I’m
trying not to cry! Really, I am!
trying not to cry! Really, I am!
But
perhaps I should first confess that I already wept my eyes out this morning.
What I am trying to do now is to stem the tide of tears. I’m not sure it’s
working cos my tears seem to have taken on a life of their own, so let me ask
your pardon in advance for any typos, or if at times I appear to ramble. I’m
trying to focus sis. I really am! It’s just that every new message that comes
in on my phone or via various social media platforms set me off again.
perhaps I should first confess that I already wept my eyes out this morning.
What I am trying to do now is to stem the tide of tears. I’m not sure it’s
working cos my tears seem to have taken on a life of their own, so let me ask
your pardon in advance for any typos, or if at times I appear to ramble. I’m
trying to focus sis. I really am! It’s just that every new message that comes
in on my phone or via various social media platforms set me off again.
I’m
not sad though sis, no! Not by any means whatsoever! Indeed, I can’t stem the
tears because I can’t stop marveling at God’s faithfulness in my life. I can’t
help but wonder afresh why He loves me this much. I can’t help but look at my
sins, my countless failings and falling’s, and wonder why my Father has chosen
to love me this much and to manifest this love in the ways that He does.
not sad though sis, no! Not by any means whatsoever! Indeed, I can’t stem the
tears because I can’t stop marveling at God’s faithfulness in my life. I can’t
help but wonder afresh why He loves me this much. I can’t help but look at my
sins, my countless failings and falling’s, and wonder why my Father has chosen
to love me this much and to manifest this love in the ways that He does.
Sis,
today is the 4th of June 2016. If you have followed me long
enough on this blog, you will know that
today holds a double-barreled blessing for me. Today, my first son turns 20!
Such an amazing young man! I was thinking earlier today about how beautiful and
peaceful he looked when he was first placed in my arms. I was thinking about
the incredible joy that burst forth when he opened his eyes and looked at me
for the very first time…. How he held my finger and squeezed it ever so softly
as if to say ‘I’m here mama. I love you’. I was thinking about how he
looked almost into my soul it seemed, as I breastfed him in those early months,
like I was his entire world. I was thinking about his younger years… always a
ready smile, so easy going, friendly to everyone, kind and caring even then,
always a joy to my soul.
today is the 4th of June 2016. If you have followed me long
enough on this blog, you will know that
today holds a double-barreled blessing for me. Today, my first son turns 20!
Such an amazing young man! I was thinking earlier today about how beautiful and
peaceful he looked when he was first placed in my arms. I was thinking about
the incredible joy that burst forth when he opened his eyes and looked at me
for the very first time…. How he held my finger and squeezed it ever so softly
as if to say ‘I’m here mama. I love you’. I was thinking about how he
looked almost into my soul it seemed, as I breastfed him in those early months,
like I was his entire world. I was thinking about his younger years… always a
ready smile, so easy going, friendly to everyone, kind and caring even then,
always a joy to my soul.
I’ve
been thinking how his smile has never failed in all these years…. how his ‘I
love you Mamz’ still makes my heart melt. I call him ‘My Bodyguard’ because
we are so in tune with each other’s feelings that it is almost scary sometimes;
because He always makes sure to walk behind or beside me to make sure I’m okay.
His traditional name means ‘The peace of God’ and I can tell
you that he has been such a peaceful young man. He has been such an example to
his younger ones.., so respectful, responsible, and such a blessing to all who
know him. Ah sis, I could go on but I won’t. Suffice it to say that as I’ve
been thinking about the fine young man God has helped him become, and as I’ve
reflected on the first 20 years of his life, I’ve cried deep heartfelt tears of
gratitude to God.
been thinking how his smile has never failed in all these years…. how his ‘I
love you Mamz’ still makes my heart melt. I call him ‘My Bodyguard’ because
we are so in tune with each other’s feelings that it is almost scary sometimes;
because He always makes sure to walk behind or beside me to make sure I’m okay.
His traditional name means ‘The peace of God’ and I can tell
you that he has been such a peaceful young man. He has been such an example to
his younger ones.., so respectful, responsible, and such a blessing to all who
know him. Ah sis, I could go on but I won’t. Suffice it to say that as I’ve
been thinking about the fine young man God has helped him become, and as I’ve
reflected on the first 20 years of his life, I’ve cried deep heartfelt tears of
gratitude to God.
