Tyler Colins's Blog, page 70

The Journey

 

Is it beginning?  Or ending?  Ah, that is the question.  Whether t’is . . . okay, just kiddin’.  Kinda.

A wee while ago I posted about my mom, then deleted the post because I had decided it was negative.  Then I realized, courtesy of others (like Joyce Meyer) who’ve had challenging/dysfunctional upbringings, that it's quite possible to relay events and episodes, perceptions and insights from a factual [not emotional] stance. 

The intent: post about the journey as the sole caregiver for my mother.  To share what I’m feeling, seeing, doing (hopefully, without depressing the <bleep> outta myself).  <LOL>  Kinda. 

Now, I’m wondering if perhaps that journey is the spiritual one I’m taking as I embrace Christianity . . . as I learn to trust God . . . while crying, yelling, begging, praying for Him to help.  <LOL>  Kinda. 

Everyone travels Life’s twisting, turning paths.  Some have it easy, some don’t.  Is that because those that have perpetual bad luck or taxing challenges aren’t Christian, or have no faith?  Or is it that God selects specific souls so they might face [fight] adversity and subsequently be strengthened?  Just throwing out some very rudimentary thoughts. 

Back to square one.  Is this the beginning . . . of a new, lengthy journey where I tackle continual challenges and [God willing] prove triumphant?  Or is it the end . . . of an old, lengthy journey where I cope with past trials and troubles and [God willing] demonstrate forgiveness and understanding? 

Time will tell . . . as I will tell you . . . while/when traversing each crossing.  

Life's Many Storms

Life is filled with storms.

There are personal ones: separations and divorces, passings, job losses, moves to unknown places and uncertain times, inner doubts and emotional upheaval.

Then there are physical ones: tempests and downpours, hurricanes and gales, tornadoes and typhoons, to name a few.

Whether personal or physical, the one good thing about storms: they pass.  This may not seem the case when you're ensnared in the center of a raging one but, thankfully, it will come to an end.

For any personal storm you may be currently experiencing, stand strong and keep the faith.  Detach from negativity, as difficult as that may prove to be, and see opportunity in every challenge.

For those enduring the onslaught of Mother Nature’s wrath, hang on tight, hunker down, and keep the faith.  This, too, shall pass.

With darkness, comes light.  With destruction, comes support.  With courage, comes promise.  

Man on a Mission

Missionary Evangelist Mark Davy (Global Harvest Ministries) is a man on a mission: to save souls across the globe.  

For over three decades, he has preached about salvation, healing and restoration and this past weekend, the congregation at Evangel Temple was blessed to hear him speak. 

Like others, I was totally mesmerized [and encouraged] by his dynamic presence.  His inspirational approach, lined with humor and so easy on the ears, imparts a clear message:  every last one of us is empowered by God to do the works of Christ.

Here’s to a remarkable man and family (wife Sharon is also a speaker and teacher), brimming with determination, dedication, and devotion.

You can check our Mark Davy and his missions/operations at: 

https://www.ghmi.ca/mark-davy

https://www.ghmi.ca/mark-davy

Countin' the Good Things

Here’s offering praise for all the good things on this fine, fall-like August day, such as a:

brilliant apricot sun

subtle, tickling breeze

good morning workout

new pair of sneakers that fit oh-so comfortably

favorite (comfort-food) lunch

stroll through the park

sparrow’s cheery cheep-cheep

nimble squirrel soaring like a parasail from branch to branch

smiling dog

tree eager to change color before its mates

happy, toe-tapping song

sense of hope and purpose, and

belief that a new [fantastic] life is just around the bend.

Happy Sunday everyone—count your blessings!

Shocking Mocking

When we can’t trust or keep faith in the folks in blue, it's a very sad day.

Negative posts I try to avoid, though as of late, I’ve written a few, primarily related to me.  Politics and world affairs aside, however, there’s a disturbing news story that’s hard to ignore.

Francie Munoz, a lovely young lady with Down Syndrome, was mocked by Toronto Constables Sljivo and Saris last year during a traffic stop.  How did the mother, Pamela Munoz, discover this shocking behavior?  When she was in court fighting a traffic ticket.  She had an opportunity to view a dash-camera video where the two police officers were making none-too-kind comments about her daughter.

The duo released a written apology, but some say this is nothing more than a form letter, a template, and means little; sincerity is lacking.  Needless to say, the Munoz family isn’t satisfied with the response, and rightly so.  (Sadly, a request for a verbal on-camera apology was rejected, at least at the time of this posting.)

Those that serve and protect our communities should also serve by example and protect the innocent and challenged, not add to the contempt and aversion that appears to be running rampant these days. 

You know what, though?  I’m going to hold the faith a wee bit longer and believe that humankind is merely going through a “phase”.  Kindness and compassion exist and, one day, we’ll be embrace both in abundance.  

Here’s to the Francies of the world: may your days be filled with kindheartedness and ours with your sweet smiles. 

And may we all grace one another with humanity and charity.

(photo from Randy Risling, Toronto Star)

Embracing the Unknown

Being happy or sounding cheerful and positive isn’t always easy, particularly when you perceive your days/life to be routine, stagnant, uneventful and/or dull.

Confession: I’m referring to myself.  Being optimistic can prove a challenge.  There are times when I feel like imploding.  “Enough already”, I want to shriek, and occasionally do. 

