A Fathers Love

When I first became a father at the very young age of twenty-one, I never really understood what it meant to be a father. At that time my daughter was born, I was just learning for myself what it took to become a man. I was going to college, working two jobs, clubbing and doing what most twenty-one year old do at that age. I remember getting that phone call from my current girl friend that I was going to become a father. At first I didn't know how to take the news of becoming a father. I thought wow, I am too young to be a father. My other thought was how am I going to be able to take care of a baby, when I am having a hard time taking care of myself? Do we get married, even though we really don't have a sound relationship?Then I has this thought, what did I get myself into? Why didn't I wear protection? That was a lot to take in for a young man just trying to find himself. I can remember my fathers words when he heard the news, he would say," Chuck, you laid down with that woman and acted like an adult, now its time to grow up and be one.

 Any man that has heard those words for the very first time would be scared. I must admit I was scared, confused and very unprepared. Thank God for two very loving parents  who must have knew that I wasn't prepared to be a father and sure wasn't prepared to be a parent. It took me some time to realize that there is a big difference between a father or a mother and a single parent. After some years pass by I was blessed with another child( A baby boy). God fixed it that I would be present when he was born. I got to witness child birth and all I can say what an experience. It was amazing, to see something so beautiful being born. To any man who may read this, if you happen to have a woman that is carrying your child, please witness the birth. I did and it changed my life! I knew from that moment on that I wanted to be more involved in my children's lives. I was determined to be involved and I wanted my children to know who their father was. So I went out bought my sons crib, then went to the department store , then bought him clothes, bottles and made one room in my apartment a room just for him. I loved my baby boy and felt that nothing would ever come between us.

 At the time of my sons birth his mother and I were not a couple. But I assured her that I would do my job as a father and help raise our son. I thought his mother and I had a sound agreement, but as you know nothing happens as planned. She fought me every step of the way. She denied me visits and she only wanted  me to see our son, when she received support for our child. Our child became a tool she would use only to get money and when she received the money, it wasn't spent on our son. At times I was both furious and helpless at the same time. Here I was a father that wanted to be apart of my child's life, but because we weren't involved, she used him to her advantage. Living like this was a living hell. I found myself praying and asking God for help. As fate would have it I ended up years later having custody of my child.  My prayers were answered because I soon found out that I was not only am I a father, but also a single parent. I never knew what those words meant until my own son explained it too me today. He said these words today that made think and proud at the same time. He said ,"I always knew that you were my Father, because my mother told me so". But when I began to live with you then you became my parent. A father only is only a father because he provided the necessary ingredients to make a baby. But a real parent raises the child and becomes responsible for it. You dad are my father and my parent.

 Those words that my son expressed to me made me proud to be a father. Has raising my son alone been easy? No, as a matter of fact I was told that I couldn't do it and I was also told that I would make a terrible parent. But I was determined to raise him and get him ready for the outside world. Now he is making good grades, healthy and a very respectable kid. One day with Gods blessings he will turn into a God Fearing man. I learn while raising my son, times may be difficult, but with God in the mist all things are possible. My experience raising my son has been a blessing. It has helped me grow as a man and it also helped me to respect the mothers of the world that raise children by themselves without the help of their fathers. Being a parent I learned a lot about myself. I learned love is not just buying something for someone, love is also caring about another person needs. Sometimes your child just needs to know that you will be there for them, through their failures and as well as their success. All you have to do while raising your children, is to be both positive and strong,encourage them to be what ever they want to be and always tell them that with God in their lives all things are possible to achieve.To all the mothers and fathers in the world, be more than mothers or fathers,be parents and show your child  or children real love. Also to the mothers of the world, that don't allow the fathers visitation, please do not allow the world or the devil to come between this very important union. Every child needs their fathers as well as their mothers. Yes a mothers love is precious, but a fathers love will stay with a child for a lifetime. For God our Father In Heaven loves and admires a loving parent. Those who love and raise their children unselfishly will be blessed for as long as they live. A Fathers Love.
May God bless you all always,
Charles

.John 16:27
No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.
John 16:28
I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father."
John 16:30
Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions.

