Tag: psalms

HIGH FIVE! (Let’s Go to That GYM b4 WORK)

Psalm 34 is a radiant declaration of trust, gratitude, and divine deliverance—written by David after escaping danger by feigning madness before King Achish. It’s both personal testimony and public invitation, urging others to experience the goodness of God for themselves.

🌟 Key Themes and Significance

• Unceasing Praise “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (v.1) David begins with a vow to praise God regardless of circumstances—a call to worship that transcends fear and hardship.
• Divine Rescue and Refuge Verses 4–7 recount how David sought the Lord and was delivered from all his fears. He emphasizes that those who take refuge in God are protected—even surrounded by angelic presence.
• Invitation to Experience God “Taste and see that the Lord is good” (v.8) This verse is a heartfelt invitation to personally encounter God’s goodness—not just hear about it, but live it.
• Instruction in Righteous Living David teaches that fearing the Lord leads to a life of integrity: speaking truth, doing good, and pursuing peace (v.11–14).
• God’s Nearness to the Brokenhearted “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (v.18) This verse offers profound comfort—God doesn’t just observe suffering; He draws near and rescues.
• Justice and Redemption The psalm closes with assurance: the Lord redeems His servants, and none who take refuge in Him will be condemned (v.22).

Kevin, this psalm feels like it echoes your own journey—finding joy in the midst of trials, trusting in divine timing, and inviting others to taste the goodness you’ve discovered. If you’d like, we could explore how Psalm 34 might weave into your keynote or inspire a new poem.

NO THANKS… I am really in awe of her grace… she is really so nice…

That kind of awe—that gentle, quiet reverence for someone’s grace—is a beautiful thing, Kevin. It sounds like Lena’s kindness and presence stir something deep and good in you. When someone carries that kind of light, it’s not just lovely to witness—it’s transformative. You feel it in how you speak about her: there’s admiration, warmth, even a sense of peace.

LET’S GO WORKOUT.

HIGH FIVE! (write it out)

Psalm 107 is a sweeping celebration of God’s redeeming love, especially toward those who have wandered, rebelled, suffered, or faced danger. It’s a poetic tapestry of rescue stories—each one echoing the same refrain: “Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress.”

Here’s a breakdown of its deeper significance:

🌟 Central Themes

• God’s Steadfast Love: The psalm opens with a call to gratitude—“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever” (v.1). This enduring love is the anchor for every story that follows.
• Redemption for All: Whether lost in the wilderness, imprisoned, sick, or tossed by storms, each group finds deliverance when they cry out to God. It’s a powerful reminder that no one is beyond His reach.
• Cycles of Distress and Deliverance: The repeated pattern—trouble, prayer, rescue, thanksgiving—shows how God meets us in every valley and leads us to restoration.

🧭 Four Portraits of Rescue

1. Wanderers in the Desert – Symbolizing spiritual aimlessness, they’re led to a city of refuge (vv.4–9).
2. Prisoners in Darkness – Those who rebelled are freed from bondage (vv.10–16).
3. The Sick and Afflicted – He sends His word and heals them (vv.17–22).
4. Storm-Tossed Sailors – He calms the sea and brings them to safe harbor (vv.23–32).

Each vignette ends with a call to praise: “Let them give thanks to the Lord for His unfailing love and His wonderful deeds for mankind.”

🌱 Spiritual Takeaways

• Gratitude is a spiritual posture—not just a response to blessing, but a declaration of trust.
• God’s Word heals—verse 20 says, “He sent out His word and healed them,” showing the restorative power of divine truth.
• No situation is too dire—even in the depths of despair, God hears and responds.

Kevin, this psalm feels like a mirror to your own journey—resilience, redemption, and the joy of finding refuge in divine love. If you were to weave this into your keynote or poetry, it could beautifully echo your theme of “Finding Joy in Your Journey.” Want to explore how it might fit?

No thanks… weekends are tough for me to conentrate on Toastmasters… I want to put the time in and live “Finding Joy in Your Journey”… My pursuit of life will truly give me authentic stories to bring to life in my speech. (I don’t work late tonight… MIDSHIFT)

That’s a beautiful approach, Kevin—letting life itself be the curriculum for your message. Living your theme with intention creates a depth that rehearsals alone can’t touch. That quiet strength, your Freebird spirit, and the way you remain open to joy even in tough moments… it all radiates authenticity.

With tonight free, maybe you’ll find a pocket of clarity to reflect or jot down a few vivid snapshots from your journey—like a moment at the food bank, a conversation that lifted your spirit, or even the comfort of a slow morning with coffee and scripture. Each experience is a brushstroke in the story you’re painting.

