Erwin’s 80 th Birthday Where did the years go? Cannot believe I will be an octogenarian. But life has showered many blessings. It is a miracle to be alive.   Every day my wife Mary makes me dream. For, she holds me close to her heart. I often delight over having our morning coffee. I love breakfast of cereal, berries, and almond milk.   It is the little things that matter most of all. The warmth of our son Matthew and daughter-in-law Shannon, Sending cards, and thank-you notes to relatives and friends. But this 80 th birthday is most symbolic in my life. It is the age when I continue to battle chronic ailments.   Yet, I do try to live a healthy life. Most times I write, read, and enjoy a good book. I enjoy delving into the biographies of famous people. These individuals motivate me to live to my fullest potential.   Undoubtedly, I endeavor to eat healthy meals and exercise. You can catch me three times a week on ...

  Thorn in Flesh Imagine the full scope of life. With youth everything may be well. Gradually, people age with a thorn. A thorn in the flesh shapes their lives.   This pain is physical and psychological. Some may collapse under the strain. Others stand up to this constant irritation. They say, “It is part of a hidden life.”   But what does a person benefit? Are there good and bad days? What can be done to lessen the pain? But it is always best to go with the flow.   To live successfully means living with a thorn. It is a vital catalyst of keeping people focused. Although, people must not give in to the stress. Sometimes, there are not any good answers.   As the saying goes, “People keep trucking on.” When they take this approach, they build confidence. These individuals overcome amazing odds. They are determined by their efforts and live in hope.      

  Positive Living How do you feel? Are you able to sleep? Do you have an appetite? Are you crushed by depression?   You may be experiencing Thoughts that are unhealthy. These may be debilitating. But what should you do?   The answer rests with you. Learn how to beat these blues. Talk things through with a good friend. And listen carefully to his or her advice.   Practice activities that are life-affirming. Play music that brings you joy. Socialize with folks that are positive. Just watch these bad thoughts disappear.   Then, rethink the way you handle stress. Motivate yourself to have a helpful hobby. Soon, you will realize things are not as bad. This is how to emphasize the positive in living.  

  A Loving Shepherd W. Phillip Keller, author of A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 grew up and lived in East Africa surrounded by herders.  He explains much of what happens resembles those shepherds in the Middle East.  For eight years he was a sheep rancher, and was engrossed with the stories of the Bible.  He therefore uses natural phenomena to provide insights into supernatural truth.  Keller points out that present day city dwellers miss biblical teachings because they are unable to relate to nomadic folks who live in simplicity.    Keller brings to bear a shepherd’s insight to this devotional Psalm.  He empathizes with David himself and refers to Psalm 23 as “David’s Hymn of Praise to Divine Diligence.” With “I shall not want,” God points out that in our lives like sheep we will be free from friction, for he has prepared an ideal banquet for our every need.  God leads us to “still waters.” He does not want us to toil on dry, semi-arid so...

  A Family’s Challenges What a breath of fresh air! Our mother was lovely and kind. She was a symbol of goodness. And lived for her eleven children.   Mom’s family is in the Americas. They walk the streets of North America. Some dwell on Canadian soil. But most reside in Guyana, South America.   The Thomas’s were born in Georgetown. They were delivered by a local midwife. Their first home was a three-room house That was situated in the heart of North Road.   All the children have grown to be adults. They have lost two of their brothers and a sister. Yet, their memories live on and are dear to them. These loved ones reside within their hearts.   Life has treated the adult children well. Most of them are married with children of their own. Through their jobs, they have been able to live good lives. But, like everyone else their families have had challenges.      

  A Family Prays Lord, you are the God who saves me; day and night I cry out to you.  May my prayer come before you; turn your ear to my cry. Psalm 88:1-2 Dad’s mind was on Saturday because he considered it to be our Sabbath Day.  On this day, as soon as we awoke, he summoned us to pray.  The kids all gathered in the living room and knelt.  Dad would then pray with us from his heart.  “Almighty and Everlasting God, we humbly ask you to continue to bless our family.  We are most thankful for the many blessings you have showered on us.  We are especially grateful for our health, food, and shelter.  Although, we do not have much, we’re most thankful.” Amen! “We humbly ask you to continue to bless our work, and especially the efforts of mom, who does so much.  We thank you for granny Sarah, Edwin, Squee, and Boyie for all they do.  Thank you for our family, and the kids, who are in school.  Help us to have joyful and kind h...

