Did We Fail?

During the past months we have had many experiences where for one reason or another our expectations were not met. There were times when we felt like abject failures ... in our families, at the workplace, even in our spiritual experiences.

In retrospect were we really failures?

I have learned that such experiences are not really failures. You see an experience is not a failure:

1) If it pushes us to keep on trying. Quitting is really not an option.

2) If through it we discover our mistakes and put that knowledge to good use

3) If through it we discover our true selves

4) If through it we become better disciplined persons

5) If through it we come to to a deeper knowledge of God

So did we really fail? You decide.

Happy holidays!!! Love you all.

Verne

The Mathematics of Life

It's hard to believe that another year is winding up so rapidly. Can you imagine that tomorrow will really be the first of December? It is said that 'time flies' but it seems to me that this year time has 'rocketed by' for want of a better word. There goes my leave. Come January I will be back to school. Not very appealing considering the fact that I have been quite enjoying lying in bed late with not a care in the world as it relates to getting ready for work. I'll be on the morning shift so that means arising at 4:30 each morning to rush, rush rush!!! Sounds like fun? Not at all. Well, I guess I've been quite spoiled by four months of leave. Now I'll just have to work on 'unspoiling' myself. I guess I have one more month to do that. Ah well! That's just the way things are.

My mind has been quite busy recently. I've been trying to figure out how to increase my cash flow or even how to spend less. Not that I've been spending a lot these days. The solution to my financial crisis seems to be eluding me. My husband and I were thinking of leasing some more land for farming but we seem to have arrived at a dead end where that is concerned. With a baby looming on the horizon I need the faith of Abraham. Well, I'll be satisfied with mustard seed faith so I'm praying for that. If my faith multiplies I'm sure my concerns will be divided and no doubt solutions will be added. Then, worry will be subtracted and become a zero factor.

Quite a bit of mathematics for someone who dislikes the subject. As usual, I'm stopping to smell the roses. I'm praying and waiting for my change to come. I believe it will come sooner than later. Whatever your situation keep on trusting the great I AM GOD.

Blessings

Verne

Hi friends,

Just a brief note to let you know that I am still being blessed. I'm having a severe case of writer's block. This morning I hopped over to Caribbean Wordkeeper and read one of my favorite quotations:

God never leads His children
otherwise than they would choose
to be led,
if they could see the end
from the beginning,
and discern the glory of the purpose
which they are fulfilling
as co-workers with Him."

- The Desire of Ages, pp. 224, 225

I'm encouraged just by reading the quote again. Sometimes I'm really tempted to ask why me though. I want to stay encouraged even circumstances seem less than favorable. Seems like I'm affected more by the pregnancy of my twenty-one year old daughter more than by all the illnesses I could ever have. I know that she is an adult but it is difficult to see her make mistakes which will probably impact her entire life.

Well, I guess becoming a grandmother can be a good thing even though I can't seem to figure out the implications on my already tight budget. No! The father doesn't seem to be taking an interest in the pregnancy so I guess I'll be the one doing all the running around and shopping. Really the leading is unclear right now but I'll just have to see how it goes. It is comforting to know that God is still in control. Our children sometimes falter by the way but God never fails. I'm still stopping to smell the roses.

Love you all.

Verne

Life on the Cutting Edge

Hi friends,

Lately I've found myself somewhat caught between a rock and a hard place. I'll share a wee portion of my present life with you, my blog readers, in this post. A few years ago I had my appendix removed. The doctors had thought it necessary to do the surgery as I was having severe pain in that region of my right side. After the surgery I was told that my appendix was not that bad after all. According to the surgeons they had taken it out any way as they had already done the cut. As you can imagine I was not amused but there was hardly anything to be said as the surgery had already been performed.

I was sent home on antibiotics and painkillers. Within few days however I began to experience pain and had to be admitted in a hospital near to my home. The doctors there said that I had been released too early from the other hospital and that I should not have started eating when I did. My condition improved and I was allowed to return to my home once more. Well, as far as I could see, I was none the worse for the experience except for the fact that the side of my tummy which was cut seemed to be unusually high. That's what I thought!!!

