From a boy to a man... If only

Father and son bond

If only…

As a boy there were times to express deep thoughts –

that linger in one’s mind.

Or deliberate the contemplations of a man.



If only…

As a boy reminiscing of long walks

that first bike ride without training wheels and

laying catch in the park

or staying up late listening to man talk.



If only…

As a boy there were adults who understood –

brewing emotions of the mind

Is it not okay for a man to show emotion of any kind?



Your succinct roar

Where often words of encouragement –

I now realize.

not to bring me down

But to make one soar



Spring turned to winter

Hopping right over summer

Now all is left are memories

And plenty of what if’s to wonder



If only…

I knew – your last words of wisdom bestowed

would be the end



I remember your teachings –

Keeping them close to heart

love and faithfulness never leave me;

each morning I recite from the very start









If only…

Every man would learn –

To express their deepest thoughts

It is okay to say I love you

and not withhold good to whom it was due



If only…

every man stop making promises

Especially those they know they can’t keep

But start removing EGO and pride

Then the true bond of fatherhood would finally be found

Sunday paper headlines: doing good deeds and keeping the change

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds and to be generous and willing to share. 1 Timothy 6:18

The Sunday Paper

The Atlanta Journal-Constitiution
 on the corner

On any given Sunday in metro-Atlanta paper-men and women combat Mother Nature – rain, heat or snow – hustling the paper.  For a couple of years Atlanta’s newspaper - The Atlanta Journal-Constitution have peddled their weekend edition on street corners. As with most commodities – unlike salaries – the Sunday newspaper increased its price to one dollar and fifty cents. 

In today’s economy there are not many items with a price tag of 50 cents. Two quarters, five dimes, ten nickels or fifty pennies – no matter how you count it it’s fifty cents. Noisy currency – change that can wear a hole in pockets over time!

Unexpected kindness

Each Sunday after church my routine – head to the corner and grab a paper–I love the coupons. This particular Sunday it was raining cats and dogs. Drenched, my paper-man approached with a smile. While he searched for change the Lord laid on my heart to do something extraordinary.  Opposed to waiting and allowing my man to get soaked I gave two dollars and told him “keep the change.”

The Widow’s offering

This small gesture reminded me of the widow’s offering – Mark 12: 41-44. Many rich people threw in large amounts but a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins… This poor widow put in more than all the others.

Please understand I am not being a boastful Pharisee. The point I am conveying is my four bits may not seem like much but to someone else it could mean the world. Giving a little from the heart can go a long way.

God is pleased with good deeds

The book of Hebrews – 13:16 – reminds us not to forget to do good and share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased. Be encouraged, find ways to give from the heart or bless someone. So, the next time you purchase a paper, cup of coffee, or see a homeless person give them the change because God loves a cheerful giver.

Unsuspected recipients

Keep the change

I have continued the goodwill gesture of “keeping the change” for six months. The overall reaction from unsuspected recipients - amazed, peppered with genuine “I really appreciate this very much.” Yet, on occasion there are those who don’t say a thing. But it is the gleeful smile from a teenage girl which reassures me that my fifty cents does make a difference. I drive away thanking God for another opportunity share with others even if it is just spare change – fifty cents.

God has a sense of humor even when you get bit by a rabid raccoon

When life is a total bust

One never knows what God has in store. Just when life appears to be in a tailspin God takes control. In the darkest hour of pain God don’t make sense but it is during those moments of despair He tends to reveal His sense of humor. 

This past weekend best-selling author, Haywood Smith testified of her journey before writing her thirteenth novel. Her forthcoming book – Out of Warranty – with St. Martins Press will be book fourteen (release date January 22^nd.) After meeting Ms. Smith I am convinced God loves a good laugh – even if it is at the expense of others. 

When life appeared to be a total bust for one of the South’s greatest literary Southern Belles – Haywood Smith – God planted a new vision which supports my theory of God’s humor.  When individuals can make light of bad situations burdens are lifted.

