In the Northern Sky, the most beautiful star

Shujaa Style

2011-06-27T00:33:00.001-07:00

Puppy has grown. His finally got a name; Shujaa. He's joy is infectious. He looks like he'll wag his tail right off sometimes. Is it him wagging his tail or his tail wagging him? He's happy. The twinkle in his eye's, sheer innocence, trust; you wish noone would that take away.

But that doesn't happen.

Life takes ALOT out of us. The gleam in our eye goes out, sometimes it fades away, sometimes it just goes out like a light bulb. Our dreams dusty boxes on shelves. We can't really laugh from the depths of our belly like we used to. We can't really look at others in the eye with hope and trust because too many times we did, too many times they let us down.

But I like the reset button there is in life. The one that allows you to feel like you'll explode with joy. The one that you enjoy the new ring in your laughter. The one that lets you sing loudly, even though you're off key. The one that lets you talk and talk and talk and you like it.

The reset button lets you have a new bounce in your walk. It lets you throw your shoulders back. It lets you exhale and smile in the mirror at yourself and decree how beautiful I am, how handsome I am. I am perfect, wonderful, justas I am. My hands aren't glued to the sides of my body so I can dance!

Its a very easy button friends. Its called TRUST. Trust God's promises are true. His love is true for you. He's got good plans for you and if you are alive He's not thru with you. Being a Zombie isn't anywhere in the plans He drew up. Fullness of joy, peace, love, happiness, provision, all you need is on the menu for you. Shujaa style. Its yours for the taking.

Say enough is enough and hit the reset button swearing to yourself If i died today I'll die happy. I die with peace, with joy, with love in my heart. At my funeral, when they look at me in my casket, I'll be smiling.

Get moving people. Lets Trust. Lets trust with every fibre of our being that the best selling Book is true for me and you!

Get loosed!

Supermans' Kryptonite

2011-06-27T00:30:00.000-07:00

There's that one thing that fells giants. Even the greatest of men and women. The one smooth stone in a sling that brings them to their knees. The Kryptonite that makes Superman jelly, helpless as a tot.

We all know what our smooth stone is. The one thing that we dread would be flung our way. Betrayal, I think top's many peoples list. Some rejection. Whatever it is for each of us, the pebble sinks deeper, when its thrown from the ones we love and trust.

Maybe its done quite in error but in our human and fallen state, we hurt those we love deepest. We hurt them with what they treasure deepest. We crash their ego's, their happiness, their accomplishments, their failures, their past, their hopes, their dreams. We make them relive their worst nightmare.

In fear of dying from the one thing we dread the most, many build walls, some fortresses with electricity. Some have fiery and poisonous arrows shot out when one approaches too close. Some run. Whatever the choice of defence mechanism, fear is the driving force.

The Chinese teach that when we've mastered our fears, we are then great. I agree. It means we don't have to look over our shoulder constantly but rather we'll be looking ahead. We can hope, rejoice, forge forward. We spend less time and resources watching the security system and invest in building whatever greatness we are meant to be. We can spend less energy running and more building.

The ability to master your greatest fear is to acknowledge it, understand it, believe it can't crash you. Refuse your fear to be the driving force that gets you out of bed. Or not. You are needed out there by a world to find you in your finest form, eyes ahead, hope abundant. Trust that your back is covered.

Your pain, your fears, your nightmares will get you to your next place. Not crash you because you are bigger than them. Eyes ahead. Trust.

All things work together for good for them who love the Lord.

Go out there brave and mighty soldiers and excel!

Did You Know?

2011-06-27T00:29:00.000-07:00

Did I tell you we have a new addition to the family? Florence the hen. She's brown. She's given me three delicious eggs. I am actually having one now for dinner with the previous harvest from the farm.

Yes indeed city born girl has taken up farming! Guess you didn't know that about me. Its been an adventure, a learning process. Super sized vegetables in two months and tiny tiny ones of others 6 months later. Its about the type of seeds, I later learnt. Tears of joy at the birth of bunnies, tears of frustration at their death. The cycle of life in your hands, so to speak, gives you a new perspective of life.

There are many things we don't know about people. For various reasons and its ok. I think their best kept secrets are of their pain. Their midnight tears, their fears, their regrets. I'll personalise this.

You and me walk out there trembling, screaming on the inside. But the toys, the clothes we hide behind provides a super facade and some but few know of the true anguish we go thru.

But do they really know? Do they really understand? Maybe not. Maybe because best as they may try, your pain isn't quite what they can understand. Some pretend to understand, some simply don't care. Well, either way, its still is real. The pain still is yours.

Now one thing we'll never, ever share is the doubt that our faith is suffering from. That the faith is wavering. A cloud is looming.

Never, ever will this be vocalised because, well, I guess we fear we'll loose face with those who believe we have 'real faith'. Or maybe because we're afraid those who have taunted us for the longest will have a field day knowing there's weakness in this faith you speak boldly of.

Even to God we can't admit we are having doubts. We sing songs, quote His word but like a nagging fly, doubt hovers.

Noone really knows. Noone, so we think but I think God knows. He knows in our human fraility its easier to trust the seeds we can see, touch and plant and then harvest, than invest in faith that His promises are true.

Can we confess to God our doubts and still have favour? Will He love us less or does He smile gently and knowingly like a father to his doubting child?

I think we can confess our doubt, apologise about it. Surely our fallen human nature comes with that manufacturing fault.

Lord, even though we sing Great is Thy Faithfulness with hearts and tears of doubt and shame of our doubt, Lord forgive us. You still remain Lord. You still love us.

2011-06-27T00:24:00.000-07:00

Moses must have been one frustrated dude. His people are in bondage they half like it because anyways do they know otherwise? Also the Pharoah doesn't want to let them go and God has even hardened his heart just to add onto the already daunting task. God has called Moses out of the desert where he'd rather be at this point and he's having his own doubts whether he can pull this one off. Leave alone the logistics of moving about 4 million people to a new place, he had their hearts to deal with. Why should we move? Its just fine right here. What does he know anyway of this promised land? He's never been there anyway? What does He know of our suffering? He's been in the desert cause he's too coward to do our work etc

Moses must have had death threats as well.
Fear by day by night. But he had to do it. He was called, chosen. He could have chosen to give up but he had a passion for too many years now in his heart for his people. Try as he may to ignore, his people were in bondage. They died before their time, they didn't know fullness of joy, they didn't know of God's love, His blessings, His face. Pharaoh had nothing to loose having God's people in bondage. He had everything to gain. 400 years, it even seemed the normal way of things. Why change the status quo?
Not by any fault of his own, his brother Aron didn't really buy into Moses's passion. So he couldn't carry out his dream. He spoke on Moses's behalf to the King, he acted on his behalf when Moses went to the mountain. But he only spoke the words Moses gave him. He didn't speak from his heart, from his own passion. He couldn't. Aron compromised with Israelites when moved from their comfort zone to doing things based on faith. Based on obedience. But the peoples hearts got in their own way. They did what they knew best and fed their selfish needs. Moses will never need to know if we don't tell.
Moses was raving mad and I totally feel him when he broke the tablets. I'd have done the same. Don't these twits see its not for me but its for God?

The same God who got them across nothing humanly possible in the parting of the Red Sea.

The Israelites had seen signs and wonders over and over again but these guys were not getting Moses's mission. Arg!

But Moses did what he needed to do and didn't quit despite his own self doubts. Despite the evident hearts of doubt from the Israelites and Egyptians alike. Neither did Christ. Both Moses and Christ saw to the end the freedom of God's loved people and they didn't die until their mission was accomplished. Then the people finally got it!

Moses and Christ were here to really to give us the life we should have. We are set apart, loved, chosen, not needing to be in bondage. Free.

There's not going to be another Christ, another Moses. We can be the complaining, murmuring Israelites casting doubt on his credibility and even his ability, his intentions. We could even spend our lives committed to debating Moses or Christ and his mission.

The bottom line is that we are loved by God. He intends for us to live life in fullness even in the trials of life.

Whats asked of us is 2 things; trust and obey. Thats it. Run out of excuses for being in Egypt. On sitting on the fence. Of living in misery. Say enough is enough, say you want to live in freedom and listen to Moses. Forget the meat you ate in Egypt, manna is even better for your health. Make sacrifices. Forget the gods you served. What did they give you but temporary relief? But did they ever see you to a great future eventually? Worship God with your body and mind and soul to whom declares He has a great future for you. Quit complaining the rules are too strict and obey them so you can be stretched to all you can be.

There will be no other Moses, no other Christ so today I'll call it what it is and speak directly, now is when to Trust and Obey God who loves you.

Divine Valentine

2011-06-27T00:20:00.000-07:00

A Valentine may play a love song for you, but God sings you the sweetest love song in the universe.

The Lord your God... will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. Zephaniah 3:17

A Valentine may give you flowers, but God sent you the most beautiful rose of all. Jesus.

I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys.
Song of Solomon 2:1

A Valentine may bring you chocolate, but God provides you with something even sweeter, His Word.

How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Psalm 119:103

A Valentine may love you for a lifetime, but God loved you before you were born and will love you for all eternity.

Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love...with lovingkindness I have drawn you. Jeremiah 31:3

Praying you're blessed by the wonderful love of God this Valentine's Day and always

You Are!

2011-06-27T00:18:00.000-07:00

I want to help you learn to confess your faith, and then let that confession lead to life change so that it demolishes your old way of thinking and gives you a new way of thinking about life, God, yourself, hardship, your family and your world.

And here’s how to do it: Stop confessing lies. Confess your faith! Say the same thing God says about you. Let it change the way you think . . . and it will change the way you live.

Here are some things the Bible says about you that need to become things you say about yourself. Start every day by confessing these truths --

My Faith Confessions

I am crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. (Galatians 2:20)
The Son has set me free. I am free indeed! (John 8:36)
My body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 6:19)
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13)
He who began a good work in me will be faithful to complete it. (Philippians 1:6)
There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)
Nothing can ever separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:38-39)
In all things God works for the good of those who love him. (Romans 8:28)
God is faithful. He will not let me be tempted beyond what I can bear. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
My light and momentary troubles are achieving for me an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (2 Corinthians 4:17)
He is able to do immeasurably more than all I ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within me. (Ephesians 3:20)
God is for me! Who can be against me? (Romans 8:31)

When you say what God says (confession), you begin to think what God thinks (repentance). So let this be your confession of faith. And let it be the foundation on which you build your new life.

This is not the power of positive thinking. It’s not your good thoughts that will turn your life around. God’s power will turn your life around. He’s just asking you to believe he is who he says he is, believe you are who he says you are, and then live like you believe those things.

Does that mean bad things will stop happening? No. But it does mean you will experience many more victories than losses because the Word of God is at work in you.

Buddy Owen

What Did God Say

2011-06-27T00:16:00.000-07:00

Lasting change doesn’t start with you. It starts with God. And it all begins when you say, “Yes Lord, I’m taking you at your word.” God isn’t asking you to make a promise that you can’t keep. He is asking you to receive a promise that only he can keep.

When you confess your faith, you are receiving God’s promises into your life, and he always keeps his promises. When you confess your faith, you are taking God at his Word, and you can!

He loves you – you have his Word on it (John 3:16).
You are forgiven – you have his Word on it (Psalm 103:3).
You belong to him – you have his Word on it (Romans 1:6).
He will never leave you or give up on you – you have his Word on it (Hebrews 13:5).
He will meet your needs – you have his Word on it (Philippians 4:19).
He has a plan and a purpose for your life – you have his Word on it (Jeremiah 29:11).

As you build your life on the Word of God, he will truly make you into a new person – a total makeover from the inside out. And what God starts, he will finish.

“I am convinced that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it through to completion” (Philippians 1:6 GWT).

Your responsibility it to confess it. Let it renovate your life. “Be made new in the attitude of your minds.” But let me warn you: expect to be challenged. The Devil doesn’t want you to be free, so he will whisper old lies to you. He’ll try to discourage you and accuse you. He will bring up your past to haunt and harass you. But, as Greg Laurie says, “Whenever the Devil tries to remind you of your past, remind him of his future.” And start confessing your faith.

What lies do you still believe? What is keeping you from walking in the freedom and joy of the Lord? Start declaring the truth of the God’s Word and then act on that truth.

And that will truly make a new you.

Buddy Owen

Make Not Break

2011-06-27T00:13:00.000-07:00

Kitty has fully recovered. He's not the same. His stomach is protruding further. He's more secure, more content, definitely more protective. He won't be shaken and sticks by me faithfully. One comment was he's a guard cat.
Many times, we're never the same after a painful encounter. I learnt recently, we shouldn't be...almost a transitional, celebrational point. However insane that may seem, our pain isn't for nothing.
I've struggled with mine. Everyone does. Today I heed a stern word of caution. Treat other people's pain carefully. Don't underrate it, underplay it, tell them to get over it. Their pain is real and honour it as such. Everyone hurts and to treat their pain gently means they will treat others kindly with their pain or else we'll let someone will die from their pain in more ways than one. Let people be all they should be and don't let their pain break them so they die. Walk with them.
I swear Kitty will answer me in English one of these days. He seems to appreciate it was a turning point to survive the poisoning. So much lies ahead for us. No looking back on our pain. Only on the endless hope that lies ahead. Lets be makers, not breakers.

Healing From this Point

2011-06-27T00:07:00.000-07:00

This one's a struggle to write. Its a topic many would rather bury; in more ways than one. The pain is deeper than anything else because it shakes the very foundations of our lives, our homes, our souls.

Absent (in more than the literal sense) Fathers and son's. Please let me paraphrase from TD Jakes book, 'Loose that man & Let him go! Brace yourself.

Our young men are dying in anger and pain wondering 'what did I do to drive my daddy away (and stopped loving me?)'. A father is an image of a young man's destiny, a living testimony of what time may bring to pass. Dad is our first definition of masculinity. His absence leaves us (men) desperately looking for someone else to 'fill in the blank'. Church, drugs, porn, gangs, gay embraces, someone will have to fill the blank.

