Fireproof

Anyone been through the fire and came out gasping for breath but still alive? Am pretty sure mention of fire puts your mind on the alert as it symbolizes danger most of the time. Fire is quite useful in many ways around the house such as to warm ourselves as well as cooking. 
The kind of fire I refer to here however, is the one that easily engulfs a person or place, bringing with it destruction in its wake. Such as happened in Bible times when Shadrack, Meshack and Abednego were thrown in the fire to burn. 
There are many kinds of fire one might encounter in the journey of life. It could be fire of an illness that robs you joy, leaving you barely hanging on. Or a troubled marriage that has succeeded in taking away all happiness in the union. Perhaps you might be going through difficult times at your place of work and this has caused you more concern than gladness.

Whatever your fire, Christ died on the cross to make it easier for you to go through. His death at calvary gave us strength to be able to withstand fire in life. You could get scalded at times but he will not let you burn in whatever your fire nonetheless.
Am sure you are aware of the weapons given to us by Christ to help us during times of fire. Prayer is key as it calls out for help from God. It is amazing what God can do when we call out to him in times of distress. 
Through his blessed sacrifice Christ made us fireproof through the journey of life. True we suffer trials and tribulations, but are made victorious by his presence in our lives. We do not face trouble on our own but have Christ to walk with us all the way. Indeed, we are fireproof as sons and daughters of the most high! How wonderful it is knowing that!

I refuse to let go

I am back from a long absence away from here. During the time I was away, a lot happened in my life some which left me thinking a lot of things. For instance, I catch my thoughts going towards life even more. Thoughts such as the meaning of life and the reason things happen as they do remain prime on my mind. I am yet to find the answers that I seek, some that appear to be taking longer than I expected. 

A lot has changed in my life lately, part of which was brought on by experiences had recently. I am more at peace with the world reason being that I have decided to let go of what am unable to change. I have an easier relationship with those close to me simply through allowing them to be. No longer have exaggerated expectations of others having realized that no matter what happens in life the world moves on unabated. 

Much of what has changed for me is brought on by realizing that I can only do so much. After doing what I can I then step aside and let the tide flow. I must add that I do not, however, do nothing more as I have realized the power of fighting on my knees. This is my new secret, one I wish I learned earlier on in life. I no longer suffer undue stress and anxiety as I did during the times when I thought I could take life on by my strength and wisdom. 

Might sound as if I have let go of a lot of things, right? The answer to that is yes and no. For even though I no longer carry some unnecessary burdens I refuse to let go of what is rightfully mine. That being what I know God has set aside for me and my loved ones. You see, deep inside I am a fighter. I have fought some tough battles in my life, some that cause me to wonder how on earth I managed to pull through. The knowledge that God was there all along fighting for me makes me long to keep pushing through. He was there alright when no one else was, and those left standing with me did not know what to do. During the long grueling hours of the night when I cried my heart out for his mercy he was listening all the while. One thing that remains stamped in my heart is the fact that God does come through no matter how dark the night might seem. 

I refuse to let go of the inheritance God has for me and mine. I will not sit back and accept what life throws at me but will fight for what he has set aside for me. It doesn't mean that since I appear laid back about some things I have let go. Like I said earlier on, it is no longer physical but it sure gets done on my knees. 

Warm Kenyan People

Lately we have been receiving dignitaries in Kenya. I mean, what do you say when the President of the most powerful country in the world comes to visit the country! The place was simply abuzz with action in preparation for the coming of President Obama to Kenya before arrival. However, it was the reception that took the cake.

I am proud to come from a country whose people are known the world over for their warmth. Many tourists who come to Kenya take with them memories of the warmth of the local folks right from the welcome at the airport to the most remote village. It is something to be proud of that despite all the challenges faced in Kenya citizens still maintain hospitality for which they are known on the globe. 

I sat watching events during President Obama's visit to Kenya and felt really proud of my people. Who wouldn't be, seeing thousands of people throng highways just for a glimpse of the most powerful man! Don't forget that some of them woke up to begin the long trek to go wait to see him. Some probably had no idea what tomorrow had for them but you know what? They turned up. 

It would be difficult for anyone to know the circumstances of the crowds that gathered to see Obama. And in much the celebrated way those who got close to him struggled for a handshake with him. What was phenomenal was the smile on the people's faces. You should have seen the sea  of smiling faces right there before him!

