Night vision (1)

”Who is among you who…fears the Lord…yet…walks in darkness…?’ Isaiah 50:10

God promises us peace, but not smooth sailing or immunity from life’s problems. The Bible says you can ‘fear the Lord yet walk in darkness and trouble.’
Check your Bible:

a) Job lived an exemplary life yet he lost everything. Troubled and perplexed, he cried, ‘[God] has blocked my way…he has shrouded my paths in darkness (Job 19:8 NIV)

b) Jeremiah, after preaching to a rebellious people who beat and imprisoned him, said, ‘Oh, that…my eyes [were] a fountain…I would weep day and night for…my people’ (Jeremiah 9:1 NIV)

c) Paul suffered so much he ‘…despaired even of life’ (2 Corinthians 1:8). Faith is like film; it’s developed in the dark. Dark days make us lean on God in ways we normally wouldn’t. The truth is, if our faith was never tested we wouldn’t be motivated to pursue God and draw closer to Him. Edward Mote wrote: ‘When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace. When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my hope and stay. On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.’ It’s easy to praise God when your health is good and your bills are paid. It’s when light suddenly turns to darkness that we discover what our faith is made of and where our trust truly lies. It’s in those seasons, that we develop night vision!
http://www.ucb.co.uk/word_for_today

too happy to blog, it’s friday,
till next time,
esy does it

How to fight so everybody wins (2)

‘…speaking the truth in love, we will…grow up…’ Ephesians 4:15

There are two ways to tell the truth: the ‘give them a piece of your mind’ style, which only drives the wedge deeper, or the Bible way: ‘Speaking the truth in love,’ which resolves conflict and strengthens relationships. Suppose a couple is fighting because he’s habitually late. How can she speak ‘the truth in love’ and get her message heard? Here’s a five-step process that’s effective in marriage, friendship or work.
She could say to him: 1) ‘I feel frustrated.’ No blame, no attack; just an honest expression of her own emotion.
                                             2) ‘When you are late.’ No judging, name-calling or labelling; just a concrete description of his action.
                                             3) ‘It seems to say to me that my time is not really important to you.’ No moralising; just honestly sharing her feelings.
                                           4) ‘Please try to be on time, or call and let me know when you’ll be here.’ Instead of focusing on past actions he can’t change, she’s telling him what she’d like him to do differently next time.
                                            5) ‘Would you be willing to do that for me?’ No demanding or taking for granted; just asking for consideration and cooperation. When he agrees, they have a ‘contract.’ She thanks him sincerely and rewards every effort he makes to keep his word. She has effectively realigned the couple by making him her ally, not her enemy, and redefined the focus as a shared one, not something she ‘does to him!’ The Bible says we can ‘walk together’ when we have ‘agreed’ to do so (Amos 3:3 NIV).
http://www.ucb.co.uk/word_for_today

till next time,
easy does it

…double sigh…

I’m a somewhat of a happy camper, smiling cheekily at this new rapport I got into with one radio personality that works for a totally different (border-wise) media house…I got him to speak to me through his music and he made my day, might I add that he sounds amazing.

That should keep me occupied for a while. Dude from the poor excuse of a date just sent me a txt msg informing me about how he’s enjoying his business trip destination, and how he hopes I’m well! Yeah right, whatever!

Jobo will be paying out salaries tomorrow, between poverty and I right now is an amazing 3,000 shillings. I’m holding onto the hope (and faith) that the side jobs I’ve done this past month or so will call me up and pay me, today. And is it a trying period, or is it?! I still have to get home and “gye nsula, walaa”.

So until something happens, I’ll spend time at this PC,saying a prayer or more,  trying not to think about the hungry knot in my tummy. If it’s any consolation, I’m looking amazing at work today, fitted dress, heels, and an item of clothing that makes Pam wish she’d never had any work done on hers. I’m enjoying the attention around me (from the guys and girls),

till next time,
easy does it

…sigh…

I attended the Maurice Kirya experience last night with company that had not a hint of chivalry in them which is why I won’t be hanging out with them for some time, the only gentlemanly thing done for me yesterday…was by a handsome lad, that got his buddy to make room for me to pass on my way to where I stood most of the evening.
He did it with such finesse…that it’s the most profound memory I have of the experience, apart from the instruments, and vocals(these were amazing, albeit they kept saying they didn’t know the lyrics to some particular song)
I remember looking up at him, meeting his gaze for a second, shyly, and breathing a grateful ‘thank you’ to him…I could feel his gaze follow me, a warm feeling I might add

So despite having a sh***y date (the other guy with whom I attended the Experience, picked me up from my parents house, made an elaborate effort of greeting them, and getting my Mom all excited at the prospect of me having finally found a boyfriend, drove carelessly to the Rouge, sat himself at one of the speakers – totally paying no attention to the lady standing beside him{read Me}, and I stood all through the most part of the show, only happily going to the girls room for a cancer break, or a touch up of make-up, upon my return, was when he started to feign some kind of attention for me….TOO LATE, I”M NOT INTERESTED ANYMORE, all the way to the end of the show and until the house. If I don’t see him ever again, that will be too soon.) that one gesture from that other lad, made my night and to Him, I’m grateful for being a gentleman.