Less than a year passed and I had to be readmitted to the hospital. What was the problem? According to the doctors I had healed with adhesion that clung to my intestines and I now had intestinal obstruction. This has been one of my most horrifying experiences. Swallowing down an NG tube is a nightmare for me and having the catheter inserted is no fun either. Until I had this experience I really did not know how blessed I was to be able to perform such simple bodily functions as passing wind and defecating. I really did not dwell on the fact that the digestion of food is a great blessing. I accepted these functions as a normal part of my life and didn't even think of thanking God for making them possible. Big mistake!

Well, in the ensuing years, I continued having this problem. Each time it occurs I am unable to perform these bodily functions and since nothing can go down to be passed out, everything starts coming up and out and I have to be rushed to the hospital to have the tubes inserted all over again. Recently I have been told that I have also developed incisional hernia- which according to the doctors is contributing to the obstruction. Now I'm being told that the only way to solve these problems is to put my trust in surgeons again and return to the cutting table so that they can repair what has gone wrong. Need I say that I have lost interest in surgery?

Here I am on the cutting edge. This past week I realized that once more I seemed to be in danger of going back to the experience of swallowing the NG tube. I was having difficulty in 'passing my stool' and by Tuesday I realized that I was unable to 'pass wind' either. In spite of my plight though, I had a deep settled peace. I began talking to Jehovah Rapha, truly He is my Healer. I told Him about my health issues even though I know He knew about them from the foundations of the earth. I didn't ask Him for physical healing but I asked that He would do whatever He thought was best for me. Of course, I asked Him to prepare me for eternity- spiritual healing- that's what I crave and need so urgently.

I decided to call my mother who was at that time visiting my sister. I asked her to get me a bottle of prune juice on her way home. She was so concerned on hearing of my plight that she left immediately, bought the prune juice and hastened home. I took one long draught and wonders of wonders I was actually startled by the loud passage of wind from below. Later on I was relieved of my stool. The pains went and I was free again.

As I worshipped today (I'm a Seventh Day Adventist), I was in a deep attitude of gratitude. My God cares. I know that I'm just a pilgrim passing through this world of sorrow and woe. I know too that I'm not worthy of the least of God's blessings. But isn't it just like our Father to give us undeserved gifts? Yes, I'm on the cutting edge my friends, but I'm allowing myself to fall in the hands of my loving Father. Each day that I awake I will glory in His divine compassionate love. On the cutting edge, I thank Him for all the gifts that seem so insignificant, even my finger and toenails. How would I manage without them?

Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me bless His Holy Name.

Is There Love At Home?

We live in a society where crime, violence, lawlessness, hatred and all the baser passions abound. The image of God is rapidly being effaced from human beings as satanic agencies contend for the mastery. It is no wonder then that life in general and human life seems to have very little value at this time in earth's history. Love is rarely expressed and it is now easier to 'like' an individual than to love him or her. It is left to those who are Christians to transmit the light of love to a dark and cold world. But to give love we must first have it. So... Is there love at home?

When love is in the home the following will be inevitable:

1. There will be prayer in the home. It has been said that the family who prays together stays together. Why, do you think this is so? God is love. Ultimately, it is God who give us the capacity to love. As we behold Him in prayer and study of His word we become like Him in His love. We are then able to love our family members and as a family we will be able to extend God's love to others, near and far.

2. Sharing will be natural as lives are shared daily.

3. There will be something visual to keep love going- something to remind you of the one you love.

4. Things will be done just because of you/ just for you.

5. Love will change as it keeps renewing itself. It must grow because love is never passive. Love is active and dynamic.

6. Life's disturbances or issues will be resolved. Love knows how to deal with these issues. Friends will not be seen as enemies.

7. There will be a high standard of forgiveness at home.

8. There will be acceptance, apologies will be offered freely, there will be full forgiveness and restoration of the relationship will be complete

9. When things are going badly we will want to work them out- sort of like ironing out the crinkles.

10. When there is love at home, home will be a place with an open door when the whole world lets us down.

If there is love at home, let us freely share it with the world. Today, let the world know you care in some small way. Let love's light glow in your corner of the globe.

I love you all.

