Disobedience… all BUT

Earlier this year I had a conversation with a good friend’s grandson. We were discussing when guidelines are given what exactly determines obedience. Which brought to my mind that the definition of doing what one is expected to do, when one is graciously allowed to live under someone else’s household. The tween was explaining to me what the person had done everything that was expected of them but…

This is when I explained to the young man that not only was the person being disobedient but disrespectful. I then told him, “Whenever you but at the end of the sentence of explaining actions it negates everything in front of the explanation. For example, Suzie cleaned her bedroom, washed the dishes, did the laundry BUT she didn’t feed the dog as instructed by her mother. Was Suzie being obedient? Most young people would say yes. I would beg to differ.

As an adult entrusted with guidance of a young person it is the parent or guardian responsibility to teach their youngster that if all task are not completed then this is in no terms defined as acceptable. When a person is allowed to put off one item then the next time they will add more to the all BUT list. Then the youth would now know that they don’t have to do what they were instructed to do. It is the duty of the parent/guardian to prepare the young person to know that in life, all BUT is not acceptable and leads to degrading the integrity of the person who is not in compliance with completing delegated task.

With this in mind I gave this young man an example. Say…I came to live at your house and you told me I’m not going to charge you rent but I want you to make sure that you keep the living area that I’ve assigned you to be kept neat and clean. My other duties are to do the family laundry, mop the kitchen weekly, spend quality time with my children and prepare healthy meals for my children daily. I agreed to these terms and did everything on the list but I shuffled the children off to their grandparents every weekend and feed them peanut butter sandwiches every day. My question to him was, “am I being obedient and respectful of your house rules?” He immediately said no.

Sometime children, tweens, teens and young adults look at situations from the way that the person who rears them which has inadequate grounded life rules. Then they attempt to defend wrong doings which are defined by someone’s actions who is without healthy life rules. Because the child loves this person dearly they accept their actions as grounded and acceptable. With this in mind it may cloud the youngster’s judgment, but when they are guided with thought provoking situations they recognizing that guidelines/rules are to be followed which shows the persons integrity in all circumstances.  And once they understand that following the rules until ALL assigned task are completed defines obedience and anytime that there is a BUT at the end of the sentence there is an undisputable signal of disobedience. “You were running superbly! Who cut in on you, deflecting you from the true course of obedience? This detour doesn’t come from the One who called you into the race in the first place. And please don’t toss this off as insignificant.” Galatians 5: 7-8 MSG

My appeal to all who have been entrusted with guiding our citizens of tomorrow, are you raising children of integrity? Ones which follow instructions or are you allowing the BUT of disobedience contribute to society’s failure in honor minded people? They are the ones who think that they can get away with doing as little as possible and rules do not apply to them. Or as I say a world of false sensed and rationalized ENTITLED individuals who think the world owes them something, even though they have not contributed one thing to their own life’s existence. “Parents rejoice when their children turn out well; wise children become proud parents. So make your father happy! Make your mother proud!” Proverbs 23:25 MSG

Surviving Life Challenges

Many times I’ve been asked, “How did you go through the life challenges that you have faced?” This comment is said in response to the many challenges that I have faced. But it is mostly stated in the knowing of my surviving out of order death of my children and cancer twice.

First I’ll address the situation of out-living my children. These angels were only lent to me. They belonged to the Almighty Father before they were even a seed within my body. I rejoice in the fact that I know that I know, that when it is my time for my transition from the place they shall be at the gates waiting to live with me in eternity.  I must say eternity is a lot longer than this lifetime. Yes, I miss them and I live my daughter’s death each and every day that the Lord grants me a breath.  And yes there is an added burden when my friends and acquaintances rejoice at their children’s accomplishments and special life events.  I do travel to that place where I wonder where my children could or should have been or accomplished had they lived. I try not to rain on my friends and others parade with my thoughts. I keep them to myself and excuse myself when needed. But this is the cross I must bear and it I shall bear with the conviction of my Savior, for without him I could not GO THROUGH!

Let’s move forward into the multiple cancer challenges. Yes, treatment is grueling, tiring, and just not fun. But once again I faced this challenge in faith and not focusing on myself. For many, many years; Humm… I could say at least 25 year I’ve done an encouraging and edification ministry through sending regular cards, notes, and writings. For I have found that when you are facing life tests, being able to take yourself out of your own challenges and brighten someone else’s day, when they too are facing challenges, gives great joy. Well, it does for me. But I implore you if you are facing challenges try it, I’m most curtain that it too will bring you great delight.  

Our Lord allows life’s challenges to refine us not define us. The only way you may be refined is if you arise to the challenge and do not let it destroy your spirit. We are created with free will to choose. Is your choice refinement?

Purpose…meaning…underwear

Once upon a time in a land called the United States of America if someone told you that they see you’re underwired you were embarrassed. As I was sitting at a transportation stop that has minimal traffic I saw four young men in the matter of 5 minutes casually walking down the street with their plaid, blue, red and green underwear showing. And three of these youths, I don’t know how the pants stayed at the below the posterior position without walling to their ankles. For some reason they believe this is the “style”.

I have long held to the position that the word under held the definition of underneath something. Hence the definition of underwear would be underneath something that you are wearing, such as other clothing, and not exposed for the world to see your “style.” Let us now visit where this fashion trend’s origin is rooted and its REAL connotation.  

The origin of this fashion statement is embedded in the prison system. When inmates wore their pants in this fashion it was at statement to other inmates that they are available for intimate relations with fellow inmates. Young men is this the message that you want to express to others of your gender? Parents is this the desired statement that you have for your maturing men, that you have been entrusted to instruct toward being a productive person in society? Youth, men and parents this fashion trend makes a statement. Is it the statement that you want to present to the world? 

All are not His

This past week I was reminded that, all sheep do not belong to the same shepherd. Well… most in Him would say…. I know this.  It is commonly recognized that sheep, cattle and any other livestock do not belong to one shepherd. The same is true in the realization that not all places of worship belong to the almighty Father God, the head shepherd. ”I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me…” John 10:11 NASB I was told last week that when I’m not able to go to my own place of worship that I should just go to the church down the corner. Should I seek council from someone who doesn’t see fit to worship or praise the Lord? I… think not!

