When Its Raining

When Its Raining



When its raining in my heart

sometimes I forget to ask for an umbrella.

I stand in the pouring rain

silent

while the raindrops fall slowly

in a steady rhythm

I only find peace

by just listening.

Though I yearn for that shelter

inside

I just rather hide

behind my laughter,

behind my anger,

behind my sadness,

What does one do,

when the rain wont stop falling?

Lord knows I have been here so long,

I have forgotten to breathe.

If you catch me drifting in a daydream,

chances are Im listening to the rain

in my heart.



Richard J. Wright (2007)

When God Speaks...

In the life of a Christian, there are times when God speaks in your spirit, which is powerful in itself. However, when God shows Himself in a visible way through life it is amazing and profound. The picture above is that of a child whom is being operated on in his mother's womb. Science has found a way to operate on babies while they are in their mother's womb without hurting the mother or child. In this instance, the surgeon had an encounter with God, through Samuel the child's name by little Samuel reaching and taking a hold of the surgeon's finger. The surgeon froze for minutes could not operate but look at the child's fingers grasp his finger. I am convinced that God wanted us all to know that babies are important to him because they are His gifts and they feel and want to live. A staunch pro-choice person's argument for whatever reason would crumble. God has spoken. Are we listening?

Not Yet... Not Ever?

Mark 11:11-14, 19-21

And Jesus entered into Jerusalem and Jesus went into the temple: and when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany, he was hungry: And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And His disciples heard it.

And when the even was come, he went out of the city. And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.

Fruit. It is one of the most amazing foods God has blessed us with. We have such a variety, and all are good. Rarely will you encounter someone who thinks such and such fruit is not good to taste. All fruit is good. At least in my opinion. Here we have a situation where by Jesus Christ is cursing a fig tree. Why did he do it? Was He trying to teach them about the power of faith and the spoken word, absolutely. We discover that in the following 22nd and 23rd verses. However, in this context of what I am trying to convey, I want to show you another side to this scripture above. In the gospel of John, the 15th chapter you find Jesus teaching his disciples about relationship with God and the significance of being always connected to God. He says in the 15th chapter verse 2 that every branch in Him beareth fruit. God expects us to bear fruit if we abide in Him. In life, from a practical standpoint it really is the same in the sense that we grow and mature physically, emotionally, psychologically, we produce "fruit" which serves as signs of a person's growth and development. Christ inspects this particular fig tree which appears to have growth because of the leaves. Yet, when he takes a closer look there is no fruit to be seen. There is not even a bud. Now its important to realize that Christ at this point and time went to the fig with a purpose to fulfill his natural hunger. He took advantage of the situation to show his disciples not only the power of the spoken word in faith but that Christ expects a fig tree to produce figs. Since the usefulness was not available to Him at that point, He cursed the fig tree and said no man will eat of any fruit it may perhaps would produced later on. This tells me that no matter how many leaves (outside appearances) appear, its the fruit or the (heart) that Christ is concerned about. Could it be that in ministry as well in life we can outlive our usefulness if Christ sees our inability to produce fruit (signs that we are his)? Its something to think about. We must be more diligent in kingdom service and in our personal lives because we dont when Christ is going to come to us and look for some fruit to draw from. There is so much more to this but suffice in this forum to say that if we do not examine ourselves, we can face a greater and critical examination from Him who sits high and looks low. Think about what kind of fruit we are producing. Is it beneficial to Christ or self serving or worse non existent. May we always have good fruit to give to the Master.

Self Examination

It is in this season of time that a self examination must be undertaken. In order to produce change, one must honestly look at him or herself and determine the steps necessary to improve. I am at such a point in my life. Unless my thoughts tell me different, I will no longer for the rest of the year write in this blog. I am taking time to reflect, redirect, reposition, and reassess a number of ideas, thoughts and lifestyle. As a human being I want to be the best person in Christ I can be. If that means taking a hard look at my present status and doing what is necessary to improve, then so be it. Until then... God bless.

