~*Make Sure Your Steps*~

Sometimes I sit with a heavy heart.  I think of things as they are, and imagine how I would like for them to be.  I spend lots of time alone and I've adjusted to enjoying my own company. I've found myself feeling alone, even with the presence of people around me. I isolate myself in a crowd mentally and hide myself in my thoughts.

When I attend a meeting, functions or even a restaurant, I usually sit in a position to watch people as they enter. I've discovered that I'm at war within myself. It's a war of thought. This war of thought can be so tiresome, yet challenging. I have mastered placing myself deep into my thoughts. My mind is my Hiding Place ... It is as though I'm in a world that I cannot explain. Yet I find solace as I enter in.

I've made so many mistakes in life. So many wrong decisions. But, I'm still standing and I refuse to give up. I will take my last breath before I lose this war.

But, truth be told, its not about winning or losing. It's about Right and Wrong! And, this statement lead me into the subject of ~*Make Sure Your Steps*~

I, like you, have made decisions that were not so great. And, I've learned that there are costs associated with making ill advised or wrong decision!!! There are things I've discovered a little late in life, but not too late to recover. As long as God allows me to function, I have an opportunity to overcome my mistakes, to be successful and so do you.

My life as of late seemed to have hiccups. I've seen myself in disarray. But I've come to the conclusion that I need God's Peace each moment to accomplish My purpose in life. Regardless of the thoughts in my mind, I truly understand that He created me to be dependent upon Him. To Trust Him in every situation and in every aspect of my life.

For you to ~*Make Sure Your Steps*~ and to succeed in this life there a few things that you must know.

So, lets begin...

1. Know what you are worth and never settle for  a lesser you!
2. Refuse to believe the negative things people say about you and the negative things you say and think about yourself.
3. Believe in you (Yourself).
4. Be Bold and Be Brave. Dare to step out of your comfort zone.
5. Keep trying and learning and Trusting God with the ability He has giving you!

Ask God for wisdom: The word of God says: The words of the wise bring healing. Proverbs 12:18

Pray and ask The Lord to give you the power needed for the task you are about to enter.
Ask The Lord to show you the right path; to point out the right road for you to follow. Psalms: 25:4

I have come to the realization that the circumstances and the decisions before me are not superior to who God is, no matter how great they are, God is still Superior.

I don't know where you are or what you may or may not be going through, but my advice to you is to Make Sure Your Steps. Follow most, if not all of what I've suggested. By doing that, you will ensure that you are ~*Making Sure Your Steps*~...

...I hope this Makes Sense...

~*These are my thoughts ... I welcome yours*~

~*If The Truth is Ugly ... Then Only a Lie Can Be Beautiful*~

                   ~Our Leadership Today~

We live in a world today where truth is not necessary the goal for many. Lies are becoming the beautiful  new truth and the truth is becoming the ugly lie. There was a time when the truth was spoken even if it caused hurt or embarrassment to to person speaking it. But, it seems as though that day is gone. At least for many.

I watch and listen to the news so much until I'm hesitant to turn on my television or radio.  Racism, Bigotry, Hatred, Sexual Harassment, Lies, Deceit, Favoritism and Revenge heads up our news.

From the office of The President of the United States of America, it's Congress, Senate and men running for government seats are entering races with blemishes of sexual misconduct hanging over their heads. I, like you, am tired of cowardly politicians who do what's politically expedient instead of what's morally right. Please hear this, injustice done to others because of the color of their skin or their economic status, God will deal with that... TRUST Me!!!

Where does it end? What do we tell our children? is the truth ugly and has a lie become beautiful?

One thing to remember, when a lie is told, you better have a good memory, because if you don't, it will bite you in the butt.

I am also amazed of the memory loss of so many men in leadership roles, when they are questioned concerning certain subjects. But then later, a news flash comes across the T.V. screen, and it is playing a statement made by these men, that came from their mouths. Statements that they have forgotten or selectively refuse to remember.

Listen, it doesn't matter if you are a Democrat, Republican or an Independent... the truth will always surface to the top sooner or later, just like good cream.

