Ukraine and Russia

There’s news about what is happening to you. I don’t know what to say, or do. I hear about you in the news and on social media. I’m not sure how to pray. Do I pray for the one that started all this? The ones that have kept you out in the cold? Or those like you that have pushed and jostled you in your attempt for escape? Or those embarrassed by their leader?

“This is the victory that overcomes the world - our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.”
(1 John 5:4-5)

I love lists. At points when I don’t have a list to guide me, I feel lost and without direction. As the year starts, work begins, school resumes, post-holiday life commences, my advice to myself is to plan and take one step at a time.

God warned Noah about the coming worldwide flood that would destroy the whole earth. He also gave Noah a detailed plan on how to build an unsinkable ark for the saving of his household.

Luke Skywalker and Han Solo were rivals but it was interesting to see how their motives evolved. Initially they both wanted to impress Princess Lea and this is what drove them. As the trilogy progressed, the greater good became the focus, especially for Luke.

We have all had many opportunities during COVID, to learn how to be content in less-than-ideal circumstances.

I had a migraine last weekend, hence I did not have the capacity to post on here. It was the kind of migraine that brought me to tears. I have realized that women around me experience migraines and we handle them in different ways. I hope we all take time to rest and use whatever method works to ease the pain.

1. A great future doesn’t just happen anymore than a good garden just happens. If you are not thinking, planning, and preparing for the future, you will end up living in the past. The future belongs to those who are willing to invest in it. We must have a mindset of foresight:

I should continue the ‘in-tune series… but human behavior and the climate we live in has left me perplexed. Humanity and character are intricate concepts and they have led me to think that “choice” has been misrepresented and misunderstood. In case you haven’t noticed, I have lots of thoughts floating around in my head

One of the best feelings ever was walking into church today and seeing several people that I had not seen in ages present! The sanctuary was pulsing with energy and it was a beautiful experience. Have you ever been unwell and then hung out with friends and you feel completely fine? That’s what church is like these days.

Once again we may be questioning the essence of who we are. There’s still uncertainty in the air. Vaccine or no vaccine we’re still looking to the government to determine what freedoms we have and how the rest of the year will turn out. Personally, I haven’t felt very motivated at work because I like the hustle and bustle of people around while I work. I also feel a bit off kilter because going back to work in-person is seriously being considered and what if I don’t like what I have been pining for? What if going back to work in person is not all that it’s cracked up to be? I know… I’m all over the place and you might be too!

It takes courage to become a Christian and live a Christian life. Timothy almost missed his God-given call because he was fearful. Paul helped him to conquer his fears and fulfill his destiny. Paul told him, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind.” (2 Tim 1:7-8) My greatest fear in life was to speak in front of people. This scripture helped me face that fear and fulfill the call of God on my life!

Do you feel tired? Bored? Unmotivated? Inactive?

I have felt and caught myself from sinking deeper into that space. I have learned to dream again and focus on creating instead. Easier said than done.. right?

I just got off the phone with my mum so I am pretty stoked typing this out. Mother’s are exceptional beings and the older I get, the more I realize how much respect and appreciation should be accorded to women. I hope you take this day to remember and celebrate your mum or mothers around you today.

A few weeks ago three of us were at a grocery store when a friend we hadn’t seen in a while noticed us and came to meet us. She asked if we were okay hugging and soon we were we hugged gigling and happy. The people around us were equally elated witnessing what was going on.

Like the bear, much of the world’s population has been forced into hibernation through harsh Covid19 restrictions and lockdowns. This has been crippling to many businesses, churches, friendships, families, lives, hopes, and so much more! But now, we are like those bears, we are waking up, we are ‘hangry’, and we can smell revival just around the corner!

Change has been a leading concept since the onset of … you know what. The world experienced change socially, culturally, intellectually and in every sphere of experience. At work places, Zoom, Teams, and other networking tools took precedence over in-person meetings. At home, being in the company of family was unrelenting. We all experienced change and like me, you make have a complicated relationship with change.

I often hear people mention that they want to leave a legacy once they die. You have thought about this too, haven’t you? Sometimes you state that you are “not where you want to be in life” and this is ultimately a consideration of your legacy. I find that most think of this in terms of a financial legacy. For them, legacy refers to generational wealth. Generational wealth is excellent and a great priority to have. However, a legacy cannot be solely constricted to money. There is so much more!

Connect is a key word in the church today. Many churches use Connect Groups - small groups that help people connect with God, His Word, other Christians, and a local church. Why? Because when we are left alone, we become more vulnerable to discouragement, deception, heresy, temptation, and loneliness. Covid19 has forced us all into some kind of social isolation or solitary confinement, leading to all kinds of negative results. David speaks of his loneliness in Psalm 142:4“For there is no one who acknowledges me; Refuge has failed me; No one cares for my soul.” Mother Teresa said, “One of the greatest diseases of all is to be nobody to anybody.” Isolation so often leads to devastation.