Don’t worry be happy... it solves no problems



Worrying man
Image by: Tigner J.

 How much pain worry has cost us, the evils which have never happened. - Thomas Jefferson




Worrying stinks!

Let’s face it, everyone has worried about something. At a young age we plague our mind with this debilitating mental disease. It begins in school worrying about test, or agonizing over some form of punishment. This phase of worry accelerates into adulthood where we lose countless hours of sleep worrying over jobs, money, bills, and family. Worry leads to emotional distress. “Worry Solves No Problems!” – L.V. Rand


Worry. This word has transcended generations causing people to feel uneasy about something; in many cases nothing, just worrying to worry. Individuals find themselves tormenting over situations which are completely out of their control yet they feel it is their duty to come up with a plan to solve this nonexistent problem. Great leaders have been quoted telling us not to worry; When I look back on all these worries, I remember the story of the old man who said on his deathbed that he had had a lot of trouble in his life, most of which had never happened. - Winston Churchill


Bosom Buddies, Worry & Stress

Worry is bosom buddies with stress. when you see one eventually his sidekick is not far out of sight. Stress, is added baggage such as physical side-effects; headaches, anxiety, irritability, anger, and depression. Throw in illness, distress, economic crisis, loss of love ones, and a myriad of tragedies people can easily validate and say there are ample reasons, to worry. Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy. - Leo Buscaglia



Don’t worry about tomorrow

The Bible provides us with reasons why not to worry. Nevertheless Christians believe their ways are right and totally ignore God’s word. Matt. 6:33-34 tells us to seek God’s kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to us. He goes on to say do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. In Luke 12:22-30 Jesus takes it a step further; “not to worry about your life, or what you will eat. Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to your life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?” If only the people who worry about their liabilities would think about the riches they do possess, they would stop worrying. - Dale Carnegie


Don’t worry Meditate

Rick Warren, author of Purpose Driven Life, mentions “if a person can worry he can meditate”. The energy and time wasted contemplating tribulations can be positively used meditating.

• Meditation is communicating with God in the form of a relationship and prayer

• Meditation/prayer it ties oneself with the Supreme being, Deity, creator of heaven and earth. Meditation is nothing more that praying with ceasing. 1Thes. 5:17-18



Praying throughout a busy day

How can one find time to pray when a day is chocked full of activities. The opportunities to talk and thank God during the day are endless; in the car, on the elevator, walking in the parking lot, shopping, or cutting the grass. This is how you Pray, without, ceasing!

• Give a short “thank you” to God throughout the day

• praise and accolades to God

• Recite positive antidotes

There is only one way to happiness and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will. - Epictetus

Don’t Worry you can be happy!

I don’t know your state of affairs or if you are one of the millions who go to sleep worried, tossing with sleepless nights. You wake up perplexed and depressed. Find your peace and joy! A person thrives on joy and happiness and cannot allow Satan to continue stealing that from you. Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday. - Anonymous

• Take time to listen to love ones and fellow Christians who have encouraged, consoled and attempted to pull you from your pit of despair. No true person of God wants to see anyone suffer.

• Take each moment to pull yourself from the doldrums not by yourself but with the help of God


• Seek God as David did; Show me your ways, LORD, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalms 25:4-5.

So ask yourself why do you still take matters into your hands and worry? Worrying is like a rocking chair, it gives you something to do, but it gets you nowhere. - Glenn Turner

“In every life we have some trouble When you worry you make it double” so when it is all said and done, find the peace with God and “Don't worry, be happy."

Let us pray:
Father God in the name of Jesus I come before you today wanting to break strongholds of worry. I ask Father God that you will remove worry, doubts and fear from me as well as the readers. Pour your spirit into us Father God and let the words manifest in our spirit. In the Jesus name Amen.

Biblical Sound Bites can be detrimental to your life!

During my subconscious daily tasks of getting ready God placed in my spirit a topic of discussion, Biblical sound bites. 

While brushing my teeth I meditated and analyzed these words to gain a broader perspective. 

The secular world provides  the most appropriate word - sound bites. A true definition; Sound bites are short speeches usually used on radio or television as part of a news story. 

Often during the rebroadcasting, common phrases are taken out of context simply because the entire message was not heard. When a statement is given by a politician, during an interview it is misconstrued when transmitted to the viewers. These snippets are perceived as the truth thus leading to an altered state of mind by constituents and non-constituents alike. Likewise Christians and part time Christians fall victim to biblical sound bites. 