God has a sense of humor

In 1 Samuel chapter 5 the Philistines stole the Ark of God. In a series of practical jokes God reviled his humorous side.  When the people of Ashdod rose the next day there was Dagon, fallen on his face before the Ark of the Lord v 3-4. But the heavy hand of God’s humor came when he smote the guilty with emrods – translation – hemorrhoids v6.  In the midst of tense moments humor can be an elixir.  

Purpose driven life

Haywood Smith - Out of Warranty 
photo: Tigner J.

After years of suffering a heart wrenching divorce, odd jobs, and health issues it was not until the age of forty that Haywood found her purpose driven life – writing novels.  For the past twenty plus years Haywood has captured the hearts of avid readers from her series of historical romance novels and several best-sellers – The Red Hat Club and Queen Bee of Mimosa Branch.  Haywood found God’s humor hilarious even when life looked bleak.

Haywood Smith's new novel

Out of Warranty is a witty take of people dealing with today’s health insurance dilemmas.  In many ways this novel took its cue from real-life issues effecting Haywood’s health struggles. Even the horror of rabies shots which can make the strongest weak. If it were not for that doggone rabid raccoon where would Haywood be now?

Finding God in your pain

The next time you asses your life’s tragedies take a minute to read the Southern sass from author Haywood Smith. Be reminded if Ms. Smith can find God’s humor through setbacks, misfortunes, and rabid raccoons surely you can find a moment to laugh with God through your life’s adventures. 

Dominoes... A game of chance just like Life

Hand of Dominoes

Keep asking that God of our Lord Jesus Christ may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you may know him better.  Ephesians 2:17 (15-20)

My father was a domino fanatic. A daily ritual – wake-up,work, eat, and slam bones. Nightly his crew would battle – Russell, Pee-Wee and a few others. This was a game of war no mercy – may the best man win – strategic moves, name calling until the break of dawn.  The sound of Dominoes click-clacking reminds me of life.

There are similarities between Dominoes and life both are a game of chance.  To play, first know the rules. Either follow them or choose your own path. For both - every thought a decision has to be made - right or wrong - good or bad.  There is a way that appears to be right but in the end it leads to death Proverb 14:12.

Life choices playing Dominoes

Shuffle

In the beginning all dominoes are "shuffled."  Life shuffles or rearranges our goals – we loose direction. Confusion develops blocks.

 When we seek God, his kingdom, and righteousness, our goals will be placed in order Matthew 6:33.

Block

The lost of direction cause setbacks – a "block.”  With no moves we make irrational decisions. We reach for help from the bone yard. 

Things that hinder us set them aside, fix our eyes on Jesus Hebrews 12:1-2.

Bone yard

We gather dominoes from the bone yard. We randomly select – ideas, goals or dreams. We hope for the best. When all else fail we draw again from the reserve in suspense.

Take your dreams to God. Don’t depend on your understanding. Submit to God, he will layout your path Proverb 3:6

Layout

What is before us is a table of connected dots - we play and  layout each Domino – some are winning hands, others retreat back to the bone yard eager for another opportunity.

Stop wishing. Rely on your faith and trust in the Lord. Proverb 3:5

Father and son

Dominoes was the game where I connected with my father and learned Man talk. In between trash talking, counting, and analyzing there was a bond – a sense of togetherness. God desires for us to choose him in our game of life. Do you trust him?

Each game 'pops' and I played - All problems were laid out in a row – on the table. I calculated each move - every thought began with a decision. The end result we had fun no tension everything was carefree – until I yelled DOMINO!

The Gift of Transparency

Submitted by: 

 Buddy McElhannon

Two thirds through my veggie taco lunch I looked up and spotted a familiar face.  A former colleague – now a vendor rep – saw me and made a beeline for my table. Ken had retired a few years ago and moved into vendor sales.  He had the personality of a salesman, always smiling, always talking, and always seemed like he was about to make a sales pitch.  His manner occasionally bordered on the obnoxious but I only hesitated a moment when he asked if he could join me.  Hoping he didn’t notice the cautionary tone, I welcomed him with a “Sure, have seat.”

