In Sunshine or in Rain

I don't ski very well, but I sure enjoy it a lot. Since I have only skied a handful of times I usually start out on the bunny hill. Well, due to very little snow, the runs at the bottom of the mountain were not in good condition, so I went up the mountain instead. That's when the fun began.  I was too slow getting off the chairlift, so I had to jump. :) Good thing it was only a couple feet. I actually stuck the landing, but I won't take any credit for it. Down the slopes I went, carving madly to keep myself from getting too fast. I took a couple of minor spills, but I just stood back up as though nothing happened. It is only as embarrassing as you make it. :) The view was breathtaking, and the sunshine transformed the landscape into a frosty wonderland. The trees glistened in their snowy decor, and the fresh air was very revitalizing. I closed the day with a black diamond run, but fortunately I did not know that it was a black diamond run until I was passed the crux. :)I wi...

Have you ever loved someone who instead of returning your love turned his/her back on you? It is a very painful experience. This thought sparked the idea for this post. How must it have been for Jesus? He gave up everything, including His life, to save this fallen and miserable human race. He risked eternity for our sake, and endured trials so great that we can't truly comprehend them. Yet what was His reward? He was accused of blasphemy, ridiculed and despised. He was alone in this world because not even his closest friends understood His mission. He was spat in the face and beaten mercilessly. As the grand finale of rejection, they nailed the Creator of the universe on a cross. And today He is still being rejected and laughed at by thousands of unbelievers. Human beings who owe every breath to God, arrogantly claim that they don't need Him. Oh how this must pierce the Father's heart. His love is a perfect love. His love is so deep that we can only catch a glimpse. If our ...

He is faithful! This is not just an exclamation of faith, but a statement based on personal experience. Looking back on my life thus far, I can only humbly proclaim that God has never let me down. He has made crooked paths straight, and has opened doors that only the hand of Omnipotence could open. He has also closed doors, but looking back I can only see His wonderful providence. This is so very reassuring. Since I know that I serve a God who doesn't change, I can rest in the assurance that He will continue to lead me in His ways. Though the future may be clouded by uncertainty, I can rest in the knowledge that He sees the end from the beginning. Why then should I fret when I don't understand His ways or discern His leading? Has He ever failed me? Most certainly not! But much rather He has watched over this trembling child with a love beyond measure. May I ever trust my Savior! Will He not bestow good gifts on the purchase of His blood? He is  forever faithful!

Christmas is just around the corner. Not that there could be any way to forget. The stores have been decorated and playing Christmas music for quite a while now. Soon the frenzy of getting the last gifts and the best deals will begin. Is this what Christmas is all about?  Santa Claus, elves, and Rudolf are more known and depicted than baby Jesus. While we know that December 25 is not really the birthdate of Jesus, shouldn't  He still be the center of this holiday? Somehow we have forgotten what it is all about. I was reminded by a little boy this Sabbath what Christmas truly means. He  sang  the song called "Happy Birthday Jesus" which talks about how while presents and bells may be nice, it is all about Jesus. Another thing I have realized is that Christmas has become  so very materialistic . Where is the simple pleasure of cutting down just the perfect tree and enjoying the beauty of family. Growing up in Africa, Christmas was something so very special. Eve...

The birds were singing sweetly, the air was crisp, and bright beams of sunlight turned the landscape into a picture of tranquility and joy. It was in this quietness of nature that I felt my heart overflow with so much thankfulness, that I could not help, but express my gratitude to God. It was in this moment that I realized something which I knew subconsciously, but yet had never fully grasped. I don't take enough time to just praise God! Yes, I pray every day, but too often it is nothing more than a repetition of yesterday's prayer. Too often I only come to Him with my petitions and cares, and not often enough do I come to Him with my joys, my thankfulness, and my praise. Instead of talking to God as though He is my best friend with Whom I want to share my heart, I talk to Him as though He is only there to be my Provider and Protector. God longs to be a personal God. He gave His Son so that I may have communion with Him. Oh that I may learn to "praise Him for His goodnes...