Okay let’s get to the nuts and bolts of this situation.  Not all places of worship teach and preach the word, praise the Lord, serve His people, focus on increasing the knowledge of its membership and most of all serve Him! Most places are filled with people who think that their obligation of servitude ends at the once a week church service and or attendance of study at mid-week. Their lives do not reflect the teachings and preaching on a daily basis through the fruits of the spirit. Most places of worship’s are hung up on the inner member circle busyness and increasing the number on members on its rolls.

 
Over the years I’ve visited and have even joined a few churches. In these lost places of worship I have seen the window dressing but no substance to ministering to the membership, visitors and all who enter their doors. In these places I have gone in and left just as empty as when I entered. The members are unfriendly and want to keep the status quo. They reject the presence of gifts in the visitor whose only desire is to serve the King alongside them. I have gone to great lengths in my search for my current place of worship. And I’ll say with great pride they are real in their service, growth, fellowship, and are inviting to new comers towards their service alongside them as co-workers in the Almighty’s vineyard.

So to those who say worship at any church all I can say to them that it is my desire for you to seek Him. For it is only He who can remove the scales so that the truth and discernment can shine upon and give you the knowing of what real worship and servitude looks like. I am looking forward toward my everlasting crown of glory and have received my shepherding from that which is of Him. ”And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.” 1 Peter 5:4 NASB

Every day is a day of Thanksgiving!

As a hymn of spirituality states “Every day is a day of thanksgiving”, let us not forget this as we move through the next couple of months of celebrations into a new year. We shall eat the bounties of what we’ve been blessed with from the Lord, we shall show kindnesses that we reserve only during this season, and we will even grin, smile and tolerate people that just totally get on our nerves. I say do not let this be a two month commitment to blessings others. Let us continue these niceties into the coming years. For even in our trials you better believe that there is someone going through something that out magnifies your situation.

 

My challenge to you is: if you don’t think that you have anything to be thankful for, start a gratitude journal. And in it list a minim of three thankful situations or experiences that happen during your day.  I bet that you will have something to be thankful for even if only the smile of a child or that you didn’t respond negatively in a provoking situation. As you commit to doing this for yourself you will find that you have more blessings of gratitude to count than you ever thought.

Have a most splendid and safe Thanksgiving and for those of you traveling I pled traveling mercies upon you, your families and friends

Peace be unto you,

dlee Deason

My child come back to Me

In my living room I have a numbered Paper Lithograph titled “Liberty” by Artist Thomas Blackshear. I purchased this piece of art October, 2001 during a visit to Little Rock, Arkansas. It is described as: Liberty by Thomas Blackshear depicts the Statue of Liberty with a tear in her eye as she overlooks the city of New York and Jesus can be seen in the clouds in the background.  (Part of description is retrieved from:  http://www.christcenteredmall.com/stores/art/blackshear/liberty.htm) This website also notes that the artist Thomas Blackshear purchased two of these published prints and gave one to President George W. Bush to hang in the Oval Office at the White House. At the bottom of the work is the caption: "If my people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways: then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." -- II Chronicles 7:14 KJV It is also noted that Mr. Blackshear had worked on this work for two year completing it September 2000 and after September 11, 2001 it sold out.

This artistic impression is so fitting to the plight of the United States. I was in prayer and the remembrance of the suffering and loss of life out east returned from September 11 to the new sorrow caused by nature by Supper Storm Sandy.  This is what my Lord brought to me: on October 30, 2012 at approximately 09:06 am “Thus says the Lord – U.S. you are warned, particularly the east coast. Your sin is ramped, get back to Me.” In some ways I almost see the events in the U.S.’s as a version of a modern Sodom and Gomorrah. But unlike Sodom and Gomorrah these modern cities on the east coast have had a two warning. And in this last disaster God’s promise of never destroying though the use of water, the rainbow, was vivid after the rain subsided.

…some waited in long lines, you might ask why?

I have pondered the electoral process in the United States this past week. Not the outcome, the contenders, backbiting snipes, or issues of high level leader’s infidelity. I was thinking about a caller in the 2^nd hour of the program “Chris Fabry Live!” on Moody Radio on Election Day, November 6, 2012. The caller put it all into perspective of election suffrage, what it means to her and her biblical carriage that keeps her going and standing firm. 

The caller’s name was Pearl and she resides in Chattanooga, Tennessee. She had such a pleasant outlook on the election process though she saw the results over years of African-American suffrage first hand. Many may say, “How could this be, not here in the United States?” Her two brothers fought in World War II and when they came home at the end (1945) they could not vote. The right to vote had been granted to men; no matter color, race, or previous servitude with the 15^th amendment ratification in 1870. They still could not vote. Yet they were abled bodied to fight in the war.

In the 1960’s her sister was fired from her job because her husband took African-American voters to their polling places to vote. Yes, this was during the time of the enactment of the 24^th amendment (the voting rights act) 1965. In other words the 24^th fixed the loop holes for African-Americans who were made subject to poll tax, qualifying test (literacy), racial gerrymandering and discriminatory enforcement of registration rules. And keep in mind woman suffrage was enacted in 1920 with the 19^th amendment.

 
Pearl stated that whoever wins the election is her president. She stated that she serves a God who sits high and looks low. The radio caster Chris Fabry was clearly in awe of this woman’s attitude being that she had seen voter racism first hand.  The scripture she clings to is Proverbs 3:5-6, which states “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledged him, and he shall direct thy paths.” KJV. Yes, we the American Public did our duty under our citizenship right to vote our conscious. But in the end the result is unto the Lord.

Matter of fact we even saw the 21^st century attempt at gerrymandering and discriminatory voting practice. But these people would not be moved, they were committed to voicing their choice. And to them I raise my hand in salute. For many people died, were denied, abused, and manipulated out of their citizenship right to vote in previous years, no let’s say century. But these people know the significance of their one vote and its importance to the overall outcome.

Today we must move forward with the people’s chosen leadership. Let all areas of government work with this people’s expressed leader to the betterment of our citizens and world.   

Faced with a decision…sure you know what you would do

Okay Lord your gentle nudging has become a push and now it is a shove. Over the past few weeks I’ve been pondering the comments that some politicians have made about an issue surrounding what they term as right to life. It is not this writings intent to support/not-support this issue. The desire is to be thought provoking and open the door for REAL conversations and HONEST inflections. When a few politicians voiced their stance about this issue and it brought about a remembrance of a situation and conversation on this matter in a prior work setting. 