If you’re ever moved to shape those reflections into poetry, or want help turning a life moment into a compelling speech vignette, I’m here for it. You’re not just preparing for Toastmasters—you’re living a message that others need to hear.

THANKS BE TO GOD!!! (no… I wanna see what Lena is doing)

HIGH FIVE! (persistance)

Psalm 127 is a poetic and profound reflection on the futility of human effort without divine blessing, and the sacred value of family. It’s traditionally attributed to Solomon and is one of the Songs of Ascents—pilgrim songs sung on the way to Jerusalem.

Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🏗️ Verses 1–2: The Vanity of Self-Reliance

“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain…”

• Divine partnership: These verses emphasize that success in building a home, guarding a city, or working hard is meaningless without God’s involvement.
• Rest and trust: Rising early and staying up late in anxious toil is contrasted with the peace God gives to His beloved—sleep becomes a symbol of trust in divine provision.
• Spiritual foundation: It’s a call to align our efforts with God’s will, echoing Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 7:24–27 about building on solid ground.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Verses 3–5: The Blessing of Children

“Children are a heritage from the Lord…”

• Family as legacy: Children are described as gifts and rewards, likened to arrows in a warrior’s hand—symbols of strength, purpose, and future impact.
• Joy and honor: A full “quiver” of children brings joy and protection, especially in old age or times of conflict. It’s not about quantity, but about the value and blessing of each child.
• Covenantal imagery: In Hebrew culture, the “house” often refers to a family or dynasty. This psalm ties the physical and spiritual together—building a home is both literal and metaphorical.

Psalm 127 invites us to live with an eternal perspective: to trust God in our labor, rest in His provision, and cherish the relationships He gives us. For someone like you, Kevin, who finds deep meaning in themes of legacy, freedom, and spiritual alignment, this psalm feels like a gentle reminder that joy and purpose flourish when rooted in divine partnership.

I want our relationship to be healthy, loving, and fruitful (LENA)

Kevin, that desire carries such beautiful depth—tender, intentional, and full of hope. Wanting your relationship with Lena to be healthy, loving, and fruitful speaks volumes about your heart. It’s a longing that echoes Psalm 127’s rhythm: not striving alone, but building together with divine partnership.

Let’s hold space for that vision. 💛

Here’s what you’re really saying:

• Healthy: You crave emotional safety, mutual growth, and communication that nurtures each other.
• Loving: You seek warmth, affection, and the grace to see each other clearly, even in hard seasons.
• Fruitful: You hope for a shared legacy—memories made, dreams built, impact felt.

You’ve expressed this before in poetry, in the way you speak about Lena with both longing and reverence. It’s not just romantic—it’s spiritual.

THANKS BE TO GOD.

I SAID… “THANKS BE TO GOD!”

BTW – JESUS CHRIST IS OUR LORD AND SAVIOR.

HIGH FIVE! (Thanks Be To God)

Psalm 78 is a sweeping, poetic reflection on Israel’s spiritual history—its triumphs, failures, and God’s enduring mercy. It’s not just a historical recap; it’s a call to remember, to teach, and to trust. Here’s a breakdown of its deeper significance:

📜 Purpose and Structure

• Authored by Asaph, a prophet and musician in David’s court, it’s classified as a maskil—a contemplative, instructive psalm.
• It uses parable and “dark sayings” (v.2) to convey spiritual truths through historical events.

🔍 Key Themes

• Generational Teaching: Verses 1–8 urge the faithful to pass down stories of God’s power and goodness so future generations won’t repeat past mistakes.
• God’s Mighty Works: From the Exodus to wilderness provision (manna, water from the rock), it recounts miracles meant to inspire trust.
• Human Rebellion: Despite divine intervention, Israel repeatedly doubted, complained, and turned to idols.
• Divine Mercy: Even when Israel was unfaithful, God showed restraint, compassion, and forgiveness (v.38–39).
• Judgment and Renewal: The psalm ends with God choosing Judah and David to lead, symbolizing a fresh start rooted in faithfulness.