This makes us believe that you came from God."

Giants (The Bigger They Are The Harder They Fall)

All my life I have faced very large hurdles or obstacles. Being that I am a black male in America , short and a single parent, my hurdles or obstacles are sometimes larger than the average person. I often think back on my days in high school, when I was only a freshman. One day I went to school and had to face what most teenage males face everyday, a bully. At that time I had my very first encounter with fear. Outside of fearing my mother or father, I never feared anything and the only reason I ever had to fear them, was if I did something wrong or when I did something I wasn't suppose to. Because if I did then I would be severely punished. Anyway, I was on my way to my locker and then there he was (the bully), a tall and very big guy, which to me at  the time  looked like a giant. I was so scared and I think he knew this because took advantage of the situation. He asked me for my lunch money and to keep from getting my butt kicked I gave it to him. Latter on that day, I went home and my father asked me how was my day. I told him my day went well, but to avoid getting into a fight I gave up my lunch money. My father was so mad I thought that he was going to kill me! He said these words to me that I will never forget," Son, there are only a few things in this world you will ever  have to fear and its not man". One you should always fear God , because only he has the power to give life and the power to take it away. And the other is your mother and I". Why I asked ? Well because if you do something you shouldn't be doing you will be punished. Whew! I still get chills from that conversation, because my parents didn't play and they meant  business.(smile) For those who were raised in the seventies you understand where I am coming from. Back then parents had the liberty to punish their children and my parents never spared the rod.

 After I got a lecture from my father on why I shouldn't fear man, my father told me to go back to school and face my fear.(And I am writing this in a nice way) He said go back to school and if that bully tries to take your lunch money again, hit him with everything you have! The very next day I went back to school,then went back to my locker and there he was waiting to take my lunch money again. The bully asked me , Where is my lunch money? I looked in my locker and prepared myself to fight, then said not today! At that time I knew it was time to over come my fear. He grabbed me and was ready to hit me, then before he could land a lick, I hit him with all my might. I threw as many punches as I could before someone came and broke us up. After that fight I earned respect not only from my bully, but for other students  around me. That day I over came my fear and that scary giant fell. After school was over I went back home and there my father was waiting. He said," Charles, did you do what I asked of you? I told him yes. He had a smile on his face that would light up any room. He told me that he was proud of me, not because I stood up to the bully, but  because I over came my fear. He went on to say son , never let anyone take advantage of you, even in your moments of weakness. Some battles we face are not fought with our hands , but with our heads. Some of the battles we face are the ones we fear, because most of us fear the unknown. We fear living alone, scared of taking chances or fear trying something new. We also sometimes get intimidated when we meet people that are more powerful or knowledgeable than us. But we shouldn't fear them because they are only human and only obtain their strength or power through fear.That is why its so important to read the bible, then get an education and to understand the lessons that your mother or I teach you. In this world you will have to fight many battles and you will not be able to face them alone, if you live in fear. If a battle is to be won, you should always put the ones that seem impossible to win, in the hands of the Mighty God. Because God has the power to conquer all giants and none are as powerful as he.To anyone who is blessed enough to read this, if there is a giant, an obstacle,mountain, hill or problem in your life and if they always seem to get in your way. Call on the power of Jesus and they shall be moved or conquered. Always remember this while living your life there is no problem that can not be solved. The bigger the problem, obstacle or mountain, the harder they shall fall, in Jesus name we pray. Amen!

Have a blessed evening,

Charles

Ecclesiastes 8:13 But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he fears not before God.

