Keep asking

Just before Christmas I bought my daughter a scooter and she was very pleased. I explained to her it was part of her Christmas presents and it should not be used till Christmas day. I don’t think my explanation made much difference. She was naturally overjoyed and hugged me so many times. She sang and danced around the house and after every 5 minutes she would ask - ‘mummy please can I ride my scooter’ and I would politely say ‘you can dear but not until Christmas’.

What good was that? She must have asked more than 10 times and every - ‘wait till Christmas day, No, Not now’, made her more determined to get a ‘yes, go ahead’. She did not care that she had been told to wait that many times. The persistent widow (Luke 18:1-5) got what she asked for and it was simply because she persisted. Matt 7:7 encourages us to ask; Mark 11:24 encourages us to believe that we will receive whatever we ask for in prayer. Do not let the NO’s stop you from getting what you want. Life has its obstacles, challenges, No’s, and problems but we must rise above it all. We must keep asking, seeking, knocking and doing these in good spirit. Don’t let the NO’s make you sad, downcast, discouraged, or stop you - keep asking and believing.

Of course I indulged my daughter, she got a ride on the scooter and then wrapped it up and put it under the tree for Christmas. She was still as excited as the first day when she opened it at Christmas.  

Ignite your faith

Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there',and it will move.Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Jesus used the mustard seed to illustrate that even the smallest faith can produce big results. Putting our trust completely in God is sometimes easier said than done, because faith is an assurance that what you expect and hope for will come to pass. Most people will believe only what they can see but the bible teaches us to believe that what we expect and hope for will manifest. No matter what the situation is around us, we must look beyond and have faith in God.

I have often experienced disappointment when I put my faith in people. Their intentions may be good but people fail; they change their minds; they don’t keep appointments or their words; things could come up; so rather than hoping and trusting in earthly things put your faith in God. He never fails, He does not change His mind about what He has spoken concerning you, His love is constant and situations won’t make Him love you less. Faith in God produces big results, mountains and obstacles will move, those things that seems impossible become possible and we become an inspiration for others not to settle for a lesser experience of life.

When we allow God to ignite something in us, that desire inside, becomes a fire in our heart pushing us to keep going because we have faith—faith that the God who began this good work would carry it to completion.  God wants to use you. What is that passion in your heart? What are those plans that have lingered in your diary? What are your fears- ‘if God be for you, who can be against you?'

It is God who put that spark in your heart, He is calling you to something bigger than you. Put your faith in Him.

Conviction

By being steadfast in prayer and fasting, God gives us more conviction about the next step in our lives. I woke up this morning feeling low, I didn't have the strength to pray or do my usual morning routine. I struggled, my mind wondered about the next step. Then I picked my tablet and began to read from Isaiah 55:8 and I found strength. As I listened to a worship song and began to pray, my spirit was lifted up. 

Sometimes that little step in the right direction is more than what you see, it is a new start to something much bigger than you. I talked about compassion yesterday, our compassion should result in a conviction to action. This could be the beginning of much a greater impact in the world. It is important to recognise that one intentional action can result in a variety of positive outcomes. While we may have experienced dead ends at every turn yesterday, the result of a simple turn today could be multiple open doors. You must not give up on your convictions. God's ways our higher than ours. We must keep going in the right direction, holding on to God and the conviction within our hearts. Always think about your 'why'.

Nehemiah decided to fast and pray when he heard of what had happened to his people. When we pray and get clarity from God our actions have greater impacts. Praying and fasting is essential in discovering your path and purpose in life. Ask God to increase your conviction for people in your community, Take a walk around you,take a look around you, ask questions, listen and learn. We develop genuine compassion when we understand the realities of other people and this moves us to make a difference. Hang around people with strong conviction and purpose because your own certainty and clarity will come as you keep the right company. Always start the day with prayer, clarity, intention, purpose. Let God put in your heart a conviction and move you to action 

Compassion

Yesterday I talked about being compassionate with my kids. I asked them about what they thought it meant and I got responses like - kindness, helping, showing you care, and showing appreciation. I thought of the story of a man called Nehemiah. He was a servant to the king in a land far away from his people. One day he had visitors who told him that the walls of Jerusalem had been destroyed to ash and rubble and no one could do anything about it. 

Yes they came bearing bad news. News of disaster, pain, agony and hopelessness. Just like we hear all around us today. Nehemiah on hearing this was full of compassion, he could see a deeper reality that they were losing their strength and identity, and close to losing all hope. He knew he had to act.

