GOD WHO TOUCHEST EARTH WITH BEAUTY

Rev. Richie,

                              @ Household of David Online Church.

SHARING…

         MARY S. EDGAR, 1889-                    GENEVA. 8.5.8.5               C. HAROLD LOWDEN, 1883

                            GOD WHO TOUCHEST EARTH WITH BEAUTY.

1  1.

     

    God, who touchest earth beauty,
Make me lovely too;
With Thy Spirit recreate me,
Make my heart anew.
2. 

          

            Like Thy springs and running waters,
Make me crystal pure;
Like Thy rocks of towering grandeur,
Make me strong and sure.
3. 

             Like Thy shining waves in sunlight,
Make me glad and free;
Like the straightness of the pine trees,
Let me upright be.
4.

           Like the arching of the heavens,
Lift my thoughts above;
Turn my dreams to noble action,
Ministries of love.
5.

          God who touchest earth with beauty,
Make me lovely too;
Keep me ever by Thy Spirit,
Pure and strong and true. Amen.

Stumbled on these lyrics of this Hymn a couple of days ago en’ felt like sharing them with you.

James 5:13

Is any among you afflicted? Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing (Psalms).

I pray the Lord fill your heart with the joy of praise as you sing the lyrics of this Hymn to Him in prayer. Amen.

Catch ya next time.

@household of david online church@facebook.com/olu-davies bidemi.

                        

                                 All scripture quotations from the King James Version of the Bible. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

THE RACE

Rev. Richie,

                              @ Household of David Online Church.

SHARING…

                                          THE RACE… by D.H Groberg

1

‘Quit! Give up! You’re beaten!’

They shout at me and plead.

‘There’s just too much against you now.

This time you can’t succeed!’

And as I start to hang my head

In front of failure’s face,

My downward fall is broken by

The memory of a race.

And hope refills my weakened will

As I recall that scene;

For just the thought of that short race

Rejuvenates my being.

2

A children’s race – young boys, young men

How I remember well.

Excitement, sure! But also fear;

It wasn’t hard to tell.

They all lined up so full of hope;

Each thought to win that race.

Or tie for first, or if not that,

At least takes second place.

And fathers watched from off the side,

Each cheering for his son.

And each boy hoped to show his dad

That he would be the one.

The whistle blew and off they went!

Young hearts and hopes afire.

To win and be the hero there

Was each young boy’s desire.

And one boy in particular

Whose dad was in the crowd,

Was running near the lead and thought,

‘My dad will be so proud!’

But as they speeded down the field

Across a shallow dip,

The little boy who thought to win

Lost his step and slipped.

Trying hard to catch himself

His hands flew out to brace,

And mid the laughter of the crowd

He fell flat in his face.

So down he fell and with him hope

He couldn’t win it now-

Embarrassed, sad, he only wished

To disappear somehow.

But as he fell his dad stood up

And showed his anxious face

Which to the boy so clearly said:

‘Get up and win the race.’

He quickly rose, no damage done.

Behind a bit, that’s all –

And ran with all his mind and might

To make up for his fall.

So anxious to restore himself

To catch up and to win –

His mind went faster than his legs;

He slipped and fell again!

He wished then he had quit before

With only one disgrace.

‘I’m hopeless as a runner now;

I shouldn’t try to race.’

But in the laughing crowd he searched

And found his father’s face.

That steady look which said again:

‘Get up and win the race!’

So up he jumped to try again

Ten yards behind the last –

‘If I’m to gain those yards,’ he thought,

‘I’ve got to move real fast.’

Exerting everything he had

He gained eight or ten

But trying so hard to catch the lead

He slipped and fell again!

Defeat! He lay there silently

A tear dropped from his eye –

‘There’s no sense running anymore;

Three strikes: I’m out! Why try?’

The will to rise had disappeared

All hope had fled away;

So far behind, so error prone;

A loser all the way.

‘I’ve lost so what’s the use, ‘he thought.

‘I’ll live with my disgrace.’

But then he thought about his dad

Who soon he’d have to face.

‘Get up,’ an echo sounded low.

‘Get up and take your place;

You were not meant for failure here.

Get up and win the race.’

‘With borrowed will, get up,’ it said,

‘You haven’t lost at all,

For winning is no more than this:

To rise each time you fall.’

