Reflective Journal: on waiting.

Hey friends

I have been absent from this blog for a while. This makes me feel so bad, I have been busy writing  a second book.
Yes, a book or more like a journal for those in waiting.

Tittled “Faithful Wait” reflective journal for those in waiting.

It is for anyone who is currently waiting on God for something specific in their lives.


So, are you believing for anything in your live? Something which causes you to worry, fret and doubt?

This journal is for you.


It is designed with relevant bible passages and wise quotes to help you during your reflective time.

There are spaces for you to jot down your thoughts as you reflect. 

Please get yours now and also leave a feedback. 

Watch this space for some give away. 

God bless you. 

Link to site 

http://amzn.to/2oJMRNT

An infectious disease

I am not happy mummy, stuttered my little girl. 

Mum: why are you unhappy? 

Child: because I am sad. 

Mum: why are you sad.?

Child: I don't know. 

Mum: think about it: why are you sad?

Child: with hand in mouth, a thoughtful cute expression on her face 

Suddenly smiled and said, I am happy mummy. I just want you to give me sweets...

Kids, they are the cutest innocent creatures God created.

This got me thinking about what makes us happy?

We are happy when we have a good summer’s day and sad when it is winter, cold or a rainy wet day. 

We may not think of happiness in these terms, but these things do affect our mood. 

We are happy when we hear good news sad when bad news greets us. 

Our happiness is predicated on something happening to, in and around us. Hence our daily state of being is based on our daily happenings, which determines whether we are happy or sad. 

Sometimes we are unhappy because being overly happy and optimistic is frown on by society. So in order to blend in we wear an unhappy or happy expression.  Which is sometimes necessary in funerals and weddings. 

Without knowing it this expression becomes a permanent feature of our expression.

So it is no surprise that in summer months everyone is happy because every one blends in. Same in winter months, some wear a sad gloomy, grey expression because everyone does the same. 

 If you pause, like my little girl did, ask your self are you sad?
Why?

We are created to have these emotions. However the unfortunate thing happens when we remain in a permanent state of sadness. We can't seem to be happy when something good happens to us or one else, but easily identify with ill tidings. We just cannot understand why some people are overly unhappy. 

We often avoid anyone with an infectious disease, from the mildest cold to severe cases of Ebola. We go to great lengths to avoid contact with such persons. Why then are we comfortable around unhappy people? Those whom we know are always in a constant state of being sad.  

We expose ourselves to them, become use to them and wonder why we too are unhappy. 

Why we cannot change anyone’s situation, we can influence them and be a positive image of hope.

The bible tells us to guard our hearts, for me this means being aware of threats to my state of being happy or joyous and to protect myself with the word of God. 

Do not give unhappy thoughts room to spread. They are like disease, which spreads spreads fast after infecting you. They go on to infect everyone you come in contact with, who in turn will have no choice but to blend in. 

If your unhappy state is as a result of things which happened in your past, seek help. Address these issues and try to find closure to arrive at peaceful shores. (Of course, if you have suffered the loss of a loved one, it is normal to grieve, remember your love one fondly and in time your pains will become bearable).

However, If you are one of those who are in a permanent state of being sad regardless, embark on a soul searching excise to find out the reason for your state of sadness, address them, get help. 

Pause and think, you may find that there really is nothing to be sad about. Even if there is, find joy in Christ, be assured of his promises, let them fill you with hope. 

The realisation that Christ in you is all you need, will cause you to break out in a big smile and do a dance of happiness. Embrace your present life and enjoy the sense of freedom being happy brings. 

Then think about what makes you happy or can make you happy: 

Perhaps it's the blooming of a rose in summer.  

The buzzing of the flying bees, flapping and dance to the inviting lure of sweet nectar.

Perhaps it's the chiming of church bells.

Or the pitta patter of rain drops on the roof tops.

Perhaps, it's the lapping of ocean waves rising up high, displaying the beauty of the power of creation.

Perhaps, it's the chorus of choir singing melodious tunes.