So hopefully the next time you(gentleman) decide to take your girl out, pay her some attention, it’s the little things that make a world of difference, I would know.
…till next time,
easy does it

How to fight so everybody wins (1)

‘…watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.’ Galatians 5:15

Healthy relationships aren’t conflict free; they’re conflict resolving. The problem is: we fight for victories instead of fighting for solutions. The result is: one wins, one loses, and the relationship suffers! Here are some practical insights for fighting so that the relationship wins: 1) Differences are inevitable, normal, and potentially beneficial. They’re inevitable, because relationships bring together very different people. They’re normal, because all relationships, including great ones, experience them. They’re potentially beneficial, because handled effectively, relationships grow through them. 2) Here are three conflicting handling styles: a) the avoid style. These are the ‘don’t want to rock the boat’ and ‘let sleeping dogs lie’ people. They fear confrontation, so they bury their feelings, not realising they’re buried alive and will rise again down the road. They go from clam-up, to build-up, to blow-up, inviting physical and emotional illness. Meanwhile offences accumulate, unaddressed issues multiply, and unfinished business erodes the relationship b) the attack style. These are the ‘get them before they get you’ people; ruthless fighters who refuse to give in, they inflict terminal wounds on each other. The Bible says, ‘If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.’ Attack begets counterattack, both sides ‘dig in’ and nothing gets resolved c) the approach-assert style. These are the ‘no price is too high for a good relationship’ people. They’re sensitive to the feelings of others, yet insist on dealing directly with important issues. They avoid blaming, confront the issue, not the individual, and invite others to partner with them in solving the problem and saving the relationship!
http://www.ucb.co.uk/word_for_today

till next time,
fight smart, fight sensitive,
and easy does it

Jesus Understands

…[Jesus] has been tempted in all things as we are..’ Hebrews 4:15

Well-intentioned friends sometimes say, ‘I know how you feel.’ But deep down we think, ‘no, you really don’t.’ But Jesus does! He was ‘tempted in all things as we are,’ so He can interpret and present our feelings to God. And He does. When you pray in Jesus’ name, pouring out your heart to God, Jesus acts as your lawyer and says, ‘Father, I know what this person is feeling. I know what it’s like to be under pressure to sin. I stand with this child of Yours who needs Your help.’ You say, ‘But Jesus was without sin, so can He really feel my sin the way I feel it?’ Yes He can. In fact, because of His purity He actually feels the pain of sin even more. Perhaps an illustration will help. In our everyday world we live with germs all around us, and even on us. Because we aren’t in a sterile environment we don’t notice these germs and we learn to live with them. But it’s an entirely different story in a hospital operating room. There, any contamination from germs is a real threat that demands the attention of the entire staff. So they sterilise everything because bacteria can kill the patient. The purity of the room demands close attention to the presence of even the slightest impurity that could lead to a life-threatening infection. So Jesus’ separateness from, and sensitivity to sin, actually increases His ability to sympathise with us. Bottom line: Jesus understands what you’re struggling with!
http://www.ucb.co.uk/word_for_today

…have a beautiful day,
I hope to do some impulse writting/ blogging, noe of these days,
till next time,
easy does it

From surviving – to thriving!

‘…increase…and possess the land…’ Deuteronomy 8:1

After 400 years of slavery God handed the Israelites the deed to a lush, plentiful land they could finally call home. Up until then everything they owned had been provided for them by their Egyptian captors. But slavery had crushed their will and destroyed their initiative; consequently God had to break them of their reliance on people rather than on Him (people-dependency can make you vulnerable and stunt your growth). So when God led the Israelites into the wilderness and the leeks and onions they enjoyed in Egypt were gone, they were forced to develop an appetite for manna; something only God can provide! Understand this: When God takes away an old source or system and gives you a new one, it doesn’t mean the old one was no good. It just means He’s chosen a new way of guiding and providing. When God makes you a promise He always keeps it, but you have to be willing to remove the training wheels of your reliance on people. In the wilderness the Israelites griped and bellyached for the comfort of the familiar, even though it meant going back to an old season that was over. But they couldn’t, and you can’t either! When God said, ‘Increase…and possess the land,’ His plan for them went beyond surviving – to thriving. It meant being weaned off the breast milk of people-dependence and on to the meat of God-dependence. Paul writes: ‘Not that we are sufficient of ourselves…but our sufficiency is from God’ (2 Corinthians 3:5 NKJV). When God pushes you out of your comfort zone en route to your destiny, expect to go through some unfamiliar, anxiety-producing territory. It’s the only way to go from surviving – to thriving.
http://www.ucb.co.uk/word_for_today

till next time,
easy does it
and move on from survivin’ to thrivin’

