Jamaica College wins double...



Jamaica College easily defended its Walker Cup title today with a 3-1 win over Bridgeport at the Constant Spring football field. In the first half it was an even affair, but JC put on the flair, to come away with an easy win... It should be noted that it was the first time that JC has won the double.


JC will now attempt to make history again, when they turn their attention to the Oliver Shield.....

Quote of the day..

"Now brethren, God does not see color or class, nor does he dwell on the empty words of man."
DCA

Quote of the day...

"Age does not = experience unless life's lessons are learnt."
DCA

JAMAICA COLLEGE LIFT MANNING CUP TITLE...


Ashani Walker


Led my the Ashani Walker, JC captured the 2010 Manning Cup with a 3-0 whipping of Waterford. All the talk of the match being highly competitive did not materialise as JC dominated from start to finish. Playing without two of their top midfielders JC used their familiar passing game to demolarise Waterford. Waterford's star player Andre McFarlane was given little room to dribble and this in effect stopped any creative plays from Waterford.


JC will now focus on the Walker Cup final on Wednesday, where they will face Bridgeport. JC will go into the match as favorites, but that match will not be easy. Bridgeport has never beaten JC, and they will be looking to do so this time. However, JC has beaten Bridgeport twice this season and they will be highly motivated to win another Cup. JC will welcome back top midfielder, Greensword, who will add more push. His spot may not be automatic as Campbell, who was Greensword replacement in the final put in an excellent performance in that game. JC captain Walker will be expected to bring his usual flair for this game.


My prediction: JC (2) Bridgeport (0)

Lessons from sexual sin...

"but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart." Matthew 5:28


It is very interesting to hear some of our men in the church today. They speak on the pulpit about sexual sins, and lo and behold their closets are full of the acts of the sinful mind. Jesus warned that even the thought that one configures in one's mind is adultery. Now I am by no means stating my innocence from these behaviors, because at times, I too look.


In my own life I have fallen by the wayside of what God expects, but I have recognized my deficiencies and I am working hard to correct them. My issue is persons who I know that God will judge, because we shall all be judged, but persons continue to preach one thing and practice another. I have sat in conversations where brothers accused brothers of adultery, yet in their own lives they are doing the same. This for me is just downright hypocrisy. Jesus warned that, "for all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world" (1 John 2:16)


The world has consumed the church and its people. Sexual sin has broken into the house of God and its frightening. In my own life, I have learnt that you have to be so strong these days. The media and the influence of the wrong people can lead you down a road of sexual sin. The morals of society have broken down to a point where not even a women will respect the fact that a man is married and vice versa. Therefore the rise of sexual sins have reached new levels.


In Canada for example, a lot of people are no longer getting married, they are just living together, the so called common law relationship which is growing rapidly in North America. Sexual sin is alive and well.


The bible is always speaking out against sexual sins, and its time that we all take it more seriously. There is a battle between the spirit and the flesh, and the flesh seems to be winning. I have come to realize that I have to keep fighting it, it can't become a norm and eventually acceptable behavior. I have to remember that whatever I conjure in my mind its the same as if I committed the physical act. Let's all look deep into our hearts today, throwing out those things that block our relationship with God. This is one of my challenges and I am working on it daily. If something is blocking your relationship with God, my humble advice is to get rid of it, I have had to do that myself several times and there is more to throw out...


"Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry." Colossians 3:5



Quote of the day...

"If you don't sacrifice, you will never reach your goals."
DCA

Sports Blimp....



Ashani Walker...

JAMAICA COLLEGE INTO MANNING CUP FINAL...


Jamaica College led by inspirational captain Ashani Walker made it to the Manning Cup final yesterday after a 4-1 win over Bridgeport High on penalties. The win will go down as one of the best ever in recent time, as JC having been reduced to nine players showed guts and grit into dominating the entire match and scoring a perfect 4 out of 4 in their penalty kicks.


Having watched Walker for over 4 years from his junior days, he is truly a gifted and talented youngster who should be encouraged to play at a higher level. He may be slender in build, but his creative genius makes him one of the most outstanding mid fielders in Jamaica.