Babes in Christ, new followers or seasoned disciples fall in the same sound bite trap by taking scripture out of context. When sacred passages are twisted, it gives way to opinion and not fact and once we allow this concept to reach our mind we allow it to to become real or actual. It is during water cooler debates that conjured up theories come to life and we don't take time to hear (or read) the entire story to get the full perspective. Some theologians call this act ‘script hopping’, which is simply reading a passage and coming up with your own interpretation without reading the entire chapter. 

I have also heard many good Pastors say the best way to get an understanding of a particular passage is to read at lease two or three verses before and after to formulate a better understanding of God’s word.

Where am I going with this? There are many examples in the bible which illustrate text people use in their day to day journey and simply misquote the meaning. One verse that I believe is most often taken out of context as well as paraphrased is Psalms 37:4 …He will give you the desires of your heart. This passage is often quoted, used as affirmations, as well as the epitome to God answering prayers. However, by simply applying the two verses before and two verses after rule the reader would discover a deeper meaning.

Verse one tells us …do not fret of those who are evil or be envious…

Verse two …like grass they will wither…

Verse three …Trust in the Lord and do good…

Verse four … he will give you the desires of your heart …

Verse five …Commit your way to the Lord trust in him…

Verse six ...He will make your righteous reward shine.

Now, if you take time to read the six verses of Psalms 37 in their entirety one will realize that to get the desires of your heart there are several steps a Christian has to take.

 In most cases many of us are not applying any of the steps in our relationship with God the Father. We are doing the exact opposite:


1. We fret daily

2. we worry about how the evil ones prosper and you don’t

3. we don’t trust God fully

4. we don’t take delight in God (yet we ask for our desires)

5. we don’t commit our way to God nor trust in him

6. So how can he make your righteous shine when we have not applied any of the five aforementioned steps?

We all know of family, friends, and other Christians who use passages such as this as a catalyst to validate their desires yet becoming upset and often angry with God when he does not grant the prayer. “Lord I want this, I deserve that, why have I not received it yet!” Let us all be clear, David wrote and told us how God gave him his desires however it came with a prerequisite. 

Remember the true purpose of us even existing has nothing to do with getting the desires of our heart (more money, bigger house, better job, or other material things) but everything to do with serving and worshiping God daily.

Surrendering all to Jesus


All to Jesus I surrender; all to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, In His presence daily live. These words confirm what Jesus said “if any man will come after me, let him deny himself and take up his own cross and follow me” Luke 9:23. Judson W. Van DeVenter’s hymn, describes what we as believers must do daily; All to Jesus I surrender; humbly at His feet I bow, Worldly pleasures all forsaken; take me, Jesus, take me now. 

As students of the gospel, when we text hop and manipulate the verses to confirm to “our” understanding time and again we loose focus or do not identify God’s plan/purpose for us. God’s desire is for us to willingly and freely come to him and worship as this classic hymn renders. By surrendering, praising, giving honor, and glory unto his name makes him happy. In exchange of surrendering our will unto God we often get the desires that loiter around in our vivid imagination called the mind.

An excellent example of submitting oneself for the betterment of God verses self gratification is Solomon (read 1 Kings 3:1-15). During a time when Solomon was building a new temple and marrying Pharaoh’s daughter, he also had to deal with people and their shenanigans. In a dream, God came to Solomon and stated “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” Now, if any one us would have experienced this, we would have asked for the desires of our heart; six figure income, cars, money, and longevity. Instead, Solomon first thanked God for his father David, continuing his kindness unto him and bestowing kingship even though Solomon was only a child. He asks God to “give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong.” The Lord was pleased that Solomon had not asked for long life or wealth for himself, nor asked for the death of his enemies so God blessed him based on what was asked. On the backside of seeking to please God, he gave Solomon things not ask for; “Moreover, I will give you what you have not asked for—both wealth and honor” This paints a great picture of what God can do if we surrender unto him, take time to study the word and continuously praise his Holy name!

I speak for myself and those who can relate. For years I lived upon the verse asking for the desires of my heart. When God didn’t deliver my ‘personal’ wishes I became frustrated, bitter, enraged, and ultimately withdrawing from God. The battle became an all out war attempting to justify why God refuses to respond. In the midst of my struggle, I slowly realized my mind was inadequate to the majestic mind of God and my arms where too short to box. In the middle of my resistance I begin to seek God’s will oppose to mine.

