One thing that many men and women face today is doubt. At some point in your life you have had doubt. Maybe you doubted an opportunity, healing, or something that would be in your favor. Doubt is an instrument used by the enemy to cause you not to trust in God or firmly believe in his promises to you.
Doubt can come from many sources. People close to you will doubt you sometimes such as family, a spouse or significant other, and friends.
It can be self doubt which is the worst form of doubt because if you don't believe in yourself no one else will. In my own life I've experienced doubt from others and rare moments of self doubt but I would always overcome it. Doubt from others didn't really matter to me because I felt no one is in position to judge the next person. The self doubt I immediately dismiss because I am driven to succeed no matter the odds.
Every man or woman must have confidence in order to combat doubt. If not, doubt will choke the life out of your dreams and aspirations!
The bible says in James 1:6, "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind."
Poetic Thought:
Life is like spades, arrange your cards,
You hold the ace, so play smart,
Pursuit of happiness takes you through a maze,
Appreciate the good ones and learn from the bad days,
When you're up to bat, don't strike out,
Be determined to get your blessing, have no doubt! ~ JD
I like the producer and artist Pharrell Williams of the Neptunes. His new song "Happy" plays in my music rotation. It's a feel good song with a positive message. Here is a verse and hook from this song;
verse: Here come bad news talking this and that (yeah!)
Well, give me all you got, don't hold it back (yeah!)
Well, I should probably warn you I'll be just fine (yeah!)
No offense to you don't waste your time, here's why
hook: Because I'm happy
Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof
Because I'm happy
Clap okay if you feel like happiness is the truth
If you are reading this blog, have life, then God is not through with you. Happy anniversary to my blog Real Life University that I started 1 year ago today. Thank you to everyone who read and subscribe to it and the best is yet to come that is no doubt! Until next time, class dismiss!!!
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Thursday, March 6, 2014
STAYING POWER
These days very few men and women have staying power or in other words the stamina to go the distance. I am speaking in regards to spiritual and emotional staying power not only physical. A person's spiritual and emotional staying power will be tested when adversity strikes in its various forms. Examples can be; pressure at your job, conflict with a spouse or significant other, more bills than funds sufficient, division within your family, just to name a few.
As a man or woman residing in our flesh, our nature is to be defensive, shield ourselves from hurt, disappointment, or shame. Our inability to push through allows for the Lord's ability to give us the staying power to make it through.
I have learned time and time again in my own life this lesson. When anger and frustration infiltrated my spirit and threw my mind off focus, I had to go to God in prayer. That's when I receive direction, confirmation, and the stamina needed in order to see the blessing on the other side whatever obstacle was in my way.
When I work out in the gym, I go hard in my regiment. Precision in my reps and sets in order to build and strengthen my muscles. If I overwork my muscles or fail to properly stretch them, then muscle fatigue can set in causing me not to have maximum performance or stamina while working out.
The same goes in the spiritual, if you allow adversity to overwork your emotions, your faith will suffer fatigue and frustration will hinder you from the blessing that is on its way.
Speaking as a man staying power is not only important in the bedroom and gym but also in the spirit where the battle is waged for your soul daily!
The bible says in Galatians 6:9, "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
Poetic Thought:
Time moves forward never back,
You appreciate abundance when you've experienced lack,
Blessings or curses can fall like Niagara,
Prayers stand erect, spiritual Viagra,
Make the most of your daily 24 hours,
Go to the GNC (God Never Ceases) to give you staying power! ~ JD
I am huge fan of the movie series Rocky played by legendary actor Sylvester Stallone. I have the dvd box set Rocky, Rocky II , Rocky III, Rocky IV. I was watching Rocky II the other day, the rematch between Rocky and Apollo Creed went the distance 15 rounds of intense battle between boxing Gladiators. Even though Apollo Creed was a superior boxer, it was Rocky's mental staying power that propelled him to victory and becoming heavy weight champion.
