11:59

11:59
On the brink of a…
By J.D. Gordon

We all experience it and some dread it
Buzzing with excitement or caged by fear
We are never the same once that time is near
Change gives rise to stress
Stress forces change

A change is looming at eleven fifty-nine
For we all experience change in our life, at some time, at some point
A change of day, a change of month or a change of year
We lose or gain something, someone dear

You could love it
You could hate it
One thing is natural
We all must have it

If the clock doesn’t stop ticking
You are bound to be changing
For even when your clock stops
A change even in death is happening

But why we say eleven fifty nine?
By no means maligned
A lot you can buy with dollar and dime
But not much can be exchanged for time

Change is certain not constant
For only time changes change
Only change changes time.
Whatever your story or whatever your fame
After Eleven fifty-nine
Things never remain the same
Copyright (c) 2007 J D Gordon All Rights Reserved.

Our Greatest Distraction

Sometimes it is not that our distractions have moved away, or suddenly decide to give us a break; rather it is really a case that we have either refocused or changed our focus.

What would you consider to be your greatest distraction throughout 2008?
As for me, my greatest distraction has been me. I tell myself I can’t and I have allowed my limitations to determine my end and my result.

I have even allowed others to discourage me by their responses to my ideas, my goals and the things which are of paramount importance to me. I lose focus when my wife is upset, my job becomes too pressuring or I become overly tired.

Reaching a point of greatest distraction sometimes is just what we need, a necessary evil you may call it, which forces us to make fundamental changes, only after we see ourselves in a way that no mirror could have showed us. We one day suddenly realize our life is going down a dangerous, unwanted path and only we can stop it and turn things around.

I have reached a point in my life where I now accept that if I have to get very angry, lose my temper or shout then I have lost my focus.
Once I remain conscious I fight my battles with wisdom, love and prayer not with the passion of fury.

Some persons will no doubt confess that their greatest distraction is either money, sex, lust, entertainment, loud music, their peers, worrying, their job, their spouse or life itself. Still others will say it has been a combination of these. I met a lady last week who was very honest enough to tell me that she was not functioning in her main purpose, because she was too busy with life. Talk about being too busy with life to live. Can you imagine your car doing absolutely everything else except what it was designed and made to do?

You know! Regardless of whether we are driving, standing by the road or sitting in our living room. There are some distractions which are always at us, tugging at our imaginations and our desires. In learning to return our energies and attention to where they really belong, we find great strength and are able to tap into that infinite creative realm.

I always use the starting of a new year to do some refocusing. It is the ideal time to revisit my plans and assess where I am and what I need to do to get me to where I desire to be.

I Love Christmas Time

I love the way I feel at Christmas time. It is not just my moment in time, but the experience of the time. It has always been one of my favorite times of the year. Furthermore, it was a day like this that my wife and I got married four years ago, yes we did, that early Christmas morning.

I love the coming together, the eating, the merry making, the fun, families close by and friends near, this always brings me great cheer. Except for those later years of being single when I became very lonely, Christmas is by far the most wonderful time of year for me.

I love the carols, the Christmas plays and pageants, the idea that the entire island take time out to acknowledge Jesus Christ and spend time away from work is no doubt a valuable one.

I have fond memories of my childhood Christmas years and this year, Joshua has certainly brought more Christmas into our Christmas. I hope yours will be filled with love, laughter, joy and peace.I wish God's richest blessings for you and your family.

LOVE FROM US TO YOU
Jermaine, Melesha and Joshua

Fruit Trees

On this Christmas Eve I want to share on fruit trees.

Do you have fruit tress in your yard or on your farm that were not planted by you? Please consider this for a moment. Perhaps too you know someone who has quite a few fruit trees in their yard that they inherited; whatever the case, please stay with me.

Think for a moment, someone actually took the time to plant those trees. They also no doubt, realized that some of the trees would never bear in their life time, yet they spent the time, labored and sweat to bring forth what you and I now enjoy today.

You perhaps think you know where I am going but, I guarantee that you will never see fruit trees the same after today, so read on.

Per chance you have heard the saying that if you succeed without work, it is because someone has already performed the work for you. Likewise, if you work without succeeding, then someone will succeed after you. Well, this is not what this blog is about today either.

There are several things or person in our lives which we could consider are like fruit trees. They are excellent representations of FRUIT TREES. They provide ‘fruit’ as ‘human food’ whether to lift us up when we are down, feed us when we are hungry or catapult us into the unknown as we become better and achieve that which we never imagined possible.

It is a fact that growers often times neglect the annual training and pruning of fruit trees. Without training and pruning, however, fruit trees will not develop proper shape and form. Properly trained and pruned trees will yield high quality fruit much earlier in their lives and live significantly longer.

If you happen to miss your reaping season whether by negligence, choice or adversities. Do not be troubled. I have seen trees which were battered by many storms, live to bear again. If you missed your season, another one will surely come. Pick fruit the first season, but if not, rest assured that some fruit trees bear more than once per year.
Know your time and move at it with haste.

The way things are we can’t afford to go through life without planting. I would like to encourage you to plant two types of fruit tree. Firstly, plant a fruit bearing tree that will mature in your lifetime, to bring new hope, food and life to someone. Then watch the reapers feast of the fruit you have planted and allow yourself to feel satisfied at your accomplishments and be encouraged.

Then secondly, plant a fruit tree that may never bear in your lifetime but will be around for many generations to come. The reapers will be able to find new life, hope and wisdom; strength and perseverance even long after you have gone.

Jesus, Mary his mother and Joseph his earthly father sowed so we could reap. The early disciples of Jesus also sowed what we are feasting of today. They planted fruit bearing trees from which we now partake. We can now celebrate for Jesus’ life He dedicated. We have redemption through the process of salvation. Many years after and many more years to come this hope will be with mankind.

My Parents did just that and today, their nine children, over ten grandchildren and seven great grand children are among the many reapers. The true planters are indeed the best givers, for those who always sow will always have something to reap, something from which they can also give. Those who fully understand this principle know how to live the best lives.

Christmas time is a huge fruit tree planted for you and me. Let us share it

‘Tis the season to spend

Christmas has traditional been the time of year to spend
With family, loved ones or friend
Their excess some would give or probably lend
This year, your time, how will you spend?

Others may spend time being grateful
For all the blessings, the many times God has been faithful
Perhaps bringing a little love to the hateful
A time relished by the peaceful


We all are spenders at one thing or another
What will you consume, fritter or squander?
How will you be spending it, I wonder?
Don’t make a blunder

For I have come to learn
There is so much to the meaning of the word ‘spend’
We could spend money to purchase gifts for ourselves or for others
For whom will you spend?

We could spend time doing specific activities
Embodied in the word ‘spend’ are exhaustion, discharging and completing
How will you be spending, what will you be discharging?

At the end of it all
Dog-tired, in their beds some will fall
Some bankrupt, will file
While others will be with child

Soon after the wine and dine
And you have spent your time
Be sure yourself you can find
An experience sublime

Whether you gave your money, time or kind
Spend time
Precious it is to the heart
And valuable to the mind

Say a word…Bring a little hope

I am amazed at just how many people these days could really use some encouragement.
It is only human nature that our spirits grow weary and faith faint, that is why the Prophet Isaiah said, “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.”

