Holy Week 2011

Gentlemen, This week is holy week, Beginning with Palm Sunday and ending with Resurrection Sunday. I refuse to use the term Easter because the term and the holiday are both pagan in its origins.

Nevertheless, Little over  2011yrs ago Christ entered Jerusalem with the cheers of the crowd.. The Sanhedrin made up of Pharisees and Sadducees were threatened by this. There was a paradigm very much like today where those in power sought to maintain power. They were so bound by the law or the word of God, they couldn’t see the spirit of the law or the man who exemplified that law.

I am a Christian, A disciple of Jesus Christ, Son of God… Many do not believe this to be the case and I respect and honor all religious faiths around the world. Christ said himself,  John 10:16 (NIV)   I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to my voice, and there shall be one flock and one shepherd.”… It would be presumptuous and a bit arrogant to believe that only Christians will enter heaven… Christ will make a way for all humanity..

Gentlemen, this week being holy week, perhaps you all should take a moment to reflect on your lives.. I’m not here to castigate or criticize… nor am I here to beat you over the head with scripture… I do want each man to examine himself. Search your soul and determine if the life you’re living is made better or worse by the decisions you’ve made

Fifteen years ago, I made a decision to walk a journey with God that has proven to be fruitful and at times arduous…. I’ve asked for strength and the Lord took me through trial and test to give me a testimony…. I asked for protection and he allows me to rest in his arms… I asked for guidance and he extended his hand.. Scripture says “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matt 7:13-14 (niv)…. Fifteen years ago, I decided to walk through the narrow gate and continue that walk today..

I stand here today not because of me… but because of HE…. I AM the son of the great I AM…. I don’t let anyone define me, nor am I beholden to anyone… I know who I am, and who's I am...

It becomes kind of obvious…. Those who rely on self because they  don’t think that God is Jehovah Jireh  (provider of all their needs)… They allow the facts to dictate their faith, they do not trust God. You've heard them griping about fuel prices, unemployment or the economy... they've placed their treasures on earth, not on things eternal.... Contrast, Those who rely on God to sustain them are sustained by the God who honors worship… blesses faithfulness, and desires his people to seek his face… Those who trust God for their needs, need nothing.... The prayers of the righteous availeth much in the lord.... Who are you praying to... who are you trusting... you are you believing to make things right.... There's only one who loves you... He sent his son to die on a cross for you, why do you reject him...

I had a friend say to me a year or so ago that God’s favor is on your life. Such statements humble me… My walk requires me to seek Gods face… My walk requires me to live for his approval… I’m blessed not because of who I AM, but because of who I worship

2011yrs ago the Son of God hung on a cross and poured out his blood to wash away my sin.. I cannot nor will not say that I’m perfect, but my goal in life is to face my judgment with my Heavenly father saying “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness”… Matt 25:23 (NIV)

Gentlemen, each one of you will have different challenges, trials, and tribulations.. But when you decide to make a walk with God, he will provide for you, sustain you, humble you and bless you…

In the end, I’m grateful for the sacrifice on the cross.. I walk this walk because one man who was blameless sacrificed all for me to live...... That's real..

So I live… God Bless you

Namaste - Editor

What do you value??

Gentlemen,  I wish to take a moment to talk to you about what you value, what you hold near and dear, what you think is important…

Matt 6:19-21 (NIV) -  “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”

So, What do you treasure.. Let me be first to say I love my life… I’ve been blessed to have three children, an modest yet comfortable home, My career is going well as is my personal life.

However, what I value, what I treasure… is my relationship with GOD first. I spend a great deal of time humbling myself to the lord thanking him for his blessings and for keeping me with a roof over my head, food in my pantry, and clothing on my back… I treasure the lives of my children and those I love as well as those who love me…. I made a commitment some time back to take one weekend a month to focus on what I value as being sacred, the anomaly is that it's so valuable that it's priceless..

I appreciate friends, but I know that friends are flighty.. and that everyone in your circle isn’t necessarily considering your best interest.. I keep a very tight circle of friends, those I can rely on and those who can rely on me… I’m somewhat unique in that I actually either know or have met 90% of my facebook friends.

What I also value is my time… I'm quick to tell my friends and enemies alike "don't wear your watch around me, because I take time". If I value you, I will carve out time for you and not rush through to the next thing...… Conversely I loathe having my time wasted. As a business person and an entrepreneur, I realize that time is a commodity. I’m not giving away anything, nor am I a non profit… I don’t do things very often on “the hook up”… Time is my most precious commodity because I understand the value of time… Culture club said in a song “time wont give me time… and time makes lovers feel, like they got something real… but you and me both know they’ve got nothing but time!!!!”…. That is the point… we’ve got really nothing but time… so don’t waste mine..

I value quality.. some say I can be a little bourgeoisie, but I work hard and I believe that one should enjoy the fruits of their labor. This weekend I had the opportunity to spend some time at Chateau Elan Winery and Resort in North GA.

It was certainly an experience and I had a great time… The staff at the hotel from the time you walk in is ready to cater to your every need. I typically frequent the spa to get a deep tissue massage.. this is therapeutic for my body and it helps to work out the kinks in my shoulder following a motorcycle accident in 2008…

The meals are typically very good, I’ve eaten at the Versailles Restaurant, and Café Elan. The entire experience is top notch top to bottom..

