Forgive me.....

that I still love them. That I'm asking God to teach me about condemning sin and not the sinner. Because sometimes I don't know where one ends and the other starts or when one starts and the other ends. Forgive me for praying for restoration of the wronged for it takes strength and courage to speak against what is wrong, despite what others may think of you. Forgive me for praying for restoration of the guilty and for thinking that they may need God even more. Forgive me for not discussing issues when I don't have the facts. Forgive me for not believing that not everything available on the Internet is true. Forgive me for thinking you should know better. Also for being 'biased' but are we not always biased with respect to those we love? Hmmm? Forgive me for not choosing sides for I wonder which side God is on? For I believe that the same God who is working on healing in one is also working on healing in the other. Forgive me for thinking He has the ability to do so.


Forgive me for believing that when people fall, they fall into the arms of a loving Father who will punish their wrongdoing and yet still have the capacity to have mercy on them. Forgive me because I don't understand how He does this...I'm still working on my own salvation, with fear and trembling, now more than ever. Forgive me for not having the capacity to fully empathise with a situation, true if it had been me..I would shoot first and maybe ask for forgiveness later...Forgive me for accepting the apology of people who looked into my eyes, admitting their error as they told me they had made a mistake. Forgive me for thinking you were not entitled to your opinion about issues and matters for you are. God doesn't love us less or more wherever we stand.


Forgive me for being confused about what to say or do because my Christianity 101 manual didn't prepare me for some things. I am a believer working towards maturity, and some days are harder than others. Sin remains sin, regardless of who commits it. Grace remains grace, regardless of who requires it. In all, God remains God, despite of what people want Him to be. Forgive me for having more questions than answers. Forgive me for not making sense but then who says we should make sense of everything?


Forgive me for believing that despite everything that happened God has the power to work good through it all. 

Please forgive me...

On...'Forgetting yesterday'

Forgetting yesterday and reaching for tomorrow was the message I got from my devotional this morning. Receiving strength for a new day, strength for a New Year. A New Year is lived one day at a time, one decision at a time. I spent yesterday angry, depressed....almost allowing resentment to take root. I woke up this morning remembering that 'Today' was a day the Lord had made for me to rejoice and be glad in. The decision is mine. God has already made the day....it is up to me to rejoice and be glad in it because I'm not God's puppet. Right now I'm smiling....my day is starting right. I don't know what's ahead but I'm going into it with God. He is my King and my lord. I bless and magnify His name. 2011 will definitely be my year of greater achievement in Jesus name. 

Thinking about.. .

Love, life and other little but big mysteries. Love, a word that falls so easily from our lips and yet the reality of what it means can be mind boggling! Love is everything. It is why I am awake at 5:13 in the morning and why I have to work this body to a sweat in a few hours as well. Love is why I will keep quiet about an issue and yet confront on another one. Love means that even though I don't understand the circumstances I choose to believe what love has shown me of you . 


Love is both the butterflies when you hear that voice and the tears that fall from your eyes when the voice betrays and you must stick to the commitment that you have made. Love is not always a perfect looking picture, I don't know how one would Photoshop Jesus suffering on the cross in a way that would make it look like he was having a nice day!


Love is the heartbeat of life. We were created through it, we were created for it. To love within, vertically and horizontally. Different beats, the same heart. The commitment of it which can also mean letting it go. For until the prodigal realises that the love he is searching for has been at home all along no words can convince him to stay. Love does not prevent the fire from burning but gives grace for an open door, to bandage hands at the inevitable return, for salve and bandages.


Love is doing the right thing you know to do. Love is life. Love, life and other little but big mysteries.


Still pondering on it.

Rest..