JC have now made it to two finals, having already qualified for the Walker Cup final where they will face Bridgeport again on December 1, 2010. They will now meet Waterford next Saturday. That match will be considered a grudge match, as Waterford beat them 1-0 in the preliminary stage. JC are on track to win three trophies this year, and they are motivated and ready.

Sports blimp....

Chris Gayle celebrates after reaching 250, Sri Lanka v West Indies, 1st Test, Galle, 2nd day, November 16, 2010
Chris Gayle


Magnificent Gayle hits triple century...


A magnificent 333 by Chris Gayle off 437 balls propelled West Indies to a respectable score of 580/9 declared against Sri Lanka in their first test match in Galle.....

Quote of the day...

"If more than one person wants something done, then that is CHANGE."
DCA

Quote of the day...

"Learn from your mistakes or pay the price of sin."
DCA

Poem of the day...

When you let go of hate,
you evaporate the thoughts of sin,
you are free to be yourself,
to love again,
to breathe the fresh air of God,


When you let love back in,
the hole in your heart is filled,
you no longer cling to sorrow,
depression fades in the shadows,
a light from above restores your steps,


Why not try hope today?
let go of grief,
feel the relief that forgiveness bears,
ignore the seasoned words of doubt,
listen to the sweet message of peace,


Let love reign today,
pin a smile on regret,
let God back in,
feel the troubles fade into the world...


Dayne-Christopher



Lessons from mistakes...

For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well. James 3:2


For the last couple of years I have been learning how hard it is to be a Christian. At first I thought that once I had risen from the water that all would be changed. Yes I was changed from sinner to saved, but my sins continued. I have made many mistakes over the years. In every way I have attempted to live perfect in God's eyes, but I have fallen short so many times.


There are times when the mistakes seem so obvious but I end up entrapped by evil. Its like you tell yourself that you're going to stumble and inevitably it happens. Its like when you are in a relationship with someone, you know that they don't like something, but invariably you make the mistake of crossing that border and destroying a lovely thing.


Once you have made a mistake it becomes hard to undo it, even to change your mindset about not doing that thing. The devil always seems to be just gunning for you to make that mistake. Its like when you are at a football match, you are waiting for the other team to make a mistake so that your team can win. Its a sad situation.


God expects us to be perfect, but have we understood what perfection is? There is no easy way to say this, but I believe the church has failed in the teaching of this concept. Look around, what examples of perfection do you have to look upon. So many around us have fallen short of the mark. In fact, Jesus is the only one I can look to for perfection. Isn't that sad? What does this mean? Does it mean that the majority of us in the church are yet to even comprehend that perfection should be our goal.


How many times have we told ourselves that our mistake is okay because we can ask God for forgiveness. Is God blind? Do we think that he cannot read our hearts and know that we are about to make that fatal error in judgment. I have come to the realization that I need to understand what perfection requires of me, instead of covering up for my mistakes. There is a limit to our sins, there is a point of no return. If we can recognize what perfection requires, then we can start to live life in the way that God expects us to.

Dems Win Senate but lose House...



Well well well, up to the time of the writing of this article, the Democrats had won the Senate but were losing the House. The Republicans were leading by 40 points for the House. It will be interesting to see what unfolds in the US in the coming months. From my point of view, Jamaican and US politics seem so similar. It doesn't matter how you batter people they are quick to forget. Everyone knows that the problems in the US were caused by Bush and the Republicans, but everyone is blaming Obama. So, they vote in the Republicans in the House, to bar every bill that Obama will try to insert to fix the economy. And yes, the job market was suffering badly, but who said that the US would be able to come out of a recession in 2 years. Truth be told, the Republicans have no real plans to get jobs for the jobless. Their aim is to protect Wall Street and to remove Main Street.


The road ahead is going to be hard for Obama, but now the Republicans will be in the spotlight, let's see what excuses they will make now....interesting times.

Quote of the day..

"If you spend time understanding your enemies, you will grow to love others."
DCA

Medical Blimp: Cholera cases rise in Haiti...


The number of cases on Cholera in Haiti has risen to 2,679, bringing widespread fear. So far only five cases have been reported in the country's capital, Port-au-Prince, but there is a growing feeling that the number will rise in the coming weeks. Over 200 persons have already died from the outbreak.The CDC will be sending a team to Haiti to assess the situation this week.


