Straight From The Heart

An End in Sight..... What to Look Forward to in 2012

2011-12-30T01:43:00.000-08:00

This year is and has finally come to an end. One of the headlines today read"what to look forward to, in the world of books, films, music, theatre and art".

O what a year, one of roller coaster, on one hand it has been a year of economic woes, natural desasters, (Tunamis, earth quakes, floods), personal misfortunes, bereavements, sicknesses, loss of loved ones, unfulfilled dreams, near attainments, hopes dashed.

On the other hand It has been a year of successes, attainments, fulfilled dreams, finding lost friends/family, reuniting with loved ones, building relationships.

I think for some of us it's been a mixture of both happiness and saddness, for others the failures or misfortunes out weights the good fortunes, this may cause you to dispair and think there's nothing to look forward to in 2012.
For others, it may have been 50/50, this may cause them to be passive in 2012, and have a ke Sara attitude, yet for some like me, their good fortunes far outweighed the misfortunes which occurred in 2011. This gives me hope for 2012 I am expectant and thankful. And looking forward to more blessings in the coming year.

Regardless of the category you find yourself, what are you looking forward to in the coming year, Straight from my heart is this encouragement to you.

Have renewed zeal for the coming year. One of hope not tarnished by adversity,
Though On wobbled stepsyou may have climb,
Fix your gaze upward. ,
Press on ward in spite of set backs.
Inspired by past successes and be buoyed on by what can be if We stay the cause.
I see colors of hope painted in my future, within my grasp is all that is good and new, I will walk and work as the dawn of 2012 beckons to
a year of possibilities and opportunities.

Happy 2012.

Be Merry...and show love

2011-12-19T08:51:00.000-08:00

Christmas is just days away, I am so excited because I have my gift already, our precious daughter. Seeing the expression on her face as she looks at the lights and decoration is priceless.

Each Christmas, we give cards and little tokens of thanks to those who are not our friends, people who we don't often say anything to but who are very useful to us on a daily and weekly basis. There are also people for whom Christmas will not be fun for one reason or another, they may have lost their jobs, a loved one, suffered an illness or are away from loved ones. Spare a thought for these souls as you tuck into your dinner this Christmas.

Some people pay lip service to loving others, but do go a step further,

Do look for and identify someone who might' be alone or not have the means for Christmas dinner, and invite or spend time with them.
Statistic shows that more than at any other time of the year, the period leading up to and after Christmas is the saddest and loneliest for some.

Look around you, who can you invite over, or spend time with? Apart from sending our usual Christmas card, we can seek out someone truely in need and give them a gift of what they need.

Let this indeed be a season to be jolly as you trolly down the aisle,
Swish and sway as you put on the glittery lights, and hum to merrily on high.
Say pause and watch, some may need your kind presence or gesture as a gift.
And when the season is ended, gifts exchanged and forgotten,
let one gift stand out,,,

that of your self in making someone's Christmas truly merry, by the gift of your love.

Lure

2011-11-23T12:41:00.000-08:00

I often get all sorts of mail, one mail in particular always opens like this. You've been selected for one of these gifts, £150, £500, and up to £10,000 cash, but there is a catch, register to receive our credit. Card or make a minimum purchase of £100 from us and be on our mailing list, some of these mails are from companies I know others are not. The catch phrase headline is always the award, while the conditions stay hidden.
Sometimes you'll be told you've won an amount, but to collect your price you have to call a premium number which will cost a lot of money. So nothing is as free as it seems there is always a catch.
This got me thinking, why is the catch hidden? Why isn't that the main thing since what you've got to do is what guarantees the price?
Well they know most people will be attracted by the lure of an award.

Same with our adversary the devil, he often package his price in the lure of good things. He never tells you there's a bitter price to pay when you fall for his tricks, his sole aim is to get us first, then when we are deeply in his grip, we find it difficult to get out.
What are you being tempted with today? Look critically at what you've yielded to and if you have fallen for his dirty tricks, come out you don't have to stay there.
Are you in the grip of sexual addiction, achololism, food, work, excessive spending or other lure? Ask God to help you get out of it's grip.
And be on alert for the tempting offers draped in attractive prices. If it's too good to be true it probably is.

Lose Your Grip

2011-10-25T00:09:00.000-07:00

As I watched the capture of Gaddafi, the question which came to mind was why didn't he quit? Why don't they all quit, these dictators of decades. What is is about the position that makes them hang on even to dead.
Power? They already have,
fame, they have, wealth, they have. My opinion is, they lack security. Despite the power, wealth, fame, etc, they cling on because that's their identity. It's what empowers them. Strip that and they are empty. This is why they stay on even till death.
They all had the choice of leaving honorably having ruled for so long, but no they choose to died the death of a criminal.
Lesson learnt. What are you clinging on to? You refused to let go despite all the signs and pressure to lose your hold.
Are you hanging on in the Belive that you will come out victorious? Are you certain of victory? Why don't you take a look at the issue again, is it worth dying the death of a fool?
If you've given the issue your very best and the pressure is on to quit, do so honorably. Leave while the ovation is loudest.
Find a worthy cause to give your effort to if you feel you will lose your ID by relinquishing control.

Are you hanging on to a relationship which is dead from all indications in the hope that it will get better? Pray about it, examine it again and decide on a course of action, let go.
Are you in a career which is going no where, and drowning under the pressure to hang on? Throw in the towel and leave.
We could be hanging on to failed dreams, worthless ideas, friendship, empty promises. Whatever it maybe, take a bow and leave.
Seek to do things better and achieve greater success as you prayerfully make your decision to move on and reinvent your goals, dreams ambitions.
Take hold of faith as you purposefully move on.
See a new dawn beckons and fly away as you envision brighter days, years and life ahead.
Shake loose the dust of the past and embrace the scent of success in the present.

Reaching Out

2011-09-27T14:56:00.000-07:00

I reach out when I am wrong and when I am in the right: I do this for several reasons one of which is to maintain a relationship, if I think the relationship is worth maintaining. The other is to keep the peace. I read some where that it takes a mature soul to extend a hand of truce even when they are right.

I have often wondered why people insist on destroying a good relationship because they feel they’ve been wrongly done by. Even if you are in the right and someone has wronged you, if the relationship is one that was previously healthy, you can reach out even if you think you are the one who has been wronged.

I think a lot of the problem we face today in our world can be resolved if people are willing to say I am sorry, I was wrong, or just simply apologise just to make amends and keep a friend or a make a friend out of a foe. (no, we don’t want to be though fools, we have to get even, show them who we are).

But no, we insist on our own, we want apologise and the worse thing is that even when we get an apology we just can’t be bothered because we often have made up our minds as to how we want the relationships.

I can happily say I have good friends in my life and regardless of who is wrong or right I have decided to always extend a hand of reconciliation if there is a disagreement. Sadly some of those I call friends have bit off my hand by ignoring my hand of peace, either by refusing to acknowledge it or say point blank that they’ll rather not continue the relationship.. I admire the second group of people because they are bold enough to speak their mind, (/Sadly no one actually fall into this group, most fall into the first category).

Do you fall in the first category, I huge you be bold and speak your mind. If you want to end a relationship say so, directly, not in riddles, but I’ll rather you reach out and give a hand of hope, love, and reconciliation no matter what.. Especially if you feel the relationship is worth it.
Now, you may have some good reasons to want to opt out, do so, but not with malice. Who knows where you may be in years to come. If you end a friendship so easily then it didn’t mean anything to you in the first place, regardless of our reasons. Ending a relationship should be like breaking up a marriage, difficult and with so much pain. Yes people go through divorce, but I don’t think it is an easy decision, no matter the reason for doing so.

What happened to turning the other cheek if you are slapped? Being a peacemaker, being merciful, being meek…….

If we truly seek peace and pursue it, half the world's problem will be resolve.

So straight from my heart is this peace encouraging you to
Reach out whenever, wherever, however,
Take a turn of love when all else fails,
Walk the path which leads to peace

Reach out even when you are right and when you are wrong
Spun your heart to the object of your affection and be all that’s noble
Be decent in thought for within lies eternal joy, peace and life

In moments of pain reach out,
As a flower bloom, and gloom fills the glove,
Be the glow that puts light back on

Reach out to a child in need, a friend who stays away
A hurting mother
A wronged sister
An absent father
An unforgiving brother
A Stray husband
When everything fails draw strength from one who reached out to you when you where still in sin and died for you.
Reach out for in extending your hand, you may ignite hope in one who is tasty for hope and desperate for love. Reach out.

Hope

2011-09-07T19:35:00.000-07:00

Stir me up to hope and wrap myself in the essence of your existence
Lift me up to see and take in the beauty of the image of you I image myself to be.
Spawn me on to Live in the reality of you when your glow diminishes, as dreams become slow to accomplish.
Propel me to the place where you become magnify above all else.
As I remain anchored to the reality of you.

When hope deems and vision fades, be the glow that keeps faith alive, when my dream seem unattainable, be the reality that makes the wait rewarding and endurable.

Turn my eyes upward looking to you
Let all around me fade as you become magnified
Satisfy my longing soul with food from your storehouse
Remove the mist which cloud your presence
Let the essence of you become real as I bow to you in worship.

Total Abandoment.

2011-07-31T11:35:00.000-07:00

Every thing changes, really?

I am a mom? Woohoo!!! And I am loving it. Sleepless nights, poo? Cries? All piece of cake. Yuke, some may say, but it borders me not.

Being a mun reminds me of another father, our Heavenly Father.
Here are a few things I do which reminds me of God's love.

I meet every need of my daughter as much as I can
I turn/respond whenever she cries
I try to guess what her needs are, I anticipate them in order to meet them
I stay awake when she's awake
I sleep light now she's here

I some times turn up the volume of my music when I am taking my well deserved rest so that her cries won't disturbe me, while my mum looks after her.

As hard as it is, I sometimes do stuff which I believe is for her good. I.e, let her sleep in her cot, so that she gets use to sleeping there, even though she sometimes doesn't want to, get her to go at least 2.3 to 3 hours before her feed, sometimes I feed her when she needs.

Play with her, talk to her and smile at her.
Without giving too much away these are some of the delights I enjoy with her.

This is frail me, finite human with failings. My daughter is totally dependent on me. This is what God wants of us, that we are totally abandoned to him, totally, no ifs or buts, no figuring things out on our own.

There are some processes he may decide to take us through, for our own good. Just like me trying to get my four weeks old daughter to sleep in her crib is for her own good. It's hard on me to see her cry. So too it's hard for our father to see us go through pain, but as long as the end result is achieved, the process is necessary.
God does not fall asleep like I do and wakes up when I cry or call, non does he takes his eyes off us to attend to some bigger world problems like the famine in Somalia or the tusuami or the massacre in Norway sad as these events are, he values you as much as them.
All he ask of you is that you trust him.

He doesn't take a break and hand us over to someone else, like I do, to look after because he needs a break. He doesn't need a break, he doesn't take one because he is the almighty, he is ever present to meet our every need. Now, that's reassuring.

My little girl trust me without knowing it, her cries and demands are with expectations. Imagine what will happen if we have such trust in our Heavenly Father. I am learning to do that, now that I have a child. Abandoned trust have a new meaning.

So straight from my heart is this post to encourage you to be abandoned to him, in the good and bad times, when you can't figure out how your future will turn out and when you can, when difficult situation seems to be a constant in you your life, when winter lingers even though it's suppose to be summer months, trust, trust, trust, he's got your case sorted and it won't be long before he shows up.

Lord, i want to be like a little child before you. Totally trusting, abandoned to your purpose and perfect will. And when at times I have to go through pain, help me know you are working it out for my good.

With Love
Debbie

The Emperor's Friend

2011-06-25T16:43:00.000-07:00

The Emperor's friend.

Was there a time in your life you did some thing or anything to please anyone? A friend, sibling, a parent, a colleague, for fear of loosing the relationship or gaining favor. If we are truly honest with ourselves, we will agree that we've all done so and do so daily, weather it's giving in to a spouses demand, a child's plea, putting up with the unreasonable request of a sibling or nasty attitude of a friend.

I believe that whatever we tolerate we allow or give permission to continue, regardless of our intention and in allowing or tolerating unreasonable behavior we crucify something else, our ability to excise control, decent behavior, integrity, honesty and all that's good .

We may not know it and may think we are doing the right thing by caving in therefore avoiding conflict, but what we are doing is giving our seal of approval for bad behaviour to continue.

In John 19, we see this behaviour in
Pilate. He was reluctant to crucify Jesus, but he was not ready to lose the friendship of the emperor. Choosing rather to crucify all that's good and true. yes it was part of God's grand plan, but God's plan would still have come to pass had he decided to do the tight thing.

While Pilate's act was part of God's plan, and we can see the result today. can we say that of our actions or inability to take a stand?if it's part of God's plan, can we point to one positive outcome as a result of our action.
What's the effect on us, others, in allowing and encouraging bad behavior?

You may remain the emperor's friend, but lose your integrity. if you fail to take a stand.

So i urge you to be bold and take a stand against all that's evil, if that means losing a friend, sibling, colleague, or anybody else, (all some form of emperor) because an emperor is an important person, so be it.
But remember evil trives when good refuses to flourish.
So i urge you straight from my heart is this piece encouraging you to flourish, grow, be decisive, daring without demanding,
Firm without being incorrigible
Helpful without being proud
Bold without being boastful.
Active without being awful.
Caring without being spiteful.
Remain bless as you decide whose side you want to be on.

Have faith and Trust God.

2011-06-06T12:36:00.000-07:00

One of the things that affects our faith is our constant questioning of God. Why God, why, when God, when.
We need to get to the point where we stop questioning and start to trust unreservedly. Because we don’t live by explanations but by holding on to the promises of God, through faith, believing it will come to pass in our life.
I have come to learn that there is no such thing as trusting without waiting, we have to trust God with the when and the how and forget about the why.

According to Joyce Meyers, it is important to remain hopeful as long as you are alive, through the toughest days of your existence, if you don’t give up hope, you will enjoy everyday life.

She also says that any time, we want something so bad that we absolutely cannot be happy without it, we probably want it more that we should.
That’s actually what lust is about. Not just a sexual desire, it is wanting anything too much. If God is first in my life, I don’t have to let what I want destroy my joy.
I will just go on believing that God knows the desires of my heart and will bring it to pass in HIS time.

We have to get outside of our little box of issues, problems, disappointments, delays, obstacles, sadness and say to God what I really want is you.
Give me the grace to be happy without the things I am looking for, after all he said his grace is sufficient for us and that with him comes all that we are looking for, (blessed be God who has given us all things to enjoy in Christ Jesus), so the secret is to be in Christ first. So seeking him first guarantees us all things. Yes it may not come when you want it, but he’s on time.

Our joy comes from being in the perfect will of God, not from having a job, because we want one,
Having a spouse, because we want one
Having a home, because we want one, the list is endless.
It is living in his purpose and will as stated in His word.
Only then can we know that we are justified, if we live by faith.

So Straight from my heart is this piece to encourage you that as you embark on this journey towards trusting God implicitly, may you live each day in joy, taking your place in the city of praise.
Setbacks may occur, brought on to pull you down, but though the clouds gather, it may not always pour down with rain, the clouds may roll back to make way for the glorious sunshine of his grace and even when the rain does pour, perhaps with its droplets are showers of blessings.
Let the drops refresh you and renew you for the next season.

Surprises

2011-05-24T02:19:00.000-07:00

I don't like surprises. So when I became pregnant I was pretty sure that no one would be able to pull a surprise baby shower for me. I set out to find out if anyone is planning one. My mind was set on a particular week and I knew my sister and husband will be in on the act. I went to work on my sister since it can’t happen without their knowledge, no need to work on my husband he won't crack, but I tried all the tricks in the book to get my sister to talk, she almost did, but still gave nothing away. Needless to say that on the day itself, I was not only surprised, but shocked.
How, when, who? Planned it all? In my own home! It was a brilliant move and a beautiful day. I don't tear easily but the tears came pouring out.

I was not only surprised by the surprise, but by the warmth, love and atmosphere on the day. I couldn't believe that so many friends took the time out to gather on my account. I was truly touched.

No matter how much we prepare or second guess the future, surprises have a way of showing up. Some good, some bad, some pleasant some unpleasant. We may do all we know to do to plan against a surprise, but just like my baby shower, you may still be shocked/surprised by an event or someone's attitude.

My prayer for you is that just like my shower was pleasant, may God surprise you immensely. With good things, may your expectations be met, your joy over flow, health restored and hope renewed.

Even with your best effort at second guessing God's goodness, may he blow your cotton socks off when that which you have waited for and expect becomes a reality, as he exceed all your expectations.

So I urge you to enjoy the moment as you wait for God to show up in your situation. His surprises are always pleasant.

Setback To Comeback

2011-04-24T04:39:00.000-07:00

We've had one of the toughest winter in a 100 years. The effect of the winter months is evident in our garden, our once plush and beautiful patch looks like a drought land. Plants dead, those still alive are weak and would require a lot of work to get them back to life.
Our gardener who is my hubby (oops)! has already started planning for the recovery.

So how do you recover after a set back. Do you sit back in misery and wish the set back never happened, do you go on a Blame game?

Instead of doing all these, plan your come back. Yes disaster has struck, ask yourself what you can do to aid your come back.
Who, where, can you get help from, what help is available?
What can you do physically or otherwise to remedy the set back.

As I watch my hubby tend the garden, I also observe the changes taking place. He dug up dead plants and replaced them with new ones, some old plants are springing back to life, he laid some bark, feed and watered. more is still needed to get it back to what it was or better. But the important thing is that there is beauty again as the garden makes a come back.

You took can make a come back if you are willing to get to work regardless of the set back you've had.

So on this resurrection day, remember Jesus made a come back from a set back, draw from the strength his resurrection brings,
dig out and throw away old habits, replant néw seeds of love, tenacity and rekindle old and good traits.

A set back can be a spring board for a comeback, a lunch pad to hope again, dream again and believe in possibilities.

So unless you are willing to do what it takes, you will not attain your desired end.

When toss about by the waves of adversity, look within you, rekindle hope for there is a new dawn waiting to birth after the tide has receded.

Desires

2011-03-25T16:09:00.000-07:00

Make me know you,

Like I really should

Help me love you

And others too

Keep my eyes upward looking

Let no gile or bitterness in me be seen.

Let flow from my heart,

Thoughts, that when reveal

Will stand justify

For they are pure indeed.

Draw me from the well of deep despair and dread.

Let me know the calm of your sweet gentle touch

Sieve me through the eyes of love's true quest

Let me come to thee undefiled, pure and washed.

The Waiting Season

2011-03-13T12:28:00.000-07:00

As I ponder over the the times in my life when I've had to wait for several prayers to be answered, I came across this piece which brought home the point. I hope you find strenght in God as I did during your waiting season.

Joseph sat on the cold prison floor. Two years he had been there. He thought of his loyal service to the Lord, his honesty to the Eyptian master, and now his strange, reward.
He arose, his body weak from lack of exercise and long confinement. His brother's faces came to mind. "Shalt thou indeed reign over us?" Their contemptuour laughter seemed to echo off the prison walls. Yet, the Lord had sent the dream, the Lord Has promised. He'll wait.

Abraham climbed the hill until he stood squinting against the sun, He looked out over the wide plains, the highlands and the valleys.
Countless times he had looked over this land and had believed and had waited. He thought of Sarah, her womb long since dead. Ridicule taunted him, but his face remained unchanged.
"I will make thee a great nation...."
"I will multiply thee exceedingly....... lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son."
Turning his gray head agains the sun, he walked slowly down the hill. The wait continues.

