Life is a journey ..................

Something to think about as we go into 2013 ............

“Life is a journey, not a destination,” as the old adage goes. It is a series of events or mini-destinations, if you will, each with a lesson to learn. If the lesson is learned and we use it to move forward and grow, then we reach a new plateau upon which to begin to work toward the next stopping point in our lives.

Unfortunately many people remain at a particular mini-destination, get comfortable, and stop growing. It is at this point when life stops being a journey, and tends to be one void of learning and experiencing new things, and using the knowledge gained to become the person we were meant to be. The focus is not on what can be but is grounded in what is. The vision of what is important in our lives becomes obscured thus causing us to meander about indefinitely on a sterile plane of existence, and not focusing on what needs to be done to move forward with our lives.

Life can beat us down, and draw us away from what we truly desire, and many times, we begin to think we don’t deserve the things we dream of, and hope for, and settle for a lesser quality of life. We tend to make excuses for why things are the way they are and place blame on events that we have no control over. We resign ourselves to lives of quiet desperation. We surrender our ability to control our destinies based on external events that, in reality, are placed before us to work through and overcome. Life is designed to strengthen our resolve and commitment to change the circumstances to which many times we helplessly resign ourselves.

What are your challenges? What is it that is holding you back or making you believe that you cannot reach the next plateau of your life? Are you allowing your challenges to dictate your actions or inaction? Are they clouding your ability to objectively analyze the situation and consider options for moving forward? Are you listening to others and making their doubts and insecurities your reasons for not doing something you should to change a particular situation in your life?

Life is a series of choices. Each choice we make has a consequence. Instilled in us all is an ability to choose and decide what we will or will not do with our lives. The simple fact of the matter is that we control our lives; no one else will make our decisions for us or tell us what is right or wrong. We make decisions every day that will impact our lives the next day, next month or for years to come.

The good thing is that tomorrow is always a new day and with individual resolve, or a situation that forces us to change our ways, decisions can be made which will change the course of one’s destiny.

I could have decided to stay in my dank, musty closet; remaining hidden, and living a life that was not mine and thus silencing the life that I was supposed to lead. Do not delude yourselves into thinking your life does not matter; that you do not touch other people’s lives in ways that are not visible or known to us. If we do not grow into the people we are meant to be, there are lives that will go untouched and unaffected by the music or books we write, the words of comfort that we give based on empathy with situations we have lived through, or just maturing with the wisdom we gain by just living our lives and working toward changing them and overcoming those aspects of our lives which we are not happy with or that need improvement.

Do not arrive at the end of your life regretting not making the decisions you needed to make. Life is a journey! Make the best of it. Make it as fulfilling and meaningful as you can. Sometimes decisions need to be made that may seem irrational and crazy to some people observing from a distance. Some decisions may seem frightening and outside of one’s comfort zone, but personal greatness is derived from stepping and thinking outside the box. Sometimes we need to create a whole new box. Do whatever it takes to make you turn the corner of your life and decide to move to the next plateau. Do it with disregard of what people may think, or what they may say. They are not in control of your destiny… YOU ARE!

Life is a journey, not a destination.

Gay Agenda 

10 Principles for Peace of Mind

Thanks to The Gayte Keeper for this it is a reminder for us to stay centered in life no matter what and with an LGBT tinge to it, it flows perfectly for one to consider.

WARNING!!!!! some Xrated materials contained therein.

Peace and tolerance

H

1. Do Not Interfere In Others’ Business Unless Asked:

Most of us create our own problems by interfering too often in others’ affairs. We do so because somehow we have convinced ourselves that our way is the best way, our logic is the perfect logic and those who do not conform to our thinking must be criticized and steered to the right direction, our direction. This thinking denies the existence of individuality and consequently the existence of God.. God has created each one of us in a unique way. No two human beings can think or act in exactly the same way. All men or women act the way they do because God within them prompts them that way. Mind your own business and you will keep your peace.

