I believe fantasy plays a huge role in society. Ideas are created by imagination. People often daydream or fantasize about different lifestyles, status, relationships, money etc. Imagine a world where no one fantasized. First, that's a fantasy. Second that would be a sad state of affairs. The world would be bland, no creativity, no individuality, no excitement.
Fantasy allows you to imagine anything safely in the confines of your mind. Psychologically, fantasy plays a critical role in mental development. There are all types of cliches that have roots in fantasy like "if you believe it, you can achieve it" or "visualize yourself succeeding and you will do so". Those things incorporate elements of fantasy for positive reinforcement.
Fantasy provides an outlet or escape from reality. You can take a journey away from yourself and do things and be things you couldn't otherwise do in reality. I can't imagine life without the ability to fantasize.
Me and My Boys
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
What do you stand for?
I heard a saying a long time ago that was, "if you stand for nothing, you'll fall for anything!". This came to mind because we all have choices to make every single day. Most days the choices are simple and minor like "what am I going to wear today?", or "should I stop by Krispy Kreme or should I stick with my diet?" Other days you may have harder choices to make like "should I pursue this person even though I'm married?", or "should I take this money even though it's not mine and it's illegal?". Those are just examples but everyday we all have choices and decisions that will forever shape and affect us.
I believe everyone has the ability to discern right from wrong. That being said, you can choose to do what is right. Integrity is crucial to living a positive and good life and it's not just by what you say but also by your actions. You should know that you can say one thing but your actions can say something totally different. I was in a class yesterday and a gentleman was giving praise after which he followed that up by talking about all of the fornication he was involved in and how much he loved having sex with multiple partners. This same man also said he would be there for anyone who needed any kind of help with anything. I thought to myself that, though his help may be appreciated, I can't imagine allowing this man in my home around my wife and my children. He already announced that he has no problem making poor decisions and has displayed no integrity. He is quick to give praise to The Lord but his actions display disrespect for The Father and His Word. Now let me point out that I am no one to judge anyone because that is not my job to do. However, as a Christian I am supposed to discern right from wrong and apply it accordingly to all persons and situations in my life. When I come across people, places, things and or situations that don't coincide with The Word, Christian ethics, or would compromise my integrity then I must make choices. Like every man and woman ever created, I am not perfect. I have made poor choices. It is very likely I will make more. However, I don't rejoice when I do make a bad choice. I also don't brush it off or try to forget it or justify it. When I make a poor choice my spirit immediately feels sorrow. I ask for forgiveness and I repent, meaning I intentionally plan not to make that bad decision again. I look to The Lord for guidance in everything I do because without Him I'm prone to following my flesh, my sinful nature and doing things contrary to The Word. I can't afford to make even the smallest mistake when it comes to doing what's right or wrong because doing wrong, even if it's minor, gives an opening to Satan to steal, kill and destroy me.
It's a battle everyday. I still have work to do. I'm currently trying to ween myself off of gangster rap. I love the music but the lyrics don't coincide with what I believe. It may sound like a minor issue to you however I realize that as long as I listen to people speaking death then I open myself up to death instead of Life. Father forgive me.
What do you stand for? Are there ways you can make better choices in your life? What do you want, Life or death?
I believe everyone has the ability to discern right from wrong. That being said, you can choose to do what is right. Integrity is crucial to living a positive and good life and it's not just by what you say but also by your actions. You should know that you can say one thing but your actions can say something totally different. I was in a class yesterday and a gentleman was giving praise after which he followed that up by talking about all of the fornication he was involved in and how much he loved having sex with multiple partners. This same man also said he would be there for anyone who needed any kind of help with anything. I thought to myself that, though his help may be appreciated, I can't imagine allowing this man in my home around my wife and my children. He already announced that he has no problem making poor decisions and has displayed no integrity. He is quick to give praise to The Lord but his actions display disrespect for The Father and His Word. Now let me point out that I am no one to judge anyone because that is not my job to do. However, as a Christian I am supposed to discern right from wrong and apply it accordingly to all persons and situations in my life. When I come across people, places, things and or situations that don't coincide with The Word, Christian ethics, or would compromise my integrity then I must make choices. Like every man and woman ever created, I am not perfect. I have made poor choices. It is very likely I will make more. However, I don't rejoice when I do make a bad choice. I also don't brush it off or try to forget it or justify it. When I make a poor choice my spirit immediately feels sorrow. I ask for forgiveness and I repent, meaning I intentionally plan not to make that bad decision again. I look to The Lord for guidance in everything I do because without Him I'm prone to following my flesh, my sinful nature and doing things contrary to The Word. I can't afford to make even the smallest mistake when it comes to doing what's right or wrong because doing wrong, even if it's minor, gives an opening to Satan to steal, kill and destroy me.
It's a battle everyday. I still have work to do. I'm currently trying to ween myself off of gangster rap. I love the music but the lyrics don't coincide with what I believe. It may sound like a minor issue to you however I realize that as long as I listen to people speaking death then I open myself up to death instead of Life. Father forgive me.
