Category Archives: Loving G-d

It’s All New…

So many new and exciting things have happened in my life, which have kept me very busy and distracted from writing.

I moved to Denver, Colorado in mid-July, (2017), so needless to say, I was quite occupied with moving preparations and settling into a new place and job. I am still settling in and getting use to the new area.

So far, I really like most things about Denver, especially the people and the healthy lifestyle. I am excited to see so many families out riding their bikes, walking, running and enjoying all the free events. I also really like the friendliness and helpfulness of the folks I have encountered. I am amazed at so many things to do, and at how many people seem to always be outside. I had the privileged of hiking at Mt. Falcon with the staff at the new school where I will be teaching Literacy. It was the first time in all my career that I have been involved with such a team building activity. It was exhilarating and tiring! I absolutely loved the experience and getting to know the fellow teachers!

I absolutely hate the congestion in the downtown Denver area. Between the traffic and the construction…it’s just not my cup of tea! Freeways are crazy, but so was the traffic in Atlanta. There is a lot of construction, apartments, townhouses etc. to accommodate all the folks moving to this area, and the rents are extremely expensive! I am not really sure why as the salaries are not that high.   I live in an area where there are mostly apartments, condos and townhouses and to my amazement it is still very quiet! I am so grateful to live in such a very pleasant area.

There are so many positive things which have happened to me since moving to Denver, and to try to name them all, I would leave some vital details out. Most of all, G-d’s hand is evident in this move and for that I am eternally indebted to Him for this new adventure. I am excited about the unknown, those hopes and dreams yet realized, and my contributions to this society.

On the flip side, I miss my family very much! I left my mom, my youngest son, grandson, a niece and a grand-niece as well as friends in Georgia. I miss them very much, but I am committed to staying in touch. I also have a son who lives in another country along with his wife and three children, and I miss them as well. Though there is physical distance I carry them daily in my heart, prayers and thoughts!

Like Abraham, I have left the familiarity…

Just Musing!

Dr. Dee

Don’t Worry Be Happy!

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Don’t Worry Be Happy!

Do you remember Bob’s Marley song – Don’t Worry Be Happy? The point in the song, regardless of life’s challenges, don’t worry be happy! Yet, how can I be happy without faking it?

https://youtu.be/L3HQMbQAWRc

Happiness is based on what is happening in our lives and joy is the sense that all things are working for our good, because of the salvation we have in Messiah. So, inward and outward happiness is coupled with joy, and in order to walk in happiness, I/we have to practice many things. Listed below are just five notions I believe will help us be happy.

Be Grateful

True gratefulness exudes from a heart full of thanksgiving for all things in our lives from the smallest of things to the unexpected miracles in our lives. Just the fact that you can read this post is something to shout about and be grateful for! Have a grateful heart and mediate on all the wonderful blessings which surround you each day.

Be Light

We are called to be light to others; to share the GREAT NEWS of love and salvation, and to model love and kindness. Make someone happy by being kind to them. Pay forward in love and generosity in someone’s life in ways which demonstrate the love of G-d.

Be Free

Sometimes I feel strangled by my past horrendous mistakes, and I have to really look within and question my faith system! If I continue to allow my mistakes to imprison me, then do I really believe I am forgiven? We have to let go of the past, forgive ourselves and believe we are forgiven. The past is really gone and there is no way to change it, NO WAY! So, why do we keep torturing ourselves with re-living past blunders AND relishing in the ancient hurts? The choice is ours – keep sinking in the horrors of yester-year or walk in freedom and newness of today?

https://youtu.be/Ms1uqdX6wXY

Beautiful is Creation

When was the last time you sat on the beach and savored G-d’s handiwork? When was the last time you hiked through the park, or gazed at the stars, or listened to the melody of birds? G-d’s artwork glorifies His name and reminds us of the lovely home HE provided for us. Get out and spend time listening and observing nature. Relish in the creation G-d has made.

