BHH call to all bloggers tonight @ Mateos 6pm

Everyone is welcome
looking forward to meeting you
till this next time…(hint, hint…THIS evening)
easy does it

Be a ‘builder-upper!’ (2)

‘”…encourage and strengthen him…”‘ Deuteronomy 3:28

God knew that Joshua would need all the help he could get in leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. So He told his mentor, Moses, ‘”…encourage and strengthen him, for he will lead this people across and will cause them to inherit the land… .”‘ God recognised that Moses was the best man to strengthen and encourage Joshua because he’d dealt with pressures and ‘people problems’ at the Red Sea, and again in the desert when Israel grumbled against God and him. Everybody needs encouragement, including you! You need others to cheer you on when you’ve been battered by setbacks and circumstances. German poet, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, said, ‘Correction does much, but encouragement does much more.’ It rekindles your spirit and gives you the oomph to keep going. One well known pastor wrote, ‘Nothing can uplift more than the encouragement of a friend or loved one. It’s the oxygen of the soul. Having run two miles, a person may need to pause and catch his or her breath before running another two. Before facing a formidable task, or even the wearying routines of life, a person needs to pause for encouragement before tackling the work ahead. So become oxygen to the souls of those around you. Strengthen them to persevere for the Kingdom. Encourage them with God’s promise to work good in all things.’ Stop and think about somebody who could use a little encouragement, and before today is over, make it a point to get in touch with them. ‘…let us pursue the things…by which one may edify [build up] another’ (Romans 14:19 NKJV).
http://www.ucb.co.uk/word_for_today

Be encouraged, I know I am…will spend the day figuring out who to holler at and share the news,
till next time,
easy does it

Be a ‘builder-upper!’ (1)

‘Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due…’ Proverbs 3:27

During the 1920’s, the Chisholms were the epitome of American high society. Everlina, their housekeeper, had been with them for 45 years, and when her niece came over to play they took the little girl under their wing. She sang beautifully and Mrs Chisholm, a trained musician, asked if she’d like to become a professional singer. She was thrilled! Her most prized possessions were recordings of famous opera singers, and when the Metropolitan was on the radio she was spellbound. That day she took the first step towards realising her dream, and guests of the Chisholms were amazed by the girl who sang the classics with a talent and sensitivity far beyond her years. Elizabeth Chisholm continued to sponsor her education by sending her to study at Juilliard. And as a result, the world was introduced to the phenomenal talent of Leontyne Price, the darling of the Metropolitan Opera. The Bible says, ‘Do not withhold good…when it is in the power of your hand to do so.’ Bible expositor William Barclay said, ‘One of the highest human duties is the duty of encouragement.’ As a follower of Christ you are commanded to build others up by highlighting what’s good instead of magnifying what’s bad, by seeing them as unique individuals instead of stereotypes, by respecting instead of ridiculing, by forgiving instead of shaming, by modelling unconditional love instead of love with strings attached, by applauding each step of growth instead of saying, ‘You’ll never change,’ by seeing their God-given potential instead of seeing them as problems to be handled. Come on, get your theology off the drawing board and put it into practice! Today, be a ‘builder-upper.’
http://www.ucb.co.uk/word_for_today

I have been a little impatient with someone I work with….repeatedly snapping at them for not crossing their T’s and dotting their I’s
I need to stop, problem with that is that I will slip into a non-chalant mode and totally not give a rat’s *** what they do or do not do.
I need to find the ‘love’ again

I reported a busted communial gadget to the concerned people, only to have my head bitten off (taking one for the team, huh?! )
The fruit lady was timely with her fruit delivery for me, it cheered me up after all the aforementined drama.

Has anyone been to the new shopping complex? What do you make of the clothing  called Mr. something?
I can almost see the steam bursting outta a few people’s ears…feuding cats sytle.

Just finished with registration at uni, got class at 6pm, I fancy a cold drink after the last lecture…a massage would be nice….and yet, I could sip on a cup of hot coco as I delve into the Word…tunalabire’eyo
till next time,
easy does it

Good will come out of it!