What do you stand for? Are there ways you can make better choices in your life? What do you want, Life or death?
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
What's the difference between wants and needs? Journal #10
Being Christian helps with my perspective on wants and needs. I use to have alot of wants that weren't in line with Holy Spirit and before I realized that I was often disappointed because I wasn't getting what I wanted. When I look back I really didn't know what I wanted. I thought I did but I didn't. I was caught up in a very materialistic world and I put value on things that were of no spiritual value. I wanted the "bling-bling" in watches and rings and jewelry. I wanted the "old school" ride with 26" chrome rims. I wanted every woman that ever walked past me. I wanted more dope than "Scarface".
Thankfully, The Father was kind enough and merciful enough not to give me those things because they surely would have meant my destruction. I didn't look at it that way at the time but the reality was I was selfish and immature. It took awhile to see and appreciate all of the things I already had and that my needs were being met abundantly.
My wife and I have been unemployed for nearly three years yet we have maintained our apartment and food and clothing for our children during this time. I give all the praise and glory to The Father for that because there is no other explanation other than The Father taking care of our needs. I am very blessed.
Today the things that I want are no longer centered around myself but rather for others which in turn is more rewarding. The things that I need The Father is continually giving me and sometimes without my even asking. I love The Lord!
Thankfully, The Father was kind enough and merciful enough not to give me those things because they surely would have meant my destruction. I didn't look at it that way at the time but the reality was I was selfish and immature. It took awhile to see and appreciate all of the things I already had and that my needs were being met abundantly.
My wife and I have been unemployed for nearly three years yet we have maintained our apartment and food and clothing for our children during this time. I give all the praise and glory to The Father for that because there is no other explanation other than The Father taking care of our needs. I am very blessed.
Today the things that I want are no longer centered around myself but rather for others which in turn is more rewarding. The things that I need The Father is continually giving me and sometimes without my even asking. I love The Lord!
Friday, February 4, 2011
Self Image
How do you view yourself? Are you more concerned with how you view yourself or how others view you? I thought that was a simple question for me. I was gonna blurt out I'm more concerned with how I view myself but when I stopped to think about it there was hesitation. As much as I don't want to admit it, I do crave approval from others even if I act like I don't.
Why do I feel this way? On any given day I would tell you that I could care less what anyone thinks about me yet in my heart that's not true. I chalk it up to my flesh versus my spirit. My flesh wants to act like it's the greatest thing since sliced cheese and would dare anyone to be in opposition to it (even me)! My spirit on the other hand is the direct opposite. My spirit will put others before me, is kind, considerate and polite. My spirit has a special gift of being uplifting to others.
I can show you the disparity between my spirit and my flesh. Look at the pictures of me on this blog. Now match up the words that I speak in this blog with my picture. They don't match. My pictures portray a man that looks like he'd be quick to do foul yet my spirit is the opposite of that. I could've posted some pictures with a suit and tie on but instead I choose to pose in my "hood" attire. My flesh is gangster, my spirit is compassionate.
Anyway you chop it up, how you see yourself will manifest outwardly. I've learned to accept myself for the good and the bad because both of those sides make the total. Though I live in the spirit and The spirit lives in me, my flesh had a contribution to the overall making of the man that is I today. Today I look at myself as a good man who loves The Father and will easily help my brother. Nuff said!
Why do I feel this way? On any given day I would tell you that I could care less what anyone thinks about me yet in my heart that's not true. I chalk it up to my flesh versus my spirit. My flesh wants to act like it's the greatest thing since sliced cheese and would dare anyone to be in opposition to it (even me)! My spirit on the other hand is the direct opposite. My spirit will put others before me, is kind, considerate and polite. My spirit has a special gift of being uplifting to others.
I can show you the disparity between my spirit and my flesh. Look at the pictures of me on this blog. Now match up the words that I speak in this blog with my picture. They don't match. My pictures portray a man that looks like he'd be quick to do foul yet my spirit is the opposite of that. I could've posted some pictures with a suit and tie on but instead I choose to pose in my "hood" attire. My flesh is gangster, my spirit is compassionate.
Anyway you chop it up, how you see yourself will manifest outwardly. I've learned to accept myself for the good and the bad because both of those sides make the total. Though I live in the spirit and The spirit lives in me, my flesh had a contribution to the overall making of the man that is I today. Today I look at myself as a good man who loves The Father and will easily help my brother. Nuff said!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Journal #9 No regrets
If I make it to ninety-five years of age will I have many regrets over my life? I don't believe so. I'm currently forty one, have five beautiful children and I am working toward my first degree in college. Some of the dreams I had when I was younger are still attainable and the goals I have for the future are reachable. I don't look at life in a way where I see things passing me by. If I set a goal and don't achieve it I don't sulk about it I just set another one or continue to pursue it. For example, it's been a dream of mine to open up a sports bar type establishment aimed at teenagers, kind of like "Arnolds" on the t.v. show Happy Days. I believe I will see this open up before I die. If not, it was meant to happen.
