Today’s a new day! Be the person God created you to be. ~OC
Peace and Wisdom
Today’s a new day! As I continue to run this crazy beautiful health journey, I have chosen to live with eternal perspective. This “Lost Writings of OC” was written in March 2023.
During my health journey, I have found peace and wisdom in the Psalms. In them the steadfast love of God for His people is expressed during great trouble as well as great blessing. When our hearts begin to grasp the character of God as revealed in His Word, our faith and trust in His ways digs deeper into our souls. The benefits and delights of knowing and obeying God’s Word is the theme of Psalm 119. Here are a few “treasures” found in verses 68-93:
“You are good and do good… it is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes… Your hands have made and fashioned me… Those who fear you shall see me and rejoice, because I have hoped in your word… I know, O LORD [Yahweh, God’s personal name], that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me… let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight… In your steadfast love give me life, that I may keep the testimonies of your mouth… you have established the earth, and it stands fast. By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants.”
As is God’s promise, my meditation upon these words brought instruction and great delight to my soul. I jotted down some observations in my journal:
God is good and His deeds are good. His hands have fashioned everything in my life. Here are some lessons learned during this health journey:
•Learn His statutes (teach me His ways)
•Place my hope firmly in Him, causing believers to rejoice
•Recognize His righteousness in me
•Confirm His faithfulness to me
•Reveal His mercy to me
•Invoke in me a vibrant delight in His word
•Use my life to keep His testimonies
Everything in creation has been established by God and is being sustained by God. All things are subject to God’s purpose and will. “All things are God’s servants.”
The benefit and delight I received from these verses is profound:
My health journey is God’s servant in my life. He is using it in ways He has revealed to me in these verses and in many more I have yet to understand. I can rest knowing that my health battle is under the control of God who is good and does good. ~OC
New Perspective
Today’s a new day! This crazy beautiful health journey, has opened my eyes to seeing the amazing, ordinary, everyday gifts of life. As my body continues to waste away, inwardly I am being renewed day by day. Experiencing life with new eyes. With a new perspective. ~OC
Peace
Today’s a new day! As I continue to run this crazy beautiful health journey, there are more questions than answers. No promises that things will get easier or better, but I am still filled with a peace that passes all understanding. ~OC
Men’s Groups…Not A Fan
Today’s a new day! I am often asked about my thoughts on Men’s Bible Studies and men’s gatherings. At first I chose not to respond, but then I thought I should be upfront and honest.
There are really two reasons I no longer attend and to be honest believe in men’s groups. Let me just say, the following is based on my experience only. If you have had great experiences with men’s groups, that’s awesome. I would encourage you to continue to be part of them.
The first reason I no longer attend men’s groups or events is, I have never felt part of any men’s groups. I have tried connecting with some of the guys from these groups with little to no success. I have found most men’s groups are mainly concerned about making the “right connections” and I guess I do not fit that criteria. Also, the only time I hear from most of these guys is when I post something on social media they do not agree with. Then all the sudden they want to be involved in my life. Which leads me to my second reason.
The second reason you no longer see me at these gatherings, is because several men in those groups have shown their true colors and I cannot be part of that kind of foolishness. What do I mean? Several men in the men’s groups I was connected with have on more than one occasion, questioned my faith and character because my political and social beliefs do not align directly with theirs. But to be honest, I am not mad at them because they just revealed what most of the men in these group are thinking, but keep to themselves.
So, I will continue to keep my distance from gatherings where I am not free to share my thoughts and opinions, without my faith and character being questioned. I am thankful for those friends and groups who choose to respect opinions that differ from theirs. Those are the groups I choose to support. ~OC
Love
Today’s a new day! Love the people around you. Love the life you have. Love the little things in life. Love the beautiful interruptions. Focus on and embrace love. ~OC
True Friendship
Today’s a new day! My question of the day is, “What is a true friend?”
For me, a true friend will never, ever leave you no matter what life throws at you. It’s not important whether they are miles apart from you, as a true friend will always have you close to their heart. So distance never really matter.
Real and true friendship involves freedom of choice, accountability, truth, and forgiveness. Real friendship looks at the heart, not just the “packaging.” Genuine friendship loves for love’s sake, not just for what it can get in return. True friendships can be both challenging and rewarding. It risks, it overlooks faults, and it loves unconditionally, but it also involves being truthful, even though the truth may hurt.
Relationships in real life involve different levels of friendships, and that’s okay. Human beings were designed by God for lasting relationships. Often this world offers only vague, empty relationships. But God wants us to have true vibrant friendships here on earth. Friends are the best people whom we can share our thoughts, feelings, our success, failures, secrets, dreams, fears, hopes and everything. A friend is the best person who can safeguard our deepest secret and yet will not misjudge us or disown us. This is the greatest asset which gives us the courage to share our feelings.
A friend is a real reflection of our character and personality. Friends can also be a great source of inspiration and can take us to great levels. I believe friendships are essential to our happiness in life. Although the nature of friendship cannot be fully described, finding a true friend is a priceless gift that should be cherished at all phases of life.
The following is for all of my true friends who have walked with me through the sunshine and rain:
Friends are far, friends are near,
Friends will be there to lend an ear,
They listen, laugh, and care,
But most of all, they’re always there,
Through thick and thin,ups and downs, True friends are always around,
For big hugs and beautiful smiles,
They’ll travel to you even though the storms
They’ll always be there to hold your hand during the toughest times,
Anytime, no matter if it’s day or night,
You really know when your friends are sincere, When they always show up to lend a listening ear and a helping hand. I am thankful for all of my faithful friends. ~OC
No Shade
Today’s a new day! Stop paying attention to the shade coming from a tree that bears no fruit. ~OC
Let’s Be Clear
Today’s a new day! Let’s be clear: Christian Nationalism – the movement that’s gripped so many Christians and Churches in America is a misinterpretation of Jesus’ teachings. It’s in direct opposition to them. It’s an affront to the Sermon on the Mount, the fruit of the Spirit, and everything Jesus stood for. If you’re claiming to follow Christ, you cannot ignore this false theology. ~OC
It’s Time
Today’s a new day! As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, I wanted to share the following with you. ~OC
Today, It’s our calling to support our friends, colleagues, and family members and to stand against senseless acts of violence and systemic racism. We need each other now more than ever if this nation is to ever truly move forward and heal the broken systems established years ago.
It’s time we stand in solidarity as individuals and communities to change a system that has been filled with racism for way too long.
It’s time we educate ourselves.
It’s time we change our broken systems.
It’s time we respect our black brothers, sisters, and People of Color.
It’s time we demand equal rights for all.
It’s time we allow the destruction for powerful reform to take place.
It’s time to accept and respect each other regardless of our differences.
It’s time we stopped using hate to conquer hate.
It’s time we truly love our black brothers and sisters. And not just for the month of February.
It’s time we bring real change to America and beyond.
The Blessed Overcomer 