That's how it is when you in the ring of life against adversity the enemy throws at you, go the distance, roll with the punches, trust God and you will come out victorious! Until next time, class dismiss!!!
As a man or woman residing in our flesh, our nature is to be defensive, shield ourselves from hurt, disappointment, or shame. Our inability to push through allows for the Lord's ability to give us the staying power to make it through.
I have learned time and time again in my own life this lesson. When anger and frustration infiltrated my spirit and threw my mind off focus, I had to go to God in prayer. That's when I receive direction, confirmation, and the stamina needed in order to see the blessing on the other side whatever obstacle was in my way.
When I work out in the gym, I go hard in my regiment. Precision in my reps and sets in order to build and strengthen my muscles. If I overwork my muscles or fail to properly stretch them, then muscle fatigue can set in causing me not to have maximum performance or stamina while working out.
The same goes in the spiritual, if you allow adversity to overwork your emotions, your faith will suffer fatigue and frustration will hinder you from the blessing that is on its way.
Speaking as a man staying power is not only important in the bedroom and gym but also in the spirit where the battle is waged for your soul daily!
The bible says in Galatians 6:9, "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."
Poetic Thought:
Time moves forward never back,
You appreciate abundance when you've experienced lack,
Blessings or curses can fall like Niagara,
Prayers stand erect, spiritual Viagra,
Make the most of your daily 24 hours,
Go to the GNC (God Never Ceases) to give you staying power! ~ JD
I am huge fan of the movie series Rocky played by legendary actor Sylvester Stallone. I have the dvd box set Rocky, Rocky II , Rocky III, Rocky IV. I was watching Rocky II the other day, the rematch between Rocky and Apollo Creed went the distance 15 rounds of intense battle between boxing Gladiators. Even though Apollo Creed was a superior boxer, it was Rocky's mental staying power that propelled him to victory and becoming heavy weight champion.
That's how it is when you in the ring of life against adversity the enemy throws at you, go the distance, roll with the punches, trust God and you will come out victorious! Until next time, class dismiss!!!
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
DYSFUNCTION
All of us as men and women have experienced some sort of dysfunction in our lives at one time or another. It could be dysfunction within your family, your job, your relationship or marriage, or better yet yourself. No one is immune or exempt from this tainted fabric of life.
In my own life I have witnessed and experienced dysfunction in all the areas mentioned above. Only the grace of God allowed me to persevere and overcome the dysfunction that was uninvited and the dysfunction I blindly invited in my life.
Our society today is full with dysfunctional actions committed by people. Everything from senseless murder, sexual abuse of children, domestic violence, drug addiction and trafficking , just to name a few. Other forms of dysfunction not as volatile is jealousy and envy within families, adults being their children friend instead of parent, individuals sabotaging relationships because of not being use to having a real substantial healthy one.
At the end of the day we all come from the heritage of Adam and Eve who birth dysfunction after falling from grace with God in the garden of Eden. Their son Cain murder his brother Abel out of jealousy and the cycle of dysfunction has continue to manifest over the generations today.
The bible says in Matthew 12:25, But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand."
Poetic Thought:
Bitter has become sweet, sweet has become bitter,
Take the trash out instead of adding to the litter,
Love was right, now it's left,
The hearts of men and women are consume with self,
This journey will bring you to life's junction,
Cast your burdens on God, he will remove you from dysfunction! ~ JD
There is an ole school song by R&B artist Alexander O'Neal featuring Cherelle called "Never knew love like this" that I like a lot. I was listening to it the other night on my smart phone. The song is basically explaining how a man and a woman who never experience a love like they share together now because previously in life they did not know how it felt to have a real love. This is the same way with God, he wants to deliver us from our dysfunctional habits, lifestyles, and pain to give us love, purpose, and life more abundantly. Divine intervention trumps dysfunction always! Until next time, class dismiss!!!