So up he rose to run once more,

And with a new commit

He resolved that win or lose

At least he wouldn’t quit.

So far behind the others now,

The most he’d ever been –

Still he gave it all he had

And ran as though to win.

Three times he’d fallen, stumbling;

Three times he rose again;

Too far behind to hope to win

He still ran to the end.

They cheered the winning runner

As he crossed the line first place,

Head high, and proud, and happy;

No falling, no disgrace.

But when the fallen youngster

Crossed the line last place,

The crowd gave him the greater cheer

For finishing the race.

And even though he came in last

With head bowed low, unproud,

You would have thought he’d won the

Race to listen to the crowd.

And to his dad he sadly said,

‘I didn’t do so well.’

‘To me, you won,’ his father said.

‘You rose each time you fell.’

3.

And now when things seem dark and hard

And difficult to face,

The memory of that little boy

Helps me in my own race.

For all of life is like that race,

With ups and downs and all.

And all you have to do to win,

Is rise each time you fall.

‘Quit! Give up! You’re beaten!’

They still shout in my face.

But another voice within me says:

‘Get up and win the race!’

A songwriter once sang,” for a saint is just a sinner who fell down… and got up!”, I sincerely hope this poem would help encourage you in your walk with God… “For winning is not more than this: rising each time you fall.”

HAPPY SAINT VALENTINE’S DAY!

@household of david online church@facebook.com/olu-davies bidemi.

THE CHRISTIAN RESOLVE (2)

REV. Richie, ‘bidemi OLU-DAVIES.

Household of David online Church@facebook.com/bidemi olu-davies.

Sharing …

                               THE CHRISTIAN RESOLVE (2)

DEDICATED TO THE MEMORY OF FRONTLINE FEMALE RAPPER’s BROTHER, (TRINA); WHO was SHOT IN MIAMI A COUPLE OF HOURS AGO … R.I.P

Praise God! …

I’ve decided to put words on ink this day- 24^th of April, 2013 after these few weeks of hallowed silence … that seem like ages … it’s about 8:05AM as at “press” (Lol!) time!

I’ve been through the usual, the unusual and midway in between and even worse these past few weeks … betrayals, threats to my life, active ill-will, disrespect, privations en’ all; but I’m out stronger at the broken places. I’ve learnt to cope … creatively at that too! I only channeled my aggression into my private business venture … giving out business proposals to banks and a few other corporate outfits on IT-services and Advert consultancy. No results yet but I’ve learnt one or two of the ethical tricks of my profession.

Be that as it may; the point here is – when facing problems or going through go-throughs in life … channel the negative emotions or energy elicited into something positive and productive - - - sports, business, some singing and dancing or any other thing you might have a flair for – and discover more about yourself … for life is all about exploring the Self and discovering the Self.

THE FEAR OF DEATH …?

Many, I mean not a few; have been cut off from a glorious destiny because of - The fear of death!

Brethren, we have the hope of a better resurrection! Oh! Death, where is thy sting? LolJ

I’ve never been scared of losing my life under whatever circumstances ever since - as long as I can remember - so long as I won’t lose my Soul.

If I’m held at gun-pointJ, I’m ever hopeful something like “a bolt from the blues” can happen; en’ may be the 8^th wonder of the world! … LolJ.

Note, I and the children the Lord has graciously given me are for signs and wonders on earth! Something is a wonder, when not a repeat of an occurrence, but of one that’s never even been dreamt of! Yeah!

Hebrews 2:14-15 says;

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death, that is the devil;

And deliver those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

See what 1Peter 3:13 says;

And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? … STOPP!

Who?! - I double dare anyONE! … We have overcome the spirit of death. AMEN!

Till I come your way again, Be good! … Be blessed! … And BE! … En’ your protection is sure … I guarantee you! The Lord Is … Our Shepherd …

CHEERS …

 HOUSEHOLD OF DAVID ONLINE CHURCH.

@Rev. Richie ’Bidemi Olu-Davies. Nigeria.

All quotes from the scriptures were taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

   MY THOUGHTS ON “TERRORISM”.

