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

Summertime

Summer time, the perfect time for a picnic and a trip to the beach. Even if just in thought, you know you are there whenever you hear the summer breeze whispering ‘relaxation’ in your ear.

 

The summer heat leaves us with but few options.

Caged inside the four walls and the sweating boys and girls usually lead to a time of relief either at the river or at the beach.

 

SUMMER-TIME JAMAICA is a fantastic time. I recall days spent travelling by foot to pick mangoes and to then cool ourselves off in a new by river or beach.

 

 

 

 

The Path before us - Retirement

The Path before us – Retirement
By J.D. Gordon
Copy right © 2008. All rights reserved.


The path before us is filled with hope
Hope for better and in spite of the challenges
We know with God, we can cope

The path before us is decorated with the colours of our dreams
We ingeniously shape and frame it
The dark paths, with our lights we must lit

Some people plan to retire
And others retire to plan
I have written some thoughts which could make a poem, a speech or a song

Retirement puts us in full control
So we get to be the manager of our own time,
All the time, and for the rest of our time to come

No longer will Corporate breathe down your neck;
You can now relax and breathe fresh life into your hobbies.
Yes! Now you can throw out the clock, or kill the cock

The path before us is now the path you are taking
Every day will bring with it a new cake for baking
A new sketch for painting
Fresh earth for planting
And a new reason for waking

With retirement you are not being shoved off the stage,
You now get to sit back and watch
Watch your role being played by someone else.
It is times like these which bring the greatest fulfillment, for you now know for sure; surely you have made your mark.

Butterfly

Where are you?

Where are you butterfly?
You are not quite a bird
Not quite the music we have heard

You are not flower, nor butter
You are not worm, moth nor a fly
You are a mixture of butter and fly
You butter my garden, so splendidly

Flap! flap!, your wings
Melody to my heart sings
Your move and grooves
Soothe and butter my hooves

Butterfly Kiss
I never want to miss
The drops of honey
Upon my lips

I can now dance
At least one more chance
Like diamonds to girl
Butterfly you bring life to my world

Beauty

Beauty is 10% what you see and 90% of how it makes you feel.

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

Today – Yet another day

Today as I celebrate yet another birthday
My heart is filled with gratitude for what the Lord has done.
It is persons like you who have made it possible for me to celebrate yet another one

Many today regret having been born
Many today regret others being born.
I’m thankful you have not found yourself in either category.

Yet another day, yet another opportunity to mold something new
Yet another day, yet another time,
Another hour, God and yourself to be true

On my birthday, I always purchase a gift for my mother.
After all, that day is a commemoration of the incredible gift of life that she gave me.
Yet another day to be me

Children and forgiveness

It is not that children easily forgive, they know no alternative but to remain kind, caring and friendly. Teach them otherwise and they may opt for it.
Copy right (c) 2008 J.D. gordon All rights reserved

Fat-her Day?

Dad, daddy, dada
Pa, pappy, papa
Old man or father
They are all the same

You whose effort goes unnoticed
Who not just only ‘Fat her’
This is for you and about you
Cause even grown men need their dad too

In my little world you are my hero,
You are my champion
And so I call you Dad.
Happy father’s day

Staying in the process

I do not know what you are going through right now, but I know God can help.
One of my most profound lessons over the past week has been about patience.
Honestly, no one likes to wait, but this was how I discharged some of my weight.

1. I learnt that being patient benefits me more than anyone else. – It protects me
2. 
   If I stay on the production line I will become complete – Just complete the process
3. 
   If I jump off the production line and abort the process I could become useless.
   
4. A part of being patient is learning to accept things sometimes for what it is worth
   
   You are able to get through this too. You thought last year was rough and now this. But this too shall pass. It is only a season, a phase. You must stay in and learn your lessons well, I know you will win.

When no one hears but you

(Is this your desperate cry?)


When no one hears the song of my heart but you
For you know my heart and the things I go through
You know the melody of my song
And you whisper in my ear, “It won’t be long”

When no one hears the song of my heart but you
Who then can judge whether or not I am true
For those who dance to its tune are not many
For the hearers are only but a few

Oh I wish they could hear
Through all the hooting, chanting and shouting
With all this hullabaloo
All they ask is, “How are you?”

But no one knows the song of my heart like you do
You know its dynamics, quietness and nuances
You even sing the parts with me
And we sway together like the wind and the tree

I cannot stand the loneliness
My heart longs to express
I wait patiently to lie on thy breast
Only there will I ever find sweet rest

When no one hears the song of my heart but you
A world of sadness without you
I shall stay by your side, where from the ills I can hide
In your presence always, right there, we sing together

The place where I am free
And I find my life again
Oh the bliss, with chorus on my lips
Yes! I find me, I find me, I find me in you

Aim

I must turn and go,
Turn and run
To that place where I must travel
To that dwelling of satisfaction, fulfillment and fun

I must aim
To hit my intended target, my mark
I must aim and aim well
For victory, At times I may be like a hawk

Where is my intended goal?
I asked myself.
Who removed my base, my home plate?
Is this a delusion by night?

I need to find my way
For I know on this path I must stay
I will aspire, inspire and acquire my dream
I will persevere and fly, though my struggles are many

I must turn and go,
Turn and run
To that place where I must travel
To that dwelling of satisfaction, fulfillment and fun

I will aim and I will run,
My hands still swaying
And my legs even now are sprinting
I aim to reach my aim

Purpose, purpose, purpose
God surely knows
Soon I will celebrate
Once I arrive at that triumphant Gate

Rid yourself

The things which affect and influence us most are those that were said to us, done to us and we never forget. They grow and become like flesh that cling to our mind, body, and heart. We must therefore continuously rid ourselves of those things that are toxic.
Copy right (c) 2008 J D Gordon All rights reserved

We could learn a thing or two about patience part 2

Does patience have a beginning? Does it have an end? What exist at the end of our patience road? When we exercise patience, are we being protected from anything or we are just hurting ourselves? Who is the beneficiary when I exercise patience? How does it help me?