Our conversation was light, catching up on who was still working, who had retired, and who had died.  Unfortunately we knew more of the latter and less of the former.  We briefly discussed retirement plans.  I could tell from the way he talked he was unaware that I had lost my wife 2 years previous.  I decided not to mention it, as I just did not want to spend another 20 minutes talking about it.   But something prompted me and when Ken took another bite of his sandwich I simply stated, “I don’t know if you heard but I lost my wife 2 years ago to cancer.” 

God working through the hearts of men

Ken’s response was typical, a look of shock followed by a heartfelt, “No, I didn’t know, I am so sorry.”  What followed next, humbled me yet again at how a loving God works in the hearts of men.  Ken stared at me as if not knowing what to say next.  His blank silent look only magnified the growing moisture in his eyes.  He looked briefly away and then as if a decision had just been made he turned back to me and said.  “Now I know why I met you today.”

He was no longer a salesman.  He was a wounded heart thankful for an opportunity to talk with an understanding soul.  He related how his wife Patty had just had her annual mammogram with the result being an order from the Doctor for a biopsy. Needless to say, they were stunned. They had yet to tell anyone, not even their daughter. This always confident salesman now possessed all the assurance of baseball batter in a slump.  He had no idea what to do, what to say or how to help his wife.  With a look that reflected both desperation and gratitude, he confessed, “I may need your help.”



What is love

I simply encouraged him and told him to take one step at a time, wait for the results and just be there for his spouse.  I commented that as much as he wants to fix it (doesn’t every man), right now he needs stay close to his wife, be a good listener and a strong shoulder.   And call me when they get the news and we will talk some more.  He once again smiled at the providential meeting and asked for my prayers.  I reached out, touched his arm and said “how about right now.”  We bowed our heads and I prayed, “Lord, may Ken and Patty know your loving and healing presence.  Be with them now and give them strength and faith to follow you through this storm.”

Shaking hands we then turned and walked in opposite directions.  That lonely lunch had become a battleground of faith.  I remembered my morning prayer.  “Lord, help me to help others.” 

The gift of transparency had been unwrapped again.

Reflections of Gratitude in 2012

Happy New Year

As an adult I often reflected on childhood accomplishments some were exciting while others I wish could be erased from memory.  Today, I ponder 2012, how grateful I am of God’s blessings:

- A home to rest my head

- A job

- Good health

Many families faced evictions and no place to live.  No matter how mundane the job I am blessed because unemployment and his first cousin – poverty and homeless – have visited someone’s door today.  Decent health has covered me while others less fortunate are forfeited an opportunity to basic medical care.

As we live from day to day, it would be great to say there are no traumatic times – no sorrow or sadness – but that would be a lie.  Our mind’s mirrors projects an image of everything good and bad. But what should resonate into memory are God’s blessings.

Reflections of 2012

Looking back over the past 362 days our nation experienced calamities, the loss of celebrities, friends, family, and the unknown. There were occurrences that did not turn out as anticipated – jobs, family matters, or life.  As sorrow filled hearts and despite the outcome God still found favor by providing us with one more day of life! The key to a joyful life is to be thankful and praise God during the good or bad times. What reflections of gratitude do you have?

• Name 365 blessings - one for each day of the year
• 12 - one for each month of the year
• Learn to count your blessings one by one and praise God for them all

 Shining bright in 2013

The dawning of 2013 will rise up soon. How are you preparing for a phenomenal year? 

•  Write down goals
•  How do you plan to get there
• Who can you help reach their goals

                Regardless how much rain has fallen remember it did not last always.  Recant the sunny days in 2012 and may they shine bright like a diamond in 2013.