True Friends

One of the many things I love about my mother, is that she spends time with her friends on a weekly basis. They do all sorts of things together and often times she will fly to different parts of the country just to spend time with her friends. True friends are very hard to come by. But when you find a friend, spend time with them doing some fun things that will ensure happy times.

 There are more things to come on what can make us happy, but ultimately, being happy is a choice. We choose to be depressed, sad and miserable or we choose to seek life, love, gratitude and wholeness.

What will you choose today?

#DocsMusings,

Dr. Dee

If you found value in this post then share with your family and friends. Thank you in advance.Be

 

David…A Man After Him

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How could King David be considered a man after G-d’s heart? Didn’t he commit murder, adultery? Wasn’t he a man of war and a liar? Yet, he was considered by G-d, a man after His heart! Interesting! I had a discussion with a friend on this point the other day in passing, and I found my efforts to help him see David as a man after G-d’s heart, futile. So, I decided to dig a little deeper to discover what made David so special in His eyes.

David is the only man who bears the inscription, a man after G-d’s own heart (1Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22) The name David in Hebrew means beloved and anyone who has attended a Synagogue or Church knows the story of the boy who slew the giant Goliath. Yet, we also know that David was a great and mighty king of Israel who also failed miserably. There are many reasons why David was called a man after G-d’s own heart, and if you compare the historical background of David against the ruling king prior to him, Saul, you will see why. I found three important universal reasons worth sharing.

David had unwavering faith

Before David slew the giant Goliath, he declared, The L-RD who delivered me from the paw of -the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine. And Saul said to David, ‘Go, and the L-RD be with you! (I Samuel 17:37) He had to depend completely on G-d in order to go forth as a boy to fight a giant with a rock and sling. His complete faith in G-d, pleased G-d. G-d desires our complete trust and faith in Him when we face various giants in our lives. I believe having complete faith in G-d is being completely convinced that He will act on our behalf; and being fully committed to His process. Is this easy? Certainly not, but we can grow in faith if we choose to believe and depend on Him.

David was grateful and He loved the Word of G-d.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name! (Psalm 100:4, ESV)

For I delight in Your commands because I love them. I lift up my hands to Your commands, which I love, and I meditate on Your decrees. (Psalm 119:47-48)

David is credited for writing over half of the Psalms, which are filled with awe, gratitude and a deep love for G-d and His Word. David, though riddled with failures as a king and a father, sought G-d’s face. David modeled a man after G-d’s heart, because he understood who was the ultimate King and Sovereign over the entire Universe. Who is Sovereign over your life?

David Repented

David’s infamous sins of adultery and murder confuse many of us as to how this man was so honored by G-d. Yet, after David committed his evil acts, he repented. David did not make excuses, but boldly admitted his failures. David ran to G-d and poured out his heart to the only One who could forgive and redeem him. Psalm 51:1-2 are the beginning words to David’s prayer of repentance to G-d:

Have mercy on me, O G-d, according to Your steadfast love; according to Your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin! (Psalm 51:1–2)

Psalm 42:1

David had a tender heart, unlike his processor, and this tender heart and deep love for G-d, I believe, earned him the epitaph of a man’s own heart after G-d. David had a soul that panted after G-d and understood his weaknesses as a man. Fortunately, G-d does not judge and see as other humans do, or even as we see ourselves. His judgment is based on His divine purposes, tender mercies and love.

We too, are riddled with failures, lusts and all matters of evil whether we choose to admit it or not. Our experiences on this earth have clouded our judgment, and often times have cloaked us in an egotistical self-delusional fog. Our hope lies not in our own devices, and grandeur narcissistic efforts, but in the One True G-d and Savior who came that we might life.

Now, I know there are many of you who do not believe in the salvation which is offered in Yeshua (Jesus), and certainly that is your right. However, for those who do seek His face and choose His saving grace, then it is safe to say that David left a model for all us to consider and to carry out in our lives.

David’s life must be examined in the context of the time he lived and the purposes of G-d for Israel,  and not from a current New Testament lens or self-righteousness. Therefore, for anyone to think they can intentionally live a life of lust, murder, and debauchery, and think they can just ask for forgiveness as they go on their merry way, miss the great example David left for us, and miss seeing the weakness of this king.