I want you to know that regardless of your temporary state or your current ‘weather’ conditions. The sun is going to shine again. Be encouraged and be strong, God has not taken you this far to leave you. He is a friend to the friendless, father to the fatherless, a mother to the motherless and He cares about every one of us just the same.

I met a guy on the street a few years ago that felt like he was at the end of his rope. I shared a word of hope with him for just a few seconds. Four years later he stands to tell of his victory since that day. His story is one worthy of spreading to bring hope and purpose to other young men and women.

Today, someone might come to you for you to share a word and bring a little hope and a little light to their dark situation. Let us not become weary in well doing. The words you utter today could be just what someone needed to make it. Be encouraging and bring a little hope.

More than most - Be Inspired!

Christening Day

Sunday, December 14, 2008 on this ordinary day, in an ordinary church service our extra ordinary son was dedicated. Baby christening is a christian tradition we have always upheld in our family and community. In fact for most of Jamaica this is something parents do regardless of whether they are committed christians or not.

It is a special service where the child is offered up to God. In a similar way Jesus took the children and blessed them in the temple.

This day, for the first time our son was officially blessed by our minister, Rev. Albert Mais.

What looked like tear drops and crying, were merely him making it known that he was alive and well. Dressed in his white silk suit and boots to match, Joshua was ready to receive his blessings.

I wondered though just how much of what was happening he understood.

All in all, it was a blessed day and it was Joshua's day.

CONGRATULATIONS!

I know there were times when you certainly thought you couldn’t, you wouldn’t and perhaps shouldn’t.

Throughout the worrying moments; perhaps the pain, the tears, the sleepless nights and the battles you have had to fight. With all the skeptic voices shouting you can’t and you won’t, well you have done it.

You managed to swim against the tide, your success now can not be denied.

Whatever you didn’t know then, now you know, you surely can and you surely did it.

Congratulations!

No Sooner than - Revised

No sooner than I REALIZED that I was standing in the way of my own success
No sooner I succeeded

No sooner than I CHANGED my attitude towards my job
No sooner I found greater job satisfaction

No sooner than I LEARNT that the people who are impatient needs
My patience the most
No sooner I also became more patient with others

No sooner than I OBSERVED that whatever it is that we need we are going to find it difficult to give it
No sooner I tapped into a higher dimension of blessing by giving away what I needed

No sooner than I STOPPED making excuses for why some things just don’t work
No sooner I started resolving problems once considered ‘impossible’

No sooner than I STARTED a crusade to bring about a change
No sooner the change happened

No sooner than I ACCEPTED that the best leaders are indeed the best servants
No sooner I found great pleasure in helping others to discover the bigger purpose and meaning of their lives

No sooner than I PERFORMED my role with excellence
No sooner the world seemed a better place

No sooner than I BELIEVED it could work
No sooner did it happened

No sooner than I RECEIVED my Heavenly Father’s promise that He will provide my needs
No sooner I laid my worries down at His feet while on my knees

No sooner I REFUSED to judge and condemn others
No sooner I began seeing them through the eyes of God and without a tainted perception

No sooner than I LOVED others
No sooner love was returned to me multiplied

I realized it so I changed it, I learnt so I observed. I stopped to start afresh.
I accepted the terms so I needed to perform, I believed and so I received.
I refuse to yield power to the wrong forces because I love that which is righteous.
I now see sooner than later the power within my hands. Yes I can!

Love v Commitment

LOVE

has no boundaries

but

COMMITMENT

comes with limitations

Why are you being someone else?

I was reacting to how badly I was treated by a friend recently, but I soon realized that this wasn’t me at all. I was not being myself.
I wanted her to know how disappointed and hurt I was so I was reacting accordingly. My reactions were supposed to make her feel bad, ah! Or something like that.
The problem with that though is all that wasn’t me. That’s just not the way I behave or treat others.

Furthermore, I had a bigger, better role to play but because someone had done something to me which I didn’t like, I was now playing a minor role, a role totally different from the one God had ‘auditioned’ me for.

I then recognized that I was being distracted. In the wink of an eye I had made the wrongs right and moved on. The sooner I did, the sooner I started living again. My ill feelings, my hurt and my depression were all gone. It was an amazing change of attitude.

Whenever others do bad things to us, sometimes we behave the way we think we should respond and not necessarily the way we would want to. This has the tendency of creating greater conflict on the inside. So a small thing even appears much bigger than it really is. This internal struggle is a battle between the real you and the distracted you.

‘You are your worst enemy’, they say and this really embodies the struggle we face against ourselves.
These distractions come at us every now and again from all angles and in varying shapes and forms. Contended I am, having quit that other role, I am happier, free and I am enjoying the real me.

QUIET PLEASE! Healing Taking Place

Over the past few days I have been displaying this sign on my desk at work above my computer. Quite often we get a little cut and we seek to have the wound covered so it can go through the process of healing. Our aim is to protect it from festering into something else. But how often do we take steps to protect our emotional wounds from festering? It is possible that we feel hurt by things people say and do to us each day of our lives. However, if we are too easily offended, that is a matter all by itself for another time.

People will harm you today because of something you did or said to them 10 years ago. That is the power that unresolved, festered hurts will have over people’s lives. It controls your actions and your reactions. But I have been sieving my life and getting rid of both things and people who are toxic. It is a hard decision in some respects but a very important exercise. No one should go through life without doing this exercise every now and again.

As suspected it will take a little time to get the ‘toxic waste’ and residue out. This is similar to another emotional evaluation tool I created earlier this year called, “Emotional Inventory”.

I am not where I want to be and so I must make changes to my life in going looking forward to a new year. I am not perfect, on the contrary I am far from it. But God is faithful and He has promised to perfect that which concerns me. So as I am going through my healing, it is very important that I let others understand that.

The emotional scars we carry can do far more damage than a little cut on the finger or a cut on the forehead. So if you happen to pass by me, do not be alarmed, just remember to be quiet! - healing taking place

More than enough vs not enough

I thought I was sufficiently and adequately qualified to earn enough but it was just not enough, no never enough.

I figured with all my knowledge and experience I would be able to run my finances, but that was just not enough either.

I felt like I had a good handle on relating to others and had very good ingredients for creating and maintaining healthy and long lasting relationships, but again I was wrong, I just did not have enough.

I thought if I was nice, polite and kind to everyone then they in return would be nice, polite and kind to me. Well, that was the case most of the time, but still not enough.

I felt I had it within me to tackle my inadequacies, my fears and worries, YES! What I had was good enough to a point, after that it was just not good enough.

I knew my dreams and aspirations were many but in comparison to God’s perfect plan for me, my wishes were so small, less than enough.

I knew that the only way to please God was through faith, without which it is impossible to please Him. So I was able to believe and trust Him for the smaller things and surely he provided those but I thought God couldn’t handle the bigger stuff. I soon realized that once the problems grew bigger my faith and belief was not enough not even a mustard seed size.

So as I came to know Jesus more and more and trusted Him as my Lord and Saviour, I now turn over my finances to Him, my relations, my dreams and plans, my fears, worries and shortcomings for He is more than enough. My faith believes in the impossible and today I know there is absolutely nothing faith in an all powerful, all knowing God cannot achieve.