In my quest to find answers on this ever important issue and virtue of patience, these are some of my findings:

Where should patience start?
Patience begins the moment or instant you recognize the need to exercise it. That time when you become anxious and overwhelmed. It should begin at that point you feel most uncomfortable because it is just not happening for you.
James 5 v 7 says, “Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains.”If you have an interest in something, or you have invested your time, your money and energy, then you will want to wait out the process to see the results of your labor. I recall writing these words as a blog in the month of March, “Most of the weights we carry around in life are due to an unwillingness to wait.”
I have found this to be so true even in my own life. Patience must begin with each new day. Forget the ills and forbearance of yesterday. Every day is a day for a fresh start. I cannot overemphasize the importance of ridding ourselves of yesterdays unwanted, that is a blog all by itself.

Who does patience benefit?
As I look at it, the giver of patience will reap the greatest rewards of giving it.
Why do I say that?
Well, let us look at closely. First of all this was what the wise man Solomon had to say in proverbs 19 v 11, “A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.”

Does it hurt to exercise patience? Until we reach the point of a change of attitude or a change towards the situations around us; then what appears to be ‘the pains of patience’ will continue to exist. In order for patience not to be painstaking, there must be a change of heart to whatever is bothering you. It is so amazing that as a result of our willingness to wait we become less pressured, less stressed and less frustrated with everything around us. Patience is hard work, but it leaves us feeling free and calm.

I have to deal with impatient people every single day as I drive on the Jamaican roads. I only wish it was as easy to inject into others this all important ingredient to life as it is easy to talk about it. I would have been able to heal many homes and families, employees and managers, friendships and all.

I want to close by talking a little about principle no. 2. In part one of this blog in February I expounded on principle no. 1 which says:
Whatever you need you are going to find it difficult to give
This explains why some of the persons you meet who really need patience are the very same persons who find it very difficult to give it. They need it so they can’t give it.
In principle no. 2

You receiving what you need and so desperately desire is tied up in you giving the very same thing you need.

Quite a profound principle; if you want love, start loving others and you will be surprised just how much love comes back to you. The same is true for friendships, patience and so on. Start being friendly to others and you will win more friends than you could ever imagine. The minute you start to exercise patience you will become more and more patient. After all, it is a fruit of the Spirit.

In part 3 of this topic I want to close off by talking a little about what are we being protected from when we exercise patience. It will answer questions such as why did God instruct us to have patience and also expect us to do so in all our relations, even when dealing with him, the Divine?

Then finally I will expound on what exist at the end of the road call patience. What will you and I meet up there? When your patience has run out what happens next?

Babies

Babies bring out the best of our survival skills, our smiles and our power and will to care. If it doesn’t come out, then it just isn’t there.

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

People who touch our lives

Some people are like angels, simply heaven sent.

They touch your heart and make you do and believe things you just never thought possible at all or perhaps you thought you could do it, but just needed the push, the energy and the determination to get it done. You perhaps just needed someone to believe in you, someone to cheer you on.

God delights in using each of us to better the lives of those who we come in contact with on a daily basis. If you are an Angel, then continue to touch the lives of those who are in your way and even those who you will have to sometimes detour to see.

If you can touch one heart, then you would have rid the world of one more broken heart and one more victim. Each heart that is touched will then create many more transformed lives.

Think about those who have touched your lives in recent times, say a prayer for them and thank them. We thank God for family, friends and strangers he has placed in our lives that have touched our hearts forever.

Instrumental music for the soul

I love instrumental music and I have been composing a few new ones. Check out some of my music and enjoy it by clicking on the following link:

http://www.dubtunes.com/process.php?PHPSESSID=e72adfa28679878874db2158bbb32a34&pname=ShowAlbumDetailsProcess-Start&CategoryID=CategoryID&AlbumID=4

Find your soil or die

In November of 2002 I was talking with a young Lady residing in Canada, who was going through a rough period in her life. She was married, unemployed and a Christian. Ironically these three areas were her greatest areas of struggle. She felt as though she was being stifled at her church, just barely hanging on. Her marriage was almost over and she was just not getting hooked up with the right job and her finance was drying up.

She and I spoke for hours as she shared her heart and one story after another. She was perplexed and sad, but hopeful. She was desperately searching for answers and among the answers she needed was to ‘find herself.’ So after listening to her full story, I made a comment which many may have regarded as too simple response for such a multi-faceted problem.

In my response I told her, “Find your soil or die”. I was so moved and surprised by the profoundness of the statement that I went further to write about it in my book, “The Colour and Power of Your Thoughts – Inspiring, witty and motivating words.”
I made sure to comment that finding your soil doesn’t necessarily mean going in search of a new environment.
Sometimes it means finding a more fertile area in the ground in which you have been planted. Sometimes it requires creating that environment for your own survival.

I do not know much about farming and gardening, but I do happen to know that sometimes a plant is drying or dying and despite your best efforts it just will not flourish. So you uproot it and plant it somewhere else and amazing results starts to happen. The plant becomes revived, it begins to flourish and bear fruit. I thought to myself, ‘what an awesome message.’

In the same breath you might be struggling where you are and barely making it. You may even be operating at a level ten times less than you were created to be. You could be earning more, helping more, and giving more, living healthier mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. You are just not living victoriously. Where you are planted is not fertile enough for you to grow.

Your roots are desperately in need of a better soil, a better environment. So you decide it is time for a change; a change of heart, a change of attitude, a change of friends and sometimes even a change of your support group. I am so touched by this, that every time I begin to talk or write about this subject, my hands become filled with goose pimples.

I spoke with the young Lady late last year and in a brief exchange she told me she was now living in Florida and felt as though she had just started living.