We love visitors in Kenya, that is certain.Much as most of us only caught sight of Obama on our TV screens, we had the satisfaction of hosting an important man on the land. Just goes to show how much we enjoy having others come to visit with us. 

Then came Pope Francis to Kenya a week ago. Once again the country was thrown into a frenzy preparing for the important visit. This time it was from a man most look up to for his great concern for the poor. It was great for most that this time they could look forward for an interaction (albeit brief) with him. I particularly enjoyed a speech by an Irish nun who has lived in Kenya working in the slums a long time. 

Pope Francis took to one slum in Nairobi where he had mass. The turn out was awesome and all along the muddy drive from the city were young and old waiting for a glimpse of him. Must have been a moving scene for him but not so for the people of Kenya. 

You see, Kenyans are known for resilience no matter the circumstances. We host visitors with big smiles on the face no matter that things might be falling apart around us. We stand together too and unite to fight for one of our own should trouble call. It is what makes us Kenyans. The love that comes naturally and the obvious joy of having others come to enjoy the beauty of our country. Despite the challenges, God gave us a beautiful country. But most of all, the warmth of our people is undisputed. I doubt anyone can deny this.

Long live Kenya and long live Kenyan people! I am truly proud to be Kenyan. Irrespective. 

Lewd dance moves

I just watched a clip of what I consider `lewd' dance moves by some youth. The catchy title made me open the clip thus this blog post.
I get worried when I see a young college student volunteer to dance before a large crowd dressed in scanty clothing which leaves nothing to one's imagination. I mean, these are the youth who we are hoping will take up the mantle of this country's leadership soon enough and yet how can we trust them if this is their way of doing things? Whoever said appearing almost naked before a cheering crowd will earn anyone any form of pride was dead wrong! Then to go on and make those moves that are best spared for the bedroom? 
It seems these girls (and the men dancing so up-close behind them) need a word or two about what real enticement is. The clip gave me the idea that this is what they are very keen on doing. Someone once gave an example about going to the shops to buy a sweet. When you go to the supermarket you do not pick up a sweet that has no wrapper on it. You obviously know that so many hands must have touched it since it is not covered thus even though it is still a sweet it does not have the same value as the one that has both ends of the wrapper fastened well. Sadly, the `naked' sweet loses value not because it is any less a sweet but because of the presentation.
Back to our young girls who love gyrating to music with their bodies all exposed as others watch. It is alright to hear your pals cheer you on as they view you doing all kinds of antics with your exposed body. It actually makes you some sort of hero before their eyes. It will even earn you the attention of several guys, curious to `sample' what they see. Doesn't matter that you would not think of letting your parents catch you doing anything like this since they have taught you otherwise. For a while you will enjoy the glory of the moment and then reality dawns on you. 
It begins when you watch that girl in your class whom you considered too laid back, sail through college with little effort. Why should she not, when she had so much time in her hands to do what took her to campus? A few years later you will hardly recognize her as she will have not only made something of her life but will have also attracted a decent guy to settle down with. Do not be surprised when she hands you a wedding invitation thus. 
Men know what they want when it comes to settling down. They will have all the fun they can with any girl who is willing but when it comes to settling down will give you a shocker. Do you know that `player' who settled down with the most down to earth girl for a wife? See what I am talking about?
Think about this next time you want to expose too much skin and declare to the world how well you know the `moves'. Those people will be happy for the entertainment and nothing more. You will have to deal with those empty feelings once the dust settles down. 
A girl who dresses decently and is respectful is a real temptation to men. Guys have an eye for beauty even when it is all covered up with clothes and decency earns you their respect. They will be more cautious to approach you as you present as a secure person to them. And when you two finally get together, it will be in a relationship based on respect and in a civilized manner. Even though he might encounter those girls who are willing to show off skin in public he will appreciate that he got the real thing back at home. See what I mean?

Still learning

Whoever said there is no end to learning was very right. I am a testimony to the fact after having spent the last few months learning new stuff. There are hidden nuggets of wisdom hidden all around if we only cared to look hard enough.
I will be back to share some of this knowledge with you. In the meantime I will take a break and do something else. Be sure to watch out for my updates, you do.

A friend in deed!

This post is a tribute for a friend of mine. I had the privilege of meeting her when both of us were just starting out in family life. I was young and in need of guidance while she was still fresh in family life. Yet something brought us together, rather someone who could only have been God.