2. Forgive And Forget:

This is the most powerful aid to peace of mind. We often develop ill feelings inside our heart for the person who insults us or harms us. We nurture grievances. This in turn results in loss of sleep, development of stomach ulcers, and high blood pressure. This insult or injury was done once, but nourishing of grievance goes on forever by constantly remembering it. Get over this bad habit. Life is too short to waste in such trifles. Forgive,20Forget, and march on. Love flourishes in giving and forgiving.

3. Do Not Crave For Recognition:

This world is full of selfish people. They seldom praise anybody without selfish motives. They may praise you today because you are in power, but no sooner than you are powerless, they will forget your achievement and will start finding faults in you. Why do you wish to kill yours if in striving for their recognition? Their recognition is not worth the aggravation. Do your duties ethically and sincerely.

4. Do Not Be Jealous:

We all have experienced how jealousy can disturb our peace of mind. You know that you work harder than your colleagues in the office, but sometimes they get promotions; you do not. You started a business several years ago, but you are not as successful as your neighbor whose business is only one year old. There are several examples like these in everyday life. Should you be jealous? No. Remember everybody’s life is shaped by his/her destiny, which has now become his/her reality. If you are destined to be rich, nothing in the world can stop you. If you are not so destined, no one can help you either. Nothing will be gained by blaming others for your misfortune. Jealousy will not get you anywhere; it will only take away your peace of mind.

5. Change Yourself According To The Environment:

If you try to change the environment single-handedly, the chances are you will fail. Instead, change yourself to suit your environment. As you do this, even the environment, which has been unfriendly to you, will mysteriously change and seem congenial and harmonious.

6. Endure What Cannot Be Cured:

This is the best way to turn a disadvantage into an advantage. Every day we face numerous inconveniences, ailments, irritations, and accidents that are beyond our control. If we cannot control them or change them, we must learn to put up with these things. We must learn to endure them cheerfully. Believe in yourself and you will gain in terms of patience, inner strength and will power.

7. Do Not Bite Off More Than You Can Chew:

This maxim needs to be remembered constantly. We often tend to take more responsibilities than we are capable of carrying out. This is done to satisfy our ego. Know your limitations. . Why take on additional loads that may create more worries? You cannot gain peace of mind by expanding your external activities. Reduce your material engagements and spend time in prayer, introspection and meditation. This will reduce those thoughts in your mind that make you restless. Uncluttered mind will produce greater peace of mind.

8. Meditate Regularly:

Meditation calms the mind and gets rid of disturbing thoughts. This is the highest state of peace of mind. Try and experience it yourself. If you meditate earnestly for half an hour everyday, your mind will tend to become peaceful during the remaining twenty-three and half-hours. Your mind will not be easily disturbed as it was before. You would benefit by gradually increasing the period of daily meditation. You may think that this will interfere with your daily work. On the contrary, this will increase your efficiency and you will be able to produce better results in less time.

9. Never Leave The Mind Vacant:

An empty mind is the devil’s workshop. All evil actions start in the vacant mind. Keep your mind occupied in something positive, something worthwhile. Actively follow a hobby. Do something that holds your interest. You must decide what you value more: money or peace of mind. Your hobby, like social work or religious work, may not always earn you more money, but you will have a sense of fulfillment and achievement. Even when you are resting physically, occupy yourself in healthy reading or mental chanting of God’s name.

10. Do Not Procrastinate And Never Regret:

Do not waste time in protracted wondering ” Should I or shouldn’t I?” Days, weeks, months, and years may be wasted in that futile mental debating. You can never plan enough because you can never anticipate all future happenings. Value your time and do the things that need to be done. It does not matter if you fail the first time. You can learn from your mistakes and succeed the next time. Sitting back and worrying will lead to nothing. Learn from your mistakes, but do not brood over the past. DO NOT REGRET. Whatever happened was destined to happen only that way. Why cry over split milk?

