Pizzazz!... and God's Smile...

"But God demonstrates His own love for us in this:

While we still sinners,

Christ died for us."

Romans 5:8

At last night's Marriage Alpha, the speaker talked about when his son was younger and he had to take him to diving lessons. After 147 dives in one afternoon, he lost 'focus' for awhile. But his son did not, "Hey, Dad, did you see that one?"..
"Sorry, bud, I missed that one."...
"Aww, it was my best one ever!"
As I was thinking about that tonight, I realize that we all have that inner child that needs applause when we accomplish something. For those of us stay-at-home moms or mothers of teens, that can be hard to come by. In fact we can feel devalued when all our efforts seem to come to naught, and worse, are not even appreciated.
Another picture came to mind, a picture of a crossing guard. Last year, we went past this school crossing where we were often stopped. Here, it was my delight to notice a senior, a, tall, black gentleman, as he waved the children across and went the extra mile in directing the traffic with grand gestures. He had pizzazz [sparkle, vitality, glamour - Collins Dictionary]! He was such a joy to watch. I wrote a letter to his employer, the Police Services, commending him as a man who seemed to be doing his job for an audience of One with all of his heart. I told my sons that he should be a role model for them.

The difference between this man and my immature child within is that that man was not performing his job for any accolades from man. After all, there was no-one in authority to notice him, yet he worked as if there was. For many years, I have sought the 'recognition' of my fellow humans unconsciously. Like the character in Max Lucado's fable, I defined my value by the labels others gave, good or bad. The thing is, in the end, other people's opinions did not seem to penetrate to my core of knowing my value [see my poem, "Like No Other" in my post, http://sitahenderson.blogspot.com/2007/10/i-need-to-be-like-no-other.html] and Satan capitalized on my journey of discovering my value by placing key people with destructive words of devaluation. But God is so faithful and has been bringing me out the pigpen of temporal labels. The damage done has been extensive and I know that it will take a while for His love and truth to completely wash over the lies, but I'm growing and I thank Him.

Now I realize that there is no satisfaction like the one I receive when I look up and into the eyes of my Father and encounter pure delight. Yep, God smiling at me. Imagine that, and I didn't even do anything. I did not have to perform. I just was His child. That's all. I don't need to try. I just need to look up. He does not miss a beat!


Father, Thank You that there is nothing I can or say that will increase or decrease Your love for me, for while I was yet a sinner, You died for me. How can I say thanks? Let me feel and see Your delight. I pray this especially for my brother tonight as it is his birthday. May he know Your special delight in him in this new year of his life. To You, O God, be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

"Leave it there, Mom..." "I will never leave thee..."

Hebrews 13:5b

"Never will I leave you;

never will I forsake you."

Over the weekend, I attended the youth worship concert called Ignition in our church. I sat away in the balcony for the first time as I was feeling a bit out of sorts [see below]. I was able to look at my teenage son as he worshipped. It was so great to see him 'jumping' to the rock beat of worship music. What really warmed my heart was seeing him raising his hands in worship. Oh Father, he is getting it! Please give him a heart of worship as he grasps Who You are. Let Your Spirit engage his heart as never before. That was my spontaneous prayer as I watched him. This morning, on our way to school after I finished praying out aloud for my two sons as I usually do, I switched on the radio which was set to the Christian station from when I last used it. Immediately, I prepared to switch it to EZ Rock for my son, but he caught some music and said, "Mom, leave it there..there's music." Praise songs! Wow, music to my ears. How is that for answered prayers! Thank You, Lord.

Out of sorts:
Yep, I've realized something recently. I have not had the desperation that has prompted my devotion to God in past months. God has answered my prayer and has been carrying me through and I have learned to rest. I have also seen how easy it is to forget to come to Him for manna when I don't feel the desperate hunger pangs. It is in the routine that the test of my relationship comes. I have neglected Him as I had some unexpected projects offered to me and my routine was broken. I've felt disoriented and out-of-sorts. Now that I know what I have missed, I'm going back. "God, oh to never have that feeling that Your Presence is not with me. Help me to practice Your Presence daily as the fact is that You said You will never leave me nor forsake me."
Oh, I don't ever want to go back to my mediocre dry existence of surviving each day. I want to thrive each day for Him. Our church is doing Beth Moore's Living Beyond Yourself-Fruit of the Spirit in April and I am looking forward. In the meantime, I shall do my regular reading plus some extra reflection for Lent and see God in the routine.
I would always appreciate your prayer should you feel led to pray for me as I continue to seek Him to continue revealing His Purpose for me.

