Does anybody hear…? Can anybody see…?
October 27, 2007
Here are some of the words to one of my favorite songs ‘Does anybody hear her?’ by Casting Crowns.
Does anybody hear…? Can anybody see…?
“If judgement looms under every (church) steeple…if lofty glances from lofty people can’t see past her (their) scarlet letter(s) …”
“…all the lost and lonely people searching for the hope that’s tucked away in you and me”
God is asking…Does anybody hear them? Is anybody listening to them? Can anybody see beyond their faults and unconditionally love and lead them to Christ?
Read the lyrics for the entire song here
If only I could think like a child (California Fires)
October 25, 2007
This morning I wished I was a child again. That was after watching a special feature on ABC’s Good Morning America on the smallest victims of the California fires: children.
I was humbled by the resilience of these kids and their contentment with the little that they had after having lost almost everything to the fires.
Their faces beamed with delight when asked about the “precious items” they were able to save. One spoke about her favorite blanket, another his stuffed animal. I smiled when another (no more than 4 years old) pointed to his brother.
The gratitude of these kids for life and family was unmistakable. With wisdom beyond her years, one of them commented that a home is “more than a structure, it is something that will always be in your heart. A home is family”. Another made a prophetic declaration: “we will rebuild!”
I am encouraged that in the midst of the ashes, unrelenting hope, contentment and resilience lives in the hearts of these children.
Jesus said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 18: 3-4
Let us keep the families affected by the California Fires and other disasters in our prayers. More so, let us pray for the same measure of resilience that these kids have.
Want to help? Here are some resources:
Their impression about you does not matter
October 23, 2007
Over my lifetime, I’ve had people complain to me about others gossiping or simply having the wrong impression about them.
More recently, I had an artist draw a picture of me. When he was done, I was impressed…well…sorta. The drawing, most people agreed, did not look like me.
I wasn’t mad at him though, the finished product, I believe, was his best impression of me. Most people are like that artist, their impressions of us are skewed, based on pre-conceived notions and in most cases, they simply may not understand us.
Should you care about what others think? No! I’ve had people talk about me all my life. I’m sure it’s the same for you. The reality is that, no matter what you do, no matter how you live your life, no matter what, there will always be those who will have the wrong impression about you.
So what should you do? It’s simple, only consider the opinion (about you) that really matters: God’s opinion!
The Bible says that 
while man looks at the outward appearance, God looks at the heart. While you may not have the nicest clothes, freckles on your face or weigh a few extra pounds, God sees beyond that!
If you take that into account, you would see that there is no need to worry about what other people think.
Now, I’m not saying that you should not take care of yourselves, but when you consider that you are loved unconditionally (no matter what!) and that God sees beyond your imperfections, I can guarantee that your self esteem would shoot for the skies.
Remember that wise saying they taught us in school? ‘Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words cannot ever hurt me’. Hey! You knew that since elementary school, so why not apply it to your life today?!
Don’t let the impressions that others have about you put you down. Remember that what really matters is Christ’s impression about you: Child of God, Royal Priesthood, Friend, Chosen Generation, and the list goes on and on (all good stuff!)
From my heart, to yours,
Akhenaton
Autumn….simply beautiful!
October 20, 2007
Many, including yours truly are charmed by the beautiful weather and picturesque scenery of the season of Autumn.
Below are some photos I took at Niagara Falls, NY last Autumn. They show the backdrop of the Falls, complemented by the red, brown and yellow leaves of deciduous trees that border this handsome natural wonder.
“…All things bright and beautiful…The Lord God made them all…He gave us eyes to see them, and lips that we might tell how great is God Almighty who has made all things well…”
From the famous Anglican Hymn ‘All things bright and beautiful’ by Cecil F. Alexander.
Tomorrow’s Assignment: Laugh, Breathe and Pray!
October 18, 2007
LAUGH
It’s been said that laughter can add 8 years to your life. The Bible in Proverbs 17:22 says that a joyful heart is good medicine. Researches at the Loma Linda University in California found that laughing lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormones, increases muscle flexion, and boosts immune function.
Angela Stevens of WGTS 91.9fm today suggested to her listeners that they need to stop for a moment once in a while to “take a deep breath“. She went on to suggest that it can actually help brighten dull days. What’s the first thing you’d instinctively do if you were under water for a period of time? Take a deep breath right? So, it makes perfect sense that if you’re drowning in work, been cut off on the road by another driver or just pissed off…before you have a cow…simply take a deep breath….its therapeutic!
PRAYLet me stop you right in your tracks before you do the clasp your hands, close your eyes and put your knees to the floor dance. Here’s what to do……just talk….oh! and listen! Anytime. Anywhere. Anyhow. Just talk to God as you would a loved one. Listen to Him as you would listen to a loved one who has something important to tell you.From my heart, to yours,
Saved! 2:8 Youth Rally Video
October 17, 2007
I finally finished editing some of the footage from the Saved! 2:8 Youth Rally hosted by New Hope Church on September 29. Turn up your volume and enjoy!
Like early Spring…
October 11, 2007
Now that she’s out of the hospital and resting at home, my mom, like flowers in early Spring, is sprou
ting up again.
Though she is not completely out of the woods, prayers to the Almighty, hugs from loved ones and every other act of kindness are helping her along the way as she recovers.
To you my readers, I express the same sentiments. Permit me to add a thousand…no, a million thank yous for your words of comfort and prayers.
From my heart, to yours,
um…hello….God?
October 10, 2007
On the other end of the telephone yesterday afternoon was a relative of mine with some not so pleasant news. “Your mom is in the hospital” she said….”mild heart attack” she continued, after I briefly interrupted her.
On her account, she (my mom) “will be fine” and will remain hospitalized for observation for a couple days. Yet, I remain troubled. Troubled, mostly because she is my mom- even after she reassured me that she is “feeling good” when I spoke with her (from her hospital bed) last night.
Intuitively, I opened my mouth and started to pray. Started, then stopped. I did not know where to start, I did not know what to say. This was the case for quite a while. That was until I stopped trying to ‘pray’ and started to simply tell God what was on my heart:
“God, I’m scared and I’m at a loss for words. I need you to make her well. Please. I want to say ‘let Your will be done’ because that’s what I was taught, but (sigh) I rather MY will be done. I want to trust you… I really do! But that you can be such a mystery man when you’re ready…so unpredictable at times… I’m scared that Your will may not be my (or my family’s) will. Please increase my (our) faith in you as I (we) yield to that which you have planned for her life…our lives”
From my heart, to yours,
Akhenaton