It maybe, the sight of your love ones, which causes your heart to skip a beat.

Or it's the kindness of strangers.

Or the dream of a better dawn.

And the vision of greater things to come or

The laughter of a child dancing in the rain

The quietness of dawn, heralding the birth of a new day

Or the glow of sunset, displaying its golden hue on the horizon.

Or the beautiful frosty leave on a cold winters mornings. 

Straight from my heart is this piece to encourage you that regardless of what is happening around you, do not blend in. We cannot be happy all the time, (although some people are). let's snap out of an unhappy state quickly, because the truth is, being sad or unhappy, is infectious. 

Whatever makes you happy maybe real or imagined.

Regardless, be happy.  

Psalm 146:5 Happy is the one whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD. 

Be happy. 

Don't Settle

I choose this title because the easiest thing in the world is to stop trying. 

Trying brings pain and in that moment of persistent trying without results, we are tempted to give up and quit.

I have been trying to get another job for a long time but have not been successful so far. I stopped trying for a while and lost track of where I was. I was encouraged to start again and I am shocked at how far back I have to go, to start over. 

I realised that settling and giving up takes us backwards when and if we do decide to start again. 

So my encouragement to you today is "don’t settle".

Don’t settle for a present of misery when you know your future is more than what you have right now. 

Don’t settle for a man who is less than what you envisage in your future.

Don’t settle for a marriage of abuse when you know you are suppose to have a good life

Don’t settle for second best in anything.

Settling may take the pressure off temporarily but does not bring you joy,  because you know deep within you this is not your destination. 

You may pause while trying to figure it out, but don’t stop when difficulty or pain comes knocking. 

Don’t let what's happened in your past affect you and stop you from going on with your life. 

You can begin where you right now to start over if you have settled or packed it in. 

Yes you dealt with abuse

Lost loved one

Lost your marriage

Lost your healthy

Let these become your testimony, for there's no pit so deep that God cannot reach and bring you out. 

Be humble and seek God's face for your future.

Let him carry you to your destination.

When you feel tired and want to stop ask him for the strength to go on. But do not stop, keep moving and soon you will reach your goal. 

Don’t settle but rather set your goals and set yourself up for the next phase of your life.... 

Don’t settle 

The fear factor

Someone describe fear as false evidence appearing real. 

They are right. Fear begins in the mind and develops into a thought, which when not nipped, develops into something bigger.   

I remembered waiting for an exam results, after the exams I was confident about my grades. But as I waited for the results, a thought began to develop in my mind, “what if I fail”? I couldn't shake off this thought.The mistake I made was that I gave it room to fester.

Each time the thought came, I would analyse all possible scenario, what if I do not make the expected grades? 

What if I actually failed the course? 

What if, what if? 

I kept analysing the worse case possible and the more I did that, the more fearful I became. Days before the results, I decided to do something, I wanted to be free from fear but felt powerless against it. 

By the time the results came I had worked myself into a state where I was so drained by fear I couldn't be bothered to celebrate my success. 

Here are 5 I ways I learnt to deal with fear 

Go to the word: When fear shows up: go to the word. Remind yourself of God’s word. Do not forget it. Write it in the middle of your heart. He has promised to strengthen you. Ask him for strength to overcome fear. Ask him to help you wait if you are waiting for something specific. And to show you what to do while you are waiting. 

Resist it: resisting fear is one of the ways we can control our thought. You can resist it by speaking out loud, “I am not afraid”.  “God has not given me the spirit of fear”, ‘but of a sound mind’. Say it as often as fear shows up and soon you will be begin to experience freedom from fear. 

I wrote it down, I found this scripture encouraging so much so that I wrote it down, somewhere I can see it. I read it loud first thing  in the morning until it became a of me. 

I meditated on it and other scriptures which reminded me of God’s great deliverance from fear. This helped me imagined a different outcome as I began to meditate on the word, a new picture of success started to develop in my mind’s eyes. 