The Cambridge Advanced Learner’s dictionary defines terrorism as: “(threats of) violent action for political purposes”. This being as it may; I define terrorism as acts that create terror (extreme fear) in the minds of the citizenry making them to succumb to the demands of usurpers of any kind of privileged leadership with the intent of holding the souls of men captive in a form of quasi-psychological slavery.

The potency of terrorism as a means to privileged leadership; lies in its ability to coerce a race, nation or people into mental slavery through the use of or the threat of violence creating the feeling of helplessness in the minds of the so oppressed.

Terrorism creates a certain feeling of insecurity and a foreboding of impending catastrophe in the psyche of the young, old and the aged.

… Another war on my mind … man engaging man in a contest for supremacy!

I live in a neighbourhood where co-occupants are unfriendly and gang-up against me, where “friends” exploit me, where I sincerely feel I cannot bring my woman into for fear of any mishap; where I’d have to shield my woman from “friends” and “family” – clearly spelling out the words loud in the sky for all to see: the terrorist that has so much scared you and me is that neighbour  that friend, that family member, that house-mate with whom we’d once shared our food, faith and future aspirations. They live with and among us; we share the same bin, the same compound, the same street, same amenities, the same cabs and the weapon of our common protection which they turn against us.

We've been partakers of the same cup and they've lifted their heels against us! … not because we've gone wrong or because of our ineptitude but because of their greed, malice, envy and crave for power – the desire to dominate and hold the ace that controls all of mankind … whatever that is … The average terrorist is a megalomaniac of the most psychopathic order defying the restraint of our most sophisticated rehabs … misguided souls …

Our love for them constrains us … but it is high-time we take the bull by the horns and say NO! Enough of this carnage!

Until we come to a point where we’re ready to break free of our mental shackles and be ready to hand over - a brother, a sister, an uncle, a mum, an aunt, that spouse, a dad, a nephew, that neighbour  that family, that boss, that Pastor, that Imam; to the authorities on account of terrorism, we might have to grapple with the menace for over a much more longer time to come. If you will not, you may end up being the next victim … who knows? ‘Cos it is the peace of this global family that’s going to count; and is all that matters after all.

PEACE UPON EARTH AND GOODWILL UNTO ALL MEN!

CIAO!

Written, 24^th of April. 2013.

CATALYSING THE CHANGE YOU DESIRE

The world seems to be changing so fast nowadays you couldn’t stay wrong all the time even if you tried.

                                                                                                                            -Speaker’s quote book.

To change and to improve are two different things.                                                      

                                                                                                                              –German proverb.

CHANGE

I feel with a deep sense of urgency, there’s change in the air. It’s time for change! In world politics, the business arena- small businesses to multinationals.  Things were not what they used to be and we can’t afford to run the new systems with the age-old methods.

The business and political systems are ever evolving, advancements in science and technology, information technology; the changes in the economy of the nations- notably the global economic meltdown, the Arab uprising and all, points to the fact that there needs to be a paradigm shift in the way we do things this side of eternity. In essence, improved methods or approaches to problem solving and productive strategic thinking must be brought to bear in the management of the world’s politicoeconomic and socioscientific systems.

The envisaged change is not limited to these systems alone- judging by meteorological indices, man is finding it increasingly difficult to manage his immediate environment with dire consequences.

We all have a role to play in the evolving new world and I’d suggest you be the change you desire in your immediate environment. I foresee  a rising generation of technocrats and visionaries from all walks of life that would be catalysts of this revolution.

THE CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

I’d present these view of mine from the reference point of experiences gathered through the years as an IT consultant, LifeCoach, student and from years of interactions with opinion leaders and colleaguers.

Every organization consists of systems and humans that function within these systems. You exert an influence on the system which in turn exerts a reciprocal influence on you in a way which maybe you’ve not thought about until this moment. I dare say, not every change is improvement and not all improvement is change but the bottom-line is to maintain an upward stride in whatever system you find yourself. If you can’t add positively to the system, please don’t constitute a clog in the wheel. I’d love to see in the nearest future change agents who would have the courage to stand up for the right they believe in at all places and in the society, not only in Africa but all over the world.

I embrace every change I perceive is going to bring about an improvement and a progress notwithstanding my insecurities, egocentricities (or eccentricities?) and all the likes; and I believe that’s the way to live. The human race is an evolving one (don’t doubt it, we’re still evolving!) and evolution is both change and improvement- in structure, adaptability and genetic vigour… and human systems… the world system is an ever dynamic one that can only be sustained through and by constant change. A refusal to change is an acceptance of mediocrity.