‘…God meant it for Good…’ Genesis 50:20

Before World War II Josefina Guerrero was the toast of Manila, young, vivacious and married to a wealthy medical student. Then in 1941 she discovered she had leprosy. Immediately she began treatment, but when Japan invaded the Philippines all the leper hospitals were abandoned. Despite her disease Joey joined the underground, smuggling food, clothes, medicine and messages to POWs. She mapped out fortifications along the waterfront and the location of anti-aircraft batteries. When guerrillas discovered a newly-sown minefield where the 37th Division was scheduled to land in Manila, they asked her to get the message through. With little thought for her own life she trudged through miles of enemy encampments with the map taped to her back and delivered it safely. Because of her courage many dangerous missions were completed and the US War Department awarded her the Medal of Freedom with silver palm for saving untold American lives. Amazingly, Joey was never caught. In fact, Japanese soldiers had a horror of the ragged little woman who shuffled through the streets of Manila. And even when she was stopped they didn’t detain her long, once they recognised the swathed bandages and lesions of advancing leprosy. George M?eller said, ‘In a thousand trials it’s not just five hundred that work for our good, but nine hundred and ninety-nine; plus one!’ The Scripture, ‘God planned good to come out of it,’ means that no disaster, disease or delay can keep Him from turning it into something worthwhile. Understanding that God forgives your past, knows your present and has planned your future, lets you walk in the confidence that nothing can ever happen to you that is beyond the scope of His grace and redemption!
http://www.ucb.co.uk/word_for_today

I’m not going to water this message down with my commentry, I’ll speak later in the day, maybe, hope you like, if not, at least I hope it speaks to you, It did to me,
till next time,
easy does it

The prayer God answers

‘…their cry for help…went up to God.’ Exodus 2:23

Just when the Israelites thought life couldn’t get worse, it did! Pharaoh withheld their straw and ordered them to produce the same daily quota of bricks. At that point three things happened: 1) ‘…the Israelites groaned in their slavery…’ (v. 23). It’s what we do when we feel so bad that words can’t express it. We groan, first within ourselves, then to whoever will listen, finding relief in venting our frustrations. But lasting help requires more than just talking to yourself and others. So, they raised the decibel level and: 2) ‘…cried out…for help…’ God had seen them grit their teeth and white-knuckle it through another day. But since they were talking to everybody but Him, nothing changed. However, as soon as ‘…their cry…went up to God…[He] heard their groaning’ (v. 24). He just wanted a prayer to answer. David declared, ‘…He hears My voice and…has inclined His ear to me…I shall call upon Him as long as I live’ (Psalm 116:1-2 NAS). Instead of complaining, pray! Give God a prayer to answer and He’ll answer it. ‘Why would God listen to someone like me?’ you say. Because: 3) ‘…God remembered His covenant with Abraham…and…took notice of them’ (Exodus 2:24-25 NAS). God answered their prayers because of a covenant He made with their father. He took notice of them because they were Abraham’s children. They got it ‘on credit.’ So do you! ‘…God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you’ (Ephesians 4:32). God’s mercy and favour is yours today because you belong to Christ. ‘…my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name… Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete’ (John 16:23-24 NIV). How good is that?
http://www.ucb.co.uk/word_for_today

Been at a blood donation drive in the new taxi park all day today, had a meal with a close buddy that will be travelling tomorrow morning …journey mercies for the young man|
I get to remove the hairdo I told you about…if you’d like to see some pics, do you think you could teach me how to upload them off of a W880i?
How did your weekend play out, care to share it?
till next time,
easy does it

….being a bridesmaid this month hasn’t been one of my brightest ideas all month…

I’m looking at the prospect of losing my wavy locks in favour of a not-so-free-spirited-straight ponytail…I won’t be working tomorrow and will instead be on the road to a remote location to see off the bride in a traditional ceremony. I pledge to take some pictures and after you’ve taught me how to post them on here, will I put them up. Will miss you,
till next time,
easy does it

Succeeding on the job (5)
‘…he who looks after his master will be honoured.’ Proverbs 27:18
Another Bible characteristic to acquire for job success is thoughtfulness. That’s so, whether you’re a general in the army or a humble private; the company president or the nightshift caretaker. Character is not class-conscious. You don’t demand respect, you earn it every day.
If you’re in a leadership role, the Bible says: ‘Know well the condition of your flocks, and pay attention to your herds’ (Proverbs 27:23 NAS). Good employers and supervisors make it their business to know the needs, strengths, weaknesses, potential and motivational levels of their workers. As a result employee sick time is reduced, morale improved and quality and production soars. A pay increase isn’t always the best motivator. Sometimes your thoughtfulness, understanding and interest in your employees are a more powerful motivator.
The old ‘kick them in the pants’ philosophy is a sure-fire way to generate resentment and undermining. Respect and caring invites cooperation, makes allies, not adversaries of employees and employers, and brings out the best in everybody. If you’re an employee God promises, ‘…he who looks after his master will be honoured.’ It’s not cool to bad-mouth the boss, even if your peers egg you on. Ultimately those around you will distrust you because they know that at some point you’ll do the same to them. Speak well of your boss, honour him or her and submit to their authority (Romans 13:1-7). If you can’t, say nothing and look for another job; otherwise you’ll be judged for undermining them. In the parable of the talents Jesus said that the workers who took care of their boss’s interests were rewarded richly. Yes, God will honour you for respecting even a difficult boss!
http://www.ucb.co.uk/word_for_today