Well tailored dark suits and vibrant silk ties cannot drape the gaping void of the empty blanks in the broken hearts of men. Even the most voluptuous of fast paced and lace-clad women cannot console the anguish of masculine tears blocked and cries muffled. Broken men try to mask their hurts behind empty emblems of success but hidden behind those frail facade's are screaming hearts bound in forced silence.

Broken and hurting sons are asking their fathers for a deposit of true manhood but their fathers are bankrupt-noone has made a real deposit in them!

Healing your son, healing your father, is the same as healing yourself. To love him is to love yourself. Fathers say today my son is like warm clay waiting to be shaped into a man. He is my self, my friend, my comrade. He is my son! Chosen by my heart or fathered by my loins, he is all that I invest in him today for the challenges of tomorrow. God grant me grace for fatherhood and wisdom for parenting. Without the guidance of God helping and training me, I cannot parent my son as I should.

Son's fill the void of absent fathers. Sober him up if you must and talk with him. Love him. Fathers release the pain of your abuse, divorce and fear to God and open up your arms to your son. He's urs

Gagged And Bound

2011-06-27T00:01:00.000-07:00

Many of us are bound and tied with the paralysing issues of the past. We've moved into the light of the God who calls us but we can move no farther. We are bound hand and foot with the grave clothes of our pain.

When God's called ones remain tied up, they often become cynical, angry and tempestuous. Can you imagine what it would be like to wake up and discover you were tightly bound in a sheet in a room of stinking bodies with no hope of escape. Your dead, killed by your past but yet alive.

We need mature passionate, compassionate men and women of God to loose others of this strips. Strip by strip, they say, we are going to unravel the nightmares. We are going to unravel your attitudes, anger and temperament. We refuse you to go back to the grave!

We are called to rob society's graves to reach decaying people trapped, wrapped and rolled into a tomb! Lets be so desperate for their souls. Lets be so desperate for our own souls that if it means we'll have to scream, scratch and tear at our graveclothes, lets. Lets be so desperate that we'll scream ourselves hoarse when we can't push the grave open. Let them know we're alive and well. Crawl on your stomach but get out of that grave! (paraphrased from Loose That Man & Let Him Go!)

Of elephants and rooms.

2011-06-26T23:59:00.002-07:00

Do you, like any other person have an elephant in the room? Not sure whether it is behind the guise of christian living or education, or not wanting to ruffle feathers, many have chosen not to see these elephants in our rooms.
Elephants are big creatures. If your in the same room with them, then most likely, they'll hurt you, poop on you, restrict your movement, block your light, steal your oxygen, in brief, they'll steal your joy. They could even kill you. Remember first, it is your room. Not the elephants.
We can accord grace for so long to this elephant but we should eventually take the elephant to its own habitat.
But to do so we have to recognize it as such and call it as such. An elephant. Declaring it as such may be received with gladness by some. Others will call you crazy. Others will still choose to pretend the elephant doesn't exsist.
Lets deal with the elephant in the room and stretch, live to all you were meant to be. The elephant needs to go to where it belongs and thats the bottom line. Of elephants and rooms.

Restitution

2011-06-26T23:59:00.001-07:00

No amount of explaining would get him to understand why I'd go and do such a thing. Its come with my own challenges, like am asking myself can I really do this? So I figure we'll just have to work into this.
Kitty must have cursed me to cat hell. How could I bring home a puppy? A fat, playful, cute puppy. Intense eyes, has the heart of a guard dog but his little cold nose on my legs tickles so.
Me who lets Princess have cereal for dinner, and watch movies on the sitting room floor all friday night, is supposed to train a guard dog? Oh Lord help me!
I may have restitution as Kitty has returned from his walk to get off the steam from my foolish acts. His lying facing me now.
Do find grace to forgive others who wrong you. Often they've no ill intention, they just need to do what they do and often its got nothing to do with you. They deem what they do right in their eyes. Look thru Gods eyes together.

In My Lap

2011-06-26T23:57:00.000-07:00

Kitty isn't ideally affectionate. He won't be held for too long and apart from the foot fetish he has, kitty is good to go without petting, hugs and cuddling.
The poisoning incident has seen somewhat of a change to that. Kitty will not leave my side, day or night. Today he has actually planted himself on my lap. I am happy. Any write up says that stroking a cat lowers your blood pressure. But I panic Kitty grows bigger every time I pet him. We both thrive from my petting him. I am happy, he grows.
People come into our lives, sit in our laps so to speak not for nothing. They are there for us to grow, to get better, both of us. Our children, spouses, teachers, employers, all are in our lives for a reason. Love them.The harder it is to love them, the earnesty to grow in a certain perspective in our lives.
One lap we confidently shouldn't come out the same from is God's lap. We should leave changed, grown, content. Then again why leave His lap?
Kitty just exposed his belly for me to rub so as I sign off have a life basking, trusting, His hands will not harm you, that they'll gently hold you, prod you to grow with love, protect you, guide you to your right place.
In His lap.

Christians and Halloween; A Persperctive To Consider?

2011-06-26T23:48:00.000-07:00

Edit
Christians and Halloween; A Persperctive To Consider?
by Gakenia Wanjiru on Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at 2:04pm

Halloween. It's a time of year when the air gets crisper, the days get shorter, and for many young Americans the excitement grows in anticipation of the darkest, spookiest holiday of the year. Retailers also rejoice as they warm up their cash registers to receive an average of $41.77 per household in decorations, costumes, candy, and greeting cards. Halloween will bring in approximately $3.3 billion this year.

It's a good bet retailers won't entertain high expectations of getting $41.77 per household from the Christian market. Many Christians refuse to participate in Halloween. Some are wary of its pagan origins; others of its dark, ghoulish imagery; still others are concerned for the safety of their children. But other Christians choose to partake of the festivities, whether participating in school activities, neighborhood trick-or-treating, or a Halloween alternative at their church.

The question is, How should Christians respond to Halloween? Is it irresponsible for parents to let their children trick-or-treat? What about Christians who refuse any kind of celebration during the season--are they overreacting?

The Pagan Origin of HalloweenThe name "Halloween" comes from the All Saints Day celebration of the early Christian church, a day set aside for the solemn remembrance of the martyrs. All Hallows Eve, the evening before All Saints Day, began the time of remembrance. "All Hallows Eve" was eventually contracted to "Hallow-e'en," which became "Halloween."

As Christianity moved through Europe it collided with indigenous pagan cultures and confronted established customs. Pagan holidays and festivals were so entrenched that new converts found them to be a stumbling block to their faith. To deal with the problem, the organized church would commonly move a distinctively Christian holiday to a spot on the calendar that would directly challenge a pagan holiday. The intent was to counter pagan influences and provide a Christian alternative. But most often the church only succeeded in "Christianizing" a pagan ritual--the ritual was still pagan, but mixed with Christian symbolism. That's what happened to All Saints Eve--it was the original Halloween alternative!

The Celtic people of Europe and Britain were pagan Druids whose major celebrations were marked by the seasons. At the end of the year in northern Europe, people made preparations to ensure winter survival by harvesting the crops and culling the herds, slaughtering animals that wouldn't make it. Life slowed down as winter brought darkness (shortened days and longer nights), fallow ground, and death. The imagery of death, symbolized by skeletons, skulls, and the color black, remains prominent in today's Halloween celebrations.

The pagan Samhain festival (pronounced "sow" "en") celebrated the final harvest, death, and the onset of winter, for three days--October 31 to November 2. The Celts believed the curtain dividing the living and the dead lifted during Samhain to allow the spirits of the dead to walk among the living--ghosts haunting the earth.

Some embraced the season of haunting by engaging in occult practices such as divination and communication with the dead. They sought "divine" spirits (demons) and the spirits of their ancestors regarding weather forecasts for the coming year, crop expectations, and even romantic prospects. Bobbing for apples was one practice the pagans used to divine the spiritual world's "blessings" on a couple's romance.

For others the focus on death, occultism, divination, and the thought of spirits returning to haunt the living, fueled ignorant superstitions and fears. They believed spirits were earthbound until they received a proper sendoff with treats--possessions, wealth, food, and drink. Spirits who were not suitably "treated" would "trick" those who had neglected them. The fear of haunting only multiplied if that spirit had been offended during its natural lifetime.

Trick-bent spirits were believed to assume grotesque appearances. Some traditions developed, which believed wearing a costume to look like a spirit would fool the wandering spirits. Others believed the spirits could be warded off by carving a grotesque face into a gourd or root vegetable (the Scottish used turnips) and setting a candle inside it--the jack-o-lantern.

Into that dark, superstitious, pagan world, God mercifully shined the light of the gospel. Newly converted Christians armed themselves with the truth and no longer feared a haunting from departed spirits returning to earth. In fact, they denounced their former pagan spiritism in accord with Deuteronomy 18:

There shall not be found among you anyone...who uses divination, one who practices witchcraft, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who casts a spell, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the Lord (vv. 10-13).

Nonetheless, Christian converts found family and cultural influence hard to withstand; they were tempted to rejoin the pagan festivals, especially Samhain. Pope Gregory IV reacted to the pagan challenge by moving the celebration of All Saints Day in the ninth century--he set the date at November 1, right in the middle of Samhain.

As the centuries passed, Samhain and All Hallows Eve mixed together. On the one hand, pagan superstitions gave way to "Christianized" superstitions and provided more fodder for fear. People began to understand that the pagan ancestral spirits were demons and the diviners were practicing witchcraft and necromancy. On the other hand, the festival time provided greater opportunity for revelry. Trick-or-treat became a time when roving bands of young hooligans would go house-to-house gathering food and drink for their parties. Stingy householders ran the risk of a "trick" being played on their property from drunken young people.

Halloween didn't become an American holiday until the immigration of the working classes from the British Isles in the late nineteenth century. While early immigrants may have believed the superstitious traditions, it was the mischievous aspects of the holiday that attracted American young people. Younger generations borrowed or adapted many customs without reference to their pagan origins.

Hollywood has added to the "fun" a wide assortment of fictional characters--demons, monsters, vampires, werewolves, mummies, and psychopaths. That certainly isn't improving the American mind, but it sure is making someone a lot of money.

The Christian Response to Halloween Today Halloween is almost exclusively an American secular holiday, but many who celebrate have no concept of its religious origins or pagan heritage. That's not to say Halloween has become more wholesome. Children dress up in entertaining costumes, wander the neighborhood in search of candy, and tell each other scary ghost stories; but adults often engage in shameful acts of drunkenness and debauchery.

So, how should Christians respond?

First, Christians should not respond to Halloween like superstitious pagans. Pagans are superstitious; Christians are enlightened by the truth of God's Word. Evil spirits are no more active and sinister on Halloween than they are on any other day of the year; in fact, any day is a good day for Satan to prowl about seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). But "greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4). God has forever "disarmed principalities and powers" through the cross Christ and "made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them through [Christ]" (Colossians 2:15).

Second, Christians should respond to Halloween with cautionary wisdom. Some people fear the activity of Satanists or pagan witches, but the actual incidents of satanic-associated crime are very low. The real threat on Halloween is from the social problems that attend sinful behavior--drunk driving, pranksters and vandals, and unsupervised children.

Like any other day of the year, Christians should exercise caution as wise stewards of their possessions and protectors of their families. Christian young people should stay away from secular Halloween parties since those are breeding grounds for trouble. Christian parents can protect their children by keeping them well-supervised and restricting treat consumption to those goodies received from trusted sources.

Third, Christians should respond to Halloween with gospel compassion. The unbelieving, Christ-rejecting world lives in perpetual fear of death. It isn't just the experience of death, but rather what the Bible calls "a certain terrifying expectation of judgment, and the fury of a fire which will consume [God's] adversaries" (Hebrews 10:27). Witches, ghosts, and evil spirits are not terrifying; God's wrath unleashed on the unforgiven sinner--now that is truly terrifying.

Christians should use Halloween and all that it brings to the imagination--death imagery, superstition, expressions of debauched revelry--as an opportunity to engage the unbelieving world with the gospel of Jesus Christ. God has given everyone a conscience that responds to His truth (Romans 2:14-16), and the conscience is the Christian's ally in the evangelistic enterprise. Christians should take time to inform the consciences of friends and family with biblical truth regarding God, the Bible, sin, Christ, future judgment, and the hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ for the repentant sinner.

There are several different ways Christians will engage in Halloween evangelism. Some will adopt a "No Participation" policy. As Christian parents, they don't want their kids participating in spiritually compromising activities--listening to ghost stories and coloring pictures of witches. They don't want their kids to dress up in costumes for trick-or-treating or even attending Halloween alternatives.

That response naturally raises eyebrows and provides a good opportunity to share the gospel to those who ask. It's also important that parents explain their stand to their children and prepare them to face the teasing or ridicule of their peers and the disapproval or scorn of their teachers.

Other Christians will opt for Halloween alternatives called "Harvest Festivals" or "Reformation Festivals"--the kids dress up as farmers, Bible characters, or Reformation heroes. It's ironic when you consider Halloween's beginning as an alternative, but it can be an effective means of reaching out to neighborhood families with the gospel. Some churches leave the church building behind and take acts of mercy into their community, "treating" needy families with food baskets, gift cards, and the gospel message.

Those are good alternatives; there are others that are not so good. Some churches are using "Hell House" evangelism to shock young people and scare them into becoming Christians. They walk people through rooms patterned after carnival-style haunted houses and put sin on display--women undergoing abortions, people sacrificed in a satanic ritual, consequences of premarital sex, dangers of rave parties, demon possession, and other tragedies.

Here's the problem with so-called Hell House evangelism: To shock an unshockable culture, you have to get pretty graphic. Graphic exhibits of sin and its consequences are unnecessary--unbelieving minds are already full of such images. What they need to see is a life truly transformed by the power of God, and what they need to hear is the truth of God in an accurate presentation of the gospel. Cheap gimmickry is unfitting for Christ's ambassadors.

There's another option open to Christians: limited, non-compromising participation in Halloween. There's nothing inherently evil about candy, costumes, or trick-or-treating in the neighborhood. In fact, all of that can provide a unique gospel opportunity with neighbors. Even handing out candy to neighborhood children--provided you're not stingy--can improve your reputation among the kids. As long as the costumes are innocent and the behavior does not dishonor Christ, trick-or-treating can be used to further gospel interests.

