My Little Red Jacket

The only thing permanent in life is CHANGE-so the saying goes! Already signs of winter is rife in the air. The gentle cool breeze in the evenings is a sure evidence of the coming of the cold nights. Not so long ago, the weather was warm and the summer heat unbearable yet enjoyable. Alas the summer sun is desperately struggling to shine through the clouds while we beg for to it abide a little longer. Even the sounds of the ice cream van is fast becoming a distant memory. Reluctantly, the winter jumpers are finding their way from the back of the closet to a handy reach and the fire places are being lit to give extra warmth in the evenings.  Oh where did the summer go!! how fast the time slide like sand between the fingers!!
In  a little while the trees will shed their luscious green leaves and bear the brunt of the winter cold. However, winter does not have to be dismal neither should it sound the death knell of joy, spontaneous laughter, endless fun and feeling of camaraderie among people. A winter jacket is a staple for everyone living in cold prone regions. It is as essential as food. Most people during the cold season prefer black coloured coats because it creates more warmth but not me. Three years ago, I bought a beautiful red jacket which reminds me of the one worn  in the movie Red Riding hood-you can't help but notice (seriously, I think I was mistaken for Mrs Clause twice..lol).

picture courtesy jay-elx.blogspot.com  

My red jacket stands out in the crowd and draws attention even without my wanting it. It is bold, radiant, captivating and I say it also enhances my good features..lol.  Black is bland, despite its functionality it is not exciting. It blends in with the crowd but that's not what we are called to do as children of God. We are called to be different.
Like the season, challenges come and go but you have a choice to either be swallowed up in the darkness or stand out with a can-do attitude of praise. Praise is hard in moments of difficulty but most times its the only way up. Praise changes your perspective in a dreary situation and focuses on a mighty God-IT'S AN OPEN INVITE TO HEAVEN'S BEST. IT'S AN EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE. Remember, "weeping may endure fore a night but joy cometh in the morning" Psalm 30:5. 
I don't know the trying challenges that you are facing but know that help is just a heartful of praise away. 
"Do not be afraid, you wild animals, for the pastures in the wilderness are becoming green. The trees are bearing their fruit; the fig tree and the vine yield their riches". Joel 2:22..

It's a WOW day

Yippeee! It's a beautiful day! The sun is shinning and nature is ablaze with myriads of colours purple, orange, blue with splashes of green. Its absolutely gorgeous!! Every person I met during my morning walk had a huge smile on their faces and were eager to say "hello" too unlike many other days. It felt like God had poured out bucket loads of rainbow to transform every soul even the crankiest of them all. Even I had a bounce in my steps which had been missing for some days!! Its ironic to think the past few weeks had been clouded with sporadic rainfall and cold spells; everyone as usual huddled in massive jackets and faces hidden under warm woollen hats. The long winter nights seemed long and endless. We all wondered if summer would ever come or If we would ever rid of the cold weather. The winter wasn't as bad as previous years but it had been cold nonetheless. Compared to other countries Ireland faired very well and bravely. Today, the story has changed . The sun is shining and gone are the boring jackets and woollen hats. Isn't that the same with life? One day you are at world's and suddenly its bright and sunny again. It suddenly seems the bad days never happened. It's fair to say "tough times don't last but tough people do". Man is built to survive arduous situations but not alone. Scriptures says "though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me" psalm 23:4. Challenges are Shadows, they will vanish no matter how long they trail you around; you are not alone in the situation; the rod of God never causes pain only brings comfort. AMAZING!! The long endless cold has gone albeit for a season but for now the sun is out lets all enjoy the beautiful weather. Remember "sorrow may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning" Psalm 30:5. Today is a beautiful day, pack on the sunscreen and lets have A WOW DAY.#UNLEASHTHEBIKINI (IN MY CASE DON'T..LOL)