Association at eight months

During Joshua’s eight month, he was ill twice.

It was so amazing to observe how he had developed a phobia for everything placed at his mouth other than his bottle.

When he had fully recovered and we no longer needed to subject him to all those medication, every four hours, in some instance, he still remained resistant even weeks afterwards.

His mother and Grandmother shared with me the difficulty they encountered trying to calm him down whenever they attempted to brush his teeth. Two weeks after his last illness, they tried desperately and failed.

One Sunday afternoon I was at home and heard the screams and wondered what could be the possible reason for him to make such a loud cry. So I went to the living room to find out. On entering I noticed mommy trying to get him to change his clothes. I was however convinced that he doesn’t have to always cry whenever we need him to do what is necessary. So for a while we had a tussle and I took him away, determined that he doesn’t have to cry, there must be a better way.

Mommy then commented that I must complete all the necessary things to prepare him for bed. It was at that point I decided we may as well turn everything into a game.

After turning on some music, I danced him into his night clothes, changed his diapers and had him brushing his teeth with smiling face. Grandma and Mommy came to observe in utter disbelief.

We all have associations, just like Joshua. We recall or recount certain events and experiences in our lives once the similar conditions are present. Be it a certain sound, smell, colour, visual etc.

Association is a widely used memory tool. Quite often we can’t change the past or the way it affects us, however we can always change the association. Thank God for the perfect way in which He has made us, we are fearfully and wonderfully made.

If I could choose my Dad

If I could choose my dad
I would choose you
You cheer me when I am sad
Teach me what to do

Dad you are the best
You gave yourself
Always working with little time for rest
You are the only one on my shelf

Thank you for all you’ve done
I tell you just now
Special to me like the morning sun
I choose you, oh wow!

One of the seven wonders of the world

Auroras, sometimes called the northern and southern (polar) lights or aurorae (singular: aurora), are natural light displays in the sky, usually observed at night, particularly in the polar regions. They typically occur in the ionosphere...

Just the thought of knowing you are there

Just the thought of knowing you are there
I may not see you, your voice I may not hear
I live only by the thought that you are near

Just the thought of knowing you are there
In my heart is delightful cheer
My mind free of fear, my eyes see so clear

Just the thought of knowing you are there
Unimaginable peace, with a thought so sweet
Embraced by your love, protected by your care

Just the thought of knowing you are there
Somewhere in the distance near
Somewhere, out there

It still flows

(This speaks to the love of a parent for a child, a friend to another, a lover or God to us)

Regardless of where you’ve run
Whatever you’ve done
It still flows

Though you have made a mess
Advancement your ardent quest
It still flows

In your heart is guilt
Crafted like a quilt
But it still flows

Abundant love
Yours from above
It still flows

Forgiveness is keen
Transgressions come on the seen
It
Still
Flows
It still flows
It flows

If I Trust Your Hands

To whet your musical appetite in time for the November release of his debut album, “Lord I Surrender-Music for now”, Worship Leader, Music Director, Arranger, Composer and Author Jermaine D. Gordon recently released his first single “If I Trust Your Hands”.

The future is unknown, the path unfamiliar but Jermaine in his own unique style encourages and inspires his listeners to trust God’s guiding hands, even in times when trusting seems so difficult.
In his debut album, Lord I Surrender – Music for now, you will be taken on a spiritual journey charted by thirty years of musical experience integrated with love, passion and anointing to give you some of the most prolific music you have ever heard in recent years.

Profile:

Jermaine D. Gordon has been playing music from as early as age four in the island of Jamaica. He has traveled to The United States, Canada and other parts of the Caribbean playing music, speaking, conducting workshops, Ministering in Youth Revivals and Camps and leading God’s people into intimate worship.

At his church he is known as a ‘Psalmist’ for his unique talent and gift in composing a full song on the spur of the moment, spontaneity at its best. Jermaine D. Gordon is known for his anointed music and his ability to invoke the presence of God when his gifted fingers meet the ebony and ivory keys of the piano.

