Its saturday night.. I wanted to go Putt Putt, but there wasn't a close one nearby. Somebody called to go see the Dark Knight, but it was too far away. So we decided to just stay in and eat some sabbath dinner. Now we are going to Cold Stone!!! hip hip horray.
See, the truth about friendship is that the random moments, sharing ice cream with one another and talking and falling asleep because of the tryptophan, commonly known as the "itis" is probably the best thing that we could do together right now..
:)
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Friday, July 18, 2008
When The Lord Favors You.
Here in my study, I am currently reflecting on how God has been good to me. I am so very grateful for the opportunities he has given me in my life. Especially those that pertain to my career. I am aspiring to become a Medical Doctor, and let me tell you the truth. God has opened EVERY SINGLE DOOR. He always has. When i was called to be a physician, I first refused. I wanted to go to Film school and produce movies. That was my dream, and in fact, I actually applied. I got rejected from Film School and Medical school in the same year. I was upset to say the least, but God had other plans for me. lol.
After spending a year in medical school at Howard University in Washington, DC. I finally understand what type of doctor the Lord wants me to be. He wants me to be excellent. He wants me to be uncompromising. He wants me to achieve new heights and breakthroughs.
How do i know this?
Well, the Lord favors me. He disciplines those he loves and let me tell you the past two years i've definitely had my share. But, the course of discipline almost inevitably ends in growth and success. I never would have thought this was God's plan for me. It's been tough. But I've grown Stronger. It's been hard. But I've persevered. I never knew i had it in me. God had to bring it out. And that is what He's done.
When the Lord favors you, he sends you through the fire, so like gold, you may become refined.
After spending a year in medical school at Howard University in Washington, DC. I finally understand what type of doctor the Lord wants me to be. He wants me to be excellent. He wants me to be uncompromising. He wants me to achieve new heights and breakthroughs.
How do i know this?
Well, the Lord favors me. He disciplines those he loves and let me tell you the past two years i've definitely had my share. But, the course of discipline almost inevitably ends in growth and success. I never would have thought this was God's plan for me. It's been tough. But I've grown Stronger. It's been hard. But I've persevered. I never knew i had it in me. God had to bring it out. And that is what He's done.
When the Lord favors you, he sends you through the fire, so like gold, you may become refined.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Love..
um.. there must be a lot on my mind today..
so if you are a female reading this, you may be looking for something profound or heart stimulating.. but um... i really don't have much to say but this...
Love is more than a desire. It is a disposition.
Love is more than passion. It is self-control
Love is not blind. It is wisdom
Love is not designed. It creates.
Love is not by chance. It is by choice.
Love is not bondage. It is freedom.
Love is not dormant. It changes you.
Love is not proud. It makes you meek.
Love is not void. It reciprocates, transforms, continues and flows back into you.
ok.. enough of this sappy stuff....
lol.. I've talked about Heaven, Hell, and Love today... i must be missing somebody....
so if you are a female reading this, you may be looking for something profound or heart stimulating.. but um... i really don't have much to say but this...
Love is more than a desire. It is a disposition.
Love is more than passion. It is self-control
Love is not blind. It is wisdom
Love is not designed. It creates.
Love is not by chance. It is by choice.
Love is not bondage. It is freedom.
Love is not dormant. It changes you.
Love is not proud. It makes you meek.
Love is not void. It reciprocates, transforms, continues and flows back into you.
ok.. enough of this sappy stuff....
lol.. I've talked about Heaven, Hell, and Love today... i must be missing somebody....
How to get to Heaven
I decided to split the to posts up after writing so much on the topic of Hell. I feel like it is wasted energy because even though people need to know the truth, Heaven is so MUCH more of an interesting topic.. Plus its easier to get to heaven than it is to Hell..I'll prove it to you.
How do i Get to Heaven?
Simple. Matthew 6:33 says, "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and everything shall be added unto you"
How do i seek Him?
Also simple. Jeremiah 29:12 says, "You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart"
This is a call that says, if you make God your 1st priority and throw all of worldly things that the devil wants you to hold on too, you will make room for God to prepare you for Heaven.