Old Sayings

As I youth I was very blessed to have three generations of relatives around in my childhood. When I grew up, I had the pleasure of seeing my great grandparents on both sides of my family. I also had both grandmothers and grandfathers around too . What made this even more a blessing was hearing them talk about the past and also hearing their thoughts on today's time verses their time. As I think of the good old days, I can only say that I miss them , for both their love and wisdom. But what I enjoyed the most was hearing those famous old sayings, that still stick with me today. They would say things like, "What comes around goes around". Which means  if you treated someone bad, its a very good chance that same bad deed or hurtful feeling just may come back too you. They would also say this, "Do on to others as you would want to be done too you or treat people like you want to be treated. Those two were some of my grandfathers favorite sayings. He explain to me as a child, that people only treat you the way you treat them. He would say son in my day people always respected each other. Men would always open the door for the ladies and women would always greet the men with a smile. He would say but to those knuckle heads or bad people with no respect or proper up bringing. He would say you know the ones who never smile, the ones who always complain and the ones who are always unhappy. He would say Charles ," do you know why those people are so unhappy and always complain "? "I would say no grand daddy I have no ideal why they are that way". Then he would say with a frown and then a smile, well its because they need Jesus! He would look at me with a smile and say son, people will be people, you just have to learn to respect people no matter where they come from. He would also say everyone has their own ideals, anyone that I may meet, grew up  with different backgrounds, parents, religions and different beliefs. He would say even though God made us all in his image, he gave each and everyone of us our own minds. But if you are wise and can read you will find  in the Bible , many of those old sayings that me and your other relatives have told you over the years of your life.In those old sayings you will find the wisdom and the faith to live a life the way God our Father in Heaven wants us to. God wants us to love our neighbor's, respect our elders, honor our fathers and mothers. God also wants us to help the needy and also help those in need. God never wants us to be disrespectful and to always honor men for their good deeds . God also wants us to always to be grateful, for everyday that we open our eyes we are blessed, just to live another day. He would say these are just some of the things all men and women should be thankful for. My grandfather used to say son, we all are living on borrowed time and should live our lives to the fullest. Everyone should enjoy, Gods green Earth while there is still  life in their body. Love one another and stay away from negative or bad people because they will only bring you down. Before he would get another word out of his mouth I would say, "Yes, grandpa I know, birds of a feather do flock together. Then he would say son(with a smile) if you love God and honor Jesus your life will be filled with joy. Live your life like Jesus and you will be rewarded in Heaven. He would say Jesus was a humble man, a forgiving man, loving man and while on Earth he did what his father sent him to do. Jesus healed the sick and fed the needy. He did not let , mans evil ways effect his life here on Earth. Even when both men and women doubted who he was, he stayed faithful and fulfilled his Fathers purpose.Even when being nailed to the cross for a crime he did not commit Jesus still loved his creations, then sacrificed himself on the cross for our sins and on our behalf he asked God to forgive us all for our future and past sins. He would say if you read those old sayings in the good book(the Bible), then apply them to your life, then your life here on Earth will be blessed. Son you will be on the pathway to Heaven and I will be there waiting for you with open arms.

Have a blessed night,

Charles

Trust Him , Trust God

 I have been inspired by one of my  friends to write this one. Since almost all of my friends happen to be mostly  women, I thought I would give you all some very important information on men, since I happen to be one of them .(smile) First I'll like to give you my definition of a man. Age has nothing to do with a man being a man or a woman being a woman. Yes, its very true the legal age of a man in 18 and the same can be said for a woman. But age does not change a boy into a man. Boys over the years mature in to being a man. Our life experiences,the way we were raised as young men help shape us into being men. I know a lot of you are saying , okay Charles get to the point. Okay, being a man means first being able to take care of ourselves, provide for ourselves, loves ourselves and having  respect for others. Most of us were taught to be strong, never to cry, never express our feelings and to always be on guard when it comes to our heart. I have been taught as a young boy, that if I did not love myself, I could not love another. My father used to say love yourself first, you are number one and there is nothing in this world you can not do if you try.Well that's just a small part of what a man really is.

