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.