Ultimately, Christian participation in Halloween is a matter of conscience before God. Whatever level of Halloween participation you choose, you must honor God by keeping yourself separate from the world and by showing mercy to those who are perishing. Halloween provides the Christian with the opportunity to accomplish both of those things in the gospel of Jesus Christ. It's a message that is holy, set apart from the world; it's a message that is the very mercy of a forgiving God. What better time of the year is there to share such a message than Halloween?

Travis AllenDirector of Internet Ministry (Grace To You Mininstries)

Am Not 5 Feet Tall

2011-06-26T23:47:00.000-07:00

Thats the truth. Am 4 feet 11 and and a half inches tall. Many children above 9 are taller than me. Almost all teenagers. Adults I compete with are my 96 year old grandma and kids under 10.
But that doesn't mean dear, short, lovely, wonderful me doesn't or shouldn't grow. I determined a long time ago, each day wouldn't be the same. I wouldn't remain as I was at 6am. I would get better by 6pm. But to do so you have a vision, direction in which to travel. But thats a discussion for another day.
Am not yet 5 foot tall but I am not stuck in time on that one fact. My dear neighbours call them deen o sars, creatures of the old that didn't adapt to change. And then they died. I struggle with the thought they are not mythical creatures. How, why didn't they adapt? Only their skeletons in dusty museums, convince me such tragedy happens. Truth is I wake up drenched in a cold sweat from a dream, I am the same as I was 6 months ago. We must grow. I read somewhere the misery of life lets us put on a coat of armour. Problem is is it resists your growth though it protects you.

Life happens. Its miseries, its tragedies, but its real miseries, tragedies are being where we were 6months ago, 5days ago.
She says I don't keep in touch, yet I should to sustain my relationships. He says I struggle with ...fill in the blank. Isn't it possible to move on from that point and be better, to grow.
Am moving on and not repeating the tales of yesteryear. Am moving on and not repeating the mistakes of last week. You see, I must grow. Will you?

It Was Just One Of Those Days

2011-06-26T23:45:00.000-07:00

It was one of those days. His stump was aching. He'd lost his foot and today the pain was not bearable at all. For a change he reached out and asked his brother, whom he rarely bothered, to get him his medicine. Something for relief. It was there in the medicine cabinet, it was paid for, it was written out to him, he needed it. His brother said he was heading out in the opposite direction and it wasn't convenient for him. It would have to wait. The timing didn't suit him. Couldn't the pain just wait?
He rubbed his stump. His mouth was ajar in shock but hey, this wasn't the first time. Brother asked on his way out 'how do you like my new shoes?' He paraded a brand new pair of shoes that must have cost an arm and a leg. Funny choice of words he thought to himself. 'how does one show a man in pain, and without a foot, a new pair of expensive shoes when all he wants is his pain relief medicine?'
Many years of similar incidences flashed thru his mind. Cajoling, begging, crying, shouting. See my stump! Others had seen it, sympathised even, one recently bought a walking stick for him, but his brother almost faulted him for his misfortune. Never was the question raised, 'how have you made it along all these years'. Have you needed to compromise, beg, steal? Yes you are resourceful but truely how have you made it?
The stump hurt. He wouldn't be bitter. He would have to solve this puzzle on his own, in a different way. He wished his brother would never loose his foot and 'walk a mile in his shoes'. he smiled quietly to himself at these catch phrases he kept coming up with. Why not smile at the situation rather than be angry, bitter, sad. He definitely wasn't going to feel sorry for himself. He would actually give thanks for the friend who many a time dropped by, called to check up on him while expecting nothing in return. Neighbours thought they were related. They weren't.
The joy of the Lord is my strength he said to himself. He leads me to pastures green. Brother left the gate open. He'll have to close it.

Tit Bits

2011-06-26T23:41:00.000-07:00

We should choose to be forward focussed, not past possessed.

Worry gives a small thing a big shadow. Swedish proverb

Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. Bible

Decisions we can make;
being better versus being bitter

decisiveness versus indifference

how we can versus if we can
overcoming evil

versus coping with evil

standing out versus blending in
how much we get done versus how much we attempt to do

development versus destruction

obtaining versus complaining

committing versus trying

choice and effort versus chance

growth versus dying

determination versus discouragement

doing for others versus for ourselves

more of God versus more of everything else

solutions versus problems

there's power in putting our dreams on paper. God's vision for us is in the Bible

Surreal Vs Real

2011-06-26T23:34:00.000-07:00

6 days later and the Japan earthquake and Tsunami is not just a bad nightmare refusing to go away. Its real. It only seems to get worse everyday with low temperatures that not only make rescue operations difficult but it lowers the chances of survival. Then there's the angle of the nuclear reactors giving way. There's a new intonation in the reporters voice that wasn't there before so I've put the volume down so I don't hear it. Pictures now are of radiation suits and masks and detectors. Could it get worse?

My heart really goes out to Japan. I wish I could do more, we could as a nation. For now is to trust, to pray it will end well.

I don't mean to under play the seriousness by using the disaster as an analogy in our lives. I realised the day my mum died, the traffic lights didn't stop working. The newspaper vendor was out on the street in his usual corner selling newspapers. Life goes on.

Your personal tsunami goes on even as everyday life goes by. Like it or not. You're allowed to call it a tsunami and not a little strong wind and rain if its just what it is; a tsunami in your life. Don't let people underplay your battles. They are as real as you know they are.

Does it mean when things seem so bad in our lives God's got His hands off the issue? I don't think so. Every tear being shed in the rubble and mud and snow in Japan He hears. The tears of the people trapped and struggling to survive. The tears of those who made it thru but must survive in death of their loved ones and country men and the desolation and destruction. The common factor for both; hope, in whatever quantity. A speck of hope will suffice.

Our efforts to scream for help, while stranded under our rubble of life, fall into emptiness or to 'rescue workers' who don't have the capacity to help. Does it mean we won't be counted as survivors of our tsunami's? Not quite yet. God's got this one under wraps. His got us in the palm of His hand whoever, wherever we are. I choose to believe it will be ok. Its not over yet. It will be ok.

Covering

2011-06-26T23:32:00.000-07:00

Clothes in old english are worn 'to cover our shame'. It tickles me to hear that phrase because does it mean the bigger we are the more shame we have?

I digress. Too many children and women are 'naked' today. They are exposed to the elements and the enemies. Their covering is gone. Fathers are gone. Husbands are gone. We could plead the case of poor role models for the fathers but does it mean it should carry on for several more generations. Put your foot down men and say enough is enough and protect your own. Fumble but start somewhere. Use the men in the bible to learn from, to teach our boys but please refuse your children to grow as weeds, your wives to roam the streets. They need you.

Emancipation for women doesn't give them the green light to cut the men's hearts and ego's with cold, degrading words. Wisdom, love and gentleness will keep our men alive; alive to fulfill their roles not just alive because their hearts beat.

Cover your loved ones. Cover their shame.

Asleep Content

2011-06-26T23:25:00.000-07:00

Kitty over ate yesterday. He lay on his back oblivious of puppy (shujaa) in the room. Often kitty puffs up and has given the poor dog a swipe or two with his claws. Yesterday he slept.

He was feeling safe. Content. Many of us don't. Scars from the past, real or unreal fears deny us that.

Our trust in God should be our comfort. But many of us are crying tears as we rise, as we sleep, at noon. David in psalm 39 wept too.

May our hope even thru the tears remain in Him, for He alone can see us thru.

Cold Chamomile Tea With a Dash of Citric Acid

2011-06-26T23:22:00.000-07:00

Oh its delicious! We sipped on it with this lovely couple this weekend. Forgot to ask if it was an experiment or an accident that this was discovered. Did you know tea masala in stew is very nice or cummin seeds in pancakes is to die for? The last two really were accidents I made in multitasking with other chores. Nice accidents I might add.

Silence, stillness provides an amazing chance to discover. To reflect on some of our accidents, some of our mistakes. It provides clarity on the truth spoken of the wise. It provides on direction, paths best to take.

Its been very very quiet. Very very still. Almost could hear the twinkling of the stars. A silence from within thats nurtured anchors, light, a song, a hope, a resilience that allows to bend but not break. A bouyancy to float with a smile. A certainty of the true essence of me.

But the most striking discovery in the silence, almost tangible, is the urgency of NOW!

Now is when to laugh. Not tomorrow. Now.

Now is when to play.
Now is when to sing.
Now is when to love those next to you.
Not tomorrow now. You see just like you and me, they want to be loved. Need to be loved. Not a pat on the head like my dear puppy contends with. Deep heartfelt words, with a gaze into their eyes.
Not a one liner sms that costs a bob. Real love that you know takes a chunk out of you. Amazingly, that very bit grows back and the void is filled quickly.

Not just romantic love my friends, we urgently need to love those close to us. Those who thrive on our love. A kind word, an encouraging nod, a smile, a held hand.

Not tomorrow. Today. Invest in your inner circle, but invest heavily in them.

May we smell their fragrance, their essence as flowers sweet, unique

May we savour their beauty from within as a sunset never yet seen

May we embrace them in our hearts with an embrace that lets them feel safe, sure.

We can because when we do, it comes right back to us.

Lets make heavy investments urgently, purposefully, intentionally Now! Who knows what tomorrow holds?
1 cor 13

Candle In the Wind

2011-06-26T23:20:00.000-07:00

Candle in the wind. For the longest time, that phrase didn't make sense at all. The effort to sustain the flame seemed futile, too hard to try.

But when you see the candle as yourself in the dark of the night, in the tough times, struggling to make it, rather than burning in the light of the day, this candle staying alive is desperate. It must stay lit before the sun comes over in the horizon at the break of dawn. Not only does the sun rise with light, but it will also rise with warmth, the chirping of the birds, life bursting forth.
Before the next sunrise, this candle in the wind must stay alive, stay alight.

The dark times can literally suck the life out of us but somehow there's just enough to carry us to make it a little longer. Slowly but surely, our energy is restored and we emerge initially with wobbly knees that soon strengthen. But what they can't see is the old broken self is restored with the skilful hands of the Master who has ensured there are no broken pieces and the cracks are solid. Broken but recrafted by the Masters own hands. Strong but completely dependent on the Master.
Words, actions that can never be taken back are said, done or not said or done yet they should. Like blasts of wind, from our loved ones that could easily blow out our candles flame. These words sting deep for they come from those are obliged to love, to protect. Even the innocent children protest how unkindly we've been treated as we are hurting, hungry, tired yet these say they love us.The candle flickers but it doesn't go out.

It won't because its time isn't yet up. Not even their efforts to blow us out will triumph. This candle gets to see the sunrise, bask, sing and dance in it and knows the next dark night will be better. Very, very bearable. You see the Master cupped His hands over you as a candle in the wind in the dark.
You will emerge from the dark of the night and one song you'll find your heart sings is Great is Thy Faithfulness. Don't quit. His hands are cupped over your flame.

Jack and Jacqueline and a handful of beans

2011-06-26T23:19:00.000-07:00

Now what they didn't tell me about this farming adventure is the blessings, the joy it comes with.

So you plant say a glass of beans and your harvest is about 5 kg of the same. If you buy seeds worth ksh 50 of spinach you get about 500 seedlings. Too much for one household eh? Now here's the secret noone ever tells you. Part of your harvest, say beans, fall back to the ground quite by error and grows again. Potatoes and sweet potatoes, you could never harvest completely, so they regrow with no effort on your part. If your harvest quality was good, the same seeds you harvested can be used in the new season. Your initial investment multiplies.

So it is with those around us. We love them, nurture them the best we can, invest our best in them, they grow to be healthy, balanced strong individuals who'll do the same when their time comes. Multiplication effect.

I watched with my jaw on the floor all easter, this couple who don't know how to give less than their all to their beautiful 3 daughters. Selflessly, tirelessly, consistently, with joy. Its possible yes. Courteous, kind, happy, loving, children. Am afraid like me, they have no idea how profound their efforts will grow to be. Guys, I know you are reading this note. you know yourselves! kudos and stand on a platform and tell parents it is possible!

God gives us seeds in form of our jobs, our health, our relationships our talents. He gives us all we need to nurture them. What are we going to do with them?

Dogs (Adapted)

2011-06-26T23:00:00.002-07:00

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a ten-year-old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners, Ron, his wife Lisa, and their little boy Shane, were all very, attached to Belker and they were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying. I told the family we couldn't do anything for Belker and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for the old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for six-year-old Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from the experience

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept Belker's transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death, wondering aloud about the sad fact that animal lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why."

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said, "People are born so that they can learn how to live a good life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice, right?" The six-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Live simply.

Love generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Remember, if a dog was the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.

Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

Kitty is a Vegan

2011-06-26T23:00:00.001-07:00

Kitty loves his veges. Green veges, soya meat in bananas, beans, fresh milk.
Kitty grows every time I pet him and so I don't have a semi-lion, I pet him cautiously.

I could believe all I want to about Kitty to make it work for me. I know Kitty thrives on having a rat or two some meat in whatever form everyday to complement what I serve him because he is a carnivore by nature not a vegeterian by nurture just because it suits me.

Kitty thrives on being petted because he's a pet. Its good that I should pet him. Anything less that will not have a pet but rather a wild animal.

Nature versus nurture. I am sinful. Thats my nature. Imperfect, filthy before God.
Whether I acknowledge it or not I am.

God is holy, perfect, full of grace, merciful, powerful, just, jealous, on the throne. Whether we want to acknowledge Him as such. Its His nature.

To be children of God, as He desires takes nurture. His loving nurturing hand prompts us to be like Him. Never quite given our nature struggles with our nurture. But He wills us we be more like Him that we thrive in His loving hands.
Sounds like a good option for us doesn't it?

Dinner Tables

2011-06-26T22:58:00.002-07:00

Am not sure of the full symbolism of sharing a meal but I know for sure is the nourishment is deep. That the people who rise from that table arise refreshed in more ways than one. The fellowship leaves the soul nourished, relationships refreshed and the body fed.

