This Is Personal......

Have you ever been in a situation where you really, honestly needed an intervention from God. Your problem was so traumatic, until it you didn't know which way was up? And it seemed as though God was deaf  and blind to your problem?

The dead-line upon you needed to met was fastly approaching and it seemed as though God was not moving in you favor. Your heart was racing, your chest pounding, fear has set in and and so has frustration. And now you are seemingly to emotional to even pray?

I personally know this situation all to well. Sometimes we feel that certain thing can't happen to us. Sometimes we feel as though we are invincible. But were are not.

This leads me to a personal story upon which I wish to share. It was a situation very similar to the above description and I began to get frustrated with God. Truth be told I became angry with God. However, even in my finite mind, I had enough sense not to utter any harsh words towards God. But I was also stubborn to the point that I refused to look up towards Heaven. I would not pickup my Bible and like a fool I ceased to pray.

To me my situation was GRAVE!!! I needed God's intervention, but in my site, Gods intervention was not to be found.

Listen, I was hurting, my nerves jumping all over my chest, I did not know what to do! I  remembered the words of God, but those words were not comforting to my heart,  when He said "Trust in The Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him (God) and He shall direct your path.It meant nothing to me, at that time.

Now, I was discouraged, filling up with anger, frustrated, Irritated, confused, fearful. Then I reached a point where I would not pray. Pray for what? Nothing was happening in my favor!

Again, I had refused to look towards Heaven, read God's word or even acknowledge God.

I began to lose my appetite for food, I didn't care to go any where and yes my anger against God was increasing.

The thing about God is this,  God is Love, He is kind, Patience, Forgiving, Understanding and so many other Great things He is.

During my time of rebellion, silence and utter sin against God, He still reached out to me.  And He reached out to me in a  way that I could not see Him reaching.

When my heart began to forget my anger against God and focus on other things, God spoke so eloquently  to my heart and said so plainly, as though in an audible voice, but it wasn't. Yet it was a still small voice which said and I quote "Read The Book Of Job".

At that moment, I began to read The Book of Job as a hungry man looking for food, as a Camel needing to drink water and as a baby needing milk.

As I began to read the great book, The Spirit of God brought to a specific chapter. Now listen, all of the word of God is good and true, but The Spirit of God  highlighted the 38th chapter of The Book of Job in my heart.

As I began the 38th chapter, my heart began to have hope, My Spirit began to soar within. Help was approaching. What I wanted wasn't given at that time, but what I needed was.

As I read on in that 38th chapter of Job, the first verse got my attention:

¹Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind:

²Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?

³Gird up your loins like a man, I will question you, and you shall declare to me. I other words; Bernard prepare yourself like a man; I have some question to ask you. And he did.

As I read on, I could not answer any of the questions that The Spirit of God ask me. 

Now .... The verses that brought me to tears was this: 

²⁵Who hath divided a channel for the rain-flood, and a way for the thunder's flash;
²⁶To cause it to rain on the earth, where no one is; on the wilderness wherein there is not a man;
²⁷To satisfy the desolate and waste [ground], and to cause the sprout of the grass to spring forth?

In other word, this is what The Spirit of God said to me and in a language that I could understand;

Bernard, I send rain to places where there are no people. I send rain to places where no man's feet has ever stepped. 

I send rain to water the grass, in order that the blades of grass may grow. Then He said to me, If I care enough to take care of areas that are not known by any man ... Don't you think I care about your problems?

It was at that time, I fell to my knees, prayed, thanked and worshiped God. Because I now had an understanding - That If God cares about places that man don't know about, have never been, or ever seen; yet He (God) takes care of those places and things; Surely, because I was created in His image... He surely cares about me and my problems.

The moral to this story is this: God Speaks Through Circumstances!!!!!!!

• God Care .. Even when we don't think He does
• God Provides .. Even when we don't see where the provision is coming from
• God Hears .. Even when we think He doesn't
• God Loves You (Me)
• God desires that we trust Him .. All The Time

It doesn't matter how major, how bad it seems, how dangerous it appears... Still Trust God and His Word!!!

I going to ask That you read the entire 38th chapter of the book of Job.  If you can, read the entire book of Job. You will be glad you did. Plus you will get a clearer understanding of Job's relationship with God and you just might discover, exactly where you stand with God as well!!!