Working together in a certain firm, I found out that we had quite a number of common goals with her. She was keen living right and I was struggling to find my way in life. We got a chance to share and it was that time that I noticed her passion for Christ. I was still not born again yet but I admired the way that she appeared so composed and in control of her life. I thought to myself, she must have a secret, one that makes her so purposeful and I need to find it too.

Needless to say she worn me over in time and I gave my life to Christ. She is my spiritual mother, the one who taught me most of all that I know (and remember) to date. There were serious topics for a new believer since I had to learn to memorize scripture too (you never know when you might need to quote the Bible, she told me). None of that made much sense to me then but two years ago, when I was in the midst of fierce spiritual battle, it all fell in place. Enormous sense!

Some of her lessons were fun too. Like when she told me that I could pray about anything and everything (I loved my nails then). And so some nights I caught myself talking to God about the most amazing things, stuff I could not have imagined before he would have wanted to hear. I carry that habit to date, it has rubbed off on my kids too.

My friend walked me the path of a new believer and for over 22 years has been doing the same. She always knows what is going on in my life, I run to her about all the major decisions in life. I trust her entirely, I have realized, a trust born of knowledge of the love of Christ that emanates out of her. Did I mention that she makes the most wonderful cakes as well? My family has been treated to more cakes than I care to count and it is no wonder that my youngest always thought she had a Hansel and Gretel home.
This post is in recognition of a true friend. One who has been there through thick and thin. One who always has an answer to all my questions and finds time to offer counsel. One who has set the pace for me and others with her love for Christ and the way she lives her life.

WN, I love you so much. I would not be where I am today if it were not for you. I am writing this with tears in my eyes,overcome with emotion at the gift you are in our lives. I will never be able to repay your goodness to me, but God above, who sees all will reward you. You are a true emblem of the Proverbs 31 woman. I am so glad that I learned from the best and together with my family wish you and yours God's eternal blessings. May he repay you, in triple measure, all that you have done for me especially in those times when no one else would. Amen.

Have you ever been in a situation whereby the only one you could hope in was God? I have and I stand amazed at what God can do when you rely entirely on him.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-08YZF87OBQ

Great site!

While scouting the internet, I came across this great site that contains interesting stories. I thought I should share what I am currently reading with you at the moment. Great stories, all of them! You can read about them here before grabbing yourself a copy on Amazon or smash words.
http://peterred.com/publications/

Where did we get it all wrong?

There are many incidents in society that leave my heart bleeding. It surprises me how accommodating we have become of sin going by the wrongs that are facing our society. It is sad that those things that we should deal with aggressively on our knees seem to have found a place in our society where they are now becoming commonplace. 
The Bible over and over talks about the abomination of sin in the eyes of God. It is very clear that God detests sin and is abhorred by its presence in his people's lives. From the Old Testament days we read about God calling back his own chosen people from sin. For some reason, the forbidden fruit concept still appeals to so many people today. 
It concerns me what kind of message we as parents are passing on to the younger generation. When children grow up watching parents who are weighed down by sin, appearing to have no power over it then we have got it all wrong. There is no better evangelism for children than to watch their parents wrestle and win over sin and trial through the power of Jesus Christ. It seems as if Satan has put a veil over people's eyes so that they do not regard sin with the seriousness that it requires. Is it a wonder then, that we are faced with equally unique problems in our day?
A nation that has chosen another way from the one set by God cannot escape the woes of Satan. One does not court evil and escape Scott free. Christians the world over have been given power to trample on the head of Satan and are not using it enough. Let me give you a good example about what has been happening in my country lately. 
Kenya has been reeling under threats from terror and we have seen several attacks on our cities from these groups. This has left devastation as well as the economy of our country in chaos for a while now. Yet Kenya is a beautiful country with people who have beautiful hearts to match. Recently there were threats of upheaval from people who felt that the Government is not doing enough to combat the terror issue among other issues in our country. This was a delicate scenario given that we are still bleeding from the attacks that have been springing up all around us. 
It is one thing for people to put blame on the world machinery while forgetting to call on the name of the Lord. Our religious leaders got together calling for concerted prayer against any kind of upheaval in the land. For weeks leading up to the appointed date churches and members all over were called to serious prayer of the land. People were made aware what the implications of the action would be on the economy and lives of the citizens. Campaigns were started on social media and other outlets on the need to remain calm and peaceful. The day came upon our nation and found a people who were on alert to do the right thing and passed quietly. 

