Family

Since leaving home and working overseas, I have come to deeply appreciate the value of family. You see, there is no relative who is with me, so I thrive on emails, pc to pc calls, sending pictures of life events and telephone calls. I am always on a high when there is family contact. Mind you we have our times when we do not agree but guess what, it passes and we move on.



The psalmist says that "God setteth the solitary in families" Psalm 68:6. So give thanks for your family and ask God to help you learn how to appreciate those whom he has given to you. I would like you to meet some of my family members

My sister Daceita and my grand-neice who lives in Georgia.

Mama and I and a dear family friend, Sis Jean

My sister Elaine and I. Elaine lives in Texas. we were both home for summer holidays in 2007

Devon, Elaine's son and his daughter

Dave, Devon's twin brother and his son.

My sister Daceita (right) and neice Shelly-Ann (left), Elaine's daughter.

My sister Una who resides in the UK

Cardboard Testimonies

I shared this video with friends sometime ago in an email but feel I want to further share it by posting it on my blog. It is such a powerful ministry. We all have pasts that we have been liberated from. When we are tempted to feel lost, let's remember this song:

From sinking sands, He lifted me
With tender hands He lifted me
From shades of night to planes of light
Oh praise his name, He lifted me.

That is our cardboard testimony.

The week that was

Well, if relaxation is the first thing that this picture brings to your mind then relaxation was far removed from my life for this past week. For each day, there was something that really ruffled my feathers and had me in some situations trying hard to contain my anger. I admit I did not win all the battles, but I have not lost the war as I am still resting on the everlasting arms of my Saviour, knowing that it is the only place of safety and comfort when life seems more than I can handle.



I am tempted to say...I don't want another week like the last, but I am reminded that "He knoweth the way that I take, when he hath tried me I shall come forth as gold"-Job 23:10. So no matter how stormy it gets, and the apprehension and wishes for a never again, my life is not mine and I can never know what will come my way. But, the assurance of God's omnipotence and his omniscience enables me to cast my cares on Him, and in my moments of weakness cry out to Him.



In these times I find the psalms very potent. Psalm 130:1-2 was almost like a mantra. Out of the depths I cry to you, O lord; O Lord hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy.


So how am I now? I am great. The joy of the Lord is my strength. So let me encourage you to continue trusting. Some statements may seem like just another christian cliche, but remember that there is nothing that you will experience that God cannot handle. Rest, trust and totally commit all you ways to Him.

Shalom.

Black-out

Last Friday night in the wee hours of the morning as I lay half awake, not thinking of anything specific, the dominant sound and all I seemed to be hearing was the hum of the fan. Suddenly the lights went and a thick darkness enveloped the room. The glow from the lights outside, the sound of the fan and the cool air it gave were suddenly gone. My ears suddenly tuned in to the rhythmic ticking of the clock hanging on the wall and for awhile all that consumed my thoughts was that faint sound. The gentle tick that had previously been drowned out by the sound of the fan was now all I was hearing. The darkness did not seem as thick as before as my focus was somewhere else. This then set my mind in deep thoughts and I was reminded of a beautiful life lesson.



How often in our day to day activities 'darkness' can suddenly sweep over us in various ways: sudden illness, death, job loss, criminal attack, family crisis, financial loss, church conflict and the list goes on. This can leave us stunned, emotionally distraught, angry and sometimes feeling almost hopeless. We can see no further than the reality of what has happened. But, just like the gentle tick, there is always a gentle word, a still small voice, something that causes us to pause, shift our focus and think differently. The Psalmist says in Psalm 16:7 I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me and in chapter 42:8 further declares by day the LORD directs his love, at night his song is with me.



Friend, this may be a night season for you- a real black out, listen, all is not lost. Let the songs of the Lord, the power of His word be a reminder - that gentle tick that causes you to sing:

Hold on my child, joy comes in the morning

Weeping only lasts for the night

Hold on my child, joy comes in the morning

The darkest hour means dawn is just in sight

Be Blessed

Why worry?

Worry-worry-worry. Nervous stomachs. Heart palpitations. Sighs. Tears. I am sure you can identify with this list. Lately I have been struggling here. You see my mother's health seems to be failing and there is some level of uncertainty just now with regards to a clear diagnosis. Can I tell you how unsettling this has been? It is worse as she is in New York and I am in the Bahamas. Mind you she has support but I want to feel I am right there. Distance at this point is a real challenge when it comes to relaxing.



