A PART OF ME ISN'T HERE

By Gary Robinson

Maybe if I thought of her hard enough I could breathe her into my presence.

And although I try, her face only brings a tear

And with this tear I mix my hearts manifestation.

Only to write more grief,

Within the lines of this leaf

This is the great lovers manifesto

Questionable only with this:

Will I and my love ever manifest?

Or will I remain forever torn from my flesh?

Fighting the unchangeable,

The which, I cannot correct.

A part of isn’t here.

Though this part continues to live on

And I cry not because it lives, because it does not live it only exist

And though I pray for it to transcend,

I can’t ignore the wreckage that takes place within.

A part of me isn’t here.

And I wonder if someone is making love to you?

And even though there are more important questions that bombard me in the dead of night.

This one vexes me in the voices of rain drops dying upon my window.

Mockingly asking,

Does he hold you closely at night just to here two hearts beat simultaneously singing a love song?

Does he taste your sadness manifested as tears falling from your eyes?

And if he loves you answer me this,

Has his spirit ever transcended the ethereal to comfort you when you’re lonely?

I know the thought of you out there with all life has to offer and the thought of me having tasted some of the bitter fruit that this world produces is disturbing.

But don’t kiss him!

And if you do, veil your eyes so that he doesn’t look into them as I once did.

Don’t kiss him!

Because what lies within a kiss is a trust that boarders on the edge of love,

And what lies within losing your love is a mentality that boarders insanity.

And I could lose you through a kiss,

Lose you through a kiss,

Lose you through a kiss,

And in turn lose myself.

A POSTURE FOR BLESSING

              

The move of GOD is GREATER than anything imaginable.  Time & Purpose is the key to being prepared or rather in the greatest position to receive.  I call it a posture for blessing.

King Solomon said that time and chance happens to everyone.  Don’t get discouraged if it’s not happening on your timetable.  Just continue to look to GOD while he prepares you for your heart’s desire.

The birthing of your blessing will never be premature, stillborn or past due.  It will arrive at its appointed time.  Exactly when you need it!

AN ODE TO WOMEN

I have witnessed more grief than some but not as much as others.  I've seen women resilient in their abilities to bounce back from the toughest hardships.  Tragedies that even the bravest soldiers would struggle to deal with.  Abusive relationships, rape, miscarriages, drug addictions, being a single parent, the list is too numerous to name.  But through it all my beautifully strong sisters have managed to survive.

Many are not perfect nor do they have to be.  I love you for simply not giving up.  That’s the easy way out.  And because GOD has saw fit to give you the strength to do what so many others could not, I ask that you continue to be an inspiration to us by living your life to the fullest.

Continue to inspire young girls by living a life of destiny and purpose.  Continue to place that Godly shield of protection around your children by keeping them in your prayers.  And never settle for a man that doesn’t know your value, believe in the potential of your greatness or honors the depth of your love.

Because Woman, you truly are Magnificent!

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A MAN

The responsibilities of being a man are essential and life has some of the most amazing ways of teaching us the simplest truths.  But I believe some of our most powerful teachers are those we see, and many impoverished children see their mothers playing the role of both mother and father.

I’m thirty-four years old and I have never met my biological father.  Nor have I had the opportunity to have many responsible male role models.  Although what I did have were beautiful, wise, strong females in my life.  However, GOD established the first institution with Adam and Eve and it was the Family.  Man, woman and child.

I desire to speak to men today in the hopes that this will prevent someone, somewhere from losing the woman they love.

 

To be the head of the relationship means being the bedrock for your family.  To have stability of mind, heart, faith, love, devotion and honor.  Strength of character is needed to be a walking, talking example.  And just as a house cannot stand without its frame, neither can your family.  You are their frame and GOD is your foundation.

 

Nevertheless I’ve heard many a man take the concept of being ‘The Head’ in a relationship to mean something entirely different.  It is usually followed up by the misconstrued biblical quote that says women should be subject to their husbands.  A little bit of knowledge can be dangerous and most men who embrace this concept have destroyed many good woman and the relationships they could have built.

 

The Bible is a life book and helps us in every area of our lives, including a man’s relationship with his woman.   There are other scriptures attached to the one above that give it proper depth and meaning.

“Husbands love your wives even as Christ also loved the Church and gave himself for it.”  That means we put our wives before ourselves.  This is what it means being the head of the relationship.  Jesus was beaten, ridiculed and placed on the cross for the Church.

 

Scripture tells us that even Jesus came to minister to others and not have them minister to him.  Taking this same concept into relationships with the woman we love is important.   When we minister to her wants and to her needs as the head of the relationship, our actions consistently reaffirm to her how important she is to us.