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Mark 11:28-30

This is what the LORD says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, 'We will not walk in it.' Jeremiah 6:16


Shhh
Rest
Be calm
These are not human arms
That hold you in this love embrace
These hands don't get tired or weary
Never too busy or lack the strength or lose grip
I know that sometimes in the midst of the storm you forget
Who it is that you are in Covenant relationship with as you compare
The love I have for you with what you have experienced in the hands of men
Who at their very best are rarely able to give you the very best that you need
I am not a man and I cannot lie for I am TRUTH and within these arms find comfort
Within these arms, REST, for the battle is still raging and having done all, you must STAND
REST because there are those I shall send your way to whom you will be my arms and mouth
To say REST for as you have received comfort you must also comfort your brethren
Reminding them of the love I have for them that they are not alone
Tell them to know their God for they shall in turn do exploits
Greater works than they can think or imagine
And they in turn shall provide strength
For those who are weary
And bear burdens
They shall say
Be calm
Rest
Shh

Conversations with God are so interesting but we really need to set the atmosphere, not so much for Him to speak but for us to hear what He is saying. There is no comfort like that which comes from the Holy Spirit. He reaches so deep into you to places you never knew existed, binding broken pieces with the love of God. I tried to copy Kafo but I'm not sure that worked very well!! The point is to remember that there is a place you can go to find rest. Sometimes it means leaving a physical location but when you can't get to Barbados, get in the Spirit and find that place of rest in Him. He's always available.

Remain blessed and highly favoured. Irrespective of whatever point you are in the story of your life, remember its never over until The Storyteller writes The End.

The Wilderness Chronicles; Day 2

Embracing the Season

There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven: Ecc 3:1 (NIV)

He has made everything beautiful in ITS time Ecc 3:11a (NIV)

Life is made up of seasons. A season is simply a period of time with certain unique characteristics, in most cases we cannot pre-empt a season, we can only take advantage of it. The Teacher begins his discourse by reminding us that there is a time for everything, a time to be born and a time to die, a time to be silent and a time to speak. A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time of humbling yourself under the mighty hand of God and a time of exaltation. There is a time to feed the 5,000, to touch all those who are infirm, to preach the Word to the poor, to teach in parables but there is also a time to go to a solitary place to pray, to draw back a little to recharge, to be led by the Spirit into the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights. Hmm.

Seasons change, that is an inevitable and irrevocable truth. The best example comes from the weather and whether your geography exposes you to experiencing 2 or 4, we know that after the rain comes a dry spell, chilly autumn winds come after a hot (or kinda hot..!) summer. To embrace the season is to understand and walk in the knowledge that although seasons change, I serve a God who remains the same. I am safe in the arms of His love. Friends come and go, it hurts doesn't it to know that those who we have shared the intimate details of our lives can so easily betray our trust or are so quick to throw it away due to petty jealousy or inconsequential arguments. Embrace the season of life you are in now, it's the only way to enjoy it. Don't wait for the wilderness season to be over before you rejoice, rejoice anyway. Don't wait for the prayer to be answered before you give God praise, praise Him anyway. Don't wait for capital, trust God and start something anyway.

Embrace the season, don't make permanent decisions based on temporary circumstances. Don't give up, don't fight it, shaking your fists at the dark skies will not prevent the rain from falling, wearing a bikini in winter does not pre-empt a summer's day. Embrace the season, acknowledge the season of life and behave accordingly. He makes everything beautiful in its time, not His time but its time. Sow when you should, so you can reap when you should. Agree with God that you will do what He wants you to do when He wants you to do it. Embrace the season, don't fight it, assess it, grow from it, you learn more about yourself in the storm than when it is calm.

Autumn leaves
Golden mass on the streets
How can this be
But for a few weeks
they were green as can be
Shall I cry
as I stare
at bare branches
No
For I know
this is the way of creation
and though the days are shorter
and the nights colder
as winter approaches
I smile
For spring shall come
with new life
and beautiful hues
as my beloved tree
adorns herself once again
I wrap up a little tighter
and embrace my season

Selah

I am confident

I am confident
Said the grain
as it was buried deep inside the soil
that although I die alone today
as the rain falls
and the sun shines
I shall resurrect
not one
but many

I am confident
said the flower
for though I tremble
at the thought of my crushing
I know
it shall produce a sweet perfume
that may grace the temples
of a queen or
two

