No Pressure

Hello Friends, my son accidently poured water on my laptop so its with the repairs. Thank God for insurance. It would have cost me a dollar and a dime to have it repaired if I had not covered  the computer when I bought it. It was not convenient at the time to pay the extra money for the insurance but years down the lane its been worth it. I've had to take it in twice for repairs now and never had to pay extra. Please try and insure your valuables because accidents do happen no matter how careful you are. Don't think of it as an unnecessary luxury but a neccessity that will come in handy sometime.

Now today's post.
I'm all about goal setting but don't feel so pressured to achieve your desired plans that you'll sacrifice your morales for them. Its not healthy for you or any one at that. Do your best and leave the rest to God as the saying goes. This is no excuse/ reason to be shoddy at your plans or not make any efforts at all. I simply mean you don't have to sell your soul or hurt others in your efforts to achieve your goal."what will it profit a man to gain the whole world and los4 his soul" Mark 8:36.   Neither should you be selfish or cut corners to be fulfilled or successful. Don't put yourself under pressure and don't put others  under as well. Do what you can! Go the extra mile but with wisdom.

In Genesis 24, Abraham gave his servant an assignment to find a wife for his son isaac. The servant who was not overly familiar with God's covenant with Abraham(he was not as convinced as his master) became worried about the responsiblity placed on him as the instruction was specific "go to my country and to my own relatives. Get a wife for my son" vrs 4.
 The servant was concerned that the intended woman might not want to return with him to which Abraham responded and this inspired this article. "the woman may not want to come with you. If she doesn't, you will be free from your promise but don't take my son back there". 
In essense Abraham what meant was

• don't kidnapp the girl.. lol-be righteous in your dealings
• don't take my son back there-don't fall back into sin to achieve your goals
• Come back home if your mission fails-If you encounter difficulties in your plans feel free to re-evaluate, re-strategise and re-trace your steps back to the beginning
• Abraham freed him from the oath-your goals are not tied in stone. you can readjust them. No need to comprise your values
•  Abraham understood that the covenant was between him and God not the servant.  He also understood that he needed the young man to achieve his goal but Abraham  was not going to force him. He rather encouraged him  and  trusted God for good success for his servant

NO PRESSURE!! As you journey onwards to a better you, be mindful of the people you meet along the way. Don't treat people as disposable tools. Treat every man equally and be considerate of others.  Tust God with your plans and He will establish your path. NO NEED TO CUT CORNERS. NO PRESSURE JUST HAVE FAITH.

Excel 2015- tips to goal setting

Everyone resolves to improve at least one aspect of their life every new year. Gym memberships  soar in the first month with people looking to make lifestyle changes in the new year only to lose steam before the second month. Its a vicious cycle that occurs every year as only few people stick to their plans up till the end of the year. It was a quagmire I found myself too until I discovered the strategy for achieving ones goals. 

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For a number of people 2014 was rife with  pockets of challenges but was also laden with buckets of opportunities.  Many people did not achieve all they set out to achieve last year but 2015 is another opportunity to achieve your goals. Don't despair about the errors of the past year but learn from them and restrategise your goals in the New year.  

As you sit down to make those ever important and necessary resolutions, here are certain facts to consider..

• Resolutions are not wishes but visions and plans for an effective and impact life.
• Wishes are left to happen-stance but the fruits of resolutions are products of concerted and concious efforts 
• It must be written: "write the vision down" Habakkuk 2:2.  Writing is a system of documentation that can be used as references.
• Make it plain: your plan must be clear, easy to understand, well articulated and clutter free. You don't need to have too much going on. leave the jibber jabber to Einstein and other braniacs.

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• Read it out to yourself not in future tense but describe your achievement in the NOW e.g I am a healthy eater. "with the heart one believes and is justified and with mouth one confesses and is saved " Romans 10:10 
• It requires commitment. if its desirable then put your and heart back into it.
• Discipline is crucial to its success.
• Determination means firmness of purpose. You must be resolved to achieve your goals. Read Daniel resolve not to defile himself in Daniel 1:8
• Consistency: this is the ability to do right thing everyday without giving up no matter the situation or prevailing circumstance. Just keep at your goals.
• Invest your time and resources into it.

• review your progress along the way
• get someone to go the journey with you; Share your goals with someone who's passionate on impactful living as you.
• Envisage your reward. "Looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him,endured the cross,despising the shame,and is set down at the right hand of the throne God" Hebrews 12:2

If you love reward, then it pays to stick to your goals. It will not only benefit you but will also inspire and positively impact lives around you. THAT MAKES IT WORTHWHILE.