Compassion is not only showing care and concern but also being willing to help or act when possible. I agree with the kids that it is more of an action world. Our compassion should move us to do something about the situation.

 Mother Teresa was compassionate and she gave her life to serve the poor. We too can do something - we can share a meal with the hungry/ homeless; we can give out blankets to those sleeping on the cold street; we can give to support children suffering the effects of conflicts and wars. Some families have adopted children that would otherwise have had no future, giving them hope. It can be helping the stranded person on the road to push his car to the side; comforting and crying with that person who has suffered loss; helping that old lady cross the road; helping the care home to clear autumn leaves and do the garden. It is asking and identifying what you can and doing it. I challenge you today to think of how you can be compassionate. It is one of the purest expressions of humanity.

Take your place

My friend from high school had invited me to a party after 15 years. It was her birthday and she had invited as many high school friends as she could reach. I looked forward to seeing old friends and attending the party. On the night I got dressed up, gave my husband and kids hugs and kisses and happily drove off. When I got there I had a funny feeling and as I looked around it was not what I had anticipated. I was in a room full with people I used to know but who had formed their own bonds. They all seemed to have kept in touch with each other sitting in little cliques and clusters having their own conversations. The experience was draining. It was a lovely gathering filled with the music, chatter, laughter, however I felt left out. They savoured the times shared and I sat there feeling a bit left out. I walked round hoping to find an empty seat on other tables, trying to join into their discussions but it did not change how I was feeling. I thought to myself- ‘Where have I been? How come I have missed so much? I couldn’t wait to get back home to my children, to my circle, where I could chat, talk, laugh and not have this awkward feeling.

I spent a most of that evening trying be friendly to people I already knew, and I did not open up other people that I did not know. I tried to penetrate a minor group of old acquaintances not seeing that there were many other people. As it thought about that day I began to see that though I could not strengthen my relationship with my old friends, I was also reluctant to start new friendship with those I did not know.

It is normal to desire to be accepted by others. We try hard to be our best often worrying  if we will fit in, we go from one circle to another, trying to find our place and searching for an vacant chair. The problem is that it may be wrong chair. God has a prepared a special seat for you with your name written on it. He wants you to come just as you are and sit on His table to dine with Him.Don’t expend your life seeking to find a chair at a lesser table, seeking to be included, and seeking to fit in when you have a place on the kings table. Why do you bend and reshape yourself to belong, when you can settle into the one chair made especially for you. When we take our place on the kings table we begin to see the needs of others around us, begin to form new connections, and reach out to share Gods love.

Peace in an uncertain world

Life is though. The world is changing every day, it has evolved so much since I was a little girl, and sometimes I wonder what it will be when I get much older. I remember my grandmother talking about how things had changed since the 1930's. It can be scary. We are not sure of what will happen, how life will be for our children, how we will get by in such an uncertain world. Many live in fear of tomorrow, fear of harm, death, economic stress, job loss, diseases, terror attacks etc. The world is so uncertain but one certain fact is that God loves you and assures you of His peace. Do not be afraid, God’s word says in Isaiah 35:4 - encourage those who are afraid. Tell them, “Be strong, and fear not, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.”

Do not be worried about what is going on around you. Look at Jesus. Do not focus on your problems, do not let fear rule, focus on Jesus. God assures us that He will give us peace. In a world of trouble, stress and pain Jesus says He will give us peace.

John 14:27(NIV) ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid’

Do not be afraid. Do not let anyone or anything steal your peace and your joy. Do not stay upset with the issues around you. The bible assures us that God has left His peace with us. But we have a role to play in experiencing this peace and that is not letting our hearts be troubled. Let us not allow fear and worry take the best part of our lives. Tell yourself that you are not going to live in fear. When you have God’s peace in your heart, you stay on top of your circumstances. God will take care of you. No matter the situation God has your answer. He loves you and will make a way. We all feel fear, but we must keep going forward, taking steps of faith. 

Value Yourself

The decisions you make today is greatly connected with how much value you place on your future. Many people live without realising the connection. Most times we are unsatisfied with who we are, we do not like our look, our career, where we are in life, our spouse, and deep within we do not feel very significant. The word for you today is value yourself. Value where you are today because you know that it is shaping you for a glorious future. Think about the fact that you have hands, legs, you are alive, you can see, you have a family, you have a roof over your head, and you may even be educated. Think about what you have, make a list if you have to. Do you realise you have the ability to do something that others can’t? Do you know that those things you take for granted someone is seriously praying for?