Verne

Learning to Lean

Today, my thoughts are with Raine@Simply Getting By. Her father is battling with a malignant tumor at a time when she is pregnant. She needs our prayers for strength to deal with this family crisis. I guess it is one of those illnesses that sort of unnerves us... makes us realize how fragile we really are. Please help me pray for Raine and her family.

These are truly the days of our lives. We awaken to face:

1. Bad News
2. Pain
3. Anxiety
4. Fear
5. Weakness
6. Heavy Burdens
7. Hopelessness

Then when we think we are crushed beyond measure Jehovah Jireh provides for us so much more. He gives us:

1. Good News and takes our Bad News
2. Relief and takes our pain
3. Confidence and takes our anxiety
4. Boldness and takes our fear
5. Strength and takes our weakness
6. Light Hearts and takes our heavy burdens
7. Bright Hope for the future and takes our hopelessness.

But have we learned to lean? Or do we prefer to stand on our own two feet? Daily it is my desire to lean. I want to stop and smell the sweet fragrance of the roses. I want to lean on Him who alone is strong. For Raine and those of us who are troubled about many things, let us learn to lean on El Roi- The God Who Sees us in our several situations and will undoubtedly meet us where we are. Indeed He is able to give us so much more if we only lean on Him in childlike confidence.


Love you all.

Verne

Kreativ Blogger Award

I thank Ann again for nominating me for this award. I really appreciate it. I'm trying to get this perfect but - if I don't - forgive me. I guess this is where I should name seven things about myself that folks may not know. I need to put on my thinking cap here. Let's see if I can identify seven...

Here goes:

1. I have a sweet tooth although I try to keep it under control. I love pastries, cakes, and baked goodies in general. I day dream about double scoop ice cream sundaes with butterscotch topping and fruit cocktails. Mmmm... (Guess I shouldn't have disclosed that one).
2. Rats are my nemesis. I fear them dead or alive. (I get up on tables, stools, beds, just about anything to avoid them. Then, I scream my head off).
3. I enjoy visiting scenic places in Jamaica and having fun with friends but I'm not too enthused about taking a flight in an aeroplane. Have never felt the pull to visit another country. Don't know if I ever will. LOL.
4. I prefer to avoid soup and porridge. (Am I happy to be an adult! No more spankings to ensure that I eat these foods).
5. Enjoying good music is one of my passions but I am no singer. Strange!
6. My favourite colour is red and my favourite number is seven.
7. I enjoy preaching. I'm thinking of becoming an evangelist some time in the future, if it is God's will.

These are the seven bloggers who I will nominate for the award, although there are so many others who have inspired me and are deserving of this award:

1. Nicole @Pure Perseverance
2. Becca @Time Well Spent
3. Mimi @Frump's Findings
4. Julie @wife.mom.nurse
5. Life Adapted
6. Yolanda @Mocha Moments
7. Raine@Simply Getting By

Well! I guess this is it. If I have not done everything right forgive me because I'm still in the learning process.

Love you all.

Verne

Thank You

I notice that Ann @His Grace To Me has nominated me for an award. I don't know whether to be thrilled or sad so I'll just be thrilled since that's the easier option. You see I'm quite lost. I do not know where to go to collect the award so that I can put it on my blog. I am not really versed in these things. I'd really love to have the award on my blog so any help will be welcome.

Ann, I want you to know that I really appreciate your kind gesture in nominating me. I'm very happy that you have been blessed by the thoughts I share from time to time. God is truly awesome. It seems to me that He really wants me to continue with my blogging. Each time I feel like giving up on it something or someone like Ann happens to get me back on track.

In recent times I've been thinking that maybe, just maybe, my posts weren't really touching lives in the way I intended. You see my blogging is really intended to minister of God's grace to others. At the same time, I want to share a little bit of me with my blog friends. Sometimes I really wonder whether or not I'm striking the right balance. I actually contemplated giving it up to just concentrate on my ministry in my community.

Today, I thank God for using Ann to encourage me to continue when I would have given up. Who is like unto God? His hand truly covers it all. Well, I'll see if my little sister (Ruth) can assist me in getting the award on my blog.

