An ally, friend & longtimer laid to rest today

If I may burrow the Golden Girls theme firstly:

Thank You For Being A Friend, Thank you for being a friend

Traveled down the road and back again your heart is true you're a pal and a confidant

I'm not ashamed to say, I hope it always will stay this way

My hat is off, won't you stand up and take a bow

And if you threw a party, Invited everyone you knew

You would see, the biggest gift would be from me and the card attached would say, Thank you for being a friend

Thank you for being a friend, Thank you for being a friend, Thank you for being a friend

If it's a car you lack, I'd surely buy you a cadillac, Whatever you need, anytime of the day or night

I'm not ashamed to say, I hope it always will stay this way

My hat is off, won't you stand up and take a bow

And when we both get older, With walking canes and hair of gray, Have no fear, even though it's hard to hear I will stand real close and say, Thank you for being a friend

(I want to thank you) Thank you for being a friend (I want to thank you) Thank you for being a friend (I want to thank you) Thank you for being a friend (I want to thank you) Let me tell you about a friend (I want to thank you) Thank you for being a friend (I want to thank you) Thank you for being a friend (I want to thank you) Thank you for being a friend

And when we die and float away Into the night, the Milky Way, You'll hear me call, as we ascend, I'll see you there, then once again, Thank you for being a friend

Thank you for being a friend (I want to thank you) Thank you for being a friend (I want to thank you) Thank you for being a friend (I want to thank you) Thank you for being a friend Whoa, tell you about a friend (Thank you right now, for being a friend) Thank you for being a friend

(I wanna tell you about a pal, and I'll tell you again)

Thank you for being a friend (I wanna thank you, thank you, for being a friend) Thank you for being a friend

Andrew Foster was laid to rest today in what was described as a solemn ceremony at Temple of Light Centre for Spiritual Living. I came across the news prior via the published tribute (above) in the press. I could not make it as I was booked for a party the night before and frankly beat after spinning for some hours on the ones and twos.

I met Andrew in fact at another party fundraiser for Jamaica AIDS Suport, JAS at the time (the 'For Life' was not added yet to the name) where he requested a song of me at it was an oldies session to which I acceded. We since came into contact with each other via Burger King and my request subsequently to him for donations towards my blog work to which he responded. 

He also assisted in providing shelter assistance to two male clients who came via GLBTQ Jamaica's system of crisis intervention when I was more active then and could afford to. He also helped persons to find employment where available and training otherwise as he was a trainee manager at BK.

He was ill for a short time and never made it and died peacefully at home.

Rest in peace brother Foster and his smile will be missed.

Peace & tolerance

H

Remembering Donahue Jimmy Bulgin: April 11, 1966 - April 14, 2005

Donahue Jimmy Bulgin: April 11, 1966-April 14, 2005

Thanks to a fellow DJ/Queen from Toronto DJ Relentless I was reminded of this awful event in 2oo5 and like me Relentless also made a decision to desist playing certain dancehall tunes in protest against murder music, here is one of many poems that were dedicated to Bulgy as he was also known at the time of his murder in western Jamaica.

Thanks Relentless for this.

The poem:

Jamaican Birthday

By Monday the missing person flyer I designed was unnecessary The dogs had already found you

Everyone said you looked stunning at Grandma’s funeral wearing the blue Yves Saint Laurent suit I gave you compliments of the Salvation Army thrift store

Breathtaking it would be to see you now in moonlit rain styled with the passion of
machete fire and hate adorned in a plain bed sheet a gift of the police

For your 39th birthday your mother roasted breadfruit (although you preferred it boiled)

I reopened a credit card that flew me to you with birthday presents undeclared at the Jamaican Customs house I returned to New York with my complexion no darker from the sun’s fire

No anti-gay fire burned we chi chi men even as the new CD player I carried down
blasted Carl Bean’s disco declaration I’m happy I’m carefree and I’m gay I was born this way 1

