Revisiting The Evergreen Tree

Sometimes, we can go through situations we have been through before, and even when we know how faithful God was in the past, we still have fear, doubts, etc, deep in our hearts. That means we need to constantly be reminded of who God is, and His word should take priority over every situation we face.

As I type this post, I recall a time when I was filled with anxiety and fear, and the experience I had with the "Evergreen Tree". I searched out a post that helped to remind me of who God is and what He can do. He exceeded my expectations then. I hope that as you read this, you will get some comfort or encouragement if you are in a situation of anxiety, doubt or unanswered questions.

Each time I took a walk, that tree caught my eye. Since my mind was filled with so many thoughts, I could not place why the tree appealed to me. One day, I had to stop and take a hard look at the tree. It was then I realized why it always stood out. In the midst of dry, deserted, leafless and barren-looking trees, it stood tall, fresh and evergreen.

It was one of those periods when my mind was clouded with anxiety and unanswered questions. I had some sleepless nights worrying and running scenarios in my head. But that day as I looked at the tree, how it looked, and the way it stood out, I found myself getting back on track. I do not want to belittle God by likening Him to anything, but when I thought about what the tree meant in the midst of the other trees, I could not help but be reminded of the consistency of God.

He is the God that does not change. He is the same yesterday, today and forever [Hebrews 13:8]. We live in a world where things are ever changing but He still remains the same in every facet. He said it, “I am the LORD, and I do not change” [Malachi 3:6], and this word is true.

 

He never says a word and changes His mind. All His promises have been tried and proved true. When He speaks today a word or a promise, He does not change His mind. ”God is not a man, so He does not lie. He is not human, so He does not change His mind. He has never spoken and failed to act. He has never promised and not carried it through [Num. 23:19].

 

He remains the same [Psalm 102:27]. The God that was spoken of before now is still the same God today. God does not need to prove to us that He is God. He is the Lord, the God of all the peoples of the world [Jeremiah 32:27]. If we come to Him in prayer and He does not answer the way we want, He does not stop being God. In fact, it only means He has better plans for us.

 

Seasons will come and go but He will always be there. There will be periods of joy and laughter. There will be periods of trials and disappointments. But in all of these He is still the God who gives good and perfect gives and does not change like shifting shadows [James 1:17].

 

Even when all else fails, He will never fail. Most times, we go to Him as the last resort instead of the first. Yet He receives us, and attends to us. He hears our prayers, He sees our tears, and like a loving Father, He is always willing to restore us what seemed to be lost or taken from us [Joel 2:25].

 

There are times when we may not be able to feel His presence, but He will never leave us or forsake. He Himself said “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” [Hebrews 13:5] It is not only when we feel blessed that He is with us. At those times when we feel alone, or deserted, He is so close, watching over us, putting a protective hedge around us that we will go on to see the goodness ahead of us.

 

God is self-sufficient. He knows how to fulfill His promises in our lives. When He does it, it is in a way that no man can take the glory. It may not be the way and time we plan, but He sure knows how to make things beautiful in its own time.

 

No matter what else changes around us, God in all His greatness and might and majesty will never change.

Having been reassured of the love and consistency of God, I finally cast my cares upon Him and started having a good night’s rest.

No matter where you are, may you be reminded that God is the never-changing God.

 

Remain blessed.

20 Years In Memorial

God is amazing!!!

I cannot believe it has been 20 years since Daddy was taken from us in a very brutal and gory way.

Then, when it happened, I thought our lives were over. Looking back I now understand what it means to truly rely on God daily for provision, for sustenance, for direction, in fact, for everything.

Then, I understood what it was like to cry and feel your heart broken in pieces, literarily. I never believed that someday we could move on without the heaviness associated with the pains of losing a loved one.

To be honest, I still cry sometimes when I think about him. I cried during my MSc graduation because I would have loved him to be there. I cried during my wedding because I would have loved him to be physically present. Last year I remember crying while driving as I thought about how he was separated from us. Sometimes I get sober when I am having a great time with my husband, and I realize that my mother is all alone without the company of a lover and best friend.