Now when it comes to a man giving his heart,well we do not do that easily. Its hard for us to break down and give ourselves to someone. We do not wear our emotions on our sleeves and despite what women think of us, we do have hearts. We love just like women do, but in different ways. When we love a woman and give our heart to them we give our all. Is it the way that women would like? No not at all, that because we are not made that way. The minute a woman tries to change a man in to what she thinks he should be, that is when he ceases being the man you fell in love with. When God created man, his ideal for man was to be the strong ,the protector, the provider and the head of the household. The woman was suppose to be the help mate and the protector of a mans heart. Does that mean she did not have to work? Well in the old days, no. But the bible if you have a true understanding of it changed from that. The New Testament made provisions for that, because God knows all things and knew of our future. God knew that men would need women more in this changing world. That's where the ideal of help mate comes from. The woman is a man help mate, his rib and his equal. She is to walk beside him and not behind him. Where he is weak, she should be his strength . But not too strong to keep him from being what he is and what God wants him to be. Men and women should be equal partners. Standing shoulder to shoulder as a team or as one.
 Men or women should never  fight against each other, but instead for each other. If they are to become what God wants them to be, then they should always respect their parts or roles as a team. Every man has his place and a woman has her place. But as a team , together both can do anything and when they are attacked by the Devil. My mother would always say this every time somebody tried to harm our family, When they mess with one of us, then they mess with all of us. That's how God feels when someone tries to harm his children and as you know vengeance is his. God will fight your battles, if you just trust him and allow him to fix it.
 When something goes wrong in a relationship or marriage, men or women tend to blame each other for their problems, without recognizing that the devil is out to seek and destroy their happiness.A friend of mine once asked me what should she do when people or the devil try to take or destroy what's hers. Then I answered her by saying , Tell the devil that he is a liar and God is my strength! As hard as this must seem, we all should learn too trust each other and always trust God. God has a plan for us all and the journey with through Christ may not be easy, but if you have faith in him all things are possible. There will be challenges, hard times or heart breaks, but if you love him,  trust him and allow God too lead the way, then great things will happen. Always, remember this as long as you live," Great strength  comes from faith in God". Have faith that what ever problems that may come your way, God will work it out for the better.Make it a point  trust God our Father in Heaven with all of your affairs.
May God bless you all,
Charles

Child Of God

When you hear the term Child of God what does that mean to you and when you hear other people call themselves as Children of God, what thought's comes to your mind? While some people will give themselves self proposed tittles such as Apostle, Prophet and others many who call themselves these things aren't worthy of those names or tittles. The main reason why is because most who give themselves these names don't really  comprehend or understand the real meaning behind these biblical tittles. Also most who claim these tittles as their own, don't fully realize the implications for being an impostor's or false prophets of God. First thing that most people do not realize is by birth we are all children of God. God our Father with the aid of his son Jesus Christ created all races and all things. Men and woman were Gods prized creations. In fact it is written that man was created in Gods image. Also a child of God must realize that if you claim the tittle you have to live up to the part. That means if you are a member of the church, sing in the choir, deacon, pastor or minister, you should always remember that not only are you a representative of the church but also a representative of God our Father in Heaven himself. Its not only a service but an honor to serve our Father In Heaven.

 What does being a Child of God or a representative of the Most High really means? It means when one leaves the house of God, serving God does not end there, it begins the moment they leave it. They should also walk like, talk like and then act like a Child of God in public. Which means even though they may live in the world they should not be influenced by its ways.  Being a child of God means being fearless, which means you should only fear God. That means when a child of God is in public, they should be fearless because our Father in Heaven and his Angels always has their back. Its means forgiving others, just like our Father in Heaven has forgiven you. That means when someone does or says something wrong and even if they have hurt you, then you should some how find it in your heart to forgive them. It means being patient for it is written, being patient is a virtue. Which means sometimes you have to wait for certain things to happen. Then wait for the right opportunity or opportunities to get what you want or need.