Ooh!!! .... I almost forgot!!!! Yes .. God supplied my needs. He gave me what I needed and the help I needed. Yes, He provided in His and not my way. Either way ... God met my needs.

• Trust Him ... At All Times
• Believe in Him ... At All Times
• Give God the opportunity to work on your behalf  ... Each and Every Time
• Take God at The Authority of His Word ... At All Times

I hope this writing has helped you with whatever needs you have at this time....

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

A Fireside Chat!!!

The Treadmills of life can take place without ever taking a step.The treadmills of life most times begins within the mind. We sit, we think, we wonder and then we form opinions. And we still fail to come to a conclusion. And when we do, well, many times we form the wrong conclusion.

Lets take for instances an unknown bad situation that has taken place. What do we do? What opinions or conclusions do we form?

The Mind’s Reality – Our mind always makes unknown situations worse than they actually are. Its goal is to dwell on pain and problems. Often when we find out the truth, we feel instantly relieved that the “reality” of events wasn’t as bad as what we had imagined.

Lets take for instance things are not going well on our job, at home or within a relationship. He has left you or you have left him. What happens then?

We need to think things through before falling into a Pity Party, that can lead to a wrong decision.

 – When others behave in ways that you are not happy with, drop the self-pity story, bring in compassion, and try to understand why they are behaving in certain ways toward you. There is always a reason. Often times, we’re so wrapped up in defending ourselves and making our own side be understood that we fail to truly see things from other people’s perspective, and we miss the chance to heal others and ourselves.

Remember this: 

Everything is Auspicious – No matter how bad things seem there is always a reason that contributes positively towards us. There always exists an incredible gift in any “bad” situation, trust that you are always being taken care of by the protective arms of Existence. More importantly ... God care about you!!!

Auspicious: Marked by lucky signs or good omens, and therefore by the promise of success or happiness.  ..


 Listen: I for one do not believe in luck. I believe in Blessings and you should too. Why? Because every good and perfect gift comes from GOD!!!


Listen: The next time someone offends you, deeply hurt you and cause you to feel very low in spirit... Don't curse them or think ill thought towards them. This will only destroy you from within.


Parting Words

When things get low, do all that you can to come back to your center, and remember that you are a luminous and empowered being. You have the power and choice to bring the light into any situation that may appear dark.

No matter how unfair a situation may present itself, remaining in self-pity, blame and resentment will only hurt ourselves, and draws us deeper into that darkness. In fact, we only have two choices – to remain in darkness or to bring in the light. You have the choice to prolong the suffering, or to end it and move on.

Regardless of what is happening, the ups and downs of life will continue to prevail. So, deal with the down times and welcome the coming of the up times. 

Next time you hit a down time, remember that it is only temporary, focus on what can be learned, trust that it is the best thing that could happen to you right now, and know with certainty that the up time is just around the corner.

Fluidity of Life – Life is always fluid. The unexpected and even unimaginable can and does happen at anytime. And all things, scenarios, events can shift their course at any time: from bad to good, from good to bad. 

There is no good or bad, there just is. In other words, forget about good or bad and understand that circumstances happened. 

Never focus on your problems, but rather think on a solution to your problems. Make a decision as to how you are going to your present issues. Even, if its- just to walk-away and leave the issues behind, a decision was made.

Hey listen... Either you learn to make a decision concerning your issues or one will be made for you.  Smiling...But either a decision is going to made. So, why not you be in control of your situation.

Moving on:
Surrendering to whatever that happens, without placing unnecessary importance or investing excessive emotions holds the key to lasting happiness. At any moment, we have the choice to choose bliss, to see the light. Surrender to rigid thinking and choose to live a conflict free life. {Although conflicts will occur.}

Bliss: Perfect happiness...

Remember this ...We create habits, then habits creates us and then we become the habit(s) that we've created.

If you change the way you think, I promise you, that you will change the way that you live!!!

And... If you can see yourself through the eyes of God, you will then see how large and important you truly are:  

Get the picture???


Lastly: Trust in The Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding.In all your ways Acknowledge Him (GOD) and He shall direct your paths. (Show you, the direction you should go)


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

A mirror has two images!!!

It is important to be Honest with yourself!!!