I am glad I have learnt that he is truly more than enough. In a world hard pressed for more of everything, I know a God who is everything and He is more than enough.

In Christ Alone

The Way Home

When you have lost your way and have become weary of life do you know your way home?
If you allow the struggles and challenges to overburden you, eventually you also will become stressed and despondent. Does this sound like you?

Depressed?

Perhaps so as well

Well you are not alone...There are so many institutions, societies, churches, families, government and individuals who have totally lost their way. Issues which once were dear to our hearts have become far less significant. Moral standards have decayed and many have strayed. We defend the wrong as though our inheritance depended on it. The original purpose for which some things were created has been abhorrently compromised and we continue to make silly excuses.

How many things around you are actually working the way they ought to? Most certainly it is not a perfect world, we are not even close. I am not for one minute purporting that all is lost. But when we have lost our way and need to find our way home, then it cannot be business as usual. Some things must change.

The Prodigal son is one such story of hope, forgiveness and love. He left all the convenience and comfort of his father's house to champion life on his own. He was careless in his spending and immature in accepting certain responsibilities. He lost his way. He soon became poor and wanting. His ‘friends’ with whom he squandered his money turned their backs on him. He had become destitute, disgraceful and overcome by shame. Nonetheless, He never allowed that to stop him. He never gave up.

Instead he got up and decided it was time to journey home. Not surprising, he knew the way home. He knew he could raise his current standard; perhaps also return to his rightful place. His father was waiting, hoping for his safe return. Upon his return, he wanted to negotiate the terms, bargaining to be a servant as he thought that he was no longer worthy to be called a son. But his forgiving and loving father opened his arms and his heart and received his son which was lost. He was restored to his rightful place, a son.

When we have lost our way home, it puts us in a place where we can experience the power of love and forgiveness. It gives us an opportunity to make a new story of hope. Don’t give up even if it seems like all around is shattering. There is a way home; regardless of the facts facing you. There is hope. There is a way, you too can find your way home.

The story is really about the forgiving father. In a similar way our Heavenly Father loves and forgives us once we are willing to come home. You too should love and forgive others so God's best can be done in their lives and also in yours.

Have a good walk today.

You shouldn’t get upset today

Today someone is going to say or do something to make you upset.
My advice is that you plan ahead how you will respond. As difficult though it may seem, if we dwell on a thought long enough and hard enough it will eventually dictate how we act. These actions will over time become habits and these habits will become our way of life.

I am now more than ever convinced that there are some folks who derive pleasure from being miserable and causing misery for others. How is that? I really don’t understand. There is however a saying that misery loves misery.

If you are like me, then you like to be happy and you like it when others are happy. Let us therefore dwell on the good. Deal firmly with the negatives, but do not dwell on them. Whatever you dwell on you also magnify and that way it always appear bigger than it really is.

Thinking About You

There are some people that we think about every once in a while, some occasionally and others some times. But there are those we think about all the time, they are just always on our mind. You are one such person.

Living Your Dreams

We all aim to finally live our dreams. We all had our dreams as children; Things that we held dear to our hearts. Is it that with the passing of time our dreams are less important or is that with the reality of life our dreams seem less practical?

Healing in a mother’s kiss

I recall how many times as a little boy I fell on the ground and bruised my knees or my hands. The screams of pain would then summon the attention of both my parents and siblings. My mother would then pick me up and after offering words of comfort such as, “hush my baby”
“What happened to my baby?”
“Never mind”

She would take me in her arms and carefully examined the injury, then without offering any other form of relief she would ask where was hurting and much to my pleasure then kiss the spot with her lips.

Wow! This action had the tremendous power of soothing what ails me. The pain was still there and the bruise was quite evident, but just to know my mother took the time to offer her love and care in time of pain made a world of difference.

Today I often wonder just how badly children are affected when they are bred without this type of love, care and nurturing. Is it that they will become callous and cold? I wonder?

I can speak of a mother’s healing touch and kiss, but above all I pray for those who badly need it.

10 Things that make me smile

Seeing my little two-month old son smiling

Hearing the pattering of the raindrops on the top of the roof just when I am about ready to go to bed

Whenever my eyes make four with a friend who is close by in the same room

When I walk through the door at home and my wife offers me a cold beverage

Meeting people

Remember a joke from last week or even yesterday

The sound of little children at play

A beautiful sunset or sunrise

Witnessing someone doing a kind gesture to another, such as helping an elderly lady to cross the street.

Just to think that God really loves me

Can you think of ten things which make you smile?

Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor

If you have ever felt sad because you believed you should have been a little more appreciated for your hard work and efforts, then this is for you. Today I sat down at my desk feeling rather hurt over the fact that I was being taken for granted in all sphere of my life. I didn’t cry, but I was almost there.

I have finally found out what is my ghost, the feeling of being used and unappreciated.

I use to be giving without grudging, helping without complaining and loving without wanting. I recall several years ago I would hear comments such as, “You are too willing and giving”. “You are fattening the chicken for the mongoose,” and so forth.
My thinking and Christian ideals were being infiltrated by others who were either abused or hurt in the past while they gave themselves to others or a cause and so they believe I should put up a wall too; suggesting again and again that I should restrain my giving and put more of self in my living.

The truth is though; we all like to feel rewarded for our efforts and accomplishments. This may be part of the reason why I take time out to celebrate once I have achieved a milestone in my life. I know there are several other reasons why we should pause and celebrate our accomplishments. But by doing it myself I relinquish the desire of having others shower me with appreciation.

Furthermore, I am deeply encouraged by the passage of scripture in the bible which says, “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” – Ecclesiastes. 9:10

Part of the greed and selfishness that have taken over the world is that we no longer hold some of these essential life style practices close to our hearts. When I was growing up, regardless of whether you were a Christian or not, the fear of God was evident. We gave with no strings attached and our neighbor’s joy was our own.

So I felt bad for a good portion of the time until I saw the title verse in an email a friend had sent me earlier this week. “Let no one seek his own good, but that of his neighbor”. – 1 Corinthians 10: 24

There are some of us who require the appreciation of others to go on. It is our engine to keep us going. Then there are those who are very unkind and would use you at every opportunity without ever expressing a heart of gratitude. They too must adhere to these wise words of guidance from Paul.

Finally here is something that I have held dear to my heart and I guess it is time to renew its purpose in my life:

And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Charting a Different Path

Sometimes getting lost is the only way some of us will ever try a new path.
Copy right (c) 2008. J.D. Gordon. All rights reserved

The Birth of a New Dawn

Today births the dawn of a new day, filled with mystery and wide ranging bandwidths of endless possibilities. Today gives us a chance to change the returns we reap from tomorrow. These twenty-four hours give us whatever we are willing to take from it. It is a new day, having traveled a long way; we still can hope for yet a better day.

Yes we can.

Copy right (c) 2008 J.D. Gordon. All rights reserved

You made my day

When someone has said or done something special which makes you feel happy and cause your day to be even more exciting and special, then you know you have had one of those ‘You made my day’ experiences.

Regardless of who you are, we all look forward to those encounters that give us the Oh my gosh! gut feeling.