The other underlying principles are prayer, faith, and grace "in their hearts humans plan their course but the lord establishes their steps" proverbs 16:9.

"in all your way submit to him and he will make your path straight" Proverbs 3:6.

The perfect christian

Potty training must be every parent worst nightmare! It is such an arduous task! I almost threw a party when my son got the hang of it. Unfortunately, Potty training is part of the process of maturation for every child. No matter how much a parent loves a child, its their desire that the child grows into maturation and not remain in diapers beyond the necessary age. So when they get it PERFECTO MOMENTO!!.

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With the exception of Adam and Eve nobody was born fully grown with perfectly formed limbs. For the rest of the world, growth process starts at conception and continues after birth into maturity. Though every baby has the makings of an adult within them, there is the process of growing, stretching out and maturing of these inherent features, emotions, talents and traits unto perfection. Every parent looks towards the maturation of their children. That point when everything about them fits into the perfect mould in physical development, character, marriage, finances,health etc. The Christian life likewise is a journey and process of maturation with  perfection as its end goal.

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Perfection simply means flawless, without fault or defects. Perfection is what every Christian strives for. That point when you are better not bitter, peaceful not angry, faithful not faithless, obedient not disobedient. PERFECT! So who is the perfect Christian if there is such a person.
Several facts points towards who can be described as a perfect Christian.

• Perfection is a goal:Not as though I had already attained,either were already achieved; but I follow up, if that i may apprehend that which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. Phil 3:12-15.

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• Perfection is a daily process : "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" Phil 2:12. It is in the working out that we are perfected.
• Requires conscious effort and determination.""let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.2 Cor 7:1
• It is a progressive journey: "The path of the righteous is like the morning sun shinning ever brighter till the full of day" Proverbs 4:18. Its a gradual build up and not a sudden burst as we most times expect.

• Perfection is in Christ: "Whosoever is born of God sinneth not" 1 John 5:18.
• It is a process of refining:. "I have refined you but not as silver, I have refined you in the furnace of suffering" proverbs 4:18.
• It is not a mail order process. Its painful but worth it. 
•  The perfect Christian is not a flawless person but one who has despite inherent flaws surmounted challenges and positively impacts others.  
• One  who constantly overcomes challenges and grows in the midst of it all. He/she stumbles and falls yet rises again. "for though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again" Proverbs 26:16. 
• They are prone to mistakes but learn from their errors and move on. This "ideal" Christian knows dwelling on mistakes results in stagnancy rather views errors as learning experiences, stepping stones to promotions;SET UP FOR GLORY. 
• This person thrives in the midst of troubles. The perfect Christian sees challenges as stretching places for faith, patience and fruits of the Holy Spirit to grow "let perseverance finish its work so that you may mature and complete not lacking anything" James 1:4

It is the heartfelt desire of every believer to overcome foibles like anger, fornication, lies, depression and every other sins that impede our progress. Without the help of the Holy Spirit its all self effort that'll only end in disappointment.

 Armed with this truth, Jesus is the ultimate expression of perfection.. Every other person is a work in progress. We all make mistakes even the best of us but get up, learn from it and continue in the race.

Don't Miss Your Moment

Did you attend church service today? Hope you did and I believe you were blessed. Church was amazing for me. Wow! The way God chooses to use the choir never ceases to amaze me. I have told you about my choir. Its a small motley crew of less than ten people with little or no training in music but with a heart that pants after God. My humble self at the helm of affairs is the absolute joke of the century but I've learnt God uses the most unlikely people to perform His acts. Seriously I still don't get my role in this humour thing but I'm loving it. 

After such an experience the only thing left to do is rest and bask in the glow of God's love with a pillow and a bowl of hot pepper-soup.

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LIFE IS INDEED GOOD!! In the midst of my musing, my attention was caught by a conversation in the movie "Night at the Museum 2.  If you've been following the franchise you'll easily identify the scene I'm analysing. The museum was facing a major upheaval and Ben Stiller's character "Larry" was having a deep conversation with Teddy Roosevelt when something happened. Teddy was giving one of his inspirational advice when Larry’s phone rang and interrupted the flow. One would think Larry who knew the dynamics of the museum would finish the conversation and attend to his call later but he didn't. By the time he was ready to hear the advice being proffered, Teddy had turned into a statue and he missed the moment. Larry thought he had all the time in the world but the distraction of a simple phone call cost him a valuable advice-and the call was not even important.