Father, for those of us who are feeling 'dry' right now, please drench us with Your Spirit. Speak Your Word into our hearts. For those of us with children, please engage their hearts and bring them to a continuing saving knowledge of Your grace. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Amazing Grace--Lenten Reflection #2

Bible Verse:
2 Corinthians 5:21

Him who knew no sin he made 'to be' sin on our behalf; that we might become the righteousness of God in him

Today's reflection belongs to a gentleman named Mr. Wintley Phipps and his rendition of the classic Amazing Grace. I was transported to a slave ship and cut to the core. I will say no more. You just need to listen with your speakers on loud. Be blessed.

http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=93dcc23d67842d66e75e

Love, Sita

Lenten reflection#1-The passion of the Christ

I will be sharing several Lenten reflections as we draw near to Easter. They were written by me at different times in the past and reflect either my own or a friend's experience. My prayer is to draw your heart closer to what Jesus did for you and me. This first one was written after I saw "The Passion of the Christ".


The Passion of Christ—a personal impact
By Sita Henderson

The loathing
I recently attended a showing of the Passion of the Christ. Did I sob? Yes. During His scourging, during the mob beating, during the nailing of His Hands, the pulling of his arm out of the socket. Violence has always traumatized me. Was it anti-Semitic? Did I become inflamed at the Jews as some people insidiously suggest I might upon seeing what was done to my Lord? How could I? The atrocities crossed all ethnic boundaries, past and present. No, I became incensed at the same evil emotion I have become familiar with in our times. The kind that says, "I’m gonna put you in your place for challenging my status." That look in the eyes of Caiphas, Herod, the Roman soldiers, the mob. The look of demonic hatred. The hatred that brought down the Twin Towers, the hatred that dragged a black man to death, the hatred that killed millions of innocents of diverse ethnicities in civil wars all over the world, the hatred that takes away the innocence of children and teaches them to hate, the hatred that puts guns into the hands of our children, drugs into their system. The same hatred that called me "Paki" and pushed me off the curb. The loathing that has filled my own heart unconsciously and astonishingly at times when I want to see ‘them’ put in their place. I am incensed at the source of that hatred, the silent coordinator of all the atrocities performed upon our Lord, Satan himself.

The Look and the Love
I envied the people of New Testament times who got the opportunity to have Him look deeply into their eyes straight into their souls. One look from Him would surely pierce and bind, expose and forgive, cleanse and restore, satisfy and fulfill. And I am deeply affected by a love that I cannot understand. He could have called ten thousand angels to His side, to erase the smirks, silence the mockery, bind the strong scourging whips, to humiliate the arrogance. Yet He chose to do the unthinkable, to endure till death and utter the words, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do," and finally, "It is finished." His mission on earth was accomplished.
In the daze of pain, I can’t help but wonder if His mind found refuge at His home where He was worshipped and adored by angels and loved by His Father. He, who created this man was now spitefully betrayed by the same. All our sins were piled on Him that day. Hatred, envy, jealousy, pride, unbelief, injustice. He experienced all our emotions, endearing love, gut-wrenching betrayal, abandonment, isolation, helplessness. And finally, victory!

The Life
Our last brief view of Him shows Him who has conquered death. He has risen. In Him we find new life. This Christ now lives in me! He wants to live in you too, just ask Him.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

John 3:16 (The Holy Bible, NIV version)

My Jesus, I love Thee, I know Thou art mine.

For thee all the follies of sin I resign.

My gracious Redeemer, my Saviour art Thou,

if ever I loved Thee,

my Jesus,

’ tis now.

My son turned double-digits...