I'm going to end with a passage found in Matthew 24:43
THE TWO SERVANTS
vs. 45 " The way to be ready is to keep putting God first in your life, like the faithful and wise servant who keeps feeding the master's family at the proper times. When his master returns, that servant will be blessed because he was found doing his master's work. He will promote his loyal servant and entrust him with everything he owns. People who did not put God first will be like the unfaithful servant whose behavior demonstrated his belief that this master would not return for a long time. He took advantage of his position, abusing his fellow servants and spending most of this time living it up. but his master came back unexpectantly and surprised him. he relieved him of all his responsibilities and publicly stated why his servant had been dismissed. The servant's remorse was beyond words."
The truth is this.. those who believe that God is coming back: continue to prepare your hearts, body and mind for him. They error and the path to Hell does not lay in God's delay. It lays in His people forgetting that He is coming back.
Seek, yearn, and prepare for the Kingdom, and you will be ready.
Each day is anew. As early as possible, everyday, turn to the word, remind your self of the promise, repent, ask for forgiveness, and this day, if it shall be your last, you will be in paradise.
How do i Get to Heaven?
Simple. Matthew 6:33 says, "Seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and everything shall be added unto you"
How do i seek Him?
Also simple. Jeremiah 29:12 says, "You will seek me and find me when you search for me with all your heart"
This is a call that says, if you make God your 1st priority and throw all of worldly things that the devil wants you to hold on too, you will make room for God to prepare you for Heaven.
I'm going to end with a passage found in Matthew 24:43
THE TWO SERVANTS
vs. 45 " The way to be ready is to keep putting God first in your life, like the faithful and wise servant who keeps feeding the master's family at the proper times. When his master returns, that servant will be blessed because he was found doing his master's work. He will promote his loyal servant and entrust him with everything he owns. People who did not put God first will be like the unfaithful servant whose behavior demonstrated his belief that this master would not return for a long time. He took advantage of his position, abusing his fellow servants and spending most of this time living it up. but his master came back unexpectantly and surprised him. he relieved him of all his responsibilities and publicly stated why his servant had been dismissed. The servant's remorse was beyond words."
The truth is this.. those who believe that God is coming back: continue to prepare your hearts, body and mind for him. They error and the path to Hell does not lay in God's delay. It lays in His people forgetting that He is coming back.
Seek, yearn, and prepare for the Kingdom, and you will be ready.
Each day is anew. As early as possible, everyday, turn to the word, remind your self of the promise, repent, ask for forgiveness, and this day, if it shall be your last, you will be in paradise.
The truth about Hell.
I've come to realize that Heaven is an actual place. I know it is because Earth is an actual place. On this planet we see good and evil. Yet both co-exist and neither is to its full extreme. We see glimpses the two poles everyday. Ponder, for example, the beauty of a new born child. Innocent, feeble, delightful. Life. The experience brings an exhilarating joy to the parents and the whole family alike. This is Good. Pure Joy and Happiness. Then, the day will come when that same child will face death. Not to be morbid, but even the word brings pain, grief, and discomfort. This is bad. So i do believe that if we can see a taste of Heaven or Hell on earth, the two places must exist.
Here's the catch though... as Humans made in the Image of God, we only have one Home. Hell is not a place for eternal suffering, it is merely a place that is eternally separated from God. Those that go to Hell, will die because the presence of God has departed from them. Its hard to fathom, but understand this, the devil is only alive because God is merciful.. there will be a time when He says "enough is enough" and the devil will go into the place called Hell that was designed only for him.
And that's what the devil has been trying to trick us with this whole time. That WE are destined to be in either one of the two places. Heaven or Hell. But it is not so.. We were created to go only to ONE place. That is HEAVEN. That's the only place we can live. We can't live in Hell. Nothing can. That is where the devil and his alliances are to be obliterated. That place is not meant for us. Never was, and never shall be. It is only for those who choose not to follow God...