Cholera is a deadly disease that can kill a victim within hours if untreated. It is a bacterial infection of the intestines. Cholera can be contracted by drinking water or food contaminated with the bacteria. Symptoms include, diarrhea, vomiting and leg cramps.


Let's keep a close eye on this one, we need to send up prayers for the people of Haiti, it is very worrying. Remember the Walters family who are in Haiti... 

A scripture to ponder...

"Now there lived in that city a man poor but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man."
Ecclesiastes 9:15

Lessons from Aging.....

"A poor yet wise lad is better than an old and foolish king who no longer knows how to receive instruction."
Ecclesiastes 4:13

As another birthday draws near and I pray that God will spare my life to see it, I often spend my time looking back at the events of time. Aging for me is like a clock that never stops ticking. You wake up one day and you look at yourself and you say, "what's going on here?". You dig deep into your thoughts, wondering what you have achieved?. It gets sad when you realize that with all your achievements there are so many things you want to do, but will God grant you more time. The bible always teaches that with age comes wisdom, and you sit alone in the dark sometimes pondering over all the mistakes you have made. "Have I gained wisdom Lord?". That question streams like live video before your eyes.

Aging is a complex process in my mortal head. I'm not like ordinary people I guess. At times I worry more about others than myself, some may say this is admirable, but in my estimation, you must also look out for you as well. I've found that lately I struggle with the fear of losing my parents one day. They are getting older and it frightens me to think that they will be gone one day. Now let's be practical now, I can go before my parents, my life is just a mist remember that, but I no doubt worry.

There are times when even my wife gets annoyed at me, when she is saying something to me and I block  out, thinking, pondering about this life. As I age I recognize that the things I thought were so bad, were actually better than I could imagine. I thought a flogging from my Mom/Dad was cruelty, but I now appreciate their love for me. Nowadays, these so called 'modern day parents' constantly miss the mark, by thinking that punishment with an object is wrong. And trust me I am not advocating abuse, but seriously I believe that if there is no punishment for misbehavior in terms of a child, then that child never learns that there is a consequence for their actions. And we wonder these days why our prisons are so full, hmmm, think on that for a sec.

Lately the aches and pains have begun, signalling that age is catching up. It may also mean that I need to do more exercise, but I have been lazy lately. That is one of the problems of living in a cold climate like Canada, you find it hard to drag yourself from your house into the cold and then to the gym. Remember you have to layer yourself, then remove all that layer, its painful. I am the captain of my soccer team, and even soccer is getting harder for me. I still have the same intensity, but the legs don't move as fast anymore.

Aging has brought some wisdom, but the innocence I had as a child has been lost. Daily I search and pray for that innocence to return. Being exposed to so much has corrupted my mind, but I continue to ask God to cleanse me daily. I am his child and being his child requires me to think like a child in terms of purity and love. Aging will never end, but the time I have now is priceless in making my life a model for others to follow.

Sports Blimp....




Manning Cup heating up...


Manning Cup 2010 is heating up as the competition nears the second round. Defending Champions, St. George's College have shown that they will not be easy to beat. They have only lost one match this season and cannot be underestimated. They have arguably one of the best coaches in Manning Cup, Neville 'Bertis' Bell. He has guided them to back to back titles and is gunning to win another title this year.


However, they will be hard pressed by Norman Manley, Excelsior, Bridgeport and Jamaica College. Bridgeport is one of the best team in the competition, going into the second round with an impressive record. They are a slick moving and technically sound team and will be hard to beat. They have an unbeaten record this season and have been scoring at will. Excelsior and Norman Manley are the 'dark horses', having well balanced teams they should add some drama, and they may be good enough to go all the way to the final.


Jamaica College also has one of the best teams in the competition, and have been given the brand of favorites. However, any football fan know that it is only results that matter. JC has looked good, having drawn one game and won all their others. They have been troubled this year by Waterford, who held them to a draw at home. Jamaica College cruise through
JC's star baller, Ashani Walker steps past his opponent


When the return match was played Waterford were actually leading 1-0 when the match was called off because of rain. Since that match JC has turned on the charm and has been in devastating form, beating all in their way, advancing easily to the second round. They will play Waterford again, and that result will determine how far they reach in the competition.