Today
also, my first ever company marks 22 years of operations. This is a company
that God Himself birthed… that God Himself has upheld all these years. In
reflecting on the past 22 years, I couldn’t help but think how lost we would
have been were it not for the grace of God, for His leading, for His direction,
for His creating opportunities for us. I think of all the great people He has
resourced us with as staff or business partners over the years. Simply amazing!
also, my first ever company marks 22 years of operations. This is a company
that God Himself birthed… that God Himself has upheld all these years. In
reflecting on the past 22 years, I couldn’t help but think how lost we would
have been were it not for the grace of God, for His leading, for His direction,
for His creating opportunities for us. I think of all the great people He has
resourced us with as staff or business partners over the years. Simply amazing!
Sis,
I’ve been thinking of how many times God decided to qualify us even where men
tried to insist we were unqualified. I can’t help but recall how He has
distinguished our businesses in their industry… of awards and recognition’s
received, made all the more precious because they were completely
unsolicited. I’ve been thinking about how He positioned us as giants
even at those times when we were literally like grasshoppers in our own eyes.
I’ve been thinking of corporate battles He fought for us Himself. He has kept
us through the strangest of internal and external storms, some of which we
didn’t even recognize had the potential to derail us until they had blown over.
And sis, I can’t help but think about the current storms in our industry and
how in His own way, He is covering us. We are in our very own ‘darkness in
Egypt but light in Goshen’ experience and this can only be because of
the mercies of God. How can I not be grateful, sis? And why should I even try
to stem these tears?
I’ve been thinking of how many times God decided to qualify us even where men
tried to insist we were unqualified. I can’t help but recall how He has
distinguished our businesses in their industry… of awards and recognition’s
received, made all the more precious because they were completely
unsolicited. I’ve been thinking about how He positioned us as giants
even at those times when we were literally like grasshoppers in our own eyes.
I’ve been thinking of corporate battles He fought for us Himself. He has kept
us through the strangest of internal and external storms, some of which we
didn’t even recognize had the potential to derail us until they had blown over.
And sis, I can’t help but think about the current storms in our industry and
how in His own way, He is covering us. We are in our very own ‘darkness in
Egypt but light in Goshen’ experience and this can only be because of
the mercies of God. How can I not be grateful, sis? And why should I even try
to stem these tears?
Please
praise the Lord with me, sis. Please do! Just take a couple of minutes and
bless Him with me. He is no respecter of persons so as my testimonies are, so
(and indeed greater) shall yours be, in Jesus name, amen.
praise the Lord with me, sis. Please do! Just take a couple of minutes and
bless Him with me. He is no respecter of persons so as my testimonies are, so
(and indeed greater) shall yours be, in Jesus name, amen.
I
have been away for a while so beyond the two big things I am celebrating today
there are the many testimonies in between. But let me assure you too that there
have been the many challenges too, sis. Oh boy! Have I been assailed from
various quarters in recent weeks, or what? I won’t go into details. The world
does not need another epistle to the Corinthians and neither do you I’m sure.
Rather, I want to share a couple of things with you and land my message today
with an invitation to you to join me on the podium on which I have elected to
stand….the podium of ‘EVERYDAY THANKFUL’.
have been away for a while so beyond the two big things I am celebrating today
there are the many testimonies in between. But let me assure you too that there
have been the many challenges too, sis. Oh boy! Have I been assailed from
various quarters in recent weeks, or what? I won’t go into details. The world
does not need another epistle to the Corinthians and neither do you I’m sure.
Rather, I want to share a couple of things with you and land my message today
with an invitation to you to join me on the podium on which I have elected to
stand….the podium of ‘EVERYDAY THANKFUL’.
I
know I have said before on this blog that we need to come to the point where we
are thankful for the problems we have and the challenges we face, sis. Does
that sound strange? Think about it sis. Embrace your challenges and be thankful
for them. I heard Bishop David Grier say recently that you can’t run away from Goliath
and yet slay him. So apt! And you know, the only way to appreciate principle is
to turn your mind a bit to the problems and challenges you DON”T HAVE! If you
do this often enough, you will understand where I am coming from.
know I have said before on this blog that we need to come to the point where we
are thankful for the problems we have and the challenges we face, sis. Does
that sound strange? Think about it sis. Embrace your challenges and be thankful
for them. I heard Bishop David Grier say recently that you can’t run away from Goliath
and yet slay him. So apt! And you know, the only way to appreciate principle is
to turn your mind a bit to the problems and challenges you DON”T HAVE! If you
do this often enough, you will understand where I am coming from.