Be it is a kind word, a caring gesture or a promise, we like to receive praise or be appreciated.
Quite often it is when the compliment seems least deserved that it is most needed and greatly appreciated.

The thrilling exhilarating joy of knowing that someone took the time to highlight something about you which others never even cared to notice or mention; some thing which makes you scream, laugh or even shed a tear. Those are special moments in our lives, worthy of note.

Your spirit is lifted and the entire you is elevated in those special but rare occasions.

I want to live for those moments and I am sure you find great delight from those experiences too. Everyday presents an opportunity for us to do just that.
Sometimes you will have to look for those hidden opportunities to make someone’s day.

In an atmosphere of so many negatives, we could use some more positive thinking, a lot more positive talking and well doing.

http://www.spiritisup.com/thankyou.html

When you say sorry

When you say sorry, mean it
When you tell me to hush
Don’t laugh at my face all flushed

When you say sorry, mean it
It could save you your life
Save you from a punch or from being hit

A man once said it,
It saved him his wife
It may even prevent a quarrel or strive

When you say sorry, mean it
An apology is a powerful thing
No wonder it stresses us when it is wanting

Conscience-stricken,
An apology spoken, sang
Or written

Soul searching
Penitent
A sorry won’t cost a cent

Mend your relationships
And feast of its health benefits
A good character trait to keep in your kit

Say sorry and mean it

You are affecting me

“You are affecting me!” he blurted at ATM, his good friend from as far back as they can remember ever being in each other’s lives.

He has now realized that she not only inspires good thoughts and emotions but also take him through a plateau of distressing experiences.

I have been thinking about it. In actual fact those to whom we have no attachment whatsoever very rarely affect us. If we are affected it is because we are usually touched by a sad story or a happy one. We grieve because the thought of something bad happening to someone that is dear and near to us drives us to tears.

But I have also learnt a woman has the ability to affect men by their moodiness and vice a versa. I once shared a similar discussion with a friend who told me that this ‘moodiness’ or ‘affecting mechanism’ is a tool used by the female to control the males.
I wonder just how true that is.

Does anyone have the answer to this question?
Why would a female be upset at her partner then when he tries to talk with her, she avoids him, but then she really wants him to say the first word and wish that when she pretends not to be interested that he would continue his pursuit?

When my wife was pregnant I was told by a few friends that her fluctuating hormone levels will make her more susceptible to moodiness. To which I responded, that means she has been pregnant for some time now.

Must we men accept that it is a woman’s way of life to be moody?
Not withstanding there are men who behave just the same way.
The further emotionally you are detached then the less likelihood of any moodiness affecting you. Those who hurt us the most are those to whom we are attached emotionally. Movie makers use this ever important emotionally psychology technique in making their movie effective.

Take for example the movie, “Charlotte’s web”. Everyday across the world spiders are killed and nobody even dear to notice, yet when this spider died in the movie, viewers were brought to tears; the emotional connection drove persons to ill feelings from just witnessing the death of a spider.

If you are a male reader, more than likely you have been affected by this ‘moodiness’ at some point in your life. If you are a female reader, please do not take offense to this blog but we are on a quest to discover women. As impossible though it may seem, let it not be said that we men never tried.

I need you just as much as you need me

I need you

Just yesterday I said something that offended you or caused you pain.

I really had no intention of harming you.

It may have been my tone, my choice of words or just the fact that I was silent.

Eventhough we disagreed, we dont have to fight about it.

Whatever it was, I need you to tell me in a loving way specifically what I have done so I can make wrongs right. I love you too much to allow a few words to stand between us.

The bible tells us this is how we ought to solve our differences, at least the first step. Many distructive falmes could have been avoided with just this simple first step of confession and forgiveness. I must be patient with you as you are with me.

Furthermore, words are sometimes considered more precious when one party has gone to a place where they cannot hear anymore. Don’t wait.

Today I need you to tell me what I have done wrong and how I can make it right. We both have the privilege of NOW, the only time we are really sure of.

We don’t know about tomorrow…So if I hurt you, I am sorry, but I need you.

BEAUTY

Beauty cannot be contained in a word or a phrase
Beauty is ripened perfection
A touch of class and a class which touches all of us
Beauty of a child
Beauty of nature
Beauty of human beings
It tugs at our emotions core and stimulates
Our mind of intellect and satiate our heart

Beauty is often shaded by
Greed, prejudice, bitterness, hatred and unforgiveness
Rid yourselves of these and you will be amazed at the
Extent of beauty which surrounds you
Beauty you never knew was there all this time

Myself asked myself
Does the blind see beauty?
The response came…”Surely”
For there is beauty of the eyes and beauty of the mind
Some things only appear beautiful with the right attitude
A changed mind set and everything suddenly looks new

If there were no beauty there may never be appreciation
Appreciation for what brings delight to the eyes and to the mind
Be an element of appreciation, admiration or appeal

But there is yet another aspect of beauty
For at times we predetermine in our minds what someone or something
Ought to look like, but then comes the reality, the truth.
When the beauty of the eyes meets the beauty of the mind
Then there must be some reconciling to close the gap

My beauty could be your disgust
And your beauty could be my annoyance
Beauty can be charming or terrifying
Beauty separates us and causes us to measure against each other
Beauty brings us together

Of all the things I have learnt about beauty.
The beauty of it all is that we are all beautiful in countless ways.

Owe no one anything

Have you ever wondered why the apostle Paul made the following statement?

"Owe no man anything, but to love one another,
for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law."
-Romans 13:8

Here is a biblical instruction that we can all see the benefits right away and I am not just talking about the fact that we would be fulfilling the law…check this out

There are so many people around us who are in need of love and it truly is comforting to know that if you are lacking then you can go and get from your neighbor who actually 'owes' you.

I like the idea of the word 'owe' for then the giver is obligated to fulfill their 'love-debt'

There are many days when you and I run short on love and could really use a withdrawal...well our neighbor owes us love, so we can ask for what is owed to us. It is our due.

We also are in a financial climate where a lot of us owe huge amounts of money and oh we wish we could just settle our due. Once we have settled our obligation, we are free and we can exhale.

This is so beautiful. If we all were to abide by this righteous instruction, giving our neighbor the love that is due to them, can you then imagine the type of world we would create?

Someone may also say the only problem with this is that most people I know are ‘love-bankrupt’.

That is true, but the source of love, GOD, controls the International Reserves and word is out that he allows withdrawals at interest free rates.

In that case we all can happily pay our due.

Couples who are too far apart

I was listening to a radio programme yesterday afternoon on my way to conduct a rehearsal session in Kingston. When this man called in to the family counselor to explain how frustrating his family life was becoming. He said that his wife had little or no regard for all the rules they had laid down for their seven year old son. He went on to further explain that whenever he commented, he would be greeted with disrespect or even avoided for days. He explained several other disheartening experiences in public places and was now contemplating leaving so she could do whatever she wants, whenever she wants.

In a love relationship it is very important that partners are connected, emotionally, spiritually and intellectually as well as share similar interest; shared goals that they can both work towards. You would be so surprise how many people go out in search of a partner without taking into consideration some of these vital ingredients to mix.