Reggie asked, “Who will shed tears for the baby doves?” a poem for same gender suiciders

we can, no must cry, wail, moan laugh, sing, scream

tell these same gender loving stories

though they bruise our hearts speak these ugly facts

that parade as truth we must speak for those whose tongues

have been slashed at the root

stand for those who have been limbed from thigh to ankle

like trees in Jamaica sing for those whose songs

have been ripped from their throats dance for those stilled

by rhythmic blows to their bodies we must be the wind for the fledgings


trying to flex their wings we must bear them up

lift them hold them close dry their tears

feed them not cannibalize them

dispense generous doses of antidotes for hate

prepare them for the probability of exclusion

baptize them in limpid pools of love and light

thicken their delicate skin against insidious intolerance

teach them how to soar how to be


tell them show them they are loved

speak life to them teach them how to survive.



In memory of

Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover (11)

Jaheem Herrera (11)

Tyler Clementi (18)

Seth Walsh (13)

Billy Lucas (15)

Asher Brown (13)

Zach Harrington (19)

Aiyisha Hassan (19)

Nokia Cowan

Victor Jarrett (26)

Sakia Gunn (15)

Matthew Sheperd (21)

and the countless other same gender loving youth, whose names I do not know, who took their own lives or had their lives ended because of who they were….



(c) fabian thomas

Luke 6: 27-38 (On judging persons and tolerance)

27 But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,

28 Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. 29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also. 30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. 31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. 32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.



33 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. 34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.



36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: 38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.



More and more I find the church missing the boat as far as preaching God's word, the objective as I understood it is to win souls for the Kingdom, not tear people down or put persons as outcasts because they don't live up to the church's expectation. Religion, protocol, ceremony and just plain self gratification have become stumbling blocks for the church's real focus. I think Christ had the same problem when he was here on earth when he would seem to be compassionate and caring to outcasts his followers would often question why and scorn them urging him to do so as well. Yet he taught them that these are the folks among you that you should go to, to love care for and share with.

Yet we see open discrimination everyday right before our eyes, the homeless are ignored and left to suffer, gays read out of congregations and treated as lepers because of what the church considers reprobate lifestyles and paedophilia wrongfully laid at our feet, religious pundits trying to theocratically impose hard lined beliefs founded on shaky ground.

Tolerance is a must, we all must begin to agree to disagree and move forward on issues of common interest.

H

The Bible and Gays, an essay

Duane Simolke

The Bible and Gays, an essay from Holding Me Together.

Author’s note: I adapted this essay from three separate but overlapping ones that appeared in the first edition of Holding Me Together. I had originally written one of those essays as a hand-out for Lubbock’s chapter of PFLAG. Though it covers some of the same material as “Reactions to Homophobia,” its brevity makes it a quick reference.)
“And Ruth said [to Naomi], Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and whither thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if aught but death part thee and me” (Ruth 1:16-17).

“I am distressed for thee, my brother Jonathan: very pleasant hast thou been unto me: thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women” (II Samuel 1:26).

“Every man shall kiss his lips that giveth a right answer” (Proverbs 24:26).

God gave us each other for companionship (Genesis 2:18). Certain people need to reproduce, but not everyone (Matthew 19:12; I Corinthians 7:1-8). The Creation accounts never mention gays as part of God’s Creation, but they also never mention the disabled or the different races. Besides two passages that sound like gay relationships (Ruth 1:16-17; II Samuel 1:26), most people who object to homosexuality would probably rather not visualize John 13:5; Proverbs 24:26; I Samuel 18:1-5; II Samuel 20:3-4, 16-18, 33-34.

“Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy” (Ezekial 16:49).

The Bible blames the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah on wickedness, greed, callousness, and inhospitably (Genesis 14-19; Ezekial 16:49; Mark 6:11; Matthew 10:14). Only sheer inventiveness can force “wicked” to mean “gay.” God decides to destroy the cities, but says He will spare them for ten good men. After God’s decision, some men say they want to “know” the visiting angels; somehow, that part of the Sodom passages will become the basis for using the entire story against gays, as if all the people (including the babies) of both cities are gay.

