My Walk with God 🌱

"I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving." - Psalm 69:30 Have you ever heard the expression "Ungratefulness is worse than witchcraft" ? I have heard this being said time and time again where persons share about having helped or nurtured others, only to be on the receiving end of quite the opposite - acts of unkindness, carelessness or neglect. While we all may have benefitted from the kind care of another at one point in time, many either felt they were entitled to it anyway, or were too wrapped up in their own self to appreciate the effort of another. Imagine the irony when the opportunity presents itself to help someone who has helped us, and we let it pass us. While being helped doesn't necessarily mean you are indebted for life to the person who helped us, sometimes we are guilty of causing hurt and disappointment to others when we behave in a way that shows outright thoughtlessness and disrespect, or demonstrates ungratefulness. I...

  “But ask the beasts, and they will teach you; the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you; or the bushes of the earth, and they will teach you; and the fish of the sea will declare to you. Who among all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of all mankind." - Job 12-7-10 These past few weeks, I have been seeking soothing encouragement from nature. I missed being able to be outdoors and enjoy my usual exercise. I had to settle for looking at photos and videos. Deadlines, marathon sessions to complete work assignments, fatigue and pressures of daily responsibilities had taken up most of my focus and time. There were some moments where I was wondering how was I going to get everything done. I had to remind myself that with God all things are possible and that I can and will reach the finish line by God's grace. Today I reached the finish line, and what a feeling of relief and release I felt...

  "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18 Have you ever heard someone testify of a smooth road, paved with the blessings of everything in their life aligning at the expected place and time, someone who has need of nothing, and door after door was opened for them where they found favour and advancement, and they attribute it as evidence of the goodness of God in their life? Perhaps you might be such a person too. No one can fault such a person for giving God all the praise and honour and glory, because He makes all things possible. Sometimes, another believer may be looking on and listening however, and comparing their road to this person's. It is after all, natural and human, to wonder: "God, aren't you with me too? Why aren't things working out like clockwork for me too? Does this mean that You aren't with me? Does this mean that You don't favour ...

"Bless the Lord oh my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy Name." -Psalm 103:1 This week, this particular song has been replaying in my mind. What a beautiful joy it is to find oneself in a state of gratitude for all of ones blessings, and praise and worship to our Creator and Redeemer. It lightens our hearts, and is infectious to those around us. It doesn't always come easily though, because as individuals, we go through several ups and downs in life, with regards to what may pre-occupy our thoughts and minds. Reflecting on God's goodness and His mercies and blessings in these times will then have to become an intentional exercise, one that re-directs our thoughts and heart to Him, acknowledging and refreshing ourselves with the reminder of the goodness of God through it all, generally and in our own personal lives.  The psalmist David wrote a beautiful tribute to the Lord during one of his moments of reflection and appreciation. It is one that we can all ...

Happy World Steelpan Day! "Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord. Praise the Lord!" -Psalm 150:6 This week, I was engaged in a conversation that happened to centre on the workings of artificial intelligence. We touched on the fears about serious possible implications of it, and also on all the many benefits that can be derived from it. It took a while admittedly to come around to dropping parts of my guard about it (perhaps the movie " i Robot " is still playing on my sub-conscious to this day), but I had to have a good chuckle at myself when an article was later shared with me which traced some pretty early inventions and explained the controversy surrounding them at their inception.  For example, the train when it was first invented was feared because it was thought that the human body couldn't withstand moving at such a high speed (50km/hr) and would be dismembered automatically. Similarly, the telephone, telegraph and radio when first invented were...

"Because you are His sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” - Galatians 4:6 This weekend, fathers are in the spotlight for appreciation. Sometimes, we as children take a lot for granted. It is only when we take some time to sit back and reflect, we realize just how much we really have. I am taking this opportunity to publicly say thank you to my dad. Thank you for being a committed provider the best way you knew how. He always thought of us, to provide food, shelter, clothing, education and support. Thank you dad for the part you played the best way you knew how in nurturing in us a love for God and His Word. He would engage us as children, in little challenges in memorizing hymns, psalms and other portions of scripture, and reward us when we were able to. Thank you for seeing education as not only academic but also spiritual also. Thank you dad for displaying and modeling values such as responsibility, independence, educati...