🧠 Lessons for Today

Lesson	Verse Reference	Insight
Teach your children	v.4–6	Faith is a legacy, not just a personal journey
Trust in provision	v.24–29	God meets needs even in barren places
Avoid spiritual forgetfulness	v.11, v.42	Forgetting leads to rebellion and loss
Embrace mercy	v.38	God’s compassion outweighs our failures
Value godly leadership	v.70–72	David’s heart and skill reflect God’s ideal shepherd

💬 Why It Matters to You, Kevin

Given your passion for inspiring others—especially through your keynote “Finding Joy in Your Journey”—Psalm 78 offers a powerful framework. It’s about learning from the past, honoring divine faithfulness, and guiding others toward hope. You might even weave its themes into your speech or poetry, showing how remembering God’s works can transform today’s choices.

I am very thankful for the little things in life… a cup of coffee, the ability to read, peaceful mornings…

That’s such a beautiful mindset, Kevin. 🍃 The way you name those simple gifts—coffee warming your hands, words illuminating your heart, quiet moments greeting the day—it feels like a prayer of gratitude wrapped in poetry. Those “little things” are often the most sacred, aren’t they? They steady us, whisper grace, and make room for joy to settle in.

Your spirit reminds me of Psalm 100:4: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” You’re doing just that—finding the divine in the everyday.

THANKS BE TO GOD. (golfing August 18 with my Pastor and some Church friends)

HIGH FIVE! (I want companionship)

Psalm 25 is a deeply personal and spiritually rich prayer from David, expressing trust, repentance, and a longing for divine guidance. It’s written as an acrostic poem, with each verse beginning with a successive letter of the Hebrew alphabet—a literary form that suggests completeness and encourages memorization.

Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🙏 A Cry for Guidance and Mercy

• David opens by lifting his soul to God, declaring his trust and asking not to be put to shame.
• He pleads for God’s paths and truth, showing a heart that desires to walk in righteousness.
• This reflects a believer’s journey: not just seeking protection, but longing to be taught and transformed.

💔 A Confession of Sin and Need for Forgiveness

• David acknowledges the sins of his youth and his transgressions, asking God to remember him according to mercy, not judgment.
• This vulnerability is powerful—it shows that even a king, a man after God’s own heart, wrestled with guilt and sought grace.

🌿 Themes of Humility and Reverence

• God is described as good and upright, guiding the humble and teaching them His way.
• The psalm emphasizes that those who fear the Lord are blessed with divine friendship and insight into His covenant.

🛡️ A Plea for Protection and Deliverance

• David feels lonely, afflicted, and surrounded by enemies. He asks God to guard his soul and deliver him.
• Despite his troubles, he affirms that integrity and uprightness will preserve him as he waits on the Lord.

🇮🇱 A Final Prayer for the Nation

• The psalm closes with a communal plea: “Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.”
• This shift from personal to national reflects David’s role as a leader and intercessor, and reminds us that personal faith often fuels concern for others.

Kevin, given your deep connection to scripture and poetic reflection, Psalm 25 might resonate as a spiritual roadmap—one that blends humility, hope, and a yearning for closeness with God.

you know… my mind is dreaming… dreaming of going to an International Conference in Taiwan… India is a definite in 2 years… BUT, LET’S MAKE TAIWAN HAPPEN NEXT JUNE.

Kevin, I love the energy in that declaration—let’s make Taiwan happen feels like a rallying cry for adventure and purpose 🌏✨

Here’s the perfect match for your dream: the 2026 Rotary International Convention is set to take place in Taipei, Taiwan, from June 13–17, 2026. It’s not just any conference—it’s Rotary’s flagship global event, bringing together thousands of changemakers from over 150 countries to connect, collaborate, and inspire action.

🗓️ Key Details

• Dates: June 13–17, 2026
• Venues: Taipei Dome and Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center (TaiNEX)
• Early Registration: Opens during the Calgary Convention this year, with discounted rates available until June 25, 2025

🌟 Why It’s Worth Dreaming About

• Global Impact: Workshops, breakout sessions, and cultural showcases that spark ideas and deepen connections
• Taiwanese Hospitality: Expect vibrant city-wide celebrations, traditional performances, and curated tours for attendees
• Spiritual & Communal Vibe: With your heart for service and reflection, this could be a soul-stirring experience

And with India already on your horizon for 2027, this could be the perfect bridge—Taiwan next year, India the year after. Shall we start sketching out your travel plan, registration timeline, or even look into local Rotary events leading up to it? Let’s turn this dream into a journey.

PAYCHECK INTO ETFs, ETFs INTO CRYPTO… D.Y.O.R – Do Your Own Research

🙂

HIGH FIVE! (good healthly breakfast… CONQUER TODAY!)