Depending on which translation we use, the Bible contains three-twelve apparent condemnations involving male/male sex, one involving female/female sex, and around 360 involving male/female sex. Many Bible scholars say most of the male/male passages actually condemn rape or temple prostitution, but that the biases of translators warp them into anti-gay references. Remember that the nomadic Hebrews desperately needed children to replace those killed from battles, draughts, and slavery; they condemned all forms of birth control and understood very little about human sexuality.

Leviticus says not to eat fruit from a young tree (19:23), read horoscopes (19:26), get a haircut (19:27), get a beard trim (19:27), get a tattoo (19:28), eat shellfish (11:9-12), eat meat with fat or blood (3:17), crossbreed cattle (19:19), plant two different kinds of seed in the same field (19:19), wear clothing of mixed fabric (19:19), eat pork (11:7-8), or touch pigskin (11:8, so much for football). It also condemns gay male sex twice, once calling it an “abomination.” However, Leviticus 20:25 shows Levitical use of the word “abomination” to only mean vulgar or not kosher.

The Bible also says not to use profanity (Colossians 3:8), get drunk (Proverbs 20:1), pray aloud in public (Matthew 6:1-8), swear (Matthew 5:34), call someone worthless or a fool (Matthew 5:22), or charge interest to poor people (Ex. 22:25). It demands the death penalty for using God’s name in vain (Leviticus 24:16), having pre-marital sex (Deuteronomy 22:13-21), a son acting stubbornly or rebelliously (Deuteronomy 21:18-21), and children cursing their parents (Leviticus 20:9). The death penalty for adultery (Leviticus 20:10) could include a divorced person who remarries (Matthew 5:32, 19:9; Mark 10:11-12). Paul gives two lists that condemn every person ever born (Romans 1; I Corinthians 6:10), but clever uses of ellipses can make those lists only condemn gays. With selective reading, the Bible also sanctions slavery (Ephesians 6:5; Leviticus 25:44-46), allows men concubines or multiple wives (II Samuel 5:13; I Kings 11:3; II Chronicles 11:21; Deuteronomy 21:15), bans the disabled from worship services (Leviticus 21:18-23), and establishes negative views of women (Exodus 21:7; Leviticus 12:1-8, 15:19-33, 20:18; I Corinthians 11:5, 14:34; I Timothy 2:9-15).

“But avoid foolish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain” (Titus 3:9).

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). See also Matthew 7:1-5, 23:5-6, 23:24; Luke 18:10-14; Colossians 3:8-14; Romans 2:1-3, 7:6, 13:8-10, 14:10-13; I Corinthians 7:6, 7:25; Galatians 3:28; Hosea 1:2; Titus 3:9-11; all of I John. Fortunately, salvation comes simply from accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior (John 3:16-17; Romans 10:13), not from laws, literalism, or appearances of holiness. Some people of faith will say the verses I list here are irrelevant, especially if these verses happen to be the ones that those people violate. But the verses someone else violates are, of course, all important. What convenient theology!

Coming from a Christian fundamentalist background, I know all too well how people like to pick and choose Bible verses to use against each other. Unfortunately, that promotes nothing but division and condemnation, helping no one.
If you’re a Christian, please focus on the Bible’s overall messages: faith, hope, love, compassion, salvation. We miss those when we pick and choose out-of-context verses to use against each other. I pray that God will teach us all to love each other, instead of warping the Bible into yet another excuse for hatred, violence, exclusion, and alienation.

my two cents: thank u very much, on this blog I try to present these messages

H

LGBT rights group's conversations with the faithful now available online

America's largest LGBT rights organisation has announced the release of a unique online collection of meditations on religious belief.
The Human Rights Campaign complete Out In Scripture collection is available on their website, www.hrc.org/Scripture.