The further apart a couple is from each other, the more conflicts they will have. The gap which exists isn’t necessarily caused by poor communication. It could be as a result of any of the three connecting areas mentioned above or other interests or even past experiences.
Case in point, there are some married couples who do struggle with issues which they themselves did not create. Their marriage is threatened by the absence of fundamental principles that were also missing during their growing up years.

All relationships have conflicts of some sort, however the further a part they are, the deeper ‘the abyss of disagreement.’ It is just the way life is. The closer I am to GOD, the more I will want to please him, the more I understand what he likes and want. The more I understand the people around me the better I am able to deal with each individual. But all this must be embodied in a WILLINGNESS to make it work.

In the case of the husband mentioned at the start. Perhaps his wife was always disrespectful to her father or maybe there was no father figure in her life at all, no real man. It therefore becomes even more difficult for her to deal with her very own husband. The Counselor was apt in making the distinction that this was not a parenting issue but a marriage issue.

Life can be like that at times, where a problem has a tendency to create many other off-shoots, thus having a spiral effect. Misery loves misery they say.
It will therefore take wisdom and patience to decipher what the real problem. Quite often this is the case after the person has already exploded.

I have got my share of issues in dealing with others, you’ve got yours. Some relationship issues remain despite the vast improvement in knowledge and advancement in technology. We have just not been able to master the art of dealing with people. People must begin to see the need to act responsible. If we plant seeds of discord, then we will certainly reap the fruits of disharmony, disunity and relationship woes. Is it any wonder than those who live the best life are those who give the most and expect the least? Certainly not, if I learn to serve without servitude, then I have more influence both over my own life and those whom I serve. If we can’t get along it could mean that we are too far a part, come a little closer.

Ripe Bananas are always sweet

When you are ripe and have come to full term with whatever it is that you need to mature in, it is then and only then that you will take on new sweetness, new skin and new purpose. The maturing process takes you on a natural path which when you have completed it, you bring sweetness to those around you.

Copy right (c) 2008 J.D. Gordon . All rights reserved

You are deserving of love

It doesn’t matter who you are, what you’ve done or where you’ve been.
You are deserving of love. Have you ever noticed that regardless of how bad we think someone is, they are always still able to find someone who loves them?
That’s a fact.

You are both lovable and loved. Love is the answer to many problems which science and technology, law, business and economics will never solve. Some of the meanness people at times are those who are shouting and ranting just to be included in our love net. The sooner we recognise this then the quicker they will be delivered from their life of spitefulness.

We all have a propensity to seek attention throughout our life. Usually this is attention we think we need to make it. Attention we consider essential to our survival. Perhaps they are, perhaps they aren’t. We are all deserving of love, but we do not at all deserve to be loved by any and everyone. Some people’s ‘love’ is worth running away from while others are worth running to.

You are deserving of love regardless of who you are.

Being Chased by a dog

Greatness is ahead...Could it be that through all my frustrations, my disappointments and struggles, what I thought was a dog chasing me is actually me being chased into my destiny?

Curiosity

How much of what you do on a daily basis are done out of curiosity?

Humans and animals are species that are driven by curiosity.

Our curiosity usually takes us on a journey of desires:

1. A desire to know or learn.
2. A desire to know about people or things that do not concern one; nosiness.
3. An object that arouses interest, as by being novel or extraordinary.


There are many who seek answers and are curious. Scientist doing a research, lawyers and detectives investigating, boys with girls, parent and child and the list go on and on.

At what point is your curiosity antennae most alert?
Curiosity is like a never quenching thirst, which is rarely satisfied.

Frank Moore said:
“Clever people seem not to feel the natural pleasure of bewilderment, and are always answering questions when the chief relish of a life is to go on asking them.”

Even though we often hear that Jamaicans are ‘faase’, i.e. nosy;
Not every one of us enjoys sticking our nose in other people business.

Curiosity isn’t a bad thing. In fact we discover great joys through our curiosity.
I am curious about people, places, things, philosophy, God, music and life.
I am curious to know, what is it that you are curious about?

Romantic Music

A Hero's Plight

Today we will celebrate our National Heroes throughout the island of Jamaica.

Our heroes are those who break the law, the rule and the standards while making way for bigger, better laws, rules and standards. They serve a greater purpose and a higher calling.

Mind weaving - Cogitation

Sometimes I wish I could just…

Especially since I desire it so much

So maybe I ought to…

But I have to always keep my thoughts…

I cannot allow my mouth to just…

But then I remember I must not…

Only this minute I think I ought to have…

Why can’t I just...

No one really cares about me so I should just…

The offer is good but I ought to perhaps…

Did I make the right choice?

What if what if were to happen?

I don’t want a repeat so perchance I should…

When the self speaks to the self…

When your mind looks into your mind…

The World's Greatest Need

The World's Greatest Need By C. Austin Miles

A little more kindness and a little less greed;

A little more giving and a little less need;

A little more smile and a little less frown;

A little less kicking a man when he's down;

A little more "we" and a little less "I";

A little more laughs and a little less cry;

A little more flowers on the pathway of life;

And fewer on graves at the end of the strife.

Facing my world alone

Oftentimes I feel like an island in the sea
Especially when the storm waves are high
And there is no bright cloud in the sky.

We struggle with issues, prejudice, insecurities and fears.
We feel our friends are only people who we call friends
Whenever they have needs we care enough to meet.

There will always come a point in our lives
When we must face our world alone,
It happens to me, it happens to you too
So, we must find inner strength and the will

The will to accept and resist
The wisdom to know when to yield and when to persist
The strength to overcome our strength’s weakness

Find ways to quicken and awake our spirit’s fire
For in the garden of Gethsemane it could be horrific
We must be strong, be confident and be caring and eternally forgiving

What gets you excited?

What gets your heart pumping and your adrenaline running?
Is it gardening, love, sex, money?

I find that I am not excited by the average exciters as my peers such as fast car, fancy clothing and name brands. I find that what really excites me are the smaller things in life. The kinds that are often times overlooked.

I am excited by good, skillfully played music; Music which gives life, anointed music.

I am moved by nature, a good sunset or breath taking sunrise.

I love knowledge and profound words

I am excited by love and friendship; meeting people and learning about their life.

I am also excited about traveling.

I am excited about God and 'God-name brands'.

Everyone should find something to do that they love; something which is non-threatening and pure.

I find that those who have enough things in their life to be excited about are among the happiest and most fulfilled people in the world.

What excites you?
What are you passionate about?

Do you need some yellow in your life?

Yellow symbolizes: wisdom, joy, happiness, intellectual energy

Yellow is full of creative and intellectual energy. Clean light yellow clears the mind, making it active and alert.

Put some yellow in your life when you want:
· clarity for decision-making
· relief from 'burnout', panic, nervousness, exhaustion
· sharper memory and concentration skills
· protection from lethargy and depression during dull weather

Temptations

Temptations are banging at my door. I want it to remain that way, cause if I least entertain it then it becomes an opportunity, and opportunities knock. Like many others, I am more likely to respond favorably to knocking than banging.

Copy right (c) 2008 J.D. Gordon. All rights reserved

No sooner than...