May God bless you abundantly.

Love you all

Verne

It's another day of golden sunshine. Let's see if I can share this with you today:

Although things are not perfect
Because of trial or pain
Continue in thanksgiving

Do not begin to blame

Even when the time is hard and

Fierce winds are bound to blow

God is forever able

Hold on to what you know

Imagine life without His love

Joy would cease to be

Keep thanking Him for all the blessings

Love imparts to thee

Move out of 'Camp Complaining'

No weapon that is known

On earth can wield the power

Praise can do alone

Quit looking at the future

Redeem the time at hand

Start every day with worship

To thank is a command

Until we see Him coming

Victorious in the sky

We'll run the race with gratitude

X-alting God Most High

Yes, there'll be good times and yes there'll be bad. but

Zion waits in glory... where none are ever sad.

"I am too blessed to be stressed.The shortest distance

between a problem and a solution is the distance between your

knees and the floor.

The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything."

As I said it came in my email. It's titled, 'The Holy Alphabet'. Need I say more? May your day be a Spirit-filled one. Love you all.

Things were much Better Today.

I must let you know that today was a great day. In response to your enquiries, Shan found her journal tucked away in another book when she went to hand in another assignment. Can you imagine? There we were searching for a journal that was right where it was supposed to be- in her school bag- among the other books. But guess what! We actually searched that bag several times to no avail. Well! God certainly knew where it was. I'm certain there was a lesson to be learned somewhere in that experience. Hmm.. I wonder... I'm going to sleep on that one. It will come home to me by and by.



I received this in my email today:

Ooops! I'll put it on tomorrow if my life is spared. It isn't uploading. Not sure that I really understand that part. Ah well! I'm sure I'll soon learn. Have a blessed night. Love you all.

One of those Mornings

Hi friends,

Today is just one of those mornings for me. I don't know if you have ever had mornings when it seems as if everything that could go wrong has indeed gone wrong. Well! This morning did not begin too well for me as first of all I awakened late with what seems to be the continuation of a headache which I went to bed with last night. I had promised to be ready to go to the hospital with my friend this morning but it was her second phone call that finally aroused me from sleep. I answered the phone but she was unable to hear me as it seems to be malfunctioning so she kept shouting 'hello hello hello!' So much for my headache.

I finally managed to complete the call, had a brief devotion by myself and went downstairs (my husband had already left). I was stunned to see that my daughter (I'm in the process of adopting her) was not ready for school. According to her she had taken her journal home yesterday and was unable to find it. She needed to take it to school with her. I joined the search party but it soon became evident to me that the journal was nowhere in the house. Of course, by this time Shan (short for Shanique) was in tears. She was in no mood for breakfsst and I was determined that she had to eat before leaving for school. By the time she ate she was late for school and of course I was not amused. I really hope she finds her jounal at school because she really put a lot of effort into making it neat and attractive. If she doesn't, much of her information will be missing. Ah well! When she comes this evening I will hear how her day turned out.

You may have realized by now that I was unable to accompany my friend to the hospital. I hope all turns out well for her. The Good Book says: 'In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.' I'm in the process of doing just that. There must be some good reason why Shan lost her journal, I woke up late, I was unable to accompany my friend and I had a headache that made my head feel heavy. No doubt I'll find out all about it in the sweet by and by.

I'm going to get myself some breakfast now and trust God to work out the rest of my day. What a blessing it is to be alive to experience mornings when things go wrong.

Have yourselves a blessed day. Love you all.

It's Time to Let Go

Hi Friends,

It's good to be alive, isn't it? There are so many things our Heavenly Father has provided to enrich our lives and make our hearts glad. Nevertheless, not many persons today are enjoying abundant life. Many of us are too busy fighting our own battles against pain, suffering and injustice. We are therefore unable to stop, be still and recognize that amid the thorns are beautiful, sweet smelling roses.

Is it possible that injury can be endured with patience and without resentment? Is it even possible that we can serve others while our own lives are being battered and broken? I believe so. God sometimes allow His people to endure difficult circumstances so that their lives can be testimonies of His grace and care for all men. Sometimes, like Moses and other patriarchs of old, we become broken in the fingers of God for the ultimate good of those around us. It is through our own broken places that many of our family members, friends, neighbours and even enemies are able to see the great God of the Universe.