Everyone has this person in residence at their work location; the one who is the equal opportunity aggravator. There stances, comments, interactions mange to go beyond the boundaries of race, age, or gender. At this work location we often have what I call “pow-wow sessions” or discussions in the break room. This particular morning before we started working my most opinionated aggravator voiced the following comment. “Abortion should not legal.” I looked at him and my immediate thought was ohhhh no he didn’t. My comeback was as follow: “I am soooo… tired of men telling woman what to do with their body. Now, you have two daughters who about the same age as my daughter (tweens). There is no way that you can tell me that if one of them is rapped by a ____ man you wouldn’t be running to the nearest abortionist.  I recognize that abortion in deed is a sin but I tell you until you are faced with this life situation you do not truly know what your action will be.”

Needless to say the whole table in the break room went silent. There wasn’t anything else to be said. You can say you are for or against something but when you are actually faced with this challenge the test is at hand. My thought is… can you be honest with yourself and everyone else that when this choice knocks on your life, will you or won’t you keep your stance? The longer you live…the more opportunities of life challenges will test your stance.

Note: It has become made aware to me that the person mentioned in this writing is going through an illness challenge. My prayers go out to him and his family for healing and salvation.

Betrayal...Forgiven

Let’s open up the conversation about the … between betrayal to forgiveness. I’ve always accepted the promise of our Father that He didn’t want to lose not one of His sheep. But I have often had mixed thoughts on the fate of Jesus’ disciple Judas Iscariot. A God which is so loving would not want to lose a chosen one in his inner circle, even to achieve the ultimate goal of salvation for all of his lost sheep to sins dirty stain, would He? ““What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture, and go after the one which is lost, until he finds it?... ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’” Luke 15:4 & 6b NASB

This morning I pondered this thought over and over and then the Lord gave me a revelation. At Calvary and on a cross he accepted repentance from a convicted criminal. Our Lord hung between one criminal one who cursed and reviled Him and the other who acknowledged who He is, the Son of the Almighty. “And we indeed, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” Luke 23: 41-42 NASB And Jesus’ response to this criminal’s earnest repentance on his death throne was that He told him that he would be with Him today in paradise. “And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”” Luke 23:43 NASB

Even though Judas was a betrayer had he repented and asked for forgiveness even he could have been with our Lord in paradise. There is no, I say no, once again I say NO sin above my Jesus’ ability of forgiveness. It appears by Judas’ actions and un-forgiveness by hanging himself, that there wasn’t any repentance on his part. But I don’t know for certain, for as he hung himself did he ask for forgiveness, did he repent? I guess I shall have to wait until I meet my Jesus to know for certain.  

Self-limiting…?

Our backs are up against the wall. We have nothing and no hope. I am at the end of my rope. These sayings are staples in the arena of defeat. But I say to you ask the One who can give to “Sure –nough” help is the message delivered by the Reverend Donna Anderson of Trinity Waukegan AME Church. This message was offered at the Hour of Power services yesterday October 11, 2012 noon session at the 130^th session of the Chicago Annual Conference held at The Hilton Milwaukee City Center.

The delivery of this message was heartfelt, effective and biblically grounded.  The title of “What do you do when you have nothing?” is a self-realization of how self-limiting people can cause their own demise. The scriptural focus has a foundation in 2 Kings 4:1-17. This is where we find a widow who is in dire financial end of her rope. She has, what she thinks is nothing to support herself or her children. But she knew to call upon the prophet to help her through, to find her help. In this biblical time the prophet was the conduit to answers from God. The answer was supplied and she followed the instruction which removed her from her death walk of insurmountable debt.

 Today we have a direct line because of New Testament principles but the bases are the same. We must go to the One who has the answer in all things. And this doesn’t mean that this should only be done when we have no other recourse. We should seek Him in all of our endeavors.

In addition Reverend Anderson ended her message with an analogy. This analogy referenced a fisherman who was fishing and was observed as measuring his catch and throwing back the larger fish. When the man was questioned as to why he threw back the larger catch his answer was that his skillet was only 8 inches. Therefore, any fish longer than 8 inches would not fit in his skillet so he would throw it back. The answer per Anderson is a bigger skillet. And immediately I thought, just cut the larger catch and it will fit. This man was limiting his achievement.  Beloved are you limiting your catch…your achievements… your blessings? 

Note: Thank you Reverend Donna Anderson your message is timely and well supported. You are to be applauded as a woman of God with the gift of delivering the Word to a depraved and deprived world who believes that there is no hope.

Getting Real... Love Thy Neighbor

My life cannot be simple and uneventful. This I found out yesterday as I ran errands yesterday afternoon. All of the errands where complete in the middle of the afternoon and I was waiting for public transportation to go home. At the bus stop I notice a short woman exit a currency exchange just outside the bus stop. What I noticed was not only her nationality, her height but the fact that she was in desperate need of a touch up on her white roots of about one inch. 

The bus of the route that I needed to take was approaching and I moved closer to the bus stop sign. When the bus proceeded to stop this woman walks up to me and attempted to snatch the bag with my purchase from Bed Bath & Beyond. What this woman didn’t know is that I had the double plastic bags wrapped around my left wrist. As she grabbed my bag she shouted, “Mine.” I looked at her in shock and got a firmer grip on my bag and stated, “You better let my bag go.” She looked dumb founded.

Once I got on the bus the operator and a handicapped passenger asked me what had happened. I stated that, “This woman attempted to snatch my bag and she almost got her butt whipped.” The ride home, even with high school students aboard, was quite peaceful. As I exited the bus the operator stated that the woman might have been confused. But my thought on this is that she picked the wrong victim. I also stated that I planned to report this incident to the police.

Once I arrived home I made a non-emergency call to the police, left message for a call back from a police officer.  This morning a message was left on phone about my call from the day before. The officer didn’t leave a name, just stated that I could call 311 if I still needed to make a report. I called back immediately and spoke with an officer who exclaimed that a crime was not committed. No I was knocked down, I didn’t get a scratch on me and, no I didn’t pop the offender for attacking me. The only reason I didn’t get harmed is because I was able to defend myself. The officer claimed to check with her supervisor and they agreed that a crime was not committed. So now I’m still waiting on this police supervisor to call me back.