Tonight as I struggled through the latest news, I remembered the verse that says-Do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving present your requests to God-Phillipians 4:6 (NIV).



I further reflected on how easy it is to forget the comfort of the word-but hey-it's just a reminder that we still struggle while clothed in this mortal flesh to always do it right. But guess what, the word again comforts as the Lord tells us to cast all your anxiety on Him because He caresfor you-1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) This was so comforting and I could sing:

Tell it to Jesus, Tell it to Jesus

He is a friend that's well known

You've no other sunshine, friend or brother

Tell it to Jesus alone

Shalom friends.

Don't suffer in vain!

The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament showeth his handiwork. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

I am happy to be sharing with you again friends. Let me apologise for the absence but be assured you've always been in my thoughts. Just now I am appreciating in a deeper way the beauty of God's word and the work of His Holy Spirit as He speaks and reassures us of who He is and how awesome and mighty He is. You may be wondering why I have this theme for today's sharing. Let me encourage you to read on and I hope that it will challenge and strengthen your heart. I have just finished watching an episode of a couple who lost two children to a genetic disorder known as Zellweger Syndrome.

Please see it at http://www.joniandfriendstv.org/video.php?id=11

It is out of this experience that I heard the challenge - DO NOT SUFFER IN VAIN! Wow! Didn't that hit home? I remember the wife in the video saying that the storm affected her but it did not destroy her. I can only encourage you to remember the word and the mighty promises we have when we face lifes' storms. Don't give in no matter what....through it all...TRUST HIM!

Hurricane Season Reminder

Fay...Gustav...Hanna...Ike! If you have no idea what these names refer to then I can conclude you have no connections or for that matter any interest with life in the Tropics. Well, those last storms and their path really reminded me of something powerful...GOD IS INDEED LORD OF CREATION!

As I watched the tracking of Hanna and its strange, unpredictable movement, I realised how helpless we were as humans with respect to being unable to do anything about the storm, save listen to bulletins and prepare. I listened as weather reporters stated at some points how it was almost impossible to say what the storm's path would really be. The computer projections were many and there was shift after shift with islands slipping in and out of the projected cone.

I concluded that despite how advanced we have become technologically, there are things that we can do nothing to change, impact and or control, one of which is the path of a storm or hurricane. We cannot stop, change or alter its course in any way. We are helpless and can only watch and listen to those who predict and give bulletins as accurately as they can get. But, above all this, there is a God who has "His way in the whirlwind and the storm, and clouds are the dust of his feet." Nahum 1:3 NIV. How awesome and majestic!

D0 you know this God? In or out of a hurricane season He is in supreme control. Let this season remind you of your insufficiency and incompleteness and His omnipotence, omniscience and omipresence. When the physical or spiritual stoms sweep, never forget, HE IS GOD, MIGHTY AND POWERFUL...TRUST YOUR PROTECTION AND SAFETY TO HIM!

Shalom friends.

Learning Time

In my usual Saturday shopping rounds, I could not help but notice the crowd in the malls, bookstores and shoes stores with adults and children all scurrying around in last minute preparation for school. Traffic was unusually heavy and the parking lots near shopping centres and stores were filled. New books, bags, uniforms and various supplies - all in the flurry of back to school preparation.



The educational community comes together at this time as the stage has to be set. Parents, teachers and students alike all have their part to play. Parents must ensure that their children have all that is required to start a new year in school. Students must ensure that they follow instructions with regard to all that is needed for the institution they will attend. Teachers must prepare themselves intellectually, mentally and emotionally in order to empower the minds of the students with skills and knowledge for continued study or the world of work.



Challenges come from all levels. The church, the government ministry responsible for education, companies and service groups who offer scholarships and various bursaries speak to the need for increased success and ask for commitment at all levels. The shared desire of everyone is that the students will pursue excellence and display the right attitude that will foster this. Society cries out for change and a halt to the indiscipline and rebellion that seems to have a stanglehold on our nations' youth. The committed often appear to be few - but is this really so? What is really needed? Are these just the last days as some say ? Is this the 'generation of vipers' as our youths have often been described?



I recall the various aspects of Jesus' life that were identified when his growth was spoken of in St. Luke 2: 52 - "And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man". We see physical, intellectual, spiritual and social growth identified. I therefore challenge all involved in the educational community to help build these areas in the lifes of those we work with in whatever manner. This is what will make the difference. This is the complete package - all parts needed.



