Still

Still
Words and Music by Reuben Morgan

Hide me now
Under your wings
Cover me
within your mighty hand

When the oceans rise and thunders roar
I will soar with you above the storm
Father you are king over the flood
I will be still and know you are God

Find rest my soul
In Christ alone
Know his power
In quietness and trust

21 rules of life

ONE: Give people more than they expect and do it cheerfully.

TWO: Marry a man/woman you love to talk to. As you get older, their conversational skills will be as important as any other.

THREE: Don't
believe all you hear, spend all you have or sleep all you want.

FOUR: When you say, 'I love you ,' mean it.

FIVE: When you say, 'I'm sorry,' look the person in the eye.

SIX: Be engaged at least six months before you get married.

SEVEN: Believe in love at first sight.

EIGHT: Never laugh at anyone's dream. People who don't have dreams
don't have much.

NINE: Love deeply and passionately. You might get hurt but it's the
only way to live life completely.

TEN: In disagreements, fight fairly. No name calling.

ELEVEN: Don't judge people by their relatives.

TWELVE: Talk slowly but think quickly.

THIRTEEN: When someone asks you a question you don't want to answer,
smile and ask, 'Why do you want to know?'

FOURTEEN: Remember that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

FIFTEEN: Say
'bless you' when you hear someone sneeze.

SIXTEEN: When you lose, don't lose the lesson!

SEVENTEEN: Remember the three R's: Respect for self; Respect for
others; and responsibility for all your actions.

EIGHTEEN: Don't let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

NINETEEN: When you realize you've made a mistake, take immediate
steps to correct it.

TWENTY: Smile when picking up the phone.. The caller will hear it in
your voice.

TWENTY-ONE: Spend some time alone.

Day By Day

Day By Day

Ever wondered to yourself how some parents manage to put up with the incessant cries of their infants? On many occasions I’ve sat amidst nursing mothers tending to their babies as they wail and scream away. Questions they wish they could ask their child begin to well up within; is she hungry? Is he tired? Is it too hot in here? Is it too cold? Unfortunately babies cannot talk, and so in order for them to communicate their distress to us they cry. This crying then becomes habitual and whenever they are upset they cry to let us know.

From an early age we all unconsciously learn how to create habits, good and bad. As we grow older these habits stick with us, becoming a part of the very way in which we function. We are often so unaware of our habits that it often takes a long time for us to notice that we even have them. Its almost as if in stealth-like fashion these habits crept into our domains, broke through security, hacked into our mainframes, and smuggled in patterns for us to follow. Or did they?

Habits are built through practice, constant practice over extended periods of time. Someone once gave me this analogy when explaining how to overcome bad habits.

Imagine a field all over grown with thorns and thistles, with grass as high as your waist. Now imagine trying to walk through such a field. It will most likely hurt the first time you walk through it, and the second time, and maybe even the third. But what is happening each time you walk through that field? You are creating a path, a path that gets easier and easier to walk through. This is exactly what happens in the brain when we try to break a bad habit.

We are so used to going down the easiest path that we forsake the difficult one. If trying to lose weight, we go for the fat-packed burger instead of the healthy salad. If trying to quit smoking, we go for the cigarettes instead of walking out of the shop. If trying to quit masturbation or viewing online pornography, we indulge instead of turning away.

It takes courage and consistency to walk through that difficult path, but each day you go through it, it becomes easier and easier to follow. Researchers say it takes 21 days to overcome a habit(1). The key is to take each day as it comes, imagine each day as a fresh new opportunity to walk through that field. Day by day your body will learn how to replace that old bad habit. But one must be disciplined and devoted.

Victor Frankl once said “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” Though the habit has become almost second nature and it is a struggle to fight the temptation each time it comes, don’t be disheartened when you fall, simply pick up your cross and continue to press on. Therein lies the challenge, in our ability to press on and crucify self, so love can live.

Each morning wake up invigorated knowing that the challenge continues and ‘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’(2).

Grace and Peace
___________________

C.S. Coker is the executive editor of the Letters to the Bride, a daily devotional, aimed at people who generally like to have their hearts, minds and souls challenged

(1)Why 21? Nobody really knows. Maybe because for many 7 is a number of perfection, and 3 is a number of completion. 7x3 equals 21.
(2)Philippians 1:6

Cruise

Cruise

You will embark on a fair sea, and at times there will be fair weather, but not always.

