Run and not Grow Weary




Ms. Simons - 94 year old - May God continue to
add joy in your life!

Let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth Ecclesiastes 11:9




As a child, there are dozens of things to do: swimming, riding bikes, or climbing trees. Time seemed to last forever along with a body with an endless supply of energy. We put away childish things as the sands of time transformed playing into the responsibility of adulthood, the dog eat dog world of work, work and more work. Somewhere along the way we forgot to bring from obscurity into view that joyful heart of our youthful days. In its place is a heart filled with fear, doubt, and exhaustion from the race called life.

God places people in our lives as examples as to how we should live. Take for example Ms. Simon, a 94 year old vibrant energetic lady who is always cheerful. Each Sunday she enters the church gracefully wearing an enormous smile. This particular morning, as Ms. Simon made her way to her predetermined seat (three rows from the front), I over heard someone ask how she is doing, her reply, “I’m running a race”. Even though her once spry stride, of years gone by is now calculated unhurried steps which require the aided of a walker  I assumed her statement was based on her relatively great distance she has traveled over the years.

Though out service, my mental note of running was forever in the forefront of my mind. Wondering what her response would be and how will she perceive my curiosity. As church adjourned I made my way through the crowd to enquire about her statement. With a gleaming smile and in such a childlike way she replied; “can’t you tell by how young and active I am.” One could not help but to return a look of favor and agreement along with a response of Yes I can. In continuous response, “It’s a race of life that I am running; I feel good and thank God.” I have to believe that Ms. Simon is a living example of Isaiah’s words;” those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Despite the trials and tribulations of life I took one lesson from this brief encounter. The race of life is not for the swift. Though it is commanded there is nothing better under the sun than to eat drink and be merry Ecc. 8:15 I must also renew my strength and hope with the Lord by letting the stresses of the day go! Learn to enjoy life, let your hearts give you joy as in the days of your youth. Take time in life to enjoy family, friends, children or grandchildren.

In parting, I thanked Ms. Simon for her time, thanked God for her presences and continuous happiness. In a soft spoken voice she smiled and thanked me right after snapping this photo. I pray that God will bless me to have such longevity of life and look this good at 94!

Tigner J. Rand


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Whatever you do Whistle for Jesus

And whatever you do in word or deed [work] do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Col. 3:17

Whistle while you work

Let’s face it most people don’t like their jobs: long hours, uncaring managers, vindictive co-workers, as well as spiteful individuals instigating chaos in the workplace. 

Employees feel unappreciated, unchallenged; they desire promotions and pay increases yet all to no avail. If that’s not enough, current economic turmoil and expert forecast paint a picture of doom and gloom: fewer jobs, lay-off, and pay cuts almost guaranteed with no change in site. Based on these facts, it’s apparent you are stuck in this storm [job] for a dreadfully lengthy time. This is the point where uncertainty brews in one’s mind; questioning life’s journey, God and any  person whom you feel attributed to your pain. There’s also the option of drowning in self pity which will ultimately disconnect you from friends, family, God as well as yourself.

The Seven Dwarfs

Most of you recall the fairy tale, Snow White and her Seven Dwarfs: Sleepy, Doc, Bashful, Sneezy Dopey, Grumpy, and Happy. Each Dwarf had a complaint or was oblivious to what was going on. In regards to work, our situation mirrors apiece of every emotion found in the Dwarfs. 

• There are days when individuals are sleepy or bored during 
• An impatient “no it all” who can be over bearing like Doc  
• Bashful and soft spoken - always pushed around making a day dreadful
• Sneezy is the sweet solution for early dismissal 
• Grumpy, Dopey and Happy: emotions bundled up inside each of us

 Any one of the aforementioned emotions can pop up a split second at work home or at the break of some daunting task.