When I was in my twenties there was an old Preacher, named Rev. Dunlap. He was speaking at Hunter Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia on this particular Sunday. The title of his sermon: "You Might Get By, But You Will Never Get Away."

I believe that sermon to be true today!!! If you don't believe what I'm Saying, read the book of 1st Kings, chapters 21:1 - 22:40 in there bible. There was a sermon I recall preached by Dr. R.G. Lee over 40 year ago when I first heard it. This sermon is much older than that. The Sermon is titled: "Payday Someday."  You can also find that sermon on You Tube.

As I continue to watch the news, and I hear of the women coming forth about sexual misconduct of men in leadership, and they were of object of these men, I can only smile and say Payday has come.

But, Leo Tolstoy said it better: Hear are a few quotes that fit this article:

• "Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself".
• "The two most powerful warriors are patience and time".
• "Though the wheel of God grinds slow, it grinds exceedingly sure, God will make everything right".
• "Wrong does not cease to be wrong because the majority share in it".

The sole meaning of life is to serve and obey God and to serve humanity.

JUST A NOTE:
If you are wondering why these women are coming out now to reveal what happened to them years ago, God's timing is always perfect!!!


Things to Ponder:

• "Sometimes lies are more dependable than the truth." To some...  
• "If you don't want to slip up tomorrow, speak the truth today." __Bruce Lee
• "The difference between the truth and a lie is that both of them can hurt, but only one will take the time to heal you afterward."

Lastly, There is some truth in a lie that is not seem by most. And, it is about to be revealed in two words: Fear and Cowardliness. Those words are two of lie's main ingredients.

There is power in accepting the truth in who I am and who you are. It may not be a truth that others can accept, but I find it difficult to live any other way. How would it be to live a lie every minute of your life and having to remember the last lie that you told, so you don't slip and tell the truth?

The truth most times is revealed at the wrong time but at the right moment! 
Truth never dies!!!   And the life of a lie has a time-limit!

~*These are my thoughts ... I welcome yours*~

~*Thinking And Realizing*~

Today I'm sitting and watching the ceiling fan go around and around. And I find myself counting the blades as the fan turns. The time is 02:13AM  and I know I should be asleep, but as you can see I'm not. For me this is quiet normal and it shouldn't be!

I discovered that if you want to know the purpose of a thing, you can't ask the thing or expect it to give you answer.

For instance, a car doesn't know it's a car or the features it has or it's ability. The way to know that is to contact the manufacturer or read the owner's manual. I guess that's the way it is with us and God!

God didn't just create us to be a Husbands, Fathers, Wives, Mothers, Sons, or Daughters. Nor to be a friends, Coaches, Drs. Teachers, Etc... Those are just roles that we must attend too and be very good at.  However, those roles are not who are as men nor you as a women. They do however aid in defining us as men and women.

Sometimes , I believe God allows life to turn us upside down, so we can learn how to live right-side up. And, when it's all said and done He will prove to be our One True Friend.

Adversity brings about a change in how we live and the things we do. I've learned that  I must die to my old way before I can start something new. A Caterpillar is a great example: It craws on it's belly until its time for that life-cycle to end. Then one day, the caterpillar stops eating, hangs upside down from a twig or leaf and spins itself a silky cocoon and it stays there until it's old life is over and the new life of flight has begun. It no longer crawls eating dust. It now flies, soaring higher than before.

I don't believe God close His eyes, but I do believe He allows us to stumble and even fall. But you know what, He always help us find a way to get right back up.  My life has had many twists and turns, ups and downs and I've made lots of mistakes; God knows all of them. I consider myself successful, because I believe God knew that I would learn from my mistakes. Even during this particular time when I became very angry with Him and left Him standing as I move away from Him.  He stayed close to me knowing that I would return home and back to Him.

God's love never dies no matter what. He Cares for each of us. Regardless of what you're going through in life, know that God's help is right next to you. Two simple words you can always utter when you can't say nothing else and they are Help Lord!!!

**What's in your life that keeps holding you back from knowing Him personally?**

I could go on, but I choose not too. However, I hope these few words help you in some sort of way!