It rarely matters what the table is made of, its shape or whats laid on it. A large glass chandeliar may greatly improve the ambience. The true value though is not the costs incurred but what is shared, the mood, the truths, the joy, the inspiration to face another part of the day, another part in the season.

Everyday we have the chance to inspire, love to be inspired, to be loved over a simple but a true meal seasoned, marinated with love, with joy. That when we return from the beatings of the world at the end of the day, there shall in its seemingly mundane chore, a well spring for refreshing be.

The sanctity of the dinner table for the family can't be overly emphasised. Our own Lord shared many a meal with His disciples but the one of His greatest moments was at a dinner table.

Its never perfect at that table with burdens and cares of each may still be on some shoulders. Some may have battles among each other. Christ even sat on the same table with who would kill Him but He also dined with who would see His legacy live on.

Though we are to love all, where and with whom we nourish our souls, our relationships and our bodies is of utmost importance.

Family gatherings held once or twice a year fascinate me. The pomp, cost and hassle put in just to show off, bicker, grumble and gossip would be better invested in a daily encouragement of these our own family members. That everyday our family members across the world rise nourished in more ways than one so that they can be all they can be. That I think counts more than a large biannual bash of sure indigestion and anger and unresolved issues

Let the strength and hope of your family and legacy be not in your shopping cart but in the proper nourishment of their bodies, minds and spirits.

Winter Is Here

2011-06-26T22:58:00.001-07:00

Its officially winter time on the slopes. Yes our beautiful motherland astride the equator has winter. That time off the year you cant see 5 metres ahead of you because of mist. Temperatures drop low enough for Florence the brown hen not to lay me any eggs and kitty gets brave enough to sit on my lap. The extra duvets are brought out from the stores and lay on the bed. Dreams vivid, handkerchiefs plenty.

Florence has faithfully given me eggs so a break might be good. The amaranth bush is flourishing and they say its rich in protein. So that covers the lack of eggs. Kittys warmth works for both of us. I get to pat him, he purrs.

We have enough for each of the seasons we go through. We may not believe so initially but if we look hard enough, we're well equipped to make it through.
Your season may seem bleak now but if you dig deep within, you have the resources to make it through. Rather than look outwards for the conventional, like more money, friends and family who are unavailable look within. You have what you need to make it through. Intelligence, perspective, gifting, talent like no other, resilience, patience unique to you.
May His spirit, freely given to you guide you, strengthen you. You will make it through this season because you have all you need and will have some left over to share. Believe.

Heart Surgery

2011-06-26T22:57:00.001-07:00

In my countless times of asking why, its dawned on me today. Its their reality.

Let me back up a bit. Why would he say one thing and do another or really not mean it? Why would he not care for his children and wife? Why would he as a leader sell his people short? Why won't the employee do their job?

These may be our expectations of them, and even obligations implied or clearly stated, that they are expected to fulfill by us but they don't see it that way. In their reality, one question is what can we do if they don't feel obliged and won't take up their responsibilities? Slang would be 'utado?'

I guess another reason is they don't feel well equipped but what happens if they can yet choose not to? Do we really have a choice with our obligations I think is what I am asking? Do we do what's expected of us as parents, spouses, siblings, employees, whoever to the best of our ability?

But reality is oftentimes we don't. To expect other to do what they should is often met with deep disappointment when they dont . To not expect them to is met with equally deep disappointment from the other party.
We could strike a balance say communicate, express our expectations but our hearts and minds fail us often times. Messages get contorted.

We could pray, hope they would treat us as they'd like us to treat them. But what if they've low self esteem and say love expressed would be met with suspicion?

Am running out of suggestions here why we don't fulfill our obligations, fulfill our word, meet expectations based on truth. Maybe stubborn hearts, maybe pride. Who's to judge why a mothers bears the burden of raising her child single handedly.

No written rules, no punitive action, no cajoling, no threats, no surgery can turn our hearts, convict our hearts but by our own conviction to love, be loyal,etc.
Above all, I believe, is a deep desire of the Masters gentle, skilful hands to work on our hearts and in effect our hands, feet, lips that we will do what we should, the best we can. Ready, open hearts for restoration.

In Debt

2011-06-26T22:56:00.001-07:00

Its not what the world owes us, its what we owe the world.

She wont tell her daughter she loves her. Am not sure why not but maybe she feels it would expose a weak side of her. She must seem strong.rather, I think it would show her strength to soften her heart and say with her lips, from her heart, she loves her daughter.

He won't teach his child of God and God's love saying its upto her to make that decision when she's of age. Trinkets and toys he will buy instead.

He will not love his daughter, care, protect nor provide for her because it takes too much of him. He would seem less a man. His daughter grows without knowing a fathers love.

Isn't it funny how what we urgently need to give costs nothing materially. Maybe its very a expensive sacrifice to give a bit of us that requires we dig deep. A bit of us that requires we be sincere with ourselves, with God with man.

We are continuosly in debt of others. We owe them love, Gods love, knowledge of His love.

For as long as we live, we are in debt to the world.

To Will or Not to Will

2011-06-26T22:53:00.000-07:00

Even great men as Moses prepared for the inevitable ; his death. His instructions were well laid out for Joshua to follow and had trained him on what God's expectations were of Him.

Let's not leave a leadership void of the legacy we have created. Let the work of our hands be established, carried even further by our offspring.

Encourage them, train them. Let the experts handle the technical issues (lawyers, real estate, create a trust fund). Ensure they are guided by God's word constantly.

Commission your heirs. Let the world know they will be acting on your behalf with your blessings as you consider them able and they should be accorded that regard. Bless them for it won't be an easy journey but give them some word that will always remind them of their heritage. Something that reminds them of where they've come from and where they are going. Impart solidly, your vision as their leader.

Moses prepared for his burial amply and when he died, they mourned properly as they were well prepared. His heir Joshua is described in Deuteronomy 33;9 as filled with the spirit of wisdom because Moses had laid hands on him.

Bless our children. Write a will.

A Tale of A Rich Man

2011-02-14T01:51:00.000-08:00

A story is told of a very wealthy man who was also very righteous & was about to die. Now before he died, he spoke with God & asked if he could bring his wealth with him into heaven. God asked him why he wanted to do this & he answered that since God had blessed him so much, he felt he must share it with God. After much pleading & begging, God allowed him to bring what he wanted to heaven.

The man soon died & appeared at the pearly gates with a great number of treasure chests. The angel at the gate was somewhat surprised, for this had never happened before & would not let the man in. The man duly informed the angel of his special arrangement with God & the angel upon confirming this with God came back to let the man in.

As the man was walking into heaven, the angel asked him if he could take a look & see what was so precious that he had to bring it to heaven.The man seeming rather pleased with himself, popped open one of the treasure chests & the angel beheld a large number of pure gold bars. The angel, now even more surprised looked at the man & asked,

"Why in heaven's name did you bring pavement?"

Understand that God's ways are so high as compared to ours. What we hold as precious & valuable is used as pavement (the streets are made of gold) in heaven.

Seek God's standards in all that you do & you will be a true reflection of Christ.....

Relentless

2011-02-14T01:50:00.001-08:00

2.38 am and watching kitty having a bath with such urgency, thoroughness and focus it has me stunned. Each inch of him must be covered before he can rest easy. Time is of no essence. And since his tongue-body ratio is not closely proportional, it takes him quite a while. Maybe I should cut down his food rations for he's a pretty big kitten.
Every morning without fail, kitty wants to rub his face on my feet. Again the urgency, and focus is consistent. He'll even grab my feet between his paws for him to fulfil his delight. He'll sit on them if he must get me still then rub his face on my toes. I tried running, lecturing him, threatening psychiatric evaluation, nothing. Kitty wants my feet consistently.
2.53 and he's content. He doesnt need my attention. Kitty makes me wonder what if I persued God with the relentless urgency, consistency Kitty does my feet? What if I had the same focus to be right before God as he does with his baths? Clean, holy. Be righteous before God. Would I be as content as he is? What if I was hot on God's heels, wouldn't He'd just relent and let me enjoy His presence? I suspect I'd be content.
What, who are we persuing relentlessly to seek our happiness? Our content? Is there consistency, joy, truth? Or is there shifting?

Suckers For Anchor

2011-02-14T01:49:00.001-08:00

Open windows. Cool breeze. Curtain blowing softly. Music kind to the ears. Potatoes worth ksh 20 made a delicious dinner. Some call them organic. I call them farm fresh. My neighbours farm.

I've tens of slugs on more than one door. Never really bothered me. They actually are a good joke at Princess. Telling her i'll cook them with lovely spices. She'd squeal with disgust but after reading up on exotic dishes she's warming up to the idea. The jokes on me.

A few incidences of squishing them on doors or touching them elicits a loud YAK! often but not enough to salt them to death. They are just part of us now and after a year of watching them, i can say they are resilient.

The humidity today had me moving like them. I felt like a slug. Slow, almost sliding slowly from point A to B. Kitty too. I was in the sun for two hours. Kitty none.

About 5pm a light shower of rain meant the humidity lifted. The crickets have even are celebrating outside my window. It will be a bearable night for us all with the air moving.

This week has been to this point (wednesday) one of torrents in their own right. Earth moving. But like my slug friends I am trudging on. Sticking hard to what I am anchored to. I've got to. Sun, wind, hail, humidity, rain, enemies will come and go as the seasons do but I am holding on with my suckers.

Am sure this note wasn't intended to be about the slugs initially. Its just a beautiful evening. And I wanted to say HANG IN THERE!

Children's Lotion with Collagen

2011-02-14T01:45:00.000-08:00

30 something and you begin to look for the skin products with collagen. Kids have large quantities of the stuff in their skin i think. How else do you explain their flawless, supple, taut skin? Its beautiful by no effort of their own. I guess God is fair in that they are preoccupied at learning, loving, trusting life that wrinkles should be the last of their worries. Maybe the fine laugh lines, now not so fine keep our vanity in check. We have the wisdom, experience, life seems to be going just fine, then the muscles and things that worked so fine, now don't. Our mortality subtly reflected. A white hair laughed of as having the salt and pepper look. There was a nervous ring to that laugh.
Some choose to go under the surgeons knife, others, punishing diet programs. Some buy their kids lotion with collagen. Choices,perspectives,options, vision.
Sitting on a bench in Central Park yesterday provided a birds eye view of 'it'. The big picture. Choices, perspectives, options, vision. Keeping the big picture in mind, at what cost will we keep the dream alive? How far will we be willing to compromise, or maybe go the extra mile to see it happen? Will we make day to day decisions based on day to day needs or with the big picture in mind?
Driving into the city from up or down country(perspective), one is almost assaulted by the aroma of frying chips. Moi avenue must have the most number of chips shops on one street in the world. And they are delicious! Certain cake shops hold my favourite cake and princess doughnuts she happily scoffs by the mouthful. We hope the toothpaste and 5 extra metre walk will cover that indulgence.
Many irreparable hearts from infidelity in marriage. Broken promises from us. Unfulfilled obligations. eventually, Medical complications. Careers in gutters. Destroyed,shattered dreams.
The inevitable happens for sure. Death, heartache, but are we pushing towards our, others destruction by our choices, our actions or are we ahead of the time 4 our dreams, our visions simply by our choices?

Am Not 5 Foot

2011-02-14T01:44:00.000-08:00

Thats the truth. Am 4 feet 11 and and a half inches tall. Many children above 9 are taller than me. Almost all teenagers. Adults I compete with are my 96 year old grandma and kids under 10.

But that doesn't mean dear, short, lovely, wonderful me doesn't or shouldn't grow. I determined a long time ago, each day wouldn't be the same. I wouldn't remain as I was at 6am. I would get better by 6pm. But to do so you have a vision, direction in which to travel. But thats a discussion for another day.

Am not yet 5 foot tall but I am not stuck in time on that one fact. My dear neighbours call them deen o sars,(dinosaurs)creatures of the old that didn't adapt to change. And then they died. I struggle with the thought they are not mythical creatures. How, why didn't they adapt? Only their skeletons in dusty museums, convince me such tragedy happens. Truth is I wake up drenched in a cold sweat from a dream, I am the same as I was 6 months ago. We must grow. I read somewhere the misery of life lets us put on a coat of armour. Problem is is it resists your growth though it protects you.

Life happens. Its miseries, its tragedies, but its real miseries, tragedies are being where we were 6months ago, 5days ago.
She says I don't keep in touch, yet I should to sustain my relationships. He says I struggle with ...fill in the blank. Isn't it possible to move on from that point and be better, to grow.
Am moving on and not repeating the tales of yesteryear. Am moving on and not repeating the mistakes of last week. You see, I must grow. Will you?

Trinkets and Bauble GiveAway

2011-02-14T01:42:00.002-08:00

Kitty's stripes are further apart. I didn't even know they could stretch that way. Princess says there's a possibility for him to get to Garfield's size. Its not impossible though. The bottle brush tree in the compound has millions of birds chirping on its branches every morning. Kitty is up and about and at the tree's foot by 6.30am. awaiting breakfast. A mouse or two later complete's breakfast. He'll saunter in for a bowl of milk about 9am and then slip into a deep sleep at the door in the sun.
I often panic he'll turn out to be a spoilt cat but he's learnt a lesson I must learn. He knows he's safe, he's loved by his care givers and its ok to enjoy it. Am no better as I write this still lying down after a siesta after a nutritious lunch. I look forward to the evening walk a little later, with fresh air under the thick blanket of the velvet sky with its myriad of stars. An easy evening laughing, sometimes crying, often praying. Tv reception is lousy. I love this option. Deep uninterrupted sleep thru the night and before my feet touch the floor and without a thought, my lips utter 'its another day in paradise. Thank you Lord'.

Its so easy to worship God. So easy to rest in His presence. So easy to confirm His word is true.
Am not surrounded by the trinkets and baubles that would weigh me down in cleaning and caring for.

Rather in the scarcity do I find richness as royalty, joy and peace as Christ promised. Something tells me I wasn't wrong thinking that there's more to life than the things we have been praying for so hard for at the begining of every year for years. I have all I need; you have all you need. He has His eye on you and won't only see you thru, He'll let you thrive in His care, in His loving hands. Be patient, trust Him.