When our minds are renewed and empowered by the Holy Spirit and we remain in constant communinon with God, we learn how to live with our fellow man, we learn to take care of our bodies as we grow and also empower our minds. This task is not too great, let us all rise to the challenge, building ourselves so we can build others...it is learning time!

Sing...Sing...Sing.

I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free
His eye is on the sparrow and I know He watches me.


One of my favorite religious programs on TV is 'Kids Praise' which airs on 3ABN. I am always moved by the sweet innocence and beauty with which the kids offer their praises to God. In addition the talent is really God-given and there are no pride-filled airs about them as they share. I am always reminded of Jesus' challenge that we become like little children if we are going to enter the kingdom of heaven.


Last Saturday morning as I watched the program I saw a little girl singing an old Sunday School chorus: "Come and go with me to my Father's house, ... there is joy, joy , joy." It took me back down memory lane to my childhood years and also later to my own involvement in Sunday School ministry. I reckoned how songs can really lift our spirits and at times when it may be difficult to express our heart in thoughts, the words of a song prove to be just all we need to say.

• Can you recall feeling overwhelmed and humming 'I need Thee O I need Thee' or 'Pass me not O gentle Saviour?'
• Still yet, the words of "It is well with my soul" can bring both comfort and assurance and I am sure you know that tears sometimes flow
• What about "He hideth my soul in the cleft of the rock and covers me there with His hand" at a time when life seems to be swallowing you up?
• On a more contemporary plane, how about Hezekiah Walker's "Faithful is our God," "I am" by Eddie James in Ultimate Call, or Brooklyn tabernacle's "God is still doing Great Things?"

Friend, I know you can identify with me that the call from the psalmist David in Psalm 95:1-2 to "...sing unto the Lord:...make a joyful noise...come before his presence with thanksgiving and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms" encompasses the use of songs of victory, praise and adoration. So next time when you do not know what to say, or who to say it to, remember, you can sing...sing...sing!

Identify with the 'Winner man'

"Jesus is the winner man... the winner man all the time." So sings one of our Jamaican gospel artistes.

This is a season that is all about winning and victory. With the Beijiing Olympics on, the eyes of the whole world are glued to screens to see how the athletes from the various countries are performing. As a Jamaican, I am proud and elated about the performance of our athletes on the track. I was home for the first week of the games but returned to my place of work in another country after the stellar performance of our women in the 100m sprint. However, I continued a keen followup of all the daily events. That victory was sweet. I shouted and screamed with friends and family and really felt proud as a Jamaican. I have been sporting national colours since and wearing tops emblazoned with my country's name. A Jamaican flag has been sticking out of my handbag since. These symbols have identified me with winners.

As I reflected on the sensation associated with this season, I have been challenged to reflect on how important it is for us as christians to proudly identify with Jesus Christ who is the 'Winner man'. Another line in the song I quoted at the start of this post says, "I am on the winning side...the winning side all the time." This is a status we cannot allow to slip from our spirits. Together let us affirm that "we are more than conquerors through him that loved us"-Romans 8:37. Because of Jesus' victory over sin death and the grave we know that we can say "Thanks be to God which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ"-1Cor 15:57.

So friend, as we celebrate in this Olympic season, let us remember that our walk with Jesus is a lifetime of victories. Live in it...walk in it...believe in it!

Life Challenges

As I prepared this post, my experience became more than a life challenge...I choose to call it my blogger challenge. It was a test of patience, willingness and commitment. Twice after writing and editting, I lost the post due to my not recognising that the internet connection was incomplete. I had to choose to give up doing the blog post or overcome the frustration and further demonstrate that I was really experiencing what I would be sharing. As you see, I chose the latter.


So, how have things been with you? What has been your latest challenge? How well have you been weathering your storms? Have you been able to gain new spiritual insights or learn new life principles? I have accepted in a new and deeper way that the admonition in 1 Peter 5:17 of "casting all your cares upon him: for he careth for you" is one that we cannot allow to leave our minds and spirit.


I had some experiences in the last few days that left me asking God afresh to lead and guide every facet of my life. I recognised in a deeper way how incomplete our lives are without the empowering of the Holy Spirit. I saw the need for the wisdom spoken of in James 3:17 that is pure, peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and hypocrisy.


As I sat with a friend who had lost her baby in a rather strange and shocking manner, and reflected on the various aspects of the encounter, we both recalled these lines:

We'll talk it over in the bye and bye

We'll talk it over my Lord and I

I'll ask the reason and He'll tell me why

When we talk it over in the sweet bye and bye.