Have we ever stopped to comprehend the great truth that opposition and disobedience are calls to reveal grace? Interestingly, grace is needed when it is least deserved. It is when our spouse is at his/her worst that grace is most needed, but isn't that the time when we feel least like giving it? When our children are most obstinate and disobedient it is so easy to mete out justice and withhold grace. We find it easy to forget that God is watching with great interest to see how much compassion we have for those who are wayward.

We are not by nature lovable. My favourite writer made this statement: 'The beasts of the field obey their Creator's law in the instinct which governs them. He speaks to the proud ocean, "Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further" (Job 38:11); and the waters are prompt to obey His word. The planets are marshaled in perfect order, obeying the laws which God has established. Of all the creatures that God has made upon the earth, man alone is rebellious.' Interesting, isn't it? So then, man in and of himself is an enemy of God. Rebellion hurts so we can safely conclude that when we sin we hurt God since sin is rebellion against the divine authority of God. There's a big question here. Since God so loved us while we were yet sinners- rebellious, unthankful, unholy, why can't we love our enemies? Why can't we love the opposition? God gives to the unjust man rain and sunshine. how then should we treat them as well?

Here is where I'll leave off for today. We need to contemplate these things and see whether we can find it in our hearts to be meek enough to endure hurts with patience and without resentment. Can we love our rebellious children, our difficult spouses, our inquisitive and gossipy neighbour, our difficult employer, our co-worker who libels us, our offending family members, or the thief in our comunity? Can we...Can we...Can we...? We must.

Do have a blessed day. Love you all.

Once again it is a lovely day. The sun is out in all its glory and there is a gentle wind blowing. It is a good morning to be outdoors so I'm about to join my husband outside. He is rarely here during the days so it is good that he decided to work in his nursery today. I'm going to help him fill some bags with soil.

Mikey ( short for Michael) is great with plants. He engrafts many different types of plants and sells them. By the way, did you know that one rose plant can produce a number of different coloured blooms (red , yellow, pink , etc). Well! that's what happens when he engrafts the plants. You can even have a mango tree producing several types of mangoes.

That's actually what happens when we are engrafted into the divine vine. God's people are like a profusion of buds of different hues. For the engrafted branch to grow and flourish it must stay connected to the plant to which it was engrafted. In the same way we must abide in Christ if we are to grow and flourish spiritually. Our God is a God of variety. That's why He made us all different. In spite of our differences, however, we become one plant as soon as we are attached to Christ- the Divine Vine. At first we are weak and fragile but as we are nourished by the vine we are strengthened and no longer easily broken by the storms of life.

Have to go now. Might be back later. Love you all.

Lovely Weather

Wind, lightning and thunder! I have them all today commingled with rain. After the dry spell we had this is most refreshing. Right now I'm as cool as a cucumber. Just yesterday I was saying to a friend that it seemed as if we would get no September rain. Well... It is here. If I were younger I'd probably go out and skip around in it. Suddenly the trees appear much greener. I wonder why.

Guess I'm still a child at heart. Playing in the rain has lost none of its appeal. I know that it's not becoming for an adult but, man oh man, the thought of it gives me great pleasure. I used to love flood rains as a child. We would watch the water swirling around and wish our parents would vanish so we could go outside and enjoy splashing in it like the other children on our street.

Well, that only happened once when my father went to get my mother and brand new baby sister from the hospital. Boy! Did we have fun! Of course a nosy neighbour scolded us from across the road. We went in but she wasn't satisfied it seemed because she told our father when he returned. Of course that didn't end well for us because he spanked us soundly.

Well I daresay I wouldn't get spanked if I were to play in the rain today. Nevertheless, I'm going to be sedate and responsible, I hope, and stay dry.

Have fun with whatever weather you are having.

Be blessed.

Delight yourself also in the Lord and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (Psalm 37:4)

Wonderful promise! It is good to imagine getting our fondest dream. What is the desire of your heart today? It is true that God will give us the desires of our hearts but there is a condition attached. We must delight ourselves in the Lord.