G-d is never impressed with the outward appearance of religiosity. He looks on the heart of a person. He examines each person’s motives. G-d, I believe understands our frailty better than we do, and I believe because of His magnificent and incomprehensible love for us, he willing forgives us when we seek Him. I contend, that we are all a David, weak, frail, in need of G-d’s mercy and strength that only His under-girding can offer. However, we too can be a David when we walk in unwavering faith, gratitude, love for G-d’s Word, His salvation plan, and repentance.

As always, the choice is ours. Who will you choose today?

#DocsMusings,

Dr. Dee                                                        (If you found value in this post, then please share.)

https://youtu.be/8qGa5rIOB28

 

 

Happy 2017!!! My prayer for you!

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Happy 2017!!!! May G-d bless you and keep you and my His face shine upon you , your family and your friends!

Much Love,

Dr. Dee

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Actions Speak

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actions-speak It has often been said that actions speak louder than words. However, is this always the case? I wonder.

Sometimes words speak louder in the form of an email or a letter, yelling, screaming, exhortation, even silence. Sometimes the author’s purpose is lost in the reader’s or listener’s comprehension. Sometimes messages are read with such disdain that the true intent of the author’s purpose is lost. Then again, sometimes words can be used to hide pretentious actions. Hmm– not really sure. Sometimes words seem to speak louder than actions. What do you think?

What I do know, is that if we want others to think we are different or that we have been transformed by the Holy Spirit, then our actions have to look different and gracious, and our words whether written or spoken have to drip with G-dly honey. In other words, if we want others to think we are loving, then we have to act and speak lovingly. If we want others to think we have a pleasant and inviting personality, then we must display this as well. We cannot expect others to see or hear transformation within us, when we act in the very way their criticism suggests.

We all see things fuzzy, even though our pride suggests otherwise, and our arrogance allows us to build walls of self-sustenance. Yet, if we embrace a faith of love and grace, then it is my prayer that G-d shows us our pride and arrogance, and that we have the walk-the-talkcourage to change if need be. Then, maybe, our words, as well as our actions will be steeped in G-dly honey, love, and all the precious goodness as modeled by our Messiah.

As always, it’s our choice.

#DocsMusing,

Dr. Dee

Helping Hands

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Some preacher once said, that in order to get past your own hurt, we need to help others in an effort to become less SELF-focused and more OTHER-focused. Well, last week, I had an opportunity to work with many people who were OTHER-focused, and I was truly blessed! My experience benefited me, more than my efforts benefited those I was helping. WHY? Because I had an opportunity to stop thinking about mySELF and think and do for OTHERS, along with a bunch of great people! two-peoplw-helping-hands

I am really amazed at how many New Year’s resolutions (including mine) rarely include helping others! Many of the resolutions I hear or read about speak to losing weight, spending more time with family and friends, stop smoking, get out of debt, and/or saving money, stop drinking, etc. However, how many New Year’s resolutions revolve around giving up personal time and money to help those who are destitute, lonely, broke and hopeless, maybe even homeless? I don’t know about you, but I am guilty as charged! And, unless the Spirit of G-d moves us to STOP thinking about ourSELF, we will continue to perpetuate self-focus and me-Me-ME! This is not G-d’s best, for we are a community inside and outside of the church walls.

black-and-white-hands

Prior to moving to this infamous peach state, I volunteered off and on in California during my teenage years and as an adult. I found my experiences extremely rewarding and loved the opportunities to help others and meet new people. However, since moving to Georgia, my interests, twisted by life circumstances hindered my desires to volunteer. Yet, due to G-d’s nudging, one of my goals for this year is to be more OTHER-focused by getting more involved in community projects.

So, what does this have to do with you? I want to urge you to find an organization and donate your time, money and talents to help others, especially if you find yourself depressed and sad. Helping others as a wounded healer is the best way to recognize G-d’s gifting and blessings in your life and the life of others! It is the best way to stop focusing on yourself, the drama and/or drudgery of this life. It is a fantastic way to give away love and help heal another.