I prayed about it: part of resisting fear involves writing scriptures down and meditating on it, this often leads to prayer, I became bold enough to come to my father in heaven and ask him for strength to deal with fear, I reminded him of his word “Fear not” I am with you, Be not dismay, I am your God I will strengthen you,  I will help you ,  I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”

In what areas of your life have you allowed fear to paralyze you? 

Maybe you are waiting for the news of that interview, or waiting to receive a medical report or just uncertain about your life in general. Has fear been your constant companion while you wait? Have you come to a point in your life where you feel helpless against fear? 

Go to the word

Resist fear with the word

Write the word down, read it daily to become a part of you

Meditate on the word: so whenever fear show’s up, you can refer it to the word, and imagine a different picture from what fear is showing you. 

Pray. 

Employ this five ways and watch fear’s grip on you loosen, and soon you will be harmed to deal with every fiery thought of fear.

“Fear not”” has become my slogan”

Now whenever I feel fear, I call on the word. His word is love and he said perfect love cast out fear. So I speak in the word and fear is displaced For each worry I have a scripture. 

I encourage you to immerse yourself in the word and draw from its well when fear rears its ugly head. 

Relevant scriptures reading 

John 14.27

Isaiah 35:4, 41:10

Matthew 6:34

Psalm34:4, 27:1,

My Facebook Life

My life in pictures. 

Someone said to me yesterday, I like your life in pictures. Referring to my FB post. 

I wish I have time to have fun like that. 

This was food for thought? 

What do we really have time for now? 

I have really enjoyed my time off work as a result of the school holidays. I do things with my family normally, but this was special, something was different because I decided to let go of every stress and really just be in the moment, to stop worrying  about the millions of ideas and things I have to do. 

To enjoy every moment and go back to the simple things I love. 

Which are to spend time with good friends, my family and God. 

I really felt a release as I was not pulled in Several directions. I am able to focus on my projects without pressure or strain of performing. 

This was a big relief for me and I came to the realisation that my life in picture may be great, what matters is my life behind the click of a Botton. 

I am happy and grateful, I really am. My life may not be perfect but I am at peace. 

Life's journey consists of the little details which brings us joy, 

The sorrows we face which makes us strong.

The struggles we strive to overcome.

The pride of succeeding at every small venture.

The node from a loved one which speaks volume.

The silence of friends who understands your pain.

The strength of comfort we give others. 

Our life in pictures may not always mirror our daily existence, but they are ours nonetheless, in that moment, in that place where we are happy, nothing else matters.

You may not leave your life on display, regardless, set time to love deeply, care truly and serve sincerely. That's what matters. 

Treat your off Facebook friends as you would your Facebook friends.

Guide your heart jealously, protect it from stress, pressures and unhealthy thoughts.

Release yourself to hope, faith and love, let go of the burdens of expectation, focus on being the best picture of you, the one which  brings real joy to others. That's the picture which matters. 

Yes, my in picture is great but my life off picture is unbelievable awesome. 

And for that I am eternally grateful. 

I Am Adopted.

Yes you heard that right. I didn't know this until a few years ago. I certainly didn't know what it felt like to be adopted as part of a big family, because I was always treated the same as the first born. 

One of my best friends recently adopted a child, prior to the adoption being finalised, the anticipation was at peak levels. It took years of meetings, paperwork, meeting other kids to finally decide to adopt this beautiful child. 

Finally, the day came and their child came to stay with them. 

A new chapter began in their lives. Not only was she given a new home, She was given a new identify, new hope,  new future and a new inheritance. She's treated the same as the first born. A big brother who adores her. 

This was what I found, about my adoption. 

I was chosen before the foundations of the earth. In Christ, he saw me and set me apart for himself. So, when I accepted him as saviour, I stepped into my position as a daughter. "Adopted daughter".

I was given a new home, a new name, a new heart, a change of identity and a new inheritance. 

Just like  my friend's adopted child. I shared everything equally with the first born "Jesus". I was treated the same. Adore by my big "brother", protected, shielded, and loved. 