In another situation I faced subtle redicule and synicism because of a stand I took that was not readily embraced. Mind you, I was right. I strengthened my resolves as I affirmed in my spirit:

My Jesus I love thee, I know thou art mine

For thee all the follies of sin I resign

My gracious Redeemer my saviour art thou

If ever I loved thee my Jesus 'tis now.

After vacation plans fell through and second plans also did not work, I battled anger, frustration and disappointment. I could not see beyond those emotions until I surrendered my spirit to the truth that God is concerned about every facet of my life and is able to take me through this.

I later shared the pain of a friend whose house was broken into and vandalised and some items stolen, including her laptop. I saw the value of and the need to 'bear each other's burden'.

Listen, life's challenges are not always easy to bear. In all of these expereience I have been reminded of a verse that I find potent. "Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord"-Ephesians 5:19.

Friends, use this and encourage yourselves as you face your life challenges. Shalom.

Celebration time

Its time to shout, Its time to sing!

Its time to glorify the King.

This stony heart is taken away

I have the liberty to praise his name, Praise his holy name!

This is a song of celebration and I know that the celebration of praise is not always on our lips, but guess what, its always time to celebrate.

Just now here in Jamaica, Independence and Emancipation celebrations are drawing to a close. The thrill and excitement seemd to ooze out of every nook and cranny. The float parades and grand gala celebrations were a thrill. The Jamaican spirit was strong and captivating and one really felt proud to be a Jamaican. The rich display of talent and creativity in music and the various genres were superb. The camaraderie was heartwarming and everyone just basked in the beauty of celebrating forty-six year of independence.

As christians, we have much to celebrate. We have a lively hope, we have a God who loves us anew each morning, we have angels encamping around us, we have an eternal God who is our refuge, whose everlasting arms are beneath us, we are heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus Christ, we are royal priesthood, peculiar people, we serve a God whose strength is made perfect in our weaknesses, we have a God who is our refuuge and strength and a very present help in trouble who will not allow us to be forsaken or to see our seed begging bread!!!

Now don't you feel like celebrating? Don't you see how blessed you are? Don't you see how much divine favor you have on your side. Make this celebration a way of life. Now I encourage you to join with me and say "I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever: with my mouth will I make known thy faithfulness to all generations". Psalm 89:1

Live in the spirit of celebration.

Me Time

How are all my friends? From the look of things, there is the sign of holiday...rest...relaxation. Well that's just what I am up to now. I am back home for a summer break...finding some well needed 'me time' and enjoying every moment of it. It is so refreshing to be with dear friends and family. My heart and spirit is really warmed by this.

Let me ask you. When was your last holiday? When last did you really drop everything and find some time to relax your body and mind? When did you last find time to be close to nature, to sleep late, to go to the spa, get a massage? Listen it is necessary. You need to replenish, lest you fall apart and be overcome with stress and all its related illnesses. One of the things I am enjoying now is that there is no hurry to get to an appointment, meet any deadline, return a business call, nothing like that. I am just relaxing.

Do you realise that in Mark 6:31 Jesus said to the disciples: "Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place and rest a while: for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure so much as to eat". So, need I say more. I can only encourage you to remeber that this physical body must be taken care of. It is the temple God has built and we must maintain it.

So, take a break. Refresh your mind and spirit and allow your body to experience some well needed rest. Do things you have not done for a while. Allow yourself to be pampered in whatever way possible. Plan a vacation ...there is value in 'me time'

Be blessed!

Facing your 'Mrs. Potiphar'

Popular poet and author Maya Angelou says "You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it."I found this to be an apt statement as I refelected on a challenge I faced recently. Have you ever felt trapped in making a decision which should be easy to make but you struggled with what to do? I am not referring to those that come in shades of grey, it is clear black and white. Ever been there? I made the right choice but later refelected on the mental battle I had. I further recognised that I have been defeated in the past due to bad decisions, but I learnt valuable lessons.

My mind then went back to Joseph and the challenge he faced with Potiphar's wife-Genesis 39:7-21. David did two important things:

• he considered the consequences
• he ran from the scene.

Mind you, he was maligned as a result and imprisoned as the woman of power felt she should not have lost.
Now, let's bring this home. What or who is your 'Mrs. Potiphar'? It does not have to be of a sexual nature. Identify any situation that you face that has the potential to:

• make you go against what is right
• rob you of your dignity
• destroy your character and reputation
• steal your joy
• make you act contrary to christian values and beliefs even when it seems everyone else is doing it.