No sooner than I realized that I was standing in the way of my own success
No sooner I succeeded

~~~~

No sooner than I learnt that those who are impatient needs my patience the most
No sooner I became more patient with others

~~~~

No sooner than I quit making excuses for why some things just don’t work
No sooner I started resolving problems once thought ‘impossible’

~~~~

No sooner than I appreciated that whatever we need we will find it difficult to give
No sooner I tapped into a higher dimension of satisfaction by giving what I needed

~~~~

No sooner than I learnt that the best leaders are the best servants
No sooner I led others to discovering greater purpose and meaning

~~~~~

No sooner than I acknowledged my Heavenly Father is not uncaring towards my needs
No sooner I laid my worries down, while on my knees

~~~~

No sooner than I believed it could work
No sooner did it happened

~~~~

Dare to think aloud

Those who write with all their might
Displaying cunning, cogent insight
Prolific words which reveals the heart, the soul
And everything on which they hold

We choose to write,
To think audibly and bring to light
We have taken the great leap
To attain new heights and explore the deep

Dare to think aloud
Be brave, going against your cloud
Inscribing and carving
What others have in hiding

Creative imagery,
Wild literacy
Stand out amongst the crowd
Dare to WOL (write out loud)
Thinking allowed, dare to think aloud

People, problem & solution

I have an attitude where I am more solution oriented than problem hunting. I try not to dwell on the bad or wrong while allowing room for more bad to be done. I am amazed at what is happening around me with our Government and people.

The situation is this. We are having some serious crisis facing us as a nation and rather than persons lending their voice to help with a plausible solution, most persons are using their energy to express what they don’t agree with, declare what will not work and most of them have no alternate recommendations. How sad…

I am amazed that even with so many learnt men and women; they have still not been able to pass this hurdle.
Wisdom really does come from God. Some people just love to talk, but they will never offer a hand to help someone in need or even to make a suggestion to someone who is going astray and desperately need to find their way.

We need more people who are more determined to fix problems than to create new ones. Take a look at the passion and determination that those who are involve in evil have. They got the extreme to perform their wicked acts. But, imagine what our lives would be like if we all used our knowledge, abilities, wisdom and resources for the good and better of us all rather than serving individual agendas. What a world that would be.

The selfish side of HELP

When we offer to help someone, is it ok to have a condition attached?
“I will do it for you, if you do this for me in return”
Would that constitute selfish help?

If in offering help I place more emphasis on my interest over and above a desire to help another and to see the other person benefit, is that selfish help?

I have noticed that some people only do things if it benefits them some way or another. There are some who believe nothing is actually wrong with this and it is natural for us to do what is in our best interest.

What if your conditional help is to benefit the person even more? For example, let us say I give some money to support a project, but as a condition, the project coordinators must provide me with weekly reports on the progress of the project. This would clearly not be the selfish side of help. So even if I volunteer, it is ok to make ‘certain’ demands? As to what may make up those demands is another matter.

I still ask the question, when, therefore is help selfish?
I believe the act is its reward.
I am reminded by Romans 12:13 which say, “When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.
Some people make demands when they help, is this because they believe that the one who help, lose?

Whatever your belief, remember we are all creators and we create the world we live in.

My friendship story

As a child, I had the regrettable experience of losing most of my friends due to migration. By the time I had reached age 12 most of the children I knew from our Sunday school and our community had gone overseas as their families went in pursuit of a better life.

This resulted in me becoming a little withdrawn and during my early teenage years felt even more unloved and uncared for. In those days, communication means were not as easily accessible as they are today. So we weren’t able to keep in touch.

I nevertheless was compensated for it at primary school. In Primary school, I had a lot of friends and since I was liked by one of the most beautiful girls in the entire school, I had become very popular. Everyday, religiously, she had an entourage of girls with her whenever she went for her lunch break. She would wait for me at break for us to go have lunch together. Naturally, there would be a group of boys since there were so many girls

These early interactive experiences taught me the importance of socializing and gave me the self confidence needed to be more people oriented.
My life was further influenced by my female friend, Kahiefa, who became my best friend at about age 13. We had been friends since age 9 when we use to sing together on a children’s choir at a near by church.

Today she still remains one of my long time friends along with a few others now residing in USA, England and Canada. The most valuable of lesson and the most cherished about friends, is the fact that we all need to have them, even one. Warm friendships, mutual acquaintances and a feeling that we belong, all add value to living.

Pause, don't stop

As we go through life we have varied experiences; some are frightening and others lead us into exhilarating joy. When you go through your moments of loss or death, take time out to grieve. Cry if you must and reflect on it all, the good and somber times. Allow room for your wisdom to grow from each and every encounter.

When you go through your moments of success and achievement, take time out to celebrate. Laugh, dance and be merry; there is nothing wrong with basking in the rewards of your efforts for a while.

Whatever you face, don't stop there. There are greater things to achieve and more fulfilling things to do. There is more purpose to your life and more great moments to experience. If you stop, you may never experience the better part of your life. Pause, don't stop.

Some experiences may be harsher than others. Don’t stop loving because someone broke your heart. Don’t stop giving because others don’t appreciate all you do. Don’t stop forgiving even though you have been hurt and disappointed. Pause, don’t stop.

These moments of ‘pausing’ will be the most crucial and profound times in your life. If you seek clarity and meaning, the lessons are always greater than you had ever imagined them to be. Pause, don't stop.

Negative Motivations

As a child I was taunted by some of my older siblings. Being number eight of nine, I was pressured in more than one ways to perform. Some times I was called negative names by a brother who is an expert on giving people names.

I have overcome those hurdles but sometimes I wonder how much these early childhood experiences impact on my life today. Feelings of inadequacy, loneliness and unworthiness use to plague me. As a result of my faith in Jesus, I have overcome these, but I know there are many families who struggle with issues like mine.

These negative motivations drove me to make something of my life. With a deep and burning desire to fit in, I have more than 'fit it’; I have created my own mold, model and designs for others to copy. Learning to turn our negative situations into positives is a remarkable gift. I believe now with all my heart that I am destined for greatness.

Family manners that matters

There are some mannerisms which are deep seated in our family. Our parents would never let up on us if we didn’t get them right. Today I want to share with you the family mannerism of greetings or address. Whenever younger children addressed or greeted someone older then the names had to be preceded by a “Mr.”, “Mrs.”, “Miss”, “Madam”, or “Sir”

If the person being addressed was a parent we were not allowed to call them by their first names. We had to say “Mama” or “Papa” which was our version of “mommy” and “Daddy”. On the other hand if we were to address an older sibling then we had to say, “Brother” or “Sister”.

I know that to some persons this may seem strange, but this longstanding family tradition helped to keep us honoring those who were older and was in fact a prelude to proper protocol.

These days as I hear a child addressing his/her mother by her first name, “Dionne” for example. I am not at all comfortable with it. Our parents riveted in our heads that such a behavior was an act of disrespect. Now that we are older and most of us are parents too. We address our parents by saying “Mama G” and “Papa G”. We have also reserved “Mama” for Grandma and “Papa” for Grandpa. For our children they call us “Mommy” and “Daddy”; certainly a family tradition worthy of passing on.