The point I’m attempting to make today for those who are guilty of “text hopping”, and struggling with your relationship with Christ, take time to study the word in detail. Understand that biblical sound bites can be detrimental. By reading and twisting the word to your understanding it can cause you to miss what God truly has for you. Seize the opportunity to read more than just the verse, remember the two before and two after rule as well as study to show you are approved unto God. These practical study tips will align you with God’s will and in due season you will get the desires of your heart!

Tigner Rand

Jamie-Grace: A Pink boot, guitar playing, Christian artist singing with the Doves

Jamie-Grace
2012 Dove Awards

Images by: Tigner J.

 Every so often the music industry is graced with a unique voice, sound, personality and image which captures all; “she has this style that can’t be put into a typical label box,” says Gotee Record’s TobyMac. Not to mention, a seasoned Christian singer-songwriter who happened to be the youngest (19 years) songwriting nominee at the GRAMMY ® Awards this year, earning a nod for Best Contemporary Christian Music Song for “Hold Me.”  The list of accolades continues to grow, from blowing up Billboard charts, radio play, concert dates and not to leave out four GMA Dove Award nominations; “Song of the Year,” “New Artist of the Year,” “Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year” and “Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year.” Jamie-Grace is that girl.  I think that’s called the WOW factor! 

Jamie-Grace & Eli Smith
WYZE Gospel Radio

To be perfectly honest, Jamie-Grace slipped under my ‘keen ear for music radar”.  Where have I been to miss this fresh new talent, under a rock or just not paying attention?  Well, during the GMA artist announcement all the buzz and great anticipation was all about Jamie-Grace. My ignorance of not knowing was disguised by perusing the crowd and eavesdropping on conversations, who is Jamie-Grace? Thanks to my friend Eli Smith, Gospel Radio WYZE 1480am radio personality, for filling the gaps and bringing me up to speed. There was obvious excitement in the room when Ms. Jamie-Grace entered wearing her famous pink cowboy boots along with Pastor Montell Jordan and A.J. Styles.  Yes I said Montell Jordan “This is how we do it.”  After the announcement of the 2012 Dove Award nominees, for our listening pleasure Ms. Grace performed a few of her songs.  

Jamie-Grace’s strong yet pleasurable effect on Christian music fans was not an overnight success it begins at a very young age, learning to play guitar, along with five other instruments. “As a PK (Preacher’s Kid) I grew up singing in church.”  Her journey also came with a few obstacles which have not slowed her down.  It was around the age of eight; Jamie-Grace noticed involuntary movements and sounds most commonly associated with Tourette’s. From multiple tests it has determined that she was not only suffering from Tourette’s but also Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and Echolalia. It’s safe to assume this news was hard to bear as well as a list of questions to God.   Over the next several years Jamie-Grace grew up and “realized not to be bitter about my situation but enjoy life.”  Jamie-Grace took pains and seemingly incurable problems and turned them into the one thing she loved – singing by sharing life’s struggle through music and song, thus the birth of her debut album One Song at a Time.  Now that her focus is on praising God through music and song Jamie-Grace also feels it befitting to advise others. A few words of wisdom to aspiring artist “know why you do it [your calling] and once you know you’re calling make sure to have fun doing it.”  No matter if performing for twenty or two hundred thousand people, know you are doing it for the Lord.”

Jamie-Grace's Pink boots

 The crescendo of this year’s Dove Awards is only days away, April 19, 2012, Atlanta’s Fabulous Fox Theatre and Ms. Grace still don’t believe it’s true her song has been nominated as song of the year, she states “If I don’t win I wouldn’t become disappointed.”  My prediction on the star-studded night, don’t be surprised to see Jamie-Grace walk across the stage with her ‘pink boots ‘accepting the famous Dove Award. In summing up this Gala Night, I have to take a few verses from her song:  “I’m so grateful and thankful for all you have done Wish I could tell you in a short story or poem but, all I have is my voice and this guitar And You have my heart.”

Tigner James

God is Omnipresent at 8 a.m.

Driver walked way from this accident

Parents are over come by fear and emotional turmoil when a telephone ring echoes extremely loud while incredibly close during the darkest hour of a night.  In a split second the mind is consumed with every negative conceivable thought known to man. It is always a blessing as well as a relief to find out all is well or better yet a person had dialed in error the wrong number. 