The Walker Cup is set to start soon and the top teams will face off before the Manning Cup second round. JC is the defending champion, and they will be aiming to add another trophy. However, the luck of the draw often determines which team advances to the final. JC looks set to play either Norman Manley/Penwood. These are two tough teams, which will no doubt be a treat for fans.


Manning Cup is always full of drama and the pressure on teams is reaching fever pitch, go out and watch a match today, you will not be disappointed.

Quote of the day...


"Blessings will flow when you allow God to guide your path."
DCA

Lessons from disappointment...

"Sustain me according to Your word, that I may live; And do not let me be ashamed of my hope." Psalm 119:116

Nowadays, the times are often filled with disappointment. It is in these times that one's faith tend to waver and is severely tested. However, it is in these moments that we must draw closer to God in prayer. He will sustain us in the hardest of times, no matter how hard we think it is.

Throughout my short years on this rock, I have faced many disappointments. At times I totally wanted to give up on everything, forgetting that I am not in charge of my destiny. It is when disappointments come that we believe we have the answers. The truth is that God holds the key to our tomorrow and that we are mere mortals. It may sound easy, but it is by no means easy, and anyone who says it is has never really experienced true disappointment.

Disappointment eats away at your soul, it puts doubts in your mind, bringing thoughts that you never knew you had. It opens a portal for the dark one to creep in, pulling you further into the ditch of hopelessness. What a joy that we can call on God in these times. I am often drawn to his words when these disappointments come. I always remember what Job went through, which was more than I could ever bear. Imagine losing everything then being afflicted with sores from head to toe, that was Job's life at one time. In all that affliction though, he never cursed God but glorified his name, trampling the devil underfoot.

That is the type of attitude we should all have, and this is the attitude I am trying so hard to nurture. It's still a work in progress but daily I am learning to deal with my disappointments, by leaving it all in God's hands. The devil is always close by trying to intervene, but I know that God see and knows all, and he will help me through.

Quote of the day...

"When you go away for any length of time, its always good to return in good health."
DCA

The Commonwealth Games 2010 Nightmare



With over a week to go before the start of the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, there has been disaster after disaster. For example, the bridge connecting the village collapsed then one of the arenas caved in. Added to that is the fact that many of the venues are unfinished, and most of the living quarters are substandard.

With the Organizing Committee making the mistake of having the Games in October, this has resulted in top athletes like Usain ‘Lightning’ Bolt, the triple Olympic and World Championship gold and world record holder being on the list of absentees. One has to wonder with monsoon rains and the threat of dengue fever on the alert what is on the mind of the organizers. We know that hundreds of millions of dollars have been invested in the Games, but who had the oversight on the projects. Most of the venues had major cost overruns, indicating the kind of problems faced in India.

Another worrying factor has been the food on offer at the Games; it has been nothing short of pathetic based on reports. The British team has not even bothered to stay in the Village due to the poor standards. The Canadian team has left for the Games and it’s a pity, and we all hope that they will be safe. The fact is terrorism is also a major threat for our athletes. They have intensified security around the venue, but based on the lack of professionalism demonstrated so far, one only has to hope for the best.

Most countries have decided to go ahead with their plans of being at the Games, but this cannot be an easy decision for these athletes. When one considers the many negative factors so far, it has truly become a nightmare.

It is clear that the host country was just not ready for an event of this magnitude. For something like this, there is no time for trial and error, and someone should be held accountable for this debacle. Heads should roll at all levels, especially at the top.
The eyes of the world are now focused on these Games and the several athletes which are taking grave risks to be there.

We hope that the Canadian camp will ensure that they provide their own security and carefully look at the needs of the athletes. One cannot depend on the host country in this case; they are overwhelmed by so many issues, that it will be miracle if they get all the venues ready. One thing that is obvious is that the venues may not be at a world class level.

One thing that is sure is that the Commonwealth Games 2010 will go down as the worst in history. The nightmare has started and it will take years for everyone to wake from this one.

Quote of the day...

