Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Good morning God,


Good morning God,

I need you today, just like yesterday.  And Lord, if you grant me another tomorrow, I'm certain that I'll need you then.  I love you and I pray that the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and Redeemer.

In Jesus precious name, this is my prayer. Amen

Thursday, September 8, 2011

This is not what I had planned for my life...

Only by His will, certainly not my own.  The below photo sits on my desk and it was placed there a while ago by way of reading one of my favorite books.  It's titled, Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach.  It is indeed a keeper.  I've had it since 1996 and still keep it by my bedside, right next to my Bible. 

One of her many interesting "post" talks about finding the little girl you used to trust.  The one you believed in and the one who had dreams in her heart way before others came along and told her that it wouldn't be possible.  Well that little girl had no dreams whatsoever to grow up and become a cop. (lol) 

Actually, she just started dreaming a couple of years ago and wow; her dreams are finally coming to past.  Who knew?  If she thought that she'd reap these kind of results, she would have begun ages ago.  But then again, it (the dreams) would have only flourished according to His will.

The other picture was taken when I was chosen to be Detective Sergeant of the Year in 2010.  Once again, not my doing.


Monday, September 5, 2011

The MPDC Dispatch

I am slowly turning my blogs into books via Google's assistance.  It's pretty cool actually.  I've done the Free Spirit Butterfly Blog and this one is next on my list.  Therefore, I wanted to post the below article to have as a keepsake and add to my police scrapbook.  Last year our Dispatch Column did a Special Mother's Day Tribute to the Women in Blue and I was blessed enough to be one of the chosen and to share my story.  Here goes... warning, it's pretty lenghty.

Mother’s Day tribute to MPD Moms ~

What motivates you to be a police officer?
I am a Christian and the Lord is my
motivation. I was a lost soul and trying
to do everything my way. Specifically,
in the workplace, I had no idea what
delegation meant and assumed that I
could and would do it all. I’ve always
had multiple tasks assigned to me and
thought that it was “my” responsibility
to complete them. I did not know
that I could reach out for help. I never
reached out for help growing up and
that motto followed me into my adult
life.

Does being a mom make you a better officer?
More compassionate? Committed?
Being a mother makes me a great
law enforcement officer. I have so much
compassion for our youth. It literally
breaks my heart when I see the morning
juvenile reports with young faces of
those arrested the night before. I keep
asking myself, “Where are their parents.
Don’t they care?” But the compassionate
side of me knows that most of
them are from broken homes and most
likely a mother that has to work to provide
for her family. Some people think
that a Boys and Girls Club would solve
the problem. The problem lies in the
parents’ responsibility to get the child/
children involved in the church, which
will in turn, get them involved in their
community.

Describe one of your most challenging
situations on the job.
My most challenging tasks were
not as a street officer. It was within the
lines of management. I was tasked to
be the A/Lt. for the First District Investigative
Unit on January 11, 2009
and, boy, was I was mad. I had no desire
to do it and I literally had a tantrum.
I wanted to remain the Sergeant
— only be responsible for my duties
and did not want to answer directly to
the Command Staff. I had no choice
but to go to my Bible and ask God,
“Why me? You know I don’t like to be
in the spotlight. Please, ask someone
else.” With that being said, I decided
to journal about the experience and
document my good and bad days. After
the good days started to out-number
the bad ones, I stopped journaling
and started embracing the gift that
God had given me. The ability to do it
with his assurance that He would be
by me every step of the way. I am not a
public speaker and I have done at least
six PowerPoint presentations and the
words spoken were not my own. Not
that I wasn’t nervous each and every
time, but God will give you the confidence
you need if you would ask!

How does your occupation impact your
children’s lives?
I am so very fortunate in this aspect.
My kids have watched me work
hard all my life. They probably thought
that I was doing my very best to provide
for them. But in actuality, I was
trying to prove to myself that because
my father left me when I was two, that I
could make something of myself without
his presence. It wasn’t until I met
my birth father in 2003 that I realized
that I didn’t have to prove anything to
anyone, including myself. Knowing
that allowed me to stop working overtime
as much as I used to and to enjoy
being a mom to my kids. Before, I was
never really present. I was there but
I was irritable and tired all the time.
Then I became more available; much
more relaxed, which afforded me the
quality time to really listen when they
were talking and not think about the
next thing on my to-do list.

What aspect of your profession are your
kids most curious about? Would you encourage
them to follow in your footsteps
I can honestly say that my kids
have never had any specific curiosities
about my career. When I joined the
department, they were two and eight.
All they every wanted was my safe return
home at the end of each tour.
As far as following in my footsteps,
I would not encourage that. Being an
officer was my desire since my early
years and I think that they would have
chosen my same path by now. My desire
stemmed from watching my stepdad
come home in a police cruiser,
looking really sharp in his uniform. I
have always encouraged my children
to do whatever it was that their hearts
desired and to be the very best at that.
That is something that I wish my parents
would have told me growing up.
If they had, maybe I would have been
a reporter, interviewing members of
MPDC from the other side of the microphone.