I firmly believe in the power of prayer.  Most recently my dear friend had a testimony on this area under discussion of phone calls and prayer. Setting the scene: Harold and I always begin our conversation with a positive affirmation; me, asking how he is doing followed by his sincere statement “it’s the best day of my life”, which always brings a smile to my face.  On this night, nothing was any different except this time his tone was concise and clearly expressed.

A testimony is a public declaration regarding a religious experience, which I may add, we never know how God will move or bless a person’s life from such encounters.  There is no rhyme or reason and not to leave out God often times don’t make sense of his decisions.  Harold told me his son was in a terrible accident.  Of course, as a parent, friend, and most importantly a Christian my heart dropped with a hope that all was well.  The infamous call came one Sunday morning at 9 o’clock a.m., with the grim news “your son and three friends were in a terrible accident.”  One cannot imagine the sinking filling which overcomes a person when such calls come be it day or night.  Experiencing a horrid death or illness telephone call is indescribable; the emotions and thoughts which run a mile a second through your mind cannot be explained. Until you personally experience one my commentary will never make sense. Sadly, individuals attempt to pay their respects yet fall short because they don’t know how to address those who are suffering or grieving correctly. It is not until such situations personally knock on their door that they will finally get it. Well this is another article for a later date… 

The bible demonstrates many examples of the power of prayer:  God answering many of Moses' prayers, parting the Red Sea Exodus 14:13-22, God agreed to spare Sodom and Gomorrah if Abraham could find ten righteous people Genesis 18:22-32.  Daniel spent his whole life praying and was ultimately thrown in the lions den because he would not stop praying to God and worship the king. Because he continually prayed God spared him Daniel 6:4-24 God miraculously answered the prayers of the early Christians by sending an angel to free Peter from prison Acts 12:5-10.  In contrast, Jesus prayer at Gethsemane clearly showed him praying if it was possible, the hour might pass from him Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou will Mark 14:32-42. Jesus prayer was not granted. Nevertheless, through out the bible there are countless situations of people praying and God responding. Like wise we are afforded the opportunity of partitioning God directly in prayer.  So, if you don’t get anything else from this testimonial learn how and remember to pray daily. As stated, there is power in prayer…

This brings me back to my friend Harold, who was up praying at 8 o’clock a.m Sunday morning, thanking God for all his blessings, the very same day his son played bumper cars with a concrete median.  Harold went on to say he appealed a special prayer to cover his son that morning.  One can only imagine the feeling of such a conversation when a police officer tells you of an accident.  In this case, thank God, everyone was okay. The officer duly noted, “It was a miracle that everyone walked away with only scratches and shaken nerves considering the entire left side was completely demolished. Our dialog ended with “God is omnipresent he was covering my son at the time I was praying” Stated Harold.  I’m sending you a photo of the car so you can see how great God is…

The lesson learned is to pray without ceasing thanking God and never taking anything for granted.  Will God answer all your request maybe, maybe not the point is to always pray and seek to be in God’s will. And by all means it is always a joyous moment for a parent knowing their child has cheated death during a horrific traffic altercation. Now, besides praying and talking about my friend’s testimony, what makes this story so wondrous, Harold’s son accident occurred at  8 o’clock a.m. the same time Harold was praying!

Tigner Rand

Don't Give up! Your Best is Yet to Come



Juggling responsiblities

Negative words are powerful

During my impressionable years of Catholic School I heard negative prophesying from nuns.  Despite my parents motivating and encouraging there were other deterring adults and so called role models stating “Old bad Tigner Rand is not going to amount to nothing.” Like a spoonful of medicine without sugar, I ingested these words. The mind visualized, accepted, and ultimately squeezed life out of my God given abilities. Today, regardless of my faults, short comings and what others said about me God saw the best in me while others claimed the worst.

A moth’s mind

Confusion invaded the spirit followed by years of weeping, wailing, and questioning God about life. I quit quite attending church. During the painful seclusion from weekly worship I continued praying. The human mind is like a moth, unable to grasp or understand Our Heavenly Father’s plan.

One cold and rainy Sunday God laid on my heart “how can you ask me for all your desires when you cannot spend one day praising my name.” The message was profound; it was the rebirth of me. I vowed that moment not to miss church again unless I was sick or traveling for work. I finally got it! The relationship was rekindled.

Pessimistic Christians

Someone reading this had experienced a boat load of tears and tried to comprehend why life has dealt one bad situation after another. News flash, God is trying to get your attention! There was time I felt the same way. While my world was crumbing, God was still holding me up.  Leaning me up on my bad side so I can now stand today and say how grateful I am for his mercy.