I and countless other men have missed many opportunities because of bad decisions on our part, but there have always been women in our corners that believed, fought and prayed for us.  It’s now time for them to see a return on their investment.  It’s time for them to see the men they believed in!


SCRIPTURES ON RELATIONSHIPS: Ephesians 5: 22-33

THE GENESIS APPROACH TO FINDING LOVE

Many of us spend a lifetime searching for the right person.  Going through one disappointing relationship after another and leaving a little bit of our heart, a little bit of our hope in the midst of what has become a bad memory.

But maybe looking for love has been the wrong approach.  No, I don't mean becoming bitter and closing your heart to loves endless possibilities.  That would be counter-productive.  What I mean is taking the Genesis Approach to love.

In the account of creation in Genesis GOD created everything then chose to create man.  It’s recorded that after GOD formed Adam He saw that He was alone with no one to share in the blessings of life.  So he placed Adam into a deep sleep and took out one of his ribs to form Eve, his help meet and other half.

The key is that Adam and Eve didn't have to search for one another.  GOD brought them together at the proper time.

GOD knows the right fit.  I believe there is a person specifically made for you.  This person is strong when you are weak.  They will push you to be better, to do better in every aspect of your life.  They will accentuate you!

GOD has it all designed in His infinite plan for your life.

Right now you’re merely resting while GOD brings them into alignment.   Don’t become proactive too early in your quest to find the gift of love GOD has for you.  But when He does bring them into your life don’t let the fear of opening your heart keep you from becoming one with the person you were meant to be with.

 

True love sometimes originates in the oddest places or is found over the strangest conversations.  Believe me; I met my other half over the discussion of a garlic jar!  But that’s a story for another day.

GETTING YOUR PRAYERS ANSWERED

Who has ever worried about God answering their prayers?  Or see others getting blessed with GOD’S supernatural favor and are ready for their own prayers to be answered?
I am not ashamed to say that I've had those moments where I've asked GOD, “Hey, what am I doing wrong?”
Yes, I speak to Him like that.  He’s my Dad and sometimes I have question and for these questions I need answers.
Jesus addressed this particular question for me one day in Matthew 6:25-34.  It’s about our tendency to be anxious about the things that we need.  Jesus tells us that if GOD the Father takes care of nature that He will also take care of us since we are much more important to Him.  He then goes on to say that we are anxious about many things that we shouldn’t be, especially when we don't have the power to add an hour to our life.
After thoroughly analyzing and pointing out why we should not worry about the basic necessities of life Jesus gives us the answer to getting our prayers answered.
“Seek first the Kingdom of GOD and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
What does this mean?  It means doing those things that strengthen you spiritually and that help you grow and mature in the LORD.  It means accepting when the Holy Spirit shows you your faults and working with him as he transforms your character to make you more like Christ.
“Seek first the kingdom of GOD and His righteousness…”  Jesus is GOD’S righteousness and to be more like him is the goal.
GOD is more concerned with transforming our character than our situation, but as our character changes so does our situation.  By simply focusing on strengthening our relationship with Him and allowing the Holy Spirit to teach us to walk in the fruits of the Spirit, GOD will begin to bring our dreams, goals and desires to pass right before our eyes.

The Power Of Hope

Hope, it’s that uncanny ability to rise in the face of naysayers.  Do you have it? Or have you allowed bad breaks or bad relationships to steal yours?

I vowed a long time ago that I would never be counted among the broken men.  I would become better, stronger.  That I was going to do everything in my power to become the person I was destined to be, a man of destiny.

Did life get easier?  Of course not!  I was still faced with obstacles.  The most recent was losing my Great Grandmother and Grandmother 2 weeks apart.  

Obstacles, hardships and heartbreak are painful.  Believe me I know.  At the age of 12 my mother was sentenced to 28 ½ years in prison.  (The next time I saw her I was 25 and she was coming to prison to see me.  It broke her heart).  I never knew my father so when she left no one was able to fill that void.  In middle school I was assigned to see a psychologist who determined the cause of my erratic behavior was the loss of my mother.  People quite often can’t tell the difference when someone is acting up or when their acting out because of psychological problems.

My life didn’t take an uphill climb but rather a nose dive into the streets.  Drinking and drugs soon followed and at the age of 20 I was convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison.  From here I could have said life was over for me, but even before getting sentenced I’ll never forget praying and asking the Lord to not release me until He felt that I was ready.  12 years and 9 months later I walked out of prison.

