My life as a child I reminisce

Life as a child is care free

I Reminisce my days as a child

How time seem to never end

And every child stranger met was a friend.

There were never any times of sad

All things were simple like nursery rhymes nothing was never bad.

No fear to climb a tall tree

Nor imagine swimming across the sea.

You reminisce your days as a child because life was so care free!

As new chapters of existence begin 

the care-freeness of a child comes to an end.

 Every adult stranger met one wonders if they are a threat.

Those never ending Happy Days are no longer found

What use to be a smile is now a frown?

 What is so different between a child and me? Nothing my mind’s eye can see.

As I compare life with a child and wonder how I can be once again carefree one must be willing to love others and not just self.

To reminisce days as a child is not hard to do

Remember not too long ago you were one too!

Keep the change even when it’s not yours: Monetary Temptations

Keep the change even when it's not yours

Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him. James 1:12 

One man’s loss

On a recent visit to the ‘Golden Arches’ I took advantage of their sausage egg and cheese ‘what-cha-ma-call-it’ special. My total was $3.21. I tendered $5.21 to the cashier.  In a rush the manager gave me $3.00.  I was faced with a dilemma; perceive this as a blessing of sorts “one man’s loss is another’s gain?” Or demonstrate honesty and return the funds?

God’s daily quiz

Daily I am tested. Do I choose to eat sausage, eggs, grits, and toast or a bowl of oatmeal? Run a yellow light or stop? There are also family related decisions seek higher paying employment which includes traveling or stay home and enjoy family?  How I adapt, adjust or endure is the quagmire.  Life flings situations everyday; albeit a meal, stop light or job decision.  Yet each example displays how choices can interfere with life.  Do I succumb to my temptation’s grasp or allow God’s Spirit to lead?  More often than not man follows his mind’s desire oppose to God’s.

Trials and victories

According to scripture, the man who is tried and fight through shall receive the crown of life!  Based on these words being kicked around mentally and physically is commonplace. In some form or fashion, large or small anticipate a per Diem of trials. Situations will manifest, and when they do, it is imperative to be equipped with God’s knowledge in order to claim victory. The word ensures a greater chance to prevail. 

God does not tempt

I had to learn temptation is not of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempts he any man Jam 1:13.  So, a question rose, “are temptations exams to strengthen my faith?” Jesus’ albatross was Satan. He attempted to seize a moment of ‘weakness’ to tempt Jesus. It was faith and knowledge of Abba Father’s word that sustained Jesus.

Christian situations

Resisting Temptation

For each day I live, there will be crossroads to face. How strong my faith is will be exemplified based on the response.  God does care how I counter them even little things such as returning my so called blessing. Sure I could easily pocket the dollar and Mickey D’s could have written it off as a miscellaneous petty funds lost. But what would I have gained? Or lost? So as a Christian it was my responsibility to give the dollar back.

How to respond

When facing temptations how do you retaliate? Do give in or learn to resist. In the end by resisting, the dividends will be spiritual growth which allows your Christian light to shine for others to see.

It was apparent the manager was hastened that day. Before driving off I noticed a puzzle look on his face while handing him the dollar. “You gave me too much change.” A sigh of relief was seen and a heart felt “thanks I really appreciate you giving this back” made me realize that God was pleased with me for being honest.  Blessed is the man that endures temptation.

Smartphones are made for talking not praying

Don't forget to pray

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning and your faithfulness by night Psalm 92:1-2

Smartphone infatuation

Smartphones dominate our world. People are addicted to these gadgets. Junkies compulsively refresh and check email, Facebook, and Twitter status. They download copiousness phone apps to Galaxy, iPhone 6, Droid Razr Maxx, HTC One X, or worthless BlackBerry.

This obsession is immense and companies are capitalizing on society’s dependence of technology by offering phone apps. For a nominal fee thousands of applications are downloaded daily. Addicts can pick from Instagram, Facebook, games, Spotify, NPR news, politics, Pandora, and Everyday Pray.  

Prayer apps

Everyday Pray is a new iPhone app to remind smartphone ‘babe’s in Christ’ when to pray.  This app creates a personal prayer journal capable of setting random prayer reminders, 60-day suggested prayers helping parents pray for their children,  and of course calendar updates to remind you when to pray.

Communicating with God

Praying for family friends church nation

People struggle with praying. It has become a chore oppose to a joyous habit. What is prayer? It is communicating with God.  Prayer does not have to be formal. Just open your mouth and freely speak from the heart.  Prayer can be on your knees 1Kings 8:54, standing 1 Kings 8:22, eyes open or closed, out loud or to yourself.  When true thanksgiving comes from the heart no smartphone reminder apps are needed.