You will meet storms and overcome them.

You will take turns to steer your boat through fair weather and foul.

Never lose courage.

Safe harbor awaits you……..in the end.

Daphne Du Maure

Indefinite Purpose

Indefinite Purpose

God has created me to do Him some definite service; He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another. I have a mission- I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next. I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons. He has not created me for naught. I shall do good; I shall do his work. I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place while not intending it-If I do and keep his commandments.

Therefore I will trust Him whatever wherever, I am I cannot be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve him; my perplexity may serve Him; If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him; If I am He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends; He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink; hide my future from me-still He knows what He is about.

Cardinal Newman.

Troubled?

"Look up into the heavens. Who created all the stars? He brings them out like an army, one after another, calling each by its name. Because of His great power and incomparable strength, not a single one is missing. O Jacob, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles? O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights?" Isaiah 40:26-27


The Lord is close to the broken hearted and rescues those whose spirit is crushed.
The Lord is my light and my strength and my salvation whom shall I fear?
“Things are not what they seem,”
Be blessed wherever you are in your life today! God has His hands on the situation!

Miracle

Fidel meets his dad today for the first time.

Bwana alitutendea mambo makuu, tulikuwa tukifurahi Zab 26:3

Bwana alitutendea mambo makuu, tulikuwa tukifurahi Zab 126:3

The Lord has done great things for us, indeed we are glad. Ps 126:3

If the Lord opens doors that you have been waiting to be opened……… praise him.

What God Says

If the Lord has you on hold... hold on!
If the Lord has said "NO" to you... thank Him!
If the Lords is molding your heart and mind... go with His change!
If the Lord opens doors that you have asking Him to open... Praise Him!
Be blessed wherever you are in your life today! God has His hands on the situation!

You say: "It's impossible" God says: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)

You say: "I'm too tired" God says: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-30)

You say: "Nobody really loves me" God says: I love you (John 3:16 & John 3:34 )

You say: "I can't go on" God says: My grace is sufficient (II Corinthians 12:9 & Psalm 91:15)

You say: "I can't figure things out" God says: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6)

You say: "I can't do it" God says: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)

You say: "I'm not able" God says: I am able (II Corinthians 9:8)

You say: "It's not worth it" God says: It will be worth it (Roman 8:28 )

You say: "I can't forgive myself" God says: I Forgive you (I John 1:9 & Romans 8:1)

You say: "I can't manage" God says: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)

You say: "I'm afraid" God says: I have not given you a spirit of fear (II Timothy 1:7)

You say: "I'm always worried and frustrated" God says: Cast all your cares on ME (I Peter 5:7)

You say: "I'm not smart enough" God says: I give you wisdom (I Corinthians 1:30)

You say: "I feel all alone" God says: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5)

Signs

Today I saw the most spectacular thing in the sky. I was on my tea break stroll at around 6.30 pm, date the 5th of March 2010. You see, I believe in wonders, I believe in signs. There was the usual at first, the white birds that fly away in a V pattern when the sun is setting, the acacia trees silhouetting amidst the setting sun. The buzzing of vehicles on the highway, some cool breeze, and green grass, all too beautiful. Then I looked up to the sky, there a lovely ray of colour, like the rainbow but patched like bits and pieces of clouds. From a distance it looked like the earths globe, as it would be viewed from space. The green and brown, representing the earth (soil and vegetation) and then the blue, representing the oceans. It is good to get in touch with nature. Once in a while, just to forget the everyday hustles. It occurred to me than when Jesus was born; the wise men noticed a brilliant star in the sky. Guys, lets not miss on the signs because we are too busy chasing money; which we all know; does not last forever.

In my son's eyes

In my son's eyes I am a hero
I am strong and wise and I know no fear
But the truth is plain to see
He was sent to rescue me
I see who I wanna be
In my son's eyes

In my son's eyes everyone is equal
Darkness turns to light and the
world is at peace
This miracle God gave to me gives me
strength when I am weak
I find reason to believe
In my son's eyes

And when he wraps his hand
around my finger
Oh it puts a smile in my heart
Everything becomes a little clearer
I realize what life is all about

It's hangin' on when your heart
has had enough
It's giving more when you feel like giving up
I've seen the light
It's in my son's eyes

In my son's eyes I can see the future
A reflection of who I am and what will be
Though he'll grow and someday leave
Maybe raise a family
When I'm gone I hope you see how happy
he made me
For I'll be there
In my son's eyes

Borrowed from Martina Mcbride - In My Daughter's Eyes lyrics

Quotes from the 'Witch of Portobello' by Paulo Coelho

Quotes from the 'Witch of Portobello' by Paulo Coelho

I’m only happy when I think that God exists and is listening to me; but that isn’t enough to go on living, when nothing seems to make sense.