Sound familiar?  How many great opportunities have been missed simply because we assume there is still time. You blink and the moment is gone in a flash and you begin to wonder!.  

An indisputable truth is that you might not be able to control time but you can manage the hours you have. Its about understanding the time and setting priorities. Remember the poem 

"tick says the clock,

tick, tick

what you have to do 

do quick

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Everyday life comes with packages and opportunities. Successful people recognise these opportunities and make the best of them. "I have seen something else under the sun:The race is not to the swift or the battle to to the strong, nor does food come to to the wise or wealth to the brilliant or favour to the brilliant or favour to the learned but time and chance happen to them all" Eccl 9:11.

Too many people waste time on trivias', questioning what is not, reliving what is past and worrying over what might not be instead of dealing with the now. STAY IN THE ZONE. Many times it comes down to the choices we make.. You either make a choice to improve your skills by reading or wasting time by chatting away the hours on mindless issues. You have a choice to be miserable or happy, its up to you. Just remember that while you are busy being miserable, precious moments that can never be regained are being wasted. LIFE WAITS FOR NO ONE. Make life changing decisions today.

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Finally, the bible talks about a time when God will not be found Proverbs 1:28. How scary is that? It is scary but true. The greatest moment you have is now not tomorrow...DON'T MISS IT.  Don't postpone till later what you can do now. CHOOSE GOD TODAY.

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The funniest story ever told.

Have you heard of the laughter club? believe it or not, it does exist. It's a place where  groups of people gather to laugh for no obvious reason. To the viewing public it seems crazy but there is a purpose to their "madness".

 Laughter is liberating, exhilarating, contagious and absolutely free. Its is food for the soul bringing life to both the body and spirit. My people say "laughter is the best medicine"  Laughter engages the body, mind and spirit. You cant be laughing and be still like a statue there is always an element of body and facial movement. To laugh you must also make meaning of what is being said or at least find humour in the  the expressive gestures of the speaker or situation.

Nigerian Comedian Akpororo.

 Laughter is an expression of joy, fulfilment, delight, favour or simple fun. Sometimes you don't need a reason to laugh but you laugh anyway. P.S make that a private affair before the people around think you've lost it and bundle you to the nearest Mental home!

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The best type of laughter is spontaneous and unbridled spurring a reaction in others hopefully not fear but curiosity and then like fire catches on.

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Have you observed that people notice when someone bursts into laughter? This is because laughter is captivating and enhances beauty.

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 Nigeria has a very rich crop of comedians. The mere sight of some of them can make even the grumpiest person burst into unbridled laughter. Its no wonder the comic industry is a very viable and booming industry not only in Nigeria but all over the world .  The industry is a giving industry; no amount of money can equate the pleasure or release that laughter gives. That's why people flock to these shows that promise  rib cracking laughter to those seeking release from stress or a place to simply laugh without holding back.

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Some of the funny stories shared range from the downright outlandish to the most bizarre while some laugh just by seeing the comedian's appearance, gestures or know his pedigree.

 However the funniest story ever told was not at a comedy show. Rather it surrounded the birth of Isaac-a child born to very old parents. The bible records in Genesis 18 that Abraham and Sarah were already very old, and Sarah was way past child bearing age.. In fact there was no longer "juice in the factory" or any reason to visit the "factory sef". When Sarah was told she'd have a baby in her old age, she laughed. But who wouldn't? Her womb was dead and dead means dead no matter how you want to translate or be less blunt!. It was an idea she could not afford to allow settle in her heart. It was unbelievable! IMPOSSIBLE! Her condition defied any existing medical condition. But only God has power over death. I'm sure when she became pregnant and she told her friends, they laughed at her. "Poor Sarah", they'd say behind her back. "she's gone nuts with longing for a child". Eventually, their laugh of derision changed to unbelief then pure joy.  Now instead of laughing at her, they were laughing with her. Every time people heard Sarah's story they laughed and praised the name of the Lord.

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God is the true source of laughter. "He gives drink from the rivers of delight". Psalm 36:8. The broken, lame, hopeless, sick, all gather to drink from Him.The bible is filled with testimonies of God's humour at play. When a situation seems dire and without hope, God suddenly shows up and there erupts an unbridled burst of laughter transforming lives wherever the sound is heard.
Comic shows make people for as long as the program last and its back to reality. So why not find lasting source in Christ and His word? The haze of alcohol will fade, friends will go but the word of God stays with you for life!
Today's funniest story ever told is your making it against all odds. Despite the divorce, debts, medical diagnosis, rejections, and disappointments yet you are still standing; my dear you are a miracle.
Now turn that frown right side up, your situation is simply a set up so that  "everyone who hears your testimony will laugh with you.". THAT'S THE SPIRIT.