"Mary, we must make a trip to Bethlehem," jaseph said gently. He looked at her body great with child. Mary rode quietly on the donkey. The trip had been hard, a strange ride for one who was carrying the Son of God. As they neared Bethlehem, the road thickened with people.
"It's going to be hard to find a place to stay," some one said to Joseph. But Mary carried the Son of God. Surely, there would be a room for the Son of God!

Mary recalled the gossip about her when Joseph married her. "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee.... and that Holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."
The people of Nazareth had not believe that. Would the travelers on the road believe her to be the mother of their King?
"(You) shalt bring forth a son, and shall call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son fo the Highest....."
Many hours later, Joseph admitted, "Mary, there are no rooms. I'll ask about a stable."
Here? In a stable? Mary's eyes, scanned the dirt floor, the drafty walls. Were would she put him, on the harsh straw? Was it truly the Son of God she bore?
She lay quietly and waited.

The day before Pharaoh called for Joseph to interpret his dreams was as uneventful as the hundreds of days that had preceded it.
The day before Sarah told Abraham that she carried a child resembled the hundreds of days before it.
And until Mary looked down into the face of the infant Jesus, God's promises seemed still unfulfilled.

When the heavens seem brass, and God's hand refuses to move, when each day begins and ends with no answers, this is the waiting season. The season when one can bring great glorly to God or great shame, depending on how one waits.

"Gospel Trumpeter"

Salute

2011-02-14T03:38:00.000-08:00

It's Valentine's day today.

Happy Valentine's day to all my wonderful friends and family spread across the globe.

it's a day set side for love. This got me thinking about the greatest love a person can have for another?. According to John 15:13, the greatest love a person can have for his friend is to give his life for them. We know of one who did that for us and for this we are eternally grateful.

Question? Can/have you given your life for anyone? I can picture the look of surprise on your face. I don't mean like Jesus did. Have you ever gone without so that someone else can have?

The following are in my opinion, examples of giving up of one's live for a friend and i salute you if you have ever given up anything for anyone.

If you've had to hold back on your dream to ensure that a love one gets to fulfil their's.

If you've had to look after your frail parent despite the financial difficulty involved.

If you've given your home or a space in your home to accommodate someone in need.

If you've had to relocate to another country in search of greener pastures in hope of a better life for your love ones you've left behind.

If you've had to give up your education so that your siblings can have an education.

If you've given up your job, to be a full time carer to a sick friend, parent, sibling or neighbour.

If you've had to give up the comfort of your own home, job and time to care for the sick and wounded in deserter zone.

If you constantly have to give your time to serve your local community, your church, your, family/friends.

The list is endless, if you can't fine yourself in this list look at your life and at any selfless act of kindness you've shown another and thank the Good Lord for enabling you to be of help.

Celebrate yourself today because you've demonstrated the greatest love a person can give in being selfless.

Love's frequency

2011-02-11T02:40:00.000-08:00

I don’t know if anyone has noticed, but the buzz which usually surrounds the shopping mall, city centres and news media as we approach Valentine's day seems to be low key this year.
One of the reasons I think is that people are wiser and are no longer swayed by the lure of offers during this time of the year.
Another reason I believe, is that people are more cautious with their finances given the current economic climate and are thinking of other ways to show their love ones they do care and love them rather than through the usual obvious means suggested by the media.

While I am all for celebrating Valentine, I believe that we can have a celebration of love with those dear to us whenever we choose to, take Christmas holidays for example, that’s one big celebration of love as we go out of our way to call, buy and spend time with those dear to us.
As we approach the 14th of February set aside for lovers, I want to urge you if you’ve never thought of celebrating people you care about other than on this day, to begin from the 14th to appreciate and celebrate each day you have with them.

A few recommendations for you:

Treat people in your life lovingly, kindly, selflessly with respect all year round.

Be in constant contact with those you call friends/family (love ones) as often as you can and not just on birthdays, Valentine’s Day or Christmas day, this act will create an atmosphere of endearment in your heart towards them all year round, not just on special days.
Let’s start and consciously treat others as we would love to be treated, if you want friends show yourself friendly, remember we get as much as we give.
Throw caution to the wind and be reckless in giving your time, love, attention and gifts to those you hold dear or anyone around you regardless of whether they return the favour. (After all, love seeks not its own).
Let’s decide to be mindful of the effect our actions/inactions have on others. This will help us manage our relationships better

So straight from my heart, I urge you as valentine approaches make a fresh start and decide to be selfless with your emotions, time, thoughts and words, be the first to make that call, to give a smile, to write, to visit.
Try this for a few weeks and you’ll discover a new Joy you’ve never experience before.

Owe no one anything but love, do your bit and let’s change the world’s meaning of “love me and I’ll love you”, one person at a time.

Difference faces, races, paces,
Yet the same grace, love and mercy,
Pour on all.
Let us embrace our given grace
And extend to all the mercy we've each receive.

My Lover's Love

2011-01-22T01:17:00.000-08:00

Grace like a river, goodness like the ocean,
Love poured on me like rain
vast and unending, and on display for all to see
is my Lord's love for me.
It keeps giving, flowing and drowning me,
in the streams of his love,
when I falter, he shelters,
when I weaver, he steadys me
such is my lovers' heart towards me
Love unshakeable, undoubtable
like a river flowing down,
always poured on me.

Better The End

2010-12-30T20:51:00.000-08:00

As we count down to the end of the year, some will heave a sign of relief...... if like me you've followed closely affairs around the world you will agree that this has not been a particularly smooth sailing, fun filled, fantastic year for a lot of people, for governments, families and individuals alike.

Some have faced serious set backs, relational, financial, physical..... better the end.
Some have lost their livelihood and can't wait for the year to end ------ better the end.
Some faced terrible challenges, once which threatened their very existence and all they believed in ...... better the end.
Some suffered the loss of good health, a sibling, a child, a spouse, a parent and can't wait for the year to end ..... better the end.
Some were on the verge of losing their minds for the weight of the issue they were faced with ...... better the end.
Relationships broke down, sending shock waves down ones entire world ...... better the end.

The list is endless........ I personally know of close friends who faced some dire and serious issues, illness', challenges, loss of businesses, job, relationships, true, 2010 has had its fair share of misfortune.

If you fall in any of the above category and are waiting with birthed breath for 2010 to roll over to 2011 so that you can start afresh, you are not alone. While we wait to usher in another New Year, we can't just wish 2010 away and hope that 2011 will bring us good fortune. Sure I want 2011 to bring me good fortune, but I am also determined not to live things to fate. As bad as we may have had it in 2010, we cannot just wish it away, there are lessons to be learnt from our trials and circumstances.
Don't wish these away, pick your way through the dirt and see if you can come away with some positives which can act as a spring board for 2011.

Where there people who stood by you through it all? those you least expected to? Did you make some new friends along the way? What valuable life lesson did you learn? think, pick your way through, make a list and see if you can at least pick out one good thing which occurred in your life this year.

Regardless of how bad it may have been, we can't just wish it away and wait for it to end. Yes, I echo with you, better the end, but is that all? How would you begin the next. End the year as you mean to start the next one, with purpose, vision, determination, hope, love, tenacity, audacious faith in God.

Dare to hope again in 2011, you may not feel like it given where 2010 took you, like I said above some terrible things may have occurred during the year, sad and hard as they have may been, and the temptation to want to cling to saddnessfor the comfort they bring or the vulnerability they make us feel. Regardless, we are still here.

So I urge you straight from my heart, be resolute do not allow the pain of the past year to hinder you from envisioning what 2011 could bring. Dream again, dare to believe that the best is yet to come and 2011 can be the year where things begin to turn around.

Lay the ghost of the past to rest,
embrace with awe the future as you would an infant child,
See afar, endless possibilities waiting to be realised,
Reframe from negative thoughts as you would a hot coal.
But rather Lay hold on all that is good,
of a future packed with endless beauties of what we can achieve if we believe.
Let hope wrapped it's hand of peace around your heart as you relinquish your hold on grieve and dare to believe that visions can become reality and years of toil become pale as joy replaces the dread of waitings.

Happy New Year.

A Gift Worth Giving.

2010-12-10T00:50:00.000-08:00

It’s that time of the year again, I love the season of Christmas, because I get time off work, try to relax and read, I get to catch up with friends, I get to have a proper Christmas meal!

What I don’t like is the frenzy leading up to Christmas, people buying gifts which they will probably not remember in a years time, because they don’t’ want to be left out. After Christmas, most people are so tired that they can’t even remember what all the fuss was about. Recently, a news reader mentioned, are you dreading Christmas? Because you have to sit in the company of the in-laws and pretend you love your gift when all the time you want to choke them.

Don’t get me wrong I celebrate Christmas and believe in what Christmas stands for which is the Birth of my Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ. What I don’t stand for is the commercialism which has taken over, call the spirit of Christmas.

The Spirit of Christmas to me is the spirit that causes us to be selfless all year round not just at Christmas, the spirit which will look on the cause of others and show compassion on the less fortunate, regardless of the time of the year, the spirit which will love and give and not expect anything in return.
The special thing about Christmas should be the spirit of love we share for others, which should shine through in our gifts giving.

If you are giving gifts this Christmas, here are a few thoughts to ponder:

What is your motive?
Can you afford it?
Are you giving gifts because you don’t want to be the one who didn’t give a gift after receiving one?
Does the person you are buying a gift for really need it?
Are there people outside your circle of friends and family you can reach out to at this time of the year? (locally or internationally).
Have you considered the possibility of not buying gifts but rather donate the money to a charity involved in a worthy cause.
Are there other ways you can show the people in your life how much you care for them.
Have you accepted the greatest gifts of all? This is the person of Jesus Christ whose birth we should be celebrating, but alas, we give gifts to others but fail to give the celebrant the gift of our life and love. If you have not done this I urge you to strongly consider it, because after all, it is his birthday and all he ask from you is the gift of your life. In giving him your life, you are opting to receive from him a life time of priceless gifts.

Have Yourself a Merry Christmas.

Perspectives:

2010-11-15T07:12:00.000-08:00

We sometimes have different perspectives on the thing same issues. For instance your analysis on how the economy should be run may be different from mine, we’ve sat and discussed how we think the economy should be tackled, and we’ve become self professed economic analyst.

Regardless of our perspectives, the current government did not seek our opinion before going ahead with the cuts and changes which we are currently experiencing. The government, together with experts in different fields sat down to the reality of the current state of the economy and decided (regardless of the perspectives of the people) to make certain changes. And by God will they hurt?

This got me thinking, it’s the same with God. He does not seek your opinion or perspective on your future. He already determined our end from our beginning, which means that before we were conceived, God already knew what each second, minute, hour, day, week, month and year has in store for us. He did not have a round table discussion with you when you became a teenager to decide how your future will turn out. He already had that figured out.
Does it mean we have no part to play in our daily existence? Not at all, the fact that the government did not seek our point of view before making these changes doesn’t mean that we have no part to play, our part is to find out how the changes will affect us and come into line with it. We may need to re-organise our personal finances to come in line with the governments.

In the same way we too can find out what God’s plans are for our lives are and come into line with them. The bible clearly tells us in Jeremiah 29:11 that his plans for our lives are good not evil. Our perspectives on our lives are irrelevant if we haven’t viewed it in line with God’s perspectives. God’s perspectives is contained in his word, it is loaded with guidance and clues which are certain to bring us into his perfect plan for our lives, but because we are so pre-occupy with our own plans and perspectives we fail to seek and see what his are, we struggle to understand where the problem lies when things aren’t working the way we thought they should.

I encourage you today, if you are struggling to understand the way your life is turning out, go to God in prayer, ask him to show you areas you’ve neglected to involve him and come into line with his plans.

What he shows you may be difficult to implement, he may ask you to change your attitude, change your perspective, change your location, change your character, change, and more change. But whatever he ask of you, be ready to get on board with his purpose for your life, as we wrap up this year and set assail into 2011 a territory unknown us but known to him.

Hope That Saves!

2010-10-23T00:23:00.000-07:00

The remarkable story of 33 miner buried 2000 feet below the surface of Chile’s Atacama desert made head news around the world. Even more remarkable was the unbelievable rescue of these men. I'm sure you are familiar with the story so I won't bore you by telling it again.

One thing struck me through it all and that was the resilience of the men, they didn’t give up hope. They kept their hope alive by pulling together, when one was weak, there was one who encouraged, together, with the help those on the surface they kept their hope alive.

Often, we are faced with dire situation, ones which threatens our very existence. Literally we feel buried in those circumstances with no way out. If you recall, there was no way in or out of that mine after it collapsed (talk about a hopeless situation). An emergency rescue plan had to be put together to get them out.

Straight from my heart is this piece to encourage you to have faith in God, in the face of buried dreams and seemingly hopeless situation.
Look up your help comes from the Lord, in a way you could say their hope saved them. Watching them come out, not one of them had an angry or exhausted look, and they kept their hope alive by hooking up with God, those on the surface and encouraging each other.

For some of us, it may look like there’s no way in or out of our situation, but hang in there help is on the way. While waiting for a rescue, reshape your attitude, let go of pain, anger and hatred, have a winning attitude, because you can’t tell your story with all those things written over your expression.
It may require a dramatic effort to bring you out but it will happen.
As Romans 8:24-28 says, we are saved by hope. But hope that is seen is no hope at all, who hopes for what he already has? 25: but if we hope for what we do not yet have we wait for it with patience.
Hope in God, have faith that he's working all things out for your good. Be assured it won't be long before he rescues you. Just stay hooked up and connected to him.

Snared, bruised and brushed, still I arise.
Knocked down but not out, kicked but not killed, still I arise
With gaze upward looking,
My hope is rekindled with the vision of victories ahead.
I arise.

Still Arise

2010-09-30T08:24:00.001-07:00

As I speak with various people and read the news daily, it is apparent that the tough times are getting worse. There seems to be no end to loss of job, house, loved ones etc. As I ponder our current circumstance one scripture came to mind.

Habakkuk 3:17: “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines, the labour of the olive shall fail, and the field shall yield no meat, the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stores, “
18: “Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my Salvation”.
19: “The Lord is my strength, he will make my feet like the hinds feet, and he will make me to walk upon my high places”.

Straight from my heart is this piece to encourage you to Still Arise, lift your head regardless of the temporary pain or heart ache you face, Arise.

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Worries, fears, toils and ruins
On parallel lane abound
Hush, still arise, amidst the turbulence.

Know that the birds toil not, yet are fed, clothed and catered for
Know that the roses, though beautiful they appear, do blossom in summer and wither in fall
Yea, a yearly cycle of bloom and gloom, still they arise,
They do not give up blooming,
Neither do birds give up flying amid the storms and wind.

So too, rise up and strive pass the temporary pain and set back, look forward to the day of relieve though it may seem distance and appears tough now, ride out the storm, stay the course of whatever betide, stir up your spirit to arise and shine.
Do not waste the time of turbulence,
Nay, but rather, gather the dust of your setback,
Lay them up as a memento for the future, a reminder of how you overcame.

Lift your head and arise.

Fall? Which Fall?

2010-09-09T00:03:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I was staring out of my bedroom window and observed my neighbour and her little girl of 2. The mom was walking to her car packed a few yards from their house, she got in and shortly afterwards I noticed her little girl running down the road to the car, the mum came out and shouted for her to stop running. (It has just stopped raining). The little girl kept on running. The mum got back in the car, her little girl was almost near the car when she fell. The mum jumped out of the car, picked her up and tried to sooth her. She kept walking up and down saying, its ok, I told you not to run, but you won’t listen, its ok. I smiled as I watched.

This got me thinking.
We sometimes ignore our God’s warning to stop running without him or not to run at all. Running could be anything, we may ignore his warning about taking that job, moving house, making that decision on our own or waiting a little bit longer before taking that next step, but because we fret and think we have a better grasp of the situation and can make a reasonably “wise” decision we continue with our plans, all the while ignoring the fathers warning not to run.

We soon make a mistake and fall.
But just like that mom picked up her little girl, he’ll pick you up, with the mud, the grass and the filth which comes as a result of the fall, he’ll pick you up with the dirt and soothe you, he won’t wait for you to be clean and repentant, he’ll come running to you just before you fall.

So have you fallen due to running? And are you berating yourself for failing to heed the father’s voice? Stop! Just let him soothe you as only he can.Lean on him and let him wipe the dirt away.

The little girl continued crying for a while before she calmed down. Some of us never forgive ourselves, we continue crying each time we remember the fall and repent all over again, and all the time the father is saying, but I picked you up, I wiped you clean, I don’t know what you are talking about, fall? Which fall?
No wonder Jesus says except we are like little children……
Little ones don’t remember. No sooner had she calm down than she started playing again.

So Straight from my heart is this piece to encourage you to get up from the place where you’ve fallen, get over your fall, you’ve been wiped clean! Hear the father saying, fall? Which fall? I picked you up.

Running towards the goal,
Pressing to achieve
I make no haste to attain
The quest my heart desires.

Running towards the mark,
Heedless of humps and bumps
I’ve prayed, my guide the Lord will be,
I run, and make no tarrying to wait.

Running as I climb, I saw the finish line
But lurking along my path, lay thorns unknown to me,
Soon I stumble and fall, unable to finish the race

Swiftly, he picked me up,
Shook me clean,
Place me on his shoulder
And ran to complete the race,
I embarked without him

On his shoulder I soar,
I did not sway or loose my grip,
He’s steps propelled me to heights never dreamt before,
Because he ran the race he has chosen for me.

Memories

2010-08-09T19:14:00.000-07:00

What do you feel when you remember the loss/losses you've suffered? Do you feel sad and helpless? Does remembering rekindles the pain?
Losses of any kind are painful, be it the loss of a child, a parent, a sibling, a job, business or a house, whatever, losses are not pleasant.
But after a while, the pain of the loss/losses passes (I hope), and is replaced with only memories of what we suffered and how we to pulled through.

A year ago I suffered a couple of losses one of which is the loss of my dad, looking back now I remembered the pain of those losses and marvel at how I pulled through. one year on the pain has been replaced with fond memories of my loving dad. The pain was painful (if there's a phrase like that), it was horrible, but that was then. Pain are for a season, we are build to feel pain, sorrow and sadness, but we are not expected to stay in the place of pain and dwell in the land of questions like why me, what next, when Lord?

We are meant to bounce back stronger and better than we were before our losses.

So have you suffered a loss?
Does the pain become real again on the anniversary of the loss?
Do you still feel sorrowful?

Sad as your loss was or is, you are meant to bounce back and not remain in the place of pain.
Do whatever you have to do to bounce back, go for counselling, do something to move pass the place of pain into the place where you can remember not with pain, or sorrow but with a sense of gratitude that you pulled through.

We cannot erase the past, but we can look on the past and smile at our resilience and our ability to weather the storms of our past demise.

So straight from my heart is this piece to encouraging you to move on purposefully to a place were memories become spring board to hope and dream again.

Start Nurturing

2010-07-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

It’s been a while since I updated you on my veggies. I am so amazed at the rate of growth and the produce so far. Really this whole growing thing has got me looking forward to next growing season.
The beauty of it all is the finished produce. I must say the taste of my peas and spinach is compared to nothing. My tomatoes have started sprouting and gosh! The size of it!

