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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After Thought

Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14







Using people for what we want

Many of us stand accused of disregarding family and friends who stood by our side during times of need. After being consoled and invigorated back to life, we toss them away like a used rag; they become after thoughts.

I have a friend who had a heart wrenching experience so tragic life became unbearable he was unable to sleep, eat, or desired to live. The storm had his mind rambling and speaking confused statements of life; in short trying to make sense of a bad situation. I became a soundboard, the voice of reason; someone he could confide in during the darkest hours of the night.

In our personal lives, we groan and cry out woe is me, the storm is too strong the night too dark and the pain is unbearable. Where are you Lord? I don’t feel your presence, weeping has been endured for more than a night and morning seems like it will never come. Nevertheless, when sunny days finally arrive, God now becomes an after thought.

After Thought - feeling good

Today, my friend’s turmoil has ended, life is back to normal. He has moved out of state, frequently visits home and enjoying life. On occasion he calls, typically when departing home. I’ve become the person who keeps him awake during a long journey. In spite of his happy ending I have become the after thought.

Question 1: how does one deal with this situation? Do I allow the flesh to curse and loose a friend? Or do I confront my friend and forgive him? 

Question 2: Do I stop helping people because in the end I will be hurt or does one continue being the voice of reason by providing words of encouragement to others in pain?

Question 3: Reflecting back over your life, have you treated Christ or friends as after thoughts? Only calling when needed or do you reach out to Christ and friends during all times thanking them for being in your life?

So, what is the closing statement? What should I do, loose or regain a friend? Call on Christ when needed or all times? I’m seeking advice from you! Let me know your thoughts.

Tigner

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