tuesday shenanigans…

I finally worked my way to getting my show prep prepared for the next day, the day before…not sure whether that makes sense.
It begins to feel mundane, can’t remember the last time I did something new for the very first time.
I’m amazed at the US beauty queen that lost the running in the contest for airing her beliefs about same sex marriages…yup, the judge had something to do with it, interesting.
IGG went on leave, goes to show that she’s human, could use the break to recuperate and return, fully armed to take on the characters that are clammering for her appearance in parliament for a thing they call ‘vetting’ …strong headed lady this one.

Got no classes today, however, there’s that semesterly registration thing that I have to do….dreading it, but will definately get it out of the way, if it’s last thing I do.
I’m outta juice called blogging-inspiration, save for the wee post about Succeeding on the job (4)
till next time,
easy does it

Succeeding on the job (4)
‘…the hand of the diligent makes rich.’ Proverbs 10:4
If you want to succeed on the job here’s a character quality you need to develop: diligence. When asked, ‘What’s your biggest challenge?’ employers usually say, ‘Finding and keeping good people.’ It makes or breaks any business. ‘A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.’ Diligence calls for being self-disciplined, motivated, alert, dependable, and entails following through. The Bible says, ‘…diligence is…precious…’ (Proverbs 12:27 NKJV) because it’s so hard to find. Diligent workers are worth their wages: ‘The plans of the diligent lead to profit…’ (Proverbs 21:5 NIV). In God’s system the boss should profit by you and you should profit by him. Indeed, diligent people plan to be profitable employees. Do you want to prosper? See that your employer prospers! Diligent workers rejoice in this, lazy workers resent it. Diligence, not politics and manipulation, will get you promoted. ‘Diligent hands will rule, but laziness ends in slave labour’ (Proverbs 12:24 NIV). In God’s economy you determine whether you become ‘ruler’ or ’slave’ by how hard you’re willing to work. Lazy employees complain about the unfair boss, the stacked system, the ‘company men’ who look out for the boss and the boss who looks out for them. They want the privileges others get but they’re not willing to work for them. ‘The sluggard craves and gets nothing…’ (Proverbs 13:4 NIV) because ‘…his hands refuse to work’ (Proverbs 21:25 NIV). ‘…but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied’ (Proverbs 13:4 NIV). They get it all: the satisfaction of a job well done, a reputation for integrity, the trust of others, job security, profit, promotion, and most importantly, the Master’s ‘Well done.’
http://www.ucb.co.uk/word_for_today

Howdy :-)

The weekend was hectic, a work related event fell on friday, a wedding and a sporting event fell on saturday, sunday was church and some hearty conversation with buddies.
I have been thinking about something…
you know what has been said about asking, and you’ll receive?! What about seeking, and you’ll find?!
These last couple of days have been rather difficult in as far as my resolve not to get with any hot-blooded male just for the fun or lust of it…the attention is amazing, some dweebs don’t know a lady’s ‘NO’ even if it run them over Greyhound style. However, when I’m back home, in the silence that’s my backyard…as I listen to a remote stereo playing in the background somewhere…thoughts plague my personal space….
What harm is there in getting with  so and so…?
Why won’t you meet someone that is right for you?
Why are you bothered that you’re single?
Who said she was bothered?
Call that gentleman up and suggest to meet up a local nearby.
     Why would she go and do that? It is desperate if you ask me…
This dialogue/monolgue goes on for a while, until, I choose to shush them with the assurance that ‘It is well with my soul’ …partner or no partner. And that is what makes it worth the wait, or whatever you’d like to call it.
So it’s a brand new week and I’m looking forward to making the books grind…last leg of uni for me, so you know what’s up.
Those of you that are working, I’ve posted something just below these lines, take the time, and read all 3parts
till next time,
easy does it

Succeeding on the job (1)
‘He who is slothful in his work, is a brother to…a great destroyer.’ Proverbs 18:9
God’s interested in what you do for work; He’s also interested in how you do it. The truth is, your prospects for the future are determined by your work ethic. For the next few days let’s look at some work habits from the book of Proverbs to avoid or acquire if you want God’s blessing. Laziness. ‘I went past the field of the sluggard…the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins…I…learned a lesson…A little sleep…folding of the hands…and poverty will come on you like a bandit…’ (Proverbs 24:30-34 NIV).