It was only a couple of months ago we got to work, sowing the seeds, watering and feeding. At some point I was tired of carrying on. Each evening after a hard day’s work I am out there tendering. To put it in biblical terms I sowed in tears and now am ripping in joy!

This got me thinking about a lot of the things we are involved in on a daily basis, our relationships, our jobs, our character, what are we sowing? Are we expecting to reap where we’ve not sown? To have a good harvest, be it good friends, well groomed kids, beautiful garden, not only must we sow the seeds, we must tend to it, we must modify our character, taking stock daily of areas we need to improve on. We must put the needed hours on the job to get the recognition. We must sweat it out at the beginning, through the middle and right to the end till our produce bring forth fruit worthy of harvest.

At one stage some of my plants weren’t doing well, I was sad, I didn’t know what was happening, I had to researched what the problem could be and apply the necessary treatment to restore them to healthy state.

If things are not working in some areas of your life, find out why, look within and without, are you doing enough, is there something you’ve neglected to do? Only when you’ve given your best at any task or call can you rest.
We can work it out all on our own and succeed, but sometimes with our best effort things may still go pear shape, just like the time I had to lay hands on my crop one morning when they all appeared dead, I must say God intervened whether you believe it or not! But I didn’t give up on them.

So don’t sweat it out all on your own, involved the master who gives us the power to make wealth. Equipped with his strength we can do all things!

So straight from my heart, is this encouragement to you to being to sow today, begin now, where you are, wait no more, depose the handicap call excuses and be on your way to Nurturing that dream, birth within you a reality too powerful to fail. With unwavering faith, propel your being into all you’ve been created to be and watch as you sprout and soar like a giant, conquering and winning all the way.

Joyful Always

2010-06-29T10:40:00.000-07:00

I recently spent a few days with one of my good friends, we did many things together, we went out we joked, we played, and we prayed, we ate, we talked, it was awesome. I didn’t want to leave after the weekend we had. I enjoy times like this spent with VGFs. (very good friends)
Days after I returned, I was full of life, happy, and just generally felt good about myself, partly due to the fact that I was away for a couple of days and spent time relaxing with someone whose company I enjoy.

This got me thinking: Can it be this way always! Can I be joyful, happy and relax always? Maybe it can, maybe I can. Why can’t it be, if I spend time with my best friend in the whole world, my best friend who is also my dad, my help, my all in all: God my Father? Now imagine what it will be like to always talk with him, walk with him, share jokes with him, giggle with him, listen to him, cry to him, and unburden your heart to him: imagine what that will do to and for you. We can be joyful every minute of every day. It is possible, why? Because we will never leave his presence and in his presence there is fullness of Joy! He said his presence will go with us and he will give us rest.

I came away from the presence of my friend refreshed, this lasted for a couple of days (as all holiday does). Imagine, if I don’t have to leave the presence of the Joy Giver, it means I’ll be Joyful Always! I know, we cannot be happy, hippy all the time, that’s what we’ve been told and we’ve come to believe it. The main reason we are not always joyful is because we leave his presence and pursue our own agenda. We feel a temporal high from being with him and then we leave.

We associate our special prayer times and places of prayer with the presence of God. Often, we finishe praying, get up and carry on as usual, there’s subtle unconsciousness of we’ve finished, “now we can go about our business”, “we are leaving the presence” till our next “prayer time”. The presence of God should be with us everywhere we go, in, during and outside our specific prayer times and place. Staying in his presence is the only sure belt that we can be Joyful All The Time.

So with the help of the Holy Spirit, practise being in his presence all the time, every day. Find small ways of involving him in your daily activities. Stop and pray in the middle of work. Set little reminders to get you back into his presence and soon it’ll become second nature to you and you’ll find you are full of joy unspeakable All The Time.

So straight from my heart: I encourage you seek his presence more than his presents,
His presence brings peace which passes all understanding, peace in the mist of dire circumstances, which permeates the souls, unleashing it from the tangles of pain, sets it free to be joyful, Joy that trickles as an endless stream which flows from being with him, never ending, always abiding. Always a joy to be joyful always!

Rest In God

2010-06-03T00:40:00.000-07:00

I’ve been thinking a lot about this sentence and what it means. Given the current state of the world’s economic, natural and man made disasters, personal turmoil, terminal illness, and difficult situations. Men’s heart fail because of the uncertainty they are faced with, we no longer know what it is like to rest in God. We’ve allowed circumstances within and without to upset our rest in God.

I’ve come to realise that rest in God is not something we achieve overnight. Mastering the habit of resting is a daily, minute by minute task as we are faced with life’s perplexing issues. Once mastered, we can become unshakeable in the face of difficult circumstances.

The rest of God releases us into God’s possibilities. It is only in resting that we are revived, restored and renewed.
How do we rest in God? You may ask, well start by immersing yourself in God’s word, rather than let your heart be troubled by what you read in the media, hear on the radio or see on TV or around you, let your heart be saturated by the truth in God’s word.

God’s word says let not your heart be troubled: are you troubled by the recession, the possibility of loosing your job, your home or your livelihood or your health? If this is the case, it means your reality is bigger than God’s possibility. When we are troubled by our reality, God’s word looses it hold and becomes insignificant if not applied to your reality: Resting means trusting in God regardless of the present and future outcome of whatever we are faced with, trust releases us into a place of calmness, it is in this place we can say like David, though I walk through the valley of shadow of death I will fear no evil. Only a heart of trust and rest can be in the valley of shadow of death and not fear.

God’s word says we are more than conquerors: Do you act that way? Do you see yourself as a conqueror in the face of your present circumstance? I do not know of anyone who is not currently facing some tough time right now, if you are not you may have at some point, if not, one is around the corner. It’s not a cause it’s just the simple fact of life. As one who has conquered, we should walk as victors even when we don’t see it in the physical. It is a done deal.

God’s word is full of wonderful promises, holding on to them releases us into His rest: we will still have trials and tribulations, there will still be cares which unsettles us, but being seated in Christ in Heavenly places means that we can ride through life’s storms anchored to Him:
Christ in us is our Hope of Glory, no matter what is happening right now, we may not be certain of the outcome of our situation, but we can be certain of a God who glorifies His Name in every circumstance we are faced with and works it out for our good.

So I say, enter into his rest, a place of quiet attest, where fear fails and cares are vanquished.
Strive brings discontent which comes with anxious thought of tomorrow’s toil,
Rest in his love, for it assures and releases us to trust
Let the quietness of being with him still your heart and release you to rest.
Enter into his rest, for it is only in resting we can truly abound unto every good works

Preparation and Persistant Breeds Success

2010-05-11T14:08:00.000-07:00

Prepare, prepare, sang the enchanted bird.
It chimed days on end, hoping some soul will hear
It cries, it shirked it quake as it flies,
Its wings flapped in unison as it chimes it favourite tune,

Prepare it sang out,
prepare in summer months, for winter comes when nature goes to sleep,
Gather now in summer its chilling cry rings
For autumn looms and may unclasp, what is loosely held.

Nay, gay souls of summer swayed on unperturbed.
Heedless of the warning in the sparrow’s cry.
It chimed one last cry, perhaps some wise soul will hear.
but Its warning is drowned in the boisterous street of summer’s spark

Then came icy blast from afar, heralded by frosty winds in all the land,
Idle man unprepared, was caught out as it gathered grapes.
With shrivelled fingers, they struggled night and day, weakened by the cold,
They plodder on, remembering the chime of the sparrow as it shirked, prepare, prepare!, if only we knew, they thought as they gather in winter, what was ready in summer.

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After almost 3 years of wanting to start a vegetable patch, I am glad to say I finally did. I took the plunge. Yea! I must say its been an exciting process watching my veggies sprout.

First we decided what to plant and brought the seeds, we investigated what was needed, when and how to plant, how to maintain them. When to transplant, and we set about doing it.

Before we started planting, we had to prepared the ground, we read books, did some internet research, I spoke with colleagues who were already experienced vegetable growers, we bought propagators, we bought little cans to transplant them into when they were ready, we bought compost, grow bags, we prepared the raised bed! preparation! Then we began planting.

I screamed the first time I saw a tiny stem busting through the soil of compost. I was so excited, wow! they are growing, I shouted. I expected them to grow alright, but seeing them spring to life was a real joy.

After the initial excitement, I've come to realise that the planting and preparation stage is just the beginning. They need to be tended to, watered, weeded, protected from frost, from slugs, from virus, plant eaters.

This got me thinking, life is like starting a vegetable patch, we are all involved in sowing, but it's amazing how many people go into a project without preparation. We take on a new job, we start a new business, we move to a new city, get married, all these far important things than sowing tomatoes, yet with very little preparation, and wonder when things fall apart what went wrong! Even when we prepare and engaging in our new ventures, we are often unprepared for the work involved afterwards.

It will be like me saying saying I want to start a vegetable garden, buy the seeds, throw them into the ground and expect them to grow. They will grow alright because they are designed to, but what sought of vegetables would they become? weak and limp without yielding anything worthy of the kitchen table.

Our projects are the same, if you want to see your business grow, see success in your marriage, job, relationships, you have to start to prepare long before you take the plunge! research, find out what you need to do, before you begin.
Everything starts with a thought, which becomes a conviction, a certainty that this is what you really what want to do.
Like me I actually bought some of the seeds and books 3 years ago! when I knew it was something I will do in the future.

Get to work, find out everything you need to before you begin the journey, but be ready to tend your work, they need care and attention, if you sit back and relax after you've planted, you will not see the results you envision.

Preparation is needful so too is care, time and attention given to the work of our hands enabling them to yield us fruits that will make us proud.

Every Little Helps.

2010-04-21T02:41:00.000-07:00

Do you feel the world is getting worse by the minute? Everyone seems to have their own written rules on the way things should be. No one is prepared to take responsibility for their actions. Parents have lost the plot and at a loss as to what to do with their kids. Children act all grown up while the adults are becoming increasingly afraid to nurture them.
Crime is on the increase in unprecedented proportion, (depending on which side of politics you are on), government without credibility.
Religious or church folks can’t be trusted either. The world has gone upside down
What in the world is going on?
The following depicts the world we currently live in:

We have more laws but more crimes,
We have more rules but less common sense
We have more cars but have to go to the gym and pay to get rid off excess fat
We earn more than our parent’s generation but are less satisfied.
We live in bigger house but with fewer friends
We travel more but can’t cross the road to visit a neighbour
More education but less wisdom,
More freedom but less freedom to express our thoughts,
More protective of our children which in turn have led them to being less adventurous
Work more but have less time to enjoy the rewards
More people but less contact with them
as we would rather make contact with them via virtual networking sites.

The list is endless.

We can’t act indifferent because we are all affected by what goes on in society. We have to engage more with the youths of today, create more boundaries for our kids. Be more involved in politics in whatever way we can and positively influence change wherever we find ourselves.
I like the Tesco’s slogan “every little helps”. It is so true. we can do our bit for the greater good. So I implore you, straight from my heart to be deliberate in what you do and how you do it, because really every little helps.

I am spent in time and money as daily chores I run
I care for needs around, though limited is my store of wealth.
I have a £
I have a $, of no good to anyone
But still I pause and think, small it may seem,
A world of good it will be to a soul in need.
For a little gift in aid of a dying child is all it takes to make a difference in someone else’s life.

It takes the warmth of an abbreviated sun to warm our bodies,
Though brief in its appearance,
The little shine it gives brings a ray of hope.
Look within and search without
For that little bit of help that will make a difference to a world in need.
It is the little smile given,
It is the little touch of love
It is the little act of kindness
That leaves an indelible mark in the prints of someone’s life.

Taken (Final Part)

2010-04-04T04:55:00.000-07:00

Yes he died a wretched death.
He allowed himself to be taken and killed because he wanted to take something back for himself!

He was taken so that he could take back:

Sons and daughters of his, bound by sin
The down trodden and restore them to wholeness
The weak and give the strength
The poor and give them riches
The broken hearted and fix their hurt
The hopeless and fill them with assurances of better things to come
The loss and show them the way
The accused and free them from guilt and shame
The isolated and bring them into the fold
Taken! Yes he took the stripes, the beatings, the scorning, the accusations, the causes
So that he can take away our shame, hurt, sickness and pain.

No wonder “Good Friday” turned out to be “Good” after all, because he wasn’t taken,
HE WAS THE ONE WHO TOOK IT ALL.
He took my place instead! That’s why today we celebrate, our freedom from Sin.

"Taken" away on that Good Friday afternoon when he hung and died”. He visited Hell and set us free from sin and death.

Happy Easter.

Taken (Part 2)

2010-04-03T05:05:00.000-07:00

He was taken, beaten and killed
He died a painful death,
He was not killed by the beatings, the nails or the crown of thorns which hung on his head,
But by the many, present on the day and the many not yet conceived.
He allowed himself to be taken without a fight of resistance or a word of protest
He was taken, not gently but roughly, dragged, kicked, whipped, even though he offered himself willingly!
He was nailed to the cross, his side pieced!
His garment taken as he hung naked on the cross for you and me!

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Taken (Part 1)

2010-04-02T11:04:00.000-07:00

Some see the cross as a symbol of sadness, pain and shame, rightly so too. You see the event which led to his death was everything depicting sorrow, pain and shame.

Imagine it:
He was caught, handcuffed and lead away.
Taken before the judges of his day, he was accused of all manner of good deeds. Say, how can one be accused of doing good? Yes he was.

It was a sad day for the many that were with him, his disciples were full of sadness as they watched their saviour gave up himself without a struggle.
The road to the cross was littered with Jeers and snares from the angry crowd! Cries of “away with him! He’s a scum”

A saviour! No not on that day, for he couldn’t even save himself, rather he was "taken" without putting up a word in his defence.

How! How! How! Did we come to believe in this man? I imagine this was the thought going through the mind of his disciples. They were perplexed, angry, dismayed, amazed, ashamed and afraid to be identified with him, no wonder the denial!

The one whom they have come to believe in, was led as a lamb to be killed, a saviour? No not on that Friday Moring, he was anything but that!

Good Friday? Far from it!

I imagine it was a gloomy day. for his Disciples it far from being ‘Good’ their saviour and friend has been “TAKEN” and worse "killed"! What was good about that day? Surely nothing “Good” can come out of his death, they thought. They would never have guessed the event which unfolded in the days to come!

See part tomorrow!

Word Without End.

2010-03-22T11:14:00.000-07:00

Soft lights sip through the gap in the curtain as dawn beckons. Gently, she pulls back the curtain to drink the brightness it gives. No sooner had she done that than she snap them back together again as the scenes of the night before comes flooding back.
She drops back into bed her eyes tightly shut, she drifts back in time to the world she’s just dreamt of.

One where every dream was made manifest before it became a thought,
In this world sorrows were soothed besides streams of pure sweet water.
Safety was guarantee as day deems its light to make way for the night.
Peace is assured as guards kept watch, unseen though they were.

On display on the faces of creatures dear were etched expressions of joy and peace
Folks lived in harmony without war, hunger, death, lack and unhappiness.
In this world, there were no laws, because they were written in men’s heart.
politics was a practise of honesty and genuine care for others
there was abundance of substance of grains for cattle’ and water for tasty souls.
People of all creed, race, background, and colour dwell as one without fear of oppression or repression.

In this world rains drops brought healing and refreshing, leaving a bright spell in its trail,
There were no grey skies but the sun, a constant shine not scourging, but soothing and warming.

Suddenly her serenity was shattered by the sound of thunder, she jumps up from her bed of dreams, hurriedly pulled back the curtains. Alas it was pouring with rain.
A beautiful morning with the initial stream of sunlight had turned into a cold grey day, nothing compared to the world she had just woken from.

What a stack contrast! She thought.

Dreams were so much better, but she can’t leave in this imaginary dream word which will be reality some day.
The reality she faced today, is a sharp contrast to the vision she had, safe in her thoughts she wonders when be.

She was reminded that there was still work to be done before the vision of a world without end is made reality, for this word does exist and all who leave lives worthy of such a beautiful abode will one day be welcomed into it by the King of Kings, and Master of all, and forever enjoy the glories of this world that is without end.

This brought smiles to her face, springs to her steps as she made her way amidst the busy crowd on a cloudy rainy day to work!

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A Mother

2010-03-13T13:02:00.000-08:00

thinking of her, I smile,
I see her as she is,
a lover, a mother, a friend,
a helper,
a shelter
a mum, in season and out of season
when it's convenient and when it's not,
she's a mum to me.

Seeing her now, I am humble,
a woman of true passion,
enduring love,
of unpredictable humour,
skilled in everything,
woodwork,
homework,
schoolwork
yet of a tender demeanour.
cannot be replicated, even though often relegated
cannot be done without, disowned or denied
forever a channel
choose by God to bring life to be.

Thinking of her
I know I am blessed.
Happy Mothers Day!

An Often Forfeited Task

2010-03-04T12:17:00.000-08:00

It’s the season of lent and if like me you’ve already failed in your task of giving up something, take comfort in the fact that you are not alone.
We often fail and fall short at the things which we should do.

Take prayer for example a very important and powerful Christian tool but it’s widely known as one of the areas we struggle the most.
Well maybe you don’t struggle, I do and I know a few others too who find it a struggle. Thank God for his grace he knows and understand our struggles and doesn’t hold it against us.

My church has focused a great deal on prayer this period and we’ve been encouraged in so many little and inspiring ways on how to pray. I found our first weekly prayer pod meeting today very refreshing and encouraging. It spurred me on to write this.

Enjoy.

I know I ought to pray but in this task I often fail
For reasons that seem valid enough to keep me off my knees

I know great rewards abound if I just but pray, but somehow I hesitate to pray
And oft rush at this one important task.

I crave to seek his face, for I know he longs to hear
The solemn call I make
For me and other’s too

And though I often pray for
Me, me, and me,
He does kindly grand my often selfish request
When to his throne at last I come.

I often ask for my needs,
For things I think I need and when delay I sense
I cry and wonder why

But to his arms I run and soon my fear subsides
For somehow he does make me understand his intent are pure

Answers sent like rain a might pour it came
He brings my request to pass, when I do stop and pray

Love Redefined.

2010-02-12T11:20:00.000-08:00

Indescribable in its demonstration
Its flow is limitless
It surpasses boundaries,
Its aura entices and elicits a longing before suppresses.

This is love redefined.....

Redefined in meaning: - because it has none
Redefined in language: - because it transcends all
Redefined in expression: - for its expression is constant,
Loving always, when deserved and when despised,

it defies meaning
...It refines, it embodies, it fulfils
It refreshes and releases a fragrance as intense like a deep red coloured rose.
It ebbs and flows, never changes, ever changing,

Yet it maintains its truest form, its essence of loving at all time.
This is love redefined..........
LOVE
I still don’t understand what these four letter words mean. I guess it is not ours to understand, but to give.
But how can we give something we don’t understand?
I believe that what we feel for our spouses, children, siblings and close friends is a form of love. Love spoken in the language we understand.
Love reciprocated when expressed and given when deserved
Our love for these people is based on what we received.

The only love that strays off these limits is that bequeathed on a baby/little child, even then our love for them is based on our perception of what we want them to be in the future. Hence, when they fall short, our love is redefined.

This is human nature, one born of the flesh and its desires to love and be loved in return.
The Love I celebrate on Valentine’s Day is the love which is pure and undefiled, undefined and unconditional.

This love never fades and is never ending; it is always accommodating and unfailing. I urge you, to embrace the Love of God, as you express your love for each other on valentine’s day and everyday remember :

John 3:16 expresses God's love for us......