Be a blessing to others! Love your neighbor as you love yourself! Spread joy and happiness! Be the salt and light by giving first to G-d and then to others!

#DocsMusings,

Dr. Dee

Love Reflections

My son came for a brief visit from Korea. It was great seeing him and spending time with him. As I reflect on our visit, I am amazed at how fast the time has passed and how very little we get to see each other, because of the physical landscape which divides us. However, in reality we are not separated, because of the great love we have for each other. I am grateful for the time we had together.

This reflection mirrors in a very tiny way the love G-d has for His people! Even though we don’t physically see our Heavenly Father, His presence is like the wind – we feel Him, we embrace His love, and we know He is there! (John 3:8)

I am often amazed by the great love G-d has for me in spite of my failures and flaws. His love fills my heart and guides me as I am obedient to His will. Even more special is that G-d’s love is available to all who choose to grab hold of his garment and journey with Him.

I am reading a book which speaks to the fact that our days must be propelled by our view of eschatology as the promise of G-d. In other words, we must base our today knowing that G-d’s promises and love are our horizon and our goal! We might want to consider living in ways, which are pleasing to G-d, since He promised He would be back, as oppose to living our lives independent of Him.

Love is one of those words which we hear – more often than its practices imply! I am encouraged to love G-d and love others, because He first loved me and continues to love me! I am encouraged to love those who abuse me, and mistreat me; even my enemies, because Yeshua  (Jesus) modeled great love for those who hated Him.

Be encouraged to love others and spend time with them while it is today. Let those you love know you love them by your words, actions and deeds. Never be afraid to say, I love and appreciate you.

#DocsMusings,

Dr. Dee

Hatin’

Are there people in your life that you just don’t like and do not trust? Frankly, there are people in my life that I do not like and do not trust! However, because I love G-d and wish to please Him, I am committed to love and respect them, and attempt to understand them and their ways. In other words, I am committed to building bridges of friendship and respect! Why – because, after loving G-d with all of our hearts, souls, minds and bodies, we are commanded to love our neighbors as ourselves. Who is my neighbor? Everyone outside of myself, including my family and friends.

In my attempts to do right first by G-d and then others, I find myself searching for the reasons why I do not like certain people. In my search, I have found that those who think they are better than I am, or those that ridicule others, or are just plain mean, evil, and those who lack integrity to name a few, just simply get on my nerves. Yet, I am sure I get on the nerves of others, even though I may fail to see why!

celebrate-life-poster

Therefore, as a quick reminder as we are visiting our friends, families, in-laws and outlaws, during this season, let us remember that everywhere we go, we prove who we are, and who we belong too. If we belong to the Father of Heaven and Earth, we are obligated to treat others in ways, which draw them to Him. We are obligated to die to ourselves and search for ways to allow the light of HaShem to shine forth. Mostly, we are obligated to pray for our attitudes and ourselves, and to ask G-d to help us see others as He sees them – mainly…needing Him! Then, we must pray for those who grate our souls, and ask G-d to help us be loving and kind towards them! We must remember we are in need of a Savior as well.

If you belong to the living G-d, enjoy your family, friends, outlaws and in-laws, and enjoy all your blessings from Him! Are there people in your life that you just don’t like and do not trust?  Live, laugh, and love and don’t waste time hatin’ on others. Instead, live the best you can being the best  you can.

#DocsMusings,

Dr. Dee

They say love is blind, but I’ve seen Your face over a hundred times, and each time I walk out the door Your story fills my soul.

I heard these words in a song that I just love to listen to over and over again. We’ve all heard it said that love is blind, and I guess we all have been blinded by what we call love. But, true love sees, and continues to love, and even loves when love is not returned. My eyes are wide open to You!

