Exhausted!

3.19.2013

I am soooooo tired.  I am physically, mentally and is some ways spiritually exhausted.  It was so bad this morning that I missed Men's Bible Study.  My river of energy is officially dry.LOL  I am happy with all that has happened since the fast started as I have grown and feel like I am more closer to God.  Even better I am more in tune with his purpose for my life.

I have been reflecting on my journey and all the things that I have endured to make it to this place.  Man has it been ROUGH.  Some of sacrifices have been so great!  But to be here...right now...in the LORD!  I am so happy for all that has happened.  The good, the bad, the mundane and the scary.  I look back and I am truly thankful for it all.  Ever tear, yell, laugh and smile has been worth the revelation of God's purpose for my life. 

Everyday I get up and am excited about what he's going to do in my life.  While it is not always positive, I remember my favorite scripture in this season of my life:  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Rom 8:28 KJV)

AMEN!

Nard

Not the time

It's kinda crazy how a song can take you so many places emotionally.  My mind this morning has been on my ex-wife, my daughter, a friend who is in the hospital after falling 3 stories from his apartment, the doctors I met in the parking garage elevator, me second family here in Columbus, my brother and on and on.  I think I am just realizing ,to a greater degree, how much I am blessed and favored.  I am here, I am physically whole and spiritually growing.  It definitely makes you feel overwhelmed and tearful.  God is truly good all the time!:-)

Enjoy!

Godspeed,

Nard

A Real Man

3.6.2013 - Day 22

Devotionals:

Revelations/Lessons/Thoughts:  I found this real man confessional awhile ago on Facebook.  I thought it was so amazing because it was one of the few things I've read that really in my opinion allowed men to love God. It spoke to a nature of sensitivity, love and caring. There are so many things in our society that force men into a box of being a "man's man".  Tough as iron never being affectionate and desensitized to anything remotely kind or gentle.

After all we ain't got time for that!*Sweet Brown voice*LOL  We have to go kill defenseless animals, get into fist fights just "because" as well as curse and drink endless amounts of beer.  Don't forget we have to sleep with as many women as we can and idolize other men who's intimacy count is greater than our own.  My bad I didn't mean intimacy...I am a real man..I meant drawz count!LOL  Yeah...REALLY...is what I am thinking too.:-) 

Reading this real man confessional should be must for all women and young men.  We should remember who God made us to be not what society through perversion has defined us.  So, what have I done about it you ask...I have been reading this every morning as part of my devotion time.  I also plan to do it for the rest of my life or until God points me to something better.  After all as it says a Real Man is disciplined and witness to God's love.

Godspeed,

Renard   

Steel sharpening steel

3.5.13 - Day #21

Devotionals:

Revelations/Lessons/Thoughts:  I got the opportunity to meet with a good friend today to talk about my business as well as catch up.  Every time we get together we end up ministering to each other and often part ways in a better place than when we came.  Today was no different.  We both realize that we are at a point in our lives where God is really working.

In his case, he is beginning to see where God wants him to go and slowly acknowledging he will have to be stretched in different ways.  In my case, I am a little further down the path.  I have submitted to God's will but am still worried about some areas as it relates to my journey.  We both summarized our journey down to one very appropriate point...Trust God and Let GO!  Easier said than done but in the end what choice do we have.  We can both testify that God WILL have his way.  

So what value is there in fighting or not trusting that whatever his will is....it is be better than our best thought out plans.  There is nothing like having a brother in your life that loves the Lord and gets where you are.:-)

Godspeed,

Nard

All over the place...

3.4.13 - Day #20

Daily Devotional:

Revelations/Lessons/Thoughts: My mind has been all over the place these last few days.  I am focused on the opportunities in front of me but at the same time trying to gain some understanding on the "why me".  So rather than try to figure it out on my own I asked God.  My answer was...why not you!?!?  You were chosen because you can deal with it.

I will be honest and own the fact that I am sensitive about certain things in my life.  My time, my heart and my intelligence are three particular hot spots.  My time because it is the one resource I can't get back once it is gone.  My heart because I  keep it safe while also trying to keep it open to others.  My intelligence because I worked so hard to get strong grades and actually learn my crafts.  When you abuse any of those three, I get heated very quickly.  But it seems like last week and to some extent this weekend every one of those areas have been prodded, poked and fully assaulted.  

I will still own I was on edge after Friday and the weekend just kept on with the trying times.  But it is amazing how calm I became when I simply heard....why not you?!?!?  

I thought right!  Why not me?!?!  God built me to withstand any issues no matter how big or small.  With God's guidance, support and grace I am more than prepared.  He's still working on me in regards to my hot button issues but he has also protected me from people who may not have been honest or forthright in their dealings with me.  I am so blessed that he loves me that much.  I am also blessed that he has given me a heart that desires his will and understanding during my trials.  I AM thankful!:-)

Godspeed,

Nard

Believe

The quote I keep hearing in my spirit...

When people show you who they are...BELIEVE them.

I said at the end of 2012 that the word "Believe" is my theme for 2013. I did not think the word would keep coming in the connotation of this quote, but I guess it is still pertinent.

Thank God for revelation and allowing me to see what I can and can not deal with in relationships rather it be with siblings, friends, saints, or co-workers. 

Makes me say hmmmm....

Devotionals:

Joel Osteen:

Bishop Timothy Clarke:

Thoughts/insights/testimony: 

Today is the day that I volunteer at the food pantry.  It's always a treat to be at the church and serve folks in need.  I look forward to it every week!  During that time, I always feel most connected to God.  Most importantly I feel as though I am living out his purpose for my life.  It's hard to explain but I am a hard wired giver.  Which at times is a good thing like for example when I am at the food pantry and also a bad thing like in personal relationships of all types.  

I can't tell you how many times I have been told that I need to develop a nasty side and not buy what folks are trying to sell me.*southern saying*  It's hard for me because I believe in God's principle about turning the other cheek and infinite forgiveness.  If I can rationalize your "why" in my heart than I can forgive you while letting you sucker punch me a few more times.LOL  I have even been known to make an excuse or two for the person in the wrong.  Well that path has led me to disappointment sooooo many times.  I trust to easily and believe that everyone has a naturally good center.  Well,  there are times when I am proven wrong and those times really confuse and bother my spirit.

Guess what...today was also one of those days as wll. Besides being a blessing at the food pantry, I had an awesome meeting that yielded a national partnership opportunity for my new business. The meeting was so blessed. It was amazing. So I was riding a high!:-)  However, the day ended in disappointment.LOL  I just don't understand some aspects of humanism.  Oh well!  I ended my night with a little talk with Jesus and he assured me I'd be juuuusssssttttt fine and that ALL things are meant for my good.  So, I am holding on to his promise and believing him for what he has in store for me.  Sometimes the hardest lessons are taught by your friends and not your enemies.  I think God designed it that way so we can grant forgiveness easier and then set ourselves up for an eye gouge.LMBO  But in all honesty,  it sure doesn't make the medicine taste any better....

Godspeed,

Nard