Yep, my baby just turned double-digits yesterday, the big 1-0! As I think about him, I know that God gave me this child just for me. He brings such joy. He has a sensitive heart that sees when his Mommy needs a hug. And he loves to make everyone laugh. How I thank God for him, my precious jewel. But I was just kidding, I know he is not for me, but for God's glory, except, it feels like God knew what I needed, and said, "this one is for you," because everytime I think about him, I feel my soul just got a hug and I smile. You should see me smiling now!
And my Dad turned the big 8-1 today! There was a surprise birthday party yesterday for him in Trinidad. I happened to call and got to speak to all the aunts and uncles. And my childhood friend had also dropped by and I got to hear her voice! It was special. I am so glad that my Dad had people around to celebrate his special day with all his children living abroad in the US, Canada, and England.

Thank You, Father. Would You please bless these two during the new year you have granted them. Please grant them a personal sign of Your love and goodness for them. Grant my 10-yr-old with a heart that longs after You, that easily grasps Your truth, that overflows with Your compassion for others. And grant my Dad his final years with purpose. Revive his spirit and heart in You and may he spend his final years living with passion for You and Your work with good health. Thank You, Lord. Amen.

Contentment...the offspring of humility...

On 60 Minutes tonight, there was a short documentary on the Danes being the happiest people in the world. When asked why, one said because even though they complain, they are for the large part, content. How come? Because they had low expectations. They did not have the American dream to attain to, to feel cheated by when it did not materialize. Low expectations do not equal a life of resignation that 'nothing will change'. It is rather for them a matter of realistic expectations, a life that values family life more than 'stuff'. That being said, it was also stated that it is largely a homogeneous society, with no great disparity in wealth, and no visible minority ghettos, with free education that covers university as well.

If you have ever visited the Third World and met with families that live in what we would describe as poverty, you will encounter children who are not pouting over not having the latest in hi-tech, perhaps because they do not yet know that they are supposed to have it to be cool, according to the ads, according to Hollywood. You feel blessed to have touched such simplicity in living, in faith. Indeed, I could clearly see that definition of contentment being an offspring of humility.

What does contentment mean for you?
Websters Online Dictionary defines contentment as "Happiness with one's situation in life." and goes on to give a definition from a biblical perspective:
Contentment a state of mind in which one's desires are confined to his lot whatever it may be (1 Tim. 6:6; 2 Cor. 9:8). It is opposed to envy (James 3:16), avarice (Heb. 13:5), ambition (Prov. 13:10), anxiety (Matt. 6:25, 34), and repining (1 Cor. 10:10). It arises from the inward disposition, and is the offspring of humility, and of an intelligent consideration of the rectitude and benignity of divine providence (Ps. 96:1, 2; 145), the greatness of the divine promises (2 Pet. 1:4), and our own unworthiness (Gen. 32:10); as well as from the view the gospel opens up to us of rest and peace hereafter (Rom. 5:2). Source: Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary.
Source: compiled by the editor from various references; see credits.

I wonder why Christians were not found to be the most content. Perhaps it is our theology. We are also part of a culture that is seeped in the philosophy of individual entitlement. Always striving to attain that dream we are entitled to.
Does that strike any chord in you? Are you experiencing discontent in any area of your life? I invite you to analyse the root asking the Spirit to reveal what needs to be revealed. Read this Spurgeon devotional that speaks on this very topic:

C.H. Spurgeon's Morning and Evening Devotional--Saturday February 16, 2008 http://bible.christiansunite.com/devotionals.shtml

"I have learned, in whatever state I am, therewith to be content."-Philippians 4:11

These words show us that contentment is not a natural propensity of man. "Ill weeds grow apace." Covetousness, discontent, and murmuring are as natural to man as thorns are to the soil. We need not sow thistles and brambles; they come up naturally enough, because they are indigenous to earth: and so, we need not teach men to complain; they complain fast enough without any education. But the precious things of the earth must be cultivated. If we would have wheat, we must plough and sow; if we want flowers, there must be the garden, and all the gardener's care. Now, contentment is one of the flowers of heaven, and if we would have it, it must be cultivated; it will not grow in us by nature; it is the new nature alone that can produce it, and even then we must be specially careful and watchful that we maintain and cultivate the grace which God has sown in us. Paul says, "I have learned . . . to be content;" as much as to say, he did not know how at one time. It cost him some pains to attain to the mystery of that great truth. No doubt he sometimes thought he had learned, and then broke down. And when at last he had attained unto it, and could say, "I have learned in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content," he was an old, grey-headed man, upon the borders of the grave-a poor prisoner shut up in Nero's dungeon at Rome. We might well be willing to endure Paul's infirmities, and share the cold dungeon with him, if we too might by any means attain unto his good degree. Do not indulge the notion that you can be contented with learning, or learn without discipline. It is not a power that may be exercised naturally, but a science to be acquired gradually. We know this from experience. Brother, hush that murmur, natural though it be, and continue a diligent pupil in the College of Content.