What role does law enforcement play
in nurturing and building character in
young people?
I think today’s role in law enforcement
would best be served if we were
consistent in our actions and in our
duty to serve. I mean that in a professional
and positive way. Some of us
have truly lost the excitement and zest
that we possessed early on in our careers.
It may not be as much fun as you
grow older, but in my opinion, I think
that it is still rewarding.
I can honestly say that although
I am looking forward to my retirement,
I am still committed to coming
to work each and every day, completing
my assigned task, helping others
in any way that I can, and continuing
to pray that I can save at least one soul
from a life of violence. If I can assist in
finding justice for one victim during
his or her time of despair, then I can go
home at the end of that day, knowing
that I made a difference someone’s life.

What things do you do to be a role
model for your children/other young
people?
As a role model, I think that I have
been gifted with compassion and the
ability to listen. My sisters, MPD family,
and even strangers are compelled
to share very personal parts of their
lives and that makes me feel that they
can trust me. Oftentimes, I don’t know
what makes a person walk up to me
and share an intimate part of themselves,
but I can only assume that from
character, demeanor and spirit, they
see someone who is doing her very
best to live a life of authenticity and integrity.

Saturday, August 27, 2011

No longer trapped...

I have this sign on my desk that reads I'm a passionate writer stuck in a police officer's body.  Well, I no longer feel trapped.  By God's Amazing Grace, I finally published my first book.  I love serving the citizens of Washington, D. C., and I also love writing.  Mostly, I love helping in any way that I can.  I pray all the time that the Lord will use me and that I'm not so wrapped up in my wants and desires that I miss His calling. 

Not only has He called me to serve and protect but He has called me to show love and compassion and to provide resources to the Seniors and the Homeless.  Please click on one of the below links to purchase a copy of my book and the proceeds will be donated to a great cause.  Together, we can make a difference.  Believe me, the royalties are very small but God will increase them according to His riches and Glory.  This I know for sure.

www.xlibris.com/DeniseMFuller.html

www.xlibris.com/PoetryandProse.html

Thank you from the bottom of my heart!
Sgt. Butterfly :-)

Sunday, July 24, 2011

No longer a slave to unlimited overtime...

Saturday's used to be my overtime day.  I was so used to doing it that it was a part of me. A part of my life and seemed normal.  I've been working at least 2 jobs for as long as I can remember and then when I joined the Police Department, I began to work overtime, all the time.  I couldn't even begin to tell you how much time I spent away from my kids and family trying to provide a safety net and what I thought were the things they wanted and needed.  That would take up way too much time and that's not my real purpose for this blog post.  I'm writing to say that on Saturday, July 16, 2011, they had a Praise and Worship Service on the Beach and a tear came to my eye as I realized that had I still been a slave to overtime, I would have missed my blessing!

I will be gone for a while.  I would like to get deeper into the word of God and see what else He has in store for me.  Love and peace for a great summer and maybe I'll be back in the fall.  With GOD anything is possible.


Tuesday, July 12, 2011

It's summer and the kids need something to do...

Please help our youth throughout the community.  Kids are out of school and have lots of free time on their hands.  I don't know where to begin.  You could say that it starts w/the parents and or they should have been raised in Church, etc...

I was not raised in Church and my dad worked a lot.  My mother was a stay at home mom for a little while and for some reason I was always afraid of disappointing her or getting in trouble.  I'd like to say that it's one of reasons why I joined law enforcement, but I think I joined because I was fixated on Charlie's Angels and Columbo (One of the best detectives ever)... speaking of, he recently passed away.  May he rest in peace.

But in any event, please keep an eye on the youth in your neighborhood.  Offer them small jobs here and there, recommend stuff for them to do or someone that may hire them.  Report their activities even if you think it doesn't concern you.

Have a great summer and smile even if you don't feel like it!
Jesus is always near.

Sgt. FSB

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Prayers for a great day

Good morning everyone.  Just wanted to take a moment to wish you a great day.  Summer will be here soon.  Although we've been having incredible whether so far, it's strange that it's not officially summer.  On one hand I look forward to it and then again, on the other, I don't.
It gets really busy in the city.  The kids and youth have no real plans or activities.  The Boys and Girls Club are far and few between and a lot of the low income families barely have food on the table, let alone spending money for amusement parks and other social activities. 
With that being said, can you please add that to your prayer list?  Better yet, help one child this summer with a donation of some kind - a day at the park, a new summer outfit, a ticket to an outdoor activity, or just some change for the Ice cream truck.  Watch their little faces light up.  It will certainly spark a domino effect ;-)

Well, I got a little of track there.  My intentions were to tell you to make it a great day!  Love and prayers
Sgt. Butterfly

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Just like yesterday...