The dogs found you in your own yard in a fatal reversal of your 39th birthday to nine night in three days with an offering of flesh to tear from bones for guard dogs that never barked at strangers dogs whose tails wagged with the satisfaction of a full belly

A boy half your age half your size drives your missing car What music does a killer listen to in his victim’s car? He wears your clothes
clothes twice his size clothes carefully removed from their hangers in the bedroom closet while your body was burning behind your house in the bushes underneath the birds of paradise

The blue Yves Saint Laurent suit remains in the closet You won’t be wearing it at your own funeral Breathtaking it is to see you now skeletal organs exposed through browned bones
ashy skin no lotion can soothe nor hand will touch after the dance of flames rode your body
to the twilight rhythm of crickets and frogs

Quiet is fire Loud was your voice balling out to neighbors down the hill who did not call the police
because your yelling stopped before the last cutlass chop drew blood that rain washed away
away away away

Four nights of rain cleared the stains of eight cervical lacerations but did not wash away our love
my tears the assassin’s intent your ashes You are ashes and memories of your smile never before so painful to see You skinned your teeth permanently but I can’t hear your bellowing laugh only the gasps of your name exclaimed in horror that four nights of rain can never carry away from your death night to your earth day

Rest in Peace Taylor Siluwé .....

Visit his blog HERE

His critically acclaimed book available HERE and Cheezy Porn (and other fairytales) get that HERE and A Taste of Cherries HERE

The Blogging community lost a very powerful voice last Sunday June 19th when Taylor Siluwé 43, was promoted to glory after battling lung cancer. He was undergoing treatment to also include chemotherapy and seemed strong in recovery as he blogged from his bed in the hospital. His last entry he outlined his struggle with the treatment and how hard the days were:

"Some days its bad.

Yet some days I feel like my old self. But the other days tell me I'm truly in the fight for my life, with new aches and pains and popping up in weird places.

Thank God for Trel, my housemate Darryl, and my real AND extended family. Having a support system during this is actually the wind beneath my wings. I have a friend in similar situations without anyone to hold his hand through it. It's heartbreaking. I'm shifting my focus now to help him.

Everybody needs somebody - especially when your body is trying to kill you.

This support is gonna to push me over the edge of grave illness, past the puking and the radiation, over the horizon of being a cancer survivor. This has to happen.

In the interim, its gonna be a year of trials because like it or not, life doesn't pause for disease, bill collectors still call and bring me down, T-Mobile doesn't care whether my cancer is stage one or stage 4. The utility company actually does care a bit considering I'm on an oxygen compressor, the lose of which would be tragic.

My major medical is pretty much taken care of (thank God), but day to day incidentals can be trying.

So I'm asking for anything that anyone can spare. Just click the donate button on the upper right with $10, $20 $50, whatever won't be a hardship to you. Thank you in advance, and God bless the kindness of strangers."

ENDS

But the master had other plans so he was taken from us but as they say there is a reason for everything. I devoted this space for him in memory as for the short time we met online and exchanged ideas and opinions we were both the richer for it as bloggers knowing how tedious it can get sometimes with the dedication, time and effort to maintain and stick to ones point of view even if it departs from everyone else.

See his website HERE http://www.taylorsiluwe.com/

Rest in Peace my yute

Peace and tolerance

H

We Are Born To Be Lovers...Love Knows No Gender

by Alternative Lifestyle Federation Aruba

We are born to be lovers. We are not meant to be alone. Basic to who we are as human beings is the instinct to reach out from ourselves to care for, nurture, empower and protect those we love; and, it is basic to each of us to desire and accept the care, nurture, empowerment and protection from those who love us. To love is to be connected, to be in a mutual and equal relationship others. Out of such love grows intimacy, friendship, marriage, family and community.

