Friday, October 18, 2013
Great to be back
Just feeling happy to be back to blogspot. For everyone who comes to these pages please keep coming back, I am back for real. As always I know this is the right time and He makes all things beautiful in his time. Amen
Sunday, April 28, 2013
What I Learnt from Reading "Developing the Leader Within You" by John C Maxwell- Part I
This book is a must read for anyone who wants to develop or improve leadership qualities. It is a book you do not want to rush at all. The nuggets of wisdom ring true and are doable, if one wants to truly excel at leadership. In most cases I will use his words and sometimes mine.
First John Maxwell says that Leadership can be taught; it is not an exclusive club for born leaders. This is encouraging as some people feel like they can never be leaders. He goes on to categorize those desiring leadership into four levels;
Leadership is the ability to influence others, and everyone can influence others to the level where they become followers of some sort. So a Leader can be defined as someone who has followers.
He shares that sociologists tell us that even the most introverted person influences about ten thousand people in a life time. This influence too is a skill that can be learned.
There are Five Levels of Leadership
John Maxwell calls the key to leadership, "Priorities" and the most important ingredient, "Integrity". I found these interesting.
A funny anecdote I got from reading the part on integrity building compared to image building was, "Two old ladies were walking in a somewhat overcrowded English country churchyard and came upon a tombstone. The inscription said: "Here lies John Smith, a politician and an honest man." "Good heavens!" said one woman to the other. "Isn't it awful that they had to put two people in the same grave!"
I found these questions which he posed for self assessment on whether you are an image builder or an integrity builder very helpful, and I hope others will:
Consistency: "Are you the same person no matter who you are with? Yes or no."
Choices: "Do you make decisions that are best for others when another choice would benefit you? Yes or no."
Credit: "Are you quick to recognize others for their efforts and contributions to your success? Yes or no."
First John Maxwell says that Leadership can be taught; it is not an exclusive club for born leaders. This is encouraging as some people feel like they can never be leaders. He goes on to categorize those desiring leadership into four levels;
- The leading Leader
- The Learned Leader
- The Latent Leader
- The Limited Leader
Leadership is the ability to influence others, and everyone can influence others to the level where they become followers of some sort. So a Leader can be defined as someone who has followers.
He shares that sociologists tell us that even the most introverted person influences about ten thousand people in a life time. This influence too is a skill that can be learned.
There are Five Levels of Leadership
- Position
- Permission
- Production
- Personnel development
- Personhood
John Maxwell calls the key to leadership, "Priorities" and the most important ingredient, "Integrity". I found these interesting.
A funny anecdote I got from reading the part on integrity building compared to image building was, "Two old ladies were walking in a somewhat overcrowded English country churchyard and came upon a tombstone. The inscription said: "Here lies John Smith, a politician and an honest man." "Good heavens!" said one woman to the other. "Isn't it awful that they had to put two people in the same grave!"
I found these questions which he posed for self assessment on whether you are an image builder or an integrity builder very helpful, and I hope others will:
Consistency: "Are you the same person no matter who you are with? Yes or no."
Choices: "Do you make decisions that are best for others when another choice would benefit you? Yes or no."
Credit: "Are you quick to recognize others for their efforts and contributions to your success? Yes or no."
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Terror At Boston
His Name was Martin, and he was eight
He stood on the steps of his church
In His First Communion Suit
Holding in His hand His First Communion Banner
You see that picture haunts me now
Because right now I am working on the same Banner
Thinking of a First Communion Suit and maybe a Brunch too
My son and I are planning how best to make the Banner
Our Ideas blending together, our arguments loud
Creating Our very Own Master piece
I am sure Martin and His Family Did too
They argued on where to place the Name, the Chalice, the Dove
And they came up with their special Banner
Which Martin held that day for all the World to see
Little did they Know.....Little did they see
He was eight, but wait, for now he is late
I feel it so much as I watched the morning news
Yes because Adults are Bullies too
They Bombed the Boston Marathon and Killed a little Boy
Just as they killed little children in Newtown and in other tragic events
Hacking down defenseless people especially children too
I weep for Martin, I did not know him
But now I know him and I will never forget
That Little Boy who stood on the Steps for all the World To see
I will never forget His Happy face, His victory Smile
He shames the world and its wickedness
Because you see, they meant to Hurt him
But they failed, for he rode high upon Angels' Wings
He lives with his Father above who loves him so much
He smiles down at Us, forgiveness in His Heart
Now I know Martin and I pray for His family
For the families who Hurt in Boston and all over the world
From the pain caused by Bullies, who walk upon the earth
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
The White Smoke Rises
I await, holding my breath
Who will it be
Who has He chosen
He who knows the heart of all men
He has chosen through His People
For Vox Populi Vox Dei
He knows, he has spoken
Who is our Pope
Who will lead us now
In these days of Disbelief and many transgressions
God guide us through this Pope
Let your spirit fill him up
And be his shinning light
We await his name a confirmation of Your choice
Thank God for the rising white smoke
In this lenten season God we give you thanks
Thanks, Praise and all the Glory
Who will it be
Who has He chosen
He who knows the heart of all men
He has chosen through His People
For Vox Populi Vox Dei
He knows, he has spoken
Who is our Pope
Who will lead us now
In these days of Disbelief and many transgressions
God guide us through this Pope
Let your spirit fill him up
And be his shinning light
We await his name a confirmation of Your choice
Thank God for the rising white smoke
In this lenten season God we give you thanks
Thanks, Praise and all the Glory
Friday, March 8, 2013
The Power of Praise
There is a lot to be grateful for but sometimes we forget because we look at the challenges we face and they overwhelm us. They also prevent us from counting our blessings as that beautiful hymn suggests. Again Praise is something we give because God deserves it; he has given us the gift of life, talents, family, friends, grace and the greatest of all His Son, to save us from our sins.