Truth
is and will always be that no matter what we contend with in our individual
lives, there are countless others who are contending with so much more. Some
struggle with the same kinds of challenges we have, but they have other
complications in addition. Some other people have challenges which don’t look
like ours in any way, but if we were asked to swap our lives with theirs our
answers would be a resounding No! I was speaking with my younger
sister a few days back and we were reflecting on a development in our extended
family concerning someone I have been of help to time and again over the past
twenty years, but who always came back to hurt me and put to question my good
intentions. We were reviewing the rather expensive interventions I have chosen
to carry time and again on their behalf, and trying to understand then why I
always ended up at the receiving end of their bad behavior. Go figure! Anyway,
I ended the conversation by saying that I have refused to allow the ingratitude
of others steal from the essence of who God has called me to be as a helper and
encourager, but wow is it sometimes so painful, sis.
is and will always be that no matter what we contend with in our individual
lives, there are countless others who are contending with so much more. Some
struggle with the same kinds of challenges we have, but they have other
complications in addition. Some other people have challenges which don’t look
like ours in any way, but if we were asked to swap our lives with theirs our
answers would be a resounding No! I was speaking with my younger
sister a few days back and we were reflecting on a development in our extended
family concerning someone I have been of help to time and again over the past
twenty years, but who always came back to hurt me and put to question my good
intentions. We were reviewing the rather expensive interventions I have chosen
to carry time and again on their behalf, and trying to understand then why I
always ended up at the receiving end of their bad behavior. Go figure! Anyway,
I ended the conversation by saying that I have refused to allow the ingratitude
of others steal from the essence of who God has called me to be as a helper and
encourager, but wow is it sometimes so painful, sis.
It
didn’t take long for us to find ourselves discussing other challenges that we
all are struggling with in our individual lives, ending with a prayer as always
for God to meet each of us at our points of need. As I signed off, I reminded
my sister of this very same thing… that in so far as we have quite an
interesting array of challenges we all deal with, we had best be grateful for
the problems we don’t have. Her response was, ‘Amen to that, sis’. God
is always in the mix, sis. All He needs is for us to adopt the right
perspectives so that when we open our eyes, we really ‘see’.
didn’t take long for us to find ourselves discussing other challenges that we
all are struggling with in our individual lives, ending with a prayer as always
for God to meet each of us at our points of need. As I signed off, I reminded
my sister of this very same thing… that in so far as we have quite an
interesting array of challenges we all deal with, we had best be grateful for
the problems we don’t have. Her response was, ‘Amen to that, sis’. God
is always in the mix, sis. All He needs is for us to adopt the right
perspectives so that when we open our eyes, we really ‘see’.
There is a reason why we
have Ephesians 5:20, Thessalonians 5:18, Philippians 4:6 among other Scriptures
on thankfulness, sis. God foreknew that a part of our earthly life would
involve ‘going through’. And He understood (because He knows all things)
that our ‘going throughs’ wouldn’t always be a good experience. For
Him to have then asked us to give thanks always means that there is a
fundamental principle and power behind a heart that is everyday thankful.
Thankfulness is worship, sis! It is! Thankfulness is an open acknowledgement
that the God we serve is bigger than any trial we many face. Thankfulness is an
expression of our confidence in God. It is us saying, ‘I’m dealing with this
but God, I know You are in control and You are more than able to bring me out
victoriously once again’.
have Ephesians 5:20, Thessalonians 5:18, Philippians 4:6 among other Scriptures
on thankfulness, sis. God foreknew that a part of our earthly life would
involve ‘going through’. And He understood (because He knows all things)
that our ‘going throughs’ wouldn’t always be a good experience. For
Him to have then asked us to give thanks always means that there is a
fundamental principle and power behind a heart that is everyday thankful.
Thankfulness is worship, sis! It is! Thankfulness is an open acknowledgement
that the God we serve is bigger than any trial we many face. Thankfulness is an
expression of our confidence in God. It is us saying, ‘I’m dealing with this
but God, I know You are in control and You are more than able to bring me out
victoriously once again’.