In my own life I have witnessed and experienced dysfunction in all the areas mentioned above. Only the grace of God allowed me to persevere and overcome the dysfunction that was uninvited and the dysfunction I blindly invited in my life.
Our society today is full with dysfunctional actions committed by people. Everything from senseless murder, sexual abuse of children, domestic violence, drug addiction and trafficking , just to name a few. Other forms of dysfunction not as volatile is jealousy and envy within families, adults being their children friend instead of parent, individuals sabotaging relationships because of not being use to having a real substantial healthy one.
At the end of the day we all come from the heritage of Adam and Eve who birth dysfunction after falling from grace with God in the garden of Eden. Their son Cain murder his brother Abel out of jealousy and the cycle of dysfunction has continue to manifest over the generations today.
The bible says in Matthew 12:25, But Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand."
Poetic Thought:
Bitter has become sweet, sweet has become bitter,
Take the trash out instead of adding to the litter,
Love was right, now it's left,
The hearts of men and women are consume with self,
This journey will bring you to life's junction,
Cast your burdens on God, he will remove you from dysfunction! ~ JD
There is an ole school song by R&B artist Alexander O'Neal featuring Cherelle called "Never knew love like this" that I like a lot. I was listening to it the other night on my smart phone. The song is basically explaining how a man and a woman who never experience a love like they share together now because previously in life they did not know how it felt to have a real love. This is the same way with God, he wants to deliver us from our dysfunctional habits, lifestyles, and pain to give us love, purpose, and life more abundantly. Divine intervention trumps dysfunction always! Until next time, class dismiss!!!
Monday, February 10, 2014
MEN FROM MARS/WOMEN FROM VENUS (LOVE)
It's February and one holiday that signals love is Valentine's day, February 14th. Millions of dollars will be spent on cards, teddy bears, chocolate candy, lingerie, and jewelry just to name a few. Nothing is wrong with getting a gift for that spouse or significant other in your life for this holiday, but it should be expressed every day through out the year as well.
Men and women receive and express love differently. The main factors that love must be built upon is trust, respect, loyalty, and understanding in order to sustain it successfully. I've learned over the course of my life, that men are positional and women are relational. I say this because man had position with God before he had relationship with another human being. (Adam) A woman was birthed in relationship. (Eve)
An example would be when men get together, a common question asked is "What do you do for a living?"
This is a way of finding out what position or title the next man holds. An example when women get together, a common question asked is "Are you married?" or "Do you have children?" This is a way of finding out the relationships the next woman has nurtured in her life.
There are many more examples to back up what I am saying and I'm sure many people will have their own opinions about it, I understand that. This is just a reflection of my perspective. In relationships men and women see things through a different scope of lenses but love is the glue that should keep them together.
The bible says in Colossians 3:14, "And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
Poetic Thought:
Life is like a game of cards,
Play your ace before you deal your heart,
Basically love is a choice,
We marry each other attributes, but the flaws we divorce,
Cohabitation from the vagina to the penis,
Love speaks, men are from Mars, women from Venus! ~ JD
I am a huge fan of Teddy Pendergrass music. There is one particular song I like a lot that I have downloaded in my playlist on my smart phone, it is "When somebody loves you back." The chorus if this song goes:
"So good , good lovin' somebody
And somebody loves you back
It's so good needin' somebody
And somebody needs you back."
These lyrics speak to the heart of what love is in a relationship between a man and a woman. Appreciate the similarities and respect the differences. Live, laugh, and love! Happy Valentine's Day to everyone! Until next time, class dismiss!!!
Men and women receive and express love differently. The main factors that love must be built upon is trust, respect, loyalty, and understanding in order to sustain it successfully. I've learned over the course of my life, that men are positional and women are relational. I say this because man had position with God before he had relationship with another human being. (Adam) A woman was birthed in relationship. (Eve)
An example would be when men get together, a common question asked is "What do you do for a living?"