He is a Classical Pianist and Flautist who studied with the Royal School of Music ABRSM and Jamaica School of Music among others.

You can view Jermaine's other works by going to: www.go-jamaica.com/jdgordon

In his own words, “When we truly desire and seek to worship God at our best, let us remember all God requires is our obedience, nothing more, nothing less”.

If I trust your hands - Jermaine D. Gordon

If I Trust Your Hands

To whet your musical appetite in time for the November release of his debut album, "Lord I Surrender-Music for now", Worship Leader, Music Director, Arranger, Composer and Author Jermaine D. Gordon recently released his first single “If I Trust Your Hands”.

The future is unknown, the path unfamiliar but Jermaine in his own unique style encourages and inspires his listeners to trust God’s guiding hands, even in times when trusting seems so difficult.
In his debut album, Lord I Surrender – Music for now, you will be taken on a spiritual journey charted by thirty years of musical experience integrated with love, passion and anointing to give you some of the most prolific music you have ever heard in recent years.

Profile:

Jermaine D. Gordon has been playing music from as early as age four in the island of Jamaica. He has traveled to The United States, Canada and other parts of the Caribbean playing music, speaking, conducting workshops, Ministering in Youth Revivals and Camps and leading God’s people into intimate worship.

At his church he is known as a ‘Psalmist’ for his unique talent and gift in composing a full song on the spur of the moment, spontaneity at its best. Jermaine D. Gordon is known for his anointed music and his ability to invoke the presence of God when his gifted fingers meet the ebony and ivory keys of the piano.

He is a Classical Pianist and Flautist who studied with the Royal School of Music ABRSM and Jamaica School of Music among others.

You can view more about Jermaine by going to: www.go-jamaica.com/jdgordon

In his own words, “When we truly desire and seek to worship God at our best, let us remember all God requires is our obedience, nothing more, nothing less”.

If I trust your hands - Jermaine D. Gordon

The birthing of a 9 Month Old Father

Today, our son Joshua is a nine month old bubble of laughter and a nine month bundle of joy. He is engaging and entertaining. You should see his dance moves. He sways from left to right and turn his head from side to side. He is very excited about standing on his own two feet without any assistance from any of us. Oh! You should see the delightful smile on his face when he is able to stand successfully on his own.

Today, nine months later, I am still adjusting even as I am here writing. All of what you can imagine and more have been my experience over the past few months. But through it all I am a better person.
Fatherhood is hard work, motherhood is even greater. There have been some scary moments, certainly not for me – I am usually more on the calmer, cooler side.

I am learning the importance of my presence. I have seen and observed just how much the father’s touch is needed. A nine-month old father, by nine month I am being born into fatherhood - Thank goodness they don’t stay small forever. Joshua is developing so fast.

I ensure that we are ahead of him by at least a few years, as it relates to school, economics and so on. I carefully scrutinize his development and I have already appointed myself as one of his biggest cheer leaders. Incidentally, I can tell when I have struck a good melody on the keyboard from just observing his reactions. He would leap with open mouth joy whenever he hears something which stimulates him.

I am happy for the journey which I have started and I look forward to the great times, lessons and breathtaking moments ahead - More later.

You are loved and appreciated

Mother, mother, mother you are often times misunderstood.
Your work and worth often times goes unnoticed.
But oh it is the folly of man to chase after the wind.

We without hesitation arise from our foolishness and see you for you are.
Name you for what you are worth and give you what you deserve.
A precious person you are, a diamond, a ruby by far.

When sin came into the world to separate our hearts from God’s, then God gave us mothers. Mothers who would be the bridge between the role we are playing now and the person we are suppose to be.

Mothers who would dry our tears when we cry, kiss our hands when they hurt and hold our heads in her arms when it aches.

Know now and forever that you are loved and appreciated, though often times it goes unstated.

YOU ARE LOVED AND YOU ARE APPRECIATED
HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY

- by J.D. Gordon - www.go-jamaica.com/jdgordon

I am a little man

Can I make a difference?
I am a little man...

Can I be as effective and efficient as others?
I am a little man...