"Be thankful in all things, because God has seen it fit to grant you another day."
DCA

Name A Stadium After Bolt

This is an article I wrote yesterday, which is featured in todays Jamaica Gleaner. Take a look and leave your comments. Thanks.

http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20100908/letters/letters3.html

On my mind in a second, minute, hour, day or year....

When defeat stared at me,
I looked deep in its eyes with humbleness,
my faith in God lifted my weakened knees,
the noise around me was still,
those who were friends disappeared,
but he stood by my side with hope,
his words soothing my soul,
telling me of his love,
showing me his mercy,
reminding me to love my enemies as myself,


The day defeat came,
I felt like a hero,
there were no shadows following me,
my path was clear,
I knew there would be tomorrow,
God showed me the answer,
he guided my journey,


Today I fear it no more,
I accept it as a part of life,
it gives me strength to rise above my enemies,
it shows me that each day is different,
but in the end,
God is always with me.....


Dayne Christopher

Quote of the day...

"Embrace defeat and let it make you stronger to face the challenges ahead."
DCA

Sports Blimp....

Bolt beaten, but hold on a minute.....





Usain Bolt was beaten by Tyson Gay but was not disgraced. We have all known for weeks that Usain is not at his 100% best, but he has shown an attitude that all young people should strive to do. He has not made excuses, but has made his defeat a lesson to work harder. He was gracious in defeat, hugging Tyson Gay, and showing that you must always respect your opponents. He posted in his Facebook that he was thankful for the fans who have always supported him over the years. Bolt has been through injury before, and at times it seemed as if he would not rise to the highest level, but he has done so.


While some people were blaming his partying in Negril and blah blah blah, it is undeniable that any athlete that suffers an injury needs time to recover. The fact is that many people are quick to quit when defeat comes, but Bolt has embraced it over the years, and it has made him a better person. I am sure a lot of 'waggonist' will start jumping off the wagon before the horse stops, but bear in mind that Bolt will be back to his lightning best sooner than you think. He is only human and not superman....

Lessons from prayer....


"He has regarded the prayer of the destitute And has not despised their prayer." Psalm 102:1


The power of prayer was demonstrated this week, when on Friday my brother in Christ, Gregory, was freed from his tribulation in the face of the enemy. It highlighted that God does answer the prayer of the righteous even when all seems lost. Oftentimes we are tempted to believe that God does not answer our prayers, because we expect things to happen right away. I have fallen into that trap many times, which ends in doubt, and loss of faith. 


Colossians 4:2 teaches us that we should, "devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving;". If we devote ourselves to praying with an attitude of thanksgiving we will focus of righteous, leaving the negatives of doubt. In my walk with God I have noticed that when I pray with an attitude of thanksgiving that God has answered my prayers. I am thankful for all that God does for me. Christians are often quick to focus on what they don't have, instead of focusing on what they have. If you have food, clothes and a place to lay your head, what are you worried about? Jesus said in Matthew 8:20, "Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head." Yet we who are so blessed complain. Do we ever just pray thanking God that we woke up today, or we had a shoe to put on, or eyes to see? When we pray, what are we thinking about? Are we thinking about what we want or what we need? Do we pray about our enemies the same way we pray about our brother and sisters?


When we pray today, let it be more than a ritual, but a genuine reverence before God. In Psalm 141:2, "may my prayer be counted as incense before You; The lifting up of my hands as the evening offering", we see the humility offered. Let us empty our thoughts when we bow before him, yes we are constantly tempted, but when we come in his presence we should surrender all.


Proverbs 15:29 teaches us that, "the LORD is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous." We have the power of prayer to change the life of ourselves and others, but we have to believe in our hearts and to have faith in God. Without faith and humility we are without hope.


Let us continue to pray steadfastly, trusting in God always. Pray without ceasing, it doesn't matter when or where, God will hear us.

Sports Blimp....

Debate brewing over the testing of young athletes...

There is a mounting debate amongst the local athletics body to introduce testing for athletes at the junior level. This would include athletes competing at the very competitive Girl and Boys Championship. While there is some common sense involved in this planned approach, there are some negatives that I would like to highlight. My often held view is that good sense is not 'common'. 