For God so Lo V e the world
That he g A ve his
on L y
Begott E n
So N
T hat Whosoever
Believe I n Him
Should N ot perish
But have E verlasting life.

Happy Valentine's Day.

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Still, I hope

2010-01-21T06:37:00.000-08:00

At the dawn of the year, we said our prayers with expectations, hopes and wishes as to how we want the year to turn out. It is the same story year after year, some of our dreams do come true, others stall for time and eventually become a reality. Still others tarries as years roll by.

The people of Haiti had hopes and expectations for 2010, they celebrated the New Year and welcomed it just like we did, they couldn’t see the 12th January when the earthquake struck. On that fateful day all hopes/expectations were shattered. Lives and livelihood lost, dreams dashed. Watching the devastating effect of the earthquake has caused me great sadness, at the same time watching survivors being pulled out days after the disaster fills me with hope.

This got me thinking, with our best hope and expectation, anything can go wrong, we don’t know what the future holds, it sounds like a cliché, but it is true.
Be that as it may, what should our attitude be towards the year? Should we live a “whatever will be, will be, existence?” or should we continue to hope and expect something good for our lives? People are scared, fear has taken hold, and no one knows what this year, decade holds. All of a sudden we have become too afraid to hope.

Being a Christian I choose to hope and live by faith, the “just shall live by faith”, I choose to hope; for I know hope in the God for the future gives us joy in the present. I choose Joy in the present, only brought about by faith in God!

I know a lot of you have given to the cause of the Haitians so this not a call to make a donation, but rather to choose to live regardless of fear, choose hope and keep your dreams alive, do not let fear stop you from discovering the beauty of each day and the joy faith gives: As for me

I choose to live with heavenly perspective, in the mist of earth uncertainties.
Tomorrow is a million miles away, but I choose to hope and believe that it will come,
I have today to be my best in the service of mankind.
I choose today to set aside, malice, strive, anger, hatred, grudge, evil conversation
And embrace, peace, forgiveness, love, faith, purity.
I choose to see the beauty in each day, regardless of the weather
I strive for perfection only in what will be for the benefit of others.
Sometimes I may succeed, sometimes I may fail,
But that’s ok, because as long as I take one day at a time,
I may achieve the ultimate goal, hope blossoming into reality.

I see

2010-01-08T06:10:00.000-08:00

I see a future
One in which yesterday’s failures
Are buried in the soils of success

One where pains, perils, sorrow and loss
Become building blocks for ascension

I see a future one in which
Destiny are fashioned out of desires
Where realities are spread out like rays of rainbow

I see a future of attainment
Of purpose
Of bliss,
One void of pain
One filled with love, laughter and life

I see a future lived here in man’s territory
And in eternity row.

Happy New Year!

Thank You

2009-12-30T12:40:00.000-08:00

Amidst the busyness of life and the endless chores of things and issues to attend to: I want to take this opportunity appreciate my wonderful friends and family: those who have been consistent in their relationship with me.

Those who have shown their love not only in words but in deeds, who, regardless of their own situation have been selfless in giving, in thought and in purpose, because of you, I was able to weather the storms of 2009.

Your thoughtfulness in my time of need rivals none other
As we come to the end of 2009 and embrace 2010 I dedicate this piece to you:

As diamond radiates beauty, with its glittering rays
Its colour is indescribable,
Of crisp whitish blue and of sparkling glow depicting clarity
Of yellow hue or scarlet pink
So too is your love my friend
It comes shining through the dullest moment
It pieces through a grey terrain
Its presence refreshes my soul.
More valued than precious stones,
I cannot exchange it for another
It travels through distance, unhindered by space
It transcends culture and status
It embraces me with my failings
It is inclusive and encompassing
It’s alluring and calming
It is bold without being demanding
When quietness I demand
That you gave
You become for me what I desire to have in a true friend
You my love
Is the hook that anchors me to the future
And keeps hope alive
As you’ve shown love to me
So do to others
Let the flow of it overwhelms and drowns the recipient
In the tidal wave of pure and undefiled love

Season's Greetings: Today and Everyday

2009-12-18T03:00:00.001-08:00

It's the season to be jolly right? How come I've heard so many people say they won’t celebrate Christmas this year"? Why? I have asked, and the replies have often been, O, it's just the same old, same old routine of buying presents, attending parties with people you'd rather not be around, buying cards and presents, etc. I must say that I felt like that too and decided not to send cards this year, not because I don't like my friends and family but because I feel that I can use technology to express my wishes to them.

I like that my church has decided that instead of everyone sending cards to each other, we should donate to a charity and this year we will be donation in the form of the money we would have spend on Christmas cards to the children's society. You may think the amount is insignificant. Be that as it may, when pooled together it will go a long way to impact someone else’s life.

I still like the buzz around this time of the year, primarily because it's the end of the year, I take time out to reflect on the past months, relax, catch up with friends and recharge for the coming year.

Regardless of whether you will be celebrating or not, I want to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a fantastic year ahead.

As you tuck into your turkey, my Christmas wish is that you remember:

it' was a birth that was predicted thousands of years before he was born
it' was an announcement that was made to a virgin
it' was a birth shrouded in controversy,
it was a seed that was not human
Yet it was planted in human body
It was an act without man's involvement, except as a vessel in the form of a virgin
it was a divine birth that brought Christmas to us today
it was a God that became man in human flesh.

Not just on Christmas day, but every day.

It was his birth which led to his living, it was his life which leads to his death
it was his death that brought us pardon, it was his resurrection that brought us life
it is his life in me that causes me to celebrate his birth everyday and on Christmas day!

Happy Christmas today and everyday!

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Who's cheering for you?

2009-12-04T10:38:00.000-08:00

I am an avid sports fan. I love football, Tennis, athletics, basketball you name it. I may not understand them fully but I like the buzz around games, the excitement before, during and after a game. I like listening to the analysis by professionals and amateurs, the bickering by fans, the seemingly fanaticism of sports never fails to amaze me.

I get in on the act too, when supporting my football team, my favourite tennis play or other sports stars, all these from the comfort of my couch. I have been opportune to attend a few live sporting events. Imagine what it’s like in a football field, you can’t be still in those matches, which is second only to a Holy Ghost filled atmosphere.

One thing is certain, the cheers of fans steer teams on. I have witness countless turn around in games. Where it was almost certain that a team or an individual is going to lose only for them to make a remarkable turnaround and win. When asked after a Tennis Match against Roger Federal, Del Petrol attributed his turnaround to the chants of the Argentina’s fans amongst the crowd. He said anytime he felt like he couldn’t carry on, their chants spurred him on.

This got me thinking: everyone of us has someone cheering for us, rooting for us to succeed in every area of our lives.
Who’s cheering for you? Who will be disappointed if you give up?

There is one cheer that dwarfs the cheers of sports fanatics, “The cheers of the saints who have gone before” the urging of the Holy Spirit to try one more time at whatever it is we’ve been tempted to give up on. It may be the urge to give up trying for that promotion at work, to give up working at a difficult relationship, the urge to give up on a desire or a dream, the urge to give up the wait for a spouse or the urge to give up on that difficult child.

Straight from my heart is this piece to encourage you, as we approach the end of another year to:

Tune your earring aid,
lengthen its cord,
stretch it wide to the frequency of the chants of those who have gone before.

Imagine them standing on the sidelines,
urging you to take one more step,
to continue on in the hope of achieving that dream.

Their cheers will give strength to your wings,
enabling you to stay in the race.

Envision yourself in the realm of the desired for many a soul has won, who sort to draw strength from the cheers of those on the side lines.

And when you are tempted to give up trying,
remember that you may be giving up on the chance to stand on the side lines,
to cheer on those who will come after you.

For you see,
only a winning attitude guarantees entrance to be a spectator on the stands,
to take your place with those who amidst the odds,
continued and obtained the price.

So stay in the race, because someone is cheering for you.

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Hope

2009-11-16T00:28:00.002-08:00

This year is rapidly coming to an end. As I look back on the last 9 months, I marvel at how swiftly time flies. It wasn’t long ago we welcomed this year, made goals and resolutions, with hopes of how we wanted things to go. Here we are, counting down.

This year holds different things for different people. Some can’t wait for it to roll by quickly so that they can start another one. Perhaps it doesn’t hold pleasant memories for them. They may have loss jobs, loved ones, houses, health, excreta. Things happened that have made them eager to see the back of 2009.

What memories do you have of 2009? In what way does it stand out for you? Have you loss a loved one? Have you been struck down by an illness, are you one of those who look back to the last months and sigh? Do you feel things are out of control in your life?

Here’s one peace of advice for you, regardless of the pain, disappointments, or sorrows you may have encountered this year, it could have been worse.

Do no dwell on the disappointments of the past so much that it hinders you from seeing the blessings in your life right now.

Perhaps things have been really bad for you this year, whatever can go wrong went wrong and you dread the dawn of another year even though you can’t wait for this one to end. Remember however good or bad a situation is, it will change. We don’t know whether it will change for bad or worse but that is where faith and hope comes in: we hope it will change for the better if it was bad and trust God to do right by HIS word.

So straight from my heart is this piece to ENCOURAGE you.

Hang in there my friend.
Though dark the night may be and fear overwhelms
Tales of toil and snare litter an uncertain horizon
and your heart palpitates as it anticipates the arrival of another season
Though visions becomes blurred by scary clouds
As hope wanes and dreams go cold
Though dawn waits on the shores of misery,
Look up, skies become clearer as the clouds roll back
See beyond the blur
Extend your vision
Let your hope be restored amidst the scares and tears.
Lay your cares aside,
Let faith be ignited again

As you stay the course and wait for the dawn of a New Year with Joy.

Hope

2009-11-16T00:28:00.001-08:00

Right Now.

2009-10-26T12:52:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we temporarily forget the goodness that surrounds us, because we become so engrossed with what’s not going well in our lives and loose sight of the good things we have going for us right now. We’ve been so programmed to plan and prepare that the very act of planning for the future stops us from living live “Now” and taking a break to just enjoy the time we have right now. If you are waiting for a job, to buy a car, a house, start a family, get married.
I urge you to:
Enjoy the “Nows” of your life, take a look outside your issues, go for a walk in the park, wonder at the changing times, and marvel at the beauty of nature, changes in the colour of the leaves from vibrant green to enticing orange. Let the beauty of Now feel you with awe, be invigorated again, forget about the onset of the bitter grip of winter and drink in the glow of autumn.

I am here:

I'm here living in this moment, basking in glory, assured of a flourishing finish.
I am here with head held up high, I walk tall a smile etched on my face.
I am here not in a maze of empty thought. I fully grasp the reality of my being.
I envisioned my future, an oasis of peace, love and joy

Sometimes I wonder what the outcome of my quest will be,
My soul quieten within is reminded to live in today’s reality,
The certainty of being here, right now in this moment
Enjoying the warmth and love of good friends and cherished family.
Today I am here, trying to show love regardless of its outcome, because this is my ultimate quest.
Now, in this moment,
I decide to be at peace, with myself,
I lay aside turmoil and strife,
I embrace the abundance of serenity, for right now, in this moment,
I am here in full breath, given to me for today.
I am here, right now enjoying the reality of a life filled with Love and Joy on my way to a flourishing finish.

Navigators

2009-10-20T01:08:00.000-07:00

Navigators revolutionised lives in most western countries. Can you remember the days without them? How did you survive? I remember the good old days when we had to rely on AA or Multi map, hubby usually pre-print the instructions for me to help with the directions, but we often drive past our exit or turning before I gave my directors. My hubby would usually stop the car several times (fuming) to read the directions himself, needless to say I rubbish at map reading and he was very good.

My job requires going to new places daily so I had to learn to read street maps and did pretty well using them to find my way around. I am always ecstatic whenever I manage to find my way to my destination without too much hassle. I graduated from street maps to road maps and it was really a joy to arrive with the help of AA or Multi Map. So I was really reluctant to go the digital way. Hey! Wait a minute; I’ve only just started enjoying map reading, I don’t want to change!

I reluctantly made the change and bought a sat nav, it was said to operate within 95% accuracy and I must say, my journeys improved a great deal. I thought to myself, God bless the makers, “why did I wait so long to get one" rarely did my navigator took me the wrong turn or place. It may take me the long way but it always took me to my destination. That was five years ago, and the technology has improved since then and am still loving it.

So what's the point of all this you may ask? Am I a spokes person for the one of the Sat Nav Companies"? Well, no.

I was once a passenger on a journey with a friend, going to a place we hadn't been before and needed the help of the sat nav, she did alright at the start of the journey because she knew the way up to a certain point, and although the navigator was on we ignored it until we came to unfamiliar route. My friend became impatient, glittery and worried as soon as she started depending on the sat nav.

At one point I had to say, calm down and follow the its direction, immediately I said that she went on and on, on how these things cannot be trusted, on how many stories she's heard about them failing. I asked her “have yours failed you" "no" she replied, “so why are you afraid I asked:” “well what if it does she replied”? "I've heard stories of navigators taking people the wrong place". My reply was “if yours haven't failed you yet, I don't see why you should be stress and worry now”. “It may take us the long route, because it sometimes does”, she replied, “as longs we get there, I don't see the problem”, relax and enjoy the drive, I replied. Needless to say that she ignored me and continued to fret, but broke out in a big smile of relieve when we arrived at our destination.

This got me thinking: You see, we are like that with God, we trust him in the things we can see and it is easy to have faith then, but wait a minute, why have faith and hope for the things we see? We do not hope for the things we see, but we with patience, hope for the things we don't yet see. Quite often we become impatient, jittery and angry with God. Worry often kicks in when what we are waiting for seems to be taking a little longer, we begin to complain and remind ourselves of stories of others who are in similar situations as us whom God is yet to come through for.

Just as I was a passenger on that journey, the Holy Spirit is our passenger on the way to our destination, urging us to trust God, the journey may seem long but he'll take you there. Don’t make the journey difficult by resulting to old ways and wishing for the good old days.

Relax and enjoy the ride, focus your on God's goodness and personality, (He’s good, he’s loving, he’s kind, he’s faithful and he’ll bring it to pass), he will always bring you safely to your journey's end.

The journey may seem long and painful, but don't fail to grasp the beauty and lessons of life along the way, because you may not travel that road again, so you have an opportunity to grasp whatever it is you have to learn on your journey to whatever you are waiting for.

Just like my friend, you too will break out with a big smile when at last your destination you reach. Till then, Press on in faith, knowing that you too will arrive safely on the other side.

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Reflections.

2009-10-05T04:02:00.000-07:00

Have you ever thought about sitting still and reflecting? Lately, I find myself reflecting more, I don’t know why, but I have found it helpful and I have had to let go of some issues I was holding on to.

It is hard not to notice when someone has done something to hurt us, it is hard to ignore a look with seemingly bad intent, and it is hard not to take revenge in our own way. For instance, if someone doesn’t call you or misses an event you’ve organised, our revenge may be to ignore them the next time we see them or be cold, and I think it gives us a certain satisfaction when we get even.

It is these little foxes, I’ve been dealing with lately and by God have I learnt. I’ve learnt that it is not what is done to us that matters, but how we react to what is done to us and also the next step in the process.

I can either hold on to a grudge or hurtful experience and have it eat away at me slowly or reflect over what I thought was wrong, make excuses for the person/persons involved and move on.
I have found the second alternative refreshing and liberating.

I use to think meditating, being quiet for a few minutes is daunting, being a very active and up and about person, I can hardly sit still for a minute, but now I’ve found ways to stop and be still.
I reflect when cleaning my home, walking to and from the station, when having a shower, just allowing the water to drip, I allow my thoughts to drift away and I reflect. The result, I am more at peace with myself and those around me.

So straight from my heart is this piece to encourage you to find time to sort out your thoughts, release yourself to the beauty of reflection, mediate on the wonders of you and nature and you will find strength to carry on.

I sit in silence pondering the meandering waves of the seas,and marvel at the birds and the whales.
Amidst the busyness of life and seas of wondering thoughts, my consciousness is restraint and stirred in the paths of quiet terrain.
A sweet reprieve I find in the stillness of time, reflecting on the goodness of nature and the wonders of the mind.
Strength I gain when I reflect on the wonders of God, and peace restored when in truth I release the clogs of dirt that blocked my mind.

A Wind

2009-09-09T07:09:00.000-07:00

A wind that blows and lingers
it brought relief and calm to all
it left a freshness of warmth and joy along its path
this wind comforts and sooths aches and pains
it was flesh but did not live after the flesh

Though a man, his was the life of a noble man
Winds are different, some gentle, others ferocious,
His was gentle and welcoming

He tempared hatred with love
Evil with good
Sadness with Joy
Sorrow with laugher
Pain with praise
Causes with blessings

He believed all things,
Hoped for all things
Suffered long and endured all things

This wind was my dad,
though gone, lingers still
as a cool refreshing warmth from pain.

My Dad

2009-08-12T00:46:00.000-07:00

On the 10 August 2009, my dad David Ozono, popularly known as “papa Ozono” passed on to glory! I can confidently and boldly say that because I know with every breath I have that my dad is with the Lord. Those who knew him also know that is true.

My dad lived in the service of God, he served God without reservations. That I know, I saw him lived out Matthew 5, yes he did. My dad gave of his time, talent, and resources to the service of his master.

He was a first century Christian there was no middle ground, for he took the word of God literarily. He loved his enemies, he blessed those who caused him, he prayed for those who despitefully used him, he brought peace wherever he went, he was truly a peace maker. He never, ever had a harsh word for anyone.

We cannot recall anytime my dad shouted or caused any of us or anyone. If you disobeyed he admonished in love, he lived out Ephesians 6:4 “Parents provoke not your children to wrath”. We his kids often joked, “If all Christians are like daddy, the world will be a better place”.

"My dad personified humility",
"He defined grace"
"He embodied love"
"He pursued peace at all cost".

Some berated him because they think he’s too slow, but I loved him because he was slow to anger but quick to love. “No wonder he composed a song out of 1st Corinthians 13, his favourite scripture.

My dad was a giver, he shared out of his necessity. He laboured hard for his kids
He shared his bread with the hungry.
It was so funny growing up, because there was always a brother or sister coming to our house for one thing or the other. Let me put things in perspective, I didn't come from a wealthy family where we had all we wanted, it was the opposite.
We were 11 kids all under a 2 bed flat! But it was joyful. It was out of that he shared, our food, our drink and our bed! We had no space, but dad always took someone in, the result today? I have lots of adopted brothers and sisters in the Lord.

He also lived out Matthew 6, my dad never worried about food, clothing, or shelter.

My dad taught me to hope:
Hope when things are good that they can be better.
He taught me contentment, in the mist of plenty and in the absence of much
He taught me to love, when it is reciprocated and when it is not.
He taught me to dance to the sound of music and to make my own when there’s no music
He taught me to pray earnestly, fervently and unceasingly, when things are going well and when they are not.

My dad did not bequeath me with silver or gold, but what he gave me is worth more than all the silver or gold put together.
“He gave me God’s love, he introduced me to God he showed me how to love”.

I can never tire of talking about my dad, how can I? So allow me:

My dad pioneered prison ministry in the then Bendel state, dragging my sisters and me along to minister in songs, little wonder that I have a passion for prison ministry today, that’s my inheritance, his gift of love to others.

Tears drop not of despair but of enduring memories for a man like no other mortal man. He showed what God’s love should be and demonstrated that love in words and deeds.