Our love is embodied. Our sexuality is the physical, intellectual, emotional and spiritual capacity to give and to receive love. Having affectionate feelings for another is not enough. We cannot love intimately and truly without our whole selves, without our bodies. Love must be physical as well as emotional, intellectual and spiritual.

The capacity to love is not just a gift from God, it is God's presence alive and active in our very beings. We embody God when we love. To be a lover is what is meant when we say we are created in God's image. To be a lover is to know God. There is no such thing as an unholy love.

Love knows no boundaries, no barriers, no limits. It is the nature of love to push us out of selfishness, fear and ignorance to overcome boundaries and barriers in order to love another person.

Love is free without restraints. Loving someone intimately is a human right that cannot be regulated by law, religion or culture. There is no government, no religion, no cultural custom that has the authority, the power to tell us who we must love intimately. And, there is no government, no religion, no cultural custom that has the authority, the power to tell us we cannot love someone intimately because of her or his race, ethnicity, religion, class, family or gender. To love someone intimately is to be connected to that person on a deep and spiritual level that defies and ignores all social categories and classifications of people.

Let no one tell you that your love is unnatural, immoral, unhealthy or sinful because your love does not conform to their prejudices and fears. Love between persons is more than normal, more than wholesome: it is divine.

Trust you love. Believe in it. It is love that makes a marriage and a family, not government and not religion. Honor your love as precious and innately holy. Don't wait for others to honor it. Your love does not depend upon someone else's approval or acceptance. And, the more you honor your love, the more others will understand your love and honor your love.

Trust your love. Believe in it and you will change the world!

Meditations, Thoughts & Prayer

Prayer can be as simple as, “Oh Lord, help me…” We can also pray specifically for our children, asking God to help us guide them into the people He’s set apart for Himself.

• that we and our children would grow in the fear of the Lord (Prov. 16:6).

• that we’d be constantly mindful of the fact that we are aliens and strangers here and all of our circumstances are only temporary (1 Pet. 1:17; 2:11; James 4:13-15).

• that You would enable us to speak Your Word with great boldness (Acts 4:29,30).

• that we would contend for the faith against a license for immorality (Jude 3,4).

• that Christians would be encouraged in heart and united in love (Col. 2:1,2).

• that Christians would never sacrifice truth for the sake of unity (Gal. 2:5-21).

• that our love would increase more and more in knowledge and depth of insight (Phil. 1:9).

• that we would endure hatred and persecution to the end of our lives (Mt. 10:22).

• that we would not love our physical lives so much as to shrink from death for the cause of Christ (Rev. 12:11).

• for all those with governmental authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness (1 Tim. 2:1,2).

• that we would not drift away, become lukewarm or neglect such a great salvation (Heb. 2:1-4; Rev. 3:15,16).

• that we would set our hearts and minds on things in Heaven, not on things here on Earth (Col. 3:1-4).

• that the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts would be pleasing to You (Psa. 19:14).

• that we would be both godly and content with our unchangable circumstances (1 Tim. 6:6).

• that we would not be eager for money or deceived by it in any way (1 Tim. 6:10; Mk. 4:19).

• that You would give us neither poverty nor riches, but only our daily bread (Prov. 30:8).

• that You would keep falsehood and lies far from us (Prov. 30:8).

• that our faith would not fail (Lk. 22:32).

• that we would serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling (Psa. 2:11).

• that we would be humble, contrite in spirit and tremble at God’s Word (Isa. 66:2).

• that we would grow in fruitfulness and make the most of every opportunity (Jn. 15:1-8; Eph. 5:15).

• that we’d be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry (Jam. 1:19).

• that we’d keep a tight rein on our tongues, so that we won’t deceive ourselves and make our religion worthless (Jam. 1:26).

• that we’d not fall into temptation (Lk. 22:40).

• that we’d guard our hearts from the anxieties of this life (Prov. 4:23; Lk. 21:34).

• that we would crave God’s Word constantly and have our minds opened to understand it (1 Pet. 2:2; Lk. 24:45).