God Understands.

It was a brand new cup and I'd broken it! It wasn't just any cup, it was my fathers cup! Immediately' the tears started flowing like a stream and  painful sobs escaped my lips. I'd broken my father's cup. I was in deep trouble. In the shattered pieces, I saw fragments of my young life broken literally.

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What's the fuss about a cup you wonder? well I must say this was more than a magical cup it was my father's cup. Good ol Chief(my dad) was as stern as he looked. Many often asked if he was a military man because of the permanent scowl on his face and the bark that was his voice. But he'd never been in the army. His grumpiness was just a façade that he wore but I didn't know that that night. What was topmost in my heart was the severe scolding that awaits me-that's if I was lucky. My fathers bite was terrible but his bark cut like a knife so I dreaded both.

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How do I explain that I'd broken his new cup even before it made it into the house. IT WAS AN ACCIDENT. As was tradition in my family, I'd rushed out to welcome my dad as his car zoomed into the compound. I was helping with the things he'd bought when the carrier bag broke and everything fell through the bottom including his new tea mug. Words can not express the terror that swept through my being at the thought of being the object of my fathers wrath that evening. why me? I asked the heavens. I hated getting into trouble but therein I found myself.

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Seconds turned into minutes as the tears continued to pour and sobs wrench my tiny body. I couldn't bear to go inside to narrate what had happened. I was too scared-scared of the beating or tongue lashing that would follow.
The shadow looming over my frame jolted me out of my dirge. it was my father. He'd freshen up and was expecting his evening cup of tea but non was forthcoming so he'd come looking for me.
"What are you doing outside and why are you crying? asked my father.
With voice trembling in fear, I explained what had happened.
"is that why you crying? he asked. "its just a cup, he continued. "Common get inside and make me a cup of tea.

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My trembling legs could barely lift me as I walked into the house expecting a smack on the back of my head for my carelessness but none came and neither was the scolding. My father made no mention of the cup but carried on like nothing happened. I was expecting a dire beating or scolding but got none except the usual grumpiness which was allright with me given the circumstances.
I am reminded of our heavenly father's love following the events of that night. God loves us and understands our frailties. He is aware of our struggles with sin like Paul rightfully described in Romans 7:19" "For the good I want to do, I do not do but I practise the very evil that I do not want.
God understands we cannot win the battle over sin in the flesh that is why He sent His ONLY son to die for our sins. God the son walked the earth so has first hand experience of our frustrations.
Jesus is qualified to stand before the father as advocate and High priest on our behalf because He has walked in our shoes too "we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathise with our weaknesses but One who has been tempted in all things as we are yet without sin.Therefore let us draw near confidence to the throne of Grace so that we may receive mercy and find grace in time of need" Hebrew 4:15-15.

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Many times when a person sins', there is the natural inclination to hid behind fig leaves just like Adam and Eve but God wants us to approach Him seeking help. He is not ignorant of our weakness but He wants us to come to Him nonetheless.
That night many years ago, I'd cried needless tears expecting a punishment that never came. If only I'd buckled up and told my father what had happened I would have saved myself the heartache. At the end of the day I found compassion because my father understood that accident happens to even the best of us despite our best intentions

What's Your Story

How I wish I was like Daniel who was so faithful to the Lord that his enemies could not find any accusation against him. Just like Jesus, they had to make up accusations against him so that he would be sentenced to death. Unfortunately, I am not Daniel. I have inherent flaws some more obvious than others. More often than not, I find myself hiding like Gideon in a cave too scared of the "Midianites" to venture out. Like Zechariah more filled with questions than faith asking "how can this be?" or even Sarah who laughed more in disbelief at the promise than with disrespect. David was an adulterer, Moses Murdered, Abraham lied, Rahab was a prostitute, Noah got drunk,