Music isn’t just something that comforts or distracts us, it goes beyond that – it’s an ideology. You can judge people by the kind of music they listen to.

When mouths close, it’s because there’s something important to be said.
‘God hid the most important things from the wise because they cannot understand what is simple.’

Matthew 11: 25: ‘I thank thee, O Father, thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes’, or from St Paul (1 Corinthians 1: 27): ‘But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.’)

We all have an unknown ability, which will probably remain unknown forever. And yet that ability can become our ally. Since it’s impossible to measure that ability or give it an economic value, it’s never taken seriously.

‘What is a teacher? I’ll tell you: it isn’t someone who teaches something, but someone who inspires the student to give of her best in order to discover what she already knows.’

Writing reveals the personality

Naturally, if she respected the brush that she used, she would realize that in order to learn to write she must cultivate serenity and elegance. And serenity comes from the heart.

‘Elegance isn’t a superficial thing; it’s the way mankind has found to honor life and work. That’s why, when you feel uncomfortable in that position, you mustn’t think that it’s false or artificial: it’s real and true precisely because it’s difficult.

Elegance is the correct posture if the writing is to be perfect. It’s the same with life: when all superfluous things have been discarded, we discover simplicity and concentration. The simpler and more sober the posture, the more beautiful it will be, even though, at first, it may seem uncomfortable.’

Don’t allow your wounds to turn you into a person you are not.

Delay is not Denial

Delay is not Denial

‘My skin cracks as the heat from the sun scorches with vigor, I thirst for that relief that will come and quench this burning that consumes being. My back is burdened with a load that reduces my pace, my vision has become obscured as they no longer navigate the path in which my feet must travel, I move towards a destination not known, I head for a place that exits in him, but non the less its existence is never a slave to my doubt. I press on even if it claims me’.

Patience is essential for survival in our generation. We are living in world where the art of endurance has been substituted with instability and fluctuation. The very essence of being patient has been lost in a world that demands all that it needs when it wants it. We are in a place that is very delicate, understanding that the road we must travel is one that comes at no easy price, for we all must be tried, tested, afflicted, broken but rest assured we will be revived. Through this will endurance be evident.

As young individuals with Christ in our heart, it comes to mind when Christ says ‘can you drink of the cup from which I must drink?’ the reality is that we will all go through times that will require us to drink from our own cup. This means that we will all go through our own share of affliction and trials. The process of drinking is one which will cause us to go through waters and challenges that leaves us asking, Why me?

I say, ‘Why not you’! if our dreams were to be handed to us so easy, we would have no value for it. We would think it ordinary if Gods promises came and went like the wind. The pains we bear today will enable us to appreciate the taste of sweetness. You can never appreciate victory unless you have failed, you cannot appreciate strength unless you have been subject to weakness before. If all you ever knew was sunshine, then its very essence would elude you because the beauty of light is made relevant by the existence of darkness. Through the think and thin, we must understand that despite all that we encounter, his grace is sufficient for us. Patience and endurance birth strength from within. You never know what you are capable of until you push yourself. God will never leave you nor forsake you, he has counted every strand of hair on you and all is accounted for, your tears, though they were sown in hardship, you will reap the reward of laughter. Bare it in mind that, only the broken will become masters at mending.

Even if we feel like giving up, be like job and say, even though he slays me, yet, I will trust in him. The trick is in not failing, God will cause you to go through the storm but it shall not consume you. Even if the very destination seems obscured, let his voice be your guide. Strength is the reward of endurance; patience is the fruit of faith, even though it tarries, your appointed time is near.

God will never give power to anyone who does not know its value, and even still, this power is not given out of favoritism, this power is earned through endurance and a constant hunger to be in his will. Hold on to his promise in the dark moments for this will be your reward in the light. We could never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy in the world. As long as there is breath in your lungs, there is hope. Hold on and let endurance be your fortress, let patience be your hiding place, the road may seem so long to travel; eventually you will get there. God is on your side. A delay in the vision and promise is not denial of the vision and promise.