My dad was a musician, a singer, a composer, a conductor and a preacher, so it is no wonder that Dad has a song and scripture for every situation:

To those who hate he sang: if you don't love your neighbour you break all the laws
To those who have lost faith: he sang faith never gives up for God will do miracle
To those whose god is dead: he sang, is your God, dead try my own
To those who hunger for holiness he sang: make me to look at sin as you do O Lord
To those who lacked he sang: am a millionaire, my father is rich in houses and land and am his heir
To those waste their talents he sang: bury not your talent, it is the gift of God, for one day God will call you to account for your stewardship.
To those who doubt the existence of God he sang: there'll be no excuse that day
To those who face trials he sang: Our trials here on earth will cease some day, some great day
To those who enjoy pleasure at the expense of God he sang: There are some days ahead when the pleasures of life will cease to be pleasure and they will be problems
To those who face serious issues he sang: it is when condition is terrible, it is then Jesus will be wonderful.
To those who are small thinkers he sang: think big, pray big believe big and act big, God will make you bigger than your problem
To the Greatness of God he sang: God is great he has done me well, O my soul rise and praise the Lord.
To those who celebrates he sang: With a gladsome heart we will praise the Lord for he gave us victory over foe
To those who fear death he sang: Jesus lives forever more, there's no fear of death anymore
To those who feel they are either to great or too small to give their lives to Christ he sang: No one is too great and nobody is too small, come as you are to Jesus.
To those who believe in the rapture he sang: We shall fly in the air, we shall meet Jesus in the sky
To those who believe in heaven he sang: There's no night there, hallelujah there's no night there, for Jesus is the light.

What more can I say? I can go on and on and on and on, I have so much to say about this great man of God who was available to all and any, despite his position in the church.

He sang in crusades of thousands in the early 80s and 90s and composed many of the worship songs popularly being sang in Nigerian churches today, but he did all for God’s praise, not for personal gain. He never made a penny, growing up we didn’t see it that way we always thought he should have cashed in.

All I can say is thank you God for bringing me into this world via this vessel of honour.

One of his sons in the Lord Fred puts it like this:

"Papa is dead, but lies forever"
"Papa is free at last"
"I can see papa singing with the host of heaven”:
"Free at last, free at last, Thank God am free at last"

My desire and prayer is to be half the Christian my dad was, am still trying.

There’s no other father like my dad, everyone says that of their dad and you may disagree with me, but if you knew him you’ll agree.

Basking ...................

2009-07-28T11:13:00.000-07:00

In these trying times, a lot of folks have allowed their vision to become blur by what they see and their hearing have become dull by the constant stream of ill tidings!
I must say it is hard to be positive given all that is going on in our world today. Be that as it may, we must keep our eyes fixed on the vision.

Sometimes when the vision tarries the wait becomes too long in our eyes. Have we wondered why we become despondent and impatient when what we’ve been waiting for seems to take forever to come through? Here’s why I think we get dismay, discouraged, or disheartened, we spend too much time on the situation, our every waking moment is consumed with the issues we face, we are so engross with it that we live in the reality of its absence. There’s no smile on our faces, no hope in the future, robbing us of joy in the present.

I decided a long time ago to look around me, within me and find something to be thankful for each day regardless of how dire the situation may be. It has helped me a great deal as my focus is removed from the issue that is not working out to what is.

I have decided to enjoy each moment given to me and not to waste it pondering the absence my desires.

I have come to realise that no matter how bad I think my situation is someone somewhere have it worse than me.

I have come to know that my posture during the trying times of my life will either inspire someone to trust God or to give up in their wait for their break through.

I have decided to see each challenge as another added experience to the tree of testimony that is growing by the day.

I have decided to

Enjoy the beauty of my dreams
Live in its reality
And bask in the possibilities of its fulfilment
To let the assurance of its realisation
Fill me with peace in the present
And hope for the future.

What are you basking in?

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Eyes for sight to see both the seen and unseen
Though often times
Gaze trail to the unseen
Sadness magnified by its absence

I press on still,
My focus on the goal
Yielding to the vision that is a reality in the realm of the unseen
I steadfastly set my gaze on the dream
As I fully grasp it in the inner recesses of me
I come into it
As it becomes real in me.

© Deboo July 2009

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Conversations.

2009-07-02T12:17:00.000-07:00

On the prowl he seeks his prey
Subtly he speaks, disguise as a friend
Then he engages, lures and entices seeking to lay claim on any who listens,

But friend, just one word spoken in faith will slay him.

We constantly engage in conversations with our friends, spouses, children and our heavenly father, it is therefore safe to say that our actions are sometimes influenced by these conversations. They could be simple things like where to go on holiday, career prospects and other such things.

in conversations with our heavenly father carried on in prayer, we speak to him of our hopes, fears, share our pains and victories. He also speaks to us via his word.

Just as we converse with these people and our father in heaven , there is also one who tries to engage us in conversations that belittles us, demeans us, and degrades us, albeith he doesn't make his intentions known, the devil is he.

When you open your heart to conversation with the devil you open up yourself to his ideas, to question what you know about God and what God said in his word. Gen 3:1-8.

Eve carried on in conversation with the devil in the garden of eden and he suggested to her that the consequences of eating the apple isn't really death but an opening, an enlightenment to knowing good and evil. She considered it and that landed us in what we know today as the fall of man.

The only suitable response to the devil and his suggestions is the response Jesus gave the devil when the devil suggested that Jesus should bow down to him. Jesus replied "get thee behind me Satan".

He will come at us with his suggestions to get our attention and question our beliefs and the authenticity of God's word but do not entertain any thought from him nor consider his suggestions. "Get thee behind me Satan" is the only appropriate response for him.

What is the enemy suggesting to you today? That you are less than able, questioning your status as a child of God, that you are not worthy, that maybe, just maybe what you believe in isn't true, that God's word won't come to pass in your life. Regardless of his suggestions your response should always be "Get thee behin me Satan". It worked for Jesus, it will work for you today.

So keep pressing on in faith, for despite the fact that your adverary the devil is on the prowl, be rest assured, that one word spoken in faith will slay him.

Pearls of Thunder

2009-06-22T13:26:00.000-07:00

The next time there is a thunder pause and think, something of worth may be about to be dispatch from heavens store house. Often we associate natural disasters with evil. Yes, while earthquake, lightings and thunders destroy lives and belongings. I read in God’s word that there are certain thunderous storms and quake that are sent in answers to our prayers! Could it be therefore that our focus on natural pheromone prevents us from reaching for the pearls within the thunder?

In the mist of pain and sorrow, crying and wailing no one is watching to see what good will come from a disaster, moments or months afterwards. The human mind automatically reverts to sorrow and acknowledges a sense of loss.

As a Christian, God’s word, the bible, tells me that all things works together for Good to them who love God. This scripture has given me hope and encouraged me to hold on while going through tough times. Yes things may sometimes look bad, situations may occur that threatens to knock us off balance, but my bible tells me that it’ll work out for my good in the end. I’ve seen it happened time and time again in my life, where out of the storms and thunders something beautiful is born.

In January, bush fire ravaged the Austrian Queens’s land. It was reported that the fire travelled at 70 miles an hour consuming everything and anything in its path.
After the fire, rangers were sent in to assess the extend of damage done and to gather evidence from the disaster.

One ranger while going through the rubbles was started by the shape of a bird at the base of a tree The bird has been badly burnt with its wing spread out wide, out of curiosity he shook the remains with his stick and behold underneath the bird were its chicks! Immediately he did that they flew away!

During the fire, the mother recognising that they had little or no chance of her escaping with them, shielded them from the fire by spreading her winds over them. In spite of the intensity of the fire and the ferociousness of the heat she did not move, she gave her life for her own. Wow!

You may be going through tough times right now, the intensive of the recession, job loses, lose of your home, a love one, disaster may have rocked your world. Remember the Lord said, he is your shield, Psalm 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

Like that bird, he will spread his wings over you, protecting you from the fire of loss. He will not leave you. He even died for you on the cross! Taking the heat for you to set you free and just like those birds, you too can fly and soar above the situation which threatens to burn you. The heat will come, the fire will rage, but he has promised to be with you in the storms and fires of life. So in the mist of your pain and sorrow, someone is watching over you and within the thunderous storms, peals of hope and laughter will roll.

Relevant scripture passages:
Revelation 19:6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thundering, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.
Revelation 4:5.
And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.
Psalm 104:7
At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away At thy rebuke they fled; at the voice of thy thunder they hasted away.

Ps 97.

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Letting Out

2009-06-07T12:20:00.000-07:00

Why do we do it? Why do we say we are fine when we are not? I don't mean to any one who ask but to supposedly good friends.

Why? Why are we afraid to be needy, to show emotions or be dependent, why?

Why do we hold our emotions so closely to our hearts that we even pretend amongst very good friends?

I started asking myself this question lately as I was faced with this phoniness amongst friends, the pretentiousness to be ok when we are not. What's the point in having friends if we can't be ourselves with them, if we are still on guard when we are with them as opposes to throwing caution to the wind.

I don't mean be yourself with anyone who throws a smile your way and spill your guts, no. I mean the 2 or 3 or even 1 person in your life you call a friend or "a good friend", why do we hold back?

Isn't friendship about sharing the good and the bad times, both happy and sad news, ups and downs? I know that some of us have learnt a lesson or two from confiding in friends, and as a result decided to stop sharing to protect ourselves.

Regardless of our reasons, we should be able to identify very good friends from those who hang around us in the hopes of getting some juicy stories to spread around.

Friendship is about trust and if you've been around someone long enough, you should be able to know what they are capable of and whether they can be relied on to keep a secret.

There are various reasons for holding back from crying or just letting out, either we have never been upfront from the beginning and have presented a phoney side to our good friends such that, when faced with a situation that is contrary to the picture we've given, we can't bear to be seen or perceived too weak or needy, it may be that we are simply afraid of being judged even by good friends.

I've learnt that people will open up to you to the degree you open up to them, simply because once we are able to open up to each other about our deepest concerns, thoughts, feelings, hopes, dreams, we begin to build a trust that makes the friendship closer.

Whatever the reasons we do what we do, out of ignorance, pride, self confidence, self sufficiency or protection……

Remember if you are perceived as friend, act as one, be one,

Let friendship be the ship on which you set sail the emotions of your heart

Let it take you to the edge, experience the intensity it brings

Let it be the music that wakes you up from the dept of despair

let it be the warmth that covers you in cold

Let it relief you from your fears

Let the summers and winters of your life be filled with the beauty of good friends

Discover yourself in friendship for the hope it brings and the joy it releases

hope in despair

peace in turmoil

relief from pain

a shoulder of steel

a silence of thought

an acceptance of imperfection

and a joy in sharing

Let friendship be the light house that shines brightly in the dark tides of your life

for it will lead you to shores of safety when all else fails.

"You use steel to sharpen steel and one friend sharpens another" Prov 27:17 the message bible.

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Summer Fun

2009-05-29T11:04:00.000-07:00

Bright and fair
Colour of every shade
Easy breezy smiles
Adore each face
Feet swift in stride
In expectation of nature’s seasonal change
O! How liberating it is
To welcome again
Sun, fun and happy days of endless warmth!

© Deboo May 2009

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Common Place Blessings.

2009-05-15T12:19:00.000-07:00

Not common place, your loving grace that keeps me through lives busy pace
Protecting, shielding, caring and loving me

Not taken for granted, the rain you give in due season, to give life, causing herbs and grains to sprout.

Not common place, the daily reward of labour that feeds and nourishes us so, for many a soul does hunger and taste but find non to replenish.

Nay my Lord, not common place, the many trials we face, that makes us strong, refining us for your glory, polishing and preserving us for your use.

Not common place, the peace I find in your presence, beholding your awesomeness, for many a soul this privilege sort not.

Not common place, when you calm my soul, ravaged with fear and replaced it with the assurance of your love, a calming balm of healing released when in stillness I remain. Not common place Lord, not common place.

This is just a reminder for us not to take for granted the many blessings God has so graciously loaded us with. Given the current wave of uncertainty pervading our world, it is easy to look to the future with despair rather than with hope.
Let’s remind ourselves of the little “unnoticed” things we have been blessed with. Sunlight, breeze, our senses, our love ones, the joy of laughter, the melody of music, the stillness of the morning, the sight of the moonlight, the glory of winter!
We should not only give thanks in the big things that happen to us, but in the little daily details of our lives, because they are not common place.

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When No One's Looking!

2009-05-04T00:48:00.000-07:00

It’s easy to do the right thing in the glare of public eye. It’s easy to be committed to a course and be dedicated to a given task when the team leader is around, it’s easy to pray and worship during a church service. But what happens when no one is looking?

It’s easy to give and be generous when we are ok financially, when the bank balance is high and the bills are paid. But what happens when the story changes?
It was reported recently that charitable giving has declined due to the current economic climate. Yes, while close to 2.5 million Britons may be currently out of work, what proportion of those gave regularly to have badly affected charitable courses? Or is it that the rest of us have decided to hold on to what we’ve got.

It was also reported that due to the current economic atmosphere shop lifting have gone up, people have become more dishonest, ruder, and unfriendly.

How come? How can honest, decent, law abiding people suddenly became thieves and cheats, I ask myself? Could it be that their job was a glass shield, used to mask an underlying problem of shoplifting and indecent behaviour? I don’t think people can just switch and change depending on their circumstances. Whatever the reasons, I think that majority of people put up an act when people are watching. Hence the real person comes out given a change in circumstances.

I was in a shop a few days ago just browsing. I walked to the jewellery section and tried on a few of the pieces and found one I liked which I eventually paid for and slipped on my left wrist.

I was with a friend at the time, we walked outside, and after a couple of blocks I felt something on my right wrist, at first I thought it was my wrist watch but it was loose which made me wonder what it could be. I looked and behold one of the bangles I tried on but forgot to take off.

“O my God I gasped”, my friend stopped, thinking I had lost something.
“What is it she said”,
“Look I said” showing her my wrist, she started laughing.
“It’s not funny, I said, I’ve just walked out of the shop with a bangle I don’t intend to have, without paying for it”.
She goes “O well you have it now, no one saw you, and you might as well keep it”. “I am not keeping it” “I am taking it back”, “I replied”
“Just keep it, it’s only a bangle” she replied. I am taking it back”, even if I want it, I will have to pay to keep it.
It wasn’t as easy as it sounds. You may wonder was there a part of me, a very small part that wanted to keep it. Yes there was, it’s easy to think, oops it’s my lucky day, but it wasn’t its stealing, however small. (My friend was testing me though).

With no one looking, we walked to the shop and put it back where it belonged.
This is not an attempt to pat myself on the back to say O, look what we did, we’re honest and decent, far from it, it’s just to drive home the point.

What do you do when no one is looking?
Would you still litter the street if there were no CCTV or hygiene police on the watch?
Would you still be dedicated to your job if your boss were away? Or you have no boss?
Would you still tenderly care for your friend’s baby in her absence the same way you would when she’s there?
Would you be faithful in giving, no matter how small when your situation changes?
Would you still be nice to the elderly folks in your care, when you are alone with them?
Would you still pay your taxes if it was left up to you to do so? Now that’s a thought!

Do you do what you do because it is convenient to do so, or because you are required by law to do so? Or because you know it is a moral and decent thing to do.

It’s easy to put up a smile and say hello in good times, but what happens when the bottom drops off? How do you hold up in tough times? We are in tough times right now, the world is in the deepest recession like never before, battling the threat of Swine flu pandemic, wars, e.t.c.

The only way to go through tough times is to stay with the one who can stir your ship to quiet waters, he alone can give you the peace, resolve and strength to remain steadfast, unmoveable, unshakeable and honest in trying times, helping you with the guidance of his Holy Spirit to do right when no one is looking.

I wonder

2009-04-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

I was in prison yesterday. Yes in a maximum security prison for that matter. I didn’t go in as an inmate but as a minister. As a member of the Prison Outreach Network we frequently attend different prisons in and around the country to worship with the inmates. The services are always inspirational, the simplicity of the inmates never fail to amaze me, the worship is always breathtaking and that is without guitars, drums, piano or the other stuff that we think we need before we can praise God. To hear the inmates lift up their voices in one accord and praise God is just a blessing and one I always look forward to.

This got me thinking, about our churches today. You see in today’s church especially our Pentecostal ones the focus has shifted, I am sad to say that we no longer worship in spirit and in truth. Over the last few years, there has been a change from true worship to human worship.

Our pastors or leaders are held in high esteem, we the people come short of worshipping our leaders. It’s no longer what the word says, but what pastor this or that says.
I am all for giving honour to whom honour is due, but what qualifies one to receive honour? Who determines who gets honour?

Does being a pastor qualifies you to automatically receive honour and in what form?
Is there a separate place in heaven for pastors and leaders and for the rest of the people? If not why do leaders, pastors etc separate themselves from the rest of the people? Why are they so untouchable, unreachable, and unapproachable? Why the change? Why should the size of a congregation affect a Shepard's heart? If they are approachable before how come that changes once the numbers increased?

Today’s “leaders” (I use that word lightly because really we are all servants), are far removed from the people they’ve been called to serve. They are suppose to be the lead-servants of all of us and we are to follow their examples in savant hood, serving faithfully. Jesus was honoured even though he served his disciples, they saw his humility and servant's heart that they were humbled in his presence and compelled by what they saw, to serve him.

What happened to the days of simply walking up to your pastor without fear of being shoved aside by one of the body guards masquerading as protocol officers? What happens to the days of simply walking into his office and saying hello because you were in the building? You don’t need counselling, don’t want to be prayed for, or encouraged, you don’t want an appointment, and truth is you’ll only be 2 seconds.

What happens to the spirit of being a servant? What happened to we are called to serve not be served. Or the people are called to serve the pastors not the other way round? How come we qualify to be preached to, told what to do, admonish, encouraged from the pulpit, but we don’t qualify to embrace the pastor after the service. I know there are those odd ones who if given a moment with the pastor would recite their live's problems, but I think the pastor can kindly say please not now book an appointment with my PA. I genuinely think the majority of the congregation just want a simple hand shake after the service.

I wonder what happened to the Christ like spirit. Isn’t the meaning of Christian “Christ like” those who are like Christ?

You see Christ doesn’t look at me any differently than he does those inmates. We are all sinners saved by grace, whether it took them going into the prison to get saved or I being born into a Christian home. It is by grace we are all saved, the same blood was shed for us. In the same vain, God doesn’t regard pastor so and so or bishop so and so, more highly than the usher or the children’s teacher or the member who is simply a member. Let’s stop this segregation, this us and them attitude. I don’t think our leaders deliberately set out to be untouchable or unreachable. I think there was a shift in focus or purpose either because they became busier or pride found its way in.

Even our master described himself as a servant: Here’s a few of what he said:

For even the son of man did not come to be served, but to serve and gave himself a ransom for many. Mark 10:45

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am GENTLE and HUMBLE in heart and you shall find rest for your souls. Matt 11: 28-29.

He was the greatest teacher of our time yet he described himself as lonely in heart
He was besieged by people from all places, yet he never turned one away.
He demonstrated his capacity to give unconditionally when he gave his life on the cross
He demonstrated his love for all when he choose to dine with those of unequal status as he
He demonstrated his humility when he choose to serve rather than be served
He was all things to all men
To the sick he was a healer
To the thief he was a saviour
To the prostitute he was a forgiver
To the dead he was the resurrection and the life
To the leper he was the cleanser
To the blind he was their sight
He chooses to serve rather than be served.
To the deaf he was their hearing
To the downtrodden he was an up lifter
To the unjust he was a judge.
He was sort by many and available to all.