I had dreams of a music career, acting and writing.  Hope allowed me to believe that I would make it out of many dangerous situations to still pursue my dreams.  My hope in GOD sustained me.

I've written this particular post to show that regardless of what you have faced never give up on yourself.  Never give up on GOD.  Place your hope in Him and keep reaching, keep believing because you are stronger than you know!

Would love to hear your comments!

GOD IS WITH YOU EVEN IN THE FIRE

How does it feel when you’re going through something?  Do you have those feelings that you’re alone?  Like nobody understands?  Even the strongest, most spiritually mature person has been plagued with these feelings.   I’ve come to tell you that GOD is with you even in the fire.

I think of the story of the three Hebrew boys.  The king passed an edict declaring that everyone upon hearing the royal music must bow to the image he created.  Those that didn’t would be thrown alive into a burning furnace.

Well who would be the first ones recorded to be thrown into the fire but those three Hebrew boys Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego.

The funny thing about the story is that it doesn’t end there.  In fact this is where it begins.

   Angered by their open defiance, King Nebuchadnezzar orders the fire made seven times hotter and they are thrown in.  A few moments later the King realizes that not only are the three he sentenced to death are now unbound and walking around unharmed, but there is a fourth person in there with them.  And this one looks like the son of GOD.

After calling Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego out of the fire Nebuchadnezzar stands dumb in amazement.  They emerge unharmed by the flame.  Their hair is not singed nor could the smell of smoke be detected on them.

GOD was with them even in the fire.

Despite your circumstances or what you may feel, GOD has not left you.  It may look daunting and feel unbearable but I believe you will emerge unscathed.

The fire you’re going through can’t harm you because quite simply, you are not alone.  This is what makes you fireproof, unconquerable.  Just as Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, were promoted higher after going through the fire; GOD can use your moment of trials to manifest glory in your life.

I say get ready for a promotion.   Isn’t it long overdue?

Don’t Neglect Your Gift!

 

“Do not neglect the gift you have…”

These were the words spoken to the young man Timothy by the apostle Paul.  These same words I speak to you.

Each person has their own distinct gift to share with the world.  A particular genius if you will.  This genius is meant to be nurtured, cultivated and then shared in order to advance humanity.

You have genius.  Yes, you!  And if used properly it will impact peoples lives, making them better along with their environment.

This genius is wide ranging and apparent on many levels.  It runs the gamut from teaching, leadership, encouragement, giving, listening, artistry, organizing, writing, math, science, reading etc.  The list is far too numerous to name.  

Most of us have a tendency to only think of the more popular gifts when we here this word but GOD was much more well-rounded than that.  

See, entertainers need a teacher to help cultivate their talents.  Writers are needed in order for them to bring the words to life.  At various times a person that encourages will be there to breathe new life into them.  And regardless of how famous or financially wealthy, each of them has someone they can call on that simply listens!

Some of the greatest gifts are not always the most popular.  At least not in our own eyes and yet people who have achieved greatness wouldn’t be where they are today if not for the old lady with a gift of prayer or someone blessed with the gift of patience.  

Never doubt your gift.  GOD, the all wise and knowing, gave it to you for a reason.  To make me and this world a better place.

So nurture it, cultivate it and use it to change the world!

 

Love you!

I would love to hear your comments.

FROM WHERE DO OUR CREATIVE JUICES FLOW?

                                                                   By Deirdre Mitchell

I have been asking myself this question since I watched an interview with Michael Jackson’s mother soon after his demise.  She stated how as a child Michael would always jump up in the middle of the night and say, “I’ve got it!” with such joy and glee.  And yes, I too would agree, “I’ve got it!”

I have the answer to the question, “From where do our creative juices flow?”

And the answer is, dun, dun, dun…

GOD!

The creative power of GOD is downloaded into people of all walks of life.  It is inherent in every gender, and every ethnicity.  This power has and continues to manifest itself beyond our political, sexual and religious preferences.

Every person has the innate ability to create and this is a gift from GOD.

Hey, creativity used in the Arts and Sciences is a part of what makes us human!  A colorful scribble written by the sweetest toddler is as creative as a published text from the most astute and best-selling author.  The mixing of water and sand to make mud pies is as much science to children as the vaccine created by the bio-chemist.

We are all creative beings from the beginning of mankind.  History shows this to be evident in the lives of the two humans GOD first created, man and woman.  The man, Adam named the animals, and at least one of the two humans (probably Eve) made clothing for the both of them after the act of disobedience.  There you have it in the Bible, a scientist and a fashion designer!