Not because we don't get along

Not because we do not get along it means you are devious and I’m not.
Nor, are you imperfect and I am flaw free.
The greater the tendencies to disagree the more divine the love and accord will be where it is found.
They say, two can not walk unless they agree, but two will not agree unless they learn to take little steps together daily; trusting each other to make one move at a time.

Not because we do not get along it means that God loves you any less than He loves me.
Trials are supposed to make us strong, not become bitter, but aspiring for better. It always presents an opportunity to learn something new, something different and something which gives us that "wow" reaction.
Even though we have our struggles you have taught me a few things about me.
First, I must be a little more patient, forgiving and a little more caring.

Second of all, I must open and maintain an account of love, patience and forgiveness;
An account where I can make withdrawals once the need arises.
For there will be days when what you say will hurt me and what you do will cause pain.
My friend, my colleague, my relative and you too stranger

Above all the things I have learnt, this one stays with me most, if we are going to get along it is a choice we must make. A simple yet painstaking step we must take.
I choose who to love and who to hate, who to forgive and care for, even if it is a fake.
But once I started giving you a chance, I suddenly realized the many beautiful and wonderful things about you, things that were being covered by the shadows and the clouds of my anger.

Surely, we have got to find a better way, a better way to live and be.
As difficult as it may seem, the choice is mine, for with the choice comes the will and the attitude to win, to do and to become. Tell yourself you can and you will.

Keep the tap on

You are flowing with inspiration and burning with fires of passion. You are able to think and reason at a much higher level than normal. You have finally tapped into your creative imagination and what seemed impossible is now but a ‘walk in the park’.

God has positioned you right where you are for such a time as this. You are affecting lives and lives are being changed to a commitment to Jesus Christ. Your wisdom is God-given.

I urge you my friend, to keep the tap on. Whatever makes you glow like a bulb, shine like a star and become all that you are, keep it on. You have much more in you to give and to pour out so keep your tap on.

Some things in life will dry up or cease once they are no longer desired, treasured or cared for. I urge you my friend, to keep the tap on.

If along your journey your pipeline becomes clogged, just seek the help of the ‘Great Plumber – God Almighty.’ In all that you will achieve and do, remember there are many who are counting on you, so keep the tap on.

I am a Natural

I have drawn the conclusion that of all the gifts God has given me; he has made me into a natural. Of all the stuffs our parents gave us they gave us some of the most essentials which are keys to life and motivations for living.

Apart from being real, corporeal, flesh and blood, I naturally fit into to any mold.
Like water in a mug and socket to a plug. It is a God-given gift to be able to fit into the position of a carpenter, a plumber, a builder, an engineer, a doctor, a lawyer and so on. Don’t get me wrong now I am very mindful of my limits.

Being number eight of a total of nine children to both parents, these are some of the roles we would play during our play times. Can you recall ever being a fire fighter, a police officer or a nurse? Well, I can recall some of my fond childhood memories.

When I say I am a natural. I am lifelike, inimitable, congenial, and sympathetic, true to life, true to nature, faithful, true as steel, spontaneous, friendly and fully homemade. I delight in nature and I am a deep admirer of natural beauty.

Even in drama at school or at our church we were great actors playing our roles with sincerity and passion. After all, isn’t life a big drama and we must all play our roles well?

Our parents paid us the necessary attention to ensure we were all able to do everything around the house. We were being groomed to become self-reliant yet remaining human enough to offer a helping hand to someone in need as well as knowing when we needed help.

As a natural, I am not motivated by material stuff and possessions. Instead I am motivated by love, laughter, passion, smiles, hugs and kisses and other thoughtful deeds. I am motivated by purpose, a purpose to live and a purpose which I must fulfill. For at the end of this natural life I will not be remembered for the things I possessed and owned, but for what I did, the way I made others felt and the things I said.

I am a natural, not complicated but true to the cause for which I stand.

The power of mothercraft

"She who mothers a child also mothers the children with whom her child interacts."

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

Moms’ applause

In mom’s applause the hands are the hands of the world,
They are the hands of every mother’s child
For with our hands we can do, we can give, receive and help
So we applaud you with the clapping of our hands together
All at the same time, all over the world, with thunderous applause.

We applaud you mother, grandmother, step-mother
Grandmothers have earned their honors and more,
A gift would be too small to give, a life too short to live
Too limited to represent what you have done
We applaud you with the clapping of our hands together
All at the same time, all over the world, with thunderous applause.

The burdens you bear and times of good cheer
When mother is happy the home is happy
For this cause we join our hands and we unite our hearts all over the world

We acknowledge you as far more precious than what we can get with diamonds and pearl
We applaud you with the clapping of our hands together
All at the same time, all over the world, with thunderous applause.


Every year since 1913, the second Sunday in May is devoted to your honor.
Special, self giving and sacrificial is the love of a virtuous mother.
We commend you highly, we praise you sincerely
We express our deep appreciation for you mothers of all kind
And so, once again we pause to applaud you with the clapping of our hands together
All at the same time, all over the world, with thunderous applause.

Mom you are a one of a kind girl, have a great day

We need a family renaissance

The entire month of May will be celebrated as family month.
I want to talk a little about the entire family unit and dedicate the weekend to the appreciation of our mothers.

As I sat at home yesterday half sick but not well enough to do anything, I thought about the monster call crime and the various atrocities committed by one human being to another.

I wondered also whether there is a direct relationship between the degree of dysfunctional families and the level of crime in our society.

In my call for a redefinition of the role of fathers and mothers, I am also calling for the overhauling of the entire family. There needs to be newly established family traditions and values. Things that the family can hold close to their hearts and which preserves the institution of family in the way it was designed to be.
Men, women and children are all at risk of dying young and living sub standard lives if the ills of families are not addressed.

Happy couples make happy homes and happy homes have happy children. Happy children make happy families, then happy communities, happy schools, happy churches and so on and so forth. The fact is it all begins somewhere and end up at another place but for sure it will return to where it started.