Father, teach us contentment. Spirit, search us, reveal the unrighteous sense of 'rights' we have allowed that produce the sense of being cheated and rob us of gratitude. Let me rest in Who You are. Thank You, Lord.

Why did Abraham stop at 10?

Continuing on the topic of intercession, my pastor turned to Genesis 18 where Abraham pleads for Sodom after the Lord announced that it would be destroyed. Wow, to me, Abraham had some nerve. This is God we are talking about. Well, I think that Abraham knew this when he said, "Now that I have been so bold as to speak to the Lord, though I am nothing but dust and ashes, what if the number of the righteous is five less than fifty? [vs. 27]" This is the God who could reduce him to dust and ashes right then and now. Yet he spoke with humility and boldness. Was he actually attempting to haggle with God? No, the message said, "rather, he was up against a God he couldn't understand and the very character of God was at stake."

My pastor, Sunder Krishnan, used the illustration of when he heard of a recent event in Cambodia that rocked him to the core. If you have read Lisa's blog at http://www.lisachildofgod.blogspot.com/, you will read of the organization that she works for that rescues children working as sex slaves in Cambodia and find safe havens for them to heal and be transformed. Well, recently, what is equivalent to the mafia in Cambodia raided one of these shelters and took 91 of these children and sent them back into the child prostitution ring. I mean, can you imagine these children? How could God allow this? It seems like such a cruel trick, doesn't it? It emboldens you to go before a God whose character has come into question and wrestle with Him.
This is essentially what Abraham did. John Whites observed, "if we close our minds to everything about God that makes us uncomfortable, we are going through empty motions when we pray. We pray to a god we have ourselves fashioned for our comfort and not to God as He is. True prayer is to respond to the true God as he reveals more of Himself by His Spirit in His Word. Prayer defined in such terms can be a terrifying experience."

Our pastor concluded that Abraham stopped at 10 not because he had out-negotiated God but because God had finished working IN Abraham. Consider this quote from John Whites: "Abraham was satisfied. Whether Sodom was consumed or not, the universe was on solid footing. The storm might be terrible and its havoc beyond belief. Yet all was well. Abraham had grown into a larger man with a greater God. Prayer had changed him. God's purpose for inviting him into the board meeting had been accomplished. The chairman himself drew the meeting to a close and left Abraham, to the wonder of his new discovery."
Have you ever persevered in prayer until you realized that what you were originally praying for was not the real issue but about your growth in understanding God?
That happened to me in recent times when I had come in desperation about our finances and discovered at the end that the issue became a peripheral as I revelled in God's love and satisfaction.

Are you experiencing something that seems totally unfair? Does an event seem senseless to you in the face of a loving God you know to be at the controls? Then this is the time for you to wrestle with God and come out like Jacob who went into the match as a deceiver and came out as Israel, the prince. Let us intercede for our persecuted brothers and sisters in this way. Get to know what is happening globally and be driven to your knees to wrestle for them. They need us. I need them.

Father, help us. Help me to intercede even as Your Son intercedes for each of us. I confess that child victimization is altogether too horrible for me. Yet, I must trust in Your character and know that You will deliver these young ones, You will redeem them, You will bring justice, because You said so. Please, God, deliver those children who were revictimized. Now to Him Who is able, I pray, Amen.

Prayer...A domestic intercom?

