.com




WASHINGTON -- Tara called into my XM radio show distressed about her debt. But unlike many people who complain about the bills they allowed to mount, much of her debt was not her fault. Someone, perhaps her grandmother, parents or a close relative, had stolen Tara's personal information and opened credit card accounts -- one when she was just 16. This young woman is part of a small but disturbing trend in identity theft, where crooks steal your personal information and open credit in your name.

One might think children would be spared from this crime since who in their right mind would extend credit to a kid.



The Federal Trade Commission reported that identity theft on behalf of victims under 18 rose from 6,512 in 2003 to 10,835 in 2006. In 2003, just 3 percent of identity theft victims were under 18. By last year, the figure had reached 5 percent. But keep in mind these figures only represent formal complaints.

*****

To quote radio talk show host Michael Baisden,

that's some 'fragga-knackle bull' right there!

stealing a child's identity?!

Most of the perpetrators are the parents!

I know of parents who messed their credit up, and then mesed their kids

credit up too. Kids don't find out about it until they get their credit pulled.

I feel if this crime is committed against childen (esp by parents) prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law!!

For information and safeguards regarding identity theft go here:

www.whostolemyidentity.com

you betta recognize!!

Ivent

$$$ FINANCIAL FREEDOM FRIDAY $$$

It's that time again...it's Financial Freedom Friday!!
Here are tips of the day from the mouth of BlackEnterprise.com:

Cutting Costs
... savvy ways to save on necessities

--Few things in life are free, but some products and services can be bought at significantly discounted prices if you're willing to make a sacrifice or two.

Electronics Savings: Planning to buy a new television, computer, or other electronics? Many stores sell display models for 10% to 20% savings since the product is technically "used." Jim Babb, a spokesman for Richmond, Virginia-based Circuit City Stores Inc., says, "We call these products 'open box savings,' and the size of the discount depends on the product." While Circuit City's open box products all carry full manufacturers' warranties, other stores may have a different policy. So be sure to ask if you're forfeiting any benefits offered to customers who pay full price.

Personal Care Cutbacks: If you're the type who likes to pamper yourself with spa services, look for the nearest school for estheticians (also check out Spa Week on the previous page). Many cosmetology schools that teach such skills as hair, nail, and skincare offer services at a discount so that students have customers on whom they can hone their skills. For example, the Georgetown Aveda Lifestyle Salon & Spa in Washington, D.C., charges $120 for its Elemental Nature Facial for Radiant Skin, while the Aveda Institute, a training facility in Washington, D.C., charges $50 for the same service. However, be cautious about having chemical products applied such as hair relaxers, advises Torrence Wimbish, manager of Salon Plaza in Largo, Maryland. "Though students may have practiced on [mannequins], it's a different ball game when you actually have to put a chemical on a human," he says.

Thrifty Sites: Visit Websites such as www.consignmentshops.com to find consignment shops that offer savings on secondhand clothing and goods such as office furniture and household items. The merchandise is typically in good condition, though you should ask about and be comfortable with the return policy before making a purchase.

******

Utilizing these tips will help you to achieve most of your short term goals.

The first step after acknowledgement is implementation!

You better recognize...money is not going to magically allocate themselves to your bank account.

You better have a bank account!!

Oh Lawd, that's a whole other topic...(posting coming soon!)

$$$ Financial Freedom Friday $$$

Life After BankruptcyYou can rebuild your credit
By Kellie Tabron August 29, 2007
(source: blackenterprise.com)

--After her husband's death, Louise Tripplett found herself alone with four children, while bills poured in faster than she could pay them. "The bills amounted to more money than I had coming in," she explains. Tripplett decided filing for bankruptcy was the best option.She's not alone.

According to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, nearly 1.5 million Americans filed for bankruptcy in the 12 months preceding June 2006. Cynthia L.Gibson, an attorney in California, says the decision is a serious one. "Once you file for bankruptcy, it stays on your credit record for 10 years."You can, however, start on the road to financial recovery today. Start monitoring your credit record regularly.