I value quiet time, a good book on Sunday afternoon, the NY Times or Atlanta Constitution, an afternoon Baseball game… That quiet time helps me to restore my mind, refresh my spirit , and dig into my intellect. I do a great deal of reading and it has become very much a passion for me..  Quiet time for me believe it or not is also found in jumping on my motorcycle and burning up 2 or 3 tanks of gas… Riding is a freedom, a release… some play golf.. some bowl… some play tennis… I ride…. Sometimes at speed limit… other times at 100 plus miles per hour…. But riding is freedom….

Gentlemen, while this is my story.. I really want to encourage you to take time to assess what you value.. Place God first, then your family…. Then take time to prioritize what you think is valuable.. Give it adequate time to mature, then nurture it so that your family and your God will get a more whole you…

As men we have competing pressures vying for our time and attention… But if you don’t take the time to relax, release and refresh… what good are you to anyone…. Find what you value… and pursue that…

Special thank you to the staff at Chateau Elan Winery & Resort for a wonderful weekend...

Visit them at http://www.chateauelan.com

Namaste… Peace….
Editor - DNYC

Come and talk to me

Gentlemen, We’ve all heard at one time or another “we need to talk.”

Today I’m going to keep it real short and simple…. You were given two ears, and one mouth for a reason. So that you do twice as much listening as you do talking

Statistics show that women use 7000 words per day and men about 2000 words a day.. What that means is that when women (or your woman) says she wants to talk… what she’s really saying is she wants you to listen..

So, listen.. don’t say anything, don’t get offended, don’t allow her to push your emotional buttons, don’t get heated, don’t try to find solutions, don’t do anything but listen.

Unless you are asked a question directly, Say nothing and let her vent her frustration or elucidate what she’s feeling.. your role is to be a support system, a sounding board..

This may go against your nature as a problem solver or solution man… but that’s not what she’s asking for..

We always hear men telling women to STFU… Rarely do we as men understand that you can create peace in your home by just taking the time to listen. If you care, you will…  and it’s really that simple..

Flip side… Women, please.. I implore you, don’t hit your man with everyone else’s drama… The relationship is between you and him… Not you.. him.. your girl, her man , your co-workers… etc.. etc… etc……. He doesn’t care about your girlfriends drama with  her children… or her man problems… Unless it affect you directly, harms your emotional or professional growth, your co-workers issues and drama shouldn’t be brought into your relationship….

Bottom line, He’s not your girlfriend… don’t treat him as such… Have a girls night out and gossip… but even in that… keep your relationship w/ your man out of your conversation w/ your female friends…

The relationship between you and her , her and you should be sacred.. no one or nothing should come between you…. The choice is yours…  But if you choose to sabotage your relationship… That’s your choice…..

Communication is key to a healthy relationship…. Remember that

Namaste
EDITOR - DNYC

Why I Pray....

Gentlemen, I’ve lived a good life… had my share of ups and downs… good days, and bad ones.. I’ve shed a tear or two over my life… However, I live today with no regrets, no shame and I harbor no ill will towards anyone

Why….. Because I pray.  My grandmother told me years ago that the prayers of the righteous availeth much…. As a consequence, I seek Gods favor in everything I do and every decision I make.. I’m not perfect, but I strive for excellence... I seek approval from a merciful God.

I’ve learned to forgive those who’ve transgressed against me and forgive myself for the transgressions against others and sought forgiveness from those I've transgressed against.. As a man I have no issue conceding when I’m wrong or yielding to a higher authority.. I don’t compromise my integrity nor do I allow myself to get into a position where my integrity becomes suspect.

At Thirty years of age, I gave my life to God. I began a walk with God that has been fruitful, and at times presented me with some of the challenges of my life

I’ve learned that through thick and thin… to say Hallelujah anyway!!! I’ve learned that if you ask God for strength… He will take you through some things to exercise your faith and make you spiritually stronger..  If you ask God for wisdom, he’ll provide you with avenues and life experiences to make you wiser….  If you ask for a walk with him that you can feel, that he will touch your soul.. hold your hand.. and make it so real for you that nothing will compare.

There are so many superficial Christians in the world… people who say they believe in God, but have no fruit in their life to demonstrate they’re on a walk… They will cuss you out in a minute without realizing that every word from their mouth must be pleasing to God…

I’m no super righteous holy roller…I'm not saved, sanctified, and on my way to heaven in a rocket ship.... I certainly am not perfect… I have people who love me as well as those who curse the ground that I walk on… I do, however,  allow my life to be the example…

Why do I pray… because I know no other way…  I pray because God has shown me things about my life… I pray because God has saved me from some situations and trifling people who were out to do me wrong… I pray because the blood that was shed 2000 or so years ago redeemed me in Gods eye

I seek Gods favor in everything that I do… Every thought in my mind, Every word from my mouth, Every word typed I ask for God to intervene so that my words, thoughts and actions are pleasing to him

A year ago, someone told me I have a juvenile soul… untainted by the world or the hurt of my past…. I’m grateful for what God has done for me.. I’m grateful for what God is to me..  I’ve been blessed with health, financial security, and material possessions…  My prayer life is tribute to a God that continues to bless me, even though I’m not worthy…. My prayer is my conversation with God... My prayer keeps me on the righteous path of the few....

I pray because… I know no other way..

After the prayer... I meditate to hear what God has to say!!

Editor - DNYC