In my estimation Jamaican authorities are being pressured by the overseas media to move beyond the world norm. Were in the world are junior athletes at a high school level competiton being tested? Not in the US, UK or Europe from my limited research. It seems that with the exploits of athletes such as Usain Bolt, Asafa Powell and now the rising star Yohan Blake that whispers have begun in the galleries. This is reinforced more by the recent failed test of Shelly-Ann Fraser, and one can say the verdict is yet to be determined, but one is often guilty until proven innocent in this regard. People are quick to point fingers, especially when a B sample comes back positive, it doesn't even matter if the substance is a non-performing agent.


The media has often been a killer of dreams, cultures and countries. This is the case for poor Jamaica. When we rise above the mediocrity of the world, we are placed in a box and scrutinized under the microscope of doubt. When Usain runs 9.58 in the 100 meters, the doubters made conspiracy theories questioning his meteoric rise.


With Jamaica's explosive performance at the 2008 Olympics and then the 2009 World Championships, countries are seeing red in their eyes. The media has become the pawn to be sacrificed in order to discredit our performances. Many media houses globally watched the 2010 Boys and Girls Championships in awe, and no doubt were stunned into disbelief, that a country considered 'third world' by the powers that be could produce such outstanding performances. Now our local body has been drawn into the temptation of listening to the world instead of continuing to nurture the growth of the youth program. There is no doubt that without the excellent management of the authorities that we would never be able to produce athletes such as Asafa and Bolt, and so many other outstanding athletes. However, it does not seem fair that juniors should be subjected to the rigorous testing that our senior athletes endure. It is very demanding for an athlete to monitor every single thing that enters his body. When you are a junior you want to be able to consume all foods. Although it is well known that many high schools give their athletes supplements to increase muscle growth and recovery. Yes, the testing will prepare then for the rigors of senior level competition, but they should be allowed to enjoy their youth.


If they do intend to introduce a drug testing policy, it should be for athletes above 16 years old. There is no way in my estimation that a 12 year old should be subjected to such testing. In fact, I would suggest that if a child below 16 years old is asked to take a drug test, that parents should not allow this to happen.


Whatever the outcome will be, let us hope that 'common sense' is used in the process and not the emotion induced by the overseas media houses.

Sports Blimp....

What a week of sports!! So much to report on, but where do I start...



Dexter Lee races into the history books at World Junior Championship


Dexter Lee made the record books again for Jamaica. He became the first junior athlete in history to win the 100 meters at back to back championships. He won his pet event in 10.21. He was however unable to win the 200 meters after being disqualified. He helped the 4X100 meters relay team to a silver medal yesterday. Lee is one to look for in the future and has maintained Jamaica's excellence in the men's sprint. One can only wonder what will happen in another year when he steps up to the senior level, we should have a stunning 4X100 relay team.



Yohan Blake runs stunning 200 meters..


Yohan Blake left many with their jaws hanging, with his blistering run in the 200 meters. Even though he placed second to Tyson Gay, his run out of lane 8 must go down as one of the best runs I have seen in recent time by any athlete. His time of 19.78 made him the second Jamaican to dip below Donald Quarrie's record. Tyson Gay must be a worried man right now, as he seemed winded coming into the straight. This was Blake's first competitive 200 meters. He gave full credit to his coach Glen Mills for all the work he has been doing with him.





Germaine Gonzales steps into the record books


This was totally a week of records. One cannot forget Germaine Gonzales run of 44.40 at the Diamond League, which is a new Jamaican record and the fastest time over the 400 meters this year. Gonzales is also coming out of the Mills camp, and like Yohan Blake he is maturing into a super athlete. However over the years he has been plagued with injury, but this year seems to be a break out year for him. Let's hope he can continue to improve and reach his full potential.





Kaliese Spencer whips Lashinda Demus in 400 meters hurdle...


There was much hype around US athlete Lashinda Demus going into the Monaco Diamond League. In the end, she was soundly beaten by Kaliese Spencer, in a time of 53.63. Demus ended in fourth place.

Lessons from the storm...