In short we need to praise God at all times because he lives within the praises of his people, the bible says he inhabits the praises of his people. God is also moved by praise to do things far greater than we expect. In the bible we see the effect of praise when Paul and Silas sang and the Holy Ghost came down. David was another Praise singer and God loved him so much. David wrote so many Psalms of Praise, I have written down two that I love amongst so many.
This lent I have purposed in my heart to Praise and Pray.
“But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” (Psalm 22:3)
“Sacrifice thank offerings to God,
fulfill your vows to the Most High,
and call on me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”
In short we need to praise God at all times because he lives within the praises of his people, the bible says he inhabits the praises of his people. God is also moved by praise to do things far greater than we expect. In the bible we see the effect of praise when Paul and Silas sang and the Holy Ghost came down. David was another Praise singer and God loved him so much. David wrote so many Psalms of Praise, I have written down two that I love amongst so many.
This lent I have purposed in my heart to Praise and Pray.
“But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.” (Psalm 22:3)
“Sacrifice thank offerings to God,
fulfill your vows to the Most High,
and call on me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Pray for Faith
Madden Girl Zippedd Over the Knee Boot (Google Affiliate Ad)
Sometimes the words that come out of the mouths of children can throw someone of balance and really show us that we do not have all the answers. We may be christian mothers and we may have been christians all our lives, it does not matter. It goes to show that we learn every day and we need to always seek God's guidance through his Holy Spirit and ask him daily to help us make the appropriate response. This brings us to a statement such as this, "The whole Jesus thing does not work for me." How do you address children's faith issues? How do you feel when all you have done for as long as they were born was to teach them about God's love, his mercy, his grace. You have taught them about God answering prayers and they have been privy to so many answers but one day being kids they ask for something and the answer does not come as they expect; they lose faith and they gain it again, but the real issue is for an abiding faith that will guide them through out their lives. A faith that will deny the lies of the world and show God as true again and again. A faith that will be unshaken despite the changing values of the world. How do we help our children to develop this kind of faith even as we still struggle with ours?
We can pray for faith. The faith of David, who asked God before he undertook everything or anything. A faith of a man after God's heart, who sinned desperately but did not lose that faith. The faith of Abraham known as the father of faith, who believed God despite everything physical being against God's promise. The faith of Moses, who despite his stammer led God's people through the desert and is arguably the best leader in the history of God's people, who though he was not allowed to go to the promised land still followed God till his death. A man whom God buried by himself whose grave no one can identify to date (Deut. 34). The faith of Daniel, Paul, Peter, Joshua, Caleb and many others even modern day saints.
You get the point, men of faith have walked the earth paying allegiance to God. The world today makes it hard to be faithful even for adult christians, not to think of little kids easily influenced by peers. We need to pray for faith so our children are not swallowed by the culture of the world that denies the very existence of God.
We have hope because the bible assures us that prayer works and we can pray for our children. We can Pray for a faith that is unshakeable in the face of utter challenges. Faith works.