 Being a child of God, also means never to be judgmental, for it is written," Judge not and be not judged". Which means no one is free of sin and it also means that no one is perfect. Just because you are a child of God or a messenger of our Father in Heaven does not mean you are above or better than anyone else. Most Christians, Ministers, Pastors and members of the church must realize that its not about them, its about the Father and his son Jesus Christ. Because without them nothing wouldn't matter anyway. A Child Of God should always be confident and should know that God our Father will always provide for their needs. For it is also written ," You have not because you ask not, ask and it shall be given". A Child Of God should be someone people in the world always admire, because their love of God would shine through them.  A Child Of God would love their mothers, honor their fathers, cherish their children and always respect their elders. Being a true child of God no one in the world, would be confused about the God they serve, because they will live the way that our Father in Heaven commanded them too. Even through pain, sickness or health and no matter how many storms, trails or tribulations they may go through. A true Child Of God will always remain faithful, trustworthy and true. For a Child Of God, already knows that the battle is not theirs, it's in fact the Lords.

Have a blessed day,

Charles

Revelation 22:11-12

(11) He that is unjust , let him be unjust still: and he that is filthy, let him still be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him still be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.(12) And behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

Stop Being So Negative!

This is a journal that everyone needs to read. If you happen to be a parent, husband, wife, someones best friend, pastor or child of God this can change your out look on life. First thing everyone needs to realize is that we all live in an imperfect world and none of us is free of sin.It doesn't matter what level or income bracket you are in everyone has issues, problems, troubles or are experiencing some type of pain. Even the very rich have problems that are very similar to those that are poor.Why would I say this? Well if you read the paper, look at the news or have access to a computer, then you would realize that being rich ,only affords one thing that other people with less income is accustom too. That's the ability to buy or purchase what every they may want or need. Other than that they are just like the rest of the world. The rich have to fear death, they also have family problems, political beliefs and some even worship God. But the thing that all of us have in common is the very one thing that keeps us apart.This very thing keeps us, from being close to our children, our mothers, fathers, family members, friends and even our own spouses. It also keeps us from succeeding in life and more important than that it even separates us from God. What is this thing? Its negativity! Being  negative can make people not want to be around you .If you happen to be someone or know of someone who always complains, fusses, fights and argues, then most people, then you will understand why most people avoid those who are negative. People generally want to associate themselves with someone that is always positive. Beside that its a fact that there is enough negativity in the world and no one needs to be reminded on how bad things are or how many mistakes they have made. Even a child realizes it when they have made a mistake. Even though some may need to be reminded more than once about their past mistakes or sins, if its done in a constructive way they will get the point and change in time.
My advice to anyone who may happen to be reading this, if you happen to have a husband, wife, child or friend that has made mistake or even if they hurt you in the past or in the present.Please forgive them and move on.Its a fact that the only way to reach Heaven is by forgiving someone of their sins. By the blood of Jesus we all are forgiven for our past and future sins, so shall we be forgiving of others. As hard as this my seem,one should always try to look for positive solutions to yours and other peoples problems.
To those rare group of people that feel that there are no positives in their life I have this to say," Everyone makes mistakes and everyone has hurt by someone or somebody and there is no one free of sin. Mistakes is just another way of making things right. Some people have to fail first before they can succeed. Even in marriage people will make mistakes and  hurt their spouses. Many times some just need time adjusting to the ideal of being married. The same thing applies when raising a family, some have to adjust to being a parent or have to adjust being, head of the house or help mate so. Also to those who say ,"well my husband or wife was unfaithful ". Well if you have truly forgiven them, then God can and will change them in time. You must look at the positives when someone hurts you or even when someone or even yourself makes a mistake. Look at it this way if a person truly wants to change and ask you for forgiveness, then God our Father is in the mix. With him in your life, your marriage and as head of your family all can over come any sins or weather any storm.Take my advice, stop being so negative and stop reminding them ,how bad of  person they used to be or of the mistakes they have made in their past. I am pretty sure they already know, that they are not perfect and they truly want to change. After you have forgiven them, put them in the hands of the Lord .God can turn any bad situation into a good one. Trust him , then never loose faith and everything will be alright with the blessing from God.