I don’t have material riches so how much can I accomplish?
I am only a little man...

I am not as brilliant, strong and layered with muscles and stamina…
I am seriously only a little man...

Giants surround me in my daily walk, talk and activities
I am only a little man...

Little man though I am, the land I must possess. The world usually stands in awe to acknowledge simple, ordinary man do great, extra ordinary things.

I am a little man, though small, In my heart and in my mind I believe I can

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.

RISING TIDES

Rising tides presents a problem, a crisis, a possibility or an opportunity. They usually invoke fear, failure, discouragement, courage, ingenuity or creativity to those who experience them.

Your rising tide requires you to plan not panic, remain hopeful not fearful, trust God not your own abilities, not your reasoning powers and not your intelligence.

Extra ordinary results require extra ordinary actions and extra ordinary actions come about from extra ordinary faith.

The sky opens…morning has come

At the dawn of day
When the mist is rolled away
The sky opens
Rooster has spoken

Light set free
Darkness chased to captivity
Air and wind unadulterated
Its cool, fresh fragrance slowly abated

~~~

No smell of eggs and bacon
The flavour is purely Jamaican
The earth now awaken
Worms their homes in a while forsaken

Green grass militantly stands guard
Creating grandeur in the yard
Shuffled sounds heard in the bush
Perhaps a lizard; you could take a look

~~~

Baby cries in the distant near
I imagined Care givers bringing it cheer
In a while there’ll be a rush
Children scurrying to catch the bus

At the dawn of day
When the mist is rolled away
Another chance to live and dance, pray and play
Don’t lose this moment, don’t let it slip away

By J.D. Gordon © copyright 2009

Why are you not happy?

If you were to reflect on your life five or ten years ago, what were some of things you wanted to have? Were there some things you believed would make you feel accomplished and happy?
Then look at your life today. How many of those things you sincerely desired and worked long and hard at do you possess today?
If you accomplished seven or nine out of the ten things that you wanted, why are you still not happy today?

If you believed those things would have brought you happiness and suddenly realize that they did not what does that mean. Is it that you thought wrong or is it that you are too busy looking at those not yet achieved while forgetting to be grateful for the ones you have.

Are your standards so high that even though you have 51% of what you wanted it is driving you up the walls that 49% is missing?

Happiness is defined as a state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy.

Albert Camus the Algerian-born French Author said:
“All men have sweetness in their life. That is what helps them go on. It is towards that they turn when they feel too worn out.”

Here is a little exercise I find very useful:

Firstly, if you were to make a list of things that you are not contented with, how many things could you come up with? What would be the nature of things on your list? These could range from things about your own life to things in your surrounding of which you have little or no control. Your list could include things that make you feel sad, depressed and miserable or tend to cast a shadow over your daily encounters.

Then on that list of things you prepared, place a rating on each item with No. 1 being assigned to that thing which is most valuable and of most importance to you.

Finally make another list, this time with things you are contended with; things which form a part of the definition of happiness given above. Your list must include the things that bring cheerfulness to your heart, leaves you smiling or raise your emotions to a higher level.

Similarly, on that second list of things you prepared, place a rating on each item with No. 1 being assigned to that thing which is most valuable and of most importance to you.
These two lists will help you to decide whether you have more things to be happier about or not.


Some persons may even argue that things, stuff and persons will never be able to bring you happiness. It is a choice you have to make. Your inner-self must decide whether it will remain happy despite your conflicts and turmoil.

It is also a fact that one man has a shirt and he is not happy while another man never owns a shirt yet he is happy.

The Habits of unhappy people:
1. In my experience I have found that most unhappy people are not involved in anything apart from the routine of life. They are not a part of a club, religious group or society.

2. They are usually not passionate about anything.

3. They are loners, not having close friends or family with whom they frequently interact.

4. They usually FOCUS on the negative, not spending much time or energy to appreciate the successes and positives.

5. Not having something to work towards that they can one day celebrate the success of when it is achieved or accomplished.

Some people also find happiness from making others lives unhappy. But that is not what this is about.