According to the Book of Jeremiah GOD knew you before you were in your mother’s womb, and He gave you thoughts and plans of good.  Your name and life were a thought in the mind of GOD and you are living proof to thoughts and words becoming reality.  You are his words in action.

“In the beginning GOD created the heavens and the Earth…  And GOD said, Let there be light: and there was light.  And GOD saw the light, that it was good.”  Humans as babies are good, humans as scientists and artists are all good!

I believe if GOD, The Creator is able to speak his thoughts aloud and they come into existence then we are able to do the same, as long as there is an action to follow.  We should do greater works via the words spoken by GOD’S Son.  So what are you waiting for?  Accept your GOD given gift of creative power!  Go forth and create!

Just a little illustration of thoughts becoming words, and words becoming action

DOES GOD STILL SPEAK TO MAN? AND IF HE DOES WHY DON'T I HEAR HIM?

It is said by some that GOD no longer speaks to man.  They say that the written word has been given to us and in it holds all our answers.  I’ve also met believers who feel that GOD does not speak to them.  These people feel like they must be doing something wrong and begin to question their walk with GOD.

Well let me tell you that GOD’S voice has not grown silent in the world, especially in our day and age.  He speaks not only through the written word but in the heart, mind and spirit of man as well.  GOD uses various mediums to relay his messages to us.  Some people receive this word through dreams and visions.  I myself have been led by the Spirit to listen to certain songs, watch a particular T.V.  Show, or ask the advice of others; leaving me to know without a doubt that this was a word from GOD.

But it all evolved from being led by the Spirit.

Jesus said that when he went away he would send us another comforter, the Spirit of truth who will lead and guide us into all truth.  The Holy Spirit speaks what He hears and will tell us all things to come.  Our greatest hindrance in hearing from GOD is learning to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s voice.  This is how GOD continues to guide us.

The Spirit speaks to all, regardless of our level of maturity because it’s His duty to guide us into spiritual adulthood.  When you feel you don’t hear His voice one reason may be that He’s spoken to you already.

Close your eyes and think about some of those thoughts that have kept popping up in your mind.  The bible says that GOD speaks with a still small voice.  Those little thoughts that come into your mind at times, fade away only to return again and again are usually telltale signs.

Another is that the Spirit will never tell you to do something mean, spiteful or vindictive.  When the thought crosses your mind to apologize to someone you’ve wronged or say a kind word to the person who’s having a hard day I’ll venture to believe that’s the Spirit of GOD.  That thought that keeps entering your head to return to school or start a business, and the only opposing voice you hear is one of fear or failure.  I say that it is the Spirit of GOD.

The Holy Spirit will always be with you to give you guidance, encouragement and insight.  So listen to that still small voice within urging you to be patient, kinder and fearless in the pursuit of your dreams.  Jesus promised to never leave you nor forsake you.  This is a promise you can bank on.  

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

“I can do all things!  I’m more than a conqueror!”

These were the words I found myself saying all morning.  Out of pure habit they came out, spoken with force and authority. 
 
No one was telling me that I wasn’t capable of achieving my dreams.  Nor did I have naysayers whispering in my ears at the time.
 
No, I spoke these words because I believed in myself.

Words are energy.  They are spirit and give life.  The right words at the right time can inspire one to rise above their circumstances, cast off their burdens and live the life GOD destined for them.

There will be times in life when we won’t be able to look for others to encourage us.  We’ll have to do it ourselves.
So whenever you feel down or discouraged speak life to yourself and the situation.  And when you’re feeling good about yourself, your dreams and your purpose, get in the habit of declaring out loud to yourself:

“Nothing can stop me from living my dreams!”
“I am great!”
“I am intelligent!”
“I am beautiful!”
“I’ve risen from the ashes stronger than ever!”
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!”
 

WHY THIS IS YOUR DAY TO BE BLESSED

GOD is ready to reward your faithfulness.  What you've done when only He sees.  It's the kind word to the hurting heart, the smile to the stranger.  Those moments of prayer for the people who've done you wrong.

GOD sees and He has not forgotten.

But the enemy will tell you otherwise.  Sometimes friends and even family will be the naysayers.  But GOD is not slack concerning His promises.

To the faithful He will show Himself faithful.

DON'T GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS

When dreams seem so far away what do you do?  Do you stop believing their achievable?  When the man that GOD has for you seems like he’s never going to appear do you settle for someone you know isn’t good for you?

The answer is simple.

No!  

If the dream hasn’t come to pass you keep dreaming, keep reaching.