In a discussion on intercession as it relates to missions, our pastor quoted John Piper who observed that "the main reason why prayer has failed in the hands of Christians is that we have taken a tool that God intended for us to use to stay in touch with command headquarters to receive marching orders for the battle and turned it instead into a domestic intercom to make our life more comfortable in the den."
That clicked uncomfortably with me. In the west, it is easy to make our journey of faith all about us and we forget the global advance of the kingdom and our part in it. It is easy to forget that I am a holy warrior engaged in daily battle and I need to watch out for those in the frontlines by interceding for them. I'm still chewing on this and asking God for wisdom and revelation as it relates to His kingdom and my part in its advance.

Here is a prayer I found on www.lisachildofGod.blogspot.com that hits at the heart of the matter:

GOD'S CAUSE

Sovereign God,

Your cause, not my own, engages my heart,

and I appeal to you with greatest freedom

to set up your kingdom in every place where Satan reigns;

Glorify yourself and I shall rejoice,

for to bring honor to your name is my sole desire.

I adore you that you are God

and long that others should know it,

feel it and rejoice in it.

O that all people might love and praise you;

that you might have all glory from the intelligent world!

Let sinners be brought to you for your dear name’s sake!

To the eye of reason

everything concerning the conversion of others is as dark as midnight,

But you can accomplish great things;

the cause is yours and it is to your glory that people should be saved.

Lord, use me as you will, do with me what you will;

but, O, promote your cause,let your kingdom come,

let your blessed interest be advanced in this world!

O do bring in great numbers to Jesus!

Let me see that glorious day

and give me to grasp for multitudes of souls;

let me be willing to die to that end;

and while I live let me labor for you to the utmost of my strength,

spending time profitably in this work,

both in health and in weakness.

It is your cause and kingdom I live for, not my own.

O, answer my request!

Prayer from: The Valley of Vision Prayers

Father, help me to truly understand and desire the true intent of prayer as it relates to the advance of Your kingdom. Even as Your Son taught us to pray, Your kingdom come, Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.

"Most people pray 5 minutes because they find prayer boring. Whereas the truth is that they find prayer boring because they only pray five minutes." Helmut Thielicke.

Restore Your glory...

Yesterday at a women's mission breakfast, we heard a woman share of how every time we share the gospel in a nation that is closed to it, we are restoring God's glory where it has been covered in darkness. When we choose to speak the truth in love with our loved ones instead of exploding at them, we restore His glory. His glory, as we have learnt before, is His very essence, moral character. Today, even as our pastor was giving us wonderful insights on intercession [I'll give snippets on another post], I was pleading with God to restore His glory in my life...

A cloud has descended, cold, damp, heavy

with unease, fear, despair.

My soul cries, a longing for the sweetness,

the reassuring nod of the Father's touch.

Distant memories of holy moments are but that, distant.

There is no satisfaction.

A breakdown in routine, snow, ice, bone-chilling winds.

My soul hunched over, heavy-lidded, body-all-tensed.

Father! Father! Father!

Be not distant, I scarce can take it.

I need You

To smooth out my limbs, to make them supple again,

To thaw my heart, soul and mind with the warmth of Your presence.

Soul satisfaction.

Creator God, may that ominous cloud that overshadows in gloom

Be transformed into that cloud where You so often displayed Your glory.

Cloud me over with You!

Restore Your glory this day, this very moment,

In me, for You.

Thank You, Lord.

Always, Your daughter,

Seeking You, not stopping till I see You,

Sita

God's Valentine to me...

Almost 19 years ago, I said "I do" to a man. His name, Michael, means "like God". And yes, after, 19 years, I still say, "you have got be kidding!" Just kidding(-;

Mike, when we decided to discard the word "divorce" from our vocabulary before we got married, we knew that we would have to stick it out, work it out, no matter what. And we have had more than our fair share of "no matter whats" which would have destroyed many a relationship in this day and age of easy fixes. So, I thank God for you, a man who sticks to his word, a man who loves His Father, a man who passionately intercedes on behalf of others, a man who loves his sons. You have undergone more hardship than many other men, and your perseverance reveals the depth and strength of the relationship you have with your heavenly Father. You are a man who has stuck by my side, wanting to see God's purpose fulfilled in my life. You rejoice with me when He gives me a glimpse of His glory. You encourage me to pursue my Father. Mike, I thank God for you today and I want to bless you and any who may read this post today on Valentine's Day:

"I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." Eph.3:17b-19

Mike, I can honestly say that I know a little of how deep God's love is for me, because He gave you to me. Thank you. I love you.