When you value what is in your hand God blesses you more but you must start by valuing and being trust worthy with what you currently have. What is the reason behind what you do, you must realise that you cannot waste what you have been given by God. You have the ability to do something significant God has placed in you. When you look within you would see that God has placed something in our hands- value it and use it.
It does not matter where you are in your life- career woman; stay home mum; business woman; teacher; student; divorced; single; the list goes on- you have the ability to do something significant. Value who you are and where you are. Be motivated and encouraged to see something extraordinary in yourself and keep going.
I wasted time feeling bad about where I was in life and not truly appreciating the blessings. Until God opened my heart to see, I began to see that the things I had and didn’t value many others desired. When I changed my mind set, I started to really appreciate how blessed I was, I began to value what God placed in my hands, I was happier, things began to change and I started making more impact. Today I urge you to look within and value who you are and what you have.

Be strong in the lord

Ephesians 6:10 - be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power

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I cannot recount the number of times I have been tired. Not just physically tired but also tired of situations, circumstances and things happening around me. I am sure we have all had that experience  It is in those moments that we need to remind ourselves to be strong in the lord. God does not require us to be strong in ourselves or our abilities, because we are limited and our strength does not amount to much without His grace and favour. He is our leader and we must trust that His ways are the best. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and He will make your paths straight. If you want that straight path, you must trust in the lord, you must find your strength in Him.

No matter the difficulties we can live content. No matter the temptations surrounding us we can live unshaken. Even when the known facts are terrifying we can live confidently. We CAN because we trust in the lord, We CAN because we are strong in Him and His mighty power which is working within us.

Kindness

I have often wondered the point of kindness if it is not passed forward. Being kind feels good, it shows you care, it makes the recipient happy as well as feeling valued and respected. Kind people find peace in themselves, they are more tolerant and compassionate, people like to be around them, and most of all it inspires others to be kinder, thereby making the world a better place. But what is the point of kindness if it is not passed on to the next person. Kind people usually do not expect to be repaid for their actions.

 Today I left my house determined to be kinder on the road. Even though I was in a rush to get the children to school I was going to be kind to another who seemed more in need. After all, it was only few days ago when I was running late. It was 5 o'clock already, my train had been delayed at New Street station. I had to pick my toddler from nursery at 5.30pm and my daughter from after school care no later than 5.45pm. I had less than hour to get them both from different locations. It seemed everyone had to be somewhere that evening too. I had waited over 7 minutes to turn into the major road from the car park. With the cars fleeing past I was in a dilemma. Just as I was about to pull down my window hoping someone would see the plea in my face and let me pass, a car stopped, holding up all the others. He signalled with his light for me to pass. I had to look around to be sure. I couldn't have been more grateful. The lights ahead were green too and I got to my kids just at the nick of time. I was thankful to that kind man, he didn't have to, I didn't know him, he was also in a rush but he stopped. That one kind act, changed my already bad day. The effect of that act spiralled down to my children who were happy to see me. It got me thinking about all those mornings when I set out just thinking about how to get to my destination, feeling irritated at the driver who couldn’t wait and got in speedily in my way. Those mornings when I would not let other cars turn in.  Who knows the effect a little kindness on the road would have made on another person’s day.  I have decided from today and every other day, I will be kind on the road, I will set out early, I will let people who need to get past go, I will pay forward the kindness of a handful out there.

Remember, that what goes around comes around! Kindness is contagious, having a knock- on effect and consequently having a bigger impact on our surroundings than we might think.

Parenting: Train up a child

All aspects of our life are shaped mainly in our childhood. Our character, sense of responsibility, sense of belonging, good and bad habits, ability to cope with difficulties, and spirituality are all shaped from childhood. We do not easily forget those formative years – the good memories of childhood can strengthen us during trying times as adults, and, likewise, those without a happy childhood cannot re-create it.