Answer this question

What is the state of your relationship with Christ?  Sure, you have a relationship but what is the status; stranger, acquaintance, or friend? A relationship is more than just a daily short prayer or complaint about what you don’t have. The friendship of God is with those who reverence him; and he will show them his covenant. Psalms 25:14 

 Yearning for your love

God yearns to be your friend. It’s spending time conversing with The Father no different than talking to your BFF. It is communing with the Holy Spirit while commuting to work, cooking, showering, or throughout the work day (praying without ceasing).  Your connection grows as you spend time reading the word.

Thumbs up for God

Fine Wine instantly

In the Second chapter of John, Jesus revealed his glory when he changed water into wine. God’s supernatural was done instantly. What normally took years to make great wine Jesus did in a matter of seconds. Jesus told the servants to fill the jars to the brim, now take to the head of the banquet. When the master tasted the water it had been turned to wine John 2:6-9.

You currently sit defeated and bewildered. You are at the end of your rope, life is over, and I’m too old. Stop, read, and comprehend John 2: 1-11 again. If Jesus can make water to taste like 20 year old wine instantly,  just imagine what he can  bring forth from you!

Brothers and sisters, seek God with all your heart today set aside all your material desires all things you are praying for that are not of God. I challenge you to pray for wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Pray for a relationship, asking the Trinity to be part of your life.  I dare you to implement this on a daily bases so God can reveal himself to you!

A work in progress

I am a phenomenal person, nothing like the negative outlaw prescribed for me. It took years of dedication before I could tune in with God and accept the change.  Knowing God’s word proclaimed it: “Knowing now I have been made new in the attitude of my mind and can do all things through Christ that strengthened me!”

God sees the best in you even when you only see the worst. Establish a deep rooted Bond with the Father; your best is yet to come.

Tigner Rand

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God Shows Favor to the Humble

Pastor Charles Westmorland
Image by: Tigner J.

Seeing a man in a humble state says a lot about his character; their qualities distinguish them from others and they typically stand out in a crowd. During the announcement for this year’s 43^rd annual Dove Awards  I actually detected modesty, after witnessing a gentleman demonstrating what Jesus stated; let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, Mat. 5:16. that man turned out to be gospel recording artist of Pastor Charles Westmorland. Humility can have a lasting impression.

Paul spoke of humility to the People of Philippi and Romans: Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves, Phil. 2:3-11  for by the grace given me I say to everyone; do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment. These passages matches up to what Charles displayed during this note-worthy event (Hind sight is truly twenty-twenty.)   I saw a man with distinguished character of sorts while interviewing Jamie-Grace, new artist of the year nominee, in comparison to other reporters buzzing about the room like busy bees. My thought, he had to be working for someone other than himself.  One lesson I learned through my walk with Christ if you see a person doing a great thing; family, friend, or stranger, compliment them, people frequently hear negative and not enough kind accolades.

After a quick introduction my speculation was true, besides being a singer with the Charles Westmorland Chorale, he was on assignment interviewing for the internet radio show, The Circuit with Valerie where he has a featured segment called “The power up moment.”  The Circuit gives Charles a platform to provide practical application to daily challenges listeners face based on scripture.  What I saw firsthand now makes sense as to why his light shown so bright!  I had to let it be known that Charles’ humility was visible; his light was not hiding under any bushel. 

What I perceived, from my initial observation as humility in a stranger became a lesson of what the rewards can be for a person who submits humbly unto God.  Charles stated, he is currently not singing professionally even though his intent was to sing forever. It was a struggle, a tug-a-war wanting to pursue music yet God was pulling him into Ministry.  The turning point came from lessons taught at an early age “the best place you can ever be is in the will of God”

As immortal humans we often struggle in this area of trying to out wit God by wanting our desires answered on our scheduled yet when they come back delayed we question God.   As the saying goes; ‘if you want to make God laugh tell Him your plans.’ The number one struggle in a person’s Christian walk is learning how to submit to God’s Will, and giving up the control.  We lay out goals and visions for ourselves while never consulting God about His master plan.  It is God who directs the lives of his creatures, Rom. 12:2 and not us directing or tell God what to do.  By committing and meekly coming before the Lord he will provide the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4-5

Pastor Westmoreland made it clear, once he submitted and realized that his music would have to be put on hold, God begin to shift and show there was more than just a word in song, there is a word/message in preaching.  For the past year, Westmorland, and wife Deloris, has been the full-time Pastors at Restoration Ministries in Jonesboro, Georgia. Rest a sure “[congregation] people know that the music is word based and high spirited throughout the worship service and that Charles has a passion to get the message out not only through song but through word.