I invite you all to listen to the hymn "How deep the Father's love for us" and rejoice.

Listen to the words at this link and be blessed: (turn on your speakers!) http://www.angelfire.com/oh3/kenskorner/deeplove.html

See the words on http://sitahenderson.blogspot.com/2007/10/how-deep-fathers-love-for-us.html

Global warming? Canada missed out!

Umm..excuse me...didn't Canada sign some kind of global warming treaty? We're getting major rip-off here! It is a bone-chilling -30C with wind chill today! And another snowstorm expected tonight!
[my other voice]--ummm..it was a treaty to curb global warming!
Well, how fair is that?! Even my van was shivering today!
...ummm..that was because you need to change the tires!
Well, at least our friends from Alberta are feeling at home these days here. Oh my, why didn't my parents emigrate to Florida? or Hawaii?...What's that, God...you're calling me to Hawaii? YES!!!...
...umm...I don't think that was God...that was your other voice...
Ok, now that I've gone completely schizo, I have to find some blessing here, Lord, so I need Your help!

Thank You, Lord, that I am warm inside my home, that I did not have to wait for the bus, that I had a shaking van to pick up my kids. Thank You for a small group who are more than family to us. Thank You that there is a Caribbean, a Hawaii, a Florida. Thank You that one day, I will be there. Hey God, I love You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Changing weather, unchanging God...

Hebrews 6:19

We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,
New International Version (NIV)

Yesterday we had springtime weather, today, we have yet another winter storm and another snow day! Yet another reminder that we have no control, for even the winds do His bidding(Psalm 148:8). Many people's well laid-out plans were cancelled today as flights were cancelled and traffic chaos resulted in many delays. There is anger and frustration for those used to having their way, those who not acknowledge that there is an Ultimate Controller.

By God's grace, through many crises, I can happily rest in His sovereignty, or rather, I can wisely surrender to my omniscient and omnipotent God. In the Beth Moore study, A Woman's Heart, God's Dwelling Place, she spoke about us being tied to that anchor in the inner sanctuary, the line tossed by the winds of adversity, but which can never come loose. How comforting that is. I also have the vision of that line tied to the anchor becoming shorter and shorter as we grow in intimacy with our relationship with our heavenly Father. The shorter the line, the less tossing, the more tautness. Steadfast. Unmoved.

Father, thank You that You are our anchor in the storm. I look forward to that day, Lord, when I am unphased by the raging torrents around me, as the only thing that fills my vision is You! You are worthy, O Father. Be exalted. In the Name of your Son, I pray my desire to know You more. Amen.

Strength and redemption...

I just wanted to share the story of how God can deliver and redeem us, no matter what or where. This story of Sannaya, delivered from the child sex slavery in Cambodia, brought tears to my eyes. It certainly puts my 'concerns' in perspective. I invite you to read it too. See http://aim4asia.org/cell.aspx?pgid=126. My prayer is that you will be moved to pray for these young children and the people and organizations who are working to help them. If you live in Ontario, come to the Mission Fest and hear Lisa Cheong (http://www.lisachildofgod.blogspot.com/) speak on this issue.

Father, I pray for Sannaya, that Your Holy Spirit would continue to pour healing and grace into every wound she has received. Let her know that she has a High Priest Who knew betrayal and savagery. Thank You for her courage and strength. Would You continue to empower her for Your service that she would stand as a role model for Your renown to the many others who have been traumatized. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Friendships, new and old, the splendour of His glory...

Ok, this is my 4th post in one day--did the original Snow Day post give you an idea why?--

I just wanted to thank God for some ladies who have recently blessed me in a big way. To my newest friends in blogosphere, Valerie and Lelia. Wow, I am so glad that God introduced us. Your thoughtful comments/emails have blessed me so much and you have shown me the Father's love and wisdom. You have much to share with other women. Keep on writing! And today, I talked with an old friend from Trinidad, Pamela. So good to hear her voice. She is one of the kindest persons I have ever met. And, Cheryl, I still cannot believe the wonderful tribute you wrote to me on your blog, http://cherylwright.blogspot.com/2008/01/musing-on-my-dear-old-friend.html, I am so blessed to have you in my life. I have such great admiration for you. And to my 2 Hong Kong sisters, Ada and Samantha, I just love you both to pieces! God used you to make me open up my heart again, to accept love again. And, Vickay, my Filipina sister, you have to be the most generous person I have ever met. Like Cheryl, you have been so faithful despite the challenges in your own life. Oh, and Ivel, my dear Jamaican sister, God has blessed you with strength in your inner being that draws people to you. How grateful I am that you are in my life especially at this time.