• that we would consider Jesus, who endured great opposition from the sinful, so we won’t grow weary and lose heart (Heb. 12:3).

• that we would love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, bless those who curse us and pray forgiveness and blessings for those who mistreat us (Lk. 6:27,28).

• that You would deliver us from the evil one and incline our hearts toward Your statutes (Psa. 119:36; Mt. 6:13).

• that You would open up doors for the gospel message and that it would be proclaimed clearly (Col. 4:3,4).

• that You would grant us wisdom, health and deliverance from trouble (2 Chron. 1:10; 3 Jn. 2; Jam. 5:13).

• that we may glorify always the name of the Lord Jesus (2 Thes. 1:12).

• that the eyes of our hearts may be enlightened in order that we may know the hope to which He has called us, the riches of Your glorious inheritance in the saints and Your incomparably great power for us who believe (Eph. 1:18,19).

• that we would be filled with the knowledge of Your will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding (Col. 1:9).

• that we would not fear those who kill our bodies, but instead You who can throw our souls and bodies into Hell (Mt. 10:28).

• that we would never forsake our first love (Rev. 2:4).

• that we’d be faithful until death so that Jesus will give us the crown of life (Rev. 2:10).

• that You would give us the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that we would know Him better (Eph. 1:17).

• that we’d be rooted and established in love (Eph. 3:17).

• that You would strengthen our inner being (Eph. 3:16).

• that You would teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psa. 90:12).

• that You will give us an undivided heart, that we may fear Your name (Ps. 86:11).

• that we’d never be lacking in zeal, but that we’d keep our spiritual fervor serving the Lord (Rom. 12:11).

• that we’d run the race to win first prize (1 Cor. 9:24).

• that we’d throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and run our race with perseverance (Heb. 12:1).

that we’d never look back now that we’ve put our hands to the plow (Lk. 9:62).

(originally from biblegems)

The Power of Positive Speech

"Say positive affirmations each morning to open the gates of manifestation."

Doreen Virtue, PhD

Notice how often you verbalize defeat, failure, or despair: "We'll never be that good," or "I just can't lose weight," or "It will never work," or "I'm too old to dream." Have you said any of these depressing phrases? Have you said one of them today?

Even one of these negative thoughts can be like a poisonous dart in the heart of enthusiasm. Of course we know that failure happens, but if we don't even believe success is possible, then we are actually making failure more likely! Of course we know that not every wish comes true, but the ones we believe can come true are more likely to.

We have the ability and the right to hope for the best, and if we will speak words of encouragement rather than words of defeat, then the best will
actually show up for us more often. Let's intentionally affirm the best:
"I deserve Good in my life! I know how to have fun! I can and I will succeed! I am blessed! I still have dreams to dream, and I can make many of my dreams come true!"

Don't these statements feel better? And that alone justifies our starting each day with positive affirmations. In fact, we can keep our affirmations going all day long.


Rev. Durrell Watkins, M.A., M.Div.
Sunshine Cathedral
http://www.kweerspirit.blogspot.com/

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart;

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." (Proverbs 3:5,6) -

It is one thing to rest in God's blessings, and another thing to rest in Himself.- It is one thing to trust God, when I have before my eyes the channel through which the blessing is to flow; and quite another thing to trust Him when that channel is entirely stopped up.- God looks for reality, and honours it where He sees it.- Without trial we can be but theorists, and God would not have us such; He would have us entering into the living depths that are in Himself.- Faith can do without every one and everything but God.(Food for the Desert)

Courage Quotes

Cautious, careful people, always casting about to preserve their reputation and social standing, never can bring about a reform.