No matter where you are right now; in a struggle, hopeless, a storm, or wilderness, the first step is to submit to God’s Will and form a relationship.  So for those who are fighting and resisting God, pursue a strong bond with Him it increases ones faith and you will begin to find where God’s true faith actually lie. For each step you take in your walk of faith; from ankle deep, to knee deep, waist deep, until you are wading in the deepest part of the ocean God will provide away.  Get in His will. As Pastor Westmoreland illustrated, once in the will, “God allows you to move into what he has for your life.” So when you reach a barrier or crossroad, “the provisions you need will be at every juncture.” If God is telling you to move in a certain direction go, as stated earlier when you get to every juncture he will make a way.

As for Charles’ music, the mantle has been passed on to his son Darius Westmoreland who has started to write and produce music, some of which is song during weekly church service. Parents are always proud of their children, especially Charles and Deloris Westmorland because their music now lives through their son; “It’s like God morphed a bit of me and a pinch of that from his mother and created a 21^st century musical talent”.

Restoration Ministries is located at 3057 Walt Stephens Rd. Jonesboro, Rd. 30236. Weekly services start at 1:30 P.M.

The Circuit with Valerie, an internet radio show that features hot topics and Gospel music. Check it out Sun.@9am and Wed. @2pm on freedemradio.com

 

Tigner J.

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A Father & Son Bond: Golf and Varsity Hot Dogs

Recently, I took a business trip out of town and as usual the flight from Orlando to Atlanta was full, thank God for early seat assignment, because nobody takes pleasure in being the man in the middle seat, it is like a dentist drilling in your mouth without Novocain. As I joined two gentlemen who were already settled for take-off, my intent was to get situated and sleep. After numerous attempts of uncomfortable adjustments in my confined yet plush seating arrangements on Delta’s 757, I was finally sitting shoulder to shoulder, when the man in the middle seat commented, “it must be hard traveling [based on your size],” my reply was yes.


It is not unusual or uncommon for passengers to strike up conversation prior to take off however, once airborne pleasantries typically fade into cabin silence and jet engine noise. This flight took on a slightly different quest; I met Henry and John, father and son. There was something special about these men besides their gentle spirit, and southern drawl it was their kindred friendship more commonly found in life long childhood friends, yet this bond was between father and son. Every man who has a son long for such fellowship, it was a wonderful sight to see a father and son sitting side by side talking and enjoying each other’s company.

At first glance I assumed both were traveling on business until John enlightened me of their two day adventure hitting the prestigious links of ARNOLD PALMER’S BAY HILL CLUB & LODGE in Florida, which by the way is home of Palmer’s annual Golf Invitational where such greats as KJ Choi, Sergio Garcia, Phil Mickelson, and Tiger Woods have fared well. I could hear their excitement as each man tagged teamed discussing their adventure of playing Bay Hill, all while capturing a photo of Golf Legend Arnold Palmer and not to leave out a snapshot of his custom made golf cart. Through the duration of our flight, I heard passion from a son who loved spending time with his father and in between quick glances out the window and short moments of child amazement; father also expressed the joy of spending time with son.

As we flew over the imaginary state line of Florida and Georgia, our channel of communication was filled with more sport adventures from Georgia and Texas football, to baseball back to golf. The more in-depth our conversation became, my spirit was sensing a deeper connection greater than three men talking sports. It’s funny how God’s plan differs from your own when you allow Him to take charge. At one moment I allowed self to get in the way by not wanting to ask the not so popular question about God yet I could feel His presence; when three or more come together in my name I am there… Like Tiger sizing up a forty foot putt, I finally asked, “What do you attribute to your close relationship?” John replied family, church, honoring your mother and father, as well as God. After another quick glance out the window of God’s sky-blue, father, Henry interjected mostly God; He has been the center of our life.

What is the status of your family relationship? So many families have been destroyed due to a house divided, filled with anger, bitterness and strife. The Father Son and Holy Spirit have been locked out causing love not to live there anymore. Ego and pride has caused families to slide off course of Christ’s green fairways of life because three difficult words: I love you, sorry and help me. Jesus word clearly states do not let the sun go down on anger Eph. 4:26. Life is too short for families to harbor disagreements which give place for the devil.