This adoption was made possible by His death, he signed the paperwork with his blood. His meeting place was hell, where he met with my old keeper to secure my son ship. 

His death was the passage through which I secured my inheritance, I am able to cry Aba father, because he died and rose again. 

My adoption guarantees life, wealth, safety, hope, peace, love, joy, relationship

And a place in heaven. 

I see the special relationship my friend has with her daughter, the joy, this has brought. This makes me know what joy I bring my father. 

You too are adopted, step into your position as a sons and daughters, you are joint heirs with Christ because he secured your position to your inheritance by blood. 

The next time you see an adopted child, smile, because you are one. 

Happy Easter. 

The Best Unanswered Prayer.

It was getting to that time, he knew it, his friends knew it too. 

Soon he will be gone or will he really?
Will Judas change his mind, will come to himself and not go through with it?

Maybe HIS father will figure out another way to save this world.
This world full of pain, woe, rejection and much more. 

How can they treat him like this?
What did he do apart from healing their sick?
Rising their dead, restoring sight to the blind,
Giving hope to the hopeless. Humans, how cruel. Yet I am the sacrifice for them?

‘Father find another way’. This prayer went unanswered.

At weddings he provided when they ran out.
Talk about feeding people, refreshments were always in abundance at his gatherings.

How can his acts be all bad? Just because he said he is the son of God. Father let this cup pass. No response. 

Surely His works spoke for him?
Who amongst those he'd helped will defend for him.
He knew Peter was flaky, quick to act and defend him.
But he also knew Peter, O, dear Peter was going to deny him.

Who does he have left?
Gosh, “Father let this cup pass”. 

Find another way. You can do all things. Silence.

What do you think was going through the mind of Jesus days leading up to the cross?
Jesus was in the world as a man so he may have been worried and unsure. We are told he was tempted in every way, as a man. So my guess is, all kinds of thoughts passed through his mind. Thoughts like those mentioned above.

We had a peek into his mind at Gethsemane, when he told His Friends, 
“My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death”. He was thinking about the Cross.
This was one prayer his father was not going to answered, because Jesus has to DIE. That is the rescue plan for man’s redemption.

Have your prayers gone unanswered? I belt you too have sought God’s face a few times, and silence is all you got. You know all things work together for good, but right now, you’d rather quit, than face the pain you are experiencing.

Have you stopped to think? Maybe he wants you to go through the pain of waiting to reap the joy of coming out as pure gold. Just as the prayers of Jesus to the father was met with silence, his death on the cross turned out to be the best unanswered prayer. 
Remember he said in Romans 8:32 “he who did not spare his own son, but gave him up for us all, how will he not also along with him graciously give us all things”?

Go through with it. His plans are the best laid plans.
You may not have a clear answer to your request right now, be rest assured he’s given his son for you…he will along with him bring your hearts desires to pass

Read more Easter Article here: Taken, Take 2, Taken 3

The next 3 days, Betrayal,

March On

Seeing the roses bloom, seeing faces come alive,

watching their expectant,

tells me spring has sprung

the year marches on
we continue on with our daily task,
some brings hope
others despair

I still see an end,
filled with promises of gladness

Am anchored to his promises

of comfort and strenght in times of need

I stay close to the anchor

and place all wishes at his feet.

Say, March on in faith,

not wavering or yeilding to defeat.

and if at the end your hopes still waits,

Do wait, it will surely come.

Infertility: Dealing with Festive Periods

Seasons of the year can be difficult when you are facing infertility. I remember dreading the approach of celebratory seasons, I just hated the attention given to all women on Mother’s day in particular. I was of the opinion that only mums should be celebrated, not all women, and so to avoid being part of any kind of celebrations. I usually prepare an excuse for my absence at any gathering.

I remember avoiding any sort of gathering during Christmas, Easter, or mothering day

Mainly because in my church and most churches there's always something to do with kids and mothers/mothers to be. At my then church, kids put up a performance for mothers, flowers are usually handed out to all women, young or old.