I'm able to put things in this particular perspective because I operate in God's time, not mine. When I look at it like that, I don't worry about meeting a deadline. All events occur when they're supposed to which frees me up from worries or regrets. When I use to operate in "my time" things were hectic. I often worked overtime spending very little time with my family. Then I started partying very hard and ignoring life. Both of those examples are extremes but the results were the same when I operated in "my time", chaos and sadness. When I surrendered my life to The Lord everything in my life became easier because I am at peace with the flow of time and events.
Now, before I start any project, I ask The Father for permission and insight and His Blessings. Knowing that God is with me as I go through life makes facing challenges easier and therefore I have no regrets because I know I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing!
I'm able to put things in this particular perspective because I operate in God's time, not mine. When I look at it like that, I don't worry about meeting a deadline. All events occur when they're supposed to which frees me up from worries or regrets. When I use to operate in "my time" things were hectic. I often worked overtime spending very little time with my family. Then I started partying very hard and ignoring life. Both of those examples are extremes but the results were the same when I operated in "my time", chaos and sadness. When I surrendered my life to The Lord everything in my life became easier because I am at peace with the flow of time and events.
Now, before I start any project, I ask The Father for permission and insight and His Blessings. Knowing that God is with me as I go through life makes facing challenges easier and therefore I have no regrets because I know I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Phoenix frozen over!
Brrrrr! It's 36 degrees in Phoenix. You know it's cold when you have to wear a coat in one of the hottest places on the planet. I'm not complaining though, because nearly a million Americans are without power in below freezing temperatures across the country and even more are homeless so this minor inconvenience in weather is nothing to get in a funk over. I actually prefer cold weather to hot because I can get more accomplished. For example, when running errands in cold weather, I move quickly to get out of the cold as soon as possible. I can make it to the corner store and back within ten minutes on a cold day. However, if it's over 100 degrees, that same trip will take nearly twice as long as the sun drains my energy, hydration and will. When it's extremely hot I put off doing alot of things until the sun goes down and by then my window of time has shrunk significantly and my day is nearly wasted. Not to mention that the heat and sun turn me blacker than outer space. Seriously, I've turned three shades darker since moving to Phoenix. I went home awhile back and my friends commented that I looked like I had been vacationing in Nigeria because I was so dark. My homie said that when I stepped off of the plane the street lights came on. Damn, that's dark.
On to other matters. I love the Lord Jesus Christ. I cannot profess that enough. The Father is so wonderful that I am often in disbelief at how much He loves me regardless of my shortcomings. Everyday is a testimony for me and I'm glad that I realize that. Before I asked the Father to come and direct my life, I took for granted all the things that were happening in my life. Thankfully, I was awakened and able to see the wonderful things The Lord has provided for me and The Blessings are continuous.
As a Christian I'm happy to speak about Jesus and the things He's done in my life and those around me. I've many stories to share about the wonderful things He's done and I will share them here and other places. I would encourage all of my brothers and sisters in Christ to share their experiences with others as testimony to the good works The Father does for all of us. There is no shame in sharing love and we should easily be able to confess our love for The Lord.
Personally, I love to hear other peoples stories. A gentleman in one of my classes was telling me that he was required to do 60 hours community service for a court sanction he had received. He went to a nearby church and did approximately 20 hours and the church staff was so thankful that they credited him the entire 60 hours. See how wonderful The Father is. He blessed this man with more than he had asked for. That's how The Father gets down. He always gives you what you need and more. I love The Father.
On to other matters. I love the Lord Jesus Christ. I cannot profess that enough. The Father is so wonderful that I am often in disbelief at how much He loves me regardless of my shortcomings. Everyday is a testimony for me and I'm glad that I realize that. Before I asked the Father to come and direct my life, I took for granted all the things that were happening in my life. Thankfully, I was awakened and able to see the wonderful things The Lord has provided for me and The Blessings are continuous.
As a Christian I'm happy to speak about Jesus and the things He's done in my life and those around me. I've many stories to share about the wonderful things He's done and I will share them here and other places. I would encourage all of my brothers and sisters in Christ to share their experiences with others as testimony to the good works The Father does for all of us. There is no shame in sharing love and we should easily be able to confess our love for The Lord.
Personally, I love to hear other peoples stories. A gentleman in one of my classes was telling me that he was required to do 60 hours community service for a court sanction he had received. He went to a nearby church and did approximately 20 hours and the church staff was so thankful that they credited him the entire 60 hours. See how wonderful The Father is. He blessed this man with more than he had asked for. That's how The Father gets down. He always gives you what you need and more. I love The Father.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Journal #8
My all-time favorite food hands down would be Cioppino. If I were on death row receiving my last meal, that would be it. Cioppino is a fishermans stew with crab, shrimp, lobster, white fish, mussels, scallops, minced peppers, onion and bay leaves in a marinara type sauce. I first discovered this piece of heaven in a casino in Reno and have since ate it at every venue that serves it which isn't many. I finally pulled the recipe off of the internet and started making it myself with some success. If the world were to end today cioppino would be my last meal!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)