God is doing a great thing in our nation of Kenya and that incident made me realize that as Christians we have the authority given to us by God to combat any situation we come across. If only we would take up the responsibility with the seriousness it deserves then we would see a change in our society. We do not need to accept our young people engaging in all manner of debauchery knowing well this is the path of Sodom and Gomorrah as we can pray against the vices. No longer do we have to watch underage children suffer the effects of indulging in alcohol because we can nip the vice in the bud. I believe if parents everywhere dedicated themselves to praying for their children seriously we would not have much of what is happening around us. It is time for us to realize that the power is in our hands as God's people and we need to take the responsibility of what he has given us seriously. Some of the issues can only be broken through prayer. 

Anyone who been at a place in their life when they had no choice but to turn to God understands the effect of fervent prayer. The kind of prayer that lays everything bare before God while reinstating his might in the situation. The one that comes from a repentant heart seeking to be reconciled to God in heaven. The kind that is offered by a person who has nowhere else to run. This is the prayer that moves mountains and brings change in our lives. Because ultimately God created us to need him every minute of our lives. When we do that he comes to effect change not only in our person but in the issues that surround our daily lives. 

Once more.

Anyone who has been in trouble well understands the saying that Joy comes in the morning. These past weeks have been quite something in my spiritual life. God had been ministering to be in amazing ways, some that involved learning to lean more on him every day(and night). 
It is not in vain that as children of God we are called to put on the whole Armour of God. That has been my portion these last few weeks and I now understand even better that we wrestle not against flesh and blood. God is faithful though, to him/her who calls on him in the day of trouble. I have seen his hand in my life, so firm and heavy that I can only proclaim that It is God! Amen.

Walk with me?

Been a while since I blogged, what with only a few breaks in between work and my new found love. Let me tell you what is top of my mind lately. Healthy living. 
If I am not doing exercise in my room(thank God for You-tube) then I am creating new (yucky except-to-me) smoothie recipes, or nibbling even more greens. My family really dislikes my new tastes but then, they will just have to live with it. No one said life was fair...
So I am very serious now about exercise and I regularly sweat it out before starting work. Good thing is that My office is right in my house so I can answer that urgent email and then get on with my exercise. I love working from home since it gives me flexibility to manage my time. I am often surprised  that I am able to keep off watching movies and really get engrossed with my work. Back now, to my new love.
I have discovered that with all the sitting around I need to work out to avoid getting stuck to my seat. Even though I am not guilty of overindulgence in the way of meals(most lunches are skipped anyway) I still need to cut me off some slack.And so I have gone back to swimming, apart from my 3-4 times a week house workouts in my room. I love swimming and this past weekend I must have lost quite some pounds at the pool.
So what got me going, you might ask. At some point in life, you come to a realization that it is your time to take care of yourself since all along you have been looking out for others. Ever since I can remember, I have barely had time for myself what with family and work. And then it hit me that I need to give `me' some attention. Since it hit me, quite some changes have occurred. I decided that I deserved to get control of myself and take my own fun into my hands. And so I no longer think twice about putting my favorite scent into my shopping basket or just taking off to have a dip in the pool. I have learned that nothing will go terribly wrong just because mum is not home on a Sunday afternoon. 
Having gone off oily foods and stuff (fizzies off the list), I feel much more in control of myself. No longer do I have to struggle to go up the stairs but I feel much better about myself. Exercising has given me a whole load of control over my life and I am all the happier. It is amazing how great one feels after a work out(intense) and how much less of junk i now take in. I have targets I need to attain with this healthy living life.I am well on my way there but in the meantime this feels great. 
My next objective is to  swim in the rain. I hear the water is warm  when it rains.I plan on finding that out soon enough.When I do, there will be no stopping me. That and my house workouts, is going to keep me well toned out after hours at my office.
Nothing beats taking time to do what you love,  what gives you that deep down satisfaction. No one sets the rules,but you and you can change them anytime. You will be amazed that even your family will appreciate you better when  you take good care of yourself. Try it, see.

Called to be sensitive

If you look around you there is a lot of people that could use help from you. It is easy to get so caught up with chasing after stuff that we sometimes forget to look out for one another. We forget that no matter how much we achieve in life if we are surrounded by others who are struggling then it will not be all joy for us too. 