Fun people are fun to be around as they radiate an aura that those around them always catch, even for a moment.

For the Christians, Joy is considered to be a deeper level of happiness and is a pre-requisite as the bible says in Psalms 32:11
“Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart.”

In my own belief, Joy is from within, consider a young baby who so joyful. There is absolutely nothing to provoke that level of joy we see yet that young child emits so much joy and in such a remarkable way that everyone around latches on to it. A child knows true happiness and pure joy.

Your happiness and joy are far too important to leave it to chance. Make an effort to secure and preserve your happiness and rejoice always.

Because happiness is everything but blue, you should find greater happiness not from what hasn’t been done, rather from what you do.

Think on these things - 1

Where it really matters most-
Qualification is not considered
None is required.

Sipping

Sip, sip
With the lip
Forced gently against the tip

Drink, drink
Without a wink
Mouth and edge interlink

Thirst, thirst
Today will burst
Alas my dryness has been cursed

Hot, hot
From the pot
Take one sip and cannot stop

Cold, cold
Too cold to hold
Indulged my tongue now wet my soul

Gulp, gulp
Down the pulp
Journeying to the town of Kulp

Slurp, burp
Feel the wind on my skirt
Swallow, wallow the colour of dirt

Refreshing, Accenting
Mouth watering, thirst quenching
Ah! That’s my chocolate

Guess who we trust?

We often times find it so difficult to trust the one who show us who he is; The person who reveals his true self, his weaknesses and issues with which he struggles.

But guess who we oftentimes trust?
Sadly though, we find it easier to trust the man who we do not know.

Why Do Humans Cage What They Love?

Someone said that God fell in love with birds so He made trees, man on the other hand fell in love with birds and made cage.

Why is there this tendency in man to cage whatever he falls in love with?

A man falls in love with a girl so he marries her and takes her home. Not before long, she starts complaining how he is gone most of the time and she is left ‘caged’ in.

We labour long and hard to have, possess and own more so we can take home and put away. This cycle is repeated until man realizes that he is better off giving away than hoarding.

Why?

Why do we crave to cage?

 

 By J.D. Gordon (Author of the Colour and Power of Your Thoughts)
Listen to his music here: YOUTUBE

A stranger is my friend

By J.D. Gordon copyright © 2009 All rights reserved

Long before we crossed each other’s path
Our souls met one day in the park
When alas our voices greeted our ears
This stranger, like a lion tackled my fears

How could this be?
Someone so strange to me
Paid my bail, stand security
So I could go free and become me

How could this be?
Our first meet and we are swimming deep
Wasted no time in removing the cover
So we may venture deeper, even higher

Not many find friendship in a stranger
Though many find a stranger in a friend
A stranger willing to dry my tears
Soothe my wounds, my injuries, share my cares

How could this be?
Someone so strange to me
Paid my bail, stand security
So I could go free and become me

Oh stranger, I hardly know your name
Yet you dig deep to uproot my shame
Treasures and mysteries about me
So sacredly locked away, now made free

I sense my wings are beginning to grow
My halo switched on to glow
White, pure white
This battle I am empowered to fight

How could this be?
Someone so strange to me
Paid my bail, stand security
So I could go free and finally become me

Valentiners v Lovers

Valentiners v Lovers

Valentines is for the average lovers

~ Not for you and me ~

Red and white is bright

~ But we share a red hot love that is so right~

Valentines gives others a reason to love

~ We don’t need a reason ~

Valentiners need a season to show love

~ We don’t need a season to express our love ~

We are lovers

Love is the greatest

When man on his quest discovers love at its best

~~
He loses his mind to regain it with the passing of time

~~
I am yet to understand how a man who is free

~~
Craves love and its captivity, how clever

~~
For he who has been chained with chains is still free

~~
But he that is chained with love is bound forever.

~~

Copyright (c) 2009 J.D. Gordon. All rights reserved.

As you fight your battles

It is very likely that right now as you are reading this, you are fighting a battle of some sort. You could be fearful, anxious, weary or broke.