~*Jesus is Truly the Way, the Truth and the Life*~

These are my thoughts ... I welcome yours!!!

~*Anger and It's Dangers*~

 

We all been angry and we've said things that we had never parted our lips.  However, words never die, they linger and what's in your heart will eventually come from your mouth. The tongue in your mouth no matter how small can destroy a person, for life. Read: Proverbs: 21:23; Ephesians: 4:29; Proverbs: 15:1.

As a believer, it is important to understand that you can have moments of anger and still remain right with God. But anger that hovers around in your heart can lead to an opportunity for Satan to enter.  The devil uses justification in our thought process... He whispers thoughts in our minds  by telling us "I wouldn't take that. Who does he or she think they are. You need to let them have a piece of your mind." These types of thoughts allows Satan the opportunity to setup a stronghold in your life. The word of God lets us know that it is an unwise person who allows anger to setup residence in your heart (Ecclesiastes 4:9).

We shouldn't except the devil's strongholds in our lives. More importantly, instead of responding to provocations negatively, which gives it fuel to burn, we should respond with forgiveness as the Lord has forgives each of us. If you have resentment, hatred, dislike or anger in your heart, you cannot come before God to find any type of justification for holding on to these things. The best antidote for these actions is to release it at once by having forgiveness in your heart! Please read: (Psalms 66:18 NIV) and (Proverbs 28:13).

It's very important that we shield ourselves by acknowledging these types of emotions and irritants  that we allow to enter our hearts. So, when someone says something to you that you don't like, remember this: (Help Lord) ...The Word of God makes it plain; that as we pray and seek His face, He makes us "quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger" (James 1:19-20 NIV). This create good fruit and this permits the fruit of the Sprit to flourish in the area of self control.

Harboring anger produces bad fruit. which produces very dangerous emotions.  We must take the right approach to anger.  Stand and fight anger with the word of God and a Desiring heart to walk in obedience. You can forsake anger by walking in the spirit of forgiveness!!!

*~These are my thoughts ... I welcome yours*~

~*The Chess Games of Relationships*~

 


I enjoy talking with people and asking questions. Some people I have conversations with simply voluntarily divulge information. I had the pleasure of speaking with man on the subject of having an affair. I often visit Starbucks and I watch facial expressions. This particular guy and I would periodically engage in conversations. Sometimes I can sense if someone is going through a situation. Well he began to talk and conversation ensued. Here is the end result as he shared his heart, which was full of regrets!

Many affairs begin as innocent as two people simply connecting.  They may work together, or have become acquainted via church or school, etc. And, if your guard is not intact and your boundaries are not set, a new relationship can become activated and cause you to get involved in an entanglement you just might regret!

The amount of time you spend with that person, via social media, phone or face to face, you may discover a little to late that you have entered into an emotional affair. Affairs does not have to end in a physical relationship, but, it can be as detrimental as entering into the eye of an Hurricane, because both can lead to the death of something or someone, either emotionally of physically. Including a relationship.

Again: Emotional relationships can creep up on you and before you realize it, it has slammed you not only in your face, but also in the heart.

Eye contact is made, interest develop, a conversation began... History is recorded. Once again, this damage begins with curiosity, sharing personal, deep information that should be kept between two people that love each other. Emotional relationship develops attachments of the heart and can lead elsewhere!

If you've ever played or understand the game of Chess, then you should understand this:
Affairs are like a game of chess --- everyone is aiming to capture the Queen or King that isn't theirs, and if your opponent is worthy, she or he can make it past the pawns. Heck, she or he may even make it past your Knights. But every woman's last hedge of protection is her King. Now the minute the King and Queen starts taking each other for granted the opposition slides down or opens up.

The pawns seems harmless at first, but they can bring down the whole kingdom of a relationship, layer by layer.

Listen: Emotional betrayals cuts deeply into the heart of any relationship!!!

These are my thoughts ... I welcome yours

~*Hope ... In The Fullness Of Time*~

Hope is a word that has  a very powerful meaning. It is a word that gives each of a sense of security that something good will come out of a tragedy or bad news. Note that the word of God states:  (Psalms: 112:7) "He will not fear bad news; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord."