I am confident
said the silver
as it was poured in the melting pot
that this heat
is for my good
and I shall patiently bear
until a pure reflection
doth the silversmith see
when he looks in me

I am confident
said Joseph
as he pondered on the journey of his life
that the dream God has given me shall come to pass
I have been in the pit and sold to slavery
and am now wrongfully put in this prison
but the Lord is with me
and will turn it around for my good

I am confident
said Believer
as she faced the storms of life
that I will get to the other side
though the winds are raging
and the waves are blowing
Jesus is captain of this boat
and I walk in supernatural peace

So I ask, where is your confidence today? In the storm you can see or in the God that you 'cannot' see but know is definitely working ALL things together for your good. Selah.

being confident of this, that he who BEGAN a GOOD WORK in you will carry it on to COMPLETION until the day of Christ Jesus Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears. Philippians 1:6 (The Message)

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded Hebrews 10:35 (NIV)

The Invitation

The invitation came in the mail
and addressed me by name
it had a royal seal
The King of Kings
and Lord of Lords
requests your presence
at his banquet

I searched my wardrobe
I must look my best
I adorned my righteousness
polished my good works
and sprayed on some self-confidence
I looked pretty good
or so I thought

I stepped into the grand hall
It was so full of light
I tried to smoothen my gown
Alas, I realised that
I was clothed in rags
Hearing the footsteps of the king
I must hide
Tears began to fall
I can't see the King like this
I'm not worthy
I shouldn't be here

But He said
Come as you are
I have loved you with an everlasting love
I have drawn you to myself with loving kindness
I'll clothe you with my righteousness
Wrap you up in my forgiveness
For I have sanctified you
Take your place of honour at the table
Feast on my goodness and faithfulness

You are my daughter
A princess
I have called you,
chosen you, justified you
Continue to walk in your calling
Be holy as I am holy
You are blessed beyond measure
You shall do great things
You are blessed beyond measure
Remain in my love
This invitation is for a permanent arrangement
I love you


But he said to him, "A man once gave a great banquet, and invited many; and at the time for the banquet he sent his servant to say to those who had been invited, `Come; for all is now ready Luke 14:16-17

As has just been said:"Today, if you hear his voice,do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion Hebrews 3:15

My new song!

Wonderful, Magnificent God
I am in awe of your wonder
I bask in your splendour
You alone are God
For there is no like you
You have put a new song in my mouth
A song of praise and thanksgiving
A song of testimony
For indeed the Lord has been in the midst of us
and He has shown Himself to be mighty
For while I was crying
God was working
While I wondering
God was working
While I was worrying
God was working
Even now God is working
Working on my behalf
On yours too
The One who can never leave me or forsake me
He has put a big smile on my face
He is the joy of my salvation
My banner
I am His chiquitita
His beautiful bride
He has made me glad
He has made me very glad

Never allow the enemy steal praise from your lips, never allow the enemy to steal your worship. Encourage yourself in the Lord, He will give you a new song. I'm singing my own.

Remain blessed and highly favoured. 2008 continues to remain our year of UNCOMMON TESTIMONY. Remember before uncommon testimony usually comes uncommon challenges but the Lord is your strength. Receive your joy back. I've got mine and I'm celebrating!

Untitled

Trying to laugh
but I can't laugh
Trying to cry
but the tears aren't coming
Trying to tell you how I feel
but I can't speak
Trying to find the light at the end of the tunnel
but I can't see
Trying to make sense of it all
but it just isn't coming together
Trying to reach for you
but I can't find you
Trying alternatives
but nothing compares
So
I'm not laughing or crying
I'm not speaking or seeing
I'm not looking or compromising
I'm knowing
Knowing my God
Knowing His promises
Knowing His way
Knowing His will
Knowing He lives in me
Knowing He makes all things beautiful in His time
Knowing He loves me
Knowing....
I'm no longer trying, I'm KNOWING
For I must know to BELIEVE

I am still here...