Either way I did not fit. (so I thought at the time) I always felt uncomfortable every time I received a happy Mother's Day card from one of my God children. I knew they were sent with good intentions but I just felt sorry for myself and made excuses for my absence.

I am not a mother I reasoned, I wonder why they have to keep inviting me. Do they feel

Sorry for me, this was purely coming from a place of self-pity.  I felt I was holding it together, but come the day, I just want to stay away from it all.

In the mist of it all, I found strength to deal. Below are 5 practical steps I took with the help of the Holy Spirit to deal with it:

Pray about my  feelings;

I got to a point where I just could not go on the way I was and I cried out to my Heavenly Father, I just opened up to him letting him know how I felt.

For a long time, nothing changed but after a while I started to notice small changes, like being at peace with myself during the service, staying calm and not thinking the reason for people’s kindness is because they felt sorry for me. Focusing on what God is doing in my life and ignoring my conflicting thoughts.

Let close friends and families know how you feel

Let them know you appreciate their cards and kind gesture but that you are really struggling to reconcile your feelings with the cards. And I am sure they will appreciate your honesty and be sensitive to your feelings during such times.

Explain your absence

Although you have a right to be absence from family and other social gatherings.

If you know your family and friends will be disappointed about your none attendance, explain to them that your absence has nothing to do with them. Reassure them that you are working through some issues and really want to spend time with God alone. Make them know that you appreciate their love and support of you.

The problem is we just don't show up and this raises more questions. 

If you do not want to explain your absence, just decline the invitation gracefully.

Engage your heart

Our heart is where our feelings and though originates from.

Deal with your heart, talk to yourself, encourage yourself with the word. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid, trust in the Lord with all your heart, stay your heart on him, because he keeps in peace all whose hearts are stayed on him. Your feelings will not go away but you will be able to deal with them better.

Be hopeful

As cliché as it sounds it is better to be hopeful about your situation then not to be. Remind yourself of God’s promise, hope will give you the faith to tell yourself they one day you too will be a mum and come to watch your child perform. Better still you will become a better you through this process. 

I began to experience a change when I yielded myself and emotions totally to him who aloneunderstands my deepest feelings. He gave me strength and courage to deal with festive periods and I hope you too can come to a place where being around mums, children and pregnant women at such times will no longer bring pain, but fill you with hope for the future.

Watch out for information of our new blog dedicated to couples who are currently going through the pains of infertility, miscarriages and still birth.

Please follow us, comment let us know if you have found value from this post and share on social media.

A New View

If someone were to ask you what your vision is for 2016, how would you answer?

Have you truly stopped to consider that question? Have you asked yourself lately? While 2016 hasn’t arrived just yet, you certainly plan on being there to experience it. It only makes sense to have a clear vision of how you want that year to unfold.

Evaluating Your Perspective

Start by examining your view of God. Perhaps your perspective has shifted because you’re still fighting the same battles or facing the same old issues. Maybe your situation has even worsened despite your cries for help.

Has the struggle diminished your view of Him? It’s easy to become indifferent or to stop seeing Him as loving and kind when life feels stagnant.

Reframing the Image

Instead, try to hold onto this image of God: a Father who is deeply passionate about you and the specific challenges you face.

As you step into a brand new year, I encourage you to intentionally adjust your lens. Dive into His Word to capture an accurate picture of His character. Remember:

• God Loves unconditionally.

• God Cares deeply.

• God Gives generously.

• God Nourishes, Comforts, and Restores.

A Christmas Promise

A child was born and the world has never been the same. Babies are good news, they bring joy, happiness and hope into the world, babies also unify the family and signify new beginnings.
I have a few friends whose babies are due anytime soon, they are both excited and anxious. This wonderful gift of life brings so much joy. 

So it was on the night that Jesus was born, Mary and Joseph travelled miles, as they did, the anxiety of what was to come increased. Mary was with child, the Holy One, the angel had said. I am sure they were anxious to find out what he looked like.  Being told that there's no room at the inn.... was not what they expected, no room for the son of God? Surely the angel should have gone ahead and warned the inn keeper to expect them, a special child to be born in a stable where the animals lay? Isn’t one’s idea of how the son of God should begin his early days. 