This new year, May your fur glisten in the sun as Kitty's does. May you have many bottle brush trees full of birds to eat of,fields to run in as he does and the assurance there's a hand that loves and cares for you. In Him there's rest and all you need. You are loved.

10th Life

2011-02-14T01:42:00.001-08:00

Kitty darling is a bag of bones! Overnight almost he lost so much weight. Someone thought kitty heaven would be nice for him and fed him poison. They forgot cats have 9 lives.

What happens at his 10th life? Froze when death showed its face again. One becomes almost intimate with it when you meet many times. It hands cold. Its smell distinctly unpleasant. Its aura stifling. It can stop you in your tracks when you meet but after a while, you recognise it and can stare it down with strength and calm. It robs ruthlessly and then laughs. Death not yet here, can steal your joy for today if you let it. Its a worthy adversary.
More than the fear of death of the physical body, I find death of the soul much more frightening. Death of passion, hope, joy. That, is much worse. Too many walk thru life as zombies, half dead to life in its fullness and say life is tough, thats just how it is. They go thru the motions. Few live in Life's fullness. Trying to build inner strength to enjoy life can break, kill one too, if not done with wisdom as they are Trying to avoid being a zombie.

Is there a point of balance?

Kitty brought in a bird for his breakfast this morning after 3 days of force feeding him. I think he'll make it thru to celebrate is 9th life.

Live life in its abundance.

In My Lap

2011-02-14T01:41:00.000-08:00

Restitution

2011-02-14T01:40:00.001-08:00

Of Elephants

2011-02-14T01:39:00.000-08:00

Poor Moses

2011-02-14T01:38:00.000-08:00

Changeling Truth

2011-02-14T01:37:00.000-08:00

This is definitely the movie of the season. A woman's tragedy is deepened by being forced to live a life of falsehoods to make everyone else comfortable. Few believe her when she repeatedly cries foul however best she can, despite the solid evidence proving her story as true. She breaks the mould by holding onto the truth. She's called delusional and tormented for holding firm. The story ends without her true desire met but if her tragedy was the only way the house of cards would fall, then she caused a revival.
The truth always, always emerges triumphant. Hold onto what is true.

Words

2011-02-14T01:35:00.000-08:00

Am much too excited to sleep. 23:48 and my eyes are smarting with sleep but I am like a little girl who has her first day of school tomorrow. If you are like Princess that’s a 15 out of 10 on the happiness scale.

Ok, the word play in the Bible is its richness, its beauty and wisdom can help you decipher truths cleverly placed there.

Hold onto the reason for my excitement a little while longer please. Let me tell you a story, or rather retell a story you must have heard.

As a kid, some of the stories in the Bible had me wide eyed in shock. Now I grew up in the era of King James Version so the tales seemed more shocking, more gruesome. One I vividly remember was the woman who had 'the issue of blood'.

What! In my little mind, she was bleeding thru her eyes, ears, mouth, nose, forearms. Man! For 18 years. Man! didn't she bleed out?!? Did she have friends? Did her mum have to wash her handkerchiefs? Weren't they very many?

Now, no one was going to answer my questions. Either because they were many and rapid or it was because they thought it was a happier place for me seeing the world that way. Believe me it wasn't! I pitied her and it bothered me for a long time.

Well, God's been gracious enough to remove me from that place and I am glad to report, I now comprehend 'the issue of blood' clearly.

She would have had few friends, no children, no husband, no work, couldn't drop in for a cup of tea at the neighbours, couldn't go to church. Some guys at the market must not have sold her their merchandise. If they had promulgulation, she couldn't go, nor vote.

It wasn't good. She couldn't live life to its fullest.

She must have had heartfelt passions smothered by her condition. She had the choice to resign to her condition, extinguish her dreams OR search with earnest a life like those her peers, cousins, sisters did. They lived in fullness.

Hearing the neighbours child cry in neglect, tugged at her heart. She mumbled under her breath, when I get mine, I swear to love and protect them.

I imagine the last doctor to visit the area from a far away land and who was said to be the best in the field, didn't even examine her.

All wasn't lost, she must have said to herself. If she wasn't dead yet, there was an ending to this story. She chose to believe she'd hold her blessings in form of her children.

Her mother must have seen the fire in her eyes when they weren't lowered, which was often. My daughters dreams burn bright in her eyes. I'd break her heart to dissuade her to hold onto them, but neither did she want to give her daughter false hope.

'Where are you going?' mother enquired. 'Out briefly', she replied. 'Remember there'll be a big crowd today with that Jesus fellow coming to town. Wear your veil and keep your distance. I'd hate you to get into trouble.'

'Mum's concern was valid but she'd drop dead if she knew my plan. I've got to try. I've got to know if indeed I can live life in its fullness. I'll be quick and rush home. No one will ever know I was there.' She thought to herself.

Hours later, in the heat and dust, and in the effort to remain discreet, the moment came. Trembling with fear mixed with anticipation, she tried to hold onto Jesus's tunic, maybe to even have a piece of it, but He moved suddenly and she only got to lightly touch the very bottom of His tunic.

Just as she was starting to be filled with regret and a bit of anger for her wasted chance, she felt it. A warmth, a peace, a power she'd never experienced before. A rebirth. A newness. As the divine warmth coursed thru her body, she knew from this moment, she would never be the same.

She was now smiling, lost in the sensation and the realisation of the possibilities of what lay ahead. Muffled sounds in the background, the crowd staring at her radiance revealed the veil now on her shoulders. The untouchable. She was so so so so happy. Everything else didn't matter. 18 lost years.

The untouchable, now given a new beginning. She now knew intimately few understood. Few would really fathom.

Its true. When one understands, really understands the verse, the proclamation, the promise, the truth, that when one is in Christ, He is a new creation.

When one is in Christ indeed there is fullness of joy, robust joy. There is healing, broken hearts pieced together instantly with hope. Addictions, snapped up, despair erased. Peace you can't contain. It will wake you up in the middle of the night.

When one has become one with Christ, you are given a new authority that immediately changes your stance. One where you throw your shoulders back with confidence of who you are. An heir to a lasting, solid kingdom, loved, protected, provided for, have a helper, have a new family, ....I could go on but you see the Bible is full of who you are when you are when you are in Christ.

And thats why at 01:43 I am so so so excited. I can hardly wait for the sun to rise so I can walk in this proclamation, this truth, I am a new creation.

Life and its challenges will be watching for me to set my foot out of bed later this morning, but I know when its moved from just being words I've read, I've heard a thousand times over, the heart knowledge cements my resolve to honour my positioning.

Like the lady we've talked of today, we will never ever be the same when we encounter Christ and become His own.

Snap up with greed, relish and savour what God says of who you are in Christ. They are not just words. Its truth.

Monday Morning Going By

2010-06-27T23:18:00.000-07:00

Bright smiling little faces on a Monday morning in a nursery class. singing and mimicking the teacher with purity and innocence glowing from buckets of love and a tad bit more Vaseline, unsure but trusting with all their hearts can muster

Corporate conference room.Razor sharp outfits, powdered faces. Brisk, short, quick, brief, mechanical. smiles that don't quite make it to the depths of the eyes. Killer instincts to survive the sterility.

Awoken from warm, sweaty duvets that smell homely, some fell to the floor, to hugs, a big warm mug of porridge, singing, laughter, prayer and praise.

Satin sheets, lava lamps alone to a cup of coffee on the run, radio presenter for company.

Living for now, certain of eternity? Platitudes to ease the mind said from the mouth, placating to just get by day by day, moment by moment.Heart missing in them.

Truth pours from the soul, real, true, deep,effortless. Peace; real soul-stillness, joy almost tangible.

Soul searching moments. Maybe not

As The Children Believe, Let Us Believe Too

2010-06-17T07:09:00.000-07:00

Children trust. They believe with their whole heart that the truth is the truth. No doubts, no questions. They just believe.
What if we did believe of God's grace for us? That God's grace is real? That it's available for us?
We've been taught for a long time of the law. Could it be that grace is rather, what it is all about? Not the law.
Following is a concise distinction of LAW (Whichever religion, Islam, Christianity, whichever denomination, Catholic, Protestant, whichever school of thought, New Age, Philosophy) and GRACE (who God really is; what He's all about). God desires we experience every single moment this Grace. Imagine a life filled with His grace in every sphere of your life as you read this.
Law says Do

Grace says It is Done

The Law emphasizes What We Do

Grace emphasizes What God Does

The Law lives Out of The Flesh

Grace lives Out of the Spirit

The Law Draws on Our Resources

The Grace Draws on God's Resources

The Law Deals with External Rules, Regulations, Standards

Grace deals with Inner Heart Attitude.

The Law's Primary Focus is Ought To, Should, Must

God's grace Primary Focus is Want To

The Law Creates, Bondage, Duty, Obligation

Grace Creates Freedom

The Law Lives Life from the Outside In

Grace lives Inside Out

The Law declares Do in Order To Be

Grace declares You are; Therefore Do

The Law Produces Guilt and Condemnation

Grace Produces Acceptance and Security

The Law Leads to Defeat

Grace Produces Victory

Showers at 3am

2010-06-17T07:08:00.000-07:00

Smell of wet pine. Yum. Open windows at 23.23 hours for fresh air. Moonlight. Slow music. Original Lionel Richie. Romantic love is not bad. Another love comes to mind.Thoughts of princess. She says she'd rather play football with the boys than gossip with the girls. My call came at the wrong time she says. She just scored a goal. She's watching a movie now. She pleaded we celebrate my birthday just after hers. She thinks the world of her mum. I wish i shared her sentiments.It won't last but I'll indulge myself. Someone should have warned me about growing up. Sister called at 5 something am and said theirs no manual to parenting. Time irrelevant. My heart was longing for princess I confessed. Her smell. Her hugs. Her toes. Her sleep talking. Her. She had blisters on her precious hands from the monkey bars. Wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry. My princess.
Mothers Day was tough. But 3 am. showers make more sense. It shouldn't matter its Mothers Day, I learnt. It shouldn't matter what day of the week it is, what hour of the day it is. Whether its my favourite or my worst. Its here and another chance to get it right. Time is irrelevant. Now is when.
Julio Inglesis. Its Late Date I am listening to I discover now. The music is better than the hip channels. What really counts revealed.
3am showers because I don't smell good are better than routine showers.

Unlocking Doors. Leaving them Open

2010-06-17T07:07:00.000-07:00

She was a beautiful smart woman. I was watching her from a distance yesterday. Her body language, her tone, her workmates around her. Unclear words but almost tangible tension, static, a dark calm filled the air, the room. She probably wasn't aware of her effect. Probably wasn't aware how beautiful a day it was. The first of sunshine in many weeks of continuous rain. Today there were completely clear skies and a perfect view of the mountain from where she was sitting. Probably she wasn't aware of the richness her workmates might provide in their friendship. Probably wasn't aware how blessed she was to have her job, her health.
Sadly lack of grace for oneself and lack of grace for others are found in pairs. One always in the company of the other.
One described it this morning as locking one's heart from the inside. Little anyone can do there but oneself. Embracing God's grace means the ability to forgive because God forgives. Embracing God's grace means love for oneself, for others. Because God loves us.
Unlock the door from the inside, open the door and let the aroma and light of grace fill your day, your life. Let it replace the darkness, the stink of unforgiveness. Leave the door open.

This is For the Scrooge In You

2010-06-17T07:06:00.002-07:00

('Title hummed to the tune, 'This is for the cool in you', Baby Face)
The mythical character of Christmas tales is remembered in the middle of the year today sometime close to June.
Unforgiving, ungiving. Unkind, mean, impolite. Ungrateful, suspicious, complaining, sourly. Focussed on one person; him.
He always makes me so sad living such a dark life. Almost like a room untouched by light or fresh air for years on end. He see's no fault with himself but see's fault with others.
Not until he is visited by the ghosts (reality) of the past, present and future, does Scrooge have a life changing moment; a purge moment is what I'd like to call it. Light, fresh air, music come pouring in and even his stature changes. He smiles , his face lights up, almost glows. He now sees the big picture standing out looking in on his life. Though well advanced in his years, he's taking his new gift of a fresh lease on life seriously to love and enjoy each moment to the fullest; with his new perspective ; its not about him. And rather than it being precipitated by an external dramatic event, it was an internal, personal quiet decision.
Light replaces dark.
Scrooge isn't a mythical character but rather a little bit of him exists in us. My prayer everyday is to have a 'purge moment' every hour, every minute. A moving away from me and moving closer to others, to God. My old Scrooge man exists but I desire to silence him completely.
Light and darkness cannot share the same space.
I can't do it on my own strength and I pray Lord purge me continuously that I glow with my new me as I was intended to be. Lets pray this prayer together, shall we?

Spotted Windows

2010-06-17T07:06:00.001-07:00

There is a tale of a woman who every morning stood by her window and looked out and into her neighbours compound and at her neighbours laundry. Cup of tea in hand, her morning ritual was to stand by that window and criticise her neighbours laundry. 'Oh! Its filthy. Doesnt she see it? Does she even use soap?' Didn't she learn how to do laundry properly? Her laundry is putting this neighbourhood to shame.... She went on and on every day as her husband quietly listened buried in his morning newspaper.
Six months down the line, her lovely husband quietly asked her, 'darling, maybe if you washed the windows of our home, you'd see how spotless our neighbours laundry really is.'
Our situations are as we choose to see them. Maybe we need to do a little window cleaning?

Crossroads, choices, chances

2010-06-17T07:05:00.001-07:00

There comes a time in every woman's life when she has to take a close look at herself. Not at her circumstances, not at what he did, not how unfair life is, not who made you do it, just at herself in
all her glory and imperfection. For many women this is a scary thing because often times they don't want to know the truth about themselves. Real women can relate to this.

As women, we have a tendency to water one another down. Maybe it makes us feel good or look better than the next woman. Or maybe we just don't know how to tell that woman how we admire her. Have you ever admired a woman who has been through changes in her life? Or have you made up in your mind that she is just messed up. Before you make this mistake, take a closer look.

