ANSWERED PRAYERS

We cry out only when we are worn out!! 

The beginner’s prayer is usually about I, me, myself! Save me, help me, give me, bless me are the familiar cries of a novice. But as time goes by, she learns to also pray for others. She practices charity even in her meditation; to begin thinking of others as more important than herself. 

Answered prayers are the best reward for our efforts when we see individuals who we have interceded for, receive the very longings and desires of their hearts fulfilled. Healing for the terminally ill; fertile womb for the barren; family restoration; the return of a prodigal son; finding the right partner; landing a good paying job; instilling courage and strength in hard times; freedom from a demented mind; help for the forlorn.

And when people testify how we have brought hope, comfort and assurance into their lives through our faithful prayers and intercession we feel blessed a thousand times over. For such is the euphoria when we pray for someone and witness the exhilaration and excitement he exhibits to answered prayers.

ORDINARY FOLKS

When I was young, I dreamed of meeting famous, powerful and influential individuals. I grew up and along the way met and became good friends with several brilliant men and women who in my mind were exceptional. They enriched every aspect of my life. 

Needless to say, I was thrilled to have my dreams realized. What a privilege and joy to be in such fine company. I thought nothing would be more exciting, satisfying and fulfilling than that until... 

One day, a little girl resolutely walked up to me. She looked at me coyly; eyes shining brightly and blushing a little, she tiptoed to draw closer to my face. I reached down to her. Close to my ears, in a voice smooth as velvet, she whispered, "When I grow up, I want to be just like you..." And then she planted a wet kiss on my cheek and skipped off jauntily.

I thought that was the best compliment anyone has ever given me!

So, it seems ordinary people like us are in little girls' dreams too ...

FAMILY DIVIDED

It is so touching and heartwarming to see families restored and transformed; to witness the hearts of children turning back to their parents and parents reciprocating in kind. 

How amazing to see families who were once divided by strife, hostility, conflict and animosity coming back together in love, forgiveness, commitment, and acceptance. In this difficult time, families that stay together gives stability, surety, sense of belonging and support to each other. 

This makes good sense. 

Family bonding is a conscious act requiring effort, energy, encouragement and encore....

SMILE THOUGH YOUR HEART IS ACHING

It is finished! And about time too!! 
My printer tells me the book will be ready in a few weeks. I'm in no hurry. I've waited for almost six years. What's a few more weeks!

But I must confess that the completion of this, my second book, is especially meaningful and important to me. It is proof (mostly to myself) that I haven't gone cuckoo or lost my mind totally after two major brain surgeries, not considering the countless challenges I was faced with before, after and in between my illness.

If only to testify that God is good and gracious, let me brag more of unceasing love, unending patience, boundless mercies, astounding faithfulness; His bountiful supplies, His unrelenting pursuit and the sweet, sweet fellowship in his presence; without (all of) which I would be dead as dead can be!
Surely He makes all things possible.
Thank you God...

HAVE LOVELY DAYS

A good conversation is rare these days. 

People aren't even bothered with small talk any more! They prefer the company of their many gadgets!

There used to be a time when friends meet to chat, catch up, laugh themselves silly and are actually interested in what the other has to say. 

People live such busy, busy lives. Don't we wish a break from our hectic schedule? 

How delightful to occasionally have a long leisurely lunch, followed by formal afternoon tea with absolutely no annoying interruptions. Just relaxing with your friends; no rush, no urgent phone call, no throbbing headache, no house-on-fire panic, no 4pm board meeting, no dreadful doctor's appointment. 

Totally at rest; enjoying delightful company with rousing conversation; savoring fine cuisine with excellent wine (of course), and to finish off with aromatic coffee and an extra large helping of blueberry cheese cake. No guilt just grins!

And yes, there's music, softly playing in the background. They are spinning oldies and you love oldies. Oh, yea.... could anything be better than that!?
My friends, I wish you more of such lovely and wonderful days.

SOMEBODY

Once upon a time, when you were Somebody, everyone looked up to you and paid homage. People gave their undivided attention to your every word, whim and fancy.  They didn’t even mind your sarcasm, bad manners or indifferent attitude when it suited you! You were Somebody.  You commanded loyalty and compliance, sometimes forced, from people who depended on you and wanted to stay in your good book. Priority was always given for your pleasure and comfort.  It was a good life and certainly nice being Somebody.

      However, nothing lasts forever.  You should know. Today you’ve been shoved aside like yesterday news.  People are not dancing to your tune.  You’ve had your moment and others are waiting in line, eager to fill your vacant spot. You might say it doesn’t matter but it does in some ways.  Being honest you would admit that it was nice to get the best table at your favorite restaurant.  Being candid you would recall that it was cool to be up on stage, in the limelight, for some award presentation.  It would be frank of you to acknowledge the happy tingling sensation you felt when you were heaped with recognition, applause and accolades  

Superficial and insincere as these may be, nevertheless you beamed at the ceremonial flattery.  Even if a title was bought and a place at the VVIP table was secured through inappropriate arrangements, still, it was nice!

      Yes, there’s no denying that we enjoy being Somebody and while we are in this privileged position we should remember to take advantage and do as much good for the common man as possible.  To be a Somebody with a heart for everybody is certainly more noble than a Somebody who cares for nobody but himself.  Our worldly status, no matter how exalted, is only for a time.  When our tenure is over, we can whine and grumble and even plead injustice but what good will that do us? 

Seasons change.  It is wise to recognize that all earthly possessions and pleasures, big or small, are temporary.

Today you may be Somebody.  In a blink of an eye you can be Nobody!  How will that affect you?

STAY CALM

Everyone is different; unique in thoughts, words, mannerisms, actions and reactions. Sometimes the good we do is misunderstood for something else. 
At other times, kindness shown to us is eyed with suspicion. How typical in our flawed world. 
Even so, we seek to understand rather than to undermine. 
Stay calm. Drink in the beauty around you and immerse in the wonder of creation. 
Seek the Creator...

BFF

Be true to your friends. That is possible only when you are true to yourself! 

There're people you will like more than others. And some, you don't like at all! 

That's okay... as in all likelihood, these same persons don't think very much of you either. 

Best cut the charade.

Pretense has no priority or place in nurturing a genuine relationship. 

Cheers to Friends For Life!