God created us to need one another and when we attempt to be self reliant not needing those that God has placed around us then we miss out a lot of what God has in store for us. It is important to remember that you cannot make it on your own no matter that you might have all that you need since there are some things that only another human being can do for you. It is more useful to think about people who pray and stand with you throughout life's journey. 

God uses people to bring blessings to us. It might be that person who stands with you during a particularly trying time in your life. Or the friend who sticks with you closer than a brother. It might even be that person who you meet by chance and they give you a word that is particularly relevant to a situation that you could be going through. I like to think that nothing happens by chance to those who trust in the Lord.

As humans we are created to desire sharing our lives with others. When we attempt to quell this need then we lose the very essence of being created by God to look out for each other.There is a favorite song that I like to listen to, one that blesses my heart all the time. 

A young man narrates how coming from a poor family his siblings and he often went to bed with nothing to eat. The story goes on about how he would often cry out to God about the situation at home and also offer comfort to the other kids since he was the first born. It was a painful experience having to watch the young ones going to bed hungry but there was little he could do.

This went on for most of his young life and he kept on praying to God to come and change the situation in his family. Things seemed so bleak that no help seemed to be coming their way. Then one day the family got an unusual visitor. He drove up to their mud hut with food in the boot that would last them a month. Aside of that he offered the father of the home a job and so left with him that day.

Anyone who has had an angel come to them just when they needed help knows what I am talking about. The phone call that comes through just when you are almost giving up. That email that makes you give a shout of joy after receiving what can only be the best news in a long time. Better still it is that person who knocks at your door at a time that you are hungry for ministering from God.

We need to be sensitive to each other for this is the will of God for us. There is so much fulfillment in doing something that brings change in a person's life. More often we are called to give of our time, money and substance as well. Look out for opportunities to give since you will be doing the will of God. 

There is always someone who could use a word of encouragement. Reach out to them with love and if you ask God he will direct you on the way to minister to them. When you go through for someone at their point of need you extend the love of God in the world. It is only when we are there for each other that we are able to pass his love to mankind all over the world.

Real sex.

I was listening to a local radio station this morning discussing a topic that I have held back on for quite a while and found myself nodding all the way. It was about the effects that pornography has on the users and also the truth about the emotional side of sex.
Having observed the younger generation I am still in shock at what they are missing out in the area of relationships and sex. For them, it has become sort of a `status quo' kind of thing to sleep with anyone who cares to notice. What we see thus is a generation of people who do all they can to look attractive and sexually appealing on the outside while completely disregarding the emotional part of it.
It is no longer necessary to woo a girl, just drop a few lame sexy lines and you got yourself a lay. The girls do not seem to care that there is often no emotional attachment and seem to view anyone who asks for a roll in the hay as a one sent from heaven to rescue them.
What this has led to is a generation of young people and those young at heart, who do not require a good reason to hop into bed with a guy. There is no way you will meet someone for a short time and claim to know them well enough, complete with their sexual history.
Much of the crazed sex escapades stem from the stuff that people are watching on any screen available. Pity that pornography is available to any (even school kids) and it is no wonder that we are seeing a generation, both young and old, of people who have perverted the very act meant for commitment and sanctity to something piteously cheap.
Pornography doubtless does not add any value to one except to create an unnecessarily insensitive atmosphere for sex. Anyone who is (or hopes to one day be) in a loving relationship should steer away of anything that does not afford the partner an equal amount of pleasure. It is selfish and immoral (and even inhuman) to take your fill as your partner suffers pain and humiliation in your hands.Much like animals that do not care about how their partner feels since it is just copulation to them.
It is evident from the breakdown in marriages and relationships that the element of selfishness has quickly crept in sex too. Since only the physical need is met the ladies are let wondering what happened to the bonding that they expect therein. There is bound to be trouble when one partner feels like he/she is always on the giving and never the receiving end.
And so anyone wishing to engage in the act should use the human approach to it and leave the wild acts and the unpleasant language to the beasts. Girls remember the soft words spoken to them by a love crazed man years later. And men rarely take some wild crazed girl to the altar since that is a recipe for disaster.
God did not make sex as a tool of commerce nor as a way of fulfillment for one partner only. He made it so that two people who care deeply about another can express their love in the most intimate and rewarding way possible without shame and rebuke. All other adaptations of sex are mere fakes that will eventually come tumbling down leaving  behind broken hearts and at times irreversible consequences. 