It is somewhat compared to current day's labour ward, where mothers are turned away as a result of overcrowding. The shock, the pain and the confusion can result in unwanted complications, hence the anxiety. 

So being turned away is not good news for any parent to be. 

Mary and Joseph made on time to the stable where the Lord was born. Having welcomed the baby Jesus into the world, they received news that he was wanted dead.... His arrival was a threat to Harold. 

This Baby somehow made it to adulthood without being killed, but only just.
The promise of this baby was not just for him to be born, heal a few and help a few.
His birth was one that changed the course of human race for eternity and is
still changing lives.

Today, thousands of years after his birth, death and resurrection, he still brings hope, peace, love and freedom to all who welcome him into their lives.
Though He was eventually killed, years after the threat hung over his head, the grave could not hold him.

Even so, today his promise will be fulfilled in your life... Nothing can stop his promise of peace and freedom in your life.

You may be going through a tough time right now, wondering if that dream was really of God, you may even have had a supernatural visitation from God, regarding his promise to you, but now you are left perplexed as every inn seems full and favour seems to have frizzle out. You wonder, if this dream is of God, surely he should have made the way straight and smooth.

There was no space in the inn for the birth of The Holy One, yet that did not stop him from fulfilling God’s desires. God will fulfil his promises regardless of any set back. His promise doesn’t come wrapped in fine gift papers and sparkling silver roses, but they are sure. 

So do not look on the temporal situation, hang your hopes on the unfailing word of the master. He goes before us and makes our way prosper.

A baby brought hope and joy to the world, that baby is Jesus, no longer a baby but the King of kings and Lord of lords, the ruler of the ends of the earth, the ancient of days, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the one who turns water to wine and rolls away the stone from Lazarus’s grave. Christmas time reminds us of God who came in human flesh to personally bring us back to Himself… do not let your circumstances fill you with dread, rather let the peace of Christ’s birth fill you with hope, faith and Peace because he truly brings Joy to the world. 

Merry Christmas.

Jesus, the Key.

Running late, I frantically looked for my car keys. I had them a few moment ago, where have I dropped them?  I muttered to myself. 

I must say, I often absent mindedly drop both my car and house keys only to end up looking for them moments before I leave the house.  

Usually, I have every other thing I need to go out, stuff for my kids, my personal and business effects, and whatever else need packing. Only to realise at the 99th minute, I don't have my keys, the most important thing which I need to get to our destination.  

Do you ever find yourself there? Running late and can't find the most important thing you need for your journey? 

It can be anything, our car keys, hand bag, an important document. 

Something you need for your everyday living.

As Christmas approaches there's the temptation to focus on everything else but the one thing which is at the centre of if all. Jesus.  

Year after year the vibe and preparation tops the previous years.  

We all run hither thither looking for something  of real worth to give our love ones, friends and family, etc. maybe just maybe they need something else, a key that unlocks all doors. Jesus. 

They are searching for something to fill a void in their lives, without knowing it. let's present Jesus to them,  the one who makes it all better, the giver of life, the hope of the hopeless, the strength for those who are weak.  

The joy of the broken hearted,  

The enabler, the redeemer of the whole world.

Stop for a minute, do you think he's worth giving as a gift to someone you love. Someone who do not currently know him? 

Maybe they do know him but are downcast, lonely, miserable and and really in need of a kind of word, a warm embrace and encouraging prayer.    

Introducing Jesus to our friends and everyone around us will help them unlock the secret to everyday living.

So even though we suffer the same trials, pain of loss of health, or a love one, we have a hope that's secured in Christ.  

One that reassures us of a better future, one that makes living right now, here on earth bearable. 

So amidst the chaotic, parade, let's invite Jesus to take centre stage in our lives because he's the reason we celebrate.  