The bible reminds us in St. Luke 12 verses 22 – 34
“…Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 26If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? 27Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30For all the nations of the world seek after these things and your Father knows that you need them. 31Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
32 "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is there will your heart be also.”
We are all driven by our desires and matters of the heart. Quite often we worry and fight over ‘bread and butter’ matters. Life however is more than bread and butter. God desires to bring greater purpose out of our lives that just to make us exist, eat, sleep and find pleasure in the earth.

As you fight your battles, don’t allow cares of life to defeat you. ‘Cares’ are powerful weapons, but don’t allow them to defeat you. Find time for God and the things for which he has created you. If you fight against God and the things which are Godly, then your defeat is certain. But if you are for God and God is for you, who can be against you?
You are a predestined winner.

President Obama Inauguration Speech

When hope shatters like glass

When your hope has been shattered like pieces of glass
What else is left for you to do?
How?
When?
What?
You will ask yourself.
If you have one thread of hope you could hang
from the highest mountain top and never fall.
The strength of a single thread of hope is more than that of a double-braided rope.

There is still hope, let your soul find hope in God.

The mischievous side of love

Boy meets girl and they right away have a ‘thing’ going for each other.
But wait! Take a look at the picture below:

Picture No. 1
The boy showers her with extra attention, so he pulls at her hair, pinch her and even hit her from time to time.
On different days the range of things he will do to her greatly depends on his creativity.
This is described by some as play, love play or mischievous.


Picture No. 2
The girl responds by deliberately avoiding the boy and whenever he carries out his usual acts she make remarks such as, “I hate you”, “I can’t stand you!”, “Why don’t you leave me alone?”
This is described by some as misleading.

There are some people on the other hand, who are able to look at the two pictures above and right away determine that it is love. These two are really in love…Ooh!

But then why do they paint a total opposite picture to the one they are feeling and experiencing?
Why do they become so brash when dealing with each other?

Perhaps this little ‘game’ is played because:

They don’t want it to be public knowledge that they are fond of each other
They are overly concerned about each other, so they end up squeezing each other too tightly, by continuous annoying one another, which eventually leaves one person running away believing they are not liked.
Or maybe it is that we have been socialized to be bashful about love

Which ever of the reasons given above you do agree with; the fact is this same behaviour grows with many of us and remains with us throughout our lives until we recognize it and correct it. This little ‘love game’ leaves many unhappy, never really receiving who or what they desire and admire.

There are those who are brave enough to confess their love to the other party at the risk of being rejected. But such is life, life is a huge risk.

Who or what is controlling YOU?

Who or what is controlling you?
Who or what has the power to direct and determine your next course of action, your next thought or what determine your valuables?

Are you under the control of someone or something?
All of us are under the control of someone or something, without any exception.

When you are under the influence of someone or something your actions are determined accordingly. I saw this week just how one of my friends held her self captive, take a look at this scenario:

She had some money put away as short term savings. She needed to pay some bills that were now overdue. The entire thing placed her under such severe stress. She was under stress because she had some money tucked away that she did not want to use. It was so amazing to see how much pressure she brought unto her self by refusing to withdraw her own money. She was under the control of this thought and remained under its control until she decided to take back control. The same instant she decided to call the financial institution and requested the check was the very same instant her stress level went all the way down.

One of two things usually happened with control: We either yield control or we lose control. It is only when we realize how much control these things and persons have over us that we can make a change. We can refuse to yield control or lose control any longer, then and only then will we have dominion as designed by God.

Another side is, self-control, it is such an important fruit of the spirit we should not yield it to anyone or anything else. It is certainly worth keeping and never losing.

The next time you come under sever pressure from someone or something, take a conscious decision that you will not yield control and you will be amazed how much more power will reside in your hands. Yielding control to the circumstances around us only warrant us powerless. If you have lost control of your life, you can regain control. Then when you have it, then you can truly live it.

2009 Focus

I want to believe and behave as if:

· Better will not come unless I become better

· Change will not come unless I bring about the change.

I wish for you a blessed year

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