The Have Nots

Some people have become experts on ‘can nots’ and ‘will nots’ and all too familiar with the word ‘impossible’, sadly they too have become the ‘have nots’.

copy right (c) 2008 J.D. Gordon. All rights reserved

Romance I can't resist

Romance like yours I must insist
Tell me words I can’t resist
Melodic expressions that bring me cheer
Tunes which are ever pleasing to my ear

Imprisoned by your romantic prowess
I feel pure, passionate emotional glories
A classic lover’s plight
I yearn for your affection by day and more by night

Appeal to my most sensitive sensuous nerves
Hypnotized by your hips and curves
Intrigue and adventure chase me, more, more I desire
This love affair rekindled with flaming fire

Intrigue and adventure chase me, more, more I desire
This love affair rekindled with flaming fire
Be my painter and move your brush over my mind
Play me, my percussionist, like a bell or a chime

Romance me in ways I can’t resist
So honey may fall like droplets of water from my lips
The lights, the flowers, the music is oh so right
I haste to see the end of day, to experience the splendor of night

copy right (c) 2008 J.D. Gordon. All rights reserved

Two kings in the Kingdom

Today our son is 33 days old and I am 33 years and 82 days old.

Today he weighs 13 lbs and I weight 194.8 lbs

I am reigning and he is in training

It feels so different and oh so new,

Having someone else in the house

Someone else who also loves blue

Both kings communicate fairly well

We only say what we want

Once that is said, no need to bother our heads

He loves his breast; by the way I should ask that he

Help in the celebration in JA for this week is acknowledged as breast feeding week.

“The breast is still the best”, they say, I know he would totally agree

My wife is his mother and his mother is my wife

He is direct from our lineage, though some say he looks too cute to be true

To be given the opportunity to develop another heart, another soul

It is such a blessing, though half of the story remains untold.

A sunday special for you

They LOL at my expense

Yesterday I experienced one of the most hilarious things in my life. You probably would have laughed yourself to tears if you saw me. Really you would…here goes
It was lunch time so I decided I needed to do something to relax. What did I do? I went to the barber to get a trim. My regular barber told me he would be at the shop by the time I got there so I went expecting to see him of course.

When I arrived at the barber shop, much to my disappointment, he was no where in sight. Hesitantly, I decided to try with one of the other barbers. About 5 minutes into the process the power went. Yes the electricity went and it suddenly started raining. Actual it was more like thunderstorms. The entire island was under a flash flood watch and so we were warned about sudden changes in the weather.

About an hour earlier in the day the sun was scorching hot, the day looked so bright and lovely. But now here I was saddled to the barber’s chair; neatly shaved and with one side of my head hairless; rather queer looking.
I decided to wait a while because if I were to leave, I would need to return at some point to complete my trim.
My office was about 15 minutes away, but with the rains it could take me 25 minutes or more.
So I waited and waited, then waited a little more and the electricity just never returned.
What was I going to do? I thought to myself.

If I returned to the office like this I know my co-workers would have a field day laughing at my hair. If I stayed, I could end up spending the entire afternoon at the barber shop without the electricity returning. But I had a cap in the car that I could use to cover up and further more it was raining. That would make the prefect excuse why I was wearing a cap in the office. So I decided to leave and drive back to my office.

As I drove into the car park and secured a parking spot all the way to the far end of the car park, the barber called to say the electricity had just returned. Oh gosh! What a day?

Well, I came back to the office and they all had a good laugh at my expense. I wanted to make somebody’s day and I think I did just that.

Have you ever been told that you are miserable?

After reading the below you might want to either change your ways or ask the person to withdraw the statement, because this is what they are saying about you:


· Wretched
· Causing or accompanied by great discomfort or distress
· Mean or shameful; contemptible
· Wretchedly inadequate
· measly, miserable, pitiful, pitiable, pathetic

1. Not nice: wretched, miserable, annoying
2. unfortunate: unblessed, luckless, hapless, poor, wretched, forlorn, undone, unhappy
3. unhappy: to be pitied, pitiable, poor
4. melancholic: forlorn, miserable, broken up, wretched, unrelieved, refusing comfort, disconsolate

When we look into the meaning of some especially negative words, we will become very cautious in our utterances.

25 days old father

Whether first timers or seasoned parents, all parents have interesting experiences with their little bundle of joy. Wow! Today I am 25 days old, not in age but as a father. Already I have started seeing some of my strengths and what could be considered some of my shortcomings.

Made to feel incompetent

In what was one of my earliest and first experiences in holding our one day old son, Joshua, I recall it was at the hospital where the nurse remarked how weird I looked holding the infant. She went on to suggest that for a BIG man I held the child rather clumsy. I must admit I felt bad.

I thought for a moment about the things people say when they have already mastered some thing that others are learning to cope with or handle and are just not quite there yet.In my research regarding a book I want to write about fathers, I will take a brief look at some of the reasons so many of our fathers are missing from the family equation. It is a book that will consider, among other things, the psychological and emotional impact the father’s ‘presence’ or absence has on the child’s development.

Reflecting on how absorbing the past 25 days has been, I was now beginning to ask myself, whether this was one of the early and first reasons why some men run away. I am not certain of all the experiences of my fellow fathers, but to be able to hold the baby so he can feel comfortable is a challenge. I have oftentimes wondered too how many men are made to feel incompetent, even for the first few days, when they attempt to hold and comfort their crying child.

There are other challenges too which cause us first time fathers to feel we basically can do nothing right when a young child enters the home.

Real men don’t go into hiding

Men who become scared and feel they are not wining in their attempts to be a father naturally goes into hiding. This of course, combined with the conflicts which exist between some couples. Some men may even deny the truth of it all. Just like Adam hid himself when he was found wanting, men today are prone to repeat this ever prevalent feat if they do not catch up with themselves.

As for the mothers, one of the main purposes of the woman’s breast is to provide the warm and cozy comfort that the child so often needs.As for me, with just under a month’s experience I can do my bit. I give our son a good hug and take him for a walk, dance with him or play him something soothing on the flute or the piano. Anyone of these usually helps to calm him and send him off to get some desperately needed sleep.

Her friends dumped her

During our recent pregnancy, one of the recurring complaints of my wife was the fact that she felt like her friends had abandoned her. I tried to discount her concerns, but then I too admittedly, know the value of precious friendships, the kind that brings more color to our lives and so I had to come to her rescue on more than one occasions. I sought to explained to her that if she felt like her friends had forsaken her then she should give them a call and let them know how much she was longing to see and hear from them. Of course, this was not the approached she favored.

So she spent the next few days alone moping and then nose-dived into her pool of self pity. I would once again use the opportunity to explain that if she made the call then it would help to make her feel a lot better. At least twice I called a few of her friends and asked how is it that they had dumped her. Of course they explained how busy they were between their jobs, school and family, but her good friends usually call or take a trip over to the house. I know there are those who will think I should not try to find solutions as some women prefer when their men sympathize or empathized rather than attempt to fix all their problems. Well, that’s just not me. After the emotional experience then we need plausible and suitable solutions to our problems or whatever bothers us.