Last night I had to take the offender to the throne of grace with prayer. For had it not been for my having my wits about myself 1) she could have stolen my purchase and 2) I could have hurt this woman more than she realizes. My major concern is that the next victim might not be as aware or elderly. This could result in possible broken limbs or some other harm for the offender or the next possible victim. Also, I had to remember that although this person attacked me I have to realize to true attacker which is an attempt to take me outside my inner peace from the Almighty.

Now I must continue to on the vigilance of prayer for the offender, the police department, and myself keeping a pleasing reaction to attacks. But hey what can I say? In Him I’m up to the challenge. For all are children of the Almighty. . “All things came into being by Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being.” John 1:3 NASB

Note: I do not know if this attacker has some type of mental condition or if she is possibly working within a robbery ring of snatch and grab. So anyone shopping in the vicinity of Roosevelt Road and Jefferson Street in Chicago stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

Blessings in Foreign Form

Often time’s people miss out on their blessings because it doesn’t come in the packaging that they expect. This is a sad realization. We pray and we pray for breakthroughs and blessings to rain down on us. But we do not recognize the blessing when it is set before us.

Last week I was invited and privileged to attend a prophetic anointed service that the anointing of Kevin Leal was unleashed to the benefit of the attendees. One of the topics he touched on was the inability of God’s people to recognize when God has sent someone into their live to bless them. He referenced scripture in 1 Samuel 30. Within this scripture the chapter is the revelation of a successful battle which was granted to David through a most unlikely source.

David and his warriors raised their voice to the Lord to know how they should proceed in battle. For he was in pursuit of the Amalekite’s who had raided and captured two of his wives. A blessing in the form of an improbable messenger was a sick and left behind Egyptian servant of an Amalekite.

The Lord sent them a resource outside their familiarity, not in a package they would expect. Yet David kept within his faith in the Father to accept this gift from an unlike source. And this acceptance caused him to be successful in battle and recovery of his wives. So as Kevin Leal stated, “Lord send me my Egyptian.” Do you want yours?

Lift my EYES

Eleven years ago our eyes were lifted to the unfathomable events in New York City, Shanksville, Pennsylvania, and the Pentagon. Today where are our eyes?

It is my prayer and my hope that we are looking towards the Great I Am. With this in mind I offer my thought for today. Today’s thought – The Hope of His People gives us today thanksgiving in remembrance of each life returned to You Father 11 years ago today. They are away from our physical presence but they rest in You in spirit. We shout HALLELUJAH, for no matter what it looks like to these earthly eyes, You are ever more in control. “But Thou, O Lord, art a shield about me, my glory, and the One who lifts my head…I will not be afraid of ten thousands of people who have set themselves against me round about.” Psalms 3:3&6 NASB

Lift our eyes to the One who is our eternal hope. He is the One who in His infinite wisdom and by His elegance had fore thought to reconcile His creation unto Him. He did this not because we deserve this but by grace and an earthly sacrifice of His Son who was with Him from the beginning.

Friendship Montage

This past weekend I was filled with celebration of friendship with three different friends. And as I reflect on this weekend I was drawn to a comment by one of my friends. This comment expressed that I do not discriminate in friendship. This observation became illuminated in the spending and enjoyable three days with three different people that I am privileged go call “friend”. And these three days exemplified the true montage in friendship that my life is filled with. My friends are a real tapestry of friendship.

I have friends older, same age and younger than myself. For example on Saturday I spend the time with a friend of over 20 years and her family. This friend is old enough to be my mother but her family over the years has enveloped me into their family.

On Sunday I shared dinner with former co-workers parents. I have the opportunity to have dinner with them at least once a month and speak with them weekly. By the way they are in their 90’s. They too, consider me a part of their family and call me their daughter. Because they are of a different race, often times I get stare from people who eyes which express the comment of, “Why is she with those people”, and sometimes they are even bold enough to ask how I know these elderly people. So my stock answer is that these are my parents. You could SMASH mud on those goggled eyes in disbelief. But what can they say? It’s none of their business anyway!

Then on Monday, the holiday, I spent the day with a graduate school friend at an Expo. After the Expo we visited with one of my friend’s lifelong friends. These two friends are younger than I. Throughout the many occasions that we have gathered we have developed an inner circle of our own.

Do I have a lot of friends? No. Do I have quality in friends? Yes. So when I page though acquaintances or friends of friends Facebook pages I most readily remember that one doesn’t get a prize for the number of people you friend. Keep your inner circle tight. For everyone who you “Friend” you may not be your friend. Oh and by the way the reply to the comment by my friend that I don’t discriminate in friendship my response was, “Yes, I have a variety of friends. I give everyone a chance for if they are not a friend it will not take long for them to show their true colors.”

The Box

A few days ago I came to the definitive conclusion that common sense is not common. I’ve known this for some time, but today there is no doubt in my mind we have a lot of people walking around with not a clue what common sense is. On this past Saturday I was walking across an intersection and I witnessed two examples within seconds of one another of what I’ll call ‘stupidfullery’. Stupidfullery definition is one without common sense.

The first example was a woman driving a car across the intersection that I was crossing with a cell phone to her ears. I’m glad that she wasn’t so engrossed in her conversation that she did recognize that she did have a right turn signal. The second illustration was a young woman who was crossing the intersection with me. She too was on her cell phone and was all into her conversation and started crossing the street only because she saw me crossing. I had to mention to her to watch for the cars where making a left turn across our crosswalk. Apparently her phone volume was too loud because she did respond by looking at the turning cars and thanked be for bringing this to her attention. But she didn’t miss a beat on her conversation that continued throughout her street crossing. Has technology inserted stupidfullery into some people’s heads? I have to laugh to keep from crying.

Okay, let me digress. I have been perplexed for some time by actions of stupidfullery to the point I’d ask “Why God?” I finally came to the conclusion that common sense is not common. For many years I’ve held fast to an analogy about “The Box” that I developed many years ago. The analogy is when examples of stupidfullery arise I would state that that person didn’t open their box.