It is a fundamental principle of life and the bible tells us, we reap what we have sewn.
As I prepare myself to become a member of the specially privilege group called, parents. I am reminded that this is a position of tremendous responsibility.
Children require a great deal of supervision and attention. That is just the way it is.

I would support moves to hold parents more responsible for their child’s ills. So if my child was guilty of a crime then my entire family would require rehabilitation, counseling or therapy. Clarissa Graves, the British poet says, “What a man sows, that shall he and his relations reap”

I am not for one minute purporting an eye for an eye. I am not even suggesting it, because unforgiveness is one of the deadly venoms destroying our families and the society.

Let us teach parenting, it is too important a role to leave to chance. The framing of a young, delicate mind is a BIG job and the rewards are far beyond dollar value.

The Chinese proverbs put it beautifully; “If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people”

Completely flawless

I am not sure whether I am complete, for I still need a little more carving down, a little pruning and then some refining. When I am broken, it is then and only then, I can be melted and remolded into a perfect vessel. Others may not see just what I am meant to be, but I trust my Master to complete his handy work and make me into a master piece.

Good Teachers are our Heroes

Today is a very special day as we pause to salute our nation’s teachers.
A profession that is the back bone for all the nations of the world.
Teaching is also the pillow which holds the heads of the world.
If I were to use one word to describe a good teacher then it would be ‘hero’.

A teacher has the ability to break a child’s will, destroy his spirit or mold him or her into something great. When I consider how much my early childhood experiences were framed and carved from my interactions with good teachers, then I consider myself blessed.
Blessed to have had the opportunity of my mind being trained by women and men of great integrity, good values and moral standards and above all, they had the fear and wisdom of God.

These are the true heroes of the day; Spending their time, their energy and their lives helping to develop the lives of others. Finding and reaping very little material rewards at times, but gaining greater joy from others accomplishments and their success stories.

If we are able to truly give of ourselves and to find at least one person who we can pour ourselves into. If we can find someone who we can guide, instruct and help to make it to the top of their mountain, then we have reached a plateau of maturity where only the heroes among us go.

I salute you, unsung heroes. I wish you will find heart-warming joy and fulfillment in everyday life as you give to the world.

Emotional inventory

Taking a daily emotional inventory helps to track who you are becoming as you are influenced by life's forces within and without.

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

Managing your money and managing your love life

I have spent quite a great deal of my youthful years studying accounting and finance.
Most of these years have taught me the importance of not only balancing my accounts but also my life.
Most persons struggle with managing their money, as the saying goes, just when you're about to make ends meet, someone moves the ends.
Managing ones money is a combination of the following:

• Setting goals and devising a plan to achieve it
• Staying organized
• Cutting spending waste wherever they occur
• Building and keeping a budget
• Always keeping your revenue above your expenses (Inflows v outflows)
• Saving and investing money

Managing your money is much like managing your love life. Some persons may not necessarily agree with me; however stay with me a little. Managing your money and your love life both require a lot of attention and they both affect each other. Poor money management can lead to a bad love life or even no love life in some regards. On the other hand, not managing your love life properly could also steer you into serious money woes. Let us take a look at my list above in the reverse order.

Saving and Investing
Most people do two things with their money which are to spend and save. There is also a third and important use of money; that of investing. If you were to keep your money at home under the mattress, instead of investing it, your money doesn't work for you. However, if you invest your money, you make more money by earning interest on what you put away or by buying and selling items that increase in value. The idea behind investing money is allowing your money to work for you as well as getting back more than you have put away.

In like manner, the experts will tell you that you must invest in your love relationship and spend time building a solid relationship even more than you would for a solid investment plan. This will definitely ‘save’ you unwanted relationship stress.

Inflows and outflows
In money management you should always keep your inflows above your outflows.

However, in managing your love life it is recommended that you always give more than you expect in return. Simply put, keep your outflows above your inflows. According to relationship specialists if each partner gives 60% and expect only 40% in return, then they both will receive more than they were expecting.

Building and keeping a budget
A budget is a tool to help you prioritize your spending and manage your money—no matter how much or how little you have. Keeping the flames alive in your romantic relationship should be a high priority item. Being creative, keeping the intimacy alive and communication are three important items in a successful love relationship.

The remaining three items above will be dealt with in the second edition of this blog.

The pink hibiscus on the table

My wife and I were at a weekend couples retreat last year when the pink hibiscus on the table caught my eyes. One of the hotel staff had severed this little branch from its main frame, placed it in a lovely vase and rested it on our table to enhance the décor of the room.

We were in our second year of marriage and decided to spend an entire weekend with other young and seasoned couples. The whole weekend was filled with fun, frolic, love and a school of lessons.

This was a few months before I had taken up gardening as a hobby. My mind flashed back to a few weeks earlier when we had transplanted some of the flowers. As a result of the time lapse, one of the plants went into a state of shock.
This lasted for days and it seemed as though the plant would never recover.
I was disheartened and bewildered.

As I looked at the pink hibiscus on the table, I sensed that it too will go through a state of shock and this will last for as long as it takes to develop new roots.
This little pink hibiscus was struggling to survive and needed some urgent help. I also contemplated how much this must have been a lovely branch while it was still joined to its ‘family’. It now had to take on life on its own.

If you have been following my path in this blog so far, then you know exactly where I am going next.
Our marriage was much like the hibiscus on the table and the flower we had transplanted a few weeks earlier.

We both were doing well with our original attachments and in the gardens in which we were born; the place where we were originally planted for so many years. We had been severed from our families and joined as one. We were also now in our state of shock.
We were going to continue our state of shock for as long as it took us to grow new roots.

Now, we were in a garden of our own and needed to re-root. We would continue to live in a state of shock for the rest of our days, wither slowly and die or find our roots and started to flourish again. These were our options.

There are many families who are like this ‘pink hibiscus on the table’.
We struggle to stay alive and we struggle to keep going. But be encouraged when I tell you I am not sure what became of that hibiscus on the table at the resort we stayed for the weekend. But the flower we transplanted a year ago has become a star in our eyes. You just can’t help but notice how beautiful and complete it looks even before you enter the garden.