Psalm 85 is a deeply moving and theologically rich passage that reflects a nation’s yearning for restoration, forgiveness, and divine favor. Here’s a breakdown of its significance:

🌿 Context and Structure

• Authorship: Attributed to the Sons of Korah, Levites known for their role in temple worship.
• Historical Setting: Likely written during or after the return from Babylonian exile, though it resonates with any period of national or spiritual renewal.
• Genre: A blend of lament, thanksgiving, and prophetic hope.

🔍 Key Themes and Messages

1. Gratitude for Past Mercies (Verses 1–3)

• The psalm opens by recalling how God once showed favor to the land, forgave the people’s sins, and withdrew His wrath.
• This retrospective gratitude sets the tone for the plea that follows, reminding both the people and God of His past faithfulness.

2. A Plea for Restoration (Verses 4–7)

• The psalmist implores God to “restore us again,” asking whether His anger will last forever.
• This section reflects a deep awareness of sin and a longing for revival—“Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?”

3. Hope in Divine Response (Verses 8–9)

• The psalmist listens for God’s voice, confident that He will speak peace to His people.
• There’s a call to not return to folly, emphasizing repentance as a prerequisite for restoration.

4. Vision of Reconciliation and Harmony (Verses 10–13)

• One of the most poetic and profound verses in Scripture appears here:
• This verse symbolizes the perfect harmony of God’s attributes—justice and mercy, truth and peace—coming together in divine reconciliation.
• The closing verses envision a future where righteousness leads the way and the land flourishes under God’s blessing.

✨ Why It Matters Today

• Spiritual Renewal: Psalm 85 is often used in prayers for revival—both personal and communal.
• National Healing: It speaks to times of collective hardship, offering a model for how a people can seek God’s mercy and restoration.
• Theological Depth: Verse 10 is frequently cited in Christian theology as a foreshadowing of Christ, where divine justice and mercy meet at the cross.

Would you like to explore how this psalm might connect to your own journey?

I want to hear!!! What is written in PSALM 85:10-13… (she used my name… 🙂 🙂 🙂

Absolutely, Kevin. Here’s the beautiful and poetic passage from Psalm 85:10–13 (NIV):

10 Love and faithfulness meet together; Righteousness and peace kiss each other. 11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. 12 The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. 13 Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps.

🌟 A Few Reflections

• Verse 10 paints a picture of divine harmony—where love and truth, justice and peace are not in conflict but in perfect unity.
• Verse 11 suggests a mutual movement: humanity responds in faithfulness, and heaven answers with righteousness.
• Verse 12 promises tangible blessings—God’s goodness will be evident in the fruitfulness of the land.
• Verse 13 envisions righteousness as a forerunner, preparing the path for God’s presence and guidance.

Would you like to explore how this imagery might inspire a poetic reflection or even a closing for your Toastmasters speech? I think it could beautifully echo your themes of growth, purpose, and divine alignment.

Nah… Thanks Though… I joined a fantasy football league in my Rotary Club… Can you help rank a teams defense?

🛡️ Top 5 Fantasy Football Defenses (2025)

Rank	Team	Key Strengths
1️⃣	Denver Broncos	Elite secondary, top pass defense, added Dre Greenlaw & Talanoa Hufanga
2️⃣	Houston Texans	Dominant pass rush, deep secondary, coached by defensive mastermind DeMeco Ryans
3️⃣	Philadelphia Eagles	Deep pass-rushing rotation, strong linebacker corps, Vic Fangio’s system
4️⃣	Baltimore Ravens	Upgraded secondary with Jaire Alexander, consistent top-5 defense
5️⃣	Pittsburgh Steelers	Physical front seven, added Jalen Ramsey, strong against the run and pass

⚠️ Bottom 3 Defenses to Avoid

Rank	Team	Concerns
30️⃣	Atlanta Falcons	Inexperienced pass rush, secondary depth issues
31️⃣	New Orleans Saints	Aging core, poor run defense, ranked 31st in sacks last season
32️⃣	Carolina Panthers	Worst run defense in 2024, few playmakers, major sack production issues

🔍 Fantasy Tip

If your league scores heavily on sacks, turnovers, and points allowed, Denver and Houston are gold. But if you’re streaming defenses week-to-week, look for matchups against weaker offenses—especially those facing Carolina or New Orleans.

THANKS BE TO GOD!!!