A woman who has endured the most unusual life is someone of wisdom. Someone who has been chosen by God to go through. Think of all the great women in the bible, Mary Magdalene and Esther to name a few. Mary was a prostitute. A very uneasy woman. But by the time God was done with her, she was his closest follower. Esther was unfortunate in marrying an abusive man. By the time God was done with her she married one of the wealthiest men in the land.

Have you ever admired the strength of a single mother? Or have you made up your mind that it's too bad she had children on her own. A single mother knows no bounds when it comes to her children. She is strong and durable. A single mothers is strong. Not because she has to be, but because it comes natural for her to protect the extensions of her very being. Her love for her children is like that of fuel to a car. Most mothers keep their tanks full because they understand if it runs low you could jeopardize the
car and have problems in the long run. Other women only fill it when it is needed.

Have you ever wondered why some women are not approachable? Or have you made up your mind that she is just mean. A quiet woman is a smart woman. She is valuable. She doesn't go off half-cocked and
she won't be the one to argue with you over nothing. She just may even let you go on in your
"setting her straight" and politely back out without a fight. She doesn't let many in her world. After all, she has probably been through the fire and had to rebuild. So why let just anyone in? This is usually the woman that only gives "small talk" and knows her place, which is away from all the unnecessary things in life.

Have you ever wondered why another woman is so loud? Well.....she has a lot to say. These are usually our younger women who are yet to learn how to refrain. They are usually eager and unsettled. They act before they think and they do not think before they talk ; they tend to go with the flow and the moment.

Have you ever wondered about that woman who appears to have everything, yet is still very unhappy? Well, she doesn't have everything. She doesn't have personal validation. This is something that cannot be bought. This is something developed over many mistakes and challenges that have taught lessons of the unbearable.

Women are so quick to beat the next one down instead of trying to hold her up. Before you wonder, "what's up with her?", ask yourself, "what's up with me?"

Life is about who you love and who you hurt.
Life is about who you make happy and unhappy purposely.
Life is about keeping or betraying trust.
Life is about friendship regarded as sacred or used as a weapon.
Life is about what you say and mean, maybe hurtful, maybe heartening.
Life is about starting rumors and contributing to petty gossip.
Life is about what judgments you pass and why, and who your judgments are spread to.
Life is about who you've ignored with full control and intention.
Life is about jealousy, fear, ignorance, and revenge.
Life is about carrying inner love or hate and letting it grow or spreading it.

But, most of all, Life is about using your life to touch, or poison other people's hearts in such a way that could have never occurred by itself. Only you choose the way those hearts are affected. These choices are what life's about. Choose wisely.

Loaves and Crumbs

2010-06-17T07:04:00.004-07:00

One day as a facilitator was leading a seminar, he passed round a loaf of bread and asked the participants to give their take on the loaf of bread.
One squeezed it and said, 'Its fresh'. Another commented 'It smells delicious' and yet another 'It looks nourishing'. Finally someone said 'Thats true, but I am hungry' and with that she broke of a piece and ate it.
The lesson, unbroken bread is useless. Believers must experience brokenness if they are to be used by God. Fear not for if you yield the fragments of your life to God, He will not waste a crumb. God has the best planned out for your life therefore, He'd make the best alternative to yield your life to. § adapted §

Freshly Dug Earth; Full Moon

2010-06-17T07:04:00.003-07:00

Brown, soft, malleable. It even has a different aroma. Little worms and beetles revealed when its turned as it is now. This ground looked so firm, so solid, so unrelenting. Then it was dug; and became soil, dirt, broken. But this is what it really is.
The moon shines in its glory, only in the night, with its choir of stars to complement it. Not even the sun can boast of such. Its splendour unrevealed in the light of day, pours its light on clouds unmatched when it is itself; the moon. And this is just what it is.
Often times we are not what people hope us to be. What they want us to be. What they neee us to be. But we are who we are. Just us. Eventually, we will be turned and the ground becomes soil. Eventually the sun sets and the moon rise.We reveal who we really are. We become who we really are. Masks if any fall, inevitably. And when we do, often times, we are not quite what they expected.
But in the night, only can the moons magnificence be seen. Only when tilled, can the ground be useful. Bring forth fruit.
We are who we are and designed just as we are with no fault. Perfect. We aren't cut out to be other peoples expectations, hopes, dreams. We just are. We are perfect.
Love you as you. Even behind a dark cloud, you still are the magnificant moon shining to light pathways, to pull tides. Even under weeds, you still are the soil bursting with life waiting to come forth.

Dressing For The Day

2010-06-17T07:04:00.001-07:00

Getting your day started requires an element often forgotten; surrender. Giving back to God what is His gift to us, provides for power incomparable. Its often misconstrued as weakness but it is strength. It is not for cowards or doormats.
Surrendering to God is not passive resignation, fatalism or an excuse for laziness. Its not accepting the status quo.
Surrendering is not putting your brain in neutral and giving up rational thinking. God would not waste the mind He gave you nor wants robots to serve Him.
Surrender is not repressing your personality. God wants to use your unique personality. Rather than being diminished, surrendering enhances your uniqueness. C.S Lewis observes, the more we let God take over, the more truely ourselves we become.
Adapted from Rick Warren's Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotionals.

Ostrichiosis

2010-06-17T07:02:00.000-07:00

Ostrichiosis definition; the condition of burying ones head in the sand or Avoiding pertinent, obvious issues.
Results- issues will still be there when you raise your head from the sand. It also could have grown in the period of avoiding it in power and size.
In your immobility, it has the freedom to bite other areas of your life like your home, your job, relationships, bite your children and childrens children too; even you.
Its a fairly common condition but is treated with a daily dose of phillipians 4:13... I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. I Just had my daily dose! How about you?

On Being Hindered - Part 5

2010-06-17T07:01:00.002-07:00

On Being Hindered - Part 5

Hudson Russell Davis

The truth is we cannot make decisions on what we do not know. I say it again, and again because these what ifs are sometimes the currency of relationships. We live by these "what ifs!" but we cannot act upon the mist of what we do not know. We cannot live by, cannot live for, and dare not act on what we do not know. Whether you begin, end, or continue a relationship, do so because of what you know. So what do we know?

We know without a doubt it is God's will that we "be sanctified: that [we] should avoid sexual immorality"(1 Thess. 4:3). We know that we are to "give thanks in all circumstances" (1 Thess. 5:18) and that it is God's will that, by "doing good [we] should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men" (1 Pet. 2:15). We are told that within God's will it is better to "suffer for doing good than for doing evil" (1 Pet. 3:17). So, the first thing to say is that ANYTHING, or anyone keeping you from fulfilling these obvious examples of God's will should be considered a hindrance.

This means that if the relationship has fallen prey to sexual immorality you have a clear signal that it is not going in the right direction. If a relationship has stolen all your joy and you are unable to "give thanks" for the relationship—you have the Lord's voice on the matter. If through the relationship you are unable to "do good," then the relationship is a hindrance to "doing God's will"—you have God's voice on the matter.

Please don't listen to just me. Seek counsel from those you trust and take action. I have no idea if it means ending YOUR relationship, but to do nothing—to continue in an unhealthy manner—is to invite disaster.

While staying in the relationship may seem noble, it may also be foolish and pointless. Doing good may mean allowing that person their time with the Lord to find the submission and dependence THEY need to be "sanctified." If it is God's plan to bring the relationship around later, that is God's business.

As Jesus said to Peter "You must follow me" (John 21:22). This has always struck me because I am very concerned with other people and how they are doing. We cannot fix the broken pieces of another person's heart with the broken pieces of our own heart. It takes the Great Physician to heal broken people. But don't hang around the shop as he cuts, scrapes, and fashions that soul. Give him room to work.

There are no easy answers, but the reasons for staying in a relationship are the same for leaving a relationship. Staying is dependent on that person being an aide to your higher goals. Do they love God, love you, and love others?

Paul's prayer for the Philippians was that their love "may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight so that [we] may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ..." (Phil. 1:9-10). Love should "abound more and more" both in zeal and passion. Love should "abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight."

Is the person you love pursuing God, pursuing you, and pursuing others? Is that person growing in "knowledge and depth of insight"? If they are not pursuing a greater knowledge of God, they will never truly know his will for the two of you. If they are not pursuing you, pursuing knowing you, they will never grow in "knowledge and depth of insight" of you.

We all hope to "abound more and more" in knowledge and depth of insight so that with our whole heart we think the mind of God. We look to eventually "have the mind of Christ" (1 Cor. 2:16). The mind of Christ seeks the benefit of the beloved. Christ's love does "not seek its own." How does this person reflect Christ?

Notice I asked, "Is the person you love pursing God ..." I will never deny that love is love. We may genuinely LOVE a person, but love them enough to let them go. Love desires the best for the beloved. This may mean moving forward, but it may also mean ending the relationship—being hindered.

I still appreciate the advice Paul gives in the twelfth chapter of Romans. "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Rom. 12:2).

Paul is telling us that the problem is in our minds. We sometimes have a hard time deciding whether to end a relationship because we are not thinking straight. I have been there on more than one occasion. Far too often I knew what to do, but my mind conjured other ideas that made me pause. The problem was in my mind.

The problem is how we think and the form our desires take. It is our conformation "to the pattern of this world." If you have never done a full rethinking of your dating habits as a "Christian," I urge you to do so. Who you date and why you date should align with God's will for you.

You are dating in order that you might be joined to someone who is an aide to your life in Christ. You are dating in hopes of finding someone who will help you grow more and more in righteousness. And, oh yes, this person is to be a friend, companion, and lover. But if they are not an aide to your walk, the love will be anemic, the companionship shoddy, and the friendship fleeting.

Part of the problem is that many Christians are still pursuing relationships in the way the world pursues relationships—selfishly. How does a person know if this or that relationship should continue? It depends on the goals and dreams they nurture. If what they desire is a consuming passion for the things of God and a holistic transformation to think the mind of God—discernment is a must. Become a relational connoisseur and put aside that which hinders so that you might "run the race." Yes! Be picky! You are the child of a GREAT KING!

Think of it this way: you are running a race—will you be pulling this person along or will you be running further, refreshed by their help? It really is no great mystery when we consider the raw facts. The Christian life is not a vacation, but a MISSION! It is a life of purpose and a purpose for life. If this were not true, he would remove us the moment we were saved to keep us from the misery of this world.

Instead, he has left us here for a greater purpose and all relationships must serve this greater purpose. Our work and play must serve this greater purpose. Our whole being must resonate with this greater purpose. This is the living "above our means" we must do.

But when it comes to relationships, when it comes to simply enduring the mediocrity of a relationship because it is "better than being alone," we need a "transforming of our minds." If you are to "test and approve what God's will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will," then be transformed by the renewing of your mind. But first, offer your [whole self] as a living sacrifice" to the Lord. Then, whether you keep or end a relationship, it will be done through and for him.

Hudson Russell Davis was born on a small Island in the West Indies called Dominica, and this is only one reason he does not like cold weather and loves guava. He is a graduate of James Madison University with a B.A. in Graphic Design and earned a Masters in Theology from Dallas Theological Seminary. Currently he is a Ph.D. candidate at Saint Louis University studying historical theology. Hudson has worked as a graphic artist and worship leader but expresses himself through poetry, prose, photography, and music. His activities are just about anything outdoors, but tennis is his current passion.

Got feedback? Send your comments and questions to Hudson at hudsondavis@streamsinthewilderness.com. If you don't hear back within a few days' time, please try again. Hudson would like to respond to all reader feedback.

Or become a fan of "Streams in the Wilderness" on Facebook here: Streams In The Wilderness

**This article first published on April 27, 2010.

Mirrors In the Morning

2010-06-17T07:01:00.001-07:00

Convictions, actions, mirrors, actions; so interrelated so intertwined. We believe, so we do. Then we have to look in the mirror one day and see the scars and wonder whether we could have done it different; believed different. Now do we break the mirror or renew our minds; believe different and take up the healing balm?

.And Adam took the apple

2010-06-17T07:00:00.002-07:00

Free will. Choice. Cajoled or not, he made the decision to stretch out his hand and take the apple and put it to his mouth. He decided to open his mouth. He decided to bite it.
I got up and went there...it didn't come to me. She made the decision to say so and so she said it.
Its not as simple some may say. We are cut out imperfect. We are weak indeed. But could it be that we are given the tools to try get better? To be stronger? Self control, wisdom and understanding are ours?
To keep one's eyes on the prize, to remain focussed on the vision despite tripping and falling. For only a moment do we fall and lose sight of the prize; maybe because we looked elsewhere even for a moment. But we dust ourselves off and refocus. Not once or twice, but it will happen in this lifetime for sure.
It might mean doing it differently, but indeed it should be a better method to get the desired results.
This note comes on Princess's 10th birthday and with the realisation I am obliged to help her keep her eyes on the prize. Obliged to guide her see the skills she needs to make this race. To guide her and show her the tools available in her hands to make it thru. I am far from perfect but I am trying to get there. To know we have choice, provides for some relief. That this life is not so ugly, so empty, so meaningless. That we can always take the higher road though its definitely not easier. To get better.
Its no easy journey and to mock another for poor choices made is folly on oneself. Maybe thats why friends and family were created to encourage (give courage) to the ones less strong and struggling.
Lets tap into our real source, pick up the correct tools to get this job done, keeping our eyes on the prize and it will be well.