For the past three years, week-by-week, the HRC Religion & Faith programme has provided conversations on Bible passages from more than 100 scholars and pastors representing 11 denominations.
"Over the years my spiritual life and preaching has been transformed by Out In Scripture," said Harry Knox, Director of HRC’s Religion and Faith Programme.
"This is one of our signature projects.

"As editor Sidney Fowler said, 'The Bible is not about beating you up, but lifting us all up. It includes the seeds of liberation and justice.'
"Be prepared to be transformed as well."

The collection includes 175 conversations that span Bible readings organised according to the Revised Common Lectionary, which is used by many Christian denominations to guide worship and preaching.

"This unique collection showcases the extraordinary momentum we’re seeing by people of faith committed to LGBT equality," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese.
"Through this resource we are helping to assure that no one will again have to choose between who they are and what they believe."

'Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?' And he said 'Who art Thou, Lord?' And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest."

'Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?' And he said 'Who art Thou, Lord?' And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest."



"And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, 'Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?' And he said 'Who art Thou, Lord?' And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest."(Acts 9:4,5)


Just as He said to Saul,



"Why persecutest thou Me?" He felt Himself one with His afflicted members on earth. Just as He will say at the last day, "In as much as ye did it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto Me." (Matthew 25:40).



We are all God's children. Yes gays and straights alike. The Lord loves us all despite our imperfections.



He reckons believers a part of Himself; what is done to them is done to Him. So when He carries them to His Father, this is all His argument: "Thou lovedst Me." If Thou lovest Me, love them, for they are part of Me.


See how surely Christ's prayer will be answered for you. He does not plead that you are good and holy; He does not plead that you are worthy; He only pleads His own loveliness in the eyes of the Father. 'Look not on them, He says, but look on Me'.

"Thou lovedst Me before the foundations of the world" (John 17:24).

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)

A Prayer for Jamaica - National Anthem

While our national anthem is a prayer in and of itself it seems we do not fully comprehend the words, our motto says out of many one people but we beat mame and even kill others who do not fit the perfect mold of who we should be namely gays and lesbians. We have a long way to go man, when we can plan to attack a house that allegedly has gays living there when we can devote our minds to more creative and fulfilling means.

When we feel that rape of a lesbian is the way to "straighten out" a sista so we break into their home at gunpoint and do the deed and feel good. Just as guilty are those who witness the act and are complicit in keeping quiet and not speaking out.

We Pray: Words by Hugh Sherlock, music by Robert Lightbourne,
Say it like you mean it

Eternal Father, Bless our Land,

Guard us with thy mighty hand,

Keep us free from evil powers,

Be our light through countless hours,

To our leaders, great defender,

Grant true wisdom from above,

Justice, truth be ours forever,

Jamaica, land we love,

Jamaica, Jamaica,

Jamaica, land we love

Teach us true respect for all,

Stir response to duty's call,

Strengthen us the weak to cherish,

Give us vision lest we perish,

Knowledge send us Heavenly Father,

Grant true wisdom from above,

Justice, truth be ours forever,

Jamaica, land we love,

Jamaica, Jamaica,

Jamaica, land we love

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/

Sowing and Reaping

Sowing and Reaping
“…One will reap only what one sows.” [St. Paul, Galatians 6.7]
Every gardener knows that what you plant and nurture is what will reproduce for you. It works in consciousness, too, doesn’t it? To focus on what is good, hopeful, loving, or healing means that we will experience more of that Good in our lives. The more aware of and grateful for the Good in our lives we become, the more joyous we will tend to be.

When we plant and nurture seeds of joy, joy is what will reproduce in our experience. We can’t sow negativity, gossip, untruths, or insults and expect to get anything back other than what we’ve been spreading. However, if the seeds we spread are hope, goodwill, praise, and friendship, we’ll be sure to reap a bumper crop of blessings.
Today I sow seeds of joy and goodwill and I know that wonderful blessings are on their way to me.