 

 

This post is just to say "Thank You Lord!" In these 20 years You have proven, times without number, that You are the Father of the Fatherless and the Husband to the widow. You know how to turn mourning into dancing. Your promises of never leaving us nor forsaking us remain tested and true. Thank You.

Finally, I thank You for the "September Gift".  You that promised is faithful.


You can read about how he was separated from us here.

A Morning With The Glassware

That early morning, the master opened the shelf that contained all the drinkware and tableware. The mugs, water glasses and tea cups, which stood at the forefront, were ready to be selected for daily duty. But the master reached deep into the shelf and picked up the wine glasses, champagne flutes and Styrofoam cups.

“Finally we get a break today,” a mug murmured. The other mugs, water glasses and tea cups nodded in agreement.

The master took a special clothe and wiped the wine glasses and champagne flutes. He took these glassware to a special corner of the kitchen and lifted them up against the light to check if they had sparkle.

“Wow!” a water glass murmured. “He has never treated us like this!”

“I feel used,” a tea cup said. “Every morning, he uses me but it seems like today is a special occasion and he has no use of me…of us!”

“We are the most used,” one of the water glasses said. “Whether it is morning, afternoon or night, whether it is for him or for guests, he always uses us. Yet without giving us this special treatment and attention.”

“Let’s take it that we are not that special,” said the mug. “And for the records, I don’t feel useful anymore, though a few moments ago I was looking forward to a break!”

Just then, the madam walked into the room.

“Thanks for preparing the glasses for our dinner tonight,” she said. “Let me prepare you a fantastic breakfast.”

“Yes please,” the master replied in delight. “One more thing, I did not wash the water glasses, please can you do so? I like how delicately you handle them. Also when serving my breakfast, please could you put juice in my favorite mug and tea in my special tea cup?”

“Certainly, my love,” the madam replied, “breakfast is incomplete without them!”

So while the master continued cleaning the wine and champagne glasses, the madam went on to prepare and use the other glassware for their appropriate functions.

“Well I feel special afterall,” the mug said, “I did not know I was his favorite!”

“I did not know he cared for us that much,” the water glass said, “he wanted us to be taken care of delicately.”

“And I am definitely ready to be used this morning, knowing that indeed I am special,” the tea cup said.

 

So is it with how God uses us. He uses us differently for different purposes. Someone can be part of the choir, ministering twice a week. Someone else can minister once a month and impact as much, if not greater number of people. Someone can be a cleaner, cleaning the church’s toilet everyday while someone else can be a visiting preacher that pulls multitudes. Not one of these has irrelevant roles. In the sight of God, none is more special than the other. Each person He has created has a unique purpose, and He loves everyone with an everlasting love.

Today as you consider yourself, realize that God created you specially and with a unique purpose. Some in your area of calling will appear greater, and some will appear like they are not up to par with you. It is God who has distributed the gifts and manifestations of the Spirit for different purposes. Do not think lowly of the things you do, especially as it pertains to the kingdom of God. Some of the things you do are indispensable, and there are many out there who cannot do it as well as you do.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters [Colossians 3:23]. God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them [Hebrews 6:10].

In the eyes of God, He measures your success by how well you do what He wants of you, not by any yardstick designed by man.

And He loves you just the way you are, like you are the only person on earth.

Remain blessed.

All scripture are taken from the New International Version (NIV) translation unless otherwise stated.

Dealing With "Pharaoh"

Waiting on God in any capacity is not easy. It is only Him that can give the strength and the hope to keep going on. But there are times when during your waiting period, there is a tangible thing, most likely a person, whom you are "waiting on" or who is holding back the physical manifestation of what God has done for you. This can be worrying.

I liken such a person to Pharaoh who did not want to let the Israelites go. I guess with each sign and wonder to affect the Egyptians, one would think Pharaoh would change his mind. Instead his heart remained hardened until the 10^th plague [Exodus 6-12]. With each plague, time was passing by. If I was one of the Israelites, I would wonder why things were taking time and why God could not just do the 10^th plague in the beginning and save all the time.