Laziness produces lack just as surely as a thief will rob you.

The Bible says lazy people are:

a) procrastinators. ‘A little sleep…folding of the hands.’ They say, ‘I’ll do it tomorrow,’ but tomorrow never comes

b) expensive to maintain. ‘He who is slothful in his work is a brother to…a great destroyer.’ They complain, cut corners, cripple businesses and cause hardship

c) quitters. They quit before the job’s finished. ‘The lazy man does not roast his game…’ (Proverbs 12:27 NIV). He hunts the deer but he won’t clean it. Unfinished projects fill his life: Half-built cupboards, half-painted rooms, half-tidied garages. Sound familiar?

d) masters of excuses. ‘The sluggard says, ‘There is a lion outside!’ or, ‘I will be murdered in the streets!’ (Proverbs 22:13 NIV). When he runs out of credible excuses he goes for ridiculous ones. He ‘…will not plough by reason of the cold…’ (Proverbs 20:4). ‘You want me to get sick, going to work in this weather?’ Or if it’s warm, ‘It’s way too nice for work!’ Whatever your work, do it conscientiously. Don’t let laziness rob you of success.
http://www.ucb.co.uk/index.cfm?itemid=88

Succeeding on the job (2)
‘Go to the ant…consider its ways and be wise.’ Proverbs 6:6
When it comes to having a work ethic, ‘Go to the ant, consider its ways and be wise.’ These tiny giants of industry teach us valuable principles for living.

Observe three things about them:

1) The ant ‘…has no commander, no overseer or ruler’ (Proverbs 6:7 NIV). Nobody has to get it out of bed in the morning or coax it to get moving. Nobody supervises its work or enforces quality standards on it. Nobody needs to micromanage its time on the job or make sure it starts punctually, puts in a full day, pulls its weight and doesn’t quit early. It’s self-motivated and driven by its own high standards, not by rules, regulations or the fear of being fired.

2) It ‘…stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest’ (Proverbs 6:8 NIV). While everybody else is complaining about the heat (the weather, the economy, politics, etc.), the hard-working ant just keeps preparing for the future. Later, in the more moderate temperatures of harvest time, it continues gathering. Disregarding the conditions, it works. Then while others are struggling to survive it feasts on the fruit of its labour. ‘Watch and learn,’ is God’s counsel.

3) The ant is no haphazard, disorganised drifter wandering around aimlessly, looking for something to do. He knows exactly what he’s there for and where and how to do it. He’s goal-directed, focused, determined and unstoppable. You can’t keep a good ant down! ‘Consider…and be wise.’ ‘But my job’s a dead end,’ you say. As long as you’re in this job do it ‘…heartily, as to the Lord…’ (Colossians 3:23). Prove yourself where you are and God will promote you to better things.
http://www.ucb.co.uk/index.cfm?itemid=88

Succeeding on the job (3)
‘The wicked…earns deceptive wages…’ Proverbs 11:18
If you want to succeed in life practice honesty!
One poll cited by Paul Harvey stated that 40% of workers admitted stealing on the job, and 20% felt justified! Their rationalising includes: ‘Everybody’s doing it, why shouldn’t I?’ ‘The boss can afford it, he won’t miss it.’ ‘It’s only small stuff, it won’t make any difference.’ ‘The company owes me, I’m just taking what’s mine.’ ‘I deserve it, I’ve worked hard and never been acknowledged.’

What does God’s Word say about this?

‘The wicked…earns deceptive wages.’ God says deceiving your employer by stealing time and materials, or delivering an inferior product and service, is ‘wicked.’ That’s strong language! Of all people, employers and customers should be able to trust followers of Christ to be honest, work for their wages and provide the highest quality service.