I wonder if one of us or our big preachers today were in Jesus shoes how would they be described.
I wonder.

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Happy Easter

2009-04-11T01:42:00.000-07:00

Mercy

Mercy looks beyond man’s fault
Mercy made him came as a servant
Left the splendour of his throne
To walk earths rugged road
It was mercy that caused him to
Exchange the praise and honour of angels
For the scorn and hate of men
For mercy he came and bought my pardon,
Redeeming me with his blood

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Never

Never was a deed so vile
Never was a task so hard
Never was a plan so falsely harsh
Never was an act so divine
For a man to die in false accuse
But never was it so needful
That he should die for sins so grave
That only his blood would cleanse
Never was the victory so sweet
When he rose again!

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I’ll do the same

I’ll bear my cross
In pain or despair
I’ll stay close to him
In every season
I’ll work for him no matter the task
Not for gain or praise
Spending myself till my last breath
I’ll follow his lead
Though the path be rugged.
And when my work here is done,
I’ll gladly wait to hear him say well done.

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Yes

Yes he lives we can sing,
Yes he lives we can laugh,
Yes he lives we have a hope
Yes he lives we can dance
Yes he live we can live also

© Deboo April 2009

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I Imagine

2009-04-08T11:12:00.000-07:00

Can you sit back and imagine with me for a few minutes, the Easter story? This is not some literary story, told by people of old to spice up this time of the year.

Easter, a time for reflection and celebration, a time to sit back and enjoy the many blessings God has graciously delivered to us. A time to offer gifts and praise for the selfless act of kindness the father displayed when he took on the form of man, took our place on the cross and died the death of a wretched sinner.

Easter did not start with a celebration!

O what sadness was felt by Mary the mother of Jesus and Mary Magdalene when at dawn they found the tomb where he was laid empty, the feeling of hopelessness finally became real, their fears now a reality. He is dead, and worse his body stolen. With their heads bowed, they wept. He is gone, Mary’s precious Son, Lord and Saviour taken away and now the last fragments of his body gone too, nothing to remember him by, what sorrow they felt.

I imagine the disciples too, gathered together as usual encouraging one another, finding the strength to go on the day after their Lord and Saviour was killed. The man whom they saw performed miracles never before seen by men, the one who walked on water, the one who caused the blind to see and the lame to walk, the one who raised the dead.

I imagine Lazarus too, inconsolable from grief and disbelief that his saviour, the one who brought him back to life, killed and gone.
But still the one who humbly let them take him away from them? How dare he do this to them?

Peter too must have been really grief stricken, he denied his Lord, the Christ, O the look his master gave him moments before he was led away! Peter, I imagined locked himself away in his shame, cried and repented over and over again, but hoping and praying that his Lord would rise again as he said he would, praying and whispering, please come back, please come back.

I imagine the others too shocked to venture out for fear of reprisal from the crowd.

Hey, where’s your Lord and Master, the one who made himself equal with God, Dead huh? He hasn’t risen yet I suppose. You want to take his place? I imagine this.

Then I imagine the women as they stood by the tomb in agony as they realised that their saviour is gone forever, I imagine the angel as he spoke to them, women why do you look for him here? He is not here. He is risen, just as he said he would.

I imagine the change in their demure, the joy, the almost too good to be true expression that started with mouth agape and then spread to a simile and then to uncontrollable laughter and praise to the father.

I imagine them too excited to wait for the angel to finish his statement but ran, almost tripping on their garment to tell his disciple, he is not Dead, but he is "Risen" I imagine them stuttering over their words.

I imagined the disciples too, stunned with disbelief, confused, saying to Mary, slow down, speak quietly, what are you saying? You are not making any sense, what did you just say? And Mary, trying desperately to recount her encounter with the angels repeated, he’s not dead, he’s risen. Finally they got it, He is Risen he is not dead. He is back, like he said he would.

I imagine the joy, the cheers, the cries of, at last, he got up, he is risen, he is alive! I imagine this and I can’t help but dance and celebrate too.

This is for real, this is not a spiritual resurrection, not just my imagination, it happened. Jesus died and rose again. That’s what Easter is about.

A celebration of his resurrection, because with it, he gave us freedom from sin, sickness and disease, we can go to the father boldly and obtain mercy.

That’s what Easter is about.

I hope you too can know Jesus as Lord and Saviour and enjoy the joy and peace that comes with this knowledge.
Reflect on his death and resurrection and let that encourage you through whatever you may be going through, because if he rose from the dead, he can bring you out from whatever difficulties you may be facing.

Happy Easter. He is not dead he is alive because...........
Only he can take my sins and wash it white as snow.
Only he can take my pain and turn it to gain
Only he can touch my life with love so true and real.
Only he can comfort with words of peace and joy
Only he can turn a dark dull day and make the sun come shining through.

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In Praise of Mother.

2009-03-20T02:09:00.000-07:00

She gladly toils for her own
Protectively shielding
Tenderly loving
Intensely giving
Sacrificing time
Pleasures, wealth or fame
For the role she so joyfully fills
She is persistent in service
Resourceful in career
Patient in waiting
Full of praise for her own
She is a mother

Her worth is priceless
She asks not for wages
Nor for praise
But she seeks only the good in her own
Earnestly working to provide
She believes the best
Endures the bad and
Hope for the good.
Say, mother’s love is a mirror image
Of God’s love

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If we could start out without her we would
If we could grasp the first time without her we would
If we could make our first sound without her we would
If we could take our first step without her we would
We couldn’t hence she was place here for every first of our lives
Even God needed her for these first of his earthly life.

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Plates & pans
Chores and noises
Hair in disarray
Worn out looks
But at the squeak of one of her own
She springs to action
Because she’s always on call!

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY !!!!

© Deboo March 2009

God's Vessels

2009-03-18T14:38:00.000-07:00

Mothers what can we say of them?
We came via them for without them
There will be no presidents, no genius, no scientists,
No doctors, no violinist, no opera singer, no £250,000 a week footballers,
The world tries to rid itself of this gem call mother
But have failed every time.

Advancement in science cannot replace them.
Two men can father a child but can’t make one.
Mothers are the only species on God’s earth that are indispensable.
They are vital to his plan.
Even the creator came through her
Though he made her he saw her role as vital to his purpose
That hasn’t changed.

Mothers are the vital gradients for a stable, happy and whole relationship.
They compliment dad, contribute their time, skills and effort to every home venture
They co-ordinate the home front, they plan like military and execute to precision
There is no room for error when it comes to bringing up their kids
Hence they are sometimes seen as mean! But are not!
Mothers have the capacity to love, care, and discipline at the same time.
When mothers fail to rise up to their responsibilities: as homemakers, visionaries, encouragers,
Builders, lovers, carers:
The result can be disastrous:

So rise up Mums

be tenacious in discipline.
Be tough in the face of the most trying circumstances
Be resilient when the battle rages
Be steadfast in prayer
For this purpose you’ve been called “mother”.

© Deboo March 2009.
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Grace Alone

2009-03-11T13:56:00.000-07:00

How do you live life daily? In fear, doubt and worry? Or do you commit your ways to God’s hands believing he can handle whatever comes your way.

For a long time I was a worry wart, trust me I worry about every little thing, I even worry when I have nothing to worry about. I guess it stems from being impatient. I had to learn that it doesn’t matter how much I worry about an issue, it will turn out the way God wants it to.

That revelation saved my life, now I enjoy the peace that only God can give regardless of whatever circumstance I face.

God has not called us to live a life of worry, fear and pain. Yes, we will face disappointing situations as we journey through life, he said in his word that in this world we will have trials and tribulations, but he didn’t stop there… the other promise is that we can be cheerful knowing that he has overcome on our behalf. So in the mist of that difficult situation, perplexing problem and unimaginable enigma, let the hope of overcoming in Christ fill you with cheer.

I was saved by grace the moment I realised that I am not in control of whatever happens. I came to realise that after the initial disappointment of not realising our dreams, reaching our goals and having our desires met, we can dust ourselves and get back up again.

Being a Christian does not immune us from problems, though our pain may be great, we can be assured of God’s grace through each difficulty.

Grace alone is what carries us through when others are falling down from the weight of their problems,

Grace embraces us and keeps us hoping,

grace assures us of a better outcome,

Grace ignites in us a spark that radiates for all to see,

Grace gives strength for the journey,

Grace applauds us when we persist and keep on,

Grace enables us to ignore the jeers and sneers of the crowd,

Grace illuminates our paths and paves the way for a glorious dawn,

Grace always accepts us when we falter and waver,

Grace alone makes the difference.

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Strength from the Past

2009-02-24T04:35:00.000-08:00

Tales of sadness echoes across the land
Weep! Man’s deeds has cause us woes
Wail! The future of the unborn is doom
Fear! There is no end in sight.
Misery is cast over the land
Man’s hold on sanity is shattered
Fear grips
As the ill wind of bad news
Streams through each air waves
Heralding tales of loss, death, depression, gloom
Fear takes a tighter hold.

Does this sound familiar? Do you see yourself in the picture? As the constant stream of financially depress news rings through the air waves, the heart of many faint from fear. Even those who have no reason to fear are afraid.

Why? Why the sudden dread? The world is in turmoil. This is not new, we have seen financial institutions collapsed before, and businesses go bankrupt, job losses and government inefficiencies have all happened before. This time things are much worse but they will still take their natural course.

We have seen it before and we’ve pulled through, countries, individuals, and institutions alike.

Doesn’t this tell us something? Life is a circle - what we are experiencing now will end some day. Why can’t we just wait it out?
Why can’t we be hopeful that we will pull through? Why can’t we believe that because we came out before we will come out again?

The media hasn’t made it easy, not a day passes without the grim tale of another victim. If watching and listening to the news causes you to fear, you can stop filling your heart with tales of doom and gloom, rather read and watch stuff that will enrich you positively.
This may not change the outlook of the world but it will make a difference to how you think and feel. (What you think determines how you feel). I am not suggesting that you run and hid simply choose what you watch.

I watch the news simply out of curiosity to find out the latest victim of man’s greed. It amazes me the extend humans sunk, just to amass wealth at the expense of millions of innocent people.

No wonder we fear!
As with most situations in our lives
We fear when we feel we have no control over what is happening in and around us.

We fear when we look ahead and glimpse a bleak future.
We fear when we use the present as a guide to the future.
We fear when we think we are about to loose all that we hold dear.

Our fears are not unreal, some are valid, but I think we can control them, yes we can. Maybe we can’t control what is happening around us, if your company goes bust there’s nothing you can do about that.
But you can choose to see being laid off work as an opportunity to start again or see it as the end of your working live, sign on and be unhappy.

As the saying goes “every disappointment is a blessing” the bible echoes that clearly Romans 8.28 “for we know that ALL things works together for good”

We can hold on to the hope that things will get better again. If there’s a time to look to the past, it is now, because we can look back and draw strength from the truth that we can come through individually and collectively:

Fear not
When the rough winds of adversity blow
And the scourging heat of the sun burns
The cold touch of winter grips,
But amidst the rocky planes of loss
One thing is sure
This too will pass!

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Unexplainable Love

2009-02-11T09:55:00.000-08:00

That time of the year is upon us again. I think it’s really brilliant that a day is aside for “Love”. This is one language we all speak, the language of love. Love is the same to the Chinese, the Indian, the Africans, the Americans, the English, the Scandinavians, etc. Valentines’ is especially important when it falls on a weekend, because we have time to enjoy the day and ourselves.

Sometimes love is misunderstood when bequeathed and not reciprocated. I’ve seen people hurt from loving others but not receiving the same. It touches them in ways that defies explaining.

I’ve seen those who have given up fame, time and money for the cause of love. Those who have gone to great extent to demonstrated their love for others.
Love defies explaining, ask anyone in love they’ll tell you “I feel something but I can’t explain it”. This is one reason people are taken advantage of, abused and misunderstood because they love deeply and recklessly on a level that defies meaning.

Love sometimes appears foolish, I’ve heard people say don’t be a fool in love, open your eyes. I think what they are saying is, don’t love selflessly, unreservedly without expectations, don’t love the way you really feel, be vain, fake, or phoney.

Have you seen two people in love and think, No way! What is he/she doing with her/him? He’s 6.5” tall and she 4"short, he’s black and she’s white, he’s fat, she’s skinny and so on.

A parent who decides to keep a disabled child because of the love they have for the child. Or a child who decides to selflessly care for an old parent, despite their financial predicament, because of love. How do you explain these acts, we call them love but love itself cannot be explained.

All kinds of despicable deeds have been perpetuated in the name of love. How can a feeling so sweet cause so much pain, lust, anger, violence and hatred? How?
Our attempts to explain love have resulted in shameful and ugly deeds. We have given it reason, we’ve coated the very essence of love and transformed it to suit our own goal it was not intended so.

Straight from my heart is this charge for us to love God’s way (see top right hand coner): as he intended because that is what works every time. Any attempt to change it, explain it, reason it will undoubtedly fail.

Enjoy this peace dedicated to my hubby!

You unlock my heart with your smile that spreads across your face so tenderly,
You cast a spell on me when you gazed my way and sent a wink that spoke volume.
You ignited a spark in my loins when your hand held mine and walked me up the steps to love,
You froze my breath when I felt your lips on mine the first day we kissed.
You are the love sound that wakes me up daily,
Yours is the voice that I want to hear forever,
It holds sweet rings of endearment when you speak,
Yours is the light that streams through my window on a summer day,
And yours is the candle that lights up a dark grey night.
You took me to heaven when I am one with you.

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Snow

2009-02-02T00:23:00.000-08:00

Hello and welcome to a wonderful snow day! If like me you are snowed in, unless you are a workaholic, it's a much needed day off work. So rather than sit and moan my inability to go to work (not that I did that), I decided to go for a walk in the snow! yes I did, with my Wellington boots, but I had to run back in because, down my end it was really pouring with snow and my boots weren't thick enough! While walking I thought to myself........

What is this!
Flurry, fluffy, fluster and still a beautiful sight
A beauty comparable to nothing
Indescribable,
But yet described as white as snow
Nay, it’s snow itself.

Its arrival expected, but the deluge a surprise
What is this that drops so quickly?
Covering my window sills.
Hedging us in
Snow, my friend
A welcome relief from
The news of woes that grips the headlines.

Yes, it’s snow, causing temporary mayhem on the
Roads, the streets, airports....
Still a beautiful sight to behold.
As children dance in it,
Tossing each other with balls of snow
No care in the world
Set free from the worries of
Adulthood
Snow though expected,
Still has the power to disrupt
And bring joy!

Let it snow! let it snow! let it snow!

Thank you Lord for the times and seasons!

Yesterday

2009-01-23T09:23:00.000-08:00

My yesterday,
A shadow of my past

looms steadily over my future

yesterday a present and constant reminder of

all that might have been

of failures and under achievements.

Of regrets,
And wishes bore on the wings of despair.

Though failures abound in my yesterday

so too does success and pleasures.

But blinded by helplessness

I fail to see through the mist of despair

to the beauty that abounds in yesterday.

Then hope was reborn

in the warmth of my lover's arms
He secures me from the mistakes of yesterday
From the hurt, pain and regrets of a blighted past

He becomes my rear guard

a guide through shrubs of difficulties

As he leads me into the future

not with haste

but with delightsome springs of assurance

though my yesterday may hold broken dreams

and irreversible blunders

one thing is sure

with his gentle guidance

I am assured of a certain future
Not tarnished by the dread of yesterday.

© Deboo January 2009.

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Start Strong

2009-01-06T10:44:00.000-08:00

Another year has begun. Most of us have plans for this year. Things we would love to see happen in our lives, communities, families, jobs etc.
As meticulous and prepared as we may be for the days and months ahead, the unexpected will still happen. So what will you do when it does? How will you handle disappointments? The winds of life will blow, storms will come, but the only way to handle them is to know that God’s got you covered and just like he walked on water to save the disciples from a stormy ride he will do the same for you when you find yourself in one of those stormy life threatening situations.

All you have to do is make sure that you are anchored to him from the beginning of the year, not just when the storms come. He promised never to leave you nor forsake you and though you may feel alone, be assured he will be with you. According to a recent publication in the times. The writer reiterates that how we start the year sets the template for the rest of the year!

True, we have to determine how we want our end to turn out by deciding from the beginning the tune we will sing when adversity strikes, because they will come. Decide to work with God from the beginning in every way and you will come out strong every time you face the storms of life.

Over the hilly slops and curvy path I wander
As the chilly winds of fear assail
My gaze upward fixed
For am anchored to the rock of ages.
Though sometimes wearied from toil
And stifled by delays
This hope keeps me steady
That he who calms a stormy sea
Has me crafted in the palms of his hand
And as I travel along this road
My song of victory will remain
Till at last I am on the other side.

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Best Laid Plans

2008-12-25T05:18:00.000-08:00

What do you do when your plans fall through?

Do you throw in the towel and hang you head in despair?

Do you feel ashamed, angry and organise a pity party?

Do you feel the world and God have conspired to truncate your plans?

How do you think Mary and Joseph felt?

They were engaged to be married. Their plan was to settle down and have a small family and continue as "normal couple". Whatever that is.

Not only were their plans messed up, it felt like the whole world was against them, the king was after them, their families must have ostracise them. They may have asked themselves a thousand times Why God, why us? They didn't understand it then but later did.

Just like Mary and Joseph your plans for 2008 may have fallen through. Your dreams became your worse nightmare, you feel you’ve been badly messed up and you really can't understand what God is up to and you would love to understand. Some things that happen to us are not God's perfect plans for our lives, true. Things like Sickness, rape, injustice, war, hatred, e.t.c. these are not his perfect will. So when things are not going according to God's plan for our lives he changes our plans.

According to Rick Warren, when God changes our plan he is trying to do 3 things in our life

1. Get our attention. In our pain God speaks. Seek him through whatever you are going through and you will find him.

2. He has a better plan. He doesn't change your plans unless he has a better plan. Just as he did for Mary and Joseph -His is bigger, better and more rewarding than ours. It may be harder sometimes, but it is better. Mary and Joseph's plan turned out right after all and they later understood what God was up to. That is why we are here today celebrating God's perfect plan for Mary and Joseph's life.

3. He wants us to learn to seek and trust him through the changes. Seek him for his perfect plan for your life in 2009. If you are worried about 2009, anxious about the current economic situation or any other situation in your life, trust him to bring his best plan to pass for your life and our Nation. Seek him, not the solution to the problem or an explanation to the situation, but when you seek him for who he is as a saviour, he comes and brings with him the solution and explanation.

As you celebrate today, ponder in your heart the gift of God's dear son to us. Look to the future with hope and believe that in 2009 he will bring his perfect plan for your life to pass. I urge you to seek his plan for your life and not your plan for your life because his plans are the best laid plans.

My will for yours given in surrender

My choices for what you choose letting go of self

My desires for what you want only your best will do

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christmas wishes

2008-12-22T00:51:00.003-08:00

2008-12-22T00:20:00.000-08:00

We have less than 3 days before Christmas and it is true that the excitement is not as it was this time last year. I know this is due to the doom and gloom we hear and see around us. Lets face it 2008 hasn't exactly been rosy and smooth as we would have loved it to.

I personally didn't expect 2008 to turn out the way it did for me, but I am glad I lived through it and am here to celebrate and testify of his goodness. If like me you've had an unbelievable year packed with eventful details some good and some bad, you have every reason to celebrate. Yes we may not have ticked off everything off our wish list, but one thing we have is our hope.