This is a way of finding out what position or title the next man holds. An example when women get together, a common question asked is "Are you married?" or "Do you have children?" This is a way of finding out the relationships the next woman has nurtured in her life.
There are many more examples to back up what I am saying and I'm sure many people will have their own opinions about it, I understand that. This is just a reflection of my perspective. In relationships men and women see things through a different scope of lenses but love is the glue that should keep them together.
The bible says in Colossians 3:14, "And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity."
Poetic Thought:
Life is like a game of cards,
Play your ace before you deal your heart,
Basically love is a choice,
We marry each other attributes, but the flaws we divorce,
Cohabitation from the vagina to the penis,
Love speaks, men are from Mars, women from Venus! ~ JD
I am a huge fan of Teddy Pendergrass music. There is one particular song I like a lot that I have downloaded in my playlist on my smart phone, it is "When somebody loves you back." The chorus if this song goes:
"So good , good lovin' somebody
And somebody loves you back
It's so good needin' somebody
And somebody needs you back."
These lyrics speak to the heart of what love is in a relationship between a man and a woman. Appreciate the similarities and respect the differences. Live, laugh, and love! Happy Valentine's Day to everyone! Until next time, class dismiss!!!
Monday, January 27, 2014
PAYING DUES
In this life as men and women we will have trials and tribulations. No one knows your struggles or path taken like you. People see you but don't really know what you had to endure or overcome to get to where you are now or going to be soon. In order to attain any measure of success a person must first pay dues through hard work, determination, failure, setbacks, among other adversity.
In today's society we often see people who are successful be it financial, influential, or both and tend to assume that individual had it easy. Little do you realize the dues he or she had to pay before getting there.
Sometimes the individual making a lucrative income, knew how it felt to be broke and unemployed.
Sometimes the individual who is a powerful speaker and influential, knew how it felt to be voiceless and irrelevant.
Sometimes the individual in a loving relationship, knew how it felt to be brokenhearted, mistreated, and alone.
Sometimes the individual who lives life to the fullest no matter the circumstances, knew how it felt to be on the brink of depression and death.
A saying that I have heard different preachers say over the years is "You see my glory, but don't know my story." That statement speaks volumes and I can relate to it in my own life.
The bible says in James 1:12, " Blessed is the one perseveres under trial because having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."
Poetic Thought:
Life is the canvass and you are Picasso,
Embrace your truth and lies let go,
Take all of life's lemons and turn them into lemonade,
Study to show yourself approve, make the grade,
The soundtrack of your life should be inspirational not down and out blues,
In order to receive the blessings, everyone will be paying dues! ~ JD
There is a song by R&B artist Anthony Hamilton that I like called "Point of it all". In the song he is professing his love to a woman. He is essentially saying that everything that is shared, experience between them comes back to the point that he loves her.
In the same case but different perspective, God is like that with us. Everything he allows us to go through before receiving the promise, the blessing, he says the point of it all my son, my daughter is I love you! Paying dues is not like paying taxes because no one is EXEMPT! Until next time, class dismiss!!!
In today's society we often see people who are successful be it financial, influential, or both and tend to assume that individual had it easy. Little do you realize the dues he or she had to pay before getting there.
Sometimes the individual making a lucrative income, knew how it felt to be broke and unemployed.
Sometimes the individual who is a powerful speaker and influential, knew how it felt to be voiceless and irrelevant.
Sometimes the individual in a loving relationship, knew how it felt to be brokenhearted, mistreated, and alone.
Sometimes the individual who lives life to the fullest no matter the circumstances, knew how it felt to be on the brink of depression and death.
A saying that I have heard different preachers say over the years is "You see my glory, but don't know my story." That statement speaks volumes and I can relate to it in my own life.
The bible says in James 1:12, " Blessed is the one perseveres under trial because having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."
