My Walk with God 🌱

  "Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day." - Psalm 96: 1, 2 Anyone who is aware of Trinidadian culture may be aware that we are right in the middle of the season of Carnival, which means there are many events and competitions that have the place abuzz with activity. This week, I was given the opportunity to accompany some students to a calypso competition for school children. This was admittedly my first time attending an event like this, so I was unsure as to what to expect. However, as I sat and took it in, I observed several finalists competing for the first prize, performing well-crafted calypso compositions, using creativity, rhyme, rhythm, props, social awareness and confidence to impress the judges. The winner eventually emerged - an eight-year old boy, who, in his song, paid tribute to past legendary calypsonians and vowing to keep the artform of calypso alive. 8-yr old Xai...

"I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving." - Psalm 69:30 Have you ever heard the expression "Ungratefulness is worse than witchcraft" ? I have heard this being said time and time again where persons share about having helped or nurtured others, only to be on the receiving end of quite the opposite - acts of unkindness, carelessness or neglect. While we all may have benefitted from the kind care of another at one point in time, many either felt they were entitled to it anyway, or were too wrapped up in their own self to appreciate the effort of another. Imagine the irony when the opportunity presents itself to help someone who has helped us, and we let it pass us. While being helped doesn't necessarily mean you are indebted for life to the person who helped us, sometimes we are guilty of causing hurt and disappointment to others when we behave in a way that shows outright thoughtlessness and disrespect, or demonstrates ungratefulness. I...

  “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me? -Jeremiah 32:27 A few weeks ago, hurricane Beryl made her way through the Caribbean. While parts of the region were spared from the full extent of her impact, others were not so fortunate. Several islands experienced devastation, with many homes flattened or damaged extensively. One such location was Union Island, St. Vincent. The island's infrastructure was completely destroyed... and yet this photo emerges out of the landscape of rubbles. The home of Joseph Franklin, resident of Union Island. Photo courtesy The Guardian:   https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/12/solitary-wooden-house-on-union-island-escapes-fury-of-hurricane-beryl Allow me to indulge you a bit further with a news report and interview. The Little House That Went Viral on Union Island Persons may have varying opinions or perspectives on this story, but there is no denying that a house continues to not only stand, but sta...

  "And whenever the spirit from God came upon Saul, David would pick up his harp and play, and Saul would become well, and the spirit of distress would depart from him." -1 Samuel 16:23 Did you know that every year, the first day of March is used to acknowledge World Music Therapy Day ? It was specifically set aside to recognize and celebrate the healing power of music. According to the organization 'Percussion Play', "music therapy uses music to reduce stress and improve mood and self-expression through listening, singing, paying instruments or composing music."  I'm sure we can all identify a song or a genre of music that we tend to go to when we are feeling down or need our moods to lift. In fact, music has so much reach that it can also have a negative impact on an individual, causing or reinforcing negative emotions, thoughts or behaviours. Being able to harness the effective healing power of music for good is truly the skill of a music therapist. D...

"How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number— living things both large and small." -Psalm 104: 24-25 Insects are following me! Ok, that was just me being dramatic. Thank God they aren't following me. However, recently, I have been coming across a few insects that have allowed me close enough to them to take their photo. I sure do love getting closeup shots of all sorts of creatures. I like to be able to see the detail our heavenly Father has put into them. Spending time observing the fine details tends to give me a better appreciation of not only the creature itself, but also of the Creator we all share in common. But I digress. Allow me to introduce you to two personalities. Common Green Bottle Fly (Jan 06, 2024) Our first is a humble fly. It has probably been called many unpleasant names, and understandably so due to its function in spreading d...

  “But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind." - Job 12-7-10 These past few weeks, I have been seeking soothing encouragement from nature. I missed being able to be outdoors and enjoy my usual exercise. I had to settle for looking at photos and videos. Deadlines, marathon sessions to complete work assignments, fatigue and pressures of daily responsibilities had taken up most of my focus and time. There were some moments where I was wondering how was I going to get everything done. I had to remind myself that with God all things are possible and that I can and will reach the finish line by God's grace. Today I reached the finish line, and what a feeling of relief and release I felt...

  "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 Have you ever heard someone testify of a smooth road, paved with the blessings of everything in their life aligning at the expected place and time, someone who has need of nothing, and door after door was opened for them where they found favour and advancement, and they attribute it as evidence of the goodness of God in their life? Perhaps you might be such a person too. No one can fault such a person for giving God all the praise and honour and glory, because He makes all things possible. Sometimes, another believer may be looking on and listening however, and comparing their road to this person's. It is after all, natural and human, to wonder: "God, aren't you with me too? Why aren't things working out like clockwork for me too? Does this mean that You aren't with me? Does this mean that You don't favour ...

"Hear my cry, O God; Attend to my prayer. From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed;  Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For You have been a shelter for me, A strong tower from the enemy.  I will abide in Your tabernacle forever.  I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah" - Psalm 61: 1-4 A few weeks ago, while returning downhill from a hike as darkness fell, my friend and I passed a chapel. Usually it is quiet when we pass, but this time, the voices of a group of Christian brothers singing emanated through the open windows and blessed the night air with a spiritual flavour. Accompanied by the sounds of a gentle drum, they were singing the heartfelt psalm of David, as is quoted by tonight's scripture. The words of this psalm resonate with many folks, but it was a unique experience listening to male voices banding together in faith, praising the Lord their Father, their source of strength and help, and echoing the words of a f...

World Translation Day - September 30 "Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered." -Romans 8:26 True stories. 1. While in transit at an airport as a late teen, I sat next to a man from the Czech Republic, and even though we were trying to have a conversation, we were not getting very far with it because of the language barrier. However, the travel dictionary he had was still useful as it helped us both to still exchange a few words.  2. As a child, my abuela (grandmother) came to visit us from Venezuela. Most of the times, my mom was around, so we would simply listen to them talk. But one day my mom wasn't around, and it was just me and my abuela , and she started talking to me in Spanish. While I was glad that my abuela was spending time with me, no matter how much I tried, I couldn't understand her, neither could sh...

"Bless the Lord oh my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name." -Psalm 103:1 This week, this particular song has been replaying in my mind. What a beautiful joy it is to find oneself in a state of gratitude for all of ones blessings, and praise and worship to our Creator and Redeemer. It lightens our hearts, and is infectious to those around us. It doesn't always come easily though, because as individuals, we go through several ups and downs in life, with regards to what may pre-occupy our thoughts and minds. Reflecting on God's goodness and His mercies and blessings in these times will then have to become an intentional exercise, one that re-directs our thoughts and heart to Him, acknowledging and refreshing ourselves with the reminder of the goodness of God through it all, generally and in our own personal lives.  The psalmist David wrote a beautiful tribute to the Lord during one of his moments of reflection and appreciation. It is one that we can all ...