So what does it mean to delight ourselves in the Lord? How do we delight ourselves in the Lord?

According to David, God's people should not fret themselves because of evil doers, nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. Instead they should commit their ways to Him and trust in Him. We are encouraged to rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him. David then instructs us to cease from anger, forsake wrath and fret not ourselves in any way to do evil.

In short, we need to live in a state of perfect trust. We need to have a deep settled peace as we realize God's presence with us and His work on our behalf. We can continue to praise Him and smile in adversity because no one and nothing can supersede our God.

If we can take such an approach to life we will receive that which God most wants to give us at the time we need it most. Trust Him! He'll do it again for you. Read Psalm 37 and be blessed.

Love you!!!

Praise Him

Rejoice in the Lord alway; and again I say, Rejoice. (Phil. 4:4)

Somehow we find it easy to praise the Lord when when our circumstances are favourable or when we are experiencing joy. It is much more difficult to offer praise when we face our worst nightmares and it seems as if the very foundation of our world is crumbling away. Yet it is at such times that we need to praise the Lord as praise is a wonderful way of keeping our faith alive. It is when we are having our 'down in the valley' experiences that praise is able to lift us back to the mountain top.

So, how do we rejoice always? How do we praise the Lord when we are experiencing pain, the loss of a loved one, financial embarrassment, social oppression, loss of a job, and the list goes on? First of all we must recognize that praise is an act of faith. We praise God , not because we feel happy but becaise of the truth of who God is and what He has promised us.

Here are some benefits of praise:

• Praise brings down walls. (Joshua 5:13-6:20)
• Praise opens doors of deliverance and transforms the lives of people around us. (Acts 16:16-34)
• Praise conquers battles. (2 Chronicles 20:1-30)

When the towering walls seem to hide your husband, children, or neighbours from view remember the crumbling of the wall of Jericho in response to praise. When circumstances seem to have you bound remember the opening of the prison doors in response to the praise of Paul andf Silas. Finally, my friends, when the battle rages around you and there seems to be no hope remember Jehoshaphat, who appointed singers to sing praises as they faced a great army. At the sound of praises that great army self-destructed.

Keep your eye of faith on Jesus, 'You have nothing to fear for the future unless you forget how God has led you in the past.' (Paraphrased from my favourite writer)

Praise Him for He is worthy.

Blessings!

Lunatic, Devil or God?

Centuries ago a young man showed up on the streets of the Middle East making some radical claims. They seemed preposterous and farfetched. He claimed to be, get this, the King of the Universe. Who was he? A laughable egomaniac? Someone mentally deranged? The greatest imposter ever? Well... The young radical went on to make a series of claims so sweeping that if they were true nothing would ever be the same again. I speak of none other than Jesus of Nazareth.

Sinnners and alcoholics are very much alike. Once an alcoholic always an alcoholic. In the same way, once a sinner always a sinner. We may be sinners saved by grace but sinners nevertheless. We all have scars from our battles for freedom from sin. We struggle daily for the mastery over the sins that so easily beset us. I don't know your personal stories but I know our shared journey-battered and bruised by the enemy of souls.

You would never guess by looking at the smiling masks we wear to cover our faces as we keep replying, 'Fine thasnk you, and you?"in response to the question 'How are you doing?' that our marriages are on the rocks, our children need counselling , we are desperately in need of a job, we are contemplating suicide and the list goes on.

Many of us are defeated, discouraged, depressed and downright despondent, but there is hope spoken in the words of the radical. There is hope that can turn a vanquished sinner into a victorious one. Two words, the two most liberating words ever spoken falls from the lips of this radical. "I AM". In response to the Jews (John 8:58) Jesus of Nazareth declares: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I AM." There is no doubt that the Jews got His meaning. They knew the story of Exodus 3. They therefore knew that Jesus was claiming to be the great 'I AM' God of the Old Testament- The Self Existent, and Eternal One, the Great Creator God of the Universe and of the burning bush.