 Taking for granted a religious upbringing in childhood surely manifests itself in a person's character. This should motivate all parents and guardians to do their best to guide these little ones in a path of faith. Children are particularly receptive to religious imprints, by nature they are drawn to things which open up the beauty and meaning of life. We often see that if a child lives in miserable, gloomy surroundings, he will grow underdeveloped, without joy and most times will not relate well in society. For many who grow up like this a large part of the problem is from the parents. On the other hand, when we consider prominent and successful people, with great integrity, energy, and values, the majority of them come from large, hard-working families, brought up in religious traditions.
Psychologists say that impressions of early childhood play a decisive role in the subsequent development of a person. For example, some bad habits in adults can be traced to negative impressions from early childhood.  This is why as parents we must give thought to the early impressions we make on our children. We should begin to develop our children’s soul right from birth. Once they are born we are keen to see them grow physically, we strive to meet their need for clothes, a crib, milk etc., but often neglecting their souls. I think a mother who brings her baby to church as early as possible does the right thing, she is right when she blesses him, prays over his crib, prays over her breast milk or bottle, and takes him to church activities because she is preparing his soul towards faith in God at that early age.

One story I love in the bible is about some children who were carried to Jesus, and the disciples tried to stop the parents because they did not want to disturb their master. When Jesus saw this he was not pleased, and said to the disciples: "suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the Kingdom of God.' And embracing the children, He placed His hands on them and blessed them" (Mark 10:13-16).  These children must have been little children because the bible says they were carried to Jesus, which shows that they may have been too little to walk by themselves. The disciples did not want them to be brought near Jesus because they most likely thought, like parents do, that infants are unable to assimilate spiritual things.  The reaction from Jesus teaches us a vital lesson, children are more receptive to the goodness and grace of God. They naturally strive toward God. The best time to teach spirituality is early childhood, this when the foundation of a person is laid. In their early years up till about 6-7yrs, the personality of children can easily be moulded, after that age it is extremely difficult to change them as their major characteristics have already being formed.

Modern day parents have a tendency to underestimate the importance of bringing up a child in the way of the lord, and knowing difference between good and evil. We commonly say "Let him grow a little, and he will realize by himself what is good and what is wrong." Society even encourages this thought process, it is as if we hope that this will happen automatically. And so many do not attend to their toddlers bad inclinations and often fail to teach them how to deal with them. We would give in to anything for some ‘peace and quiet’. It is better to nip any manifestation of bad behaviour at its root before it grows. Parents who have failed to do so, often regret bitterly later.

Children need to know their boundaries, they need to know at an early age what is permissible and what is not. When children understand there are consequences for violation of the rules from home, a healthy foundation is being laid which will prepare him to submit to God and obey the laws of the land. I would like to hear your thoughts on this. 

Little eyes

Yesterday I took my toddler to see the paediatric nurse. We spent a few minutes there getting a flu jab. The nurse was lovely and very kind. When we got home my toddler asked if she could draw a picture. ‘Of course' I said, and gave her some markers, pencils, and her drawing book.  After a few minutes. I noticed she had drawn on her wrists and hands. ‘Why did you draw on your hands’ I asked?  ‘I just wanted to be like the nurse' she replied. Then I remembered the nurse had tattoos all over her hands.

It struck me how little ones observe everything. I did not think she had noticed the tattoos, or that they had made such an impression on her. It reinforced a lesson that we often take for granted. We set examples for our children in everything. Their little eyes observe what we do, what we say, how we relate to others, etc. Even in the places we take them, subtle impressions are made on their young minds. Most times we think they are too small to notice or understand but this is far from the truth, the little eyes of children see everything. We must always remember that our kids are watching and learning from us. Daily impressions are being made on their young minds which shape them for the future. Join me tomorrow as I share more on early childhood impressions.

... Be an example.. in your speech, your conduct, your love, faith and purity (1 Tim 4:12)

Be authentic

We were created for relationship and connections with God and with one another. However shame and fear often stop from making these connections. The fear that others may not like us, may criticise us, or not accept us if we show our true selves.  We often try to hide and be some else. Being fake has become the order of the day with many having outdoor profiles, or social media profiles that is not who they really are. We are more vulnerable when we are authentic, and that's our fear. Being authentic means letting go of who others want you to be, so that you can be who you really are. It means being genuine, trust worthy and original.

Heaven is looking for people who are unashamed and unafraid of their weaknesses, who realise that God works in their brokenness to show forth beauty. People who realise they live in the light of God's love where nothing is hidden and they can be themselves. To be all you can, you must let go of all your fears and be authentic. Would it not be wonderful to be your true self; to be unafraid to take a stand; to do what you love without any reservations? Only you have the power to be authentic .

