It's What You Say

 

 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,And those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 18:21

New King James Version (NKJV)

  I was meditating on some things the other evening and that's when I discovered that I am at peace more at this juncture in my life than I have ever been. I have learned so much; experienced a great deal, suffered wrongs at the hands of "friends" and even have scars caused by my own hands. I've learned to never say "never" and I have seen miracles and have had visions and dreams that can only be attributed to a higher power.  

  I recall how earlier in my life, when I was going through my first divorce, how I was always financially destitute. I seemed to always be broke due to having to fulfill my legal obligations and manage my own needs. I recall how one day I simply told God that I never wanted to be broke again.  There were times when all I had in my wallet was a single dollar bill; but I wasn't broke. That's when I began to experience the power of the very words we speak.  It didn't only stop with that but I eventually learned to "control" my environment by adhering to sage advice concerning the avoidance of bad behavior distancing myself from people who are habitually negative, toxic, untruthful and consistently immoral. Do I still make mistakes? I certainly do, but I am able to recover from them more quickly these days. Sometimes it's as simple as knowing that you can't have your cake and eat it, too.  Even habitual characteristics that one has grown up with can be deleted from our lives. As they say in Texas, "You have to rise above your raising". 

  

"If we are unfaithful, He abides faithful, for He cannot deny Himself."

2 Timothy 2:13 

 

  I do not have the luxury to lie awake at night worrying about whether I and my family will eat next month or have a roof over our heads. I do believe that God's eyes are on the sparrow and he will do just what he said he would do which is to watch out for His children and supply our every need. To those who find no belief in God; this message will not assuage your worries about tomorrow. For those who know of God's faithfulness we will gain empowerment and courage to outlast even this debacle.  Remain positive in the absence of light, my friends. See things as they should be and not as they appear to be. Have faith in spite of what your natural situation tells you.  Tell that mountain to get out of your way!

  I wish you peace, success and love.
  Dennis

Remembering Those Things Which Brought Me Through

 

 

"Get Wisdom And Understanding; Forget it Not; Neither Decline From The Words Of My Mouth". Proverbs 4:5

  I awakened this morning with more energy than I usually have in the morning. There was an urgency in my spirit that urged me to get focused, get organized, and prepare to answer the call.  I am always concerned about my family's well-being and security, but it felt as if there was something more pressing to accomplish.

 A quick shower and a bowl of Frosted Flakes had me ready to take on the day. It was then I heard the television news reporting on a clothing and food drive to help the homeless and those in shelters throughout the city. I immediately got busy going through my closets to find any and all clothing that I no longer could fit into or no longer wore. Anyone who knows of my appearance when I was working can attest that my clothes were always clean and pristine; so I am proud of the fact that I am not relegated to donating worn, torn or outdated items. I did the same regarding the food pantry. We will collect the wife and son's items tonight so that we may deliver them to the shelter tomorrow. Like others, I have donated before but sometimes we need a reminder.

  As I've mentioned in earlier blogs, I come from a family of nine; seven children and two adults. I was what was commonly referred to as the knee baby. I wasn't the oldest child nor was I in the middle, as far as age was concerned. I was not the youngest either. I was next to the last born. To me this was always a vicarious position. Even before my young mind was able to properly process my feelings I had always felt somewhat out of place among my siblings. I was too young for the older siblings to cart me around on their daily adventures. The twins, who were a year older than I, had each other.  And I found no functionality in my baby sister as a playmate so I usually made friends with other kids my age in the neighborhood.

  Today I still vividly remember the encouragements and exhortations of my mother towards me. She never ceased in urging me to love books and reading. Perhaps it was only to keep me busy so that she could have some quiet time throughout the day, but I have always felt that she did it because she recognized something in me that needed to be cultivated. Through learning to love reading I discovered many things I may not have learned by merely existing as a child on a playground. Through books I learned of problem solving and through both the non-fiction and fiction I developed an understanding of fantasy, imagination, communication, reasoning and problem solving; all of which I greatly attributed to my successful military career among other things in my life. All that I am today I attribute to the continual encouragement of my mother.

  So why write of this today, you ask? It is because  early admonishments from my mother to "love reading" has allowed me to go elsewhere when I am faced with disappoint, uncertainty, despair, confusion, anger or woe. A good book or an intriguing article allows me to escape negative feelings, negative people and even circumstances which may seem out of my hand and allow me the opportunity to view my actions and/or the actions of others in a less controlling light.

Sometimes it is the things of old which bring us through the trials of today.
Have a good day.
Dennis 

Coming From A New Place

 

We're here.
I, and my family, have finally made it to Memphis, Tennessee. Oh, it's not as if we were targeting this area for years and now it has finally come to fruition; in fact, it wasn't even a distant thought. But, as fate would have it, we were given the  unexpected opportunity to come here to live. My many years in the military had gotten me accustomed to moving every few years. These days I absolutely abhor being displaced from my creature comforts and familiar environment, but it helps when the move is government sponsored; as this one was.