What shall we in the 21st century do with Jesus' incontrovertible claim to divinity? He claims to be God! Shall we stone Him too? I guess we are too modern for those primitive measures. It's easy to just ignore or reject Him. It's even easier to forget Him. Nevertheless Jesus asks the question, "What think ye of Christ? Whose son is He?" (Matthew 22:42) How do we in the 21st century respond to His question? What do we think of Jesus?

A man who was just a man and said the things Jesus said would either have to be a lunatic or a devil. So, is it possible that a great prophet could make these claims, or maybe a great teacher? No! No! Never! Who then is this Jesus who declares resoundingly:

I AM the Water of Life (John 4:26)

I AM the Bread of Life (John 6:35)

I AM God (John 8:58)

I AM the Light of the World (John 8:12)

I AM the Door (John 10:7&9)

I AM the Good Shepherd (John 10:11)

I AM the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:25)

I AM the Vine (John15:5)

I AM the Way (John14:6)

The story of a great musical conductor is told by David McLennon. Arturo Toscanani was rehearsing Beethoven's Ninth Symphony with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra. After the last note of the symphony's moving finale had echoed away, silence filled the rehearsal hall. Toscanani then spoke. "Who is Toscanini," he asked. There was no reply. "I am nobody," His voice echoed through the the hall. "It is Beethoven- He is everything." Today, in the 21st century what was true for the followers of Beethoven in the realm of music must be true for the Christian in the realm of life. Jesus must be everything.

The radical declares, "I am the Way."

My friends, what will you do with Jesus?

Will you ignore Him as a lunatic? Reject Him as a devil? Think of Him as a great prophet or even a great teacher? Or, will you crown Him as King of your life?

Jesus (El Gibhor) is everything.

(Source book: The Claim by Dwight K. Nelson

Who is God to You?

I have always been fascinated by the Hebrew names for God. They seem to be so much more personal than just saying 'God'. These names speak volubly to His character. Today, I wish to share a few of my favourites with you. It is my hope that you will capture the essence of his character as you go through my brief list. Then decide: "Who is God to You"?

One of my favourite names for God is 'Elohim'. It refers to Him as God (Creator, Mighty and Strong). I hug the name to me becuse it is wonderful to think of Elohim, the strong and mighty God, just speaking the world into existence.

YHWH/ Yahweh is another of my favourites. It is the revelation of God's name first given to Moses, 'I Am who I Am. The name Yahweh speaks to the fact that God is near to those who call on Him for deliverance. He is near to me. He can be near to you too.

Jehovah Jireh reminds me that God is my provider. I am confident that he can provide for me in the same way he provided for Abraham, the ram to be sacrificed in place of Isaac.

I am happy that Hagar ascribed the name El Roi to God. She was alone and desperate in the wilderness after being driven out by Sarah but then she met the Angel of the Lord. As soon as she saw Him she realized that El Roi saw her in her distress. She then testified that He is a God who lives and sees all. El Roi means the God of Seeing. Believe me friends, we are living in dark times but God sees us. His eyes are constantly on us.

Now for the name that thrills my soul, Jehovah Rapha, The Lord Who Heals. God is my Healer. He heals both body and soul. My friends, what a God! He is not only interested in healing our physical bodies but He wants to pardon our iniquities and fill us with His grace. Jehovah Rapha, I revel in the name. His healing hand is on me and I am humbled by His grace.

To me God is immortalized as my Jehovah Rapha. My friends... Who is God to you?

Some Texts to Reflect On

This I recall to my mind. therefore have I hope.it is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed,because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning, great is is thy faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:21-23


For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
Jeremiah 29:11


He shalt cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shall thou trust, His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Psalms 91:4

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run, and not be weary and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31

And this is the confidence that we have in Him , that, if we ask anything according to His will, He heareth us.
1 John 5:14

Take heart my friends, God cares. I love you all, but He loves you best.

How to Save Your Marriage

Many perons get married with the expectation that the honeymoon would last forever. They are therefore sadly disappointed when they come frace to face with the grim reality that this is not the case. All too quickly they are bombarded with the realization that marriage is lived out in a real world where difficulties and problems exist.