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Remembering where God has brought you from

Submitted by: Carl F. Hunter II, M.Div  

 And God spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.  Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Exodus 20:1-3 KJV

Surviving your feelings

On any given day life can get the best of us. We can be anywhere on the emotional barometer because folks, situations, or circumstances don’t produce the byproduct that we desire. We might be feeling the burdens of life are just too much for us and we want something outside of ourselves to pacify us or put some cut on the self-destructive thoughts that are oppressing our spirits.

Many of us just have a problem with surviving our feelings, which at any given time have no basis, but in the moment it seems very real and insurmountable. In fact, the feelings blind us from seeing God’s presence and deafen our spiritual ears from hearing God’s voice. Most importantly, we suffer from a type of amnesia that keeps us from remembering where God has brought us from.     

Shema Affirmation

Anxieties of life

In the Jewish tradition The Shema is said in the morning and at night. The Shema is an affirmation of Judaism and a declaration of faith in one God. It is something that keeps them in touch with “Who they are,” Whose they are”, and “Where he has brought them from”. We tend to forget that at the most inopportune time.

Fear is your bondage

• What would happen if our response in the midst of the storm was not panic, fret or despair, when the undertow of life wanted to consume?

• What would happen if our response to the storm was to hold on to the life preserving reality of the fidelity and faithfulness of God?

Mental bondage

• What would happen if “you” could remember, just for a moment, where GOD has brought “YOU” from?

• Would you move past the giants that are oppressing your spirit and then you open the door for the manifestation of “HOPE” – which is fertilizer for faith.

•  When faith overtakes your F.E.A.R. (False Expectations Appearing Real) then you are able to move from a state of panic to a state of praise.

 

Free from bondage

If you are in a place where life seems to be getting the best of you, I ask you to first: Take a deep breath and exhale. Second, take a moment to remember YOUR Egypt – YOUR HOUSE of BONDAGE – and where God has brought you from. Now, that you have a point of reference, “Will the God of your understanding see you through what you are currently going through?”

Pray this with me: In the name of Jesus, in my current state Lord I’m going to trust in you for my deliverance. In the midst of my current condition, I am going to hold you to your promise “that you will never leave me or forsake me”. In Jesus Name, AMEN

Peace

About the writer:
Reverend Hunter is an Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and a graduate of New Brunswick Theological Seminary. Reverend Hunter is a frequent contributor to The Soul’s Remedy. His prior submission are entitled "Remembering Where God Brought you From"  and “There isGreatness In You”. Reverend Hunter is a father and a grandfather, and resides in New Jersey.

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The power of the tongue…As a man thinks

The words of our mouth

Death and life are in the power of the tongue and those who love it will eat its fruit Prov. 18:21

Negative thoughts

Why debate with anxiety? Why contemplate negative thoughts oppose to positive? Why sigh, cry, or speak pessimism over life.  Better days are ahead – I think – yet uneasiness lingers and worry blankets the mind like a pending storm.

 

How many of you speak damaging words in your life? Believe it or not negative (positive) words manifest life – As a man thinks so is he.  We proclaim defeat by the words we speak.

Speak life not death

Both my parents were hospitalized due to illness. Halfhearted statements spoken by callous doctors contributed to an accelerated demise.  What we choose to communicate will affect us or others. 

It’s unintentional but we unconsciously speak failure to ourselves through conversation with friends. The continuous unleashing of burdens, and unfairness of life, increase the dismal outlook currently faced. A defeated spirit destroys people. Learn to speak positive even in a negative situation. For as he thinks in his heart, so is he… Proverbs 23:7.  

Choose words wisely

If your heart is filled with doubt, disappointment, or betrayal it becomes challenging for a person to speak positive affirmations into existence.  Appose to “I guess this is what my life suppose to be” recite “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Change your mindset and what you speak – over time a joyous attitude will supersede a cynical one. It is not over as long as God in the middle of your situation.