No need for a prayer app

Life is a rat race. There's a host of ‘to-do’s’ daily; children, school, spouse, Fido, little kitty, and managing work. Those Goals to obtain the ‘American Dream’ (whatever that is) consumes time making it understandable why there is a need for Smartphones and nifty apps that can manage the social order of a person’s life.

I argue the Everyday Pray reminder app is insignificant. If God has blessed you that should be the reminder! Did you wake up this morning? A great time to pray! A roof over your head, food on the table, clothes on your back, children safe out of harm’s way? It’s praying time! God’s daily blessings should be the remembrance to pray!

Smartphones and prayer

No time to pray

• Prayer is routine - A set time daily. When eyes open mouth should open to praise and thank God. While commuting to work partition God and through out the day keep Christ top of mind.
•  Prayer is spontaneous - Shout out thank you because life is great, praises after outstanding news, or praying before decision making. Pray just because you love God!
• Pray without ceasing –Paul encouraged prayer. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks. This is God’s will in Christ Jesus1 Thessalonians 5: 17-27.
• Pray continually - Is praying regularly but it also means to live of prayer. Praying is more than verbalization it is acknowledging God’s presence and dependence of Him.

The combination of routine and spontaneous prayer was Paul’s desire for the church of Thessalonica. It was a time similar to what is faced today; nations filled with seductive images, greed, with Christians struggling to maintain Christ like behavior in a freewheeling society. Once recognized, all actions and communication should include God there is no need for any application reminders on Smartphones.

Begin each day with prayer and thanksgiving on your heart.  Praise throughout the day declaring God’s love and utilize your Smartphones for talking and games not praying.

Norris J. The coolest living sacrifice Kingdom builder for Christ

Norris J. - INJ

...Present your bodies a living sacrifice Holy and acceptable to God which is your reasonable service. Romans 12:1

 rapping for Christ

A stereotypical myth, fathers are not extinct. Men amply uphold their duties; working, raising their children, and being good husbands. A few exceptional men also sing praises unto the Lord.  Norris J. is that exception. A dedicated husband, dad and musician juggling between his music hustle, daddy taxi, and chef.  He personifies being a living sacrifice Holy and acceptable. “It is all in a day’s work.” 

Gospel rap artist, Norris J., has methodically layout an action plan to orate God’s message. His mission is dual purpose; effectively grinding for The Kingdom and shaking the music industry’s foundation with his stimulating passion for the Lord.

Atlanta GA

DJ J-Squared & Norris J.

The room was hot. Music bumping complements of DJ J-Squared. But all eyes were affixed on Norris J. Natty from head to toe; trade mark hat, creased shirt, fly jeans, and fresh kicks.  The ‘swag’ was in full effect.  I caught up with Norris J. during a pit-stop in Atlanta, GA. In between studio time, interviews, gigs in Nashville, Memphis, Houston, plus performances with Urban Soul Café and a brief stent on the MOVE TOUR which featured songstress Jessica Reedy, Jai, the soulful B. Reith.  Norris J. was the coolest.

INJ – The Kingdom

The debut album is entitled INJ. “The title [INJ] stands for I Need Jesus. Ultimately meaning we all need Jesus everyday of our life.”

A  blend of spirit driven lyrics, live instrumentation and original beats can be witnessed on all twelve tracks. Each song unleashes a rapture of soul saving poetry and good music, the perfect ingredients. “INJ is synonymous to Norris J., when you hear one the other is automatically associated.

Anointed accolades

The process is slow but Norris J is being noticed.  The airwaves are inundated with radio interviews to concerts. He states, “anything to do with Gospel I am on it trying to get exposure.” Norris recently received KHVN – Heaven 970’s Gospel award: Artist Making the Largest Impact and The Gospel Announcer’s guild: Artist of the Week. Wearing his trade-mark smile, “All these awards help get me exposure not only in the Christians arena I’m getting a buzz throughout the music community because it is hip-hop.”   This all translates to more exposure not only in the Dallas-Fort Worth region but across the country.

The future

2012 is earmarked a stellar year. The video release party and concert for The Kingdom received rave reviews, followed up by more critiques from Holy Culture, Black Gospel Promo, and Gospel South. The future looks promising. Currently working with local artist Chelse Mone’ as well as laid a few lyric tracks on an upcoming project for American Idol’s second season finalist George Huff.

Norris J. is deeply rooted in the Lord and failing is not an option. “Since my wife is putting her trust in me so I must trust in the lord even more."

The vision is clear; spread God’s word, bless others and save souls. Through music Norris J is planting seeds in people’s life. If he cannot find a way to uplift people through his music, they will never get to the point of hearing a message or receiving a blessing from God through song.