Thankfulness is me looking
at all the challenges in my industry now and how it is affecting my business,
yet thanking God for how else it has not affected us. Thankfulness is me
looking at some of the internal issues we are contending with as a business,
yet seeing the hand of God in each situation. I had to let go of a staff
recently for instance. That is never an easy thing to do. Yet, somehow I knew I
needed to take a tough stand and stick with the decision despite appeals from
others to give the staff a couple more months to improve. I had prayed and had
peace about this decision though, and I thanked God in advance for the strength
to carry through. I thanked Him for the gap He would help us fill. I thanked
Him for restoring any losses that may occur out of me taking this action, and
then I did what I needed to do. A few days later, I found out the staff had
been trying to defraud the company, and I thanked God again for His perfect
timing even and for coming through for me even when I didn’t know my business
was under an internal attack.
at all the challenges in my industry now and how it is affecting my business,
yet thanking God for how else it has not affected us. Thankfulness is me
looking at some of the internal issues we are contending with as a business,
yet seeing the hand of God in each situation. I had to let go of a staff
recently for instance. That is never an easy thing to do. Yet, somehow I knew I
needed to take a tough stand and stick with the decision despite appeals from
others to give the staff a couple more months to improve. I had prayed and had
peace about this decision though, and I thanked God in advance for the strength
to carry through. I thanked Him for the gap He would help us fill. I thanked
Him for restoring any losses that may occur out of me taking this action, and
then I did what I needed to do. A few days later, I found out the staff had
been trying to defraud the company, and I thanked God again for His perfect
timing even and for coming through for me even when I didn’t know my business
was under an internal attack.
Thankfulness is me looking
at the ingratitude of the family member I spoke about earlier, yet recognizing
that I’ve been graced to have had enough to give at every point in time. Even
in those seasons where my giving was made very sacrificially, everyday thankfulness
means that I was and always am grateful that I God positioned me as the giver
and not as the one standing at the receiving end. Thankfulness means I also
then see how in those times when I gave my all to bless another, I actually
never lacked. God was repaying me in greater measure through a peaceful loving
home, a successful business, health in my family, etc. Sis, thankfulness is
recognizing that you didn’t have a great day… but you are alive and well enough
to even analyze whether a day went well or not. The dead are dead… there is no
analysis after the fact. At least not on this side of eternity!
at the ingratitude of the family member I spoke about earlier, yet recognizing
that I’ve been graced to have had enough to give at every point in time. Even
in those seasons where my giving was made very sacrificially, everyday thankfulness
means that I was and always am grateful that I God positioned me as the giver
and not as the one standing at the receiving end. Thankfulness means I also
then see how in those times when I gave my all to bless another, I actually
never lacked. God was repaying me in greater measure through a peaceful loving
home, a successful business, health in my family, etc. Sis, thankfulness is
recognizing that you didn’t have a great day… but you are alive and well enough
to even analyze whether a day went well or not. The dead are dead… there is no
analysis after the fact. At least not on this side of eternity!
Everyday thankfulness is
you understanding that you can read your bible because you have eyes, or
because you can afford glasses and the services of your optician/optometrist.
Everyday thankfulness is understanding that you can read your Bible because you
can sit down, because you have a roof over your head, because you have hands to
flip the pages, because you can afford the cup of coffee you like to read as
you meditate on the word….. because your mind works! Everyday thankfulness is
you recognizing that you can sing praise and worship songs because your ears
work, your mind works, your mouth works, your voice works, etc. Simply put sis,
everyday thankfulness is you recognizing that you go through… because you ARE!
you understanding that you can read your bible because you have eyes, or
because you can afford glasses and the services of your optician/optometrist.
Everyday thankfulness is understanding that you can read your Bible because you
can sit down, because you have a roof over your head, because you have hands to
flip the pages, because you can afford the cup of coffee you like to read as
you meditate on the word….. because your mind works! Everyday thankfulness is
you recognizing that you can sing praise and worship songs because your ears
work, your mind works, your mouth works, your voice works, etc. Simply put sis,
everyday thankfulness is you recognizing that you go through… because you ARE!