Thank you, God for touching me with these gems of Your creation, the splendour of Your glory.

Lord, I pray a blessing on these ladies, that they will know in a sudden and wonderful way how wide, how deep is your love for them and all that concerns them. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Family time and mental unwellness...

Ok...Family time...do you have those in your home...Mom cheerleader-enthusiastic..Dad suddenly philosophic..teenager with pout-when-will-this-be-over..9-yr-old standing on head...Do you get the picture, my friend?

Ok..we tried. So Mom has lightbulb moment. Multi-media! Go where the youth are dwelling! So she goes to a Christian bookstore looking for DVDs--naturally, The Cross and The Switchblade [which is always in stock as per sales clerk!] is all sold out. So, on a strict budget, she spies some old Billy Graham movies. Decides to show the one called The Restless Ones the other night. Well, well, well...while my 14-yr-old was not displaying the avid interest I was so hoping for, my 9-yr-old was showing rapt attention. Oh dear, Billy was talking to youth about you-know-what. My younger son commented, "Well, it is helpful to know what is going on in my brother's head, so I can torture him!"

Ok, So much for spiritual lessons! But he did seem thoughtful when Billy was giving the gospel message later. But, I have to tell you, the featured song, called "The Restless Ones" was the lamest song that I have ever heard! It is true that Billy was really young in this movie and was completely unaware that this was not the catchiest tune ever...My son did do a jig to liven it up a bit. Anyway, we got to prayer time and prayer requests. My younger son had one for the first time. How pleased I was! Then he says, "we really need to pray that whoever wrote that song will get over his mental unwellness!"

I really do not know if my sons got anything from my new approach, but from the wisdom gained in the past 14 years of watching my children, they are picking up regardless of the actual interest shown. So, my job is to make sure they get the spiritual input in a language they like, and leave the rest to God! How neat is that!

May you be blessed with family times that build warm memories.

Love, Sita

Father, please grant us the wisdom we need to teach our children in their language even as you taught us in ways we could grasp, like your parables. Help us to obey and leave the 'invisible work' to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Can you believe this...

Was just doing my regular Bible reading and it was Psalm 148... what are the chances..here on a snow day for God to give me perspective:
vs.7-Praise the Lord from the earth...
vs.8-Lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do His bidding...
vs.13b-His splendour is above the earth and the heavens...
Praise the Lord.

How soon I forget that I am but part of His wonderful creation and we all look to our Creator, to praise Him in His splendour...His glorious splendour...! Thank You, Lord.

Snow Day!!!

Yep, it is the day when our school principals are held in highest esteem by our children! While the winter storm rages in breathtaking beauty outside, we are inside, 2 boys inside, 2 boys with energy that could support me for a lifetime if it could be harnessed by our hydro company. My 14-year-old did venture out to shovel the driveway and release some of that energy. Thank you, Lord. And did I say, I'm glad I do not have to drive? Ok. This tropical girl likes to look out at the snow, the wind, the ice, the sleet, but prefers to keep her eyeglasses lenses unfrosted and not to have a workout with wind resistance. Strange, it used to look so peacefully beautiful when I saw it in pictures as a child. However, I do have to admit, it is breathtaking in its beauty!
Anyway, time to break out the board games! Pray all is safe out there. Be blessed.

Father, thank You that I am warm and safe in this weather. I think about those who are homeless right now and my heart breaks, for the thought of being out in this cold, unprotected, buffeted by the wind and ice rain, is horrifying to me. Please send ministering angels to wrap warm wings of protection round those in peril right now, not clothed properly, feeling abandoned. Thank you, Father. I do love You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.