Thanking God
Praising God
Smiling
Laughing
Crying
Quiet
Noisy
Withdrawn
Outgoing
Thinking
Meditating
Rejoicing
Wondering
Forgiving
Being forgiven
Lonely sometimes
but never alone
yet through it all..
it's so good to know that
Someone loves me
every day, hour, minute and second
He's holding me
therefore I AM STILL HERE...

I will

I have been studying some chapters in Isaiah and I have recognised a new name for my King and my Lord, He is the "I will" God. Thank God for God because there is no-one like Him, thank God because we can never exhaust all that He has to teach us from His word, all that He asks is that we trust and obey Him and He reveals more of Himself to us.

God said in His word that He is both "willing and able to do of His good pleasure". He told me, "when I say I will, that is exactly what I mean, I don't mean I may or I am trying to or even I can but I will". God is a God of covenant and He is a promise keeper. God is not a man, He cannot lie and He cannot fail. If He said I will, it will come to pass, here a few things He has promised to His children and I really want to run with it.

I will make a way in the wilderness
I will make crooked places straight
I will cut asunder the gates of brass and the bars of iron
I will rivers flow on dry hills
I will change the DESERT into a LAKE OF WATER and dry lands into FOUNTAINS OF WATER
I WILL DO A NEW THING
I will make you STRONG and I will HELP you
I will support you with my right hand that saves you
(different chapters and verses in Isaiah 40-44)

Unfortunately for the devil, as he always tries to copy and imitate, he creates his own i will,

i will stop you
i will steal your joy
i will destroy your destiny
i will steal your peace

but he always forgets that the created can never be greater than the Creator, the one who was made can never be greater than the Maker, so to all the enemies plans, God simply says "You will not" and that settles it.

Fortunately for us, when we choose to believe, choose to agree and choose to walk in God's purpose for our lives, we are able to walk in His will as well.

We will walk on mountains and crush them
We will make the hills like chaff
We will be happy in the Lord (rebuke every spirit of heaviness and depression that comes to steal your joy)
We will be proud of the Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 41:15-15 NCV).

This is what we will do, not try to do, not hope to do, WE WILL. I thank God because I have come to a stage in my life where I know to cross the hurdles in front of me requires the hand of God, no longer human wisdom but that which comes from above. I'm still learning to walk in obedience, it is the key that opens a lot of doors. IT IS WELL!

Remain blessed and highly favoured. 2008 continues to remain our year of uncommon testimonies as we have been EMPOWERED to PROSPER.

Double WoW!

Hi everyone,

I trust that you are blessed and highly favoured. You are blessed not because everything is working just the way you want it to or you are where you want to be, you are blessed because.....(insert drumroll!!) you are blessed because GOD SAID SO. So believe it and that settles it. Joeseph was blessed, in his father's house, in the pit, as a slave, in prison and as a prime minister. His blessing did not start in Pharoah's palace, it had been within him all along so be encouraged. Thank you Jesus for this word. I really needed it.

Please can you take the time to visit Double WoW, that's a new mini-project, there are some questions there that I would like us to take the time to ponder on.

Remain blessed and highly favoured. 2008 continues to remain our year of UNCOMMON TESTIMONIES as we have been EMPOWERED TO PROSPER.

A little note on gratitude...
Things may not be the way you want
But no matter how bad things seem
there is always something to be grateful for
if you are reading this say thank you God
for the littlest things
today i thanked Him
for the fact that
when I wear a dress for the first time
I'm usually the first person to have worn it
because if truth be told
it hasn't always been that way
Thank you Jesus

Have a blessed week!

I am Woman

I am woman
Soft yet strong
Curves in just the right places
Intuitive
Discerning
Multi-tasking
Able to change my mind, no apologies

I am woman
Lover, wife
Mother, sister
Friend and daughter
I nurture
I Influence
Able to cry in public, no apologies

I am woman
From bedroom to boardroom
From homemaker to CEO
I learn, I teach
I listen, I speak
I encourage and build
Able to live the dream, no apologies

I am woman
And I am complete
Whether single or married
I am whole
Because I walk in my purpose
I run with the vision
I am a DIVA, no apologies

I am woman
Created from man
Equal yet different
Taking him to the next level
His seed becomes a child
His house a home
Able to turn things around, no apologies

I am woman
I am secure in who God made me
So I celebrate my sisters
Their gifts and talents
United we stand
A three fold cord not easily broken
Working together, no apologies

I am woman
Created by God
Who I worship
With all of me
Who I love with all my heart
In Him
I am free to be ME

Sisters isn't it wonderful to be us!