And for the record, it’s not smart to steal, even if you don’t get caught. ‘Ill-gotten gains do not profit…’ (Proverbs 10:2 NAS). You may take it but you won’t benefit by it. ‘Wealth obtained by fraud dwindles…’ (Proverbs 13:11 NAS). You can’t do the wrong thing and get the right result. Not only will you have trouble, you’ll bring trouble on those who love and need you most. ‘He who profits illicitly troubles his own house…’ (Proverbs 15:27 NAS). The job loss, damaged reputation, humiliation, legal costs and consequences are a ‘bill’ the whole family pays for, often ending in shame and divorce and affecting several generations. Your spouse deserves an honest partner. Your children deserve a role model they can emulate; confident the path you walk is safe for them to follow.
http://www.ucb.co.uk/index.cfm?itemid=88

Something worth thinking about, huh?

Be wise with your money

‘Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold…’ Genesis 26:12

Where money is concerned, the Bible teaches us that we are to:
1) Save for a rainy day. ‘There is…treasure…in the dwelling of the wise, But a foolish man squanders it’ (Proverbs 21:20 NKJV). Learn to live within your means and teach your children to do the same. Instead of over using your credit card remind yourself that you can live happily without most of the stuff advertisers are peddling. Before you make another purchase, pray. Just because your banker approves the loan doesn’t mean it’s wise, or that God approves the expenditure. All boats rise with the tide; they also go down with it. Joseph instructed Pharaoh to ‘gather all the food of those good years…Then that food shall be as a reserve for…seven years of famine…’ (Genesis 41:35-36 NKJV). Live by ‘the Joseph principle,’ and save.

2) Sow in the time of famine. The Bible says, ‘”…Whoever sows generously will also reap generously”‘ (2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV). You say, ‘But things are tight for me right now.’ Don’t withhold because you are afraid of not having enough. Give God a seed to work with and He’ll make sure you have a harvest when you need it. God’s ability to provide is not limited by the world’s economy. Do what Isaac did: ‘…there was a famine in the land…Then Isaac sowed…and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him…’ (Genesis 26:1, 12-13 NKJV). Who blessed Isaac? The Lord! When God tells you to give, give in faith, confident that at the right time, in the right way, and in exactly the right places, you’ll receive!
http://www.ucb.co.uk/word_for_today

The Cinderella moment was the highlight of my evening last night.  The way he would hold my hands in his after each dance, and make a fuss about how cold they were, and still go on to rub his hands against mine, almost as if to share his warmth with me. Sweet is the word that comes to mind.
I’m convinced there’s something this Gentleman will want to reveal in his time, which is why  I wont put ‘in feeling’ and will enjoy the Cinderella moments for what they are. Nothing more.

Over the last couple of months, the lesson inChurch was Tithe and I must say I am sold out to giving back that 10% of everything I get. In times past, I’d be down to zero in the bank and the purse by this time of the month.
After I began to tithe, that changed…I have enough left to do my hair, spend anonymously on some unsuspecting child…no worries my sides,
till next time,
easy does it

You’ll be rewarded

‘”…your Father who sees in secret will…reward you openly.”‘ Matthew 6:4

Dr. Tony Campolo writes: ‘I know a man who loves to use his money to help people who will never know it was him. When I told him about a student who was hoping to become a minister but was going to have to drop out of school for financial reasons, he contacted the college and arranged to have the student’s bills paid. That student became one of the best preachers in my denomination. Hundreds have become Christians under his leadership. Thousands have been influenced by his sermons; and he never did find out who put up the money! Behind it all was a person with resources, and the desire to do something that would live on. It surprises me more people don’t do this. Many keep their money tucked away, and when they die they leave it to people who don’t really need it. What a waste, when they could make a difference in so many lives.’ A lost opportunity to give is a lost opportunity to receive, because ‘your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly.’ Imagine what it will be like on Judgment Day when God tells somebody you helped anonymously that it was you. There will be rewards handed out to people who don’t even remember doing the things they’re being honoured for, like making a phone call that landed somebody a job, paying their light bill, encouraging them when they’re down, or leaving a bag of groceries on their doorstep. Even when those who’ve benefited from your kindness forget, God remembers, records and rewards. Jesus said if all you can do is give somebody ‘a cup of cold water’, you will be rewarded (Matthew 10:42).
http://www.ucb.co.uk/word_for_today

I’m liking the outfit I picked out today…and when I think about it, I could use anonymous giving, and put a smile on some random person’s face,
till next time,
easy does it