God is a God of order, perfect timing and infinite wisdom. With Him, there is no mistake. Every period of waiting gives rise to a testimony. He uses the opportunity to reveal Himself in a way unique from how He has shown Himself. God is a God you can put all your trust in and not get disappointed. Above all, He makes everything beautiful in its own time.

If you are waiting on God and it seems there is a “Pharaoh” on your case, please heed the voice of Your loving Father today. He says, “Be still, and know that I am God [Psalm 46:10]; You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD will give you [2 Chronicles 20:17a]; The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still [Exodus 14:14]”.

The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: He turns it wherever He will [Proverbs 21:1, King James 2000 Bible]. Bring your “Pharaoh” to God in prayer.

Pray for wisdom on the next step(s) to take. Pray also that God will bless this “Pharaoh” such that in his joy and happiness, he will desire to make others happy. Pray that the Holy Spirit will bring to his remembrance your case. Just as King Xerxes remembered Mordecia [Esther 6], may your “Pharaoh” be awakened to the fact that you are a covenant child of God. May honor and recognition also follow as your “Pharaoh” lets go of your blessing.

In Jesus name, Amen.

As you wait on God, remember that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them [Romans 8:28, NLT].

Remain blessed.

All scripture are taken from the New International Version (NIV) translation unless otherwise stated.

2012

2012! I don't know how to describe my personal perception of the year so far...Though I lack the words, I think everything I felt was...Intense?

The year kept on calling me to be alert, to stand firm, to reflect, and to be grateful. The truth is, no matter how intense the challenges had been, the hand and presence of God was manifest much more intensely.

I guess that as the year draws to an end, you may start evaluating your plans vs. your achievements. But as you do, please remember 2 things:-

1. There may have been some things which you did not plan for, but they happened, even exceeding your expectations. Please put them in the "balance sheet".

2. The year is not over, not yet. You can still believe for a "last minute miracle" in specific areas of your life.

God is not bounded by time, and He can do His thing even when we think it is too late. The last minute miracle may be the physical manifestation of what you have been waiting on Him for, or just a Word from God that leaves you in faith, peace and encouraged.

 

2012 is not over until it's over. It will only usher in 2013, which comes filled with promises.

As the seconds tick by and we move on by God's grace, let us not be so consumed by our desires that we forget how good and how faithful God has been. We must have felt His hand in our lives or in the lives of those around us. May He crown the year with His goodness. May we align our hearts with His, that we may walk in His perfect will.

 

Thanks be to God... Words are not enough to describe how beautiful and awesome He is, but still I know He is...

The Way Maker

The Door Opener

The One who gives second chances

The One who works behind the scenes

The Doctor who has never lost a case

The Miracle Worker

The One who gives Beauty for Ashes

The Story Changer

The One who is always on time - never late

The One whose timing is impeccable

The One who customizes blessings

The One who gives testimonies

The One with whom nothing is impossible

The One who gives peace that passes all understanding

The One who hears and answers prayers

The One who forgives and makes whole

The One who saves

The Restorer

The Healer

The Comforter

The All-Encompassing, Self-Sufficient One

The One whose plans are will are only good for us

The One who gives strenght

The One who gives wisdom

The One who gives victory

The Lawyer, Jury, Advocate and Judge in the courtroom

The Orderer and Director of our paths and steps

The Loving, Gracious, Faithful Father.

 

Did you experience any of these facets of God this year?

 

May 2012 leave you with a feeling of peace. May 2013 bring you and your loved ones peace, joy, fulfillment, and the manifestation of your heart's desires.

 

God bless.

When Shoes Don’t Fit

There are certain situations I have passed through where I found myself asking questions like “God, why me?” and “God, why did you let this happen?” The most frustrating part was I did not need to look far to see someone who had what I desired, making me feel that God was being unfair to me. Quite recently I have learnt to stop wallowing in self-pity after I had the experience with shoes.