Fortunately, the spiritual side, the hopeful one, can burst forth like Superman smashing through a brick wall.  It’s then that I put the gray matter to [proper] use. 

A reminder to self: everything has its time and place.  Patience (coupled with perseverance) truly is a virtue. 

Only God knows what’s around that sharp bend, beyond the heavy door, at the end of that long darksome tunnel.  And that’s a very good thing.  It means there’s something to look forward to: a surprise, a prize, a miracle.  Within the global mélange of life, something wonderful can and will happen . . . if we keep the faith.

So I write this post for me as much as you: yeah, we may not know what’s out there or what tomorrow will bring, but that’s actually part of the excitement.  Think about it: any day, moment or second (after a blink!), something fantastic can occur.  Isn't that awesome!?

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.   Hebrews 11:1

Embrace the unknown, my friends.

Singing Praises

. . . for Neema’s 16-member Children Choir from Uganda.  

This talented traveling chorus have been entertaining at various churches and venues across Canada this year.  The children, ranging between 8 and 16 years of age, have stunningly beautiful, compelling smiles. 

Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra stated: he who sings, scares away his woes.  Listening to the choir certainly erased mine. 

Energy and passion flourish in the heartfelt singing and animated dancing; the happiness these orphans exude belies the adversities they’ve experienced (only personal testimonials will impart the truth).

Pastor Daniel Mutibwa, a powerful (and amusing) orator, serves as guardian and director.  He has rescued these children from prostitution, drug and alcohol abuse, and death, and plans to save many more in the coming years. 

Catch them if you can!  Check out the choir’s schedule (the organization, its projects, donation and sponsor plans) at:

https://neemachildproject.org

Alliteration—ain’t it grand? What’s also grand is that...

Alliteration—ain’t it grand? 

What’s also grand is that you can delete posts at any time.  Never done that before.  Always believed that a blog—at least this one—serves a “diary”.  It demonstrates development over time, reveals thoughts and musings, and perhaps (hopefully) even enlightens. 

Recently, I posted about Mom.  It was truthful, but leaned toward negative, something I’d vowed I’d never be (at least not publicly).  So, into the bin that post flew.  I’d purged . . . and now I’ve cleansed.

Likely, one day, I’ll write/post about my life, but when that happens, it’ll be on a positive note.  If my “unique” upbringing and life, its exploits and undertakings, can provide insight or advice to others, awesome.  If it merely entertains, that’s okay, too. 

May life be calmer and smoother from this moment forward—for us all.

God Bless.  

What Goes Around . . . Returns

Today’s post is a disclosure—of truth, aging, confronting past and present.

Had a blow-up with Mom.  

At 90, she’s forgetful, but not from Alzheimer’s, so I believe (hope).  While talking about forgetfulness (something she’s adamant she doesn’t experience), she declared that she knows I “tell” her things and lie all the time. 

I can be many things, but one thing I’ve never been, nor ever will be: a liar.  Honesty is something I hold dear.

Long story short, I was hurt and angry, so much so I told her I didn’t think I could live with her anymore.  And, you know?  Right now, I truly don’t believe I can. 

We’ve lived together 20 years.  The last few, I’ve been watching over her, ensuring meds are taken, she has company (me), DVDs are ones she likes.  I’ve given up friends and a social life, am in debt to take her on vacations. 

I desire to be a good Christian, a caring person, to do what's correct.  Right now, though, I’m considering the irony . . . given the woman was an ugly alcoholic during my childhood and youth.  Imagine spending the first 18 years of your life walking on eggshells, fighting sadness and stress, waiting to be blamed [yet again] for things that have gone wrong because the booze has altered perception.  (Yes, I know: I don’t stand alone.  Others experience the same, or worse, and my heart goes out to them.)

I have no desire to speak ill of my mother: she was what she was and she is who she is. 

Happiness has eluded me most of my life, I hesitantly confess (as I’m not one to share personal secrets).  As I undergo another “eye-opening” episode, I can’t help but wonder if it will ever be experienced.

Faith is important.  Trusting God is imperative.  Today—dear, dear God—I’m not [most regrettably] feeling either.

. . . Thankfully, there’s always tomorrow . . .  

God Bless you all. 

Needin’ a Good News Fix

Not inspired this week, I kept the orbs wide open and the ears readily perked in the hopes of discovering something to post about.  Nothing seemed the least bit worth sharing. 

Yeah, they located the lost services dog at Pearson Airport.  That was ni-ice.  It’s National Ice-Cream Day today. That’s ni-ice, too, for those that can eat it; I was warned recently about being super careful re diabetes, so I’m watching the sugar intake.  <big sad sigh>  Greater consumption of coffee could lead to a longer life.  Hmm.  Jury’s out on that one.

On a whim, I Googled “good news”.  Lo and behold—I came across a website devoted to, yes, good news.  Awesome!  

GoodNewsNetwork.org, founded by Geri Weis-Corbley, features wonderful, heartwarming and informative stories.

“From its beginning in 1997, the website has been a clearinghouse for the gathering and dissemination of positive news stories from around the globe. Since 2006, our daily dose of ‘News to Enthuse’ has confirmed for thousands of fans what we already knew to be true — that good news itself is not in short supply; the broadcasting of it is.”

 Here’s to more good-news broadcasting—the world can use it!