And when you reach your destinations, the fighter in you will say like David ‘you brought me into the net; you laid affliction on my back. You have caused men to ride over my head; I went through fire and through water; But You brought me out to a place of rich fulfillment.

Hold on just a little longer, Don’t you let go!

Joshua Ajitena is a member of the writing team for Letters to the Bride, a daily devotional, aimed at people who generally like to have their hearts, minds and souls challenged

Grown women

Girls leave their schedule wide-open and wait for a guy to call and make plans.

Grown women make their own plans and nicely tell the guy to get in where he fits.

Girls want to control the man in their life.

Grown women know that if he's truly hers, he doesn't need controlling.

Girls check you for not calling them.

Grown women are too busy to realize you hadn't.

Girls are afraid to be alone.

Grown women revel in it-using it as a time for personal growth.

Girls ignore the good guys.

Grown women ignore the bad guys.

Girls make you come home.

Grown women make you want to come home.

Girls worry about not being pretty and/or good enough for their man.

Grown women know that they are pretty and/or good enough for any man.

Girls try to monopolize all their man's time (i.e., don't want him hanging with his friends).

Grown women realize that a lil' bit of space makes the 'together time' even more special-and goes to kick it with her own friends.

Girls think a guy crying is weak.

Grown women offer their shoulder and a tissue.

Girls want to be spoiled and 'tell' their man so.

Grown women 'show' him and make him comfortable enough to reciprocate without fear of losing his 'manhood'.

Girls get hurt by one man and make all men pay for it.

Grown women know that that was just one man.

Girls fall in love and chase aimlessly after the object of their affection, ignoring all 'signs'.

Grown women know that sometimes the one you love, don't always love you back-and move on, without bitterness.

Away from her

Isn’t it true however far we have wandered into our provinces of persecution, where our regrets accuse? We keep returning back to the common faith from which we have all descended; back to the hands, the feet, the faces. Children are always there and take the hands, even when they are most terrified. Those in love can not make up their minds to go astray. Our distant doctor returns most often. Only the mad will never, never come back. For doctors keep on worrying while away, incase their skill is suffering and deserted. Lovers have lived so long with giants and elves they won’t believe again in their own size and the heart prays ever so gently. Let me find pure all that can happen. Only uniqueness is success, for instance, let me perceive the images of history, all that are pushed away with doubt and travel. Today’s and yesterdays are like bodies. The desires of the heart are as crooked as scorched grieves. Not to be born is the best for man. The second best is the formal order; the dances pattern. Dance while you can. Dance, dance for the figure is easy, the tune is catching and will not stop. Dance till the stars come down from the rafters, dance dance, dance, dance till you drop.

Beyond Planning

Some things are beyond planning.



And life doesn't always turn out as planned.



You don't plan for a broken heart.



You don't plan for a failed business venture..



You don't plan for an adulterous husband.



or a wife who wants you out of her life.



You don't plan for an autistic child.



You don't plan for spinsterhood.



You don't plan for a lump in your breast.



You plan to be young forever.



You plan to climb the corporate ladder.



You plan to be rich and powerful.



You plan to be acclaimed and successful.



You plan to conquer the universe.



You plan to fall in love - and be loved forever.



You don't plan to be sad.



You don't plan to be hurt.



You don't plan to be broke.



You don't plan to be betrayed.



You don't plan to be alone in this world



You plan to be happy. You don't plan to be shattered.



Sometimes if you work hard enough, you can get what you want. But MOST times, what you want and what you get are two different things.



We, mortals, plan. But so does God in the heavens.



Sometimes, it is difficult to understand God's plans especially when His plans are not in consonance with ours.



Often, when God sends us crisis, we turn to Him in anger. True, we cannot choose the cross That God wishes us to carry, but we can carry that cross with courage knowing that God will never abandon us nor send something we cannot cope with.



Sometimes, God breaks our spirit to save our soul.



Sometimes, He breaks our heart to make us whole.



Sometimes, God allows pain so we can be stronger.



Sometimes, God sends us failure so we can be humble.



Sometimes, God allows illness so we can take better care of ourselves. Sometimes, God takes everything away from us so we can learn the value Of everything He gave us.



Make plans, but understand that we live by God's grace.

Locked up

The one that my heart desires,
Is already taken.
My heart is imprisoned
By this love
That can never be.
So every night
I kneel beside my bed
And ask God
To set this captive free.