Those who are really in earnest must be willing to be anything or nothing in the world's estimation, and publicly and privately, in season and out, avow their sympathy with despised and persecuted ideas and their advocates, and bear the consequences. —Susan B. Anthony

Keeping In Touch (Meditation)

Colleagues,

Here is my weekly meditation:

NO Pain No Gain- Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me

I suppose many of you know the Christian chorus:

Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me

All his wondrous compassion and purity

O thou Spirit Divine, all my nature refine

Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me

Whether we are Progressive Christians, traditional Christians or New Age Christians we can all learn something from this song despite the fact that it has some problematic lines. The powerful message it conveys to me is that of transformation. I am called to look at myself and determine whether or not all the qualities, characteristics, behavioural traits that I generate, exhibit and I possess, are the ones that best honour the person I am and want to be.

There are many of us who are dissatisfied with the quality of our lives. Some of us have negative, toxic, destructive habits, those that cause harm and injury to both ourselves and others. Some of us might be consumed with anger and hatred. Others might be addicted to drugs and alcohol. If so do you want to change, do you want the qualities that were present in the life of Jesus Christ as he ministered on earth two thousand years ago to be qualities that are resident in your life and ooze out in your daily relationships?

Then we might have to engage in the corrective action. When it comes to our lives, in particular our character, change, reformation or transformation will require some pain in order to gain. We all know the saying "no pain, no gain." It is true in several instances. In most cases to change our character, we will have to work long and hard.

But rest assured God can provide the secret strength and the inspiration that will cause us to become the men and women of character that we want to become. If you find yourself resisting, fighting, denying, analyzing, or rationalizing your need to change, then you need to take a long hard and honest look at yourself and call a spade a spade. ? Are you ready to change, commit yourself to change, invite God do support you in this quest.

He will cause his Spirit to support you and engage in transformational work in your life.

Rev

When I think of Gods goodness towards me

When I think of Gods goodness towards me I smile! His Mercies are new daily! He Forgiveness is unconditional! His Favor and Love is upon your life today! What a great Living God we serve! 2 Corinthians 4 8We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; (The Word of God is all ready blessed!) to that soul that is going through the storm Just Hold on God is making a way right now In the Name Of Jesus! Be Blessed love you all! I speak Joy into your life today!

Prayer for the Work Day

Almighty God, thank Thee for the job of this day.
May we find gladness in all its toil and difficulty,
its pleasure and success, and even in its failure and sorrow.
We would look always away from ourselves,
and behold the glory and the need of the world that we may have the will and the strength to bring the gift of gladness to others;
that with them we stand to bear the burden and heat of the day and offer
Thee the praise of work well done.

Amen.

--Bishop Charles Lewis Slattery (1867-1930)

Hebrews 12:1

Hebrews 12:1 Such a large crowd of witnesses is all around us! So we must get rid of everything that slows us down, especially the sin that just won't let go. And we must be determined to run the race that is ahead of us. Wow when I read this word from God I thought Of some lifestyle choices I just had to let go of. still struggle with my Thought process But I had to lay down the actions of sins that had me bond.

So I ask you today, knowing that we live in a world filled with temptation, crime and destruction, what is it today the Lord placed on your heart to let go of ? It may be a person a place a thing or even a life style choice. What ever it is go to God through the King Jesus! Make it personal and ask God for forgiveness, place this sin at the Lords feet and walk away! Love you!

I press on toward the goal

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”- Philippians 3:14 I just have been instructed by the Holy Spirit to speak to you today! The Lord sees you trying your best and He still says Press On! The Lord Heard your cry and Knows you to be a soul with Faith, so by Faith Press On!

The Lord saw you stumble this weekend But Glory Be to God your still alive Please Press On. Just as you read this word from God plant this seed of cheer in your heart Look up to Heaven and smile and keep pressing on! The Good Lord knows your need of a Healing on the mind and body. While He is working on you in the name of Jesus but while He is working on and in you , Press On! I see you doing a great thing for the Kingdom Of God Today! Love you!