For some reason I chose to write about reflections in a Mirror.  I realize that a mirror reflects objects. These objects change as often as facial expressions.

As we know, a mirror is used for personal grooming. Making sure that a dress, slacks or suit is fitting nicely.

A mirror is designed to let you see yourself exactly as you are. But are these reflections true. You will either look good, bad or indifferent to yourself in a mirror's reflection.

The real question is "am I truly and honestly seeing what is there. Is the image I'm looking at, really reflect the person that I truly am?

Do I see Honesty, Integrity, Trustworthiness, Sincerity, Faithfulness, or do I see a person of Dishonesty, Lack of Integrity, Untrustworthy, Lack of Sincerity or an unfaithful person?

Reflections in a mirror can be distorted, just as the picture's reflection above. But, the truth is never distorted. it is plain and simple. Some say otherwise, but I say no way..Now, that being said .. What do you see when you look in the mirror?

Understand, maintaining an image can be very difficult. Especially, if, I'm not a person of Honest character.

You and I both know that looking in the mirror at one self, does not always depict the truth. Even in life words are spoken, pictures are portrayed that sometimes may or may not be true.

Depict: (To describe or portray something in words).

But the things men and women need to believe in and see the most is that, people are basically good and honor courage and virtue is everything.

That power and money and money and power means nothing. That Good always triumph over Evil. That true love never dies, whether I believe it or not.

Man should always believe in those things, because those are things worth believing in.

So, the next time you look in the mirror, look at yourself eye to eye and look to see if those things are present that you truly believe and look to see if the qualities such as Honor, Courage, Virtue, Honesty, Integrity, Sincerity, Faithfulness  and Trustworthiness are starring back at you.

And, if you fail to see these qualities starring back at you, while you are looking in the mirror, then tell me which image is true. The one you see in the mirror or the image that the mirror is reflecting.

The above listing of attributes are choices. If you don't make the choice, then the lack of choice will categorize you and make YOU!!!

Attribute:  {Assign qualities to somebody or something} To regard somebody or something as having particular qualities.

A mirror is an object that reflects light or sound in a way that preserves much of its original quality prior to its contact with the mirror.


Think about it ......??????


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

Attitudes, Opinions and The ability to reason!!!

 

As you know, relationships can be very taxing at times. Yet, when you truly care for someone, love and compassion must be the foundation, as well as the ability to reason together.

However, in this writing I wish to point out three things that can ruin any relationship and it does not matter how rich, handsome, beautiful or your status in society.

I want to deal with my subject from a male perspective. And I chose to do this because as men we can have such a dominating Attitude, we can be very Opinionated and The Lack of Ability to reason.

It is either Our way or No way at all!!! BAD MISTAKE!!!

Men are notorious about giving their opinion and advice, displaying an Attitude when their opinions are not received and then show a lack of ability to even desire to reason.

Alert, Alert Alert!!!! ... Contrary to popular demand, Women have opinions too, and can give advice and have the option of rejecting yours.

Why do we (men) think that our advice and opinions are the only ones that counts. Men wake up!!! Before it's to late!

Understand, a relationship between a woman and a man does not mean, The man is a Dictator,  you sir are not the Boss and your Attitude should not be My way or No way!!! There is a beautiful gospel song that says "Come, Let us reason together"

This is a sure way to End, what could have been and should have been a Great relationship. And, in many instances, this knowledge is discovered after a Breakup or Divorce.

My question to you sir: Is this what you truly want?  Throw your pride out of the window and please answer the question honestly. 

 Here are the three words that kill any relationship:  if not used correctly!

• Attitude
• Opinion
• The ability to reason together

Attitude: it's been stated that attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude to me is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill.

It will make or break a company … Church … or Home. The remarkable thing is, we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past … we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable.

The only thing we can do is plan on the one thing we have, and that is our attitude … I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you … We are in charge of our attitudes.

Opinion:  Attitude; Outlook; formal Judgment or Estimation.

In general, an opinion is a subjective belief, and is the result of emotion or interpretation of facts. An opinion may be supported by an argument, although people may draw opposing opinions from the same set of facts. Opinions rarely change without new arguments being presented. However, it can be reasoned that one opinion is better supported by the facts than another by analyzing the supporting arguments. In casual use, the term opinion may be the result of a person's perspective, understanding, particular feelings, beliefs, and desires. It may refer to unsubstantiated information, in contrast to knowledge and fact-based beliefs.