The hope of a better day, the hope that we are still here to attempt those tasks we didn't succeed at. The hope of having a saviour who is rooting for us, urging us not to give up. For me, I am celebrating the hope that the birth of Christ brought to me. I am reminded of his love for me.

That he is indeed my
My Counsellor,
My Strength,
My Wonderful saviour
And my Prince of Peace
He has indeed been Immanuel to me. "God with us"
He has been with me every step of the way,
Through the steepest hill and the lowest valley
He carried me through safely beneath his wings.
This is what I celebrate.

Straight from my heart is this Christmas wish to encourage you to hope in his birth, that he came to be

A light in darkness,
A way in the thickest forest
A lamp to light the path
A shield in time of war
A help in time of need
A saviour is he
His birth brought peace
His resurrection brought victory
His ascension brought hope
A saviour he is.

Merry Christmas

A Busy Year

2008-12-10T23:08:00.000-08:00

Have you suddenly realised this is one of the most busy year ever?
Have you noticed you were rushed off your feet every single time?
Did you at one point wish you had more time?
Indeed, this has been of the busiest year for me, from work to family life, to friends to everything! At one point I muttered Gosh! I just can't wait for the year to end.

But you see amidst the busyness we still found time for the things that were important to us, to call our dearest friends, to hang out with our families, to sleep - who is too busy to sleep! To go to work! Yea, try telling your boss I was so busy with other things I couldn't come to work.
So despite our busy schedule we still found time for those things that means a lot to us.

So what have you left undone because you were too busy?
How has this year turned out for you?
Who have you lost touch with as a result of your tight schedule; perhaps the relationship wasn't that important to you?

Which resolutions have you to fulfil?
Are you celebrating and partying because the year turned out exactly as you wanted? Bravo!
Or are you eagerly waiting for the year to end so you can begin a New One?

As this year rapidly draws to a close, take a look back and take stock of your actions: You've still got time to remedy those areas you've fallen short.
Don't wait till 31st December 2008 to take stock, start now. Evaluate your relationships with family, friends, God and society, where did you fall short how can you improve next year.

Each moment was supposed to be lived to the fullest,
Working at each task as desired,
But as moment turned into minutes,
Minutes into hours,
Hours into days, and days into months
Resolutions remain unmet
As we dither and tizzy at our task,
We whimper and simmer at the though of completing chores
We wait as vultures waiting on a carcass
Time passes and we wonder where it went.
When all the while we had it
But choose to think we will always have it to do as we please.

Say, pause, rewind and play back the clock of your life, seek to improve on this years performance and as you do ask the father to ferry you safely into the shores of 2009 with zeal, vigour and strength for the journey ahead.

© Deboo December 2008

I've Learnt

2008-11-24T21:18:00.000-08:00

I’ve learnt that God will not give me what I want but what he wants for me.
I’ve learnt that God will not open doors for me, but will give me keys to open them.
I’ve learnt that God will not force me to do his will but will bring situations that will cause me to.
I’ve learnt that God will not remove obstacles from my way, but will give me the wisdom to remove them.

I’ve learnt that even though I don’t understand God and his ways, he understands my ways.
I’ve learnt that it doesn’t matter how much I know, but without the knowledge of God
What I know is useless.
I’ve learnt to live in plenty and in the absence of much.
I’ve learnt to give when it’s painful and to receive joyfully, painful situations God has allowed my way.

I’ve learnt that while I pray for God to change the world, I have to be the change I want to see.
I’ve learnt that when I ask God to provide for someone, to look within my capabilities and see if I may be the vessel through which the blessings should flow.
I’ve learnt that God brings people into my life for a reason and when they leave their assignment in my life is over.
I’ve learnt that to be content is not to be satisfied with underachievement, but to work joyfully at my current task on the way to my future assignment.

I’ve learnt that worry does not solve any problem but rather it leaves the door open for despair, sorrow and pain.
I’ve learnt that sometimes our best efforts may not produce the returns we desire.
I’ve learnt to always be thankful in spite of everything I go through, to find the rose within the thorns. For there is someone out there whose issues are 100 times worse than mine.

What have you learnt as you journey through life?

© Deboo November 2008

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You Can!

2008-11-09T03:05:00.000-08:00

On the 5th of November 2008, Americans woke up to a new dawn, a new day, a renewed belief in the hope that anything is possible.
Collectively with their votes they spoke as one, because they dare to believe that they can.
They left the past that had held them bound for so long
They woke up and sang a new song.
Men, women, boys and girls, young and old, danced and cheered not for a person, but to a new assurance that Yes, they Can achieve anything if they can believe.

So straight from my heart is this piece to encourage anyone who feel they can’t go on, that their time is past, that it’s too late in the day to dream again. This is to encourage you to hope again, arise with vigour and believe that you too can.

Though skies turn grey and clouds gather over your dream
When you measure the drapes of your life and nothing seems to add up
When you peep through the curtains of despair and see the pain that carpets the pathway that leads to success.
Though the scourging heat of the sun’s ray melt away your dreams and you see the obstacles stacked against you.
When the obvious seems remotely possible and dreams appears to be just that, dreams!
When failures become the norm rather than the exception and dread a familiar foe.
Ignite your dreams again and believe you can achieve.
Let the vision of the future propel you into the promise of a better day
Believe that the past is in the dungeon of history
Let loose the ropes of dread around your loins
Step into the future with your sight set on paths littered with the colours of hope
That in deed you can.
Step into the future with renewed faith
Step into the future with renewed strength
Turn your wishes into actions
Dare to believe that anything is possible
That impossible is nothing
Dare to believe that you can.

© Deboo November 2008

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What's in your Luggage!

2008-11-02T05:38:00.000-08:00

It was about me I thought,
When you said the words that hurt that broke my heart.
It was about me when I held on to the pain your actions caused,
I will not let go I have to keep holding on.
It was about me when I decided not to let go
But to carry around the hurt and pain I felt inside.
I’ve been everywhere with it because I can’t let go.
Now I realised that I too had hurt someone long ago
And keep on hurting him if I don’t let go of my selfish pain.
I had to give you the gift I received over 2000 years ago before I was born.
For I’ve come to realise it’s not about me,
But about a love that forgave me in spite of my wrongs.

© Deboo November 2008

Today was café church at a local church I sometimes fellowship with. I am always blessed by the informal worship arrangements and have decided to worship with them every now and again.

Café church means just that; over coffee, teas, biscuit and fruits we sit in groups and discuss a topic which challenges us as Christians to think. It is more like a bible study, but the difference is it’s not on a weekday and there is very little bible reading, although the theme is always from the bible, and there is a chance for us to mixed up and fellowship!

Today’s theme was Luggage! What are you carrying around?
The focus was on forgiveness. A short video was played which really drove home the point.

This got me thinking: What really are we carrying around? What’s eating us up?
Forgiveness is not easy. It is one of the most difficult things in the world. Try telling someone who’s been raped to forgive their attacker, or an abused spouse to forgive their partner or a friend who feels betrayed to forgive their best friend.

Forgiveness does not come cheap, it is costly, and it will cost you your pride, because really, pride amongst other things is what makes forgiving others difficult. It will force us to act contrary to our human nature, because the natural thing is to want to get even.

Even when we pay lip services to forgive those who have wronged us, in truth we haven’t.
You may think you’ve forgiven someone until they show up years later and resurrect a whole cane of worms.

Have you been there? Hurt by someone dear? And you feel like sticking the knife in and make them pay? As the saying goes
“Revenge is a meal best severed cold”
Revenge should not be on the cards at all, it is saying to God I don’t trust you to deal with this situation so I’m going to handle it my way because I can do a better job!

As I watched that video it dawn on me that no matter how hard we try, people will hurt us. Like a dog that goes back to its vomit some times the same people will keep hurting us:
What should you do in those circumstances, stick around and continue to be hurt? No forgive and walk away.

Unforgiveness is a luggage that eats at us slowly.

We carry around anger, hurt, pain, rage, bitterness that keeps us chained to the past.

Let go, set yourself free and just as the bible says forgive those who wrong you, pray for those who despitefully use you.

In conclusion today we were given an onion bud to plan as a way of letting go.
The goal was to go back home and do a soul searching, let go of anyone who may have hurt us. And pray that good will come to them. When you do that without feeling the pain, you will have come into a new beginning, as we bury the bud, we are burying hurt, rage, anger e.t.c. and as it flourishes we flourish into newness of life and experience freedom that comes with forgiving others!

Relevant bible passages:
Mathew: 6:12
Mark: 11:25

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Wait!

2008-10-19T13:25:00.000-07:00

Sometimes we are faced with circumstances that seem insurmountable. We pray and perspire and wish for solutions and the answers seem so far away. We wonder and question why God, Why? It’s then we realise that we can’t always have what we want when we want it and that we will have to wait.

Waiting is not pleasant especially when you are in a hurry or you want to get something done so that you can progress to other things.
Waiting period especially for those who are impatient can be even harder than what we are waiting for.

So whoever you are, wherever you are and whatever you are waiting on God for:
This piece is straight from my heart to encourage you: that though the wait may seem endless and the vision may grow deem:
There is a wait that produces its perfect fruit of peace, which brings an assurance of hope, that doesn’t lead to despair or resignation, but to acceptance of the master’s perfect plan for our lives. So as you wait on God for your heart desires, remember he knows and is working his best for you and will bring it to pass! Wait for it even though it tarry, it will surely, come.

A glance that speaks volume
Seen, but its meaning ignored
A whisper uttered quietly, sternly,

it is heard and acknowledged with a nod.

A glace that became a stare
A whisper, that became a gossip.

These are the little vices
That pieces the heart of the one who waits

The one who waits in the shadow,
With curious glance from all who celebrate,

Wealth, love, and the fulfilment of desires
They wait with a silent prayer uttered,
In the solitude of their heart

They wait while all around move on,
To achieve feats long dreamt of,

They waits...

For that one dream that seems to fade and lingers in the distance

As the heart bleed and cry for its arrival,
But the wait continues

Not out of despair
Or fear
Not out of anger
Or sorrow
Not out of impatience
Or resignation
They wait in joy,
Abounds in hope
Of a dawn that will herald the
Arrival of their heart desires.

© Deboo October 2008.

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Release

2008-10-08T10:35:00.000-07:00

The tingling sound of fear,
Echoes through her path
From within her depths
A cry for release rise
Release from confusion within and
Turmoil without.

From within her
A muffled sound resounds,
Yeaning to be heard
A sound of familiar pain
A cry for freedom
From clutches that bind.

Alas from with her
Sprung a sound
Pure, sweet and calm
One of joy, hope and victory
A sound that conveys
Belief in the beautify of a dream
And courage in the face of adversity
A sound of encouragement to whoever hears
To dance to the rhythm of
The assurances that is heard in this sound.

Pictures by "photobucket"

Thinking of You.

2008-10-01T08:55:00.000-07:00

I know I say it often- “I love you” and that’s true,
This feeling will go on, through time, space and all eternity.
I know that sometimes my actions speaks otherwise
And makes you wonder if it’s true
But my love is boundless as the sea that overflows
And as the distance between the stars and earth is measureless so is my love for you,
Its dimension cannot be measured, its size who can tell
Its brightness shines through a dense foggy night
So too does my love for you.
When you feel down and lonely
Lost and weary, thinking no body cares
Be rest assured I’m thinking of you
And my love will come shining through.

© Deboo October 2008.

Storms!

2008-09-13T01:24:00.000-07:00

In recent weeks, we’ve listened to the forecast of storms around the coast of the American, Cuba and the shores of the West Indies and the devastation hurricane “Ike” and “Hanna” left in the Caribbean islands, the floods in the shores of India and the Asia regions. I was fascinated by the forecast as reporter after reporter bombarded us with the dreaded news of what is to come. I understand they have to report the news to make those residents of New Orleans who think they can ride out the storm think again. And did it worked! by the time the storm came New Orleans was a ghost town!

The hurricane gathered momentum and strengthens hence it is classified as category 1 which is less severe, category 2 becomes a state of alertness, category 3, which is definitely a killer hurricane and category 4 which means ……. Just think of the “Tsunami” and Hurricane “Kathrin”.

Reminds me of the storms we go through in life…. The onset of problems and issues in our lives is category 1, we feel a little discomfort, mutter a few prayers, as the problems persist and increases, we sit up and take notice category 2, and then it gathers momentum when all that can wrong begin to go wrong, bills become over due, teenage children become uncontrollable, job on the line, marriage break down, sickness strikes, friends desert us, this can be classed as category 3 “Severe” and then disaster strikes, sickness and diseases ravages, house repossessed, and all hell breaks loose, category 4….. All the while you may have been praying, fasting, calling on fellow brothers and sisters to uphold you, as you recognise you need divine intervention.

During this time our faith may be shaken, you may find yourself questioning your faith, or lack of it, you may repent over and over again of sins of the past, present and future. And until the hurricane subsides, you will go through series of emotional turmoil. It is hard to remain positive, optimistic and hopeful during such times, no matter how hard we try, but our faithful master gently stirs us safely to the shores of peaceful calm. When the tide has ended, and we look around the devastation there was, we will indeed see his hand and smile knowing that he “kept us” in the mist of it all.

So “Straight from my heart” is this piece, to encourage you whatever situation represents a hurricane in your life right now” hang in there the tide will turn, calm will be restored and with it, hope renewed in the knowledge of his love.

Fog so dense, obscuring view from beneath
Signs splash across the skies as hope fade,
Storms gather above as a deluge of rain is forecast.
At its appearing,
It washed off all in its path,
Of ferocious winds, gathering strength in its wake,
The signs are real,
The prospects are sure,
Fear instilled in the hearts of frail men.
But then, fog disappear, storm become calmer,
As the dizzyingly rain frizzles out,
Hope restored and vision becomes brighter.
As we dream again amidst the aftermath of the onslaught of rain.

Pictures by "photobucket"

Relief

2008-08-25T09:58:00.000-07:00

Melodious songs of summer
Spring forth from the shores.....

Beds of pure blue seas
Spread across a thousand miles.....

Sparrows make a wimper
As the dusk of day appear

Soothing calm of peace beckcons
Beyond the grey of a cold winter's bay.

Now the rain is ended,
Cracks appear in the skies

Of the colours of promises
Of rainbrows, that assure of peace

Now the drops are few, but it's clear and sweet as honey
For now the rain is over

Creatures come out of their nest
With a glow so bright
From the torrential pour

Feeling a freshness of being replenished
from the dought that once was.

Pictures by "Photobucket"

I Soar

2008-08-12T13:06:00.000-07:00

I spread like a butterfly and take flight in the comfort of the wind,
Carefree of the issues beneath my realm,
They abound, daily striving to over take me,
I soar high over the shores of gloom and snares,
Meandering in the garden of calm
As I nestle high, over the platitude of misery and want.
I rest from the toil without and the turmoil within
And fear not at the appearance of ill,
Indeed, its swift arrival will surely beat a hasty retreat.
I spread my wings and am carried over and above to
The place that is safe from all that causes harm.

© Deboo August 2008.

Pictures by "photobucket"

Age

2008-07-29T08:22:00.000-07:00

I’ve been thinking about growing old lately, mainly because I have my parents with me for the summer. This got me thinking, we will all grow old, by God’s mercy and Grace. I look at my dad now and wonder how he became so frail, in his time he was everywhere, working, taking care of his family, my dad worked for us, toiling endlessly, he gave selflessly to others. I remember growing up in the mist of brothers, sisters, cousins, ex-convicts, Christian brothers/sisters with no home, friends of ours, you name it, we had a constant flow of people coming and going, with one need or the other, and my dad never turned any away, he served in church and out of church he lived each day and made it count. I love him for the things he taught us.

Now he is old, I can see time closing in on him, he can no longer do the things he use to do, but one thing is certain, his love has not wane or become dim with age, he still cared as much and loved as much as he use to be then.

This reminds me of the saying in "Ecclesiastics 12:1-8" “remember now your creator in the days of your youth”, there is so much we can do while we have strength in us, this is our hay day, make the most of it, pursue your dream, do not wake up 30 years from now and look back with regret, take that holiday, finally make that career move, change jobs, relocate, get married, sign up for that volunteering opportunity, follow your dream because a time will come you will not have the strength to do them. “Now is the Time”.

Beautiful age,
When grey hairs are seen as a sign of life lived,
With years of turmoil and victories,
Seen in slow steps accompanied by grace.
Age that defies wear and tear,
Abounds with care and grow with love,
Age where seeds planted are ripen for the harvest
And blossom to become fruits of ones’ glory,
This is the age when hearing becomes faint and sight grows dim,
When limps become frail and mind becomes slow.
But this is the age when love should abound more
And cares should over shadow self,
When nothing else should matter

But living one day at a time till the last chime of lives clock

sounds….

True Friends

2008-07-14T11:50:00.000-07:00

Do you look at your friends with pity because of what they are going through, or do you look at them with love because of what they are going through?

Do you ignore someone because of the way they are dressed, or are you concern enough to start a conversation, in the hope of getting to know more about them?.
Do you choose your friends based on their social, economical/financial status, educational qualifications, family background, standing in the society or do you make friends for one reason to impact someone’s live, to be a true friend regardless of their background.
Do you regard yourself more highly than others, simply because you are "shaped right" “(in yours or the media’s opinion) or because, "you talk right", "you walk right", "you have the right kind of job/profession"? Shop in the “right” stores… Harrods, Macys, Nightingales, Harvey Nicholas, Selfridges…..? "Mix with the rigth crowd"? Or do you feel humble enough to be in the presence of others, regardless of their rightness?
Do you trust unreservedly, give unselfishly… I know most give to their churches, charities, good causes, etc. what about the woman next door? Do you know how she’s faring? Do you love unconditionally?
Do you go out of your way to help others with out really wanting anything in return?
Do you wait to be greeted before you respond or do you walk up to someone you know had seen you and walked away, pretending they haven’t?
What would you do in the above circumstances?

The glow of a candle light
The comforting sight of a rainbow
The calm on a clear blue sea
Is the appearance of a true friend
Its worth is priceless
Its departing leaves the heart cold
Its arrival eagerly anticipated
Its presence always reassuring
A safety felt in its embrace
Like fresh springs, its smile refreshing
No appearance of hate
No pretence of another
When I am with you “my friend”.

© Deboo July 2008

The Gift of a Smile

2008-07-07T12:32:00.000-07:00

it is enchanting and smooth
it changes an expressionless countanence.
giving solence to the one who receives it

it's like the blooming of a rose,
seen in the quite of the morn
an assurance of a beautiful day
it's the gift of a smile.

offen engaged in by kids,
rarely given by grown ups,
falsely undertaken unexpectedly
sometimes forcefully given

given freely,
yet rearly engaged in,
costless,
yet, rarely seen
it's the gift of a smile.

it enligthens ones demeanor
it brightens one's day
it causes a ripple effect
its an antidote to wrinkle
a costless procedure
is the gift of a smile.

Pictures by "photobucket"

And Then I prayed.

2008-06-30T03:27:00.000-07:00

And then I prayed, and spoke to my father in heaven, I asked him for things for me, for desires to be met and dreams to be fulfilled.