Companions, Conflict & Confusion

Can men and women be just friends? Just a question. Some can say that it is possible. In fact, I know it is. However, I can be hypocritical as well. I told someone close to me that generally speaking, men want sex not really friendship. Sure, you can befriend someone but how long does it take for a person to catch feelings in the process? This person I speak of, found herself spending a lot of time with this guy. The guy buys her kids things, things for her apartment, yada yada yada. Doesn't sound like a friend to me.Well sure enough dude expresses that he has caught feelings. It was funny because before she told me this, she asked if I was hoping that she would not ever meet anyone. She confessed that dude really did like her, she claims she told him that it was not like that with her and do not try to do that again, but you know how that goes. It will come up again. I have female friends who I admit I was at one time trying to sleep with. Hey, I was shallow like that. Yet, I have friends who have been in my life for over twenty plus years. One thing is for certain in those cases, you gotta put boundaries around the friendship and dont take yourself or them there because sex can and will spoil it. Its weird like that, something Scully and Mulder. You know that attraction is there but this 900 pound elephant in the room wont make any noise. Yet, you know its there. It can be confusing but healthy at the same time. Friends give you a support system that lovers perse can't. Yet it is human nature to go there just because. I have nothing against friendships with the opposite sex, I dont trust sometimes the people in them. Hey like I said its confusing, or maybe its just me.

Empty Spaces

You know there is something to be said about empty spaces. Many days we as humans spend our time trying to fill empty spaces. There are empty spaces in our homes, wallets, our hearts and even in our heads. LOL I sit here and wonder what it was like when God stepped out of time and space and looked at the vast emptiness and declared let their be light. Sometimes, my mind goes there if I let it. Its like looking at a blank piece of paper. I have many notebooks at home filled with stories and poetry, and they all start the same. Empty pieces of paper. I imagine that an artist looks at a blank canvas the same way. It is kind of exciting just staring at the empty space, knowing that I can control or navigate the illustration or documentation of it. Call it a weird source of power. Empty spaces are created to be filled. A wine glass may look elegant sitting in a cabinet but its doesn't serve its purpose by which it was created. When it is filled with wine, then it looks complete. At least by my two cent opinion. The point is, next time you start to see something that is percieve is empty, try to imagine it being filled. The truth of the matter is that what God made emptiness for, to be filled. The trouble is we often times fill those empty spaces with things that are just as empty. Talk about a paradox. His word tells us that blessed are they who hunger and thrist for righteousness for they shall be filled. That is the catch. How to be empty, then filled and satisfied. How many things have you filled your self with, only to be empty. Have you ever been satisfied, completely? If we all would be honest the truth is muddled in a quiet no. God is the only source that completely fills. Too often we allow other people's issues and "stuff" to cloud our minds to a point we become dissatisfied. Peace and contentment are tangible items that can be obtained but too often we miss the boat on those honorable gifts and exchange them for something more empty. Just a thought. I could be just rambling but for some reason these spaces needed to be filled. Understand?

Ah the Days of my Youth

I am a Houston Oiler fan. That is a declaration that I am proud of. I grew up watching the Houston Oilers win and break my heart every Sunday. From the Luv Ya Blue Earl Campbell days to the Run and Shoot with Warren Moon I was crazy about the Oilers. My dad and I would watch the Oilers screaming at the TV. Yeah we had it bad. I don't know why football was such a mainstay in our home. My dad was not an athlete but he is one of the most devout sports fans I have ever known. I did not know back then how much to appreciate sports in general until I became older. Sports was a way of getting away from the bills and the humdrum of everyday life. When I visit my parents on Sundays after church, I can find my father on the couch watching, the Texans, Cowboys, Rockets or who ever is playing on Sunday. I miss those simplistic days. No bills, no worries, just football and occasional homework. Ah the days of my Youth!

R.I.P. Pimp C

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071204/lf_nm_life/rapper_dc_2

Another famous rapper has made his transition. I share this because I was fan of their music for years. He was a funny guy, who spoke his mind no matter whether it offended anyone. Pimp C was a southern legend who had many different types of people in his circumference. He was friends with real pimps, rappers from all over the nation and even Christian rappers. Today many people talked about their experiences with him on the radio. Its a shame because he was only 33 years old. He was a father, husband and a talented artist who was proud to be from Port Arthur Texas. I cannot help but wonder did he really know the Lord Jesus Christ. Its times like these that make you reflect on your own mortality and eternal destiny. I pray that God's grace and mercy will be shown upon him.Its a sad day for many young people all over.