The analogy that I developed is somewhat comical. In the beginning, before we are born God presents us with a beautiful box giftwrapped with a beautiful bow on top. There are three responses to this present. 1^st – The person looks at the gift and says “Ooh pretty box and places it in a place of high esteem and never opens the box.” 2^nd – The response is that the person sees the box and proceeds to crush it without opening it. 3^rd – This person opens the box and in it is the precious gift of common sense. When I see stupidfullery I now say, “They didn’t open their box.” These analogies although it is sad to realize that there are so many people without common sense it keeps me from being frustrated.  Because you cannot make a person accept a gift.

Without Reverence

I woke up this morning and I would say "I had reverence on my mind." My thoughts floated from the fact of being five generations from being a slave to today’s "ageist antics." I then thought about today’s society’s youth who think it is the responsibility of the older generation to treat them with respect. This is when in turn they do not “first” respect those who have paved the way for them. So... once again I'm back to reverence.

 Since I’m back at reverence, let's take a look at the definition.  - Reverence – noun – honor or respect felt or shown profound adorning awed respect. Webster's Collegiate Dictionary “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of saints, and to be held in reverence of all of them that are about him." Psalm 89: 7 KJV. With these definitions, man’s and God's reference, I will expound on an act of disrespect at a church I once attended. This act of irreverence was in the wrong place, the church, but it was done in its most reverent position the pulpit.

 A young member in leadership of this church went into the pulpit and expounded his thoughts about how the older people in the church should act towards the younger. Mind you this church is over 113 years in its quest to serve Christ and its community. In short he stated that the older people don't respect the younger people. When I was RAISED it was said that in order to get respect one must give respect. Does this younger generation have some mixed up notion that they truly believe this is the way to obtain respect, just because you have youth? Most of all I do not understand how leadership of this church would allow dishonor in the pulpit sanctified position within our Father’s house.

This example of lack of reverence and respect, even within the sanctuary and its pioneers shows why there is no reverence to God. These pioneers have and are still going THROUGH on their journeys in this life time. Once again if you are giving respect you will get respect.  These forerunners know and show true reverence to God and His house. Youth, children, young people remember where you come from. When you give these pioneers and God reverence and respect you will gain reverence and respect in due turn and time. Without these older people and God there would be no YOU.

Leadership, stand up admonish disrespect. Giving dishonor in God’s house should not be tolerated. Maybe this is the reason why the youth have no honor or respect of position. Young people, how can you say from your mouth how reverent you place the Father God you cannot see but have no respect for the elders you do see? Reverence although it is a state of being also in an action. Showing reverence to those around you is showing reverence to Him who loves you. And once you have supplied reverence you will find respect. This is my idea of “reverence on my mind.”

The War is on

This morning we were greeted with the atrocity of the day. Gunman kills 14 and wounds more than 50 at a premier of a Batman movie in Aurora, Colorado. I am reminded of two things; number one – God is still in control and number two – He gives us free will. Okay Father we are back to the free will concept once again.

 The gunman’s intent was clear. He was there on a mission to cause disarray. And to some point he has been successful. But although his intent is clear our Father’s intent is even clearer in His Word. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:11-13 NIV.

Equip ourselves through supplication, study, prayer, and stop refusing to answer our Father’s calls upon our lives. Yes YOU get with the program. For the days to come, the weeks to come, the years to come we are indeed in battle. Soooo, my challenge to you; offer up prayers of healing for those impacted by this atrocity. This is for ALL affected, families of the decease, those recovering from injuries, and the family of the gunman.  We are accountable for OUR reactions to this situation.   

In the faith hurting the hurting

Today I’m in awe of how the Lord works matters out in His time.  For the past few weeks I’ve meditated on actions of the past in relationships that surrounded a significant family out of order death. Sometimes we believe that surrounding ourselves with believers will help to heal the wounds and emptiness left by death of a loved one. This thought is especially important when one’s family is outside the faith.

 When this death occurred I looked into my family member’s eyes and saw that they are more worried about themselves.  I also noticed immediately that I was the only one who could speak of the deceased person without being uncomfortable; still to this day it is true. It was my thought that liked minded persons of the faith would be different. Boy was I in for a rude awakening.

They too supported for a few weeks and in some cases a several months. However, the grieving process doesn’t have a time table. There needs to be support as long as it needed for the griever to proceed into healing. What I found out is that people go on with their lives and do not comprehend that the griever is still healing. They don’t call; nor ask about the deceased party, for the most part “It’s not their problem!” What happened to: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” Romans 12:15 and “Bear one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the laws of Christ.” Galatians 12:15 ( NASB)

For many years I have supplied support to those going through different life challenges and it never extended to a minimal involvement. Often times this support lasted many, many months. My conversation with our Father has allowed me to know when this support should be suspended or slowed. So… I implore you, be that support, remain stead-fast and diligent in uplifting those in need. This is not people mandated but godly commanded and it doesn’t have a timetable for its completion.   

Note: I would like to thank Reverend Cheryl; your willingness to just walk with me to address an injustice has allowed true forgiveness which allows peace.

Heeding warnings part III

Sorry to have been away for a while but I’M BACK!

Recently the Lord has helped to see an understanding about His creation.  He gave his creation, man, free will. This revelation gives significance to my warnings to my co-worker and former neighbor in part I and II of Heeding warnings.

Often times the Lord places people into our lives to make their travels easier. Many times they do not consider this road map. Numerous times I have termed this as “Going to the school of hard knocks.” We in the faith cannot become discouraged when we give sound insight. Yes, even when it is solicited and not followed. All, yes all, believers and non-believers are God’s creation and He gave us all free will.

So…be encouraged for the insightfulness from our Father places discerned up our hearts for our fellow journey mates. Whether they CHOOSE to head our gift of insight is their choice. Our choice is not too fade, but to continue to utilize your discernment gift and to impart this insight unto those He has spoken to you to bless the recipient with your gift. “And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.” Galatians 6:9 NASB

Heeding warnings part II

Heeding warnings part II

The second young woman whom I had contact during a time that I call heeding warnings was a co-worker. Sometimes, we would have lunch together, and once I was invited along with my adolescent daughter to have a summer holiday meal. At one time, we had worked in the same office and occasionally would have lunch with each other. At one of these lunch visits, at a local soul food restaurant, we got into a conversation about our situation with our estranged husbands.  At this point, she had expressed on occasion she went out with and slept with her spouse. As we talked about this matter, I explained to her my thoughts on this situation. I expressed an old saying that I today still totally agree with. “A man might not want you, but they do not want you to be with anyone else.” I expressed my concern for her safety.