Sing and praise through the storm

Freedom of speech can be detrimental. Proverbs – the book of wisdom – depicts just how powerful the tongue is.  The tongue has the power of life and death, those who love it will eat its fruit Proverb 18:21.   The strange fruits are the destructive words uttered from our mouth.

The power of the tongue

God’s love and his written word can resolve looming problems.  When facing difficult times speak and pray about your pains. But once they have been released and placed on God’s alter leave them.  

When you awake each morning declare victory speaking abundance not failure. Use the power of the tongue to replace heartaches with a voice of praise, thanksgiving, joy, and peace. Learn to use the power of the tongue to encourage with uplifting affirmations. In return you will win in the end because God restoring vitality

It Doesn’t Have To Make Sense Right Now

Submitted by: Lisa Hetzel
http://thequiltandthequill.blogspot.com/

waiting in despair 

“Why is this happening to me?  What am I supposed to do?  How am I going to get through this?”   I have cried these questions so many times.  I waited  for a gold embossed, hand delivered, Charlton Heston Moses moment.  It did not come.  I did not hear any made for TV soundtracks inspiring me to keep going.

God surprised me anyway.  Somehow, in the very quiet moment between my fear and faith, I felt the urge to let it all go.  I gave up looking for the rationale for my circumstances.  “Okay, Lord, I’ve tried to do it all on my own.  Here’s my life, my hopes, my dreams, my fears.  Would you please take me and lead me?  Would you help me rest in you?”

That’s all that I had to ask.   The rest is a story of peace.

It’s time for action… Living for God during troubled times

Tears of sadness - Newtown, CT
Image Yahoo news

Sadness in America

Over the past few years society has encountered too many massacres. In less than seven days America is grappling with two mass shootings – Clackamas, Oregon and most recent Newtown, Connecticut.  Everyone is consumed with overwhelming grief and far too many people dying.

There are no words to express how heart-broken I am or the haunting feeling of parents loosing children. The world is  grieving over a senseless act committed by a troubled man would snuff out lives of innocent children and adults – including his mother.

People are searching for answers, reasons or causes. We extrapolate – was he mentally ill, should there be gun control or was it family issues. Each could be the cause. 

It is all in the bible

But as a Christian the bible forewarns us to be sober and vigilant because the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he can devour 1 peter 5:8.  The bible also tells us to be strong in the Lord and put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the devil’s schemes Ephesians 6:1.

Facing the Devil

What can be done to combat future encounters? Do we bury our heads in the sand and hope it goes away, do we study people who appear spiritually lost or Implement new laws?

As soldiers for Christ we know what needs to be done.  It is time to come together on one accord – when two or three come together in Jesus name God promises to hear and answer request made in line with his will.  1 John 14-15.   Jesus gives a sense of His presence when groups of people pray for a common cause. It is time for a prayer vigil.

Time to Pray

I am calling upon each of you to join me in prayer beginning Sunday, December 16, 2012.  For the next seven days let us pray twice daily for:  

• Healing of grieving families
• The Newtown CT. community
• The Healing of this land/world
• The Holy Spirit to cover us all
• The saving of souls

2012 massacre timeline

The devil’s master plan is to seep into the minds of his prey ultimately reeking havoc on society. This year alone we witnessed sixteen such devious schemes killing 88 and mentally scaring others. These grim schemes of death are perceived as flesh and blood in nature but they are not.  We are wrestling against principalities and powers, against the rulers of darkness and spiritual host of wickedness Ephesians 6:12. The war is not ours but we are the valuable prize Satan seeks to conquer.

February 22, 2012 – Norcross, Georgia, man kills five at Korean spa.

February 26, 2012 – Jackson, Tennessee, gunmen fire into a crowded nightclub killing one injuring others.

February 27, 2012 – Chardon Ohio, classmate opens fire killing three students.

March 8, 2012 – Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, gunman opens fire in hospital killing two and many wounded.

