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

Remembering Our Dreams

"When people conclude that all is futile, then the absurd becomes the norm"

Stanley Crouch

 

   I got tired of laying on my back today. I wasn't in bed all day, just for a portion of the afternoon. You see, I injured my back when I was in the military and sometimes it flares up on me unawares and my normally sporadic schedules gets side-lined until the pain subsides. I pray that I am not sounding as if I am whining; I hate to be a complainer, for there are far worse situations than my own ailment that deserves God's attention.  But if you believe that everything happens for a reason, as I do, then you will also do as I do; make lemons out of your lemonade.

  While paused I began to meditate on "Making It". I'm referring to that position in life whereas one will say that they have attained; and not merely on a spiritual level, but on a financial and materialistic level, as well.  I'm not your boy who aspires to be spiritually complete but lives a life of pauperdom. And this thought gave rise to another question in my active mind: Why are we given such awesome gifts only to find ourselves mainstreamed into a field that is so familiar and safe and oh, so boring.  I would venture to say that somewhere along the way our dreams became side-swapped by what is commonly known as reality.  And who determines your reality or my reality?  It ought to be us determining our own direction but sadly, that is not the case. 

  Life is filled with stories of those who pressed on towards their dreams until they struck oil.  as a child, my siblings and I were given many opportunities to sing and perform in front of our parent's guests. What applause we received and what sincere praise was given to our efforts. But reality said "Your family is too darn poor and too black and to ugly and too normal to pursue a musical dream".  And so we all found ourselves living a societal dream and working a societal job and living a socially acceptable life. I despise reality, for it is not for us but against us.  Reality says "If it feels good then it must be wrong."  Reality causes those who have a good life to believe they are undeserving of it until they forfeit it. Reality points to  all of our friends and peers who are doing what is "safe and certain" and tells us to stay away from that unusual and unpopular dream. 

  But I refuse to ride a rocking chair of what-ifs and I shoulda coulda woulda. When are they over, those dreams we have placed on hold?  I say not until we lay asleep in the earth.  But now I breathe in and slowly exhale. I focus on what it is I am going to go after and I will be relentless until it is in my hands. Tomorrow I may need to read my own words again so I will remain motivated, but that's okay. As long as I do not fall asleep.

  Dust off your dream and breathe life back into them. Sing that song, write that book, love that person, make that journey. Do it with your whole heart, and do not falter. Fear is not your friend.

  I love you all,
  Dennis

 

    

You Don't Know My Story

Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will spring up quickly; and your vindication will go before you, and the glory of the LORD will guard your back.
Isaiah 58:8

  I was up early this morning. I had a great deal of errands to run. I purposed my day to be this way because moving about has always helped me to sort my thoughts and is also a great way, (at least for me), to figure out specific equations in my mind.  At one point as I was driving I felt a wave of conviction flow over me. Perhaps the feeling was triggered by a song I heard or maybe a certain thought; I truly don't know, but I do remember consciously shaking off that cloud and ushering in great thoughts of my present blessings.

  It really should come as no surprise whenever an unexpected or overwhelming weight of our past collides with our present. You who are spiritual know that we wrestle against good and evil; flesh and spirit, everyday. If I were to allow my demons of the past to control my life I would not be able to get out of bed in the morning. I would be too ashamed to come to God for anything because of my feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness.  I will be the first to admit that I have made my share of mistakes in this life. It is only by God's grace that I am alive, free, and have my well being.  For my sake He forgave me and put a muzzle on the snitches and made my enemies my footstool. There is no one too low that God cannot pull out.  

  I often think back on many of the leaders and prophets in the Bible who God called to do so many great things for His people. Here are a few:

• King David
• King Saul
• King Solomon
• Adam and Eve
• Samson
• Moses
• Abraham
• Aaron
• Eli
• Lot
• Isaac
• Jacob

Now take a moment and consider which of these people were perfect and had never sinned. Do you see my point?

All we can do is speak the truth. The rest is up to the individual.

  Like the little rich man, Zacchaeus, (Luke chapter 19), let us come down from our high places of self-righteousness, judgemental attitudes and self-absorbed importance and sincerely love one another.

  Have a great day and pray for your enemies. Ain't nobody mad but the devil.
  I love you all.
  Dennis

Finding Thanks

 

 

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

  March has barely begun and its few days have already brought a whirlwind of activity; both good and bad. I was blessed to see another birthday in February. It's true that as you get older you become aware of your every thought and action and there is always the unspoken knowledge that you will be held accountable for your deeds, (or misdeeds), when it is all said and done.  It's no secret that I am referring to things of a spiritual, (or religious), nature.

  I personally find it a good thing that in my graying years I am able to both maintain my relationship with God, (whom I have known from a small child), and retrospectively meditate on who I was throughout my life. Sometimes I easily smile at some of the things I have seen and done while on this life's journey. On other occasions I shiver and wonder "What was I thinking"?  Of the many paths one's life may offer it is an eerie thought when you consider that one chosen decision meant the difference between life or death; freedom or imprisonment, health or illness, heaven or hell.  

  As I step out into the morning's brisk air I am consciously aware that my life belongs to God and no other, and if I am to be all that He desires I be I must walk in courage and conviction and stand firmly on what I know and believe to be true; even if it causes me to stand alone, as it often does.

  But still I am able to feel a sincere smile emerge across my face as I venture out for it isn't all about me, is it?  We have made it to another Friday, my friends. Make the best of it as if it were your last.

  I love you all.

 

  Dennis

And Still I Wait

"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom."
-Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NIV)


  I'm waiting on my proverbial ship to come in. This is nothing new I do; more like a continuation of hopes and dreams I have had ever since I can remember. Some items on my list have already been realized while others are slowly coming to fruition. Time and age has caused frequent changes in priority and quantity regarding some of the things on my checklist, but still, the basic items remain which are:

• Long life, good health and strength so I may be allowed to fulfill my obligations as a husband and father.
• I do not desire to support my family of origin or members of my extended family, but I do desire to alleviate them of any debts incurred and allow them a new lease on life.
• I desire to be able to come to the aid of friends who are already doing all they can to keep their nose above water but may have fallen victim to that unexpected emergency.
• I will travel to see friends and family who I've not seen in years. I would not show up to be a burden to their household but I would vacation in their city and invite them to go shopping and to have dinner with me at various restaurants .
• I will extend my ministry outside the confined walls of the church and pray that I will be led to interact with those who need more than a new suit or another pair of heels for the church anniversary. As a small child I sometimes wondered where was the church when we hardly had food in our home or when Christmas was devoid of a decorated tree with gifts underneath.
• I would like to help those who help themselves.

  Exhaustive volumes have been written about life and its meaning. I say we simply make life by being the best we can.

 Smile more often today.
 Dennis