Right now I’m at one of those places in my own life, but I refuse to believe that this is the best GOD has for me.  I know that there’s greater because I feel it in my spirit, and I’m just crazy enough to believe that the dreams implanted in me will come to pass.

So grab hold of the hope inside of you and nurture it with your faith.  When this flower blooms it gives off the irresistible fragrance of inspiration.  Destiny is sure to come knocking.

FAITH SAYS THAT YOU SHALL LIVE & NOT DIE

Faith says all things are possible.  That regardless of the fiery darts thrown by the enemy you shall live and not die, that you are more than a conqueror.  Faith wins the war fought for the souls of men.  You are a fighter in the war for the souls of men.

You shall live and not die.

Witness the move of faith in your own life and taste the fruit of prosperity blossoming from the true vine. You are the sons and daughters of faith.  Faith that moves mountains, speaks life, and brings healing to the nations.

You shall live and not die. 

To live by faith and not by sight, to be still when everything in you wants to move; Trust when everything in you says not to.  Dream when everyone else is doubting, means to live when everyone else is dying.

You shall live and not die.

Because you are a child of faith!

BELIEVE WHAT GOD SAYS ABOUT YOU!

The love of God is so amazing, so life changing, that nothing can stand before it.  This love will see you through the midst of any situation imaginable.  Don’t believe it?  Well you’re reading the words of a man who has been held in the warm embrace of that love.  It was this love that taught me to be a man.   That taught me the strength in being broken before Him.  This love taught me the strength of humbling myself before others, gave me the strength to trust again.  To be healed from the scars of wounds inflicted in my past that dictated the path of my future.  The love of Christ gave me the ability to see my dreams in the midst of the strongest storms of doubt and to reach for them, to claim them, to grasp them and never let go.  The Love of God is so amazing.  Nothing can stand before it.

Trust me when I tell you that nothing in this world can break you when the Spirit of He who built the world lives within you. But doubt is the trick of the enemy.  His greatest tool is despair because when you have embraced despair you give up.  You stop dreaming, you stop reaching, you stop seeing the visions that GOD has placed in you.  The greatest threat is that you stop seeing yourself as God sees you.  And when you do this you began to see yourself like the world sees you.  This is disastrous for the believer.  Listen to the name: Believer.

If you don’t believe in what God says about you then you’ll believe what the enemy says about you.  There is no neutrality.  We see ourselves through the eyes of someone and the mental picture that you have of yourself shapes your thinking and orders your words.  When you don’t understand who you are, and whose you are, you’ll say anything.  Not realizing that you prophesy doubt, defeat, despair, lack, and weakness over your life.  But when you understand that you are a child of GOD, and that you frame your world by the words that you speak, you’ll begin to speak words of faith.  The words of wisdom, courage, belief, abundance, strength, power, destiny, purpose.

A believer believes what Christ says about them, The Living Word.  We are more than conquerors.  We are Ambassadors, Kings and Priest able to mount up on the wings of eagles because of His love.  We run and don’t get weary.  Walk and don’t faint.   And we know the plans He has for us, plans for good and not for disaster to give us a future and a hope. 

                      

HOW DO YOU GET MORE FAITH?

How do you get more faith?

Simple enough question.  At some time in our lives we’ve all desired it.  We usually admire those who exhibit great faith in the face of adversity.  It’s just something about them that screams out strength, resilience, victory!

But how do you get this strong, enduring, I shall live and not die faith?  Here’s a surprise.  Most people didn’t ask for it and woke up with it the next morning.  It was acquired and gained through the rigors of life.  

Every human being is given a measure of faith and this measure or amount can either become larger through the act of exercising this faith or begin to diminish through inactivity and discouragement.  But faith ultimately isn’t based upon what we can do.  Faith is based in the belief of what GOD can do for us despite the situation.  

This requires one of the greatest components of faith. Trust!  

Without trust in any relationship there can be no faith in the other person.  People don’t have faith in someone they don’t trust.   And people don’t trust someone they don’t know.

So great faith requires trust in GOD that He will never leave you nor forsake you.  This type of trust is only birthed through a closer relationship with Him.  Every time your faith is tested you look to GOD for the support, the strength and the promises of His word. After every test you then grow stronger in faith.  In knowing He will bring you through.

Faith that is exercised is faith that becomes strong.  It’s your ability to believe GOD’S love for you and GOD’S ability to keep you through anything.

Begin to strengthen your faith today by believing what He says about you.  This will require spending time with Him through His word and prayer, but I promise you won’t be disappointed by the return on your investment.  

A faith that screams strength, resilience and victory others will begin to admire.