Every day I will bless You, And I will praise Your name forever and ever. -Psalm 145:2 Have you ever been on the receiving end of an unexpected but much appreciated act of kindness? It is a beautiful feeling knowing that someone considered you and met you at a point of need with their act of kindness. Not all acts of kindness come gift-wrapped, or from someone we can see, or with a price tag. In fact, everyday we are on the constant receiving end of a mutitude of gifts. Consider our senses, without which we wouldn't hear beautiful songs, or see the sunsets around us, or smell that rose in the garden or even taste delicious fruits or the lovely meals prepared with love. How about a family member, a friend, a neighbour, or even a complete stranger who is there for us if needed? Even the ability to heal when we get a cut, or the ability to walk or run or do simple tasks? “When eating fruit, remember the one who planted the tree.” -Vietnamese Proverb Today, we have so much to be thankf...

I thank God every time I remember you. - Philippians 1:3 Sometimes, just sometimes, we ought to stop, reflect, and appreciate what we truly have before it becomes 'had'. Tonight I just want to say a simple Thank You to my mother, for the many complicated things she did for me that were simplified by love.  Thank you for your patience, your love, your sacrifices, your training and your nurturing. Thank you for trying to protect us even when things were hard. Thank you for being my most silent supporter in the background, yet my biggest cheerleader. Thank you for continually trying to be the best role model you can be. Thank you for putting up with me, on my moody days, my tired days, the days when I just feel like retreating to my quiet shell. Thank you for guiding me on the straight path, for being a Christian mother, for loving the Lord, for your many many prayers. Thank you for thinking of us when you find a new recipe, or a funny video, or a new flower or plant you are excit...

"I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands." -Psalm 143:5 Are you someone who feels the need to be constantly reassured by God, to be reminded that He loves you and that He is with you? I have a confession to make. I can be like this sometimes. I sometimes wonder why, or if anyone else is like me, if He ever gets tired of me, or if He cares about the need enough to keep meeting it for as long as it takes. Of course, I know He loves me, and that He is working for my good, but sometimes, just sometimes, hmm..  I can sometimes imagine Him thinking to Himself, "After all that I have done for you, how can you still wonder if I still love you? Here's something that you definitely can't miss."  I don't ever want to forget Him, and I don't want Him to forget me either. I look to the Bible to see if there was anyone like me. I have always thought these folks were not who I wanted to be like, but have you...

"Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb, down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations."  -Revelation 22:1-2 Hello friends, did you know that one of my passions is hiking? It is something I discovered over a decade ago. I was invited to a hike in 2012, after and during a stressful period in my life. I was a bit doubtful about it, because I didn't know what to expect, wasn't fit at all, and really wanted to be by myself. Interestingly enough though, I did manage to complete it, and on sensing my new found interest for more, the hike leader introduced me to his hiking club. It was my first time hearing about something like a club for persons who hike, and I am so glad I found out about it. It quickly became my ...

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."  - Psalm 139:13-14 It's my birthday! Depending on who is asking, whenever I am asked my age, I either say 22 or 50, to trigger a laugh. I even tease my mum by singing the chorus of "Forever Young" anytime she tries to catch me off-guard by asking me my age. She usually tells me that sooner or later I will have to give the correct answer. But this is me now. Today is my 39th birthday actually. I am an honest 39 today. I still don't feel it. I feel like I am still in my 20's. Well, maybe the late 20's by now, lol. There is so much I can say about my life, but I think the most essential thing I can say using this opportunity, is to publicly say Thank You Creator and Sustainer, Provider and Redeemer for all that You have done for me, in me, and through me. May any good ...

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, who has compassion on you.  -Isaiah 54:10 Prayer : Release me from what has drawn me far away from You, and bring me back to that state of innocence, purity, confidence, contentment and deep communion with You, my Lord, my first true Love. God be with us 🌱