So we came to Memphis where we have no semblance of family and knew not a soul, but then we have the esteemed pleasure of knowing God and He prepared the way for us and set us up in record time.

I am looking forward to many great adventures in this grand city. There is so much history here such as the legendary Beale Street, and the FedEx Forum, home of the Memphis Grizzlies. I can drive by Elvis Presley's Graceland home at any time of the day and I can visit the Stax record museum in downtown Memphis. The Nike shoe factory is here, as well. The Lorraine Motel, where civil rights icon, Dr. Martin Luther King, JR, was slain is also merely minutes away. There is so much live music entertainment throughout the city and who can boast, (humbly, I must add), that the church they attend on Sunday has none other than the Reverend Al Green as its pastor. Yes, the Let's Stay Together Al Green of old. Each Sunday at his church is a veritable melting pot of people from all over the world who have made seeing Rev. Al Green one of the "historical" sites in Memphis. By the way; he can really preach.

Although some things change some things will remain the same. My gratefulness to God for keeping me and my family, my friends on Facebook, and this planet will forever remain. I have burned some bridges but have built new and lasting ones from the ashes.

I will now go forth and prepare my day.
God bless you all.
Dennis

Shutting It Down

Don't walk behind me; I may not lead. Don't walk in front of me; I may not follow. Just walk beside me and be my friend.

Albert Camus

 
An insincere and evil friend is more to be feared than a wild beast; a wild beast may wound your body, but an evil friend will wound your mind.

Buddha

 Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.

Oprah Winfrey

 I haven't blogged in a while. In fact, I haven't had the passion to write due to so many changes, both positive and negative, in my life. While I will pass on the opportunity to divulge what has occurred, (and is occurring), with me I will say that I have concluded that I need to "refresh" some of my Facebook friends.
 
 When I first activated my fb account a few years ago I believed it was an exciting way to keep up with old military friends, former childhood friends, family, new acquaintances and the like. I have a proclivity to encourage people, love people, support the dreams of others and to sometimes share experiences from my past and/or present.  But there are several hateful people out there in Facebook land. You peer on the pages of others solely to criticize their lives or to speak ill of their blessings. I have never been one to attempt to collect an abundance of people to call "friend" because I believe this word has lost its meaning in our modern world.  I used to wonder why some of my fb friends would take a break or simply shut-down their sites. I no longer wonder .

 If I do decide to emerge with a new page in the future I ask that those who are offended by my blogs, my positive attitude, my tendency to love people of all races, my straightforwardness, my belief in confronting untruths; please do not bother to solicit my friendship. I truly love so many of you but some of you have bewildered me with your ways.

 I wish you love,
 Dennis

I Wish My Mother Were Here

 

My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute all my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her.

George Washington

 Sometimes I wish my mom were here. I was nine years old when she passed away but I remember so much about her. She kept a clean house, could cook her butt off, and loved socializing with people. She taught me and my siblings how to keep house and she could be very funny. I remember how I once asked my mother why we boys had to do "women's work" such as washing dishes, laundry, sewing, ironing and cooking. She looked me in my face and said "There's no such thing as men and women's duties. I'm teaching you how to survive so that you will never have to worry about  having any woman take care of you". That is a lesson that I will forever cherish.  

 I know that I got my sense of decorating my house from her because she loved "what- nots", artwork, and unique items. Today, my home is decorated in like manner. I vividly remember the days of polishing door knobs with Brasso, scrubbing garbage cans and scraping wax out of the cracks of wood floors with a butter knife. Also cleaning windows and dusting. I remember how she inspired me to excel in school by complimenting me on my reading habits. When our family was stationed in Germany one winter I read an entire library storybook section from our home encyclopedia set. Her praises towards me still ring through and I still remember her loving smile of appreciation.

  Today I am a man with a family. I've made my share of mistakes, but with day I get better and better. I know what it means to have a loving family,  true friends and acquaintances.

  I used to wonder why God allowed my mother to leave us at such a young age. Perhaps if she had lived I would have stayed with her at home and never joined the military and excelled at my career or in life. The questions concerning her early demise still continue to come but all I know is that her living was not in vain for in her short lifetime she taught me a world of knowledge and for that I will always be grateful.  

  So in my quiet times I simply say "Thank you, Mom".