The Source Of Your Dreams

2010-06-17T07:00:00.001-07:00

You would be suprised at the number of people by who are tormented by a dream God never gave them - who waste their life trying to do things He neither called nor equipped them to do. What is the source of your dream? Did the most influential people in your life impose their dreams on you? Ask yourself is it of God? Seek Him and He will give you one that is. For that, be patient unlike Abraham . The blessing of the Lord makes rich and adds no sorrow: (proverbs 10:22). anon

Raised Altars

2010-06-17T06:59:00.002-07:00

Only one can head a home, an organisation. There always is one. A decision maker, the authority who dictates how it will be done. His rule decides the destiny of not just his family or organisation, but of generations to come. His word is law and not half yes, half no. It just won't work.
A spiritual head, whom we appoint, as well decides the destiny of the home and generations to come. Its a seat never vacant and whoever occupies it dictates life or death for that family. Nothing in between.
Generations today and to come, are a result of an authoritys' decisions. Their choices for generations will be for them to flourish or be completely devastated.
Altars raised reveal who sits on the throne. Physical and spiritual. (I guess thats why kings thrones are raised; there's no mistaking who's in charge! Its a seat considered with semisacrilege you wouldn't dare sit in.) Reverence they call it. Not fear per se. Reverence.
It becomes a poorly rooted home, organisation if shaky decisions are made. If too many compromises are made. Whether we 'swear in ' or acknowledge a leader or not, it doesn't dispute their existence.
Even with our personal choices poor or not, our parents and forefathers made decisions that affect us. We are not alienated of them. We carry their blood in our veins and a spiritual bond. What we have a choice about is whether to continue the inherited altar for which our children will worship at, our organisations vision shall carry or shall we break that altar and place our God (god, self, idol ...) on it.
Our God/god will take H(h)is place whether we like it or not. Whether we choose to 'swear' Him in or not. As we have authority and choice to whom our leader is, who will decide our destiny, why don't we today with no fear? Let our altars be raised for all to see who rules our lives.

Strong Fences, Guarded Gates

2010-06-17T06:59:00.001-07:00

His parents had died many years ago. On saturday we visited a farm left that he had inherited. With us, was a neighbour and relative who knew the land well. We walked through the land and along the fences and for several hours, my friend said little. We bid the neighbour goodbye at the end of the day and we sat to have a meal back at the farmhouse. In the sanctuary of the farmhouse,
the heir placed his hands in his face and wept long and hard. The years of leaving the farm in the hands of relations revealed devastation, greed, malice. He knew the work that lay ahead of him was enormous. Rested and refreshed, two days later he read a passage of scripture to me he said was the solution to knowing where to start. 2Timothy 3:1-5. The greatest challenge was the damaged fences and unattended gate which friends and enemies alike walked through and did as the pleased with the property. Once reinforced, the fence would keep out the animals and people who ravished the land. The fences would also only hold in those who had good intentions for the land, for their intentions would be revealed sooner or later though their actions.
In a home where there is a leadership gap and the current head of the home isn't rooted firmly in a vision of well being for the family, 'foxes' and 'moles' and 'termites' will bring down an empire. The empire will be brought down to its very end days by weakened fences and an unattended gate and a head who lacks wisdom and courage.
I encourage you all my friends to guard jealously and courageously, the legacy you intend to build for yourself and generations to come. You will be able to identify the foxes, moles and termites as described in the passage.

Once More

2010-06-17T06:58:00.000-07:00

Another trip on the unexplored country roads of Kenya. The therapy compares to none. Lush Green in every direction and beauty that the eye can see. Hills, tea and coffee bushes, simple homesteads where they live off the land. I could almost hear the childrens laughter as the play bare chested and bare footed in the fresh air and cool sun;not a care in the world . Glee on the faces of 2 youth on a bike going downhill at ideally scary speeds. The women bearing the weight of their families with humble joy,striving to be good examples. The men striving how they know best. The majestic imposing mountain watches silently.
Pockets of no network, potholes,shops with simple names, simple designs, fading paint, simple commodities. No complaints. Large imposing churches they so look forward to going to on Sunday. Cows grazing. Goats perched precariously searching for the tastiest leaves Practical cars packed with an amazing number of passengers without a complaint. If i had to live this life again, i would live it right here in Kenya

Thats All It Takes

2010-06-17T06:57:00.002-07:00

Could your hearts desire be to be blessed?
Could it be that you desire that your blessings will not be just a cupful but blessings that flow to your children and their childrens children?
That wealth and riches will be yours and not know lack?
That your good works continue long after your death?
Could it be that you desire that with all that you do, you bring hope, you bring joy, peace to the hurting?
Could it be that you desire to be gracious and full of compassion for our fellow weak humans? Patient, understanding, easy to forgive, and does right even when its easy not to ?
Could it be your desire to be a person who handles others kindly, gently and lends to others; hande all your business with discretion and wisdom?
That your ground is hard to shake when hard times hit home?
That your hand stretches far and easily gives to those who lack?
Could you desire that you will be recognised and your enemies grieved by all this?
Its simple my friend, revere the Lord and follow the commands He's set out for you. Thats all it takes.
(Revised from Psalm 112)

The Best Option

2010-06-17T06:57:00.001-07:00

Standing on the outside looking in, he knew this one was different. It felt different. He was unfamiliar with this one. Watching himself, he'd been in tight spots before but this was completely unfamiliar territory. All the skills he'd gathered over the years seemed inane today. Fight, flight, negotiation, play dead. None. He was amazingly calm but deeply sad. The picture was dull, the music didnt have rhythm, there was no laughter. This one was big for him. He was going to turn over this one to his Maker, yes thats what he would do. He had heard on many occasions that His Maker had the best planned for him and loved him dearly. Yes indeed,there was some hope.

Phoenix

2010-06-17T06:56:00.002-07:00

Phoenix have always fascinated me. Its mythology they say but I see phoenix everyday. He rose from the literal rubble of his home torched by his neighbours and rebuilt his family a home once more.
Her body ravished by disease, abandoned by family. Weak, she needed to fend for her young children. She called me recently to celebrate God's goodness on her birthday. She invited her family.
Her friends walked away when she hit ground zero. They said he'd never change. They still arose.
Rather than sit with the rubble on its grand wings, the phoenix in pictures stands, strong, regal, in splendour. I could almost hear its wings take their maiden flight; feel the gust of wind in my face as it takes off. The ash and rubble fall off its strengthened body and wings. It flies free with nothing for it needs nothing but the wind below its wings.
Fly free phoenix, fly strong.

Cloaked

2010-06-17T06:56:00.001-07:00

When all was stripped away and he was left naked, exposed, he was filled with shame. He huddled in a cold dark corner and wept. So deep were his sobs, so engulfed by his own grief, that he didn't feel the cloak draped on his shoulders to cover his shame; he didn't hear the gentle voice say 'hush child, don't cry. I am with you , have been and will always be.' My arms will always be around you always hold you up. My angels wings will always hide you safe; even when you do not see them. Its because I love you child.

Life and Life in Abundance

2010-06-17T06:55:00.001-07:00

I am living large.

Days dawn with the hugs of children adorned with smiles and laughter laden with purity. Conversations with teenagers with bright colours of innocence. Young mens dreams of conquest and a better world. Somber wisdom shared from lips weathered from years of experience. Showers of love from strangers tapped in the definition of love itself. Selfless messages of encouragement. Freshly wiped tears from eyes filled with a renewed hope. Prayers whispered carried in the wind. With the rays of the setting sun, I am wrapped up in the knowledge of loving, gentle yet strong arms of a mighty God who'll start this all over again tomorrow.
Need I ask for more? I am thankful for the life in Him for it is richly abundant.

In The Wind She Whispers

2010-06-17T06:54:00.001-07:00

A year later. She might have as well been across looking at me in the eye and have said these words of this song to me.
Shi, I hope you never loose your sense of wonder,.. May you never take one single breath for granted. God forbid love ever leave you empty handed. I hope you still feel small standing by the ocean. whenever one door closes, i hope one more opens. Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance. And you'll get the choice to sit it out or dance. I hope you dance. I hope you never get those mountains in the distance, and never settle for the path of least resistance. Living might mean taking chances but they are worth taking. Loving might be a mistake but its worth the making. Dont let some hell bent heart leave you bitter. When you come close to selling out, give the heavens above more than just a passing glance, and when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, i hope you dance.
Mukami, now that it all makes sense better than it did before, i promise you i'll dance. I miss you. I miss you terribly. We'll always love you even in your physical absence. Dance it out in heaven girl!

The Trade Off

2010-06-17T06:52:00.002-07:00

How can you get a hold of what i have for you when you hold onto with a tight fist, a clenched grip He asks? I have much to give you but trust mine's better.
Wilting away is what it would feel like giving it away as it gives me life, purpose, joy. but you say let go. I'll trust.
I'll trust.

The Mind

2010-06-17T06:52:00.001-07:00

Excerpt from a sermon by T.D, Jakes
It is with the mind we serve the Lord.
Waste no more effort wrestling with other people...your destiny is not predicated by other peoples opinion, decisions of you. You've wasted too much time trying to get other people to change their mind of you. It doesn't matter. Gods not going to bless you by their opinion, God's going to bless you by what you believe about yourself.

Dares Of Sacrifice

2010-06-17T06:51:00.003-07:00

Streams in the Desert, Dec 20
I am not alone, for my Father is with me ; John 16:32
it is certainly unnecessary to say that turning conviction into action requires great sacrifice. It may mean renouncing or separating ourselves from specific things or people, leaving us with a sense of deprivation and loneliness. Therefore the person who will ultimately soar like an eagle to the heights of the cloudless day and live in the sunshine of God must be content to live a relatively lonely life. God seeks "eagle" people to for noone comes into the full realisation of the best God in His spiritual life without learning to walk alone with Him. Abraham, Moses, Lot, jacob, Daniel. It is in the experience of isolation that the Lord develops an independence of life and of faith so that the soul no longer depends on the continual help, prayers faithand care of others.
God knows how to change our circumstances in order to isolate us. And once we yield to Him and He takes us through the experience of isolation, we are no longer dependent on upon those around us, although we love them as much as before. Then we realise that He has done a new work within us and that the wings of our soul have learned to soar in loftier air. We must dare to be alone.

Constellations

2010-06-17T06:51:00.001-07:00

Constellations, curiosity, courage, chocolate, cuddles, cheer, content.
Her fear of the dark rural night was conquered with a cup of hot chocolate sitting under the stars that brought out the beauty of darkness. Lessons i'd earlier refused to learn of constellations followed from encyclopedias. Snoring content now i am challenged. My trembling knees she couldn't see, still tremble at the darkness almost tangible at this mountain i face. I'll enjoy its contours, its magnifiance, and learn from the creator all i must about it. It will be conquered.

Today I Received A Letter

2010-06-17T06:48:00.002-07:00

Someone wrote a letter that went like this...Am writing this to you my friend. Its all a sham.... I am so wrong, so imperfect, so.... My heart is wicked, my thoughts, my words, my deeds and i sometimes i even dare to deceive myself it is ok.
Then there's the nudging twang again its not right. But if i ignore this long enough, i can bury it deep enough for it not to bother me. Bury it deep enough for it not to seem so wrong. For me to do it again and even be justified its ok.
But i toss and turn at night. I have nightmares. I can't pick up some calls. I cant look in the mirror. I cant look you in the eye. I won't go through that route.
I could consider apologising to you for what seems wrong to placate it all. I might even change for a day or two. But why does it still feel like a bulb went out in that section of my heart? It doesn't all ring true even to me.
Today one spoke of our innate wiring, our soul, our birthright. The fact and the right to be called children of God. We're His and He is us. Me, i ask? Wicked, selfish, lying, mean, me? The perfect, all powerful, mighty, loving God says yes.. You. Its you as my own.
The birthright to be His, i discover is simply upto me to take it up and live as His own or choose to exchange it for a bowl of 'food' which quickly spoils or bores. From His end, He's already chosen me to be His..everyone.
Something tells me, taking up this birthright is worth it. They say when am His, He says my sincere apologies will be accepted, He understands me as I am, my heart is lifted, my nights restful, my days peaceful and you my friend, I will not cease to hurt you but I will prompted not to do so as selfishly. I could then love you with a love from the definition of love, not by my volition, but by Him. They say too, fear is replaced by faith, that life is lived fully in all spheres. Life then makes sense.
Accepting this birthright means become a work of art worked on by the Master's hand. I could live with that. Please pass on this on and remind all of our birthright.

Freedom III

2010-06-17T06:48:00.001-07:00

The Sequel continues. I am glad i put a disclaimer on Freedom II for i'd have contradicted my very self today. Someone speaks of commitment today, an actually very rich article i need to share. But its amazing what comes from our lips, what our hands do, where our feet take us after we make commitments.
A week ago I watched his mouth move. Sounds were coming out too. But i'd zoned out subconsciously. It was as if time had stood still. 10 years later and he could have had a written script under the table. Sounds muted, images fuzzy, i could hear myself think real loud. Aren't we supposed to get better, improve over time? Our very essence, our core self remains but couldn't we over time (here read 10 years) have changed our thinking? Aren't we told to be changed by the renewing of our minds? I pray not to be the same even a day from now.
So guys, the vote is cast and am savouring the taste of absolute freedom now that i've let that ship sail. Think i'll look pretty, go out and celebrate. Dream a little as well, but definitely have no expectations. (not sure yet how that works) Anyone want to join me at this party?
Am free and i've got a bounce in my step. I did my time, did my best, all i've got ahead of me is my best days yet.

School books need covering

2010-06-17T06:47:00.001-07:00

Covering princess's text books with protective cover, because we as parents must . Yesterday i questioned why i do it.
Why do i? There are those who don't and still get away with it despite it being a regulation from schools.
I am pretty good at it anyways. Its therapeutic so i do it.
Wish it was just about text books but i realise its much more. Something about authority and preserving our blessings is found in the humility of sharpening blunt scissors and getting sticky in cellotape to cover books we could walk to and pay for . Humilty in appreciating each book i cover and rub out the price(for indeed it costs, but is none of our childrens business how much it costs), write their name , so our children achieve a sense of pride and responsibility for whats in front of them,for whats their, so we hope. They may never for they are young but we are are old enough to appreciate the implications of hearing her school calling at 11 am causing me sweats. It works out fine between the school, us, child and our internal battles. Thats probably why some tremble at new responsibility. We grow, in the humility of covering school books, dont you think?

No fidgeting, stand still.

2010-06-17T06:45:00.000-07:00

Stand still and know that He is God, the battle is not yours, the battle is the Lords. The words of this song play again and again in my mind and thats what I am doing. For the first time ever, am not fighting it to all work out. Like the salmon, my swimming upstream against the current is over and now its time to take my rest and let my destiny unfold as it should. I've made my peace with all i should, and now I rest in His arms trusting He'll carry me just as an eagle soars. I have my eyes on Him I am in Him.