In most parts of Jamaica, stopping by a friend’s house unannounced is a common practice; which almost can be considered a part of our culture. We like to hang out and lyme or just pass by for a quick hello.

The fact is, we all at some point in our lives feel as though we are alone, left to face our challenges and the storms of life like an island on the sea; a phase in our lives when we believe that our friends are just never there when we needed them most. Jesus had a similar encounter during his Garden of Gethsemane experience.

I am reminded to make a phone call especially when I am aware that a friend, a colleague, a family member, a church brethren or just an associate may be having a challenging time, regardless of whether they are struggling or suffering by their own demise. We all do need a word of encouragement or just a kind reminding that someone else cares; someone else is cheering us on.

Why do things have to come to an end?

Why do things have to come to an end?

I am not sure, I don’t know why

What if they lasted forever?

Well…We just might not want that either



If the good never comes to an end

Then what happens to evil?

Is it that good and bad would reign together at the same time?

If wisdom never comes to an end

Then what happens to foolishness?



If the greatest and happiest times of our lives never come to an end

Then so too might our troubles and trials never end

Whether we believe it is the right or wrong timing,

Right or wrong relationship, right or wrong move

Why do things have to come to an end?



I am really not sure why, but maybe if they didn’t

We wouldn’t have new and refreshing beginnings, or new seasons

Perhaps we would lose the opportunity and joy of starting something different,

Something which also climaxes with exhilarating joy then comes to an end

Left Hanging

With one lovers leap, I was swept off my feet
Wondering, wandering along,
Like a cold and lonely kitten I cried,
Yet to embraced your love, God knows I’ve tried
Left hanging, feeling incomplete, feeling like a kite in the wind

My dreams I chased
Though the turmoil I faced
From my youth I desired the melody of the flute
Great aspirations wrapped in shattered hopes, expels my breath
Now each sun set finds me with silent regrets
Left hanging, feeling incomplete, like a child without his toy
I was robbed of my joy

You promise not promise what you have promised
Now I am without it and emptied of that promise
You never call, you never texted
Oh! If you could hear the groaning of a heart so vexed
Left hanging, feeling incomplete, pushed aside like broken vase

Now I stand alone fully unsatisfied
For with every broken promise,
Every unfulfilled dream, my emptiness deepens, like a chasm
Waiting, longing to be loved, to achieve
For you to deliver
So many starts and few little ends
Left hanging, feeling incomplete…

$The Price you PAY$

By J.D. Gordon

1. 
   
   If you believe the cost of an education is exorbitant, then consider the price you pay to learn some of the crucial lessons life teaches.
2. 
   If it seems painstakingly difficult to achieve unity then consider the price you pay for not working together as one body.
3. 
   If you believe loving is difficult, consider the price you pay for falling in love with the wrong person.
4. 
   If you find it difficult to exercise a little patience, consider the price you pay for your impatience.
5. 
   If the cost of being caring and thoughtful to your fellow man is too burdensome for you, then consider the price of loneliness and inconsideration
6. 
   If the sweat of achieving your goals and dreams are much too much, then consider the price of feeling like your life has been a total failure
7. 
   If you think that slavery has been abolished, over and done with, then you must consider the price we are still paying for being shackled by our own minds
8. 
   Even though you may think that some persons are just not worth talking to because of their shortcomings and you are better off without them, please consider the price they pay for not having you in their life
9. 
   If you think it is expensive to dial seven digits just to say ‘Hi’, then consider the price you pay for not spending time with those who matters most to you and it is now to late
10. 
    If you believe it is too time consuming to eat right and exercise, then consider the price of regaining your health once you have mishandled it
11. 
    And if you still believe there is not much to do with your life and you can do what ever, whenever; then, consider my friend, the price you will pay when the Giver of life calls for your life account.
12. 
    We all go through life craving things and stuff, but not just for the sake of having them; We like the feeling of owning or possessing certain things. We like the attention it brings to us and our own feelings of accomplishment and security. Whatever the reason, what is certain is that we want a house, a car, an education for the benefits and the experience they bring. We crave a certain experience, be it emotional, spiritual or intellectual. But, oh the price we pay.

Making Every Minute Count

How often do you tell yourself you are going to do something and just never got around to doing it?

It is a well known fact that procrastinators do not get as much done, which usually means they have less money and more stress. But this isn’t true for only procrastinators but for those who have to live or work with them too. Think of how much more difficult your life is at times because you have to deal with people who are either not dependable or who just keep procrastinating.

Life is like a passing wind and so we have to grab what we can and share as we go along. There really isn’t much time for “if only” and “I’ll do it tomorrow”

A very integral part of the process of making every minute counts is having a good knowledge of where your time goes. The same is true for managing your time and the same is true for managing your money. Know where your efforts are going. But how does this help? Well firstly, it will help you to make meaningful changes and to redirect your life onto your preferred path.

My first son, Joshua was born on August 21, 2008. Now I am faced with the challenge of trying to fit in what I do into his time. Not the other way around of fitting him into my regular schedule. By taking this approach I have already established where my priority lies and better yet, I have recognized the value of making every minute counts in my child’s life.

These are some of the stuff I tell people in order to help them to make every minute counts:

Don’t just say what you are going to do – JUST DO IT!

Conduct a time audit to determine how you spend each 24 hour. (Evaluation of an entire week is quite meaningful)

Making every minute counts is a habit, just like wasting time is.

When the fear of the consequences of not doing something outweighs your fear of the consequence of doing it, then you will do it. But either way that kind of fear is unhealthy. Fear cripples us and so we act like slaves. Not free to act as we would like, rather as we feared. God never made us to be driven by fear. So do away with your fears and act out of love and wisdom.

A lot of your success throughout your short time here on earth will depend on your ability to organize yourself, knowing when to delegate and when to say no and of course possessing the discipline and commitment to make it all happen.

Some things you will just not find favor in doing. But, even those unpleasant tasks are moments that are to be treasured as they are also times of learning.

When we make every minute counts, we will not only add life to our years but years to our lives. We become rejuvenated and refreshed knowing we are living our dream and making a difference in the lives of those we meet and even those we may never meet face to face.

LIFE

It took me all my thirty years to realize that I don't have to understand everything in life.

Copy right (c) 2007 J.D. Gordon. All rights reserve

Shackled by the mind

Shackled by the Mind - The Story of the Red Rooster
By JD Gordon

Copy right (2007) J.D. Gordon All rights reserved

One day I captured a red domestic fowl
Who was always free to be
Never knew bondage, never knew restraint
But here he was, shackled, not free

This beautiful red feather bird
Had been around for my growing days
Was the last of its sort
But he surely knew glory days

By the tie of a cord, a law or a curse,
On only one leg
He was now married to a tree
This bird that once was free

Many days had passed
Then, he was finally unfastened
Told many times to roam
He never budged, just stood there all alone

For in his mind he was still not free
And oh, he reminded me so much of me
For though my hands and feet were loosed
I was still held by the roost

Rebellions, bloodsheds and grief
Woeful Pain, rusted fetters and agony,
Battered, shattered and left to die
Not a beast, but a Slave was I

Eighteen thirty and eight
I was emancipated, this date
Free to walk, free to talk, free to live
I must now be set free again

For my mind is still held captive
Bound by prejudice, pride and injustice
From the evil shackles, I must flee

For though emancipated, I am still not free