  Dennis

Putting Things In Their Proper Place

 

"Though you are a lowly worm, O Jacob, don't be afraid, people of Israel, for I will help you. I am the LORD, your Redeemer. I am the Holy One of Israel."   Isaiah 41:14

Taking care of yourself has got to be paramount in your life. I am guilty of worrying too much; about the security of my family, about what certain people think of me, about my sometimes fluctuating blood sugar, about my ailments brought on by years of military service; just to name a few. It's ironic that one of my favorite verses of scripture comes from Philippians 4:6 which states "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done". (NIV)

  I try to tell myself that I am only human, but that does not satisfy me within because I have actually seen and experienced miraculous things in my short life from a child up to now. Recently I have been tested on many points concerning my faith and my own self confidence. God keeps bringing me back to that one basic truth; "I am all you will ever truly need"

   Daily I press to remember to seek first His plans for me and all other things will fall into place. I tire of hatred, jealousy, guilt-slingers, false witnesses and the like. I am learning more each day to die out to my tender, fleshly man and to gird myself in His armor from day to day so that the fiery arrows of the enemy will not be able to wound my soul. After all, after the enemy has succeeded in destroying and/or killing you they will only ask "Who's next"?

  "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land".  2 Chronicles 7:14

  Hold on to your faith, even when you can't see it. God will always send someone into your life to encourage and help you to stand.
 I love you all,
  Dennis

When We Hold Hands

 


"Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!"
 I Cor 9:24

"Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven."
Matthew 18:19

 This may just well be the most important blog I have ever written; and it's possible it will be my last "public" one. For several reasons I am considering limiting my inner thoughts to my Facebook page alone. I am still praying about this.

  The ancient proverb states; "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb".  Essentially this connotes that it begins with cold, unpleasant weather but ends mild and pleasant. Spiritually speaking, this is exactly how the last few weeks have been for me. But true to the proverb, the days are ending in pleasant peace; however, not as the world may view peace but only the peace that God can bring.  My voluntary consecration over the last month was for the purpose of overcoming some of my own obstacles but it largely included many of your spoken and unspoken requests. I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the reports which I have received both personally and via messages and my soul is rejoicing. Some months ago I asked if you would agree with me for the needs and requests of one another. This was to include even those you did not personally know. I want to thank you for believing in the power of prayer for God has done, (and is still doing), above what we could ever believe possible. Please allow me to share a few things:

• My dear sisters, I rejoice in the success God has brought to your self-started business. The surge you have been experiencing is not temporary, but a sign of what is to come in the near future. be prepared for fast success.
• Bless you, my brother in Texas, whose heart and prayers are centered on your mother's health. I thank God that He has preserved you through your trials and brought you back in her life to be a blessing.
• My sister, we agreed in the spirit concerning the return of your son to your loving arms. The powers that be said "never" but God, who has all power, said yes. I look forward to many photos.
• My brother, I am thankful for how God has allowed your daughters to be doing so well in school and the pride you wear on your face is well warranted. It is in ways like this that God restores our faith. You have always been a good friend. May God bless everything you touch in His name.
• It took awhile, my sister, but all of your hard and long hours of study and testing has paid off. I don't take your accomplishment lightly and I know you do not either. But what stands out in my mind is how you were continually prayerful and thankful while you were going through. You did not let your single parent status be a reason to offer excuses. I will pray with you anytime. Brighter days are coming. 
• To my former Army brothers in N.C. I ask that you not get weary in well-doing. Change is coming for the better to your VA hospital, just as we have been praying for. That has been a large part of my trial here but things are moving in favor of the Veterans. Didn't you see that God has even but the Secretary of the VA on notice?  Stay faithful. You may learn, as I did, that many other Veterans are depending on you to stand and be faithful to the cause.
• Sister, I am blessed that God saw fit to it to allow you to hold your father again for his Birthday. He can do anything but fail. Are you still looking for that other blessing we spoke of?
• My Sister, Trinity Missionary Baptist Church is just as blessed to have you as you feel about being there. Not too many people come out of church and tell the message to others. Keep spreading the Word just as the woman at the well did.
• The enemy sought to destroy some marriages and last year, this time, we did not know where we would be. But God is faithful and I personally continue to praise God with you and to pray for continued renewal in your home.
• We continue to pray and agree that God will lose the captive man back to his loving family. I have seen men released from prison as God released certain disciples; miraculously! He is able.
• Those who have lost loved ones, (recent and past), such as my wife has, I thank God for his sustaining power; for holding you up when you weep on the inside, when you are reminded of them in a song. I am thankful you are still able to pray and minister to others and that you have not surrendered to the lie that life has no more purpose.
• Sister, didn't God raise your loved one from her bed of affliction when all seemed lost? Encourage someone with that testimony and don't worry about people who say that they are tired of hearing it.
• And finally; there is much thanks to be given for the myriad of financial blessings He has bestowed upon His people. Please be prayerful when your season arrives that you remember those who were there for you during your drought. "Cast your bread on the surface of the waters, for you will find it after many days". (Eccles. 11:1)

 Thank you for your prayers and love and support.
 I love you all,
 Dennis