My problems had me down

My problems had me down, depression had a trial in my Life. I almost let go. So I can understand your pain right now my friends! But Gods Mercy sought me out, one good morning in my guest bathroom. I was burned scared and hurting. The Devil thought He had me, But My Great God with all power rescued me!

I almost let go I felt like I could not take life any more But God saw better in me and Healed me! So to that soul that is at the point of break down where you where yesterday will be a place you will never see again Thank God right now for keeping you in the name of Jesus! I am Alive I love you Lord Almighty King Lord Heavenly Farther! Be Blessed Saints! Love You, God Keeps Me and You! Now Give God Praise.......

So do not fear, for I am with you

"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."- Isaiah 41:10 Its a good idea to Live Your Life For Christ. To Live a Good Life just to Hear God say "Enter In My Heavenly Kingdom" and " Well Done"

There are some people out there reading this that have been Living a good life Looking out for others and speaking Life. God is smiling Today upon you! Do not fear, nor worry. "Keep on Keeping on" as the older Saints say. Knowing today that God is with you and hears your cry for Help Look up to the hills help is on the way today in the name Of Jesus! Lets help others Do good, do not tempt others to do wrong but be a Blessing and allow God to use you to minister to them. I love you!

Jay M

If we say that we have no sin

(KJV)1 John 1:8
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. Lets just be honest with God! Confess your sins to the Father. We all have sinned. We often talk about being real but whom do you be real with. Please, let it be God first. Fear no man for we all are wrapped in flesh and fall short of the Glory. Don't be fooled and think what you do behind your four walls is a secret.

God can see all you do. Fear God not man. It would be wise to walk in the Light Of God, if you are walking in the dark that is first no place to be and second God is not there! Lets all start today with this prayer! Heavenly Father I come to you seeking your word like never before. Forgive me God for I have sinned. Have mercy on me.
In Jesus Name I pray Amen. Love you all!

contributed by Jay

If I could grab your hand

If I could grab your hand in this storm that you are going through I would join hands with you and tell you have FAITH! “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 1:6 So I bring this word to tell you Since I can not grab your hand as I set behind my PC My God and His Faithfulness His Grace and His peace is Holding Your hand Right Now! Trust God He is working on the inside of your mind ask Him to take out all unclean things and Replace it with the Holy Ghost right now! Love you all !

Contributed by Jay M

The sea enters the rivers

The sea enters the rivers before the rivers can run into the sea. In like manner, God comes to us before we go to Him; and heaven enters into our souls before we can enter into heaven.

contributed by A

A Prayer, Where there is

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy;
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

contributed

Let your light so shine before men......

"Ye are the light of the world." (Matthew 5:14)
"Let your light so shine before men, . . ." (Matthew 5:16)

Twenty-two planes from a naval air station were aloft at dusk participating in manoeuvres when the fog swept in unexpectedly. Eight of them raced immediately to landing fields, but the others were caught in a swiftly forming impenetrable blanket. Four planes crashed, one of them bursting into flames, as twelve pilots dived blindly through the fog.
Two hours later only two planes were aloft. Suddenly there went out over the radio this message, "all automobile owners go to the field outside the city. Two fliers are lost in the fog and you are going to help them to land." Soon the roads approaching the field were crowded with cars creeping through the inky blackness, hardly able to see with their feeble lights. As the cars arrived the authorities lined them up with the cars facing inward around the field. More than 2500 completely surrounded the landing strip. The word was passed around, "All lights on!"
The lights on no single car made much impression upon that night and fog, but the lights of 2500 of them lighted the field so brightly that a transport pilot could go aloft and guide the two aviators down to safety.

Oh, let it not in any port be said
By watchful pilots that some light of thine
Failed on a certain stormy night to shine
Beside the harbor head.

Life's seamen, by whatever coast they fare,
Call out to one another passing by;
"Trim, firm the lamps, raise every beacon light.
There are no lights to spare." (Frank Walcott Hutt)

(Streams in the Desert - Vol. 2)