A few good people

Recently, I had an encounter that goes to prove that there are still good people in the world. I got an experience that totally blew me off my mind.
My girl was travelling to the South Coast and all plans were in place.Having left Nairobi with the 9:30 am coastair, she was meant to be in Mombasa at around 5:00 pm that evening and plans had been made to have someone awaiting her on the other end. However there was some delay in Mariakani which saw her get to Mombasa after 6:00 pm. 
Not being very familiar with the town and with luggage in tow, she needed help to get to cross over the ferry so that she could get to Ukunda. 
Now the person that was supposed to be making the arrangements did a shoddy job at it and by the time the girl was getting to Mombasa had already given up on her and left. So there she was, calling me to inform me that the one who was supposed to pick her up was off net. Someone sent a cab to ferry her over so that she could be able to catch transport to Ukunda before it got too late.
All this time, I was constantly on phone(the mother I am) checking on her location every so often. Soon she called me to confirm that she was safely in a matatu on her way to Ukunda. The next problem was that the person who was supposed to have met her was meant to have booked her a place for the night. Now we were in a worse dilemma than before.
On reaching Ukunda, she called me up inquiring where she was meant to go to from there.The girl who was supposed to have made those arrangements had instead decided that she spend the night at a friend of hers for the night.
Since I did not know her well, I was uneasy with that arrangement and I got thinking fast. 
I thought of anyone I would know that side of Coast and that is when a twitter buddy of mine came to mind. I knew that he was quite familiar with coast and even if not able to save the situation himself would offer pointers anyway. And so I hit him up on twitter and explained the situation to him. He responded pretty fast and within no time had called up a lady friend of his who was willing to go pick up my girl for the night. 
I could trust him since we chatted often on twitter and anyway a mother can always tell who to trust. Let's just say that the situation was solved pretty fast and soon my girl was sleeping off fatigue in a warm bed at the kindly ladies house. 
This particular episode did two things to me. It went to affirm to me that there are still good people in the world, people who go out of their way to do good with no strings attached. The lady touched me so much, being ready to go out at that time of the night to pick up someone she had not met before to take her in to her house.
I may not be able to thank my twitter buddy enough for what he did that day and even  the lady who acted in all humanity to save a situation. But such people go a long way in proving to humanity that with just a little goodness the life of another can be impacted in a positive way. 
This post is a tribute to the two, for words cannot express my gratitude to you both. Thanks @njooro for all that you did that day and to the wonderful lady Gee, May God bless you abundantly. Anyone in need of direction while at the coast can hit my friend up and he will link you up with a good hotel or home stay.He is trustworthy and brilliant, I would know. You can reach him at @njooro or travelguru.co.ke

A life of victory.

I hope that your new year is going on fine. There is usually so much to do at the start of a new year that one can get overwhelmed. I have had so much to do that it seems a 24 hour day is not enough for me. Yet here I am, grateful to God for the many times that he has come through for me in awesome ways.
Last night I was watching a certain evangelist online and he said something that touched my heart. Speaking in a room full of women, he spoke about the difference in the way that men and women deal with stuff. While a man will quickly get over something very drastic and move on, a woman can have some attachments that are un-put-downable(sic)throughout life. 
Many of us ladies carry so much baggage, some of which we need to let go so as to get on with life. It seems men are better at forgiving than we are mainly because of the value that we attach to relationships as ladies. 
I kept nodding throughout the one hour session but one thing struck me most of what he said. Every woman has a secret that she guards almost with her life.
We hide that hurt in our hearts very well with our smiles and hearty laughs. We convince the world that all is well with us yet this thing plagues us all through out. It becomes a burden that we carry since we can not will ourselves to let go of it. 
It might be that someone hurt you so bad that you are not able to reconcile yourself to that fact. This person keeps coming up in the most unusual places and you cannot seem to let go of the hurt. It could be a child or even a spouse that did something unforgivable to you. You will be surprised how many parents are hurting from stuff their kids did to them.
Perhaps a complete stranger did something unforgivable to you as well. With no reason at all this person managed to change your life destiny with that one action. You might have tried to rationalize the reason why this happened to you with no success. 
God is calling you to offload what that person, the one whose name you cannot bear to hear mentioned and get on with life. Forgiveness is more about personal healing, you do yourself the favor when you forgive another. Most people think otherwise though. Think of how much Grace God has given to us that while we were bent on taking our own way he wills us back to himself.
We are sinners, only saved by Grace. It is a continuous thing for me to tap into God's grace everyday. His grace is sufficient to me to carry me through the journey. It is not easy at times since I am flesh and blood and my body has a will of it's own. Yet it is in realizing my vulnerability and going back to the cross of Jesus that I am able to remain standing. I cannot do it on my own, I need Jesus close by my side. 
For it to work I have to let go of past hurts and disappointments and focus on him alone. It is only by doing this that I am able to live a life of victory in Christ Jesus. Not by my strength for I am weak but by the strength of the one who died to free me of all sin and shame. 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bLZhQHuQQFE