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Elijah was depressed and Lazarus was dead. In all these people, I see a reflection of myself-imperfect and flawed but God found use for them. While men see imperfections God sees potentials. God is in the business of supernatural transformation. Out of these imperfect people God raised great leaders. The bible is such a rich book filled with true stories of ordinary men and women who were prone to the same challenges and emotional tumoils as we. No pretence! No holds barred revelation of how they dealt with life issues and overcame. They say men don't cry but the psalms gives many instances of how David wept and overcame low moments in his life. Abraham's concubine was told to return to her mistress and be submissive not arrogant in dealing with marital issues. The great Apostle Paul drove the campaign to persecute the early church-talk about passion.  Peter betrayed his friend and teacher not once but thrice  and Judas was the ultimate sell-out!! Not to mention Jesus' earthly lineage was dysfunctional. So what's your story. It doesn't matter where you are at the moment there is hope in your future. Remember its not about you but the GOD IN YOU. God is not seeking for perfect people but men who have a desire for Him and sincerely seek Him. If God can use a formally demon possessed person to preach the gospel, He can use you. God believes in you, believe in you too. I DO.

Where to Look in Dark Times

Editor's Note: I met the most amazing woman some months ago who greatly inspired me. I cannot recollect her name as I type this article but I remember her story clearly which is what truly matters. Three times divorced, widowed, physically and emotionally abused and mother to seven children, her story seemed like a never ending tale of pain and sadness. Despite the plenty upheavals in her life, this amazing woman was able to achieve a life time dream of being a solicitor. It took her years and lots of heartaches, rejections and wrong turns but she arrived at her goal. She spends most of her time inspiring women all over the world that "life is possible" despite the plans of the enemy. A lot of people desire her life now but many would shy short of the dark times she went through. Your ability to trust God in the dark times is key to promotion and success.

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 I remember this amazing woman today after I read this brilliant article by Ken Puls which focuses on where to look when the path seemed dark and endless. Many times when challenges comes many people worry, panic, do everything else but turn to God. Follow this link to read more

Little Drops of Water

It doesn't necessarily start to pour when it rains. It sometimes starts with gentle drips.  Even the heaviest downpour starts with little drops before gaining momentum.

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 These little drops are signs which alerts to heavier drops to come. It might begin with sporadic burst of rain drops before becoming a consistent shower but it will be utter foolishness to disregard the tiny drops. Little drops of rain affords one the opportunity to project and plan for the likelihood of heavier showers. As a young girl growing up in the not so posh side of town, rainfalls were well appreciated. Its free water saving most families the stress of  the long walk to fetch water for household purposes. It also affords the kids the opportunity to play in the rain naked and unabashed.

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As pleasurable as  playing in the rain was, nothing beats the anticipation of the rain itself.  The gentle pit pat of rain drops on the roof tops and the sweet musky smell of wet sand was heavenly. The smattering of sounds on the rooftop was all the neighbourhood needed to start gathering available empty buckets and pans to collect rain water.

It doesn't necessarily have to be much but the anticipation was all the same. The people knew that little will go a long way to alleviate the constant water shortage and the accumulation of little becomes much. They knew that the tiny drops was a symbol of much more to come.

Elijah the Tishbite understood this principle in 1Kings 18. After the land had experienced intense drought for thee years, Elijah prayed that it would rain again but Heaven did not immediately open its gates and poured rain. What Elijah saw instead was a "little cloud no bigger than a man's  hand" 1 King 18:44. It was a little cloud but it was good enough for Elijah. In that "littleness" was packed  everything that Elijah had prayed and expected.

My little boy with autism did an interesting thing some weeks ago that got me on my knees giving glory to God. You see with autism, you have to initiate and motivate good behaviour which could try the patience of even Mother Theresa and I'm no Mother Theresa!!

It was breakfast time and the menu was weetabix but Joshua was having none of it. Instead of throwing the usual tantrum to express his frustration, he gently pushed away the box of cereal, walked to the cupboard and brought out branflakes! In teary amazement, I gave him a hug and breakfast was tantrum-free.

My boy now pro actively makes requests and asserts his preferences. I almost did a triple jump  the day he gently opened the front passenger seat of my car showing his desire to sit beside me. These "little" milestones  might seem ordinary to other parents but to me it was  all the sign I needed.  Its about to pour "rain" in my household and my empty pots and buckets are ready for the flood

. The little drops of water is gradually becoming streams of water. The years of drought is over and I am overjoyed. I can see the little drops of water in my son's life, how about you? Don't give up yet! Whatever the situation,never discountenance the evidence of "little" that you are seeing; with God little is much!! If the "little cloud no bigger than a man's fist" was good enough for Elijah, then I'ma start celebrating.

Lord, Unrush Me.