Here's the catch though... as Humans made in the Image of God, we only have one Home. Hell is not a place for eternal suffering, it is merely a place that is eternally separated from God. Those that go to Hell, will die because the presence of God has departed from them. Its hard to fathom, but understand this, the devil is only alive because God is merciful.. there will be a time when He says "enough is enough" and the devil will go into the place called Hell that was designed only for him.
And that's what the devil has been trying to trick us with this whole time. That WE are destined to be in either one of the two places. Heaven or Hell. But it is not so.. We were created to go only to ONE place. That is HEAVEN. That's the only place we can live. We can't live in Hell. Nothing can. That is where the devil and his alliances are to be obliterated. That place is not meant for us. Never was, and never shall be. It is only for those who choose not to follow God...
Saturday, July 12, 2008
dad..again
so.. tonight.. my dad did his thing AGAIN! hilarious.
So, when i was growing up, my curfew was 11pm. Even on the Weekend. Now i must remind you that there is NOTHING to do past 10pm in Berrien Springs, Michigan. But my dad still locked down the house at 11. and if i was late, i definitely got in trouble. The last time i lived at home was 6 years ago. man.
So tonight, my friend comes over at 10:40 pm and what happens? At exactly 11 pm, he tells her to leave! lol. Amazing. WHO DOES THAT! We were in mid conversation!!!!!! i mean he tried to sound nice, ha ha bust still. Yo, on some real stuff, he is a trip.. I'm glad i'm moving out soon, cause this dude is crazy. ha ha ha.
man...... i'm not even mad anymore.. Its like Joseph Warren, Sr will NEVER change... i just accept that joint as it is... lol.
So, when i was growing up, my curfew was 11pm. Even on the Weekend. Now i must remind you that there is NOTHING to do past 10pm in Berrien Springs, Michigan. But my dad still locked down the house at 11. and if i was late, i definitely got in trouble. The last time i lived at home was 6 years ago. man.
So tonight, my friend comes over at 10:40 pm and what happens? At exactly 11 pm, he tells her to leave! lol. Amazing. WHO DOES THAT! We were in mid conversation!!!!!! i mean he tried to sound nice, ha ha bust still. Yo, on some real stuff, he is a trip.. I'm glad i'm moving out soon, cause this dude is crazy. ha ha ha.
man...... i'm not even mad anymore.. Its like Joseph Warren, Sr will NEVER change... i just accept that joint as it is... lol.
My Dad is the MAN!!
So its late Friday Night, and i should really be asleep and preparing to go to church tomorrow. But i can't and i decided to Blog till my eyes get tired.
Folks, my dad is the Dude. This dude right here is true blue. I really want to be as purposeful as he is. This dude doesn't budge at all! When i was younger i hated it. Now I'm older, and i SOOO ADMIRE it. Man.. consistency is like his middle name! But folks, its HARD. I mean SOO hard. My dad isn't popular. My dad is chauvinistic. My dad isn't the Cool guy. He's a God fearing Man. And my Lord that is a BURDEN. I'm trying to be a Godly young Man.. and I can't even get it straight.
Well, i sense that you are wondering why i'm talking about my Dad. Well, over the past few weeks.. we have been able to talk MAN to MAN. And for the first time in my life, it feel GOOD. I understand where he is coming from. No more Blind obedience.. I understand now. I understand now because i am ALSO a Man. I've grown up.. I've learned it the hard way. Now it's time to Do it God's way.
I wanna be strong for the Lord like my dad is strong for the Lord. One day i'm going to have a family. And when that Day comes i want my son to say that I'm a Man of God. That will pay omage to my father, who pays omage to his father, who pays omage to THE FATHER.
Folks, my dad is the Dude. This dude right here is true blue. I really want to be as purposeful as he is. This dude doesn't budge at all! When i was younger i hated it. Now I'm older, and i SOOO ADMIRE it. Man.. consistency is like his middle name! But folks, its HARD. I mean SOO hard. My dad isn't popular. My dad is chauvinistic. My dad isn't the Cool guy. He's a God fearing Man. And my Lord that is a BURDEN. I'm trying to be a Godly young Man.. and I can't even get it straight.