You and I

You and I
Hand in hand
Through the rain, the stormy clouds and the darkest nights
Plodding on stronger and better
Growing deeper in love

You and I moving on
United in one goal
Advancing in purpose
Our dreams to achieve

You and I
Together as one,
Forging a bond
Of peace and unity
Of love and hope

You and I
Living each day
In the delight of each other’s present
Yielding subtly and steady
To the lure of
Of unending love.

©

Moving Time

Moving Time

I woke up on Sunday the 30th of March without realising time has move forward by one hour. I realised this when my husband commented on the fact that he'd lost an hour thanks to the clock moving forward. I checked and realised that what I thought was 7.00am was actually 8.00am

I suddenly realised that i didn't have enough time to get the kids up and ready in time for church. Then began the great rush to accomplish this task. I was very impressed as we were in church at 10.00am (new time) exactly. 

Here in the UK we move the clocks forward by one hour to welcome spring and save daylight and move it back again in Autumn to also save daylight. Moving time yesterday announces the arrival of spring. 

This got me thinking, just like that, the old time was accepted as new, just because a country decided to move it forward. Have you ever wished you could turn back time?

I think at some point in our lives, we have wished we could and do things differently, I wish I could just, with the turning of the dial on my watch, go back 10 years, there are a whole bunch of stuff I would do differently. 

Unfortunately or fortunately depending on which angel you look at it from, this is not possible, time spent can never be regained, it is lost, gone forever. 

With this in mind, it is therefore important to consciously live day by day purposefully. Doing what you would have done if you could turn back time. Merely wishing you could do things differently if you can go back in time is not enough, do what you would have done, now, if you can go back 1 or 5 or 10 years. 

For some folks it is too late or they feel they have past their time. If you feel time has gone too far to do anything about your regrets, then there's no need to go back in your mind, accept this and live in your now reality. Forgiving ones self of the mistake of the past is something we should do often. This will help us focus on now and help us live at peace with the present and embrace the future without making the same mistake we made in the past. 

I personally believe the reason we can't go back in time is because if we could, we will not do anything differently. with hindsight we often think we will, but truth is, we wouldn't.

One good thing about growing older is we become wiser and learn from our mistakes. We, hopefully have learnt a few lessons on life's journey, enough to want to make us live consciously doing  the right thing and pursuing the right goal. 

So I urge you today, live today as you would if you could turn back time,

Make no excuses  

Set yourself free from the chains which have held you bound

By refocusing your mind on the dreams  you had yesterday. 

Give them wings to take flight 

And glide on with the tide as you sail into heights previously dreamt of. 

Reality is the stuff dreams are made of, 

Dream, but consciously work to unravel that which is envisioned. 

Set free the chains which holds you bound and let the future be the now you envisioned.  

Different extremes

Towards the end of last year and at the beginning of this year,.I found myself dreading turning on the news channel, because I did not want to see another town under water. Each day I tune in hoping for better news. But the news stay the same or got worse. 

Over at States side and we saw a different picture, extreme drought in California and severe snow snows in the East Coast. Take about weather extremes. 

This got me thinking. 

What extremes are you dealing with right now. You may look out of the window of your life and see nothing but flood, drought or snow, and with each passing day the news gets worse. It may be your health, your finances, your relationship, your home, your job or some other deep personal stuff. You are having to deal with extreme of some sort and live in hope of a turn in event, for the rain to stop and the river to recede, 

You see, I have come to know that extremes are a necessary part of life, unwanted or unpleasant as it might be, we've all lived through some sort of extremes. Different though it maybe for each of us, they are extremes nonetheless. 

Like the recent flooding, drought or snow, we wait for a return to better weather. 

Straight from my heart is this piece encouraging us to cast our gaze elsewhere, look no longer on the flood that be, though you may tread the dirty muddy waters and storms of life and your reservoir of hope runs out, 

Cast your gaze to days when the storms will cease and the snow gives way to firmer ground. Be not weary O soul,

Look up for there's one who walks on stormy water, who calms the storm and and gives water that never runs dry. 