Is it raining where you are?

Yesterday as I drove into the drive way, I noticed the withering of one set of my impatiens flowers in the planter box just below the window. I got out of the car and on my way to pour some water on the seemingly suffering plants, my wife asked, “Why are you water the plant seeing we have been having rains and more rains for over a week now?”

I was a little startled by the question and pondered a little. We live in one of the watershed areas in our beautiful island of Jamaica.

I also noticed that everything else was lush green and just lovely. They not only looked great but also smelt great. Yet in the midst of all this rain and down pouring there were a few impatiens that were about to dry up and die.

This reminded me so much of life. You can be in an environment where there is so much happening, and yet for you it is just not happening. There is rain, rain and more rain yet you are still dry and thirsty.

There may even be lots of opportunities and several ways to achieve your dreams and desires, yet it is just not coming together for you so you ask yourself, “What about me?”

Well, after two attempts to pour water on the impatiens flowers, the water just wasn’t reaching the impatiens. Of course by this time the planter box was now filled with water, but not overflowing. I then proceeded to shift some of the other flowers to enhance my view. It was then that I understood fully what was happening.

The roots of this one set of impatiens were in the corner and on a higher lump of soil than all the others.

So despite all the rains and down pouring, this flower was still quailing and dying. To achieve sometimes means we just have to change our position, our stance, or where we plant our roots.

The bible says that the righteous shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.


What a comforting promise? If you are going through your dry seasons, or it is happening else where and for others, but not for you, then it may be time to consider your position. It sometimes means you need to seek the help of wise counsel, but you need to feel and share in the down pouring of the rain.

Have it and own it

You can have some things but never own it. On the flip side, you can also own some things but never truly have it.

It is human nature once we find something we are fond of or something we admire deeply, then we want to have it, hold it and own it.

Love is one of those things, when we experience it with someone. We want to keep that experience and so we want to keep that someone. We desire recurrent experiences and moments with that someone or something.
However, is it ok to always love and have?
Is it that loving without having is a higher degree of love?

The average person wants what they love and love what they want.
But is it ok to be this way?
In loving without having, you give of yourself wholeheartedly without feeling the need to own, possess or have. It is that high point of love where it becomes truly immaculate. It is also that point where you love and give rather than love and take. That is why the bible says that God is love.

This type of love of which we speak is usually found in true friendships, it is almost heaven sent. It is that level where you are able to love something or someone without holding them too tightly but allowing them to be and if they are really yours they will stay.

So when we decide to love someone or some thing without having it, we have set ourselves some boundaries. Boundaries that we all need and boundaries we fear of breaking. But true love is powerful and without fear.

I can do better than that

My old childhood nature is still very much a part of me today.
I attended a function last year and noticed that the event was very poorly organized and left far more to be desired. The other thing, I would be planning a similar function within a matter of months. So I wondered to myself whether I would have suffered the same fate.

Instead of allowing fear and doubt to paralyze me, I told myself, “I can do better than that.” This is something at least all of us have said at one point in our lives or another. True, there are some who also only believe the reverse which is, they can never do as well as others. If you are one such individual you too can cross over. I did many years ago as a child.

“More than most!” Is what others will say about you when you have done more, achieved more and become more than most persons around you. Once we tell ourselves that we can do better than that; it automatically propels us into a mood of excellence. “If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” – St. Matt. 5:41NIV

We can always do better than we think; better than our initial response and we even exceed what we sometimes consider to be our best. The only thing which robs you from being better is settling for what you consider to be ‘your best.’I know I have got it within me, my Creator made me to have dominion; surely, I can do better than that.

Smoking or non-smoking

“Almost everyone knows that smoking causes cancer, emphysema, and heart disease; that it can shorten your life by 10 years or more; and that the habit can cost a smoker thousands of dollars a year. So how come people are still lighting up? The answer, in a word, is addiction.” Adapted from www.kidshealth.org

Smoking is one of those addictions that I believe the world does more to encourage it than anything else. Have you ever wondered why after all these years we still have most cars being made with cigar lighters? Let us say then that the car cigar lighter socket serves other purposes a part from lighting cigars. Then why have they retained the name, “Cigar lighters?”

I had a brother-in-law who died two years ago as a result of lung disease he developed from his terrible smoking addiction. We are being told today that second hand smoking is much more harmful than previously thought.
The health experts have blamed 'passive' smoking for the deaths of up to forty thousand non-smokers annually, in the US alone. That is almost the number of women who die each year from breast cancer.

The other truth is that no form of addiction is healthy. We do so much to protect our children from these evils, who are daily bombarded with these unnecessary temptations. This makes our job twice as difficult. If smoking is really so bad for us, then why does it seem the crusaders’ only intentions are to encourage this destructive habit?

As people who are committed to the survival of the institution called, “family”, then it behooves us to discourage our family members who struggle with this addiction. As a singer, smoking disturbs my singing mechanisms. I have also noticed that more than ever the younger children are adapting the habit of smoking. I am all for non-smoking.

You chat too much!

“You chat too much!”
The little boy shouted at the man standing by the road side, then walked away.

I was surprised, uncomfortable and by the time the little boy had walked away,I was RED. I have never seen such rudeness and blatant disrespect for an adult by a child. I am appalled by the degrading discipline among our young and the fact that some adults have taken a ‘hands off’ approach.



I said to the man, quite firmly. “A boy is a boy and a man is a man, you must put the little boy in his place.”

The man then responded, “We have gotten use to his talk, that’s just how he talks”

I was further infuriated, as I could not believe my ears. Someone once said that when he was growing up boys were afraid of men company but nowadays, men are afraid of boys’ company.



The boy must have been about age 12 or there about. Can you imagine what will he be like at age 16 or older?

Adults must take up their place. We cannot allow children to behave anyhow and get away with it.