Here is a simple prayer to start Dear Lord, Thank you for the gift of my children Thank you for deeming me worthy to care for these precious lives Lord Sometimes you know I know not how to but I depend on your grace and your guidance Lord as they grow may I direct them more towards you and may they embrace your presence daily Dear Lord I ask that you teach them to be faithful children of yours To desire to know you and live for you all their lives Lord I pray that the challenges they meet may drive them more to you and not far away. May they seek the faith of your most beloved saints that revered you in all they did May the distractions of the world and its lure not take away from you In all things may they know the joy that comes from knowing you. Thank you Lord for answering this Prayer. I ask through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Romans 5:1-2
Sometimes the words that come out of the mouths of children can throw someone of balance and really show us that we do not have all the answers. We may be christian mothers and we may have been christians all our lives, it does not matter. It goes to show that we learn every day and we need to always seek God's guidance through his Holy Spirit and ask him daily to help us make the appropriate response. This brings us to a statement such as this, "The whole Jesus thing does not work for me." How do you address children's faith issues? How do you feel when all you have done for as long as they were born was to teach them about God's love, his mercy, his grace. You have taught them about God answering prayers and they have been privy to so many answers but one day being kids they ask for something and the answer does not come as they expect; they lose faith and they gain it again, but the real issue is for an abiding faith that will guide them through out their lives. A faith that will deny the lies of the world and show God as true again and again. A faith that will be unshaken despite the changing values of the world. How do we help our children to develop this kind of faith even as we still struggle with ours?
We can pray for faith. The faith of David, who asked God before he undertook everything or anything. A faith of a man after God's heart, who sinned desperately but did not lose that faith. The faith of Abraham known as the father of faith, who believed God despite everything physical being against God's promise. The faith of Moses, who despite his stammer led God's people through the desert and is arguably the best leader in the history of God's people, who though he was not allowed to go to the promised land still followed God till his death. A man whom God buried by himself whose grave no one can identify to date (Deut. 34). The faith of Daniel, Paul, Peter, Joshua, Caleb and many others even modern day saints.
You get the point, men of faith have walked the earth paying allegiance to God. The world today makes it hard to be faithful even for adult christians, not to think of little kids easily influenced by peers. We need to pray for faith so our children are not swallowed by the culture of the world that denies the very existence of God.
We have hope because the bible assures us that prayer works and we can pray for our children. We can Pray for a faith that is unshakeable in the face of utter challenges. Faith works.
Here is a simple prayer to start Dear Lord, Thank you for the gift of my children Thank you for deeming me worthy to care for these precious lives Lord Sometimes you know I know not how to but I depend on your grace and your guidance Lord as they grow may I direct them more towards you and may they embrace your presence daily Dear Lord I ask that you teach them to be faithful children of yours To desire to know you and live for you all their lives Lord I pray that the challenges they meet may drive them more to you and not far away. May they seek the faith of your most beloved saints that revered you in all they did May the distractions of the world and its lure not take away from you In all things may they know the joy that comes from knowing you. Thank you Lord for answering this Prayer. I ask through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen
"Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God." Romans 5:1-2
Monday, March 4, 2013
Pray Against Fear
As we pray for our kids this lent, this is one area I find pretty common amongst children; Fear! From toddlers to Pre teens and beyond. Which parent hasn't had a child come into their bedroom at night in tears, "Mom I had a nightmare," Or "I cannot sleep I am afraid". I would usually ask, "why are you afraid?" The answer is diverse ranging from nightmares to strange sights, to just fear for no reason. Sometimes its just age related fear and nothing really serious, but sometimes its persistent fear. I have found it helpful to ask about movies, internet experience, video games and books.I try to monitor all these areas but who knows it may have slipped past me. In the case of any of the above being culprits, I would investigate and take them out of the child's room and possession. The next thing in this case would be prayers and renunciations with the child. Anointing the room with oil also helps. This idea I got from Stormie Omartian and I have personally used it with great results.
Another area that really brought this up fiercely for me was the Newtown Shootings. I had so much explaining to do. "Why did it happen?" "Are we safe?" After that incident I did start reciting Psalm 91 and Psalm 121 nightly with my kids. It has really helped them with reasurance about God's protection.
A simple prayer for a child in Fear (You can use your words this is just a starter to assist) Dear Lord, thank you for the life of my child----------- Thank you for your love and grace which you have so lavishly poured upon us I come today asking for deliverance of this child from fear If there is anything that is specifically causing this fear please reveal it to me And dear Lord, teach me how to deal with it. You have not given us a spirit of fear but of a Sound mind. I rebuke every spirit of fear and I lay this fear at the foot of the Cross Lord, I know that you hear my prayer and that you are a God of mercy You desire the best for your children and fear is not of you. Let this child by your mercy and the blood of Jesus Christ be delivered completely from Fear I ask you this through Jesus Christ your son and my saviour. Amen The following passages will also help: 2Tim 1:7 "For God did not give us a spirit of fear. He gave us a spirit of power and of love and of a good mind." Quote other verses of scripture over them and teach them to recite some scripture. Specifically I recommend Ps 91 and 121 every night:
Psalm 91 1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a] 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. 9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, 10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. 14 “Because he[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
Psalm 121 NIV A song of ascents. 1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; 4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; 6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; 8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Keep Praying and Praising and Godbless you.