CHANGE AGENTS NEEDED TO BIRTH A NEW WORLD

You may not have to be a leader but everyone is a leader of some sorts; so you’ve got no excuse , all that’s needful is a firm resolve to allow the wind of positive change blowing all over a safe passage.

The following suggestions might come in handy

1.       Sensitize your peers about the change you would like to see around you: you can organize fora for the ventilation of your ideas and seek information about the latest changes, innovations around you and how it would best develop your society.

2.       Be a plus and not a minus in any system you find yourself: a speaker once said, ”if you get somewhere and meet a standard, raise it a little bit more”.

3.       Always “be ready to walk on water” for a change:  discard your feelings of insecurity; most of those things we’ve always felt might “happen” never do.

4.       See every positive change around you as an opportunity to do something new; who knows, it might unleash a latent potential; something you’re cut out for – for self discovery is an ever ongoing evolutionary process.

5.       Learn to handle criticism and hostility. You don’t have to be scared… be firm and courageous; what if it turns out right afterall?

6.       Develop a world view of the change you desire.

7.       Stress brings out the strength in you. When facing challenges, try playing around the problem creatively; think out of the box; challenge the status quo; fashion out new ways of solving the life’s puzzles that comes your way daily.

See you when you get there! You’d sure do! 

YOU & YOUR MENTAL HEALTH IV

  Here i come with the last 5 of  our pills for a more rational thinking and effective acting about matters relating to mental health.
  Before you go through these concluding session, i'd like you to take a look at previous sessions so you can have a clearer picture of what we've been discussing by seeing these pieces not as disjointed articles but a complete whole, affording you the privilege of a broader perspective as it relates to you and your mental health.

having done that, here we go for the last time on this topical issue!


16. If you see someone you think is acting strangely, intervene in a concerned, gentle way to find out if anything is wrong and how you can help. Often listening to someone's troubles is all the therapy needed if it comes soon enough.


17. If you discover you cannot help yourself or the other person in distress, seek counsel of a trained specialist in the the area of mental health at your local clinic or hospital. In some cases, the problem      may seem to be a psychological one but is really physical, as with thyroid glandular conditions.


18. If it is not a medical problem, then consult a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist recommended by your family doctor, the health department or your local hospital.


19. Assume that everyone would be better off if they had the opportunity to discuss their problems openly with a mental health specialist; therefore, if you do go to one, there's no need to feel stigmatized.


20. As long as there is life, there is hope for a better life, and as long as there are hope, caring and determination, life will get better.


My last shot;  "Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out".           
                                                                                                                     -Vaclav Havel










Reference; Government, Society and Economy: psychology and life experiences. Faculty of  Social Sciences, University of Ibadan. Nigeria. Africa.

YOU & YOUR MENTAL HEALTH III

  This is a continuation of the discussion i started some few weeks back... those few weeks were like years, missed blogging and YOU.
  I've got reasons to believe you're coping with the challenges of life or living, and that, creatively. Yeah! you need to, -develop healthy coping mechanisms that's suited and relevant to the situations and circumstances that comes your way or in which you've found yourself.
Here we go! try this tips for size and see if it works for you, (it sure will) so you won't snapp! i hate to think about having another nervous breakdown...

11. Develop long-range goals in life- what you want to be doing five, ten, twenty years from now- and think about alternative ways of getting there.


12. Create time to relax, to meditate and to enjoy hobbies and activities that you do alone and by means of which you can get in touch with yourself.


13. Think of yourself not as a passive object to which bad things just happen, but as an active agent who at any time can change the direction of your entire life.


14. Remember that failure and disappointment are sometimes blessings in disguise, telling you that your goals were not right for you or saving you from bigger let-downs later on.


15. Don't judge your behaviour and that of others as "normal" or "crazy", but rather as situationally and culturally appropriate or inappropriate, and try to discover ways of modifying undesireable behaviour rather than undesireable people (including yourself).


I just hope these few tips has met a need... we have 5 more to go... till i catch you next time, CHEER UP! THE FUTURE IS SO BRIGHT IT HURTS MY EYES... NO MATTER, HOWEVER...