 Know this, Your Opinions are not always  a true assessment of a situation. It is your observation of how you see it. She has an opinion too. Opinions can also be very offensive, hurtful and painful! So, when you share your opinion consider her feelings as well. Know that  the world as large as it is, does not evolve around you and your opinion(s).

The ability to reason together: Find a solution to a problem by considering possible options.

Many times when opinions are given and discussions take place, it leads into arguments. The arguments are usually initiated because one person has sat and thought during the day, forming an opinion of a situation, and developing an attitude that makes reasoning absolutely impossible.

From there, harsh words maybe spoken that can cut deeper than the sharpest knife. The wound can be so deep until healing is impossible. Thus leading to the death of a relationship or marriage.

The Roses, Diamonds or Chocolates you bring, in hope of making up; may not stop the bleeding from the wound you've opened up. Harsh words can cut very deep and may not stop your relationship or marriage from bleeding to death!!!

We as men must understand that women are different. Yes The man is the authoritative figure over the wife, but he is not to be Boss or a Dictator. God is the head of the man and expects the man to lead his family correctly.

So often, we marry and immediately the man's attitude is (I'm the Boss. You should obey Me), What I say goes is the attutude. And you know what?... Whispering 'He doesn't know the first thing about being a husband and a leader.

We must learn when to be Men of velvet: Kind, sensitive, understanding, tender hearted.

And when to be Men of steel: Firm, Strong and Direct ... but still with sensitivity!!!

Women are to us as a help-mate. to love, cherish, protect and provide for...

Please remember, I'm not an expert, I'm not Dr. Phil, I'm just Bernard Edwards. A country boy from Hartsville, SC and felt compelled to write this. I trust this article will be of help to you.

Never forget: The wrong Attitude and Opinion can Disintegrate the ability to reason together and destroy a relationship.

Disintegrate: to destroy the cohesion, unity, or wholeness of something, or undergo such destruction

Change your atttitude, Be sensitive when giving your opinion. Give her a chance to rebut your opinion, without becoming emotional and Be ready to reason together.

Don't allow anger to enter in and please understand this, your opinion is like a body .... Everyone has one. 

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

Small, Quite - Silent Power....

So often we think that power should be expressed in a loud way to get the attention we desire! We have a sense of sticking out our chest, open our eyes as wide open as we can get them, and speaking in a loud boisterous deep voice. And, in some instances we use four letter word to get our points across.

Or.... we like to show off our muscles ( if we have them), by spreading our arms and walking in a certain way to express power and strength.

Some, ride around in fancy cars or have chauffeurs to drive them around to express power and wealth. And, of course, these technics do work in certain environments.

I've learned that power can be expressed in a quiet, silent, but powerful way.


Examples: The Iceberg. silent and practically invisible, submerged under water, yet it can sink huge powerful ships in a moments notice. Remember The Titanic ... The unsinkable ship?

The Mountain: Beautiful and Spectacular. Yet, it can produce a force that man cannot withstand.

The Ant: Very small in size, they never make a sound, yet they are very powerful because they work in unison. And, that being said, many insects fear them, because of their fearless and bold strength.

The Termite: Again, small in size, somewhat fragile. But by the time you see them, the damage is already done.

Remember, these are very small creatures in comparison, yet they are very powerful. And when their work is done you will see the results.

So, the next time you are frustrated, or feeling bullied on the job, at school or even at home, remember you don't have to always poke out your lips, stretch your eyes wide open, clinch your fist, or speak in a voice that can be heard around the office, in the next room or around the block.

The moral to this is: Power is not always expressed loudly. It is sometimes expressed in silence and quietness. And... even with your eyes!!!!


Think about it!!!

I hope this makes sense to you....


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

God ....You alone are God!!!

 

An Open Heart .... A Letter To God...

I was not proud of who I am and the things that I’ve done; but what I am proud of is that you love me. I’m proud that you love me because of who you are and in spite of who I am.

Your Grace has always been sufficient and your strength has always been perfect in my weakness.

Today I draw from your strength, because I have none left of my own.

You have been a constant companion in my life even when I refused to acknowledge you; you have been a guide even when I did not choose your paths.