In my years of living, I've discovered that God does nothing haphazardly or half-way! Every plan that God has is predetermined and carefully carried out at the precise time. Based on history, the present and the future, this statement holds true... All of God's plans are executed at the precise time.

This I know to be very true, God has a specific plan for each of us who desire His will to be performed in our lives. He works precisely to accomplish His will and goals in each of us, who believes in His word. Not only did He ordain the day of our birth, He also know what each day holds for us, as well  as the length of time we will live on this earth. Life is truly a gift from God!

Even though all of God's plans are good , the only way you and I will see His purpose fulfilled in our lives is to fully, completely submit our lives to Him. He gave us a promise: (Roman 8:28 NKJV) "All things work together for good to them who love Him and to them who are called according to His purpose".

Then God also said: Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV) "I know the thoughts I think towards you, says the Lord. Thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope".

My question to you is this: Do you truly trust God? Are you allowing Him to have his way in your life?

{Everything becomes full Circle in the Fullness of Time}

*~These are my thoughts ... I welcome your yours*~

~*A Purpose for Adversity*~

Adversity for many appears to be a tragedy for most! As humans we do not like adversity. We like it most when things go smoothly, without incidents!  But, that is not the way the human life is to be lived or can be lived... As a matter of fact, it is clearly impossible to live in a world without facing uncertainty, doubt, confusion and for sure, Fear!

I honestly believe that adversity comes to make us strong. Struggle is necessary. When I was around 19 years old, I heard a story between two men. They were out hunting and one found a cocoon.  If I may, I will give the men names. Lets call one James and the other John. James decided to take the cocoon home and he sat it on his dresser. The Moth in the cocoon began struggling too gain freedom. James decided to cut the cocoon to make it easier for the Moth to gain freedom. Finally the Moth gained it's freedom, but being fully grown, it couldn't fly.

James and John met again for another hunting expedition. During their conversation, John ask James "how the Moth in the cocoon was progressing". James  answered by saying " when the Moth came out and though it was fully grown it couldn't fly". John ask, "what did you do?" James replied "I cut the cocoon to make it easier for it to gain freedom."

It was at the time John told James, The struggle in the cocoon for the Moth was necessary to build up the strength in the Moth's wings to carry the weight of his body, but because you (James) cut the cocoon you handicapped it for life. It will never fly"! ...I hope this story makes sense too you.

The essence of this story is to help you understand that adversity is necessary for our strength and growth. It makes us stronger to face the next challenge. It allows us the opportunity to tell ourselves, "I've been here before and I know I can make it".

 There was a little old lady that taught me in a bible class. Her name was Mother Ruth Lindsey! We called her Mother Lindsey. She had a saying that went like this. "The world is a school room, but experience is the best teacher." How true this statement truly is! Experience teaches us a whole lot!

The great thing is that God is always with us. Jesus promised never to leave us nor forsake us. Please take the time to read: Psalms: 37:23-28 and Psalms 112:7. Hold these scriptures close to your heart. They will be a present help in the time of need!  One DAY...

~*These are my thoughts ... I welcome yours and your comments*~

~*Letting Go*~ Part II

Letting go is a subject that pains many of us, or is it? We've all been in situations where a choice needed to be made to either stay or let go. this is true in jobs, relationships, Etc! However, for many of us letting go just may be the easy part, its the moving on part that maybe the most difficult and painful.

Sometimes we fight hoping to keep things as they were. But, predicated on the situation, things cannot remain the same. There is a point where you just have to let go and move on, because regardless of the pain, you have to let go and move on; thats the only way to grow and learn to live and except your new flight in life.

As you move on know this, you must forgive what has happened in the past. It must be over and done with! You must learn to release and let go. Don't hold a negative memory of what happened  or against anyone. It makes you small and this can sometimes lead to hatred. Trust me, you do not what hatred to ever set into your heart. We are all continuing to change and I hope for the better.