Dealing with disappointment (3)

‘But we have this treasure in earthen vessels.’ 2 Corinthians 4:7

Finally there’s: Disappointment in ourselves. It’s potentially the most debilitating kind of disappointment because it can throw you into a downward spiral that’s hard to stop or recover from. Peter had sworn undying love and fidelity to Jesus. ‘Lord, everybody else may abandon you, but not me! I’m yours till death’ (Matthew 26:33-35 para), and he meant every word of it. But under the pressures surrounding the crucifixion he yields, and three times denies knowing Jesus. Later, remembering Jesus’ words, ‘”Before the rooster crows…you will deny me three times”‘ Peter, heartbroken by his own dismal failure, ‘…went outside and wept bitterly’ (Luke 22:62 NIV). Ever asked, ‘God, how can you possibly use someone as messed up as me?’ Peter failed to meet his own expectations and went on a downer. But Jesus wasn’t shocked. He was well aware of Peter’s flaws when he called him into the ministry. He also knew that his blustering, outspoken disciple had a tender heart, so He extended grace to him rather than remove him from office. When Christ gave post-resurrection orders to ‘…tell his disciples and Peter…’ (Mark 16:7 NIV) to meet Him in Galilee, He reaffirmed His choice of the failed disciple. The rest of Peter’s story is New Testament history. When (not if!) you confront failure: a) don’t add insult to injury by letting disappointment mire you in hopelessness and despair b) humble yourself and repent. Confess your sin; don’t excuse, rationalise or blame circumstances and people c) receive God’s grace and forgiveness by faith, not by feelings. Don’t let Satan convince you your case is beyond grace d) get whatever help you need to get back on track; sooner, not later.
http://www.ucb.co.uk/word_for_today

till next time
easy time

Dealing with disappointment (2)

‘Now go, lead the people…’ Exodus 32:34

Here are two more types of disappointment you’ll deal with in life:

1) Disappointment in those you work with and depend on. To succeed, you need people; you can’t make it without them. And when those people fail you it’s painful. Imagine Moses’ disappointment. He leaves his brother Aaron in charge while he attends a summit conference with God and receives the Ten Commandments. Returning, he finds Israel in anarchy, idolatry and unspeakable perversion. Where’s Aaron? Leading the rebellion! When Moses needs him most, Aaron fails him miserably. But watch Moses; true leadership shines in deep disappointment. He confronts Aaron, takes the mess to God for resolution, and prays forgiveness for Israel. God listens, then reminds Moses of his assignment. ‘”…go, lead the people…my angel will go before you…” (v. 34). Disappointment doesn’t cancel your assignment – or God’s presence. Do what He sent you to do.

2) Disappointment in those you’ve poured your life into. Let’s check in again with Moses, Founding Pastor of The Church of the Critical and the Ungrateful, a congregation of former slaves, delivered, abundantly blessed, en route to the Promised Land, but without a shred of loyalty or gratitude for the man who put everything on the line to make it possible. Fresh out of Egypt they turn on Moses, accusing, blaming and berating him (Exodus 14). Was Moses disappointed and hurt? Yes. But each time he wanted to quit he’d discuss it with God, pray for his complaining flock, receive fresh orders from headquarters and return to work. It’s what God-called men and women do when they’re disappointed and feel like giving up.
http://www.ucb.co.uk/word_for_today

Talk to me…
till next time,
easy does it

Dealing with disappointment (1)

‘…Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him…’ 1 Samuel 3:19

Welcome to life; disappointment guaranteed! Webster defines disappointment as, ‘When expectations fail to be met, producing anger, frustration, sadness and discouragement.’ Here are some examples to help you when:

1) You’re disappointed with those you look up to. Think of Samuel and Eli (1 Samuel 1-4). Samuel’s mother entrusted her child to Eli the High Priest, confident he’d mentor and prepare him for God’s service. But Eli had a serious character flaw. He was a weak, passive parent who stood by while his sons abused their priestly privilege, bringing shame and disrepute to the ministry. Who’d have blamed young Samuel for taking a nose dive when the man he looked up to failed so badly? But no, he fielded his disappointment and kept his eyes on God: ‘Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him.’ As a result God turned him into one of Israel’s greatest prophets. So keep your eyes on the Lord.

2) You’re disappointed in those you live with. If anyone wouldn’t let you down, surely it would be your family. Right? Wrong! Ask young Joseph. When God promised him a big promotion he thought his brothers would celebrate. Instead they responded with jealousy, ridicule and resentment, selling him into slavery. Far from friends and home he languished in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. What an invitation to bitterness, to rehearsing the wrongs done him while plotting his revenge. But if he’d done that he’d have died an unknown convict in a foreign jail. Instead he allowed God to vindicate him, using his circumstances to position, prepare and promote him to being Egypt’s Prime Minister: and that’s how you deal with disappointment.
http://www.ucb.co.uk/word_for_today

Cheers to you all that are nodding to this,
have a splendid week,
till next time,
easy does it