Who will save our children?

I’ve got your back

A tribute to all my friends and family out there



When you feel you are going under and you need a shoulder,

I am here; I’ve got your back

I kneel to say a prayer and make sure to mention your name.

I know where you are planted is a hard soil,

And it is difficult to blossom and so difficult to bloom.

But I’ve got your back



The sun, I cannot change, the rain, I cannot hold.

But I can hold you and make you feel like you belong.

The struggles you face and the burdens you carry will not be too long

Sometimes you won’t say a word, sometimes you won’t even whisper

But I’m here; I’ve got your back



Allow the smiles around you to transform your gloomy days,

Take your pains away, and shower you with hope

In the mathematics of burden sharing; I share your burden evenly

Yet we each carry less than half.

The Angel has got my back and I’ve got yours

You cannot give up. You must not give in. You have to win.

Remember always my friend, I’m here and I’ve got your back

Do you listen with your mouth?

Most of us are guilty of this at some point or another. This is where you are in a discussion or just having a conversation with a friend and you do one of the following:

Think of what to say while the other person is still speaking.

This usually results in us not listening intensely and so we never hear all that the person has to say. This has the potential of giving a response that is inappropriate and gives the speaker the impression that you are not truly listening. These could be silent counter-arguments as the listener feels challenged by what they hear and may begin formulating their own counter-arguments. The listener has shifted focus to refuting what the speaker has said, whether mistakenly or otherwise.

Responding but to something totally different and way off course.

This happens especially when the listener’s mind is clouded with other stuff. I am not knocking my female friends but I find that this happen more often with the females. Incidentally I mentioned this to a few of my male friends and they were quick to agree. I guess the ladies may think otherwise. I wouldn’t mind hearing out their side. I call these Distractions as there are other things in the environment or in the listener’s own mind that get in the way.

Not allowing the speaker to complete their point.

You are more likely to misinterpret what is being said if you do not allow the speaker to complete their point. In our haste to share our own ideas and thoughts, we cut others off. This sometimes causes the speaker to feel that we are not interested and do not value what they have to say.

Good listeners will:

Not interrupt
Not change the subject,
Ask appropriate questions,
Empathize,
Look at the person speaking

If we make an extra effort to truly listen to those who desire to speak with us, it will help them to feel more appreciated. Beginning with me, I am making an effort to close my mouth and open my ears and heart.

A good listener listens with the heart as they also hear what isn’t said. Good listeners make good company. Our friends and family will begin to speak more if they feel that we are truly listening and value what they have to say. Even if what some have to say 'doesn't make much sense' in our opinion, we all like to feel valued.

Love has hands

I was reminded today of my very own words which I published in my first book.

"LOVE HAS HANDS"

Love is labor.

The hands represent our ability to hold, hug, caress and give. Love does all these and more. The hand of love means that we are able to share and care for each other. We are able to show and to guide. My love has hands and so does everyone else.

We are challenge to use these pair of 'love hands' to build or to destroy. We are challenge to use these pair of 'love hands' to show love to those who can reciprocate and those who need it most.

Let us continue to use these pair of 'love hands' to touch the lives of those we come in contact with. I want my pair of 'love hands' to touch the world, begining with everyone around me, one at a time.

Idle hands, idle lands

Countries across the world are experiencing rising food prices. Among the factors driving the food prices is energy cost. Energy hits on two fronts: It is costing more to process food and it is also costing more to transport and distribute it.

The ethanol boom has driven corn prices over 70% last year alone. More land is being used to plant corn, and as such soybeans, wheat, oats, and barley prices have all gone up. In addition, higher corn prices mean higher prices for animals in the food chain that eat it - such as chickens, cows, and pigs. There are also increases in fertilizers and other resources required by farmers. These are all a part of a fundamentally inflationary environment.

I must also mention the "China effect" on energy prices. This also affects food. Food exports have grown as living standards in both China and India have risen. That is good for the economy but not for prices.

The question on everyone’s mind now is how do I feed myself and my family?

In times such as these we can choose from a few options which may include:
• Eating less
• Finding more economical substitutes
• Growing our own

I want to talk a little about the third option. One of my colleagues was quick to point out to me that the massive urbanization has contributed to far less persons growing what they eat.

As a child, I grew up seeing my father growing and producing almost everything we consumed. His list of cultivation included yam, banana, coco, pumpkin, fruits and vegetables. He would also rear goats, chickens, cows and pigs.

We in the Caribbean region have lost this fundamental principle, “Grow what we eat”. We have been blessed with beautiful sunshine for almost 365 days a year. We have good agricultural lands, and well capable hands. Yet we have become so dependent on someone else to feed us.

I am not for one minute purporting that growing our own will solve all our problems. But we would certainly be many times better off than we are today; economically and health wise.

At the end of the day, those who have the food dictate the terms. The supermarkets and grocery stores have become our “modern farming place.” If we have to go to Egypt for food, then it means we have not learned. Too many idle hands and too many idle lands in the Caribbean, starting with my native land Jamaica.

Still a virgin at 21

“Everybody is talking about how is it that I am age 21, still a virgin and without child. I am annoyed by it and they even insinuate that I must be a ‘weirdo’”

These are the words of a bright and promising young girl from one of our inner city communities. She says that in her area where she lives, at age 21 she is suppose to have had her second child by now.

It was Shakespeare who said, "Company, villainous company, hath been the spoil of me.”One wonders just how many young girls live their lives on these ridiculous demands of the society. In my blog on Tuesday, April 8, 2008 entitled, “Real men needed,” I made the point that real men are not ashamed to live and act differently from the world in order to guard themselves.

Daily we all have to be strong and refuse to let our peers and the society dictate how we ought to live. There are principles outlined in the bible that some of us embrace and others refuse. At the end of it all, each of us will be held accountable for the choices we make and how we used our time.