Heavenly Father, My Lord, My Saviour, My Guide, My Strenght and My Provider, your Love has no boundaries, which cannot be compared; Your Wisdom has no limits, Your Grace is un-measurable.

You alone are God!!!

Before I was ever conceived and growing inside of my mother, you God, knew who I was. Before I ever came forth, You knew the challenges I would face, the type of child I would be and the man I would become.

You alone are God!!!

I realize that life is a journey, which has many highways, back roads, Rivers, Ponds, Lakes  Seas, and Oceans.  However, it does not matter which avenue I take, you are there. If I make my bed in hell, Lord God, you are there. If I make my bed in Heaven.... You are there.

You are Omni-Present and you have all Power!!!

Why then, does man chose wrong over right? bad over good?....

You know that I know the answer to that last question.

What is my purpose? What is my destiny?  is what all of mankind should ask!!!

Inspite of who I am, I Love you, Inspite of what I do, I love you.

You have never failed... In you Good will always triumph over bad and Right will always win over wrong!!!

You are God Alone!!!

My Life before you -Lord God, is an open book:

To the readers of this blog... Examine you heart, as I examine mine!!!


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

{Hurt..... .....Pain .... & ..... Memories}

The mind as you know can be as asset as well as a detriment. As events happen in your life, we know that some memories are good and some are bad. Yet life affords us the opportunity to remember and to forget.

But, do we  really, honestly ever forget incidents that happened in our lives?

I reminisce on my youth, family life as a child and I remember so many events that I now realize I've suppressed over the years. Yet, those events have always been an ever present companion, that I knew was there, felt it's presence, but refused to look at or to address it.

So, today I express a moment in time, when hurt was so great, silence was so noisy and finding the remedy as a young boy was simply out of reach!

Today, I choose not hide in my hiding place, which is my mind. You see, my mind, my thought process, my God given ability live to live in a make believe world is not desired today.

As I sit  in my chair, in the dark, at my desk, with just a glee of light, I choose to to express pain, hurt and disappointment, As I remember events from the the first grade, those who have passed on, and those who caused pain, hurt and disappointment in my life....

And here it goes...

..................................

I hurt myself today, to see if I can still feel. I focus on the pain the only thing that’s real.

The pain feels like a needle which tears a hole; an old familiar sting.

I try to kill it all away, but I remember everything. What have I become? My sweetest friend … everyone I love and know goes away in the end.

And, you can have it all, the memories I've suppressed. I will let you down, I will make you hurt. I wear this crown of thorns, upon my liar’s chair, Full of broken and hurtful thoughts I cannot repair.

Beneath the stains of time, the feelings hurt and pain will disappear. You ,someone and somewhere else, I am still right here.

What have I really become. Everyone I know and love goes away in the end. If I could start again a million miles away; I would keep myself; I would find away.

If only I knew back then what I know today!!!

I would love to hear your voice again; Sometimes I wanna call you; But I know you won't be there..


Pain suppressed can be a mindful, ever present companion ... Pain released -- can bring freedom!!!

Who am I, and what have I become? who are you and what what do you wish to be... Please don't enslave yourselves in suppressed memories like me....


Memories .... Of all The Powers Of The Mind, memories are The Most Delicate and The Most Frail....

Just a final note:

It’s going to be a long, long journey. It’s going to be an uphill climb… it’s going to be a tough fight, it’s going to be some lonely nights.


But I’m ready, to carry on... I’m so glad the worst is over….. I can start living now.

I feel like I can do anything… Finally, I’m not afraid to breathe…

Anything you say to me and everything you do, you can’t deny the truth… because I’m living proof…

So many don’t survive; they just don’t make it through…. But look at me … I’m the living proof.

Thinking about a life been painful … It took a while to learn how to smile… So now I’m willing to talk to people about the storm;

I’m so glad the worst is over … coz it is all beneath me now… it is time to start flying I believe I now know how...

My best days are still in front of me and I’m almost there. At this stage in my life my mind is free, my heart is relieved.

Nothing about my life has been easy …. Nothings going to keep me down!!!

I know a lot more today than I did yesterday, so I’m ready to press on.

What I've expresssed may seem strange, but what I've held deep in my heart is oh so real!!!

These are thoughts ... that are real  and emotions that are true.... but, how do my thoughts affect you?