You are entitled to order a free copy of your credit report every year from the three major reporting agencies: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Go to http://www.annualcreditreport.com/.

Howard Dvorkin, founder of Consolidated Credit Counseling Services Inc. in Florida (www.consolidatedcredit.org), recommends writing a letter to each credit bureau if you find inaccuracies. Include your full legal name, address, birth date, and Social Security number, and make photocopies of any documentation. "If the credit bureau can't confirm within 30 days whether or not the information is accurate, it must be removed," he says.

• Within five days of making a correction, the credit-reporting agency must send you:
  
• Your corrected credit report
  
• Written explanation of its investigation process and the contacted creditor
  A notice of your right to have the credit bureau send your corrected credit report to employers reviewing it in the past two years and anyone else reviewing it in the past six months.

If after 10 years a bankruptcy doesn't drop off your record, likely because of administrative error, write a letter. Be persistent. If you don't get resolution within 30 days, write again and follow up by phone.

Our experts say that your most important financial tool now is discipline. Tamara Haskins, a financial adviser for Merrill Lynch in Edison, New Jersey, says, "Consider meeting with a good financial planner to help you set goals and create a road map to reach them.
Keeping a monthly budget and comparing it to your actual spending will also help keep you on track."Tripplett agrees, "You don't want to become a person who files bankruptcy every 10 years just because you can. Be stable and stay within your limits. Reestablish your credit by paying on time and in full every month.

"Want to rebuild your credit after bankruptcy? Try secured cards.

Filing for bankruptcy can affect your ability to get credit cards, buy a home, and find employment. Secured credit cards are an excellent way to begin rebuilding your credit. Secured credit cards require you to maintain a savings account as security for a credit line. Deposits can start as low as $100. Credit lines, which can increase after establishing a good payment record, are typically 50% to 100% of your deposit.
Keep these facts in mind:

• Miss payments on your account and your deposit funds will be used to cover what you owe.
  
• Annual fees and higher interest rates than unsecured cards are common as are application and processing fees.

The Federal Trade Commission says to avoid surprises by asking about a card's total fees before you apply and verifying whether they will be refunded if your application is denied. Confirm that the credit card issuer reports to major credit bureaus; otherwise, having the card can't help you rebuild your credit.Find information on secured credit cards at Websites such as http://www.creditcards.com/.

Consistently pay on time and stay within your credit limit and on average, after about a year, you'll begin increasing your credit score and eventually qualify for an unsecured card.
*******************

Family, it's time to get our finances together! Some of us will be facing retirement soon, and at my workplace-people don't prepare for retirement til approx 2 years before their planned escape. Because of poor planning they can't leave because there's not enough money to sustain them. It's sad and it's reality.

You better recognize-it doesn't have to be YOUR REALITY.

Set a small goal for yourself for your financial health. How about simply, WRITING out a budget?? And build from there :)

In the right sidebar of this page there are several money links, a get out of debt link, and a credit report link. Those are permanent links available to you 24 hours a day. Check them out!

Ivent

File this One Under: Is This The Face of A Woman Who Needs Financial Support?! and Under: Only God Knows Who's Saved For Real!

Bynum, granted restraining order, seeks financial support from Weeks
(source: www.ajc.com )
(Ivent's commentary's reflected in blue)

National evangelist Juanita Bynum has filed for divorce in Gwinnett County and has been granted a restraining order as the proceedings move forward. (what exactly did this man do to her to make her so vindictive? It seems that he ain't thinking about her, but her obsession with him has taken hold of her-LOOSE HER SATAN IN JESUS' NAME!! Hell has NO WRATH LIKE A WOMAN SCORNED-that's what they say anyway)

The petition for divorce and the mutual (mutual?? hmmm, I'm not surprised at that revelation) restraining order was received by the Gwinnett County Superior Court Thursday afternoon.

Bynum, who separated from her estranged husband Bishop Thomas W. Weeks III in June, is seeking a divorce based on the argument that her marriage has been "irretrievably broken (I thought her husband came from God??)," and that she is a victim (victim?? no comment) of "cruel treatment."