Let us fast forward about a year later. This co-worker and I no longer worked in the same office but still worked within groups in the same office building. One Thursday at lunch time I went up to her office’s work location and had a conversation with her and her pod mates. I looked at her and then looked away. Even so, I immediately had to look back at her. I saw what appeared to be an aura glow surrounding her. At this point, I thought, “How strange” but didn’t recognize its significance.

The next day the three offices in our building were made aware of an emergency situation at this former co-workers home. Apparently, the co-worker’s sister had arrived that morning to drive her and her daughters to work and school, and the police had to be called. It seems that the estranged husband had spent the night and when the sister arrived to pick the woman and her girls up he shoved the daughters out of the door at the sister and locked the door. The sister and daughters went to the neighbors and called the police. When the officers arrived, they could not enter the residence because the emergency call for help was not placed by my co-worker. The police had to want for the supervisor to arrive before they could break down the door and enter the premise.

Once they entered the home my former co-worker’s throat was slashed from ear to ear. Needless to say she did not survive her wound, and her husband went to jail. And one of the most ironic situations that happened when the family made arrangements for her funeral, and with these preparations they had to go to the jail to get her husband’s approval to cremate her body.

As I think back on this instance of unnecessary loss of life, I think today that there might be someone out there that is experiencing this same or similar situation. So I say to you, please seek shelter and heed the warning,

In my next update, I will tie together my thoughts on heeding warnings.

Heeding Warnings part I

Heeding Warnings part I

The longer that I live the more I realize that our lives are intertwined for a reason. These entanglements can only be called amazing.  Astounding because we have a choice to find lessons, wisdom and understanding through these life interactions. This morning I was drawn to two relationships both where between husbands and wives in turmoil, that in one, case was toxic until death. What I realized today, when I thought of these situations, were they both happened around the same time, and I imposed warning to both women.

Looking at the first case it was a relationship developed because the woman was a neighbor of mine in the same apartment building in a large suburban complex. We often passed each other and exchanged pleasantries. Even so, this one Saturday we struck up a conversation, and I was talking to her in her apartment. At this time, she and her husband were separated (as was I). She then told me that she had been to court, and her husband had told the judge that he didn’t believe that their son (a toddler at the time) was his.

When she told me what her husband had stated in court I was taken aback and appalled. The reason for my astonishment was because her son looked like her husband had given birth to him. I would say her husband could have literally spat the child out. At this point, I said to myself, I would be through with him if he was my husband. Our conversation continued, and she indicated that she and her husband had had physical fights. This is when I told her that as mild manner as my husband is I would never put myself in a situation that could put me in harm’s way. Because what I’ve found is that even if a man is in the wrong in the relationship, if they cannot have you, they don’t want you to have anyone else. Furthermore, I told her if a man hits you once they will do it again.

Months later the woman and her son moved but some time later the three (husband, wife, son) moved back to the complex with their new daughter. We talked in passing and a few months later I moved into a new home in another suburb. A few weeks after I had moved one of the other neighbors in the apartment building called me with horrific news. She indicated that one Friday night the wife was late coming home from work and when she arrived home, her husband had proceeded to beat his wife. The husband was now in jail.

About a year later the beaten woman who is now divorced from her husband contacted me, and I went to visit her at her new residence. As we talked, she told me about the beating incident. She had arrived home late from work because she had stopped at the store to purchase milk for their daughter. When she entered the apartment, her husband then accused her of cheating a proceeded to beat her. She stated that every time he hit her our previous conversation came to her recollection. “If a man hits you once he will hit you again.”

Today when I think about this interaction with this person, I think about the warning that had been placed in my heart and spoke by my mouth. We make a choice to state warnings and to head warnings. This is part of the free will that our Lord has placed upon us. However, I know that there is someone out there today that this warning has been expressed. Will you heed?

My next blog post will continue with the second heeding warnings' circumstances. To be continued…

Senseless killings

Senseless killings

Daily, we are bombarded with news of senseless killings. What is missing?  Might it not be respect for God, respect for others, respect for self?  Potentially, and certainly is evidence of a non-existence of value for the significance of life? What is missing?

When I pondered this over whelming fact of today, I was drawn to our Father’s commandments and our individual responsibility of responses to these losses, be they innocent or not. We as God’s people have a responsibly to take a stand and not permit it to become a way of everyday life by allowing it to turn into the norm. With this in mind, where do we go from her to make a turn around on this life impacting of pointless loss of life?  

I was drawn closer to a few items that I believe may have an influence on this topic. First, it is often verbalized, prayer changes things, is it utilized? Second, most people are not utilizing their God given talents to preserving our Father’s creations with have been entrusted to us, our children (the village mentality) and instilling life values. Third, let the law take care of the lawless. This doesn’t mean that we may have to shall stand idle when there is something we can do when the law is not acting to enforce the law to establish justice. I shall focus primarily on the second theme.

People of God, get with the program! Commit to having a more dedicated prayer life and adhering to the most important commandments.  …“you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. … you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22: 37a & 39a NASB. “A new commandment I give to you, that you love another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” John 13:34 NASB. Our talent usage can often influence that at risk teen that is looking for the missing family association with membership in a gang. A channel by which loving one another could maybe be obtained through imparting wisdom.  One way that may impact this situation can be gained through volunteerism.  Mentoring and tutoring are two great avenues towards making a positive difference in a young person's life. Imparting our wisdom to help form good values is important to changing societal norms of acceptance of the status quo of senseless slayings.

Societal behavior acceptance is like our faith in God. A little input can make a huge change in an at risk person’s life. “It like a mustard seed, which a man took and threw into his garden; and it grew and became a tree…” Luke 13:19a NASB A little none-acceptance and a little commitment to being part of the solution go a long way.  Combating this issue constitutes us to listen to God’s still voice for an answer and to take action immediately once He has given us the answer. Take the time to be that positive influence towards change. Yes, the mother, father, aunt, uncle, retiree, unemployed, employed, under paid, over paid…yes YOU! Join that volunteer project that will impart good change in the lost. Active membership in volunteerism, student councils/governing organizations, and community projects are a few ways to being part of the solution towards silencing the senseless killings.