Act like Joseph did. Follow the two simple principles. It works. Guess what, even if you fail, don't stay defeated. Rise up and go again and learn from the experience for a "saint is just a sinner who fell down and got up".

Let's share in Prayer

Do you recall the song from Sunday School - "Always take time to pray?" Well, that is what I want us to do together today. I am thinking of so many things that you and I can identify with together. Let us like friends, join our hands and hearts in true kindred spirit. You can insert a name in each blank as you relate it to your personal situation...THE EFFECTUAL FERVENT PRAYER OF A RIGHTEOUS MAN AVAILETH MUCH! James 5:16

PRAYER

Lord we bow before you and join with the angels in saying, Holy, Holy, Holy. Mighty God, we truly exalt and honour you and acknowledge your power and greatness. We approach your throne in confidence that you will hear us. With such assurance, we cast our cares on you because we know that you care for us.

We pray for those who are in grief. We remember the _______ family and ask that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will comfort them. Help them that in their pain, they will not lose hope in who you are and how you work in our lives.

Lord we bring before you the sick and suffering, those who have just heard news of a life threatening illness, those who have to live with various diagnosed conditions, those who are not responding well to treatment and those who are unable to pay their medical bills. God touch them in a special way. We think of ______ and pray that you will bring healing and comfort to their bodies, minds and spirits. God we know nothing is impossible with you.

We pray for the children and the youth of the land. So many of them are trapped in destructive vices and practices. Many times our hearts are in pain and we are tempted to feel hopeless about the future, but again Lord we call on you who can do abundantly more than we can ask or think. Visit our homes, our communities our schools and raise up mothers and fathers who will train up children in the way that they should grow. We curse the plans of the enemy who comes to steal, kill and destroy and ask that your angels will encamp around our youth and save them.

Lord, we remember those who have been victims of the scourge of crime in the society. Those who are fearful, angry and may be harboring thoughts of revenge. We ask that you will come to their spirits reminding them that you are the God of justice. May your peace flood their hearts and give them renewed hope.

Father for those who are experiencing loss, those in financial difficulties, those who are experiencing family crisis, those who have lost hope, those trapped in various addictions. Whatever the need is, we ask that you who will supply all our needs will open doors we never knew existed.

God we thank you that you have heard us and we continue to give you praise and thanks for your love, mercy and grace, Amen.

Shalom my friends.

Feelings Check

Greetings. How has your day been so far? If you are alive and well that is more than enough to give thanks for. But friend, I do know that we have those days when things have us on the down low, and we feel like we wanna hop off earth for awhile. Life's stressors can overwhelm and leave us feeling swamped. Think it not strange, the Psalmist said "From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I" Ps 61:2

Do not allow anyone to tell you that you should not be feeling that way. The reality is, that is how you feel but the challenge is do you want to remain there? You may not be able to change the situation immediately but remember a merry heart is medicine-Prov 17:22. So here are a few tips to lift your spirit.

• Identify something(s) you can be thankful for, it will cause you to see that all is not lost
• Tell God exactly how you feel. Get in touch with your true feelings. Don't stop until you get it all out.
• Sing...even if it is off key
• Cry if it will release the emotional tightness
• Call a friend and unburden
• Remember, nothing that you are going through is unique. Others have been there so there is someone who knows your pain. Share it....share it....share it.

Listen, life has its sunshine and its rain. Right now you may be having showers or even thunderstorms, but God is able to strengthen you through it. Some of these popular sayings may leave you thinking, 'yea yea...its because you don't know'. But let the thoughts linger and be encouraged.

Those Moments

I am sure you can identify with me that there have been times when, for unexplained reasons, sleep just seems to evade you. It can be worsened when a million and one thoughts hound you, to almost torment...unpaid rent/mortgage, utility bills, job stress, health issues, unaccomplished goals, friends who have hurt you and the list could go on and on.

This morning as I lay awake after a good night's rest, I began humming a few praise songs. I then began to just give thanks to God for His unconditional love, His provisions, His healing, His blessings, His guidance and protection, His empowering and the list went on and on.

What am I saying? Those moments when you lie awake, troubled or at peace, happy or sad, frustrated or relaxed, whatever emotional or mental state you find yourself in let your spirit rise in prayer and worship. Begin to count your blessings and as that song says:

Are you ever burdened with a load of care,

Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?