"I would hasten to my place of refuge From the stormy wind and tempest." Psalm 55:8


In 1988 when I was a teenager in Jamaica, I encountered the devastating hurricane called "Gilbert". It was one of the scariest moments in my life, hearing the howling wind, and seeing my parents roof take wings like an eagle. I can remember in the midst of the storm there was a calm when the eye of the hurricane was over the Island. At this moment everyone ran outside and the sky were so bright, however, this was only the beginning of things to come. Suddenly the sky became dark again, and the winds raged, and the rains came rushing down. For a couple days the rains continued unabated. Jamaica was completed battered, with many people losing their life and property. We were without electricity for a couple of months. We had access to almost nothing, only the few items my Dad had bought. With our roof gone, we sought refuge at our neighbors house for a couple weeks, while my Dad and my brother sought to repair it.


It was a time that most would want to forget, but I learnt many things during that time. I wasn't a child of God then, but I felt that God had preserved Jamaica and its people. Even with the losses we had, there was always a ray of hope, as we could have lost more lives.
God was my family's and I refuge during that storm.


God has always been a refuge to his people, even when the storm of life rage. You see there are times when there are bright skies and we think our storm is gone, but the tempest returns with more. But we must cry out, as the psalmist says, "I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!". We can only trust in him when the storms come and go.


I am reminded of Proverbs 14:26, "in the fear of the LORD there is strong confidence, And his children will have refuge." The bible tells us that the beginning of wisdom starts with the fear of the Lord. When we fear almighty God we have a refuge, safe under his arms.


I realized a great lesson after Hurricane Gilbert, how many people's faith was tested and restored. Many people showed love to each other. There was no TV, no radio, no cellphone, no fridge, but there was community and love. God was walking through the waters keeping us all safe.

Quote of the day...

"Hold strong to the faith, let no man carry you into hell."
DCA

Lessons from overwork.....

   "The desire of the sluggard puts him to death, For his hands refuse to work;"
                                        Proverbs 21:25

By the sweat of one's brow a man shall eat always rings out in my mind. Those were the words I would hear when I was growing up in my parent's home. Without work, the bills cannot be paid and survival is in doubt. Throughout the bible we see where men and women laboured to feed themselves and their families. Communities worked together so that everyone could benefit from the harvest. It was a hard work, but great fun when the harvest arrived.

Nowadays the story is quite different. People's whole outlook has changed, making lots of money is the priority. Being able to buy a big house, a fancy car, and lots of 'toys' is the motivation to chase the dollar bill. Some still have the aim to provide for their families, but the interest of self is now the main focus. Community is not a concept that is regarded, your neighbour can be starving as long as you are okay is the order of the day.

In an effort to achieve mountains of dollars, people are now forced to overwork themselves, because without spending long hours these days, people will never achieve the money to meet those goals.

"What profit hath man of all his labor wherein he laboreth under the sun?" Ecc 1:3

As the writer in Ecclesiastes points out, all of the things we chase, such as money is just vanity of vanities. In countries like Canada and the USA, people are constantly overworked in an effort to make more money. Christians are dragged and enticed into the lure of the 'greenback'. The time that we use to spend worshipping God is now dedicated to making money to meet our earthly goals. Whereas in Jamaica, you would have the time for bible study, retreats, camps and other spiritual gatherings that cemented your faith.

In the end, after all these labors another will enjoy the harvest. The lesson from being overworked is that there will never be enough time to enjoy it all, and at what cost. Would you rather lose your soul than have God? The chose is clear in my estimation, God must come first in everything. My whole outlook on life has changed, I am refocussing my thoughts, putting my faith first and everything else after. However, in all things we still must work to provide for ourselves, families and others who are less fortunate, that is what God requires of us.

When you overwork yourself though, you have moved away from the purpose of labor. Are you in this life to build treasures on earth? Or does God want you to build towards your glory above? The bible seems clear of this, that we labor for the gift to reach heaven, to live with God forever. This is my goal, to see God one day, but I can't do that if I am overworked. A sacrifice must be made, and its an easy one, a simple life is better than one without God.

My latest article from the Registered Financial Consultants of Canada Newsletter

My editor has given me my own section in the Newsletter to write on sports from a business point of view. I hope you all enjoy my upcoming article. Blessings always...