Good morning God,

It's me.  Just wanted to check in with you and let you know how much I appreciate you.  Just like yesterday, you stood by my side and walked with me.  You talked with me and held my hand.  You whispered sweet promises to me and assured me that the things of this world are forever fleeting and that your love is not only unconditional but eternal.

I am here at my desk again and longing to get through another day and another chance to honor and glorify your name.  Still uncertain on why you have me here at this point in my life, but as always, trusting that your purpose will prove fruitful for your Kingdom and not my will.

Help me to stay focused and to be there when that someone needs me in a personal or professional manner.  When that time comes, give me the words of wisdom and grace to let your light shine and speak with truth and love, compassion and understanding.  All these things I pray in your heavenly name, Christ Jesus, amen!

love ~
your humble servant

Thursday, May 5, 2011

National Day of Prayer

GM blog family. The below msg is something I sent out to my staff this morning and wanted to share w/you. I'm here if you need me. However, I will not post my number for texting ;-)

Good morning staff,

Today is National Day of Prayer. I just wanted you to know that if there is something on your heart ~ mentally, physically, emotionally, financially or spiritually, that you are dealing with, I would like to pray for you. You can see me in private, text me, call me or e-mail me at prayer.request2010@yahoo.com

In this busy, crazy, consumed world, please know that you are not alone.
sent w/love

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

My Blue Mondays ~

As the morning appears and unaware that darkness
Has faded the pace quickens and I am forced to keep up

I eagerly await the day when You relieve me of this
Current assignment, the one where I’m still longing

Longing to know Your purpose for me, one that
I can better serve You, one that will matter

Or is it as simple as it is written in Your word
That serving You IS what matters most

Not trying to make sense of it all but to embrace
And trust, believe and walk in Your truth

Surrender and obey to the call of Your voice
Not wanting to be anywhere but where I am

Not wanting to change the circumstances because
It doesn’t feel comfortable according to my standards

Knowing that Your ways are not my ways and Your
Thoughts are surely not my thoughts

Praying and serving IS my purpose, praising You
In all situations and learning to be still and grow

Like the mustard seed in Matthew, surely my Faith
Will carry me through until I reach Your Kingdom

At that Glorious moment, none of this stuff will
Have any significance and will merely be forgotten

Rejoicing in Your presence will make everything
That occurred prior to that day so worth the REWARD

fsb

Friday, April 1, 2011

I'm not just a cop...

I am also a passionate Christian and a passionate writer. Please click on one or both of these links and visit me at Poetry and Prose and Free Spirit Butterfly when you have a moment or two. Be safe and remember to love your neighbor as much as you love yourself. I believe in you!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

My prayer for today

Good morning God,

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you. I'm getting ready to begin my work day and at the moment, it is peaceful. It may not be in other parts of the city, but for now the air is quiet and calm. Bless your children, bless our Nation, bless our Soldiers and Lord, most importantly, bless me. May I continue to shine "your light" in this dark world and in this dark profession.

Our society is so overwhelmed with crime and destruction that fear is a regular emotion. Lord help us to remember that we are not to fear man but You. Keep us reminded of your precepts and your promises. Remind us that if we call on you, pray to you and meditate on your word DAILY, that you will ease those fears and eventually they will no longer exist.

Lord, we know that the flesh is weak and the mind is a playing field for the devil, but show us your mercy and grace as you always have. Personally, I want to thank you for covering me, protecting me under your wings, watching over me as I sleep through the night and putting angels above my comings and goings. Guide me, strengthen me and place wisdom in my head, compassion in my heart and a desire to listen and obey your will. Lord may your will be done in accordance to your sacrifice so many years ago. One for which I am eternally grateful and can never, ever repay in this life or the next.

Use me today to save at least one soul. In your heavenly name this is my prayer. Christ Jesus, amen!

Saturday, February 5, 2011

No fear of the Lord...

I am 46 years old and there are two things that I fear, My Lord and Savior and my momma. I have the unfortunate pleasure of reviewing crime stats every 24 hours. It reveals to me the number of juveniles arrested daily and the type of crime committed. I tell you one thing, my mom and I live at least 35 to 4o minutes apart and if she were to call me and tell me, (not ask, but tell me) to bring her "something" I'd be a little irritated and may even pout, but guess what? "I do it." Not only because she's my mom but because the Bible tells us so in an indirect way.

Today's youth are in fear of nothing. Most have sex with whoever, whenever. Most skip school, have tried drugs, know where to get a gun, drive without permits, have stolen on more than one occasion and even fight with Law Enforcement Officers. I didn't even make mention of the Violent Offenses that I've encountered.

If I haven't learned anything in my life's journey, I know one thing to be true. My fear of the Lord sustains me and keeps me on the path to "being my best self." Being humble, kind, polite, compassionate, forgiving, respectful, gentle and obedient may not be easy in this world we live in but the rewards are priceless.

Proverbs 10:27 The fear of the Lord prolongs days, but the years of the wicked will be shortened.
Proverbs 13:24 He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.
Proverbs 29:15 The rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

sent w/love
sgt. butterfly