Appearance seed

Appearance seed

A few weeks ago during a school weekday around 11:00 AM I was returning home from running some errands, waiting at a bus stop; I came into contact with three teenagers. Initially, it would appear that they may be cutting class, but they might be privileged to have early dismissal. Of the three one was a young man who was attractive with chains hanging from his leather jacket that extended into his jeans. The remainder of the group consisted to two youthful woman. The ladies’ appearance consisted of various piercing, tattoos, artificial nails, wild hair/hair extensions, and tight clothing.  It was clear by their closeness in conversation and body language and was easy to make this assumption. One of the woman’s (with wild hair) was the girlfriend of the young man.

From these individual's appearance, you could suspect that they were doing everything externally to fit in with their peers. However, my interaction with them told a different story. As the bus approached the young man showed his gentlemanly behavior of allowing me to board the bus first. Then a while later, after embarking upon the vehicle, his young girlfriend gave me a complement in reference about the animal print shawl/wrap I was wearing. I immediately thanked her and pondered how it would be so easy to assume negative thoughts about these three young people.

There clearly appears to be some upbringing within these individuals which has stuck. Though these young people’s speedy actions in the use of positive social skills and manners. Today these skills are abundantly missing both in adults let alone our young people. Later, I pondered this experience and interactions with this chance encounter with these individuals and thought about a scriptural reference of bringing up children. “Train up a child in the way he should go, Even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 NASB.

Somewhere some parents and or guardians should be applauded for instilling manners to their charges. Next I would suspect that someone is praying for their continued social skills growth and safety, which will allow them to instill the values that they’ve displayed, long after they have left their need for trendy clothing and styling. ““And other seed fell into the good soil, and grew up, and produced a crop a hundred times as great.”” Luke 8:8a NASB Lastly, I know that I shall think and pray for them that they will grow to be the exemplary individuals that their actions clearly represent.

Social norm

This past Sunday I was privileged to share my Resurrection Sunday meal with a great friend, who I call sister, and her family. Somehow during the dinner conversation the topic arose about the social acceptability of premarital sex and whether it is a sin. Clearly, the line of societal tolerability has blurred the lines of the meaning of sin.  Any action that societal norms accept as unobjectionable doesn’t take away from the fact that the action is contrary to our Father’s rules of life.

Be it lying, cheating, stealing, sexual improprieties (pre-marital, adultery, or homosexuality), cursing; just because society says it’s OK doesn’t meant that it is a godly acceptable way of life. “But we know that the Law is good, if one uses it lawfully, realizing the fact that law is not made for a righteous man, but for those who are lawless and rebellious, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers and immoral men and homosexuals and kidnappers and liars and perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound teaching, according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have entrusted.” 1Timothy 1:8-14 NASB Since we all have fallen short; this law is for ALL of us! We all face this battle daily. We are all waging a war against worldly influences of sin challenges each day. The main effort is to stay in the fight. There is a war going on, and we are ALL on the battlefield, whether we believe in Him or not.

We must equip ourselves for this battle. Our relationships with God tools are in the toolbox. This box must be opened and utilized. This box includes prayer, supplication, reading and studying His word. So today I say to you open your toolbox sword and get in the fight. . “Therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having girded your loins with truth, and having put on the breastplate or righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace, in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming missiles of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Ephesians 6:1-17 NMSB Believe it or not it is the fight of your and for your life.

Thank you Lord Jesus

Thank you Lord Jesus

When I awoke this morning, I started to pray. This prayer began with Thank you Lord. And as it progressed, I realized as much suffering that I believe I’ve lived here in this worldly existence it is NOTHING! Yes…nothing! My suffering could not compare to that of my Lord.

My thoughts of life up and downs, unhealed friendships, broken promises, lying individuals, and just plan out right selfishness of people today causes pain. But could you imagine knowing from the time of your birth that your purpose is to suffer an unimaginable death, especially since your life was blameless, spotless, and you spoke only the truth? This to me is the true definition of obedience unto death. “For as through the one man’s disobedience (Adam) the many were made sinners, even so through the obedience of the One (Jesus) the many will be made righteous.” Roman 5:19 NASB

As we celebrate Easter let us not forget to say thank you Lord Jesus. You did it all for me! If you had not suffered on the cross and arose from the dead that Easter morn I would still be bound by my sins and laws of ancient times. You didn’t have to do it, but I’m glad you did. Hallelujah … He is Risen! “And they arose that very hour and returned to Jerusalem, and found gathered together the eleven and those who were with them, saying, “The Lord has really risen, and has appeared to Simon (Peter)”” Luke 24:33-34 NASB

Untruthfully charged

Untruthfully charged

Today on this Good Friday morning I think about the anguish of Mary the mother of our Lord Jesus. She watched; she followed, and she grieved for her fleshly son. Yes, she knew who He was and His purpose of birth, the living sacrifice from God to redeem and return His people to Him. Even so, this did not remove the sting of what she was witnessing. It did not release her from the physical grieving process of watching her son be falsely accused by His own people and sentenced to death.

As I think of Him (the Christ) and her (mother Mary) I think of the parallel situation as I am a mother of an untruthfully accused child until death. “And the chef priest and the scribes were there, accusing Him vehemently.” Luke 3:10 This corresponding situation I speak of pertains to a situation within the church by young teen women, of a falsehood that continued to run ramped even though the accused directly brought this untruth straightforwardly to her accusers. In addition, this ungodly action was referred to the church clergy, and nothing was done. Only one of the young women apologized to the falsely accused person the day before her death.

My soul continues to grieve for these falsely accusing women. Of which several today are now mothers. Have they asked for forgiveness from the Father? An unsettling deep within me answers no. Do I hate them, no? Am I sad for them, yes? However, the peace of the assurance of salvation and eternal life keeps me moving forward. Because of Christ’s sacrifice by being falsely charged I shall get to be with my wrongly accused unto death in eternity. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection Jesus Christ from the dead.” 1Peter 1:3 For indeed He is Risen!

Choosing to have a relationship

Choosing to have a relationship

Freewill is our Father’s gift of our ability to choose our relationships. Several of my life journey’s paths have had this matter, the choice to have a relationship, as a center of importance or non-importance. I will travel around in reflection of a couple of these instances of in the worldly relationship and the divine relationship.