The society is rotten to the core.

Sunday evening and I step out of the house to see off some lady friends who had come over to dinner at my place.The usual chit chat as happens with ladies gets us standing at the bus stop a while as we exchange final stories about our kids, life, stuff ladies talk about. 
Right across where we stand is a car packed. We do not notice it until a young girl comes out of it.She looks unhurried as she proceeds to wait outside the car. What happens next manages to stop us talking about stuff and change our focus. Next steps out an old man. I mean, he is old enough to be the girls grandfather. He has a word with a watchman and walks right across the road to a chemist. We can only guess what he is gone to purchase. On his way to the chemist he passes right where my three friends and I are standing. He is old with falling hair.
We decide to watch the unfolding scenario for a while. The old guy spends a while at the chemist and his lady friend calls him on her mobile. Perhaps she feels he is taking too long there. But he is old and all his actions are slow. After a while he steps out, accompanies his lady friend across the road to some rooms right right above a pub. 
As we stand there trying to let it all sink in, we notice 3 even younger girls. These surely must be primary school kids. They are dressed up in ways to appear older than they really are. They walk right past where we stand and a little way up the road a car stops. The three girls stop to talk to the occupants and that goes on for a while. Eventually, one of them get into the car and the other two walk on.
We are all silent now. Trying to come to terms with what is happening right before our eyes. Just then a motorbike passes by. Atop are a young guy and girl. We are shocked to see what is happening even as they ride past us. He has his hands all over her and she does not seem to mind.
Eventually we have to leave. Not many words are exchanged between us as we bid each other goodbye. I walk back to my house. I cannot begin to comprehend what I have just seen. Why would a young girl get involved with such an old man? Even if for cash, how can anything happen between them? How does she live with herself after tonight? What is that old man thinking? Just how far are people willing to go for cash?
It is a pathetic scenario, the way we have gone in our morals as a society. It begs an urgent call for change if we have to save a generation that seems so bent on self destruct that they do not seem to think about tomorrow. But even as I think of those gullible young girls, I wonder, who are those mature men who go sleeping around with them? Do they have kids of their own? If so, how would they feel if something like that happened to their own?
It is scary when we live in a society that it is every man for himself and God for us all. We need to be able to speak out about the moral decay in our society because none of us is safe in the scenario. This is where our own kids are growing up, who knows who they look up to? 
I think about this long school holiday. Some kids have just cleared form four and feel like the own the world. They will litter the streets doing all sorts of crazy stuff. I have seen them drunk, smoking God-knows-what as they walk around late at night from some crazed up hangouts. They engage in all sorts of stuff without the knowledge of their parents. Sometimes parents can do little even when they know of these activities. It seems to me that our young people have taken their parents and society hostage. They do all they wan to do as we stand aside and watch, helpless to take any action. 

My season has changed.

Finally I have done it. I am my own person now. I welcome any challenges that will come with establishing my identity while doing something that I love doing most. Writing. The excitement will not let me sleep. I am loosing sleep because I have work to do. Work that I love so much. Doing a good job to ensure satisfied Clients on the other end.

I have quite a number now. But one of them stands out. He is fun and communicates mainly with emoticons. Makes me loosen up around him. This is a whole new world to me. One of ultimate professionalism. I am glad that I can now make use of all the lessons I have learnt on customer satisfaction to date.  At my own pace and time. So help me God!