Marriges do not succeed by chance. A good or successful marriage is the direct product of hard work. If both individuals so joined are not committed to the task, it is inevitable that the marriage will become a torture and without godly instruction will end in heartbreak and misery. So, how do we save our marrriages? While I do not set myself up as an authority on such matters, here are a few tips that should be useful.

• Invite God to be an honoured guest in your home - listen intently to His adviee then act on it.


• Show appreciation for your spouse - use words and not just actions to express your appreciation


• Spend quality time together- don't be too busy to have fun together


• Be committed to your marriage


• Be understanding and supportive of your spouse.


• Take time to communicate effectively- LISTEN WELL- your spouse wants to be heard too


• Your spouse needs sexual fulfilment. Never ignore this need.

Conflicts will occur from time to time. Have a positive appproach to resolving them. Let love and good sense prevail at all times. May your marriages be long and enduring.

I really hope that these tips will be found useful. Love you all.

Divorce...Is it the Answer?

Marriage is one of the two sacred institutions given to man at creation. It was designed to bring love, joy and harmony into the lives of those so joined. It is very sad that in today's world, marriages are falling apart left, right and center. Persons no longer regard marriage as a bond that should never be broken and so it has become all too easy to put an end to marriages which seem difficult and burdensome.

The big question that is asked is: How much is too much? When should a spouse decide that enough is enough? Some suggest that when a wife burns the egg and appears to lack what it takes to make her a good cook, that is just too much for any well thinking male to deal with and a divorce is in perfect order. Others suggest that if a man is churlish enough to raise his voice while in a dispute with his wife, that would be surely too much for her to deal with. Again, a divorce would be the perfect answer.

It is no surprise then, that marriages are taking a downward spiral. Counselling in many cases is of no avail as couples are no longer interested in trying to work out their differences. The Bible is clear on the basis for divorce. According to Jesus, the bill of divorcement should only be given in cases of fornication, and interestingly this results only because of the hardness of one's heart.

Divorce....Is it the answer? I think not.

So... what is the answer?

See my next post, 'Save your marriage'. It will be published soon.

Love you all.

Enjoy It

Life can get so busy that we miss out on the very joy of living. I guess the economic melt down has a melting effect on our ability to remember that this world was created for our enjoyment. We try to cut down on expenditure as much as possible, hence, family times out become very few. Our view of life becomes narrow as we try to focus on what we love to refer to as the essentials of life.

Well! Yesterday my husband and I decided to break that mold. We decided that despite our limited resources we were going to deviate from the norm of our humdrum existence and go on a little trip with our friends, Jimmy and Melba. We had quite a day. In fact, just being out together in nature seemed to have a rejuvenating effect on both our marriages. It was truly fun driving to places of scenic interest. The cares of life seemed distant as we spent time recapturing our first love.

At the end of the day, we were very happy that we did not stay home just for the sake of cutting costs. We believe that it was definitely worth the expense. Love, romance and excitement do have a place in one's family life. If you are thinking of scaling down on expenses that's okay but once in a while... recapture love's adventure. You'll find out that it's worth it.

Remember... take time to smell the roses. It will be worth it.

Oooh I'm back

Hi friends,

I've been out of commission for some time. LIFE! I guess it finally took its toll on me. Nevertheless I'm back. It feels sooooooo good to be actually posting once more. I tell you... this world is like a roller coaster ride. Today you are up and tomorrow you are right down in the valley. Then before you know it you are right up there again. Whew!!! Lucky for us this world is really not our home. Yes! we are just passing through.

There's a cool, gentle wind blowing here in St. Ann, Jamaica and I'm feeling truly blessed. I love cool days. Sometimes I try to imagine Adam and Eve there in the Garden of Eden when there were no extremes of temperature. It must have been simply wonderful. I yearn for that day when Eden shall be restored in all its perfection. No extremes in temperature, no extremes in human behavior... Instead all will be perfect bliss.

Today, I am confident that I am simply too blessed to be stressed. Oh! What a beautiful day! I pray that all who read my post today will be rejuvenated, recharged and capture the essence of The Perfect God who inhabits eternity. Remember, there is no hurt too great that God cannot heal it, no sorrow so deep that God cannot soothe it. Have a blessed day. Embrace the hope that God has given you. Love!!!