March 31, 2012 – Miami Florida, gunman kill two mourners at funeral home.

April 2, 2012 – Oakland, California, former Oikos University student kills seven.

April 6, 2012 – Tulsa, Oklahoma, two men go on shooting rampage killing three.

May 29, 2012 – Seattle, Washington, man kills five in coffee shop

July 9, 2012 – Wilmington, Delaware, several gunmen killed three at soccer tournament.

July 20, 2012 – Aurora, Colorado, James Holmes enters The Dark Knight Rises movie and killed twelve and injured fifty-eight.

August 5, 2012 – Oak Creek, Wisconsin, a man enters a Sikh Temple shooting six.

August 14, 2012 – College Station, Texas, three killed at Texas A&M University.

September 27, 2012 – Minneapolis, Minnesota, a former worker kill five employees.

October 21, 2012 – Brookfield, Wisconsin, husband shots wife and three women in spa.

December 11, 2012 – Clackamas, Oregon, a 22-year-old man opens fire on crowded mall killing two.

December 14, 2012 – Newtown, Connecticut, Man opens fire on Sandy HookElementary school killing a total of 28.

The Devil is already defeated

We are reminded in 2 Chronicles 7:14 if God’s people will humble themselves, turn from their ways and seek him, God will heal this land.   

The Devil is already defeated.  We all must realize the power we posses by speaking in Jesus name – Satan must flee! Let us begin this journey by doing our part to stop the violence in our communities in the name of Jesus. Through prayer glorifying and praising God healing can begin!

Who would have guessed?”

Submitted by: Pastor Paulette Harper Johnson

http://pauletteharper.com

Street Life

JOSHUA son of Nun sent two men secretly from Shittim as scouts, saying, Go, view the land, especially Jericho. And they went and came to the house of a harlot named Rahab and lodged there. Joshua 2:1

Woman in Focus: Rahab

God chooses unlikely 

God uses unlikely people to further His cause. In this story Rahab is a harlot. She would absolutely not have been chosen by men to be in the lineage of Christ. But her courage and attitude to protect the two spies did not go unnoticed by God. She recognized that the two spies had many things going for themselves: they served the God of heaven; she saw that the hand of God was on them and she heard of all the miracles that were performed by their God.

When the king of Jericho inquired of the whereabouts of the two spies she emphatically denied knowing their whereabouts - sending him on a wild goose chase.

There was something she needed from the two spies. She wanted her and her house to be spared and saved. Rahab wanted her act of kindness to be acknowledged and not go unnoticed.

As the story progresses the two spies and Rahab make a covenant or an oath between themselves. The oath guaranteed that her household would be saved at the time of God’s judgment on Jericho.

Prejudgement of people

Prejudgement

How many times have we overlooked someone because we have judged them wrong? We look at the outward condition of a person and immediately cast them aside not realizing that God looks within a person’s heart.  Rahab's outward condition did not merit her to even be considered as one who would be chosen to be in the lineage of Christ. But God chooses people not based on their current condition but He chooses them based on what He can do with and through them.

Emotional Breakdowns

Such as the case with me, let me ease your wondering minds, I was not a harlot but people sure did right me off. When I was going through my trauma I almost had an emotional breakdown. Making right decisions was something that was difficult to do.  There is a thin line between insanity and sanity and believe me I was walking a tight rope. Trying to figure out why things were happening to me and the bigger question, why God was allowing me to go through all this mess. 

God need everyone

God did not look at Rahab sordid, unattractive life but He looked at someone the world tossed aside and used her in such a way that He framed her great deeds in the book of Hebrews 11:13. I’m so very thankful to the way my life has turned out, would I have chosen this route for myself? Probably not, but God saw something in me that was worth saving.

I can now share, using pen and paper, the great deeds that my father has done for me.

That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. Psalms 26:7

Devotional Reflections from the bible

Copyright 2012