I don’t profess to have the cure for any of these characteristics nevertheless I do believe by establishing a stronger relationship with Christ can ease the doldrums of monotonous situations. Scripture is very clear, “whatever you do, do it enthusiastically Col 3:23.” What does that mean? Despite how bad your job or life may appear, do everything with good cheer, whistle a joyful noise unto the Lord.. God’s word also elaborates that we should continue earnestly in prayer being vigilant in thanksgiving. Col 4:2.

It is clear that some Dwarfs had great excuses for not wanting to work while others found it a pleasure. When it was all said and done, no matter how each Dwarf felt they whistled while they worked. Likewise, during moments of despair find the inner strength to praise God through song, prayer and even whistling because a merry heart is like medicine but a broken spirit dries the bones. 

My beloved brothers and sisters be steadfast, immovable don’t let the madness of a day shake you from your belief in Christ. Though the labor is hard, it is not in vain and remember, no matter how bad your situation just whistle and always anticipate a miracle!



Tigner J. Rand




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I Will Hear in Heaven

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13





A portrait by Joseph Karl Stieler, 1820


Ludwig van Beethoven is regarded as one of the greatest composers of all times. His nine masterpiece Symphonies has transcended time and is played by countless composers to date. Many may not know that this renowned artiste became deaf, at the apex of his career. “Beethoven's hearing loss did not prevent his composing music, but it made playing at concerts increasingly difficult”. He did not allow physical setbacks to hinder his talent. Oppose to giving up or contemplating suicide Ludwig’s resolution was to continue living for and through his art. Ludwig was also known for stating great quotes. One which caught my attention was sited on his death bed: “I will hear in heaven”.


Reading this quote made me think of many of us who have all our faculties yet we choose to put stumbling blocks in our path telling ourselves what we cannot do. We give up blame others for our short comings or we strive for the lesser oppose to choosing high aspirations.


God has bestowed us with great talents, abilities and skills which are not for our own ego driven desires but to pay homage and praise to God. Ludwig acknowledged his talents to God by stating: “Beethoven can write music, thank God, but he can do nothing else on earth." Stop and think of yourself. What has you metaphorically deaf, keeping you from moving forward: friends, family, job complacency, fear or self? One perspective that is clear by seeking the will of God, His spirit can remove what ever is holding you back.


Take an inward look at yourself find the problems which has seized you. If Ludwig van Beethoven can write great musical scores without hearing what can you do? Look beyond the horizon and find strength which comes from God by way of faith. Become the magnum opus God intended for you to be!


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Life’s New Chapter: repeat bad habits or get better!

Photo: Tigner J.

In life, every four to five years a chapter comes to an end as blank pages are set before us to scribe new adventures. We attempt to outline our lives, by striving to reach high marks, while each period is transformed for the better or it progressively gets worse.


I am grateful God gave me custodianship of two great children. I have committed to memory their birth; my daughter a Thursday and my son a Sunday as well as memorized fond moments of their adolescent years; walking, talking, and first day of school. This past weekend, respectably, both have reached the four & five year pinnacle in life. Both are crossing over into uncharted territories; a new chapter. My daughter graduated High School. Her forethought is to set out on her own by going away to college. A testing ground to apply all learned life and academic skills without aide from parents. My son graduated fifth grade and matriculates to the sixth grade. He has reached the most impressionable years for youth; middle school. Will my children’s commencing be easy? No! However, with God as their Sheppard and God giving them the power I believe He will continue to lead, guide and direct their path so they will not stray.

We all have an opportunity for new beginnings in life. Reflect over the past four years and see from whence you came; where you stagnant, standing still, continually looked in the past destroying all possibility of making a change for the better? Or, did you see growth and development, a new creature in Christ, aligned in God’s will?

With all changes in life, we have to remember to stay the course and not give up and put your trust in God. Take the desired steps to begin a new positive chapter in life, also activate a positive attitude, open mind, faith in heart as well as a strong will. Make your next four years the best of your life!

Tigner



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What advice do you live by?

How has it affected your life?



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Tigner
http://thesoulsremedy.blogspot.com/