Well, i sense that you are wondering why i'm talking about my Dad. Well, over the past few weeks.. we have been able to talk MAN to MAN. And for the first time in my life, it feel GOOD. I understand where he is coming from. No more Blind obedience.. I understand now. I understand now because i am ALSO a Man. I've grown up.. I've learned it the hard way. Now it's time to Do it God's way.
I wanna be strong for the Lord like my dad is strong for the Lord. One day i'm going to have a family. And when that Day comes i want my son to say that I'm a Man of God. That will pay omage to my father, who pays omage to his father, who pays omage to THE FATHER.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Transformers
Ok.. my favorite movie is Transformers. I love that JOINT. but that is not what this blog is about. This blog is about me. Transforming. Yep.
So, for those of you who know me really well, you know my current situation. I'm not going to go in-depth with it, but lemme tell you that right now, as we speak, I'm going through one of the HARDEST, if not THE HARDEST part of my life. And right now.. I'm also going through the HAPPIEST part of my life. The two are not related. I'm happy because i have this friend that I'm so grateful to know and she has totally made me smile these past couple of weeks. In fact when i think about her, i just smile. And boy lemme tell you.. shes a blessing from God.
Anyway. So today, June 3, my parents and i had a final conversation on how to fix what's going wrong in my world. and I am sooo grateful for their advice. But i still felt kinda down. The night grew on and I just needed to get my head straight and figure out what a brotha needs to do. I decided to go see a movie.
I was hungry. So before i decided to go, i stopped at Taco Bell. Since I live in a small town of at most 1500 people, i knew that i was going to see somebody i knew and i didn't want that. I just wanted to be alone and think. So i ordered my favorite bean burrito at the drive through and who do i see out my window? Kurtley Knight and David Franklin!!!
Yo.. These two cats were my BOYS at Oakwood man. I looked up to both of them. lol. My days on the USM were hilarious! Kurtley Knight was the USM Pastor and David Franklin was doing NAPS. Two very good dudes.. Sorry ladies.. David is getting married and Kurtley i think has a girlfriend. Anywho, they are both up here at Andrews in the Seminary.
Nonetheless, we just started chattin it up real hard. About Oakwood, Andrews, Fusion, AY... etc. It was crazy man.. it was really cool too. They asked me what i was doing home, and I said I need to figure things out. Then they said do i feel called into the ministry. I was like WHAT!!!? OH hecks NO.. they both tried to corner me....... I desperately tried to get back in my car. Two seminary students praying, you never know what can happen. I wasn't tryin to see either. Jokes man.. Jokes..
We joked around some more about some other nonsense, then this fool Kurtley spoke to my situation. He told me that he really enjoyed being at Andrews. He said It was really peaceful here. And he said that this is where God placed him to be in order for God to mold and train him to be a man totally used by God. That right now there took me for a surpise. And at the same time almost made a brotha break down. See folks. I don't know why things like this keep happening to me. I'm not a complainer and one would think to just keep it moving and go to the next step, but if yall really knew.. this is tough. I don't know really what to do. So.. i just listened.
Kurtley and David started talking about Elijah being in the wilderness, and Joseph being in the pit, and Moses becoming an exiled prince. I'm like, "do all these seminarians have like sermons in their back pocket?" But at the same time they were being completely honest with me and letting me know that while i'm going through my JOB experience, God is doing some amazing things in my life. He is preparing me for big and better things. He was Transforming me. And then right there in the middle of the parking lot between Phillips 66, DQ, and Taco Bell, those dudes prayed their heart out for me.
I needed that. Folks i really needed that. I felt my faith wavering and God has this thing were he doesn't respond right away. In fact.. this dude sometimes doesn't respond at all.. for a long time. But Last Night, he responded to my prayers by my two random friends i haven't seen in years..
Awesome. actually.. freakin' Amazing.. lol.
So, for those of you who know me really well, you know my current situation. I'm not going to go in-depth with it, but lemme tell you that right now, as we speak, I'm going through one of the HARDEST, if not THE HARDEST part of my life. And right now.. I'm also going through the HAPPIEST part of my life. The two are not related. I'm happy because i have this friend that I'm so grateful to know and she has totally made me smile these past couple of weeks. In fact when i think about her, i just smile. And boy lemme tell you.. shes a blessing from God.