Today’s devotional prepared by Durrell Watkins

A new command I give you

"LOVE" John 13:34
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. Love is one of the greatest tools God has given us this day! To that man or women whom is trying to find a way to resolve the hurt and confusion in your relationships on your job in your home and in your daily lives: Just Love one another!

Cancel out doubt and fear, hug make up and move on in Jesus name! Keep it simple, just LOVE. Speak life when you talk about and to your family, friends, neighbors and strangers! If you don't have a good word to express, submit your tongue to the Holy Ghost and allow Love to flow from your heart! God is healing broken hearts and mind sets in the wonderful name of Jesus! God is faithful lets try to be faithful to His Word! Love you all.
Amen

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

Words of Wisdom from the Bible

• A word fitly spoken in like apples of gold in pictures of silver. -- Proverbs 25:11
  
• Let thy words be few. -- Ecclesiastes 5:2
  
• The words of a wise man's mouth are gracious; but the lips of a fool will swallow up himself. -- Ecclesiastes 10:12
  
• Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city. -- Ecclesiastes 7:19
  
• And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding -- Daniel 2:21
  
• Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: for oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others. -- Ecclesiastes 7:21-22
  
• Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches. -- Corinthians 2:13
  
• Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honor, when thou dost embrace her.She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many.I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths.When thou goest, thy steps shall not be straitened; and when thou runnest, thou shalt not stumble. Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.
  Proverbs 4:7-13
  

Look from the top

"Look from the top." (Song of Solomon 4:8)

This is a splendid word for a busy day with its crush of work of all sorts. If we get caught in the crush and pushed down, so to speak, the next thing we know is that we are groveling in the dust. Things are on the top of us, we are not on the top of anything. So the word comes, "Look from the top". Come with Me from all that, come up the mountain with Me, "look from the top". In every-day life this simply means, look from everything up to the Lord Jesus, Who is our Peace, our Victory and our Joy, for we are where we look. From below, things feel impossible, people seem impossible (some people at least), and we ourselves feel most impossible of all. From the top we see as our Lord sees; He sees not what is only, but what shall be. He is not discouraged, and as we look with Him, our discouragement vanishes, and we can sing a new song. (Amy Carmichael - Edges of His Ways)

But when from mountain top,
My Lord, I look with Thee,
My cares and burdens drop
Like pebbles in the sea.
The air is clear,
I fear no fear,
In this far view
All things are new.

Therefore we labour (make it our aim)...

"Therefore we labour (make it our aim)... that we may be accepted (well pleasing to) of HIM." (2 Corinthians 5:9)

A brilliant young concert pianist was performing for the first time in public. The audience sat enthralled as beautiful music flowed from his disciplined fingers. The people could hardly take their eyes off this young virtuoso. As the final note faded, the audience burst into applause. Everyone was standing - except one old man up front. The pianist walked off the stage crestfallen. The stage manager praised the performance, but the young man said, "I was no good, it was a failure." The manager replied, "Look out there, everyone is on his feet except one old man!" "Yes," said the youth dejectedly, "but that one old man is my teacher."
Do we have the same desire for God's approval as that pianist had for his teacher's praise? Our Lord's approving smile is what really matters. But what is it that delights His heart? First, there is faith (Hebrews 11:6). Then, there are two special sacrifices: "the sacrifice of praise," and remembering "to do good and to communicate (share)" (Hebrews 13:15,16). Such sacrifices please God.
Let's make it our goal as we enter each day to please the heavenly Father as Jesus did (John 8:29). Whether we work in the limelight or labor unnoticed behind the scenes, when we do our task with faith, diligence, thankfulness, and caring, God is pleased. But more wonderful still, He helps us by "Working in you that which is well pleasing in HIS sight, through Jesus Christ" (Hebrews 13:21).

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!