Sunday, December 30, 2012

CLEANSERS

(As told by Crystelle) You have seen them. Yes, CLEANSERS everywhere. The majority of all our public places have cleansers placed in easy to see places. The intentions are clear; to reduce the spread of germs. Have you ever wondered how we can clean the dirt within us? One well known teacher said our insides are like tombs, full of dead bones but the outside of a tomb is usually clean (whitewashed in some cultures) and with flowers. Strong words, but as the new year starts, think of how you can clean the bitterness, anger, hatred, disappointments and many other pieces of junk within you. Reading the word of God is a good place to start.

The year 2012 in review

I don’t normally look back. I like what the Apostle Paul wrote in one of his letters to the Phillipians: “Forgetting what is behind, I look ahead towards the big prize fro Christ.” (My paraphrase). This time however, I thought I could sum up some keynote events that captured my attention. The 10 most hot issues worth reflecting about in 2012 for me were: 1. World end. The world as we know it did not end in 2012. Yes, you heard it. They predicted that there will be kaboom by December 12. Nothing happened, at least where I live. I slept peacefully. I was reminded of what the word of God says. God’s timing is outside of man’s control. The lesson for me is to be ready, in season and out of season irrespective of what the doom sayers predict and the best prep is to be steeped in the word of God. 2. Obama wins the USA Presidency for the second time. I paid attention because when the US sneezes, we all get the cold, at least from an economic perspective. I was fascinated by the two contenders for the post; both claiming the Christian faith but with different perspectives. Many people prayed for the best candidate to win and as always, God answered these prayers. 3. Violence in the USA. Just before Christmas, defenceless children and staff were killed by a gunman in a school setting. To bear arms is an American right but this is a case where rights become a danger to others. Someone’s freedom should end where another person’s nose starts! I trust that the law makers in the US will enact stiffer laws around carrying assault weapons publicly in order to prevent similar evens I n future. 4. Wicked weather everywhere. Critics say that Television has made it easy for people to perceive that we are experiencing more frequent extremes weather events because of the ease of reporting such events which in fact have always been around. Regardless of the ease, forest fires, tornadoes, snow falls , floods and drought were common place in 2012 and often surpassing the records. Thanks to the advancement in coping with extreme events. We saw fewer human deaths than would been the case if this were 30 years ago. The early warning tools that many governments have put in place made it possible for people to move to safer places ahead of the event. As always, some sections of the population failed to heed the warnings! Does Sodom and Gommorrah sound familiar? 5. More and more planets are out there. Perhaps you missed it. Scientists are discovering that there is much more out there than the 9 planets we are used to being told about since we were in lower grades. Is there life out there? The Rover to Mars did not confirm anything. It is very likely that the new place Jesus promised is probably out there somewhere and for sure it must be good just as it was in the beginning (in the garden of Eden). 6. The London Olympics brought some cheer to my soul. Athletes got their medals but I got the satisfaction of the Olympics from watching different sporting events, some of which were new to me. I wish that the Special Olympiads could be given the same air time as the able bodied. These Special Olympiads were a thrill to watch and aren’t we all special by God’s standards? A team from my church went to London to share the gospel message with Olympic attendees. Thank you to those who were ministered to. 7. Good food is made at home. In spite of eating out at some good restaurants, nothing beats that home made dish from my wife’s kitchen. Thank you dear. 8. Best holiday places? Three will remain memorable: Whistler-BC, Miami Fl and the warm soil of Zambia. What an experience to walk bare foot! 9. India. It broke my heart that a medical female student was raped and subsequently died from heart and sub-human complications of the rape episode. You were adorable and may God bless your soul. 10. Israel. My history lessons about Israel come from the word of God. The conflict between the Arabs and Israel remains my beef to the Almighty. It is solvable, yet the Lord lets it drag on (He knows best). The stand off in Gaza bled my heart and left more questions than answers. The Israel-Arafat death conspiracy remained unresolved. I look forward to reading about what they found out after exhuming Arafat’s body.

Friday, December 28, 2012

Remembering all the students and faculty who lost their lives on 12.14.2012

twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38 when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate. their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air. they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there. they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say. they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day. "where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse. "this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house." when what to their wondering eyes did appear, but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near. He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same. then He opened His arms and He called them by name. and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring those children all flew into the arms of their King and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace, one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face. and as if He could read all the questions she had He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad." then He looked down on earth, the world far below He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand, "Let My power and presence re-enter this land!" "may this country be delivered from the hands of fools" "I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!" then He and the children stood up without a sound. "come now my children, let me show you around." excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran. all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can. and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight, "in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT." Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA See More

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