I talked to him about my future and the fears I had.
I spoke to him about my past and the mistakes I made.
I spoke to him about my present and the struggles to live as he pleases.
I spoke to him about his commands to treat others like myself,
I told him how hard it was.
I told him how much I wanted to speak my mind to those who have cause me hurt and pain.
I talked and talked and talked,
I told him of how worried I am that I don’t feel wanted, loved, or cared for or noticed by friends.
I told him I struggle to understand his purpose in my pain, and how hard it is to see his hand through it all.
I spoke to him about the world he created and how bad it’s become and how men are after their own ways.
I finished speaking and waited for him to speak back… He did…..

He told me of his awesomeness, of his intricate ways, how he alone fashioned the whole earth and everything in it, how nothing goes unnoticed, that the hair on my head are numbered and not one falls without him noticing.

he told me of his grace and mercy that was given when I became his child, that has kept me through the tough and rough times of my life.
He told me of his unconditional love for me, that nothing I do or don’t do will make him change is mind about me.
He didn’t only speak, he showed me the wonders in his creature, the wisdom he gave man to craft things,

The makings of the coral reef.
The small details of the ant he knows,
The magnificence of the Elephant displaying his might,
The beauty of the peacock speaks of his glory,
The strength of the lion displaying his fearsomeness.
He show me his splendour displayed in the skies,
The star that shines at night, of pure white, securely held by his word,
He show me the glory of the sun radiating in beauty too wonderful to behold….. But yet so beautiful its arrival leaves a yearning for more.
And then he said my child, I did all these.....I am aware of your fears and worries, and in time I’ll make all things beautifUL…. And your troubles will become trophies, a reminder of how you overcame…., be still, rest assured, that I’ve got it all worked out.

© Deboo June 2008.

Giving my best.

2008-06-22T04:12:00.000-07:00

It’s human to become weary at any given task, when it appears that we are not being appreciated. It is natural to just do the lease we can do and say, that’s it, no one really cares.
You see, no one ever achieved greatness, without giving and putting in that little bit extra and working at the assigned task until a perfect work is produced.

Rewards and praise are necessary ingredients to accomplish any task, but sometimes we may not receive them, so what do you do? Give up or do a really bad job? Our work is our signature, whatever is worth doing, is worth doing well. Why waste time doing a less than perfect job, if anything, its better not to start at all.
So straight from my heart is this pledge I’ve made…. To do my very best, for nothing less will ever do.

I’ll do my best at every task,
Nothing less will ever do
I’ll try my hardest at every job,
Nothing less will ever do
I’ll say my best, when asked,
Nothing less will ever do
I’ll pray my best, when called to
Nothing less will ever do
I’ll think my best out of every situation
Nothing less will every do
I’ll give my best at every call
Nothing less will ever do
And when my very best is given
I’ll rest assured that nothing else is
Left to do,
And I’ll hold my head up high
And live the rest to God.

© Deboo June 2008.

Pictures by "photo bucket"

Fear Not

2008-06-17T08:40:00.000-07:00

A gripe like steel, hard,

It cuts through the skin

Death leaves in its trail

A blaze of sadness,

Weeping and wailing.

And much more that crying

In its hold is the power of fear

That clasps tightly around

Those who are left behind…

What do you feel when you think of death? Do you feel dread? Are you scared, or do you wonder what’s next after death.

A friend of mine, recently loss the husband of just one year. They didn’t see it coming, it just happened, people feel that there must be a reason for someone’s death. Hence questions like the following are asked:

“What killed him?”
“Was he sick?”
“Was it an accident?”
“Was he/she old?”

These are valid questions, I have asked them too, but recently I’ve come to know that people just die, strange, sad or surprising as it may seem, it happens. I have come to know that. Those in the medical profession often see these things and speaking to them reinforces this fact.

We often attribute death to reasons we think are valid, maybe to make us feel better, sometimes it befits the lord to allow death for no reason, “how can you say that?” Some may think, well I don’t know, but for me that’s the most plausible reason why one will die for no reason at all, especially one as young as my friends husband, and who knows God, if God did not allow it, who did? Is it the devil? Why didn’t God stop him? It’s not that simply, I know, but would nwoing make the loss any easier to bear?

My sincere wishes go out to my friend. I pray that in the mist of the questions, the whys and cries, that the great comforter will comfort her in the way he knows best.
I pray that fear will have no place in her, I pray for strength and peace and that in time God will make known why this happened.

For those of us who morn with her, we too should be encouraged and as children of God, not be afraid of death, because it is the certain end of everyone who is alive, if Jesus tarries. And we have a hope that is sure and secured on the steadfastness of our lord, so in dying, we relocate to a better place, let this thought fill you with peace not fear

So straight from my heart…. Is this piece to encourage anyone who feels fear… to know that “God only, is to be feared” for he has the power to cause death and to bring alive.

Morn no more for the dead,
Weep no more for him who is gone
But rejoice that his departure from earth’s filthy realm
Is an arrival on heaven’s shores of peace.

See through your tears,
Set your imagination free
Let it roam freely and know
That the departed is received
With rapturous welcome at his
Entrance to the parley gates.

So you are left behind.
Fear not death, for it has no power
But fear Him who has the power to
Both cause to die and to bring back to life
Let Him be your dread,
Let Him be your peace,
Let Him be your hope.
For the fear of Him
Brings wisdom and understanding,
When faced with the certainty of death.

© Deboo June 2008.

Pictures by "photobucket"

On Bended Knees

2008-06-12T10:04:00.000-07:00

On wavering faith,

hoping and expecting,

wishing an answer would appear,

while praying on bended knees.

still on bended knees,

with sincere prayers offered from a pure heart,

of desires, birthed from long dreamed expectation

the wait continues.

As clocks chimes their last tune

and birds chimed their last sound

the watch becomes weary

the pain of it causes a shiver.

Slowly, from the place of despise a lesson is learned,

that though he bid us ask and believe

he also ask that we persist and trust

that he who feeds the sparrows

and catch a fallen tear!

He knows every want and care

and sees every prayer altered amidst a cloud of fear!

This assurance abound

that he will surely come,

however, when, we don't know

but of this I've learned,

that my role....

to be on bended knees

His? To answer anyhow!

There was once a widow and two children who lived in humble surroundings. The mother was sickly and could not make a living for the children.

Every night she knelt by the rough frame of a bed, covered with thin sheets and hand stitched quilts, and prayed a simple prayer: "Lord, please provide enough for my children to eat." Every morning the mother would make her way down the dark hall to the meagre kitchen. She would get the burners lit and place the pans on the stove, though she knew she had nothing in the cupboard to fix for her children. Then she would look out the front door, all the while a prayer in her heart, and just as she expected, there were the day's provisions over in the right corner of the rickety porch. She would joyfully make her way to the "treasure-filled" sack and find there just enough food for the day.

Back into the kitchen she would go her steps a little higher and a new lift in her voice as she called to the children, "Rise and shine", children. Time for school, “breakfast will soon be read”

The days passed in procession, each bringing with it a "treasure filled" sack to the humble surroundings of the widow and her growing children. As the needs of the children increased with age, so the provisions equally increased.Then, one day the little widow began to ponder in her heart. "Who brings those groceries? I never hear anything. The sack is always there. Maybe some morning, I could arise a little early and see."

So the next morning she got up a little earlier than usual. She made her way quietly to the front door and stood peeping through the window, watching the right corner of the front porch. Time came to get up still there was no sign of the welcome guest. Then came the time to light the fires and get the pans ready, still no one came. The clock on the mantle continued its steady ticking. It was not time for the children to get ready for school, yet she continued her vigil. Yet, a fruitless one it appears to be, for no guest came that due lit morning.

The little widow turned sadly from the door way, a heart felt lesson resounding in her being. “My job” she thought is to pray. His is to answer. How he wants to do it, is his decision…..

Picture.. "By Photobucket"

Embrace Me

2008-06-05T01:06:00.000-07:00

It is true that what goes around comes around; if you want love show love, if you want peace, try to pursue peace at every opportunity, if you can’t pick up your phone and call close friends and family, don’t’ expect the same. People want other’s to treat them, right, but not returning the same.

I wish life was that simple, what we expect to see around us, we have to be. People are more suspicious of others, we don’t pop in to chat with the neighbours, we keep to ourselves, we are fearful, I know evil abounds all around us, but if we truly seek to find good in others by our kind deeds and thoughtfulness, we will in turn be treated in like manner, making the world a much better place.

You all know the saying, be the change you want to see around you….. So straight from my heart is this piece hoping that will we embrace each other with genuine tots of love and acts of kindness….

Embrace me with a smile
Not with stare of scorn and pity
For in your smile
I feel a fire of love
And peace divine

Embrace me with touch of warmth
Not with cruel hands of strife
For the warmth of it will bring calm and
Drive away all fear

Embrace me with words of wisdom
Not of vile remarks or phase
Your words will make easier
A heart in need of comfort.

Embrace me with your love
For in it I find my place
Of rest, secured in your embrace
I can truly embrace others too.

© Deboo June 2008

Pictures by "Photobucket"

What time is it?

2008-06-01T13:44:00.000-07:00

Prayer is so simple there are no strict rules attached, all that is required is an open heart of faith, believing that when you pray God hears, talk to God daily, as you wait for the bus, as you sit in your desk, for me I find myself saying things like… thank you lord, you are good lord… O, I love you lord…. Help me lord…. While it is important to have a quiet place of retreat where we can be alone with him, talking with him regularly during our daily task, it helps builds up the anticipation when we are alone with God….. so Straight from my heart is the piece As we embark on 30 day journey encouraging you to talk to God any and every time.

Work, sleep, walk run,
Do all you can, but lay down your hurry,
Take up his hands for to thee it is lend
Seek him now, for it is time.
Tend your field: your job, family, issues,
But nay, not this time,
For now we sow in order to reap bountifully,
Basketfuls of grace, mercy and righteousness from his hand
For it is time to seek the Lord, time to lay hold and take hold
Of the abundance prepared for us before the beginning of ages.

On A Journey

We embark on a journey
Taking tools needed for daily living
We are prepared
We are ready to take off and lay off
But ready or not we are on a roll
To a place that is not seen in the natural
Yet grasped in the spiritual
We wait for no one,
But the one on whose arms we lean
Ready or not we embark-
To lay hold and take on
That which is long envisioned and seen
In the realm of the supernatural

All rights reserve © Deboo June 2008

Good out of Evil

2008-05-29T11:31:00.000-07:00

Fallen trees, lay naked
Rain takes their toil on earth,
Leaving muddy soils, and slippery slopes
Cries for help ring out,
As birds flap their wings, looking for nest,
But for the destruction their homes lay waste.

Not a cry for nourishment,
But one for lost ones,
Swept away by the fierce wind of
Nature’s hand.

I am sure most of us are aware of the unfortunate earthquake that rocked china, and Burma. The news is full of sad stories of families and entire generations washed away by this tragic event, but one story struck me. It is that of a pregnant woman, buried underneath the rubble. She was found alive and gave birth to a baby girl the people of the village saw it as a good sign and that gave them hope.
Storms of life will blow and we will be faced with moments of confusion that causes so much pain.

It is difficult to look up and be hopeful when facing difficult situations, encouragement often times is taken with a pinch of salt…. Like saying hmm…. I’ve heard it before, but out of chaos and trouble can come good. I am not saying that we should pray for bad things to happen so that we can see good, but if truth be told, some of us have looked back at a difficult situation and smiled because we now see the good, which we didn’t see at the time.

It is important to remain hopeful in the mist of our trials and difficulty, to stay connected with families and friends, and more importantly to God the heavenly father who feels our pain and is working something out for our good. While the reason for our pain may not be clear now in time we will come to see why and look back with a smile…. So straight from my heart is this piece to encourage anyone who feels that it is over and can’t find the strength to go on…. Just hang in there…. Maybe just maybe, good is lurking in the shadows.

Then came a cry, the sound of life from the depths of pain
A life birthed in the mist of disaster but
Signifying hope

A life that has brought consolation to many a soul
A life seen as good, for it came out of the evil there was
Out of the chaos,
A life….. Signifying there is newness in every state of despair and
Hope renewed in the knowledge of this newness of life

© Deboo May 2008.

"pictures from photobucket"

Tear drop in the rain.

2008-05-20T03:37:00.000-07:00

Swirling winds, blowing around,
Thunderous sounds rings through the air
Beneath the shadows,
A figure lay
Rugged clothes hung on his back
His head droop to his chest,
His doom loom
His future blown away, it seems with the wind
From his face drops a tear,
It goes unnoticed in the rain
His muffled sound mingled with the thunderous sounds
Not heard by frail men
As time passes
The rain ceases,
His gaze clears now,
But his tear remain
Only now in the dept of his soul
Seen only by one who is touched by his pain!

I’ve heard this words time and time again “we’ve all go issues”, “everyone has problem”. Even the bible says it all; man that is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble. But there are some people whose issues when told…. Leaves us speechless, speechless because of the severity, we feel helpless and sad because we cannot begin to understand how a being like us is able to go through such pain and still find the strength to go on.

You may not be faced with terminal illness, or natural disaster, but to you, your issue is as severe as that of the man face with the grim news that his wife will pass any time soon, with a terminal illness, or the guy in china who has lost all in the earthquake. Put things in perspective, and don’t be too engrossed by your pain, be thankful for your pain, yes, be thankful, because if you were asked to exchange your trouble for someone else’s, chances are that you’ll say no, why?

Because you don’t know what you’ll be exchanging it for and you’ll rather deal with what you’ve always dealt with than to be faced with totally new sets of troubles. So be thankful and spare a thought for those whose pains are so burdensome they’ll rather cry in their heart than share their pain……

All rights reserves© Deboo May 2008

Relevant bible references:
proverbs 17:5
Job 14:1
"pictures by photobucket"

"The Still Small Voice"

2008-05-08T02:16:00.000-07:00

A daily scurry of task
Like flights on a busy air strip
Each important, can’t wait
A voice speaks
Not resounding loudly,
It’s ignored, albeit not intentional.

Many times in life we are faced with choices, and have to make a decision as to which one to choose, often we are torn between two ‘important’ decisions and if care is not taken can make the wrong choice. Making a decision involves careful planning and consideration. Weighting both pros and cons of the choices we are faced with. Often time the outcome of one may seem more attractive making it easier to settle for it, but we have to be careful and look beyond what we can see. I believe that many of lives problems and regrets will be avoided if we had waited a little bit longer, hesitated a little bit and research a little about past actions and choices. Some decisions are made from pressure, societal pressure, family pressure and even pressure we placed on ourselves, again consider the facts, weight each decision carefully and prayerfully ask God for guidance.
He is always speaking to us in different ways, some can hear him audibly, he speaks through people, but sometimes his voice goes unheard because it is still, quiet, gently, not forceful but persistent. To hear the “still small voice” we have to sieve our minds of things that cloud our thought so that the still small voice can be audible amidst the chaos of life.

It does linger on,
Many times till life’s passing,
Yet it goes unheeded.

It’s the “Still Small Voice”
Always present, prodding, luring, whispering
To the ears of our heart
Sometimes pleading….. In the most dire circumstances!

It persist, not forcefully but steadily,
Not of intensity, but subtly, persuasively,
Yet it’s downed in the hectic schedule of activities, that
Strives for attention.
Dulling our senses of hearing.
It’s’ “the still small voice.”

And as time is spent in important chores,
And errors litter the slopes of man’s path,
It may become clearer “amidst the haze of chaos”
Only then heard loudly what for long
Was a whisper “The Still Small Voice”.

I find my solace in refreshing streams of quiet sounds
As I wait to hear from the wisdom that flows from your heart
Fill my ears with truths enough for each day
And when at even tide I lay to rest,
Do speak lord for your servant hears.

© Deboo May 2007

Pictures by "photo bucket"

What's your life worth?

2008-04-29T00:26:00.000-07:00

I am not a preacher but I just feel the need to write this:

In Acts 20:22-25 we see Paul going to Jerusalem.
The Holy Spirit had warned him that he faces prison and hardship: but still he was not moved, you see a greater force was pulling him, that of reaching the unsaved for Christ!
How daring, he considered his life of no worth, imagine the audacity of the man, his worth to him was doing what he has been called to do.
This passage struck me, although the Holy Spirit knew what Paul will face on his trip, God did not avert the danger, but rather he allowed Paul to continue.
God who has all power to do anything, didn’t stop the danger, he only warned Paul! I would have expected the Holy Spirit to go ahead of Paul, made every crooked way straight and pave the way for the gospel to be preached after all he is going on his father’s mission to win more souls for the kingdom!
This got me thinking: God will allow things to take their natural cause, perhaps God wanted the rest of the people to see what selfless service is, he wanted a lesson to be sent out to the congregation that even though he can save us and deliver us from the evil that abounds, he also wants to bring something more out of us, what true worship is.
Perhaps, he wanted to see what Paul would do having warned him, would he back off given the threat? Or would he continue. Thank God Paul continued!

What’s your life worth for him? What would you do for him if you knew you’ll be killed in the process? Will you draw back or would the urgency of kingdom duty be a greater lure….. Would you go regardless or would you pray and ask for a thousand angels to be dispatched to protect you? Would you still go if after praying the answer is “danger still abounds”. What would you do! Would you think it ‘was made known so you won’t go or would you say I’ll go regardless? Would you walk the same, talk the same and act the same? What’s your life worth? What have you done for him lately that reflects selfless service?

A fire that burns, deep within,
Consuming my bones,
It leaves me restless.
It’s a desire for souls,
A passion for the loss,
To share the story of love that embraces all,
Both sinners and saints.

© Deboo April 2008.

Earth's Day

2008-04-22T05:23:00.000-07:00

Today is earth's day and this got me thinking about the wonders of God’s creation:

We see it in the trees.
In the leaves, that blooms at spring
We see it in the glory of his creature,
Great and small
Too numerous to count
In the vastness of the sea,
Wherein contained his works
Awesome in beauty

We behold it in the wind
Of power, showcasing the maker’s might
The earth abounds with the signature of a
Master builder:

The earth, man’s domain
To tender and keep…..
To discover and use
Of resources deposited
To meet every need

O how wonderful is the work
Of the creator,
Both seen and unseen
The greatness of the waves
The towering might of the mountains
The splendour of grass spread out in the field…..
The comforting sight of the rainbow
The indescribable beauty of love
These and more declares the
Glory of the maker!

All rights reserve....
© Deboo April 2008.

pictures by "photobucket"

A Pound Here, A Pound There

2008-04-21T22:21:00.000-07:00

Gosh! I am too fat, I’ve gained a pound over the weekend. I’m on a diet, which means that I can't eat certain food….. My desire is to gym thrice a week, but I’m too tired after work it’s just so hard…… sounds familiar? have you heard this saying "where two or three women are gathered, all they talk about is their weight". Most people I know have tried to loose weight, but to no avail, instead the pounds keep piling on. We all want to loose something, don’t we? Unless you are a perfect size zero! I know my desired ideal weight, just to be a little bit thinner than I am now! but O! It’s so hard. Not with a little bit of pop corn and chocolates along the way! But I am not giving up the fight, it’s a daily struggle to watch what I eat, yes not to abstain for abstinence leads to binge eating, so a decision I’ve made? Every little helps!

An endless quest for perfection
My desired weight to achieve

Just to be a little bit thinner
Then content I would be

O! To lose "a pound here, a pound there"
What Joy then I’ll have,

To reach my perceive idea weight
Will be a dream fulfilled

Little wonder then, my dream at last I see
But only to think! "Alas I’m still too fat"….
What good then is my quest?
If am still not content?

A pound here a pound there
Surely, an obsessed desire.

And if truth be told
I need a little bit of help
Not of pain
But of life’s "sweet delights"!

© Deboo April 2008