There are two kinds of love, and maybe more depending on who’s talking. Human love some say comes for the Creator, which I won’t argue.  Yet, human love is so infected with narcissism that it is often hard to see any inkling of a kind, loving Creator. We live in a world where self, self-interest, self-love, self-hopes, self-funds, self-career objectives, self-needs, self-goals, self-business, self-spirituality, self-desires, etc., truly reign supreme over everyone and often, if not even G-d! I am constantly amazed at the selfishness we all seem to possess; some extraordinarily more than others. Yet, many claim to love G-d, an unselfish Savior as His disciple; nevertheless, the depravity of human selfishness within their being radiates like an armored shield.  My eyes and heart are wide open to You!only-love-can-heal-poster

Human love takes us on all kinds of adventures…some great, some disastrous; some thrilling, some boring! Still, we all need to feel some kind of love, connection, togetherness. We were created out of love to love.  The question, love that hurts or love that is based on fantasy or selfishness, is this really love? Hum, I think not!

There is only One true love and only One who will never leave, forsake, lie, use, manipulate, or exude selfishness, and that is the One who knew us before the world was even formed. Teach us to love without selfish motives.

Yep, some say love is blind, and yeah, love can be blinding. Love, human love can take you down dark alleys into dangerous terrain. But, the love of the Creator, who tells His story daily,  who shows His face hundreds of times in various ways, and who longs to spend time with us, is the only love we can depend on.  All else is a wish, a maybe, or a hope. Open our eyes and hearts to experience Your love.

#JustMusing,

Dr. Dee

I read a story about a man who watched an eagle fly over in the Himalayas during a storm, eagle-night-stormand expecting the eagle to crash under the conditions of the weather, he was quite surprised by what he saw. He noticed that as the storm raged, the eagle set his wings in such a manner as to fly high above the storm.  The eagle did not attempt to bear the storm, nor did he attempt to fight the storm.  The eagle set his wings as to rise above the storm to higher heights.  Such as it is with Believers. When the storms of life are wreaking havoc in our homes, marriages, finances, relationships, health and more, just like the eagle, we should set our wings (hearts) on the promises of G-d, and allow Him to help us weather the storms of life. We ought to allow G-d to take us to higher heights. (Isaiah: 40:31)

Few readers know my history, but I have had my share of storms.  In the midst of my challenges, I have not always acted in a G-dly manner. Imagine that! Yet, I despise confrontations or anything which disrupts harmony, even though I may be the problem! Still, I realize that challenges, conflicts, confrontations are a part of life, and even necessary in order to change and grow. I have come to realize that even in my rightness or self-righteousness whether justified or not, pales in comparison to the redemptive work G-d provides through our Savior.  G-d has not called me to respond in my self-righteousness, stubbornness, and/or selfishness, He has called me to respond to Him with love and obedience.

Hum, well, how do I accomplish this feat? Simply, through Messiah, prayer, obedience and practice. Is it easy? A resounding NO! Have I accomplished, always responding with love, kindness, goodness, mercy, generosity…you know the answer. Believe me, it is easier to say I am a Believer, than to live and smell like a Believer. So what’s next? Do I give up?  Heaven forbid!

Heaven beckons me to repeagle-above-storm-dayent, and continue in the way of the Cross and Resurrection, which exemplifies love, self-renunciation, and embraces the character of the Father, as was displayed through Yeshua. Will this happen overnight? Again, a rhetorical question! It is a moment by moment conscious decision of commitment and effort.

My point, know that storms will destroy you and/or your family, if you fail to embrace G-d’s way. But, if you see yourself like G-d’s eagle with Him as the wind under your wings, you will weather any storm, and soar to greater heights in Him. It may be a slow flight or even a delay, but He promises He will be with us. (Hebrews 13:5; Deuteronomy 31:6)

Are you in the midst of a storm? Look up to the heavens, and know G-d will see you through, because of His great love for you, if you allow Him. Have you just come out of a storm? Then, look up to the heavens, and be grateful for G-d’s protection, lessons and/or provisions. Haven’t had a storm lately? Brace yourself, one might soon be on the way. How will you handle the eminent storms of life? As always, you choose. eagle-with-verse

#DocsMusing,

Dr. Dee