Have a blessed night,

Charles

Psalm 15:1-3

(1) Have mercy upon me O God , according to thy loving kindness: according unto the multitude of thy tinder mercies blot out my transgressions.(2) Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. (3) For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin  is ever before me.

God Has Not Given Up On You Yet

It seems everywhere I turn I see people struggling with their finances, while others are struggling with their children, relationships or marriages. Then there are some that have health problems or have problems with their careers. Even though some may have family members like mothers, fathers, brothers or sisters none of them are there to help them in their time of need. Instead of offering help they offer bad advice and some have the nerve to criticize or as my late grandmother would say kick you when you are down. These family members are the ones that supposedly care for you, love you and the ones who should understand. But what is worse than that, is when the man or woman you are married to turn their backs on you. Instead of helping you, they hurt you and act like its your fault, just like the people in the outside world. You may say to yourself ,"I thought when we both took our vows it was for better or worse richer or poor, till death do us part. Then you may find yourself asking yourself these questions, Why won't he or she love me, then support me in my time of need? With so many problems in the world today, some may want to give up, then take the easy way out by taking their own lives.

I have heard some people say , that they are better dead than alive and I have also heard others say that God does not love me anymore. Some may scream God does not care and he does not understand what I am going through. Others may feel that God does not care about their struggles and that he does not hear their cries. They may say to themselves or even shout out these words to God ; God have you given up on me? Are you punishing me for my past mistakes? Am I cursed? My marriage is in trouble, my brothers, sisters and even my own parents do not care! I do not have a job, no money and my family does not seem to care! I do not have anywhere to live and no one seems to care or want to help me! No one really loves me !Please put me out of my misery because I do not want to keep on living and I am better off dead than alive! I just want to give up because I am tired of struggling, fighting and tired of being depressed all by myself.
 

To those who may feel this way, I want you to know that I understand. I have been in your shoes and wanted to give up myself many times before. But I never stopped praying, even though there were many days and nights that tears flowed from my eyes. Sometimes I would cry uncontrollable and many times because of stress I wouldn't eat. But just when I thought about giving up ,God started blessing me and showing me that it wasn't my time to go. The first blessing was small, the next was even bigger and the next was just simply a miracle. After that Gods miracles and blessing started to flow as if it was raining from the sky. It seem everyday turn out to be  more of a blessing than the next and my future turn out to be even brighter. Those days of being in darkness were a thing of the past. My life improved and my out look on life changed. Then I realized that I was only being tested and my prayers were being answered. I said these very words to myself," God has not given up on me and he truly cares". He loves me despite my faults or mistakes. He loves me even when I am down and depressed. He only sees good in me, when others only see a broken man. God can see in me what others are incapable of seeing, for he sees my future. My mother, my father, my children and even my mate couldn't, see the good in me , only the one who created me could truly realize my true fate. For God has the power to heal, the power to create and the power to turn a bad situation, into something good or beautiful. To those who may think their life is over remember this, you may have given up, but God Has Not Given Up On You Yet. Wipe away those tears, get up and do something about you situation or your life . God is on your side and will never leave you or will never forsake you. God is both your supporter and provider. Through him all things are possible, through Christ and there will never be minute, hour or day that God will turn you away. No, God Has Not Given Up On You Yet!

Have a blessed day,

Charles

Proverb's 8:9-14

009:	They are all plain to him that understand, and right to them that find knowledge.
010:	Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold.
011:	For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
012:	I wisdom dwell with prudence, and find out knowledge of witty inventions.
013:	The fear of the LORD is to hate evil: pride, and arrogance, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.