Click on link to open article:
http://www.iarfc.ca/the_business_of_the_world_cup.aspx

Quote of the day...

"It's funny how the years go by and you look back counting the regrets even in the midst of all the blessings."
DCA

Quote of the day...

"The mind of man has never understood the simplest thoughts of God."
DCA

Lessons from the World Cup...

                          "Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, For I wait for thee." Psalm 25:21


The World Cup has attracted the attention of many football lovers. Its appeal is no doubt hypnotic in nature, compelling even the non-sport lover. For me though, the World Cup this year has been one of the worse on record in terms of honesty and true respect for sportsmanship. As I watched the Ghana versus Uruguay match today I felt a sickness come over me as I observed what a player will do to win a match. I mention here the deliberate hand ball by a Uruguay player who at all costs sought to stop the opponents header from going into the goal. Yes we know what happened next, he was red carded, and the Ghanian player missed the resulting penalty to the joy of the red carded player. Mission accomplished the opponent didn't score, my job has been done, must have been in thoughts in his mind.


We have seen throughout the World Cup, not just in this game, but teams like the US, Mexico and England and others were subjected to bad decisions by referees and players. It seem in the nature of man that they will do anything to win. The concept of honesty and righteousness seem to have been lost in all realms. It has never been this bad in the World Cup and now the microscope has been taken from the lab and is peering meticulously at the events.


It is not surprising that the man of the world seems to do such things, he is forever at war with righteousness. The World Cup and the actors who take the stage for each match are well groomed in the art of winning at all costs. The producers and directors are all in sync reaping the cheers of the fans. The morals that may have existed in the common man has been replaced by the sounds of coins in a pocket. 


Personally I have been losing interest with each passing game, consoling myself with the reality that the things of this world are just vanity. The words of Solomon ring out in my ears from Ecc. 3:19,  "for the fate of the sons of men and the fate of beasts is the same. As one dies so dies the other; indeed, they all have the same breath and there is no advantage for man over beast, for all is vanity."



My father...


He never gives up on me,
even when I lose hope in life,
in times when despair would appear,
he would speak words of wisdom,


He never failed to provide for his family,
even when he had holes in his shoe,
he would sacrifice it all to see them through,


When others would do wrong to get ahead,
he planted integrity in our hearts,
making sure we walked the right path,
he would never curse or swear,
but taught the principles of God,


He loved us equally as children,
making sure we could be independent,
he showed us how to make ends meet,


My father,
you are special,
you are like no other man I've met,
your courage and hard work,
has molded me,
and made me a proud man,
you taught me that there are no limits to me,


My father,
may I always hear your words,
and follow your foot prints,
you are a gift from God,
may you walk with him now,
knowing that you are his child too....


Happy Father's Day...

Quote of the day...


" A nation cannot be built without the strength and stature of a father."
DCA

Sports Blimp...

Lewis Hamilton storms to the top of F1 with win in Montreal...


Lewis Hamilton


Many people were writing off Lewis Hamilton in the early stages of the Formula 1 Championship, due to the domination of the Red Bull team. But after two impressive wins, one in Turkey and the next in Canada, Hamilton is now on top of the driver championship standing, 3 points clear of his McLaren-Mercedes teammate Jenson Button. Though the season is still young, with 11 more races to go, he has put himself in pole position to win back to back championships. However, it won't be easy by any stretch of the imagination to do so, with this year's championship being one of the most competitive in recent years.


Hamilton we wish you all the best, you focus and discipline will see you through...





Shocks Results in World Cup games today....


Well I am not sure I can predict the results in this year's World Cup as in previous years. Teams are constantly surprising me with contrasting results. Today I expected Ghana to dismantle Australia, but even with ten men the Aussie were able to hold on for a 1-1 draw, impressive. Then the shock of the day, Cameroon was sent packing from the World Cup with their 2-1 loss to Denmark, wow. The other result of the day was not too shocking, where the Netherlands beat Japan 1-0. What is clear from the World Cup this year is that no team is guaranteed a win based on their name, everyone must be taken seriously. The team that underestimates their opponents will definitely pay dearly for their overzealous behavior.


For me though, its been great fun to watch the David vs Goliath sagas unfold...

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