http://mygodtube.com/how-great-is-our-god/
A simple prayer for a child in Fear (You can use your words this is just a starter to assist) Dear Lord, thank you for the life of my child----------- Thank you for your love and grace which you have so lavishly poured upon us I come today asking for deliverance of this child from fear If there is anything that is specifically causing this fear please reveal it to me And dear Lord, teach me how to deal with it. You have not given us a spirit of fear but of a Sound mind. I rebuke every spirit of fear and I lay this fear at the foot of the Cross Lord, I know that you hear my prayer and that you are a God of mercy You desire the best for your children and fear is not of you. Let this child by your mercy and the blood of Jesus Christ be delivered completely from Fear I ask you this through Jesus Christ your son and my saviour. Amen The following passages will also help: 2Tim 1:7 "For God did not give us a spirit of fear. He gave us a spirit of power and of love and of a good mind." Quote other verses of scripture over them and teach them to recite some scripture. Specifically I recommend Ps 91 and 121 every night:
Psalm 91 1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a] 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” 3 Surely he will save you from the fowler’s snare and from the deadly pestilence. 4 He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. 5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, 6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. 7 A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. 8 You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked. 9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,” and you make the Most High your dwelling, 10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; 12 they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. 13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra; you will trample the great lion and the serpent. 14 “Because he[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. 15 He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
Psalm 121 NIV A song of ascents. 1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; 4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; 6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; 8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore. Keep Praying and Praising and Godbless you.
http://mygodtube.com/how-great-is-our-god/
Sunday, March 3, 2013
This Lenten Season - Prayer for Children and Songs of Praise
"Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord. Lift your hands toward Him for the life of your young children." Lamentations 2:19
For a long time, I have often tried to be a "praying parent", a term I learnt from Stormie Omartian, I have read her Praying wife and Praying parent books over and over again and I must say they have served me well in times of need.
This lent as if like a bolt of lightening it hit me why not take serious prayer for my children and take up praise daily. The spirit has been pulling me to deeper prayer for my children and a greater attitude of gratitude. This is my calling this lent. What is yours?
Lent is usually a time of giving up things but also of taking up spiritual responsibilities, acts of charity and deeds of mercy. I decided that every morning I will wake up with Praise on my lips. It is strange though that the song that keeps coming to me is the scripture from Isaiah 61:3 "and provide for those who grieve in Zion--to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor."
The bible calls us to cry out for the life of our young children, will you join me to pray for specific but universal problems children face? Will you also join me to Praise like Paul and Silas, to bring down daily the Holy Ghost into your heart, home and highway?
Come and Pray, Come and Praise!
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Thursday, January 10, 2013
"But Mommy the cap didn't fit"; out of the mouth of babes
How many times have you been so moved by a child's statement that you remember that biblical phrase "out of the mouth of babes.." Well it occured to me recently. My little preschooler and I had gone out to do some window shopping and maybe shopping for real. It was one of those days when she would not listen, neither was she interested in anything I wanted to entice her with.
Her first port of call was to sit at the window ledge of the shop we were at. An associate had nicely asked her to climb down from it. She did so promptly, but went out to the door of the shop. I was getting frustrated and tried to engage her in some lovely hats which I felt she would love.
Hi baby come and try these hats, she loved a little pink one, but it was for 6-12 months old kids so it did not fit. I told her as much, I said it does not fit because it is for little babies. And she seemed to understand and dropped it. We went round and I had to leave for another shop as I didn't see what I wanted.
A day later I called her, "mommy's little baby" come here. She looked at me like, I was bunkers. Out of her mouth came the following words, "the cap didn't fit." I was confused, What do you mean baby, "mommy I am not a baby I am a big girl now, the cap didn't fit."
A day later, her older brother called her "baby." She used the same words, "I am not a baby the cap didn't fit!" "I am a big girl now."
I laughed both times but I realized she had accepted her new position without much ado. She was no longer a baby because the baby cap didn't fit. She had moved on and wanted every one to know that too. It was so simple for her to accept the change of her status just because of a single event. In her mind that was all it took not to be a baby.
I cried in my heart for my baby who was now a big "preschool"girl. I had been unconsciously buying little sizes for her for a while, then I would return them and say to myself, "my child is growing so fast." I was holding on to her as a really little baby just as we hold on to our younger selves and former status.
We refuse to move on in age or in status, sometimes we are being called to a different life but we are so scared to move that we persist in wearing that "cap" that does not fit.
That little child made me think so long and hard I had to put it all down. Are you stuck in a position or a "cap" that doesn't fit? Is God, your life or circumstance urging you to move to another level? Or are you still looking at your children as "little" and refusing to see their changing forms and needs? Move on, the cap doesn't fit anymore, get a new one.
Listen more to the children, like the child who truly saw that, "the emperor had no clothes" and voiced it out they are the most truthful voices we will hear around us. Go, get a move on, "the cap, didn't fit."
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