How cheap can sex get?
It is everywhere now. If you want to make a sale of anything just get an almost nude lady to pose in an ad and watch the open-eyed client troop to have a go at your product. That sex sells is an understatement. Sex peddles and fast.
Marketing firms are making a kill luring clients with almost naked models advertising their services. Many people are lured to the product by the almost nude models who serve to lure them to have a go at it.
Many view such advertising as harmless and argue that it is a case of getting attention to the product. What most people do not pose to ask themselves is what happens when all around us are insinuations towards sex that even our children are seeing all around? How are we as parents going to teach our children about the sanctity of sex while all around them they are getting the message that to sell anything it has to be packaged as alluring and come oozing with sexual energy to be relevant?
It is no wonder that we have cheapened sex so much that those who choose to stick to the Christian way of sanctity and faithfulness to one partner are regarded as oblivious to the God-given power to achieve all that they need in life. Where this leaves us is at a point that our young people are growing up with the knowledge that they can make it anywhere in life without hard work but by virtue of their sex allure.
Ideally, sex should only happen between two people who are committed to one another preferably in a marriage but this is not the situation on the ground. What we are seeing instead is so much cheap sex being passed around usually for all the wrong reasons. So if a young girl wants to climb the corporate ladder all she needs to do is find a man who will propel her up in exchange for a romp in the hay. And the young man is not left behind either. What with older women who are all too willing to exploit him sexually in exchange for cash.
As a society we have it all wrong. The message we need to preach to our young people (and ourselves) is that sex is not meant to be something cheap rather that God meant it as a way of procreation between two married people who are ready to deal with all the consequences. Yes sex does have strings attached which is one thing no one talks about. When you sleep with a person for cash or any other material gain you are cheapening it so much so that you eventually lose the real meaning of it.

It is no wonder that so many people now have lost all value of marriage. Why bother when you can buy sex when you need it without any commitment whatsoever! What we are looking at in the long run is a situation where people have lost the real meaning of being committed to another person, dealing with any conflict therein and still staying together by working at it.
Cheap sex has contaminated the way many people view it and has left a huge dent in the minds of many on their view of it. Sex is not a short romp in the hay between two hurried people with no obligation but real sex should happen only between two mature people who are willing to commit and use it as a way to strengthen the bond and keep the flame of their love alight. That is the way God meant it to be and anything short of it will come with dire consequences in the long run.

The cost of compromise

Many Christians are living compromising lives. They are faithful in their church attendance, very open handed in giving and have a real strong connection with their faith. The attempt to lead a victorious Christian life is there yet they still miss out on the full benefits in their Christian walk because somewhere along the way they have compromised.

It comes in many ways but I speak of the most common ones that I see. The impression about a person is made even before they speak a word. Once you meet a person, a mental image of them is made in the mind. This is influenced by the way that person carries themselves. The way they dress and their mannerisms often are the first things that strike us about a person. Therefore, even before you strike a conversation your mind will have registered an impression of the kind of a person they are.

As Christians we are called to be different as representatives of Christ. When folks encounter us they should see one fit to carry the message of salvation to the world. The way we carry ourselves should make it easy to reach out to all persons with the love of Christ. Notice how easy it is to be open to a nurse in the hospital. The white starched uniform shows professionalism and it is easy to spot a person wearing white thus reach out for help. In the same way, the way a Christian gears should allow the person to be approachable since people are drawn to those who they find accommodating.

The way a Christian deals with the challenges of life is quite telling of the level of his faith. Since those around us notice our reactions to somewhat challenging situations, Christians need to model their faith in God by allowing him in whatever it is that might come their way. People need to see the calmness in having the master of the universe take control of the situations in our lives. This in itself is a testimony that we know just who it is that controls our lives.

Often times I have heard words come out of a person’s mouth that do not quite fit in with my perception of him. As Christians we need to ensure that what we say is meant to uplift a fellow person and not to tear them down. As ambassadors of Christ we need to dwell on good thoughts and allow only positive words to come forth from us. This way we shall be in a good place to offer comfort and even draw others to Christ by representing him well with our words.

On the other hand, when Christians live lives that are no different from others there is so much at stake. Since evidently no one will want to emulate a person who does not live what they say, many souls that might have been worn to Christ will be lost. Our sole reason for being here on earth being to live lives in a way behest with the Character of Christ then failure to do so will defeat our very purpose in life.

Let us all endeavor to represent Christ in all that we do. Once we saturate ourselves with his word then all that we are and do will tell of the love of our master. In return people will seek to know him having had a taste of his loving kindness from their encounter with us. Do you love Jesus? Go on, represent Christ today. You might be the only one who matters!