Some people make it through the storms and some cave in because it's just too much for their soul to handle anymore. Be amongst those who hold on, come out stronger, more resilient as you anchor your soul to the master of the seas. 

Different extremes, but same outcome, a respite from the storm, snow or drought. 

He's your souls succour. 

Regrets

I have been looking behind a lot lately, at what might have been if I had done certain things. In the past weeks I looked behind so much that I worked up a headache. Looking behind and wishing we would could have done somethings better is a normal process of our existence, show me someone who has not at one point in their live looked behind and I will show you a liar. 

Looking behind is called retrospection. Why do we go back to the past? We want to attain certain heights in our lives and falling this brings regret.,

Looking behind with regret leads only to one thing pain, sadness, gloom bad headache. 

For instance I wanted to complete my exams while on maternity leave, having gone back to work without achieving this. I deemed it necessary to regret this act cos in my small mind of forgetfulness I thought I had more time while I was at home. NOT. I forgot the sleepless nights which are still ongoing, the, endless chores that comes with tending to babies. So my regrets are pointless.... I have stopped looking back with regrets and now I look forward with vision, faith and hope. 

What do you look back on when you view your life over a period of time. The I wish I have done so and so, the I wish I haven't. 

Lay the past to rest, let go of the pain regret brings and look forward with hope and zeal.

The future is ahead, fresh and untainted. As the morning due and mist gives away to a bright day so too will the mist of regret move away to bring in a bright day. 

Set your gaze not on what coulda been but on what is possible. 

As you get up each day envisage the possibilities which lie ahead. 

Hindsight is good in retrospect, but foresight is needed for introspection. 

Remember the things which are seem are temporal, but the things which are not seem are eternal. 

Forgive yourself of the deliberate and unconscious mistakes of the past, press forward and onward to that which your foresight has envisage, dream it, live it and attain it. 

Regretting Rob us of gratitude, if you feel there's something in your past you could have done differently, do it now if you still can, if you can't do it, repent of it and forgive yourself. 

Whatever you do, move on, do not stay in the place which robs you of joy.

Reach forth to the things ahead. 

Happy New Year.

The end of a year is the beginning of a new year. Life is a cycle, whatever has a beginning also has an ending. 

For some the year ends with sadness, lost of hope, life, health. For others, the year aheads looks bleak, with no promise of anything good.

Happy New Year? Hardly. 

Regardless of how the year ends, the year ahead is blank and unknown, you can fill the pages of each day with deliberate acts of kindness, love, joy, and  hope.

Some things are within your control others are not, so do whatever you can and labour not on what you can't control. 

Whatever you do, let it be something you can look back on at the end of this year and be proud. 

Telling others Happy New Year and receiving same is a declaration into the year. 

Say it, expect it, believe it. 

Happy New Year. 

Heartbreak

I listened to the story and a tear drop from my eyes

Her core was split, left bare, bleeding

I saw a longing

For understanding

For hope

For rekindled relationship 

But the expressions says it all 

The it is over....

Accusations have been made.... 

This left me thinking, for all the beauty of a relationship, people can become rotten when they feel  hurt or misunderstood.

I am still trying to understand how something so nice and friendly can turn sour.... 

Heartbreak doesn't just happen in initiate relationships between lovers and spouses, it also happens when a friendship ends, when a son or daughter leaves, when a sister remains distant... regardless of the circumstances...

Yes, you've been talked about, lied about, cheated on by a good friend, left to hang dry, they were absence in your most dire need.... 

You've both tired to work things out, there's a stalemate... 

There's a misunderstanding, you are heart broken cos the relationship seems to be over.... It hurts I know the feeling... 

I've been there

Straight from my heat is this encouragement:

Sour grapes are still needed, It soothes in a weird way

Lemon though stings, still has lots of health benefit...

Broken and disappointed you may be,

Suck on your lemon and hold on to the hope of what can still be

Be the better person and still extend your hand of hope and love in the mist of your heartbreak. 

For all have sinned, remember?

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

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.

Reaching Out

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.