I would like to hear your thoughts on being authentic.

Daily life lessons: A spot on the roof

Daily life lessons: A spot on the roof: I once heard the story of a man who was very critical of his wife. He found faults with everything. He would criticise her hair, what she w...

A spot on the roof

I once heard the story of a man who was very critical of his wife. He found faults with everything. He would criticise her hair, what she wore, her make up, the choice of her nail polish. He would complain about the house, the noisy children, the toys on the floor, and will find something wrong with the meals even if everybody thought it was delicious. Nothing was good enough. 

One beautiful morning, she made sure she cleaned, cleared, tidied everything, and prepared his favourite meal. She wanted to please her husband with all her heart. She was just finishing up in the kitchen when her husband walked in. He looked around the immaculate house, then he looked up and pointing to the roof (ceiling) he bursts out "just look at that spot on the roof".

Before you judge him, ask yourself "could that be me? Do I fail to see the neat tidy house around me but instead find faults? Am l a critical person?". So often we do not appreciate the beauty all around. Complaining, fault finding, criticising, and gossiping have become a normal part of our life and our society.

Remember "do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. How can you say to your brother, ‘let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” Luke‬ ‭6:37, 42‬ ‭

He is your shepherd

Psalm 23 has always encouraged me. I have seen God provide for me when it was most needed. I can never forget an experience from my childhood that imprinted this verse in my heart. We had a pressing need, and as a family we prayed with this psalm asking God for a specific solution.The lord gave us what we asked for that day. He used someone we least expected to answer this prayer. For the rest of my life I know that God is my provider, always giving me all I need one day at a time.
This psalm came from David's personal experience. As a shepherd boy God was with him as he faced loneliness in the valley, he must have felt fatigue, tiredness, known hunger, fear, terrible living conditions, and disappointment. Through it he learned that God always provided what he really needed, one day at a time, keeping Him safe through all dangers.
You must remember as you walk your life's path that you are not alone. Your difficulties, hardships and fears are known to God. He is your Shepherd, your keeper and He gives you what you really need, one day at a time.

Try it out

I had some time when the kids were in school and I excitedly tried out this amazing recipe. I was sure they would love it. I imagined their big smiles and happy faces as they came home to a wonderful dinner. I sang and danced as I worked in my kitchen. The kind of joy you have when you know you will truly make someone happy. On the way home from school my daughter said she was hungry. "Don't worry honey, I have made you something special" I replied smiling as I imagine their excitement. They rushed through the door eager to get to the table. I told them to go and wash their hands while I set the table. In no time there they were sitting at the table.

I did not expect it but my son took one look and said "No! I don't like it". Wow I thought, how do you know you don't like some thing you have not tried. Well my daughter took a tiny bite, her facial expressions could not hide that she was not thrilled. I was disappointed, and then I thought of God and how we treat Him. I can imagine His excitement when he sent his son, the joy, the hopes he had, how he imagined his relationship with man would be. He even gave assurances of His love and promised that he will always be with us. However Jesus came and was rejected by man, so many people are still rejecting Him. Many have not even bothered to try,  they just say No. In this new year if you have not accepted Jesus or tried to get to know God please give Him a chance. You will never know what you are missing until you try.

Don't put it off

I have a friend Rose, our kids have tennis lessons together. During the lesson we would chat and have some adult time. We looked forward to catching up each week, sometimes we even had some coffee as we waited. At some point I did not see her at lessons anymore, her husband or mother will bring the girls and I'd causally say hello or ask them to send my love. I felt in my heart I should call but you know how it is, I kept putting it off with excuses such as "I'm  too busy; its probably too late at night to call; I will do it later"etc. The days turned to weeks, then came holiday. I remembered she said they will travel to Morocco so I figured it will be best to call her once the holiday was over.

Few days later someone in church requested we pray for this lady who was battling cancer and was really sick. My heart sank, it wasn't just anyone it was my friend Rose - the one I had procrastinated calling, the one I had not seen but didn't do enough. I learned a vital life lesson that day. Do not put off doing what you should do. Reach out to people- call, text, pray, visit. Who do you need to reach out to today, just do it..

Teachers

During a conversation with my 6yr old she goes "mum teachers are really smart. They know everything, and I'm really sure about that. You have to do it just like my teacher said". I could see that she believed this with all her heart. The role teachers play in young lives is so significant- They answer all questions; they daily explore new things opening up new worlds; they encourage vocabulary; inspire dreams; seek out passion and strength; they help young minds excel beyond what they thought possible; they not only set the bar for excellence but show how to get there. 