Anyway. So today, June 3, my parents and i had a final conversation on how to fix what's going wrong in my world. and I am sooo grateful for their advice. But i still felt kinda down. The night grew on and I just needed to get my head straight and figure out what a brotha needs to do. I decided to go see a movie.
I was hungry. So before i decided to go, i stopped at Taco Bell. Since I live in a small town of at most 1500 people, i knew that i was going to see somebody i knew and i didn't want that. I just wanted to be alone and think. So i ordered my favorite bean burrito at the drive through and who do i see out my window? Kurtley Knight and David Franklin!!!
Yo.. These two cats were my BOYS at Oakwood man. I looked up to both of them. lol. My days on the USM were hilarious! Kurtley Knight was the USM Pastor and David Franklin was doing NAPS. Two very good dudes.. Sorry ladies.. David is getting married and Kurtley i think has a girlfriend. Anywho, they are both up here at Andrews in the Seminary.
Nonetheless, we just started chattin it up real hard. About Oakwood, Andrews, Fusion, AY... etc. It was crazy man.. it was really cool too. They asked me what i was doing home, and I said I need to figure things out. Then they said do i feel called into the ministry. I was like WHAT!!!? OH hecks NO.. they both tried to corner me....... I desperately tried to get back in my car. Two seminary students praying, you never know what can happen. I wasn't tryin to see either. Jokes man.. Jokes..
We joked around some more about some other nonsense, then this fool Kurtley spoke to my situation. He told me that he really enjoyed being at Andrews. He said It was really peaceful here. And he said that this is where God placed him to be in order for God to mold and train him to be a man totally used by God. That right now there took me for a surpise. And at the same time almost made a brotha break down. See folks. I don't know why things like this keep happening to me. I'm not a complainer and one would think to just keep it moving and go to the next step, but if yall really knew.. this is tough. I don't know really what to do. So.. i just listened.
Kurtley and David started talking about Elijah being in the wilderness, and Joseph being in the pit, and Moses becoming an exiled prince. I'm like, "do all these seminarians have like sermons in their back pocket?" But at the same time they were being completely honest with me and letting me know that while i'm going through my JOB experience, God is doing some amazing things in my life. He is preparing me for big and better things. He was Transforming me. And then right there in the middle of the parking lot between Phillips 66, DQ, and Taco Bell, those dudes prayed their heart out for me.
I needed that. Folks i really needed that. I felt my faith wavering and God has this thing were he doesn't respond right away. In fact.. this dude sometimes doesn't respond at all.. for a long time. But Last Night, he responded to my prayers by my two random friends i haven't seen in years..
Awesome. actually.. freakin' Amazing.. lol.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Transformers
Ok.. my favorite movie is Transformers. I love that JOINT. but that is not what this blog is about. This blog is about me. Transforming. Yep.
So, for those of you who know me really well, you know my current situation. I'm not going to go in-depth with it, but lemme tell you that right now, as we speak, I'm going through one of the HARDEST, if not THE HARDEST part of my life. And right now.. I'm also going through the HAPPIEST part of my life. The two are not related. I'm happy because i have this friend that I'm so grateful to know and she has totally made me smile these past couple of weeks. In fact when i think about her, i just smile. And boy lemme tell you.. shes a blessing from God.
Anyway. So today, June 3, my parents and i had a final conversation on how to fix what's going wrong in my world. and I am sooo grateful for their advice.
So, for those of you who know me really well, you know my current situation. I'm not going to go in-depth with it, but lemme tell you that right now, as we speak, I'm going through one of the HARDEST, if not THE HARDEST part of my life. And right now.. I'm also going through the HAPPIEST part of my life. The two are not related. I'm happy because i have this friend that I'm so grateful to know and she has totally made me smile these past couple of weeks. In fact when i think about her, i just smile. And boy lemme tell you.. shes a blessing from God.
Anyway. So today, June 3, my parents and i had a final conversation on how to fix what's going wrong in my world. and I am sooo grateful for their advice.