Thieves and Robbers Wear Gucci

2010-06-17T06:44:00.000-07:00

A man with no roots is easily blown away by the wind whichever way it blows. What are your believing in today?
Below is an excerpt from The Desire of Ages, Ellen G. White first published in 1898. The fact that its this old, and yet holds truths applicable to date, there must be some valid truth to it. My thoughts are in brackets.
In all ages, philosophers and teachers have been presenting to the world theories by which to satisfy the souls needs.(my mind travels to self help programmes, the internet et al) Every ... nation has had its great teachers and religions offering some other means of redemption than Christ turning the eyes of men away from ... God's face and filling their hearts with fear (fear they say is often a manifestation of the unknown) of Him who has only given them blessing (yet sadly in their eyes they believe its their own accomplishments or luck or the stars). The trend of their work is to rob God of that which is His own, both by creation and redemption. And these false teachers rob man as well (self help programs that preach you don't have to be accountable for your actions. Do it for as long as it feels good). Millions of human beings are bound down under false religions, in the bondage of slavish fear, of stolid indifference, toiling like beasts of burden, bereft of hope or joy or aspiration here and with only a dull fear of the hereafter (consuming meetings and projects where nothing else matters at whatever cost). It is the gospel of the grace of God alone that can uplift the soul as nothing else can. Christ came that He might recreate the image of God in man; and whoever turns men away from Christ is turning them away from the source of true development; they are defrauding them of the hope and purpose and glory of life. They are a thief and a robber.

Status update

2010-06-17T06:04:00.000-07:00

..but sadly he was loud. Rankerous. I'd love to use the word but not sure it's right. Hope we stop. I'd love some roast meat. Descending into the scenic rift valley floor. Sleepy but wondering what the exact thoughts of the guy who made these seats. They are unbelievably uncomfortable. Admiring princess who can use me as her cushion. We've agreed when she fills out i can do the same. The driver is professional. The meat was good. Now passenger incognito has eaten he's recharged and a few decibles louder.i've bullied the passenger next to us out of his peanuts. Am as excited as a little girl about... I dont know why. I guess its the belief it will be ok. Faith is such. Now he's talking of the origins of moonshine. All the land from elementaita to naivasha is one dude's. 15 acres would be a drop in the ocean for him for the IDP's camped on his farm. Well. Cool fresh air from a shower of rain. Yes indeed. Him tilling his land in hope was not in vain. Faith it would rain and his seeds would germinate ... 60 hours later i learn the trip wasn't about the journey. Its about more than anything, faith, love, truth. Let me tell you in my next note Pls.Souveniers i collected.

Souvenirs I collected

2010-06-17T06:00:00.001-07:00

It wasn't just another trip. Am looking at what i've come back with, and i know i've never had a trip like this. On it i saw love and felt love brimming out of lives of men and women in its purest form. I struggle today to express myself clearly but picture a hand resting on your heart and ever so gently, generating warmth, life, love to you. All you need to do is recieve. It was love that had the breath of real love breathed upon. Nothing I did or didn't do would have made us more deserving of it. Nothing i did or didn't do would have changed their love for us; they just did. I now know angels aren't just large winged beings but share this earth with us. They whispered, its ok to be loved, its ok to love with all your heart. Its a place we dread to go but right there was beauty, freedom and happiness almost tangible you couldn't deny love exists. His hand is upon their lives; it can only be. This ones different. You cant hold onto it. You have to pass it on.

How Far?

2010-06-17T05:59:00.001-07:00

I really must trust i've planted the right seeds in princess. 9 years i still am feeling fiercely protective of her. Moving back to a bigger town, i am quickly reminded of the many more negative influence she's bombarded with. She couldn't be mature enough to make the decisions whats right or not, or is she? How far can i let her go safely? Praying for wisdom for both of up and protection from above. I can only trust my work these past 9 years won't unravel like a ball of wool before my eyes.

Oops!

2010-06-17T05:58:00.003-07:00

Oops! There I go again. Am sorry...again. Could you forgive me... again?
They respond saying its fine but the placebo effect of my apology, I see clearly in the disappointment in their eyes. And after a while i know how to avoid that look in their eyes. Not looking at them could be one. Comfort myself they aren't counting the number of times i've done this before. Neither have they a clue of the times i've done this. I'll apologise for the times i'm found out.
Truth be said i'll do this again... and again. And i'll apologise again. Hurt you again. Not until i really purpose to change this.
So until next apology, oops, am sorry.

Oops!

2010-06-17T05:58:00.001-07:00

OO

2010-06-17T05:55:00.001-07:00

At This Point

2010-06-17T05:54:00.000-07:00

ooking back and what may lay ahead of me, today I am filled with gratitude. If it was my last moment, i'd rest with little regret. I've watched us graduate from black and white tv to watching tv in HD on mobile phones. I know they'll be more to look forward to. Princess graduating, her wedding, her baby. My wildest dreams come true. I've had good and bad happen, laughter wash away sadness. I smile still, having known love and hate but confirmed love always won the day. I've undeservingly been loved and held by the one true God. What more could i ask for? Its been good and thank you. For all ahead, thank you.

Bowed But Still Standing

2010-06-17T05:53:00.001-07:00

Blow after blow hit him down to his knees. His face bowed away from his assailants. The verbal assaults rained on him. But little did they know broken he may have seemed to them, he was still standing. Standing strong and proud. Words meant little for they bounced off. Nothing they could do would harm his inner man. He grounded himself in the truth and knowledge of all that let lay ahead of him. This would not break him, this would build him. He was bowed but still standing.

Kate and Leopold

2010-06-17T05:51:00.000-07:00

Kate knew it wasn't a product worth selling but Leopold was unsuspecting, and could sell the nasty product with his rugged looks, charm and accent easily on tv as an advert as the product spokesperson. The revelation eventually on his part was very upsetting to him to say the least. Rephrased from the movie, his argument is anyone can walk away from an endeavour that has no integrity. Kate believes the stakes are too high on her career to let it all slide. 'Finish what you start; its part of life!' Leo perceives it all as a scam refined so well that the average person would not see it as it as it is... a scam. Her closing words on the scene are ' I am tired and need a rest. If i need to peddle a little pond scum to get a rest, i will.'
How far will we go to get our break?
Better still whats our break? A great house in Runda, with a beautiful wife, kids and all the perks or sheer love in a home, well grounded, confident kids, peace and joy immeasurable with confidence it is well? Its all our choice.

The Art of Carrying The Ball

2010-06-17T05:50:00.002-07:00

Visual of life being this large very oily ball we have to keep held close to us as we walk on . It keeps slipping. If we drop it, its lost forever. Safety nets like friends and family would go a long way to keep our balls safe . Better still, letting God help us carry it, would make more sense as He made it and knows how its best carried. Sitting and holding it sounds like an easy option but we must carry on this journey. Begging for a bag of wisdom to strap to our backs sounds like another option. The journey continues

Naming Them One By One

2010-06-17T05:50:00.001-07:00

A decade and a half later standing at the door of this journey with hot tears of frustration and fear about to fall. To make it through to the other side and emerge victorious, he must make this journey of cleaning out his closets. All stalling tactics are exhausted and it must be done, alone. Noone but him could do this. No husband. No wife no children allowed on this journey. No booze, no logic, no philosophy, just face his demons as they are and name them one by one. His first step in this journey is hard but not impossible.

At the art gallery

2010-06-17T05:48:00.000-07:00

Unapologetically, she calls it as it is. A fake. No judgement, just the realisation that thats what it is. Its not authentic even though everyone wow's at it and wants to own one just like it. They'll work longer hours, neglect their children, their spouses, their bodies, their souls if they must, but they must own it. Instructions, if you shine this glass in a fancy frame long enough, you'll see a perfect picture of you and all your dreams come true. Promises that it will even have your name on it, you only have to rub the glass. They buy it at a pretty price and try to shine it. And a picture emerges. They rub and rub. Ask others to rub it for them too. Little change a long while later. They'll use alcohol or a substitute but the picture doesn't change. Its the same picture as the next persons! In the corner where should be the signature of their dream life, is in bold typed font, Made in China. Another mass produced life emerges.
Across the gallery floor are mirrors. All free. Instructions, take it home with you and look inside real deep. There lies you, perfect, unique. Do nothing but appreciate your reflection. And with the Masters touch, the reflection is turned into a portrait of your life as it should be; perfect. No effort required. Simply let Him be the Master artist to let this original shine.

Necrophobia; A Real Fear I have

2010-06-17T05:47:00.000-07:00

Necrophobia they say is the fear of death and dead things. They add it is a common fear.
I fear death in a different sense. Death in relationships, death in purpose, death of dreams, death of a soul.
That I have great fear of.
Of all life offers, and may satisfy us, music, art, relationships, alcohol, money, children, these are only pieces of what the real picture is. Noone in ages past has ever declared with confidence but one man, 'I have come that you may have life, and life abundantly.' I wonder why He'd make such a bold statement...unless he meant it. Unless its true. In fear of death, I search life.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde lives!

2010-06-17T05:44:00.001-07:00

This is a great piece of work they say. Wish I'd read it but the cartoons and little psychology studied suffices to understand this brilliant character.
I'd say I've met a few of such like people in my many years. No offense meant but hear me out.
He says one thing and 2 weeks later almost to the minute, he changes his mind about his promise, or has a change of heart or doesn't feel like it anymore or doesn't remember... Pick is yours.
But he's done it so many times before. He tells one side of the world one story, another side a different story. He's not held accountable by us, yes, you and me, so he gets away with murder; sometimes literally.
He's anyone off the street. Maybe our brother, husband, mate neighbour, politician. He wants one thing but something deep down he struggles with is his real desire you'll not get to be shown..yet..or ever. My question is, who do you know? Dr Jekyll or Mr Hyde and who's here to stay?

Afro puffs gone in a puff?

2010-06-17T05:36:00.000-07:00

Can't say why but I suspect I am not the only one who finds hair cutting therapeutic. It feels, i imagine, as a snake shedding its old skin and stepping (haha!) out in its new shiny skin.
My newly sprouted afro would have fallen to the barbers floor last week cause I felt like 'shedding'. My precious curls are under safe custody of braids. Why? Maybe cause last week symbolised midyear. Maybe with it comes some freedom. Can't say for sure.

Nemo Lost His COlour

2009-08-27T21:56:00.000-07:00

Finding Nemo the movie is a classic. The colour, the adventure, the emotion, the trust it will all be well.

One scene that strikes my mind in particular is one where Nemo's dad and the beautiful blue fish Dory are swimming alongside a huge school of dull grey fish swimming in one direction looking like they are going through the motions of life; passionless. Its a scene of contrasts as Marty (Nemo's dad) and Dory and are on adventure of their lives. You can feel their excitement and the music too makes the viewer want to be part of it.

The story takes an interesting twist when in the brief moment these 2 contrasts are going past each other, they are all caught in a fishermans net. The grey fish do it how they always have and swim up (and always end up on our plates) Their guests ask they do it differently; swim down and it results in the fishermen's nets breaking and them swimming away free.

Marty et al were there at the right time with the right spirit to save the day. Wonder would have happened if Marty et al lost their colour and passion, their focus to not just go through the day but live the day in abundance? Were the grey fish ever coloured I wonder? Could they become colourful either?

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde lives!

2009-08-27T21:53:00.000-07:00

Oops!

2009-08-27T21:52:00.000-07:00

Bowed but Still Standing

2009-08-27T21:51:00.000-07:00

Blow after blow hit him down to his knees. His face bowed away from his assailants. The verbal assaults rained on him. But little did they know broken he may have seemed to them. He was still standing. Standing strong and proud. Words meant little for they bounced off. He grounded himself in the truth and knowledge of all that let lay ahead of him. This would not break him, this would build him.

Kate and Leopold

2009-08-27T21:49:00.000-07:00

The Art of Carrying The Ball

2009-08-27T21:47:00.000-07:00

Naming Them One By One

2009-08-27T21:45:00.000-07:00

Seeds of hope

2009-07-08T02:37:00.000-07:00

She shows up at the strangest of moments. Just when I need her.

Dressed in filthy clothes, there she is at my doorstep with a smile. And a hopeful heart. Both times I have been overwhelmed by my seemingly daunting circumstances but she quickly transports me to a place I need to be; depending on my anchor. The gleam of hope in her 14 year old eyes that I could do something for her and the 6 children she has to support reminds me i have choices. To turn my heart to her or not.

I chose today to see it as a moment God stood on my doorstep behind her as He said, "Gakenia, she has been here when your stores are full and today when your stores are depleted but is that all you have? Have you no hope to provide her with? No true promises. Have you not a living God who has supplied your needs in the past? Isn't He the same God who loves them too? Won't He care for them too?"

Prayers of hope and pleas for protection and provision were made. Initially shakily but with conviction. At the close of the prayers, I am reminded of various seeds I purchased several months ago. Could these be symbolic of my own hope in Him bearing fruit one day? Could they see one day it will get better.

My inability to provide not just materially is the beginning to appreciate all the more where my true source is. WhatIi really need, rather than what I want. May we nurture our seeds of hope with true conviction for the labour of of heart shall bear fruit.That there is hope

Prowoman

2009-07-08T02:33:00.000-07:00

Eating humble pie is not one of my delicacies.
Today I am lying down from eating a large portion. A sore topic; the empowered modern, woman. She is confident, independent, assertive. Emasculate the male and you're doing even better.
After a while, anything prowoman, profeminist, eventually became a school of thought I chose to steer far from. Why you may ask? From the simple basic perspective we were made to compliment rather than compete each other as opposite sexes. Its no battle of the sexes, its rather a dance of the sexes. I have been very exhausted from the emasculation of our brothers, fathers, sons. Aren't women the primary nurturers? So who makes the men as they are? So shock on me today when I, having little choice, watched the Womans show on a local tv channel. Expecting male bashing in large proportions, but rather it was a very balanced and more so informative on a taboo topic, domestic violence. No bias presented itself and a man who previously was violent was on the show; with his wife. The presenter was candid yet sensitive to his reform as well as others in the show who had been abused. Both male and female.
To me the woman is strong yet gentle, knowing when to bend not break, nor break another. Thats the prowoman I am.

Ps I am a woman for those who dont know.