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.  

World Without Words

Words can hurt

Words can heal

Words can create 

And they can destroy

Words can encourage

And they can be demeaning

Words can be soft or can be stern

Words can kill and can bring to life

Words can ignite hope and can diminish same

Words are powerful because we speak.

Now imagine a world without the spoken word, imagine if children do not hear hateful demanding words from peers, parents or teachers, 

Perhaps we won't have adults with diminished self esteem, depression and multiple personalities, 

Imagine if we had not told that gossip, we won't have a friend hurt by the tale of another. 

Words permeate, they dissipate and illuminate. 

On the other hand, If there were no words we will not hear encouraging, uplifting, positive and character building words. 

So a world without words would have been a world without life, vision or purpose. Because words creat vision, purpose and action. 

See proverbs 25:11: a word fitly spoken Is like apples of gold in pictures of silver?

" wow ever seen apples of gold"? 

I have seen Christmas bubbles shaped in apples of golden ornaments, they are really pretty, a word spoken at the right time is beautiful, creative and elevating, enticing and uplifting. 

Sometimes our unspoken words hurt, refusing to give an encouraging word when needed or refusing to gently scold when needed Or refusing to make a call when needed, can cause more damage than spoken words. 

Let's choose to speak words that restores hope, faith, belief, love, words of praise, encouragement and edification. 

Sift your words because it has immense power.,

So choose your words carefully but nevertheless speak. 

Ask God to bridle your tongue against sinful words, unintentional hurtful words. 

What Makes You Happy

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. 

Kids, they are the cutest innocence creatures God created

This got me thinking about what makes us happy?

 

We are happy when we have a good summers day

We are sad when it is winter, it's cold or it's a rainy wet day

We are happy when we hear good news 

And 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 around other unhappy people we wear an unhappy expression.  Which is sometimes necessary in funerals and weddings. 

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. 

We are created with emotions of being happy or sad, nothing wrong with that. 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 people are overly unhappy. 

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. 

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. 

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, once they infect you, it spreads fast infecting 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 peace shores. (Of course, if you have suffered the loss of a love one, it is normal to grieve for your loss, 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, do a embark on a soul searching excise, find out the reason for your state of sadness, address them, with 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 as it rings out its worship call

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 in the dark

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 

Whatever makes you happy maybe real or imagined.

Regardless of what it is,  be happy.  

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