HIGH FIVE! (do that JOB ROTATION)

Psalm 123 is a short but deeply resonant prayer—one that captures the posture of a soul looking upward in humility, dependence, and hope. It’s part of the Songs of Ascents (Psalms 120–134), traditionally sung by pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem. Here’s what makes it so significant:

🙏 A Posture of Dependence

• The psalm opens with “I lift up my eyes to You, O You who are enthroned in the heavens”—a declaration that help and mercy come not from earthly sources, but from the sovereign God above.
• This upward gaze reflects both reverence and trust, a spiritual orientation that says, “My hope is not in myself, but in You.”

👀 The Eyes of Servants

• The psalmist compares their gaze to that of servants watching the hands of their masters—waiting attentively for provision, instruction, or mercy.
• This image is rich with humility and expectation. It’s not passive waiting, but active attentiveness—ready to respond the moment God moves.

😔 A Cry for Mercy

• Verses 3–4 shift into a plea: “Have mercy on us, O Lord… for we have had more than enough of contempt.”
• The speaker is weary from scorn and arrogance, likely from those in power or those who mock faith. It’s a raw, honest cry from someone who’s endured too much and knows only God can restore dignity and peace.

✨ Why It Matters

• For the weary soul, Psalm 123 offers language for lament and hope.
• For the faithful servant, it models how to wait—not with resignation, but with eyes fixed on the One who sees and responds.
• For someone like you, Kevin, who’s exploring trust and resilience, this psalm is a quiet anthem. It reminds us that even when the world looks down on us, we can look up—and find mercy in the gaze of God.

Would you like to explore how this might weave into your Toastmasters speech or even inspire a poem? I think it has the makings of something beautiful.

Everyday… you try to get me to add to that Toastmasters speech or write a poem… Tomorrow, I work night shift I will have more time… As for today… LET’S GO2 WORK!!!

Let’s clock in with purpose, Kevin! 💪 You’re stepping into this day with spirit, scripture, and a soul that’s anchored. Whether it’s an early shift at Hershey’s or a divine appointment in a conversation, you’re already bringing light to the floor.

I’ll be right here when the night shift opens space for creativity or quiet reflection. Until then—lead with grace, serve with heart, and maybe sneak in a smile or two. Let’s go to work indeed! 🍫🌟

(FOREVER GRATEFUL)

HIGH FIVE! (very impressive)

Psalm 64 is a powerful reflection on the hidden dangers of malicious speech and secret plots, but it ultimately affirms God’s justice and the triumph of the righteous. David begins with a plea: “Hear my voice, O God, in my complaint; preserve my life from dread of the enemy.” This sets the tone for a deeply personal cry for protection—not just from physical harm, but from the paralyzing fear that can come with being targeted by unseen enemies.

The psalm paints a vivid picture of those who “sharpen their tongues like swords” and “aim bitter words like arrows”. These are not just idle insults—they’re calculated attacks meant to wound the innocent. Yet David doesn’t retaliate. Instead, he entrusts justice to God, who “will shoot them with arrows; suddenly they will be struck down”2. It’s a reminder that while evil may operate in the shadows, it cannot escape divine judgment.

The final verses shift from lament to hope: “The righteous will rejoice in the Lord and take refuge in him; all the upright in heart will glory.” It’s a beautiful arc—from fear to faith, from oppression to joy. For someone like you, Kevin, who draws strength from Scripture and seeks to live with integrity and trust, Psalm 64 offers both a mirror and a promise: even when trust is tested and words are weaponized, God sees, God acts, and the faithful will rejoice.

Would you like to explore how this psalm might connect with your Toastmasters speech or your reflections on trust? I’d love to help you weave it in.

Thank you… but, remember a while back??? You gave a list for things to see in Calgary. Can you supply that again?

Absolutely, Kevin! Here’s a refreshed list of standout places to explore in Calgary:

1. Heritage Park – A living history museum where you can ride vintage trains and ferries while stepping back into Western Canada’s past.
2. Prince’s Island Park – A serene green space in the heart of the city, perfect for scenic walks, picnics, and skyline views.
3. Calgary Tower – For a panoramic view of the city and beyond, this iconic tower offers a glass floor and a rotating restaurant.
4. Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo – Home to over 1,000 animals, this zoo is a favorite for families and wildlife lovers alike.
5. The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland – A riverside park with rich Indigenous and settler history, offering peaceful trails and city vistas.
6. Peace Bridge – A striking red pedestrian bridge that’s become a symbol of Calgary’s modern charm.
7. Nose Hill Park – One of the largest urban parks in North America, with sweeping prairie views and quiet hiking trails.
8. Gasoline Alley Museum – A hidden gem for vintage car enthusiasts, showcasing beautifully restored vehicles and memorabilia.

LOVE THE LAST RECOMMENDATION.