Poetic Thought:
Life is the canvass and you are Picasso,
Embrace your truth and lies let go,
Take all of life's lemons and turn them into lemonade,
Study to show yourself approve, make the grade,
The soundtrack of your life should be inspirational not down and out blues,
In order to receive the blessings, everyone will be paying dues! ~ JD
There is a song by R&B artist Anthony Hamilton that I like called "Point of it all". In the song he is professing his love to a woman. He is essentially saying that everything that is shared, experience between them comes back to the point that he loves her.
In the same case but different perspective, God is like that with us. Everything he allows us to go through before receiving the promise, the blessing, he says the point of it all my son, my daughter is I love you! Paying dues is not like paying taxes because no one is EXEMPT! Until next time, class dismiss!!!
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
The DREAM
Yesterday was January 20th, the holiday observed for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. An extraordinary man that gave of himself to impact change in the United States and the world as a whole.
Growing up we all learned in school, and old tv footage about his impact on the civil rights movement of the sixties. He was a man that faced enormous racism, death threats, and hatred for standing up for equality of African-Americans, the poor, and all disenfranchised people alike.
Fast forward to present day 2014 and even though a lot of progress has been made, we still have a long way to go. There are many examples to back up this sentiment I express. The widening gap between the wealthy and the poor almost eliminating the middle class, senseless violence & injustice against minorities especially young black males, domestic violence, embezzlement by CEO's, sex trafficking of minors, among numerous other things.
I believe if he were alive today he would be amazed by the technology advancements we've made but disappointed by the moral decay that has happen and continues to increase.
One thing for certain the dream is still a work in progress, because we have not arrived as African-Americans and people of all races as a whole. There is a room we all share regardless of race, gender, sexual preference, religious belief and that is a room for improvement.
The bible says in Joel 2:28, " And afterward, I will pour out my spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions."
Poetic Thought:
The future is ahead, the past is behind,
Life teaches you lessons, go forward don't rewind,
Love seems lost, replaced with lust false affection,
Credibility stands with integrity, lies run with deception,
The wise invest in people rather than things,
Seek the Lord, believe in yourself, to carry on the MLK dream! ~ JD
Martin Luther King, Jr. was a vessel that God used to influence and impact social change for the United States of America and the world. It is up to continue that legacy through our purpose in this life. We must instill the values in our children because every generation must pass the baton to the next in order for life to be better for all people. Until next time, class dismiss!!!
Growing up we all learned in school, and old tv footage about his impact on the civil rights movement of the sixties. He was a man that faced enormous racism, death threats, and hatred for standing up for equality of African-Americans, the poor, and all disenfranchised people alike.
Fast forward to present day 2014 and even though a lot of progress has been made, we still have a long way to go. There are many examples to back up this sentiment I express. The widening gap between the wealthy and the poor almost eliminating the middle class, senseless violence & injustice against minorities especially young black males, domestic violence, embezzlement by CEO's, sex trafficking of minors, among numerous other things.
I believe if he were alive today he would be amazed by the technology advancements we've made but disappointed by the moral decay that has happen and continues to increase.
One thing for certain the dream is still a work in progress, because we have not arrived as African-Americans and people of all races as a whole. There is a room we all share regardless of race, gender, sexual preference, religious belief and that is a room for improvement.
The bible says in Joel 2:28, " And afterward, I will pour out my spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions."
Poetic Thought:
The future is ahead, the past is behind,
Life teaches you lessons, go forward don't rewind,
Love seems lost, replaced with lust false affection,
Credibility stands with integrity, lies run with deception,
The wise invest in people rather than things,
Seek the Lord, believe in yourself, to carry on the MLK dream! ~ JD
Martin Luther King, Jr. was a vessel that God used to influence and impact social change for the United States of America and the world. It is up to continue that legacy through our purpose in this life. We must instill the values in our children because every generation must pass the baton to the next in order for life to be better for all people. Until next time, class dismiss!!!