There are some things that never change whether a virgin at age 21 or 42. When we take on certain responsibility before we are ready it usually comes with some very harsh consequences. When we ramble away from the model God has designed we usually fail. That is true, and so the final result is up to you.

I replied to the young lady by telling her that she is a diamond and in the eyes of those around her she is just a ‘rock’. Those around her don’t know and perhaps never will know her real value. But in the eyes of a diamond cutter or a diamond specialist she is more valuable than she could ever imagine, she is precious and she is to wait for her time to shine. At any time she can become like them, but they can never become like her. Diamonds are brilliant and that is just what they do, they shine.

Very strong emotions

Very strong emotions can distort our outlook on life. Love can sometimes be blind— hatred, fear and jealousy always are.

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

Real men are needed

Last night I shared with a group of men on issues which affect men.
In my presentation I highlighted the need for us to redefine manhood.
We made a list of issues affecting men ranging from sexual issues, money, work pressures, just to name a few.

The ‘modern’ society and the culture of the day have distorted who a man is.
Our society is fast becoming cold, hard and callous. Sadly there are those who believe it
is manly to be tough and say unkind stuff and if you cry when harsh words are thrown at you then you are weak and perhaps considered a sissy.

You are considered less than a man if you use words such as sorry, excuse me and please.
I grew up in an age when manners and respect were more valuable than pocket money. It was taught in schools and by our parents the importance of respecting adults.

A few weeks ago I was in our company canteen placing an order for my lunch when this ‘guy’ came in and decided not to wait in the line. He stepped out ahead of me to be served next by the attendant. I signaled to her and informed her that I was in the queue long before this ‘rowdy’; of course I never did describe him as such.
The guy responded, “Ok then, you can serve this ‘soft man’ first.”

I never knew I was a soft man, nor was I sure who is a soft man.
I later learnt that a soft man use words such as please, thank you, I am sorry and excuse me. A soft man will wait in line and respect orders and instructions. He made it sounded as though it was such a bad thing. That is a technique they use, to make us men who do the right feel out of place and uncomfortable.

Now you can begin to imagine the type of world that will be created with an attitude like that.
We are in trouble. We need to redefine man; it can no longer be left up to the society. As a man, I feel an urgent need to train the younger men how to be responsible, how to be caring, to be protective of the females and children and to understand the value of work.

I wouldn’t even mention the way our men are dressing these days that one is definitely for another time. Real men are wise yet humble, responsible and can be corrected. Real men do not put others down with their actions, words or strength. But rather they affirm and build others up. They are not ashamed to live and act differently from the world in order to guard themselves.
Real men are needed.

Big fish, small frying pan

What happened to me last night reminds me of a familiar story about two men who went on a fishing trip. One of the men was doing well, catching the very big fish. But every time he caught a big fish he would throw it back into the water. He did this a few times and it puzzled his friend then asked what was he doing and why. The man responded by saying he had to throw back the big fish because he had a small frying pan at home.

Yesterday I had a similar experience; I had purchased some very delectable parrot fish that I was preparing to fry. When I was about to place them in the frying pan, I realized that the frying pan was too small and pondered at least for a moment how I needed to ensure that my future purchases are smaller. Then I thought, perhaps not.
Maybe I should get a bigger frying pan. Surely that would solve the problem. But take a look at these two perspectives:

Limiting ourselves
If we only believe for those things we can handle and are prepared for, how will we grow? If we always ‘play it safe’ and swim on the shore all the time, how will we get beyond certain limits and explore the unknown? If we always just accept what we are told and never seek to investigate, how does this affect the way we live?

Over extending ourselves
On the other hand, this same story teaches us the importance of not taking on too much at any given point, which could be just as detrimental as limiting yourself. Stretch what can be.

One thing is certain this heading sets your thought into motion. You may even have several stories from your own life experiences which you could describe as the big fish, small frying pan experience.
If you have to cut your fish down to size, that is also an option, which is exactly what I did. My wife and I had a good laugh and a good bite. Cheers!

Fighting Fires

Like me most of you probably never thought of becoming a fire fighter, but hey! we are.

We all are fighting fires in our families, in our homes, in our work places and in our

communities. Ask me whether I would have become a fire fighter when I was a child and

I would have told you No way. But that is exactly who I am today. I am a fire fighter.

I thought I may as well equip myself to fight.

The first and most important thing about fighting fire is the cardinal rule which is –

Life preservation. – Life over property every time

Take a look here I have created Ten Rules for Fighting Fire:

1 Do all within your power to prevent a fire from starting
2 If a fire does get started, do not waste energy and time trying to figure out who started it or why, while everything is burning to ash.

3 The more oxygen or energy a fire gets, the more it will blaze. So try not to fuel the fire be it consciously or unconsciously.

4 Make sure you know exactly what is burning – It helps with deciding on the most appropriate solution.

5 Know the stage of the fire, some fires spread very quickly and sometimes evacuation is the only option. Remember to close all doors and windows behind you.

6 Know when you need help or back-up. 911 is always an option.
7 If the fire is worth fighting it is worth fighting well.
8 Make sure you have more water than fire. You will need to cool things down as well.
9 Some day the fire may get you, but don’t let it happen because you weren’t thinking.
10 Share your survival strategies with others who could also teach you a thing or two.

If you follow the rules above you will avoid being burnt out, because who knows, you may have to fight a fire everyday.

Have You ever Wanted a Change of Life?

I was sitting in my living room a while ago and I just thought for a moment, if I were to change my life, really really change my life to be someone or something else, what would I want to be...ah!...ah!.. I am not sure exactly.

If I could no longer be me, would I want to be a President, a Movie star or what? What would I want to be?

I got it!...I GOT IT!...After much contemplation I think I want to continue to be me... A star...for that is exactly what we all are. We just all shine in different ways and in different places.

So if I really wanted a change, I would want to be a bigger brighter star so I could shine not just for those near but even for those a far.