The take away from this encounter, God don’t make mistakes there was a reason for our conversation, in which I appreciate God allowing our connection, secondly, I witnessed a strong presence of love, which is the key to a happy life. Just through our brief interaction, love is very relevant to their relationship. I saw a son who enjoyed his father and a father, who is now retired, cherishing his son. So often we speak of our love for others yet we never implement the action which is required with Love such as this duo. John stated he told his wife he does it for his father while Henry echoed his wife believes he is doing it for the son. But I know otherwise they do it for each other. Their long talks of sports, leisure times playing golf or just enjoying each other’s company is priceless.

Atlanta's The Varsity - V

As the pilot announced “please prepare for our approach landing” I asked John where did he see himself five years from now, with a slight smile on his face he was content as to where he is now and if he could spend more time like this with his father ,” I would not change a thing”. Which lead to asking what was the next planned destination, as of now nothing, just a stop by the world famous Varsity before heading home. It’s something about the big red ‘V’ for Varsity in Midtown Atlanta, its nostalgia has an alluring effect on natives and adults in their golden years just like Henry who was excited to make a pit stop for a chili dog and a P.C. (that’s Varsity lingo for Plain chocolate milk served with ice). Well on second thought John took a mulligan, a do over this time it will be dogs and water.

As we reached the dog leg of our conversation, we shook hands and parted by saying we will be praying for each other. While watching my row mates go their separate ways I could not help but to reminisce of the times my dad and I shared together. Now older and wiser I think of the words he left for me a month before giving up the ghost; take hold of my words with all your heart, keep my commands and you will live. Get Wisdom and understanding. I also miss the times we spent talking and eating some of his mystery dishes. One thing for sure my new friends in Christ had a great time playing a round golf and experiencing the everlasting chorus; "What'll ya have? What'll ya have? What'll ya have? Have your order in your mind and your money in your hand!" Make sure to take another trip for two Father Henry and Son John continue enjoying life, sports and a pair dogs all the way!

Tigner James

Talents & Faith God's winning combination over Gambling

Football and gambling

Do not wear yourself out to get rich;    do not trust your own cleverness.  Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,    for they will surely sprout wings    and fly off to the sky like an eagle.  Proverbs 23:4-5

 What is the obsession with gambling?  Is it the chance of risking money on a game or skill hoping to win?  Well isn’t that called luck?  People gamble or take chances on everything under the sun. It stands to reason many bets will be placed on Super Bowl 46 when the National Football League’s New England Patriots and New York Giants face off Sunday, February 5th. People have placed odds on: who is going to win or loose, the odds of heads over tails during the coin toss, or if Kelly Clarkston will sing longer than the allotted time for the National Anthem. What is the fascination of gambling?  There are all type of gamblers; high risk takers who get an adrenalin rush reaching for unobtainable dreams of Americana riches, glory and 15 minutes of fame, the poor man who beats the daily lottery or social gamblers who play a weekly hand of Tonk.  These Individuals spend a life time grasping for a money pie in the sky.  Citizens of America, you can’t beat the house! Casinos and state lotteries have it set where they are the winners not you. 

The risks of  gambling

With all being said the parable about talents come to mind where the king who gave talents or money to his servants Matt. 25:14-30 .  He gave a modest share to each ranging from 5 to 1 share.  It could be a fair assumption that these men where risk takers by investing their talents/monies in various ways. Let’s assume that some invested in real estate, continuing education/training of their talents mutual funds, stocks or bonds of the times.  And there was the sole servant who felt slighted cheated because he received only one talent.  Opposed to taking risks in any way he opted to bury or set it aside.  How many of us fall in to this category too afraid to take a chance, by stepping out in faith and seeking God?

The point I’m trying to make is there are people who gamble frivolously  with no other ambition but to get rich or hustle someone just as we also find the others  who seizes opportunity with their talents by manifesting and making them grow all for the glory and honor of God.  So much so their blessings are pressed down shaken and running over not only blessing themselves but others around.  Their store houses or bank accounts have great returns thus allowing them to bless others.  At the end of the day I truly believe if we nurture and grow the talents God has given each and everyone of us you to can rep a harvest.

Super Bowl 46, as a Cowboy fan it is hard for me to fix my mouth to say such blasphemy, however, I where a beating man, I would place my bet on the New York Giants.  Hey the odds are in my favor, New England has won all championships by three points and the Las Vegas has the Giants by three so by these odds I can only win.  - Tigner J.