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
CONFLICT
It is a brand new year 2014. The old has passed from last year in 2013. But lets be honest the adversity that you went through or perhaps going through sometimes linger in your mind and heart. It is human nature for men and women to experience the highs and lows of emotions stemming from different variations of conflict. Conflict could be with family, a relationship, at the job, or with self. I know personally because I have experienced conflict with them all. It tested me in so many ways beyond what I could imagine.
Anger, frustration, and sorrow was prevalent in how I was feeling. Sometimes it made me question myself, others, and even God as to why. Then I had to realize God sometimes has to break you in order to build you back up for the purpose he created you. I also realize that as a man, a human being by the flesh our nature is sinful. The consequences of making choices based off immediate gratification, gain, or comfort and not seeking guidance from the Lord. In my heart my faith reactivated because of the many trials, conflicts, the heavenly father has brought me through in my lifetime thus far. The man and woman with wisdom will allow it to make them better not bitter, stronger not weaker, compassionate not insensitive.
I use to hear this expression growing up as a boy, and today as a man it holds true, "Experience is the best teacher." If you hadn't experience pain, sorrow, hate, and setbacks you couldn't appreciate pleasure, joy, love, and advancement.This is real life not your taxes, so everyone has their due season and no one is EXEMPT!
The bible says in Ephesians 6:12, " For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the ruler, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
Poetic Thought:
Day to day adversity seems to stomp loudly like a fraternity on probate,
Take time to exhale, so the pressure won't cause you to suffocate,
Stay on the path to your purpose,
Resiliency is deep within, allow it to surface,
You can choose to turn lemons into lemonade or allow the bitterness to make you sick,
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will bring you through any conflict! ~ JD
There is an ole school 90's R&B song by the group Dru Hill that I like a lot. It's called "Tell Me" and I was listening to it just the other day. Well in the song it is referencing a man asking his woman to tell him what she need and want from him so it can be fulfilled. In the same sense but different perspective God wants us to tell him what we need and want from him but it has to be in his will for our life. He only wants the best for his sons and daughters. But we must do our part in order for blessings to manifest and conflicts to be resolved peacefully. Stay encourage! Until next time, class dismiss!!!
Anger, frustration, and sorrow was prevalent in how I was feeling. Sometimes it made me question myself, others, and even God as to why. Then I had to realize God sometimes has to break you in order to build you back up for the purpose he created you. I also realize that as a man, a human being by the flesh our nature is sinful. The consequences of making choices based off immediate gratification, gain, or comfort and not seeking guidance from the Lord. In my heart my faith reactivated because of the many trials, conflicts, the heavenly father has brought me through in my lifetime thus far. The man and woman with wisdom will allow it to make them better not bitter, stronger not weaker, compassionate not insensitive.
I use to hear this expression growing up as a boy, and today as a man it holds true, "Experience is the best teacher." If you hadn't experience pain, sorrow, hate, and setbacks you couldn't appreciate pleasure, joy, love, and advancement.This is real life not your taxes, so everyone has their due season and no one is EXEMPT!
The bible says in Ephesians 6:12, " For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the ruler, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."
Poetic Thought:
Day to day adversity seems to stomp loudly like a fraternity on probate,
Take time to exhale, so the pressure won't cause you to suffocate,
Stay on the path to your purpose,
Resiliency is deep within, allow it to surface,
You can choose to turn lemons into lemonade or allow the bitterness to make you sick,
Cast your cares on the Lord and he will bring you through any conflict! ~ JD
There is an ole school 90's R&B song by the group Dru Hill that I like a lot. It's called "Tell Me" and I was listening to it just the other day. Well in the song it is referencing a man asking his woman to tell him what she need and want from him so it can be fulfilled. In the same sense but different perspective God wants us to tell him what we need and want from him but it has to be in his will for our life. He only wants the best for his sons and daughters. But we must do our part in order for blessings to manifest and conflicts to be resolved peacefully. Stay encourage! Until next time, class dismiss!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)