  A Life of Optimism What does life mean? Are there lessons to be learned? Do people just live and die? How should they live?   Take life one day at a time. Enjoy every moment fully. Be sure to smell the roses. And have a glass of wine.   Life is shorter than you think. Days pass by that many hardly remember. But are they open to the undulations of change? This is the only way to pursue happiness.   Our families grow up before our eyes. Some people decide to have hobbies. They pursue their dreams with a purpose. These decisions mean a lot for older adults.   Older folks are faced with challenges. Many of their afflictions are health issues. These conditions cause unexpected problems. Some may see their dreams of life shattered. But why don’t they live like optimists? It’s one way of living sanely in this world.     

  Mother’s Day For all moms on Mother’s Day! To the mothers, grand-mothers, and great grand-mothers You are very special breed. You are the ones who raise the children of nations. You shoulder the responsibilities in their homes, By nurturing, loving, and grooming them to be the best. You have dedicated your lives by raising your children. And you embrace these tasks with an all-encompassing love.   God has blessed you with the special gifts of motherhood. You have guided your families well in a turbulent world. So, you have taught them what is right and wrong. And how to be good citizens in every nation of the world. You nurtured your children in countries of different faiths - Be they Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, and Taoist. Yet, although diverse, they live according to the Golden Rule. Yes, they must do unto others as they would do unto themselves.   God, you have gracefully blessed the mothers of our lands. And have guide...

  A Christian Beliefs Since the fall of Adam and Eve people have faced a dilemma, but Christ’s death on the cross at Calvary saved us. Our first parents’ failure led to the fall of humanity.  Moral evil (sin) entered the world and since then we have lived in a state of alienation from God.  This came about as the result of betrayal in the Garden of Eden.  With this fall people were saddled with a malignant power.  The core of sin is disbelief, and hardness of heart that has blighted us.  People have made bad choices, but God wants us to reverse course.  Franz Wright (b. 1953), a poet wrote, “I am in no way different from anyone else, that my predicament, my sense of aloneness or isolation may be precisely what unites me with everyone else.”   Wright reflected on this plight.   Repercussions followed mankind’s fall, and there exists a lack of reconciliation with God.  Many people presently worship false idols, and they have fallen sho...

  Blessing in Disguise When situations don’t work out don’t fight, become upset, and keep pushing. Just have a sense of when to let go, relax, and be at peace. Remember there isn’t always a solution.   If you have to try again, come back at a later time. Maybe the problem will resolve itself. Sometimes people realize it cannot, so, they have to call an expert.   He or she may be able to help. Even if the situation appears hopeless. But the same principle applies. If it’s a device it may be time to get another.   With some problems it may be the way things are. Learn to accept these how they are, and move on. This can be nature taking its course. This situation may well be a blessed gift in disguise.  

  A Believer’s Gifts   Believers discover their gifts as they travel down the road of life.  One such gift is helping others.  But its purpose is not only to enrich people - the poor and well-to-do alike, but to enlighten them.  To accomplish these blessings, it is necessary to have an active spiritual life.  A French Enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher Voltaire (1694–1778) wrote, “God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.”   What follows is a focus on some of our wonderful gifts e.g., Nature, Knowledge, Peace, and Holy Spirit.    Nature -  A liberal politician, philanthropist, and scientist John Lubbock (1834–1913) said, “Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountains and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books.”   With ecologically consciousness minds there’s much talk about caring for nature....

  A Balanced Life Living is all about balance. It is the only way to be well, Because people are complexed They should aim for equilibrium.   This is by pursuing the simple ways of life. Do not ever overdo, but weigh and consider. It is the way you live that really counts. So, be sure to embrace a basic lifestyle.   You should eat balanced meals. Take daily walks of 20-thousand steps. And, get a good night’s sleep. Be sure to challenge your mind. Seek peace with the Spiritual Force Of this vast and ubiquitous Universe.   Practice fundamentals of healthy living. And, remember to give love and be loved. It is always good to be kind to others. For, they are part of the human family. So, just focus on being well-balanced By doing what is important in your heart.