What chapter are you on?

The king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in CONFUSION, As the king's order reached every area, there was a great SADNESS and loud CRYING among the Jewish people. They gave up eating and cried out loud, and many of them lay down on rough clothes and ashes to show how SAD they were Esther 3:15b, 4:3 (New Century Version) Capitals mine

It was a time of HAPPINESS, JOY, GLADNESS and HONOUR for the Jewish people. As the king's order went to every state and city, there was joy and gladness among the Jewish people. In every city and state to which the king's order went, they were having feasts and celebrating. Esther 8:16,17a (New Century Version) Capitals mine

They received a letter
An edict from the king
He was a great king
who ruled over 127 provinces
from India to Africa
Sounds of wailing
filled the land
and they were thrown in utter confusion

But they remembered they had a God
who was unlike any other
He ruled from Everlasting to Everlasting
A King over all Kings
They called upon Him
In prayer and fasting
In ashes and sackcloth
He heard their cries
and turned things around

They received a letter
An edict from the king
He was a great king
who ruled over 127 provinces
from India to Africa
but this time
sounds of JOY
filled the land
laughter and celebration

So what chapter are you on? The same people who in chapter 3 were crying and wailing were rejoicing and celebrating in chapter 8 because they served a God who is both Alpha and Omega. He is God at the beginning of the story and He remains God at the end and everything in between. Amen. Be encouraged, whatever 'letter' or 'report' you may have received, no matter how powerful the signature underneath or the letterhead above it may be, God is more powerful. Seek God's face, lay it at His feet, wait and obtain instructions from on High and watch Him turn things around. Don't despair because you are in a chapter 4 season, rejoice because the bestseller called your life aint finished yet! VICTORY is your portion in Jesus name.

Remain blessed and highly favoured. 2008 remains our year of UNCOMMON TESTIMONY in Jesus name.

N.B A very big CONGRATULATIONS to Jaycee (and boo) on the announcement of their engagement. My dear sis, this is just the beginning of God's reward to you for your faithfulness. More is to come. You are indeed a blessing! In case you haven't please go and show some love on her page!

What are you looking at?

Then He commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and two fish, and LOOKING UP to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. Matthew 14:19 NKJV Capitals mine

Looking down He saw
Five loaves and two fish
Looking around He saw
5,000 hungry men
Looking up He saw
Jehovah Jireh

Looking down He saw
His loved one in a tomb
Looking around He saw
A disbelieving crowd
Looking up He saw
Zoe*

Looking down I see
An empty bank account
Looking around I see
Bills yet to be paid
Looking up I see
The great Provider

Looking down I see
A heart that has been broken
Looking around I see
others just like me
Looking up I see
the One who will make me whole again

Zoe: Greek for life but used in scripture to denote the God kind of life (abundant) encapsulated in man!

As believers we rejoice, not because the fire is not real, but because we know we serve a God who has promised to be with us THROUGH IT ALL. Be comforted this week, knowing that God sees and all you are going through is for a season and you will come through SHINING with the VICTORY.

It is indeed well. 2008 continues to remain our year of UNCOMMON TESTIMONIES.

Rinrin...thank you so much. I'm getting back on track!

I AM THAT I AM

And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you Exodus 3:14 (KJV)

He is indeed that I AM. He says...

I AM....

the way where there seems to be no way
the light where you seem to be surrounded by darkness
the living water that quenches your thirst permanently
the wisdom you need to unravel the mysteries of life
the refuge that anchors you in the storm
the healing that makes you whole
the word that encourages you in spite of your circumstances
the One who loves you unfailingly, irrevocably and totally
the testimony that puts your enemies to shame
the strength that keeps you going
the shield that surrounds you in the battle

I AM all these and more..you just have to search the Word to discover more. Walk in the knowledge of me that you have and become an overcomer.