Listen, often enough in a relationship, one of you are going to be put in the spotlight to make a decision to stay or moving on and let go. Either way it goes, that decision will either make both of you or break one of you. So please make the right decision if you are ever in this situation. Don't result to trying to hurt each other either physically or emotionally!

~~~Love and Forgiveness Conquers All~~~

~*These are my thoughts ... I welcome yours*~

~*Man ~ Woman & History*~

I remember back in the day how my mom depended on my dad to provide a living for us.  Every Thursday my father was paid. Bills got paid and food and other necessities were purchased. Well, for whatever the reason my dad and mom no longer liked each other and my day left us. Thus my mom became an independent woman, fighting to keep a roof over our heads, clothes on our backs and food in our stomachs. By the way, it was six (6) of us and seven counting my mom.

Thus birth the discussion ~*The Man ~ Woman & History*~:


History tells us that men have aways been measured by how hard they work, cultivated, create and how well they protected and provided for their wife and children. In older days, whether men realized it of not, they were seen as conquerers, providers and in some instances as heroes in the eyes of their wives and children.

But somewhere along the way that changed. Women started to become their own heroes and more and more independent. Maybe because their men or (man) forgot to be relic because they (some women) no longer cared to be protected anymore or maybe women had to become their own heroes and providers because of the pain they had to endure in life, by the man (men) they loved! I'm certain when men began to falter on their responsibilities, women became insecure. And, I believe the fight instinct that God instilled in them pushed forward.

Many women because of their situation, and maybe what they saw as young girls made them see the light of needing an education to better themselves as individuals and to prepare themselves as independent women, for just in case!

 Whatever the cause or reason, something took away a man's reason for being a man or providers and protectors for their families. Or, He (The Man) gave it away because  of reasons even he can't explain. But we know that someone or something told him he was no longer as important anymore and when that happened, it turned the world upside down!

Now we see women as CEO's of mega corporations. Board members of major companies, Super moms because they have become the bread winner in their homes.  I don't dare criticize women's accomplishments. I take my hat off and give them a bow because they have persevered through rough terrain to get to where they are today.

Women are Strong, Enduring, Nurturing, Comforting and, are Positive influences. God made them that way. Men pushed them to fight a good fight to burst through Victoriously.

Congratulations Women!!! You Are My Personal Heroes.  I thank God for my Mother ... (Jessie Louise (Pat) Edwards! She did a wonderful job for me and my siblings!


There is so much more we can say on this subject....... But not now. To be revisited!!!

~*These are my thoughts ... I welcome yours*~

{*The Struggles of Life*}~

~*Sometimes Struggles is a necessary fight  for New Life*~

Struggle is a word and situation we are all familiar with! But what is struggle: Struggle is "a forceful or violent effort to get free of restraint or resist attack".

What is the most important struggle you've ever had to deal with? Whatever it is or was Don't be so quick to label that struggle as the hardest or the most important one.

Some of you may feel that the most important struggle is to find the most important quality in the man or woman you're going to marry.  Their ability to handle situations, their ability to make you laugh, is he or she reliable, trust-worthy, are they handsome enough or is she pretty enough. Can he take care of or support a family? We don't think that beauty fades, careers end, children grow-up, and move away, spouses get sick, struggles happen, family members die, senility sets in when you're sometimes, but the ability to smile and even laugh each and every day is the most precious gift God can give you to get you through all of what you may be going through!

I honestly believe that struggles are necessary to build up emotional strength and trust in God and the ability He has given us fight.

Sometimes struggles can be violent. Yet we must be violent enough in a good way to take what we need by force. That statement I would love to explain if you don't understand. So, if you request an explanation, just ask send me a request and I will be happy to explain! :)

These are my thoughts ... I welcome yours

~*What's In A Thought*~

or

I come to realize that silence is very loud especially when it is accompanied with thoughts.

Believe it or not, but we live and breathe words. Mahatma Gandhi stated: "A man is a product of his thoughts. What he thinks, he becomes". You will have to be the judge of that statement as it relates to you.

At this point, I remind myself of some of the most remarkable people in my life. These people that I know are no doubt some of the same people in your life. You know them as Parents, Grand-Parents, aunts and uncles, sisters, brothers, teachers and lastly friendships!

Our thoughts can lead us down a downward path or on an upward spiral!

In thoughts we find answers to many issues and problems that plagues us and mankind as a whole.  For sure we cannot help ourselves or the world upon which we live with negative thoughts or belittling others. However, positive things can be accomplished by hard work, humility, faith and hope in mankind and ultimate trust in God!

My advice to myself and to you is this; Stay mentally alert to everything that goes on around you;  be curious, imaginative and observant. Strive to increase the range of the eyes and ears, and take time to listen, and understand. I believe its through a growing awareness that a person can and will succeed!

Remember, thoughts can be our enemy as well as an asset to each of us. The Bible states in Proverbs 23:7(a)... "As a man thinks in his heart, so is he". So, think positive thoughts. It doesn't necessarily matter where you live, but how you live. Viewing the pictures above, your thoughts and attitude can place you in poverty or place you in a High-Rise in Manhattan. Thoughts can lift you from depression into a life of joy and happiness and excitement!

Thoughts can be your friend or they can be your enemy!!!

This I know personally; therefore, I make my mind  my friend and not allow it to be my enemy!

Which do you choose?

Live through a clean and positive mind, filled with positive and beautiful thoughts! I say this because we are snared (entrapped) by the words we speak and the thoughts we think... So again, Be, Speak and Think positive!


Time waits for no one; so continue pressing until you reach the highest possible goal. Through thoughts you will play many roles in your life, so act your part well. Be a star performer and pursue the tasks that God has placed in your life. If things seems hopeless before you, just know that it is just another challenge to overcome!!! ... God sees everything!!!

Lastly, The world, more than ever before is in need for enlightened, responsible men and women ... boys and girls with quality leadership. Leadership that involves integrity, moral soundness, honesty of purpose and courage of conviction enrooted in knowledge, understanding and dedication to the welfare of others.

Even more ... Our government is in need of the same, in a Desperate Way!

I can not control how you interpret this writing any more than I can control what you think of me...

~*These are my thoughts ... I welcome yours*~