Count your many blessings angels will attend,

Help and comfort give you to your journey's end.

Those 'awake' moments can become precious...you can make it so!

Hol' dat tongue

A few days ago I was faced with a character onslaught by someone who was disatisfied with a decision I made. When I became aware of what was said my anger rose and I wanted to hit back. The thoughts raced full speed through my mind as to what I would say so I would return the hurt. In a meeting to address the situation, I decided to withold my views as to what stipulations should be enforced.

Later on that afternoon as I stood in my bathroom. the gentle proddings of the Holy Spirit reminded me of Jesus' response on the cross..."Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34. Whoa...forgive him...hmmm, Lord I did no wrong! But, I could not live there I had to release him and free myself. The desire to say what I felt also went. Is this easy? Surely no!

I am sure you can identify with me in situations where you really felt like venting without thinking, when you were unfairly spoken of. It takes a lot of Jesus and self control at times to hol' dat tongue. But, it is a necessary choice that we need to make time and time again.

The beauty of a well spoken word is captured by Solomon when he says in Proverbs 25:11 - "A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver." This suggests for me that we need to speak so that we do no damage, that is, hol' dat tongue. Jesus again as our supreme example when "accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing." Matthew 27:12.

Do you recognise this as an area of challenge in your life? Do you think you have to hit back when someone has spoken ill of you? Count to ten...one hundred...what ever is necessary, cause get what...when you hol' dat tongue, you still hold your peace and you speak no harm. Process your hurt, anger and preserve that peace, jus hol' dat tongue.

Blessed by Sharing

Hey ya all...guess what it's not my birthday...no major event...nothing special, but I feel like celebrating. This is the day that the Lord hath made and hear me out...I WILL REJOICE AND BE GLAD IN IT!!!

Last evening I shared with a friend in a prayer and fasting session. The hours were quite unlike what I am used to. Started 5:00pm to 6:00 am this morning. I spent the evening after work and the usual home stuff, watching you tube videos of gospel hymns in between my petitions. I watched in between a clip of 'Decision House' for the first time. What came to me as I later reflected on the 'Decision House' episode was how that couple benefitted from the help of those who intervened in different ways...each using his/her own area of expertise to help the couple through their struggles. I say again...I NEED YOU...YOU NEED ME!

Then as I shared with my friend in prayer, the 'new' experience was enriching. Without an alarm going off, I rose early (I don't do when on holidays) to pray. My spirit was flooded with so many warm and precious promises from the Word. It was so refreshing. I benefitted because someone said 'I need you' to pray with me.

Friends, it's a hard world we live in. The well known statement that no man is an island is eternally true. Sometimes, and I confess, that the hurts we feel often make us put our defences way up. We then close people out of our lives, and as a direct result, many who know we could help them fear approaching us because of our twisted faces, loud open remaks or our non-availability. We end up being cold and calculating in our comments and we dwell in our own house, alone...cold and angry.

Guess what? It is in those times we need someone. We may not even wish to speak then but to have a presence can make aworld of difference. It's nothing new...in this life, HURT IS A MUST! Hard but true. Never forget though, that in it all we can be a blessing...let's just share!

I need you...you need me

Hey all...guess what...I really need you and I know you need me too.

Every time my life is touched and enriched by someone's sharing I recognise afresh how much God has empowered each of us with gifts, talents and has strategically placed us to be His hand extended...reaching out...touching...so that "others may know and be blessed."

There are many who need your smile, your touch, your prayer, your song and even you shedding a tear with them. Have you paused to do this...to share in this way?

On my blogspot, I just wanna share my heart...my joys...my pains...my struggles...my triumphs...sharing my heart with you.

You're my brother, ny sister, my friend...come let's walk hand in hand. In this picture, I am hugging my grand-niece and nephew while we were all on holidays in Jamaica last summer. At times we need to allow our childlike spirits to have full sway as we abandon ouselves to the help and sustenance of others. The warmth of togetherness, love and support is indeed medicine for our soul, our heart. I am sure you can recall a moment when all you needed was a hug and on receiving it, there was like an injection of energy and you felt you could carry on. Maybe it was a phone call, an email (even just a forward), whatever...you know.

The Word says:

• as I have loved..you love also-John 13:34
• it is GOOD and PLEASANT to dwell in unity - Ps 123:1
• let brotherly love continue - Heb. 13:1

So...welcome to Dee's heart. I look forward to sharing my heart and trust that you will be blessed. And remeber share your heart too.