There is nothing like taking time to stay in the presence of God, it's a place of comfort and strength. You get what you need to keep going. Life can be difficult but I'm blessed to always have someone and somewhere I can go.

Remain blessed and highly favoured. 2008 continues to be our year of UNCOMMON testimony. Remain expectant.

You've heard the word, so watcha gonna do about it??

I don't even know where that title came from, i was just spending some time reading the word and that statement dropped into my spirit. As believers in this age, we have access to the Word of God as it has never been before. We can listen to Christian radio, TV, podcast, we can watch a service live on the Internet. We have the Bible in so many translations, sizes and languages. This week my friend gave me the New Testament in Igbo sef ( o dikwa very wondrous..LOL!!) I think what the Holy Spirit was trying to say to me was that the issue was not necessarily the AVAILABILITY of the word but the USABILITY (sorry for poor grammar)of the word in my life.

We know so many things about the word of God. For example

It was there in the beginning (John 1:1)
It does not return empty but accomplishes His desire (Isaiah 55:11)
It is living and active (Hebrews 4:12)
It enables us to overcome (Revelation 12:11)
It has been exalted above all things (Psalm 138:2)
It is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path (Psalm 119:105)

We know what the Word of God is and what it can accomplish in our lives, my question was then, why isn't my life always a true reflection of the Word of God? The answer I received was.....

First, there is the issue of timing. Joeseph received a word from God concerning his destiny, that it would be very great but his life at some points seemed to be in direct contrast to what he had heard. Psalm 105:17-19 (KJV)says until the time that his word came; the word of the Lord tried Him. Be encouraged that even when your physical eyes see something different from what you know in your spirit to be true, that the Lord makes all things beautiful in its time (Ecc 3:11).

A very fundamental issue however, is how we receive the word of God. This is how it came to me,

'Believer, have you become so accustomed to the Scriptures that you can already anticipate what will be preached when it is quoted? Do you know it all, have heard it all and seen it all? Believer, allow the Word to be fresh and renewed in your life on a daily basis. Be hungry for the word of God. I know you enjoy it but be so hungry for it, like air, something that it is impossible to live without'.

For the word to become fruitful in our lives (to become flesh John 1:14), it must fall on good soil. Remember the parable of the sower (Mark 4:3-20), the issue was not with the word (seed) but where the word fell. So you've heard the word, watcha gonna do about it? Will you be the roadside, allowing Satan to take the Word away from you? Or will you be a rocky place, not allowing the word to take root in you, just jumping up and down when you hear it? Or will you be in the category, I usually find myself in; the thorns...I hear the word but allow worry, fear, desire for other things and anxiety to choke the life out of it and I wonder why it hasn't produced anything in my life.

For the word to bear fruit, I must be good soil,I love the way Luke explained it (Luke 8:15, NIV). The good soil stands for a noble and good heart. An unrenewed heart cannot be good soil because it is full of things that choke the word of God. We are purified in the trials of life's adversities, like silver where impurities rise to the surface and are skimmed off until the refiner can clearly see His reflection, God places us in the fire of trials until anger bubbles up, until unforgiveness bubbles up, what about envy and jealousy? He continues until He can see His full reflection in us.

So now we are good soil, the word has been sown in us, we have heard the Word, what next? We must RETAIN it. Ponder on it, meditate on it, ask and reflect on what it means to you personally and how you can apply it in your life and situation. Note, you retain what you hear so be careful what you hear. Don't go to where the word is comfortable, go where the word is strong. You will only harvest what has been sown!

When we retain the word, we must also persevere in and for it. The devil is a master strategist and will come to try you. Like Jesus, overcome Him with 'It is written'(Matt 4:1-11). Persevere until the word of God comes to pass, until the intagible becomes tangible.

Hold on
Change is coming
The day is breaking
The night is passing away
with it's darkness
and it's tears
with it's uncertainties
the morning is coming
with it's light
and it's joy
with it's hope

You are blessed and highly favoured. Thanks for taking the time to read. 2008 continues to be our year of UNCOMMON TESTIMONIES.