Thinking about the people who have the greatest impact on young lives parents come top on the list then we have teachers and coaches. Many parents have left all the coaching and teaching and guiding and inspiring to the teachers. Nothing is wrong with that except that we loose that vital relationship, and that connection with the young mind. We create a barrier where the kids see us only providers of a house, food, clothes or whatever they physically need. Children should believe in us as teachers who also train, guide and encourage. We are character coaches too, we should provide emotional support, be a listening ear, be an encourager, yell at the lazy, correct in love, bring out the best in them and let them see you believe in them. We are all teachers- not just to our children but to someone looking up to you to understand life. 

The most valuable of all the teachers and coaches are those who can do their work in the name of Christ. "Those who are wise will shine as bright as the sky, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever” (Daniel 12:3). Are you making a difference, never forget you are a teacher

Strength for weakess

Irrespective of our humble beginnings, God can lead us to a glorious future if we allow him to transform us. He has a perfect plan for everyone but we need to have faith and courage to allow him make the most of our weaknesses and turn our misery into mission.

There once lived a man called Gideon, he was a scared, discouraged young man with little self-respect. His clan was the weakest in his whole tribe, and he was the least in his family (see Judges 6:15).
Imagine it, being the least and the most irrelevant in an already insignificant village or clan. In today's world the analyst and researchers would say there was no hope for Him. He will remain poor, powerless, benefit ridden and maybe his generation will have a high chance of being problematic in society.

You see that's not what God saw, right there while he was threshing wheat in a winepress, hiding the little food he had from his Midianite oppressors. An angel appeared and called to him, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior” (Judges 6:12).
Hang on, did the angel say mighty warrior?  Nothing about this man felt mighty, or like a hero. But God knew His potential.  God knew who he made. God saw Him different. Gideon only needed to see himself like God did. It took him time to do this,  he needed signs and assurances from God but when the Lord singles you out for blessing he will stoop down to lift you up.

By the end of the story, Gideon had become the deliverer of his people. That man which was the least was now a deliverer, and a saviour to his people. His first step toward success was to see himself as God saw him — as a “mighty warrior.” Then he was able to hope in the possibility of freedom.

Lesson: No matter how weak or unworthy we may think we are, God is able to transform us into “mighty heroes” of faith. God is able change your story, to change that negative perception about you, but u must see yourself as God does. You must have the right mindset and mentality. Just as Gideon was changed by trusting God to use Him, we too will be changed by allowing God’s strength to empower us in our areas of weakness

Don't give up

'Then Jesus told .. a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up' -(Luke 18:1)

my daughter never ever stops asking for what she wants till she gets it. It does not matter if I say yes or wait as long as she doesn't have it yet she will come asking again and again. I sometimes get tired of her reminders and how often they come. 

God isn't like us humans, He loves it when we constantly remind Him of the promises in His word for us. He doesn't mind when we ask, he is ever willing to listen, to hear you out, His never tired of your voice.  

Don't give up, don't give in, its only a few days in the new year but be encouraged to keep going. Don't give up, don't let the old habits in- keep the vision alive, keep asking God to do it in your life. Keep moving forward, don't give up. 

New beginings

I am super excited today because its my first time blogging. Let me start by saying happy new year to you. Its always a good feeling starting a new year. sometimes I wonder why? what's all hype about a new year? why do people want to party, worship, dance, watch fireworks, make resolutions, and all the things people do.  Is there a point to it? What is it about new beginnings. New beginnings inspire fresh hope. After many days of striving, seeking, planning, trying, successes and difficulties - a new start gives one the time to take a breath, pause, think, pray, assess, celebrate, aspire, strategize and look forward.

Its a new slate, a new year, a new start to keep going on, to work harder and think smarter, to build. God loves new beginning too,  we are constantly encouraged never to keep up to keep going, to renew strength. sadly most times all the hype last for one to two months before old habits, distractions and procrastination begin to quench our zeal and new year drive. Its vital to have a plan to keep hope alive. Stay connected with the right network, group, church and friends; keep your goal and vision always before you and be accountable. Welcome to 2017- a year of great possibilities, I look forward to sharing lessons from each day with you. I hope you will share your lessons too as we encourage each better to be the very best. God bless you.