How?

My 20-month old daughter loves shoes. Of interest to her are my shoes, or anything with heels. One day, my daughter wore my shoes and tried to walk. It was not an easy journey for her. She could not walk at her normal pace, nor could she do the things she would ordinarily have done with her shoes on. My shoes appeared more appealing, and indeed they were very comfortable for me, but when she wore them, it was so clear that it was not meant for her.

Then it dawned on me.

Many a times, we may find ourselves in a situation where we lament and complain, and wish our situation was like someone else’s. Not knowing that if, perhaps, we find ourselves in the true picture of what they are going through, we may not be able to cope.

You may think your situation is the worst until you actually know what the “other” person is going through. But really, you don’t need to know.

This post is just a call to gratitude. To say “Thank You” to God, who in His grace, mercy, and sovereignty, has allowed you to be in the shoes you are in. Maybe it could have been worse. Maybe you would have struggled if you were in the shoes of that person whose shoes you wish to be in. With God, no situation is hopeless. With Him, things can only get better.

Thanks be to God who will not give us more than we can bear, who is always with us, and knows how to make every situation work together for our good. He is faithful and more than able to turn around anyone’s “captivity”. The when and how all depends on Him. That is why we need to trust and have faith in Him.

Have a blessed and fruitful week ahead. It is well with you and yours.

On A Path To Healing

It has been a while since I came here, that I almost forgot what to do with blogger. I am currently picking myself up from the floor of spiritual emptiness and emotional pain. And I am on a path to "healing", some details I will share below.

Let me start with a story.

The work day was over so I set my laptop to hibernate. The moment I had clicked on that option, I shut the laptop and put it in my laptop bag. My colleague asked why I did that.

"Why didn't you wait for the laptop to hibernate completely before putting it in your bag?" she asked.

This was a long time habit which I had started when I was always "rushing" to meet Mr. Rita at the end of a work day. But from experience, the laptop always hibernated after I had sent the command.

"There was no need to wait," I replied, "once the command has been sent, the laptop has to respond. It has always hibernated."

As I carried my laptop and walked away, I realized that so is the word that comes from the Lord. When He speaks, He does not have to worry about whether or not it will happen as He has spoken. Once He sends it out, it always produces results. It always accomplishes what He wants to do. Not only that, it always prospers everywhere He sends it to.

Yes, whatever it is God has spoken concerning you, rest assured that it will come to pass. His word always produces results and all the time, the results exceeds our expectations. So to anyone who is still holding on to a promise of God, do not grow weary. As He has spoken so shall it be. In Jesus Name, Amen.

On the personal side, I am trying to recover emotionally from two consecutive pregnancy losses. It has been a very painful period (I did not know I would hurt emotionally so much, even after knowing how awesome my God is). Family, writing, work and personal projects were affected in different degrees. I tried to distance myself from God, because I kept asking myself why He allowed me go through such emotional pain. But understanding that God is ever-loving and ever-faithful, I cannot run from Him nor can I give room to think He does not have my best interest at heart. I know, that as always, I will still have testimonies.

So while I am trying to find myself back on the path to spiritual and emotional healing, I just list a few things I am thankful for:-

1. For life:- I know there is still hope, and I still have an opportunity to fulfill my God-given dreams.

2. For Family:- The amazing love and support of Mr. Rita all through this, and the sensitivity of my 19 month old princess, have been sources of strenght for me. 

3. For Family (again): - My mom and my sisters have been very encouraging. My mom has not failed to share encouraging words with me on a weekly basis.

4. For friends:- I have amazing prayer partners, and amazing friends who make it feel as though I am sharing the "burden" with so many people that I have nothing to carry.

5. For favor and grace:- I have seen grace and favor in different areas of my life. These are gentle reminders that God is still there even if I was still wondering. I cannot list all of these instances.

Wishing you a blessed weekend. Thanks to all of you who checked up on me. God remains faithful.