Reflections

I PRAISE you because I am FEARFULLY and WONDERFULLY made; your WORKS are WONDERFUL, I know that full well Psalm 139:14 (NIV: Capitals mine)

won.der.ful: Excellent, great, marvelous, of a sort that causes or arouses wonder, amazing, astonishing (http://dictionary.reference.com/)

Synonyms 1. awesome, wondrous, miraculous, prodigious, astonishing, amazing, astounding, phenomenal, unique, curious, strange.


I'm looking through the windows
looking at the little girl
shy and quiet
desperately wanting to be accepted
by the 'in crowd'
but always left on the outside
looking in

I'm watching the little girl
quickly transforming into a young woman
very much aware
of her changing body
and desperately praying for it to stop
as she becomes the butt of jokes from the girls
and is treated as an object by the boys


I am looking at the young woman
hiding behind oversize clothes
never able to make eye contact
as her eyes are always downcast
not able to look in the mirror
as all she sees are her flaws


I am looking at the young woman
staring at herself in the same mirror
as if seeing herself for the very first time
realising that although her body is not perfect
it is her's
her's to love and accept
her's to cherish and pamper
her's to change if she wants to
she sees herself
and she knows she is beautiful

I am looking at her
and I am smiling
because it was not an easy journey
for the shy little girl who is growing into a young confident woman is
ME

This was inspired by Daddy's Girl's carnival, a celebration of our bodies. We celebrate not because we have 'perfect' bodies (whatever perfection may mean!) but because we have been WONDERFULLY made. I love the synonyms of this word...I am created AMAZING. Halleluyah! Lord I thank you for my body. It houses my spirit and my soul, gets me to where I need to be. Yes, it's limited to time and space, yes it gets tired, yes there are some things that need to be tightened (LOL!!) but I still thank you for all of it. From the crown of my head to the soles of my feet, it's all wonderful!

Just praise

I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a ROCK and gave me a firm place to STAND. He put a NEW SONG in my mouth, a hymn of PRAISE to our God. Psalm 40:1-3a (NIV) Capitals mine

Who can fathom You
O my Lord and my King
Your ways are much higher than my ways
Your thoughts much deeper than mine
O lord indeed You are very great
Yet you choose me
To love me
To cherish me
I love you Lord
Even when I don't understand
what's going on around me
I love you
I love you
because You first loved me
.....................................................................................

You are my Master
You are my King
You are the Lover of my soul
You are my ever present Help in my time of need
You are my shield and my buckler
You are my strong tower in the storm
You are the one who is with me at ALL times
You are all these and MORE, so much more
What else can I do but lie prostrate before your presence
Saying thank you seems hardly enough
.....................................................................................

What can I say O Lord
of your goodness and mercy
of your grace and faithfulness
to me
there isn't enough time
this side of eternity
there aren't enough words
in the dictionary
but i'll start by saying
I love you
with all my heart and soul
with all that is within me
I love you
with everything
No more holding back
I abandon myself to you
I'm not afraid anymore
For I know you're loving me
too

This week I am on a mission. A mission to live without complaining about anything but thanking God for everything. A week of being grateful for all that the Lord has done and all that He is to me. A week of celebrating the good in others and affirming them and not nitpicking on what they do wrong. I'm trusting God that by His grace I will be able to do it because I can do ALL things through Him because He strengthens me. I'm just so expectant. I trust you are as well.

Remain blessed and highly favoured. As always this year continues to remain our year of UNCOMMON TESTIMONY

His face

But , he said, "you cannot see my face, for no one may see my face and live" Exodus 33:20

I wonder why no one could see your face and live
Was your face that scary?
Or you didn't want anyone to know
You had a dimple in your left cheek
Now I know
that
your face is so beautiful
Your eyes are so full of love
Surrounded by the splendour of your majesty
Illuminated with your light
Truly
no one can see your face and live
not here anyway
we would want to leave
to live with you forever