Life has no Easy Buttons

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize?  Run in such a way that you may obtain it.  1 Corinthians 9:24

 

Making no bones about it, we have been taught since being knee high to fire hydrants that the shortest distance between point A and B is to get there as fast as possible.  This means, taking the path of lest resistance, such as a straight line not going around the block to reach a goal or destination.   In business we often hear short cuts can lead to disasters, and much frustration.  Yet time and time again, society searches for quick fixes to riches, fame, weight loss, superficial beauty you name we want it now not tomorrow.   For many people who actually attempt to get in the trenches of life working through blood, sweat and tears find it unacceptable when whiners complain about how hard life is even though they never got off their lazy butts.  Their goal is to forever search for an Easy Button hoping some genie will pop out, making everything magically delicious!    

Over hearing a person vent about their life crisis, it prompted me to conger up this passage.  It also forced me analyze myself as an adult, my care free days are now some distant world only found in my mind, the teenage years of no fear have been replaced with doubt and worry and life is not a cake walk by no stretch of the imagination. These minute memories are like grains of sand slowly dropping through the hour glass, which finally awakens me from my zombie state realizing wow, at one point in life I was lethargic and desired the easy button too. 

The apostle Paul wrote in Corinthians, stay focused, win the prize and be prepared because the young believers of that time were led off track because they enjoyed the posh life, easy come easy go. Despite the carefree lifestyle, Paul continued to encourage the people to strive for a crown or prize by comparing life’s prize to a race in which all run but only one receives the trophy, run in such a way that you may obtain it Cor. 9:24-27.  

This race Paul speaks of is life, the one each of us run daily, the prize is life everlasting. No matter where you are right now in life there will be pitfalls, temptations, moments we want to give up and throw in the towel nevertheless we have to condition our minds, bodies, and spirits to endure this race until the end.  Like an athlete, we need to train ourselves for this marathon by reading, studying, learning as much as our mind body and soul can withstand.  This is a race for the kingdom of heaven as well as the race to accomplish God’s dreams, visions, and purpose He has bestowed each of us with.  

So what is the end result?  God gives us the victory through Jesus Christ learn to discipline yourself, pray with the spirit, pray for understanding and remember you really do have an easy button, just click it, Jesus is on the main line waiting for you to call! It’s just that easy. 

Cathy Gillfords, Her Life is a Miracle

Image by: Associated Press

For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel. John 5:20

Last night, Rep. Gabrielle Giffords slowly entered the chambers under her own power to claim her seat one final time in the House of Representatives.  Just over a year ago, January 8, 2011, this same woman was facing death straight in the face after a gunman open fire on a crowd, which snuffed out five lives: one federal judge, a nine year old girl and that bullet which struck Gabby in the head at close range. Ms. Giffords also announced she was relinquishing her Arizona seat to dedicate full time toward rehabilitation and therapy. Gabby has beat the odds, all while baffling doctors and other specialist as to how someone can recover so well after suffering brain injury and in all practical purposes picked up life where she left off. 

I don’t know if Giffords is a believer in the faith or Jesus Christ, nevertheless I do sense people worldwide prayed for her recovery which ushered the Spirit of God to begin the healing process. This brave heart of a woman and her phenomenal recovery, once again, made me raise the question “is such phenomena’s like this luck or divine intervention?” Is it a coincidence, that Gabrielle survived or was it something short of a miracle? Does society chalk this up as another spectacular incident which is unexplainable by the laws of nature; question whether this act was of God or another fluke?   I am a firm believer there is power in prayer and Gabrielle Giffords is a living witness anything is possible with God.  This modern day example of a Miracle in Arizona should stand as proof that God provides observable wonders for all to see no different from the parting of the Red Sea.

Ms. Gillfords has demonstrated tenacity, a willingness to fight through grueling and painful therapy all with a smile on her face.  Her recovery has not been easy just as our faith journey with Christ is no leisurely walk in the park.  There will be trials, tribulations, and mountains to climb, events which seem endless and painful. Yet, in the darkest hour of one’s struggle is usually the day joy will come. Recall Christ’s words, faith with out works is dead so, the next time you feel that your burdens are too heavy and you want to give up, remember Gabrielle Giffords, despite all the odds for some reason this lady persevered, never gave up exemplifying the true essence of faith. Because of her confidence, will and determination she has received the greatest gift of all the miracle of life.   

Tigner J.

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