~~~A Man's Worth~~~

I don't have the right and neither do you to say anything that will hurt, degrade or diminish a man in his own eyes nor in the eyes of others.  What truly matters is what that man thinks of himself. However, the purpose of this writing is not to elaborate on that, but to ask a question.

How do you as a man value yourself? how do you determine your true net worth? Is money the determining factor of your worth, if not what is?

Many men value their worth based on the money they have stored up in the banks or the amount they carry in their wallets.  If this is the basis of your net worth then your true net worth has been somewhat mis-understood!

I like to think that most men are generally good. I believe if he acts on integrity and do right he will be successful in all he does. And I believe that every man has a purpose.

But the question is still: How much is a man worth?

Wealth is not measured by money alone, but by the kind of love he has around him at the end of the day. Because its that love that gives him the will to fight, to fight for something better than what he had since the day he was born!


I trust this writing makes sense to you...

~~~These are my thoughts ... I welcome yours~~~

*~You Do What You Are~*

People often are what they do. But in this writing I want to change that old cliche' and say, You do what you are!  To be yourself in a  world that is constantly changing and molding people into it's likeness is a great accomplishment.

Like I said, You do what you are. You are born with a gift. If Not that , then you get good at something along the way. And, what you are good at you don't take it for granted, you don't betray it. And, if you betray your gift, that you betray yourself, that is sad!

So, who are you? What is your God given gift? Do you know, have your sought it out? If not, you need too. Because as I said, you do what you are. Look at what you do on a regular basis and determine. If what you do, you don't like then work on a change. But know this, every God given gift is GOOD!

You are an individual. Find out what makes you unique and allow God to develop it in you. Refuse to run with everyone else and set yourself apart. To be different can be a great thing.

Don't be afraid of who you are or the gift you posses.


Sense you do what you are, make sure you are good to the bone. Because then and only then --- You doing what you are indicates you are a good individual.

~~~These are my thoughts ... I welcome yours~~~