I remember when I first was first promoted to management I had an area manager that emphasized the importance of using a planner. He sent all of his new first-line  managers to Franklin Covey planning seminars. When I went to my session, I had an instructor who told us of the personal significance of planning to her. She had an aunt whom she wanted to make sure that she talked too regularly. So every week in her planner, on Sunday, she assigned A1 task level to her calling her aunt. (A, B, C… level of importance and 1, 2, 3… ranking order) By using her planner, she faithfully called her aunt weekly. When her aunt passed away she had no regrets.  Because she showed her love, and now she had vivid memories of their conversations. Often times with this remembrance I made sure to plan for interaction with those vital to me.

Let move forward to another situation of relationship importance. Over the years, I’ve tried to in many of my relationships to commit to communicating through visits, conversations, small tokens of celebrations, cards, honoring life events and holidays. On this journey one relationship, the honor and commitment of relationship were centered. One of my conversations with this person I was told that “Well, I have kids now, and I’m so busy.” With this comment my response was, “No one knows better than I about the busyness of raising a family, especially since I did it as a single parent. Even so, we take time for those things that are important to us. Therefore, you have told me that I’m not important.” This never really made an impression into the inner being of this person because the last couple of times I spoke with this person was when my mother passed away and when they needed bail money.

Our earthly relationships are a choice, and this is true with our spiritual connections. We make a choice to pray, read the Word, invite and invoke the Holy Spirit (My pastor always emphasizes that Holy Spirit is a gentleman and will only come when He is welcomed), and give blessings to His people.  Yes, it takes time and work to have a relationship with God. However, our Lord gave us freewill to CHOOSE a relationship with Him. Does it mean that you have to use the Franklin Covey method of a task list to accomplish the significance to this relationship? For some it might. Nevertheless, whatever you do to achieve this relationship commitment determines its value to you. You determine its significance of these relationships through your commitment; be it earthly or heavenly.

What is the value of relationships into your life? If they are of meaning to you must make an earnest effort to repair and rebuild them.  As I have stated before, busyness with the business of life, you may have let your relationships become non-existent. With this you have told me, your friend, God… I’m not important to you. He chose you, did you choose Him? “For you are a holy people to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you to be people of His possession out of all the peoples of the earth.” Deuteronomy 7:6 NASB

What is my purpose?

What is my purpose?

On the morning of Wednesday, March 21, 2012 the topic for my next blog came across loud and clear as prayed. What is my purpose? So often today we hear what career field do you plan on pursuing? What is your passion? But what is the overall purpose of mankind?

The resounding answer that arose in my thoughts as I prayed is… we are God’s creation, created for His pleasure. So… our ultimate purpose is to serve God. Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; Hebrews 12:28 NASB

In our everyday lives how do we accomplish this goal? Some how many find this a difficult question, but it is quite simple. To serve our Father is simple as serving His people. This is taking pride in the work we produce even though the boss has unreasonable demands and is self-serving.  Being courteous even in the event of the situation may be difficult. A simple please, thank-you, may I … Yes, the ones your mother taught you, and you’ve tucked away. Offering words of encouragement or even giving a stranger a simple complement can be fulfilling and uplifting to the giver, receiver, and the Father. Remember the lady on the bus with the beautiful hair do or well-mannered person, how you thought of giving a compliment to these strangers or even peers and said nothing?

Today’s world thrives on a society who looks inward to self. Even so, our Father commands that we look outward and commitment and our purpose to serve His people. For even those who do not know Him, He knows them from the beginning of time.  And your example may be the key to unlocking the saving grace to the unsaved.  

A simple conversation

A simple conversation

Simple everyday conversations can be a chance to impart wisdom to those persons we have interaction. Case in point…over the past about last five to six years I have been working with a personal trainer, off and on. During our sessions, we have conversations that have topics intertwined of personal and situational relationships of others in our life. Some may be crossroad's concerns or decisions that we may be contemplating.

On this particular Friday session, we had discussed a topic of a personal relationship that was going on in her life. My approach to this conversation was not one of the judgments but a sort-of-life matter but more or less in a matter of fact situation. I presented my thoughts on her situation based on how the situations could possibly work out in scenario type of her action and his reaction.  

Well, on our next session on the following Tuesday, she indicated to me that she had had a conversation with the person, that we had discussed on the previous session, over the weekend. The way the conversation she had with this person she stated that it felt like I was an angel on her shoulder. A coincidence that we discussed this person and action and or reaction scenarios, I think not.  It was like I was able to provide her with information that she needed to know in order to handle this situation effectively and to her best interest.    

The reason that we are put into different people paths are not by happenstance. But, wither; we arise to the occasion using our God given talents is by our choice…“who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.” James 3:13 NASB True wisdom is from God because God is wisdom, which is sorely missing in this troubled world.  

I thank God for this gift and the ability to use this fruit. However, I praise Him for the open ears of the listener!!! Are your ears open to those simple conversations that impart wisdom to you today? If they are not open, you might just miss out on a blessing.  

Doing good

Doing good

Over several months, I have been encouraged by quite a few friends to write a blog. So…today I have yielded to these requests. This blog shall contain a diary of my thoughts or concerns about a variety of matters of the time or situations in everyday life. I may at time refer to these thoughts as what I may call “witassessims” or might we say ‘a deason perspective’. So…today I am embarking on a new journey of blogging and imparting my “deasonperspective."

The first topic I’m going to chat about is when people do not like you because you do kindhearted gestures. This topic was derived because I remembered a situation back in the early 1990s. My daughter had said to me, “Mommy, those people at the church talk about you behind your back (she had overheard two adults conversing about me), and you still do so much for that church.” My response to her was, “I am not responsible for how to others react to my kindness, but I am responsible for my reaction to their unkindness.”    

Over the years, this event has come to surface lots of times. This recurring challenge has surfaced many times and was brought to mind today in my scripture readings. “He who returns evil for good, evil will not depart from his house.” (Proverbs 17:13 NASB)  Today would you please reflect…are your actions returning evil for good? This is a daily challenge, but in Him, we are always up to the challenge.

Thank you so very much Saddi D. and Carolyn T.  for your encouragement into this endeavor, let the adventure begin!