Editor's Note:It's interesting that I'm sharing this devotion written by Lysa Terkeurst. She is an amazing speaker and best selling author. Lysa writes on an issue that I was privileged to hear from another beautiful lady, Francina Norman.  The world is in such a hurry that it misses out on the most important things in life-people and moments. These days people and events are mixed up in a blur with no opportunity to truly appreciate what's happening at any given moment. When last did you stop to enjoy nature just for the pleasure of it and not because you got stranded on the roadside?
No wonder, life is sometimes described as a rat race with people scuttling about. My son loves nature and would most times stop to appreciate colourful flowers but of course I wasn't having none of that-no time to frolic in the grass!

I never had the patience to stop and allow him have his moment until an ordinary situation changed me. Josh and I were returning home from shopping when I saw a lady stand on the grass path while her little girl picked flowers. The woman did not rush the little girl but watched with a smile on her face while her "daughter" enjoyed herself. For the woman, it was about that moment of letting a little girl enjoy herself-nothing else mattered. No rush!! Reminds me of Jesus' encounter with the woman described in Mark 5:25-34. Jesus was on an important journey but was interrupted by a woman who had an issue. Jesus did not push her way but stood and listened to her story"oh boy, did she she have a story!. Vrs 33"then the woman knowing what had happened to her, came and fell at her feet and trembling with fear told him the whole truth".  Jesus did not rush her but listened! He did not let his other assignment stop him from hearing this lady's story-she was just as important.  .
Oh that we might be UNRUSHED. Enjoy Lysa's devotion.Follow this link to read more

What God can do

It’s been a busy yet amazing couple of days. It all started when I received a call that I'd been allocated a council house. "Hello", the woman at the other end of the call repeated as I remained silent. I didn't believe my ears at least not till I held the keys to this fabulous looking brand new two bed house. It wasn't your typical council house in a decrepit estate but a lovely house in a new family friendly environment –the houses were barely four years old. Gently, I walked through the glass doors, tentatively opening the doors to the rooms and pinching myself to check If I was dreaming or not. The rooms were bare and the floors cold beneath my feet as I'd taken off my shoes to feel the floors. With mouth wide open, I opened this much appreciated gift in my hands. It had a walk in closet for my very many shoes and lots of other storage places. “HEAVEN DIVINE”, I yelled as I ran up the stairs like a little kid in a candy store. You see, I had applied for a council house about six years ago but barely imagined myself getting anything like what I'm seeing. What I was viewing was beyond my imagination. The lord had surpassed my imagination! It had to be Jesus I told myself as I rolled on the floor in awe of His majesty. Words could not describe how I felt but He that had given this beautiful gift understood perfectly where my praise was coming from. You see it’s easier for the proverbial camel to pass through the eyes of a needle" than it is to get a council house these days. A lot of people had to lobby public representatives most times to no avail. I'd never bothered going that route. I just don't know how to "lick asses"(no offence meant pls), so I'd allowed my application to simply be!. The last time I got a call from the council representative to update my details and I'd bothered to ask about the status of my application, I WAS TOLD THERE WERE TEN THOUSAND PEOPLE AHEAD OF ME. With that number, where would I start the lobbying from? Who would even lobby for insignificant little me, with no political or economical muscle whatsoever! So I handed the matter to the only muscle I could pull, JESUS. Can you now understand a bit of my PRAISE? God bypassed the ten thousand people to favour ME! He did not just give me any house but gave me a BRAND NEW HOUSE to do what I would with. Standing in front of me was a canvass of a house to decorate as I wished. This God is SIMPLY AMAZING. He is the HELPER of the helpless, FATHER of the fatherless and HOPE of the hopeless. He DEFENDS the defenceless and HE HAS BEEN MY DEFENCE. In the land of my sojourn the lord has PROSPERED ME. Since this year, I've opened a lot of presents from one who understood my fears and had spoken life back into my lifelessness (told you, I've plenty gist's for you, would unfold them in time). Let me tell you what this has God has done for me. like Obed edom in 2 Sam 6:12-19, a situation meant to bring me shame has inadvertently been my stepping stone to glory In less than three months I have been blessed with a new house and a new car without any assistance from any one. I neither borrowed nor begged-ALL HIS DOING. Aside from the material blessings, I'm blessed with a group of youths that I teach and a wonderful choir that I lead. Everyday this motley crew of young boys and girls bring delight to my heart. Did I mention that that there is LOVE IN THE AIR? Well that's gist for another day but its part of what MY GOD CAN DO. PS that's not my new place just me sneaking in a picture before ministers meeting.