Bynum, 48, told police in August that Weeks beat, choked and stomped her to the ground in the parking lot of an Atlanta hotel. Weeks, also a pastor, has denied the alleged abuse.

He was charged with felony aggravated assault, felony terroristic threats and two counts of simple battery in connection with the alleged attack. (old news)

The wealthy (wealthy, at the expense of "her flock"-as her fans are referred to at time.com) evangelist is also asking the court for possible financial support (ok, where's the cameras? Is this candid camera? is this a joke? no seriously, is this a joke?! So-it seems to me Mrs. Pulpit-pimp, is trying to "pimp" her soon-to-be-ex, a fellow Pulpit-pimp! Ashton... Ashton, I'm tired and am in no mood to be Punk'd-Ashton,come on out, now!!) that the court may deem equitable or appropriate."

The divorce petition in Gwinnett mirrors a petition Bynum had filed earlier this month in Ware County. That petition was dismissed because it was filed in the wrong jurisdiction. Lawyers for Weeks, 40, said the case had to move north to Gwinnett because that's where Weeks resides. The couple have a $2.5 million home at a Duluth country club. (mmmm-hmmmm)

Attorneys for Weeks said Friday they will respond to the divorce petition, but said they question Bynum's motives (by george, I think they've got it!)for her recent media appearances. In recent weeks Bynum has appeared on the front page of The New York Times and has been a guest on Christian radio and Good Morning America (no chitlin' circuit for JB!).

Bynum, who has declared herself (she's soooo humble!) the "face of domestic violence," has said she plans to launch a ministry (how many ministries can one person have?!--she's going to fleece the abused women-rember it's the vulnerable who falls for the silver-forked tongue!) to help women who suffer partner abuse.

"She thinks she is going to get some benefit (oh, you think??)by going public with this," said Randy Kessler, Weeks' attorney. "It is not necessary for divorce purposes. We are going to take the high road." (i have to agree-very minimal face time)
Bynum's attorney Karla Walker also sought a restraining order in the divorce petition.

The protection order prohibits both Bynum and Weeks from "any act that injures, maltreats ... intimidates or harasses" each other. It also prevents the couple from retaliating against each other by disconnecting the utilities or canceling insurance policies. (are they talking about Christians, or Church folks aka worldly people who go to church?)

Bynum, who uses the married name Bynum-Weeks, is asking the court that her last name be restored to Bynum, which she uses for professional (not spiritual but professional, she is a pro when it comes to separating currency from people's pockets, wallets, socks, bosoms, book pages etc) purposes on occasion.

Bynum and Weeks married in an elaborate ceremony in 2002 (how ironic, the wedding was much talked about, and so is the pending divorce! tsk tsk tsk). They moved to metro Atlanta in 2006 to start Global Destiny Church in Duluth.
**********************

Well. Well. Well. I'm searching for words...still searching...still searching.

I just have this to say: JUANITA, THOMAS!! YOU BETTER RECOGNIZE--MY GOD IS NOT TO BE MOCKED!!!

For Galatians Chapter 6 says:

7) Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 8) For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

Repent in the name of Jesus! God loves you, and so do I!

Ivent

Suze Orman...

Suze Orman on Larry King Live-CNN

Suze Orman on Larry King Live!

Although it's not Financial Freedom Friday-tomorrow is an exception, Financial Expert Suze Orman will be appearing on Larry King Live, tomorrow Oct 1st @ 9pm, EST on CNN. For those who are cable-less, satellite-less, wait a few minutes after the show-you know it'll be uploaded on You Tube in no time!!

Not only is she knowledgeable in her area of expertise, but she's facinating to watch.

Unfortunately, some of us has to go to class tomorrow, therefore I will not be a part of the festivities! If anyone has any thoughts regarding Suze O's appearance on Larry King Live, please post your thoughts !

You better recognize-financial advice is timely ANY DAY of the week!

And pray for me-I have Algebra for 4 (that's not a typo) hours!

God bless you!

Ivent