Everyday thankfulness is
recognizing that you have failed once again, but you at least have the
opportunity to receive mercy again, and to try once again. Thankfulness is
acknowledging that there is still breath in you, that God is not done with you
yet. I could go on but I know you get my drift, sis. I speak often about our
coming to the place of living a life of fulfillment. Not a life of
perfection no…. a life that is fruitful and day by day fulfilled; a life
that we know matters to God and to those in our corner of the earth. Can I
suggest to you that learning to be everyday thankful in the big things as well
as the little things (or learning to be thankful when it looks as if there is
no ‘thing’ be it big or small) is what God considers to be our
greatest act of worship. Worship is not about singing songs. It’s not about
reading your Bible. It’s not about how often you are in church. No! Worship is
everyday thankfulness to your Maker and your Source.
recognizing that you have failed once again, but you at least have the
opportunity to receive mercy again, and to try once again. Thankfulness is
acknowledging that there is still breath in you, that God is not done with you
yet. I could go on but I know you get my drift, sis. I speak often about our
coming to the place of living a life of fulfillment. Not a life of
perfection no…. a life that is fruitful and day by day fulfilled; a life
that we know matters to God and to those in our corner of the earth. Can I
suggest to you that learning to be everyday thankful in the big things as well
as the little things (or learning to be thankful when it looks as if there is
no ‘thing’ be it big or small) is what God considers to be our
greatest act of worship. Worship is not about singing songs. It’s not about
reading your Bible. It’s not about how often you are in church. No! Worship is
everyday thankfulness to your Maker and your Source.
Sis, everyday thankfulness
is a lifestyle that you will CHOOSE to adopt and which you will daily CONTEND
to maintain, for certainly other things will contend for your peace on a
regular basis.
is a lifestyle that you will CHOOSE to adopt and which you will daily CONTEND
to maintain, for certainly other things will contend for your peace on a
regular basis.
As I sit here thinking
about the many blessings in my life all over again, I realize that I am blessed
because I AM! …storms, problems, challenges and all. It is because I AM that I
have the privilege to go through them. And I AM because of the greater One that
has brought me into existence, and Who has assured me that no matter how hard
it seems, He has actually not allowed any trial in my life that He has also not
resourced me to be able to carry and overcome. And the best part sis, is that I
have a hope and assurance that even after I cease to BE on this earth, I will
go home to my Father and enjoy everyday thankfulness in the place of eternal
worship in His glorious presence. That alone is more than enough to cry out for
joy daily, don’t you think sis?
about the many blessings in my life all over again, I realize that I am blessed
because I AM! …storms, problems, challenges and all. It is because I AM that I
have the privilege to go through them. And I AM because of the greater One that
has brought me into existence, and Who has assured me that no matter how hard
it seems, He has actually not allowed any trial in my life that He has also not
resourced me to be able to carry and overcome. And the best part sis, is that I
have a hope and assurance that even after I cease to BE on this earth, I will
go home to my Father and enjoy everyday thankfulness in the place of eternal
worship in His glorious presence. That alone is more than enough to cry out for
joy daily, don’t you think sis?
Think about your life, sis.
What are your current struggles? Please make peace with the reality of the fact
that you will yet have more struggles on this earth, some even more intense
than you face right now. But can you make up your mind to adopt a thankful
heart daily? Can you covenant afresh with your heavenly Father that you will
set your eyes on Him, and on the problems He will not allow come your way? Can
you remind Him that you trust Him? Can you remind yourself that you need to
trust Him always, in all things, and through all things? Do you get my drift,
sis? Did I ramble on too much? I hope not. All said and done, here is where I
want to end this: Sis, can you ask the Holy Spirit to help you be everyday
thankful NO MATTER WHAT? I assure you that He will help you sis. As surely as
He is helping me!
What are your current struggles? Please make peace with the reality of the fact
that you will yet have more struggles on this earth, some even more intense
than you face right now. But can you make up your mind to adopt a thankful
heart daily? Can you covenant afresh with your heavenly Father that you will
set your eyes on Him, and on the problems He will not allow come your way? Can
you remind Him that you trust Him? Can you remind yourself that you need to
trust Him always, in all things, and through all things? Do you get my drift,
sis? Did I ramble on too much? I hope not. All said and done, here is where I
want to end this: Sis, can you ask the Holy Spirit to help you be everyday
thankful NO MATTER WHAT? I assure you that He will help you sis. As surely as
He is helping me!
Be blessed sis… for you
surely are!
surely are!
I repent of all the times I complained and blamed God and just wasn't grateful. Truly, in all things give thanks. He always knows and does the best thing, even when as humans we think otherwise.