Wait

Wait! That is a word many of us don't like to hear, but look at this:


Most of the weight we carry around in life are due to an unwillingness to wait

Copy right (c) 2008 J.D. Gordon all Rights Reserved

Finding Your Passion

If you feel you have not found your passion, it could mean that you are not paying life the attention it requires. Once you give life some thought, it usually rewards you with the answers for the questions you have.

When you truly desire that thing which brings exhilarating joy and the feelings of fulfillment you deserve.
Then start with that thing which you would do just for the love of it. You would do it even if no one pays you to do it.
You would do it just for the way it makes you feel and others just love it when you do it.

When you wake up in the morning if all you can think about is to sing, then sing.
When you wake up in the morning if all you can think about is to write, then you should write.

Spend more time giving attention to those things and people that are important to you.

Pay more attention to those things that you love dearly and allow them to bring out some of God’s greatest treasures hidden inside of you. The more you do it, the better you will get. Once you start getting better, the quality of your life will improve and words can not explain the joys you will begin to experience.

Finding that thing can be a challenge for some people, but I know you have the gusto, the will, the fire and the oomph, so go for it.

Feeling wanted, feeling used

How do you feel about someone using you?
Do you mind?

Well if the truth be told, we don’t like to feel ‘used’ but on the other hand we don’t mind being wanted.

Usually we associate the word, ‘used’ with expressions such as ‘I feel exploited’ or you may have heard others complain, ‘The only reason you paying me any attention is simply because of what you want from me’
‘Ouch!’
That is not good at all.

Some persons don’t like feeling used yet often times they do it to others.
I have realized too, that we are much more acceptable of feeling wanted or needed by someone, but not used.

Feeling used v Feeling wanted

Used: Persons usually feel unappreciated and not listened to
Wanted: Persons feel appreciated and their concerns are aired

Used: Many inhibitions, feels disconnected, closed circuit
Wanted: Freely gives, usually no hang-ups, open circuit

Used: Feels cheated and disrespected
Wanted: Happy to have made someone else day bright, feels treasured and valued

Used: Normally want out
Wanted: Wants to be around forever

People are so important we shouldn’t treat them like things or stuff. Take time out to care for each other and share a moment. It is already a vicious world out there, so let us not add any further power to that. The bridge between feeling used and feeling wanted is built with understanding, supported by listening and maintained by a willingness to change for the better.

A good place for us to begin is to start appreciating everyone and everything around us.

The power of WORDS

If you have ever said something to anyone and had it repeated to you in your very own words, then you know how powerful this can be. You are more likely to want to give in, once they use back your words at you.

A case in point, a father reprimanded his little girl for taking too much ice cream from the refrigerator. The little girl responded to him by saying, "Daddy you have always said I am a princess, and the princess gets whatever she wants"

Now, I am not a father but I imagined that the father would have no alternative but to agree. If those were his exact words and was not being taken out of context, then one can hardly argue with the Princess.

We often use this same method with the word of God whenever we pray. We use God's word back at Him and the bible does rightly encourage us to do just that. God is bound by his words. He honors His words.

I have just realized that we too are bound by our very own words. When it is returned to us, we have no alternative but to accept it. If our children master this technique when dealing with us, you can begin to imagine the power they will command

This generation should be most grateful

I have never lived before and I would imagine that none of us has ever lived before either. However some may argue otherwise. What is true too is that we can never be sure of the finer details of the life styles and the circumstances which faced those who were before us. Our fore fathers journey, we’ll never fully know.


I am however very cognizant that we are now living in an age where most of what we wish for or pray for we get. This is true for me and the people I see around me. What about your life? Is it true for you too?


We can conceptualize an idea or a thought and have it created or executed within seconds, minutes, days, weeks or months.


This ought to be one of the most grateful generations ever. Despite what others may say and seek to convince us, we have got so much to be thankful for.


Today, one of my colleagues shouted out in the office, “I wish I could have a slice of roast breadfruit now”

Roast Breadfruit and red herring or salt fish is a well loved dish in our culture.


I heard his request and called him over. I had spent the night putting together roast breadfruit and red herring for my lunch. I offered him two slices of breadfruit and made this same point to him. We get most of what we ask for.


Some persons will never be able to enjoy their life for this simple reason; they have not learnt the art of giving thanks. I am giving thanks for every blessing sent.

Follow The Leader

Have you ever had the opportunity of driving behind someone en route to your desired destination? Maybe you have not. But I’m sure you have had to be led by someone in some way or another. Well the lessons here are appropriate in either case.

Today I traveled behind one of my friends after we were returning from picking up my car at the repair shop.

As we turned unto each road, I wondered why he chose certain roads over others. This resulted in some interesting stuff passing through my head, check these out:

1. Leadership doesn’t mean that the Leader knows best at all times nor does it assume that the leader is the most knowledgeable.We often times see this playing out especially if from our perspective we see either more efficient, feasible or better options.

Caution: We don’t all have the same wisdom. A good leader is one who is apt to teach.

2. There will always be this question in our minds or a churning in the stomach.
'How on earth did he/she get to that position?” There isn’t just cause here to rebel. Things are not always what they seem.

Caution: I have noticed that wherever there is rebellion, there are many rulers
3. In many cases, we choose who we want to lead us and so the option always remains to remove the leader. But what about those circumstances where the choice simply isn’t ours?Leaders become leaders either because they were appointed or we have opted to follow them.

Caution: If we cease to follow the leaders then they are no longer leading us. That is why leadership needs support at all times.

It may be safe grounds therefore, to admit that if you are not a good follower, you won’t make a good leader.

The highest order of leadership is that of a servant.

Leading and serving are really not two words we often find in the same sentence. There will always be misunderstanding, a better way of doing things and improved leadership skills.

Regardless of whether we are the one leading or following at the end of it all, how we deal with each other is of paramount importance.

I took the journey all the way with my friend; we both parked at the same time, and walked back to our office together. I’m sure it feels better than getting back five minutes earlier and walking up alone or sitting wondering why is he taking so long