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How are you? No really, how are you?

How are you? How many times have you asked somebody this question without waiting to hear the answer? I know I have given the normal reply "I'm fine and you?" without even turning my head to look at the person who asked first.

It happens all the time. We are in such a hurry to get on with life, that we don't stop to really make sure the other person is well. We don't have time for each other any more.

On Friday, I saw the post on facebook: "Today is one of the most difficult days in a person's life. My son passed away and he is with God. My heart is torn apart. Rest in peace my son." Her son committed suicide.

Can you imagine this mother's pain? My heart breaks just thinking about it. The people he worked with say they never expected this. His friends say they had no idea he was planning this.

It got me thinking.

Maybe we should slow down. Maybe we should not only ask "How are you?", we should actually make time to listen.

the earth is flat...

No, I haven't lost my mind.  I know the earth is round.

Globalisation.  Big word.  Big meaning.  Big impact.  It refers to the integration of the entire world.  The earth may be round, but through globalisation, it suddenly feels as if we are all in one village again.

We are living in an era where far away is so easy to reach.  We can talk to and see people sitting in other continents through technologies such as skype.  We can stay updated with the lives of family and friends through facebook, twitter and a host of other social media networks.  We promote ourselves and our careers through networks such as linkedin.  We even measure our influence on people through klout.

Which bring me to this question: what is your influence on other people?  All those people who follow you on twitter,  your friends on facebook and your connections on linkedin - do they know you are a Christian?  Can they pick it up through what you post on social media?

Food for thought.

A message from God...

I would have you to remember My goodness, for I have watched over you even when you felt alone, even when you felt desperate, even when you felt forgotten, even when you have been without.

I have never left you.  I have never forsaken you.  I have been with you all of these days from the very first day you gave yourself to Me, and I have watched over you. 

It is true that I have allowed you to walk through some hard circumstances, but do you not know that they are making you stronger?  And, do you not know that they are giving you the right to exercise the authority that I have given you?  And, do you not know that they cause you to cling to Me? 

Your destiny is already written and it is one of victory, not failure.  So, walk with Me in trust and love. Victory is assured.  Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Dare to believe you can be what I said you can be, says the Lord.

Rest assured that I have begun a good work in you, and I will bring it to perfection, says the Lord.  You are not an inferior product.  You have been redeemed and set apart for My kingdom.  Refuse to believe lying accusations that bring condemnation.  You are chosen and designed to fulfill My purposes in your place on the earth. 

Trust Me.  

Philippians 2:13  for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

If I had to live my life over...

In honour and in memory of Erma Bombeck who lost her fight with cancer.  This was written by Erma after she found out she was dying from cancer.

If I had to live my life over…

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a  holding pattern if I weren't there for the day. 

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.
I would have talked less and listened more. 

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace. 

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth. 

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband. 

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later... Now go get washed up for dinner.'

There would have been more 'I love you's, more 'I'm sorry's.'

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute; look at it and really see it; live it and never give it back.

Food for thought….

A life in front of God

"I will never leave you, nor forsake you".

We quote that scripture and meditate on it whenever we go through a difficult time.  We encourage each other with that scripture, and rightfully so.  But that scripture is like a coin that has a flip-side.

God is always with us.  He is not just with us on a Sunday when we are standing in church.  He is with you right this very moment.

So what are you busy with?

If you could see God standing next to you, will you still do what you are doing?  If you could see God in the car with you, will you still curse and swear at the driver in front of you?  If you could see God walking next to you, will your feet still walk towards that sin you know you shouldn't do?  If you could see God in your office, will you still flirt with your colleague?  If you could see God leaving work with you, will you still go to the bar and have one drink too many?  Will you still light that cigarette?  Will you still yell at your spouse? Will you?

God IS there, you just can see Him.

Has the coin dropped?

We are living a life with God, in front of God.  What does He see?

Did you know that life is short?

We plan our lives as if we have hundreds of years in front of us.  We work hectically to achieve more, earn more, travel more, do more.  And somewhere in between the race we are in, we try to make time for God.  It's the wrong way around.

We need to seek God's kingdom first, then the rest will come.  If we serve God, His favour will rest on us, meaning life will be easier.  His Spirit in us will help us to bear the fruit of the Spirit, meaning we will be much more lovable and likable to other people.  In short, we need to stop our nonsense and start serving God.  He is a jealous God who wants to be the first love in our lives.  Stop worrying over trivial things - serve God.

Matthew 6:33 says If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

Life could be over at any moment.  There is no guarantee that you will have a warning that the end is near.  We need to make sure we are ready.  At any moment, we must be ready to appear in the front of God's throne.  Stop indulging in sin.  There is no time for that.  Stop fighting with people over petty issues - it's not worth it.  Make peace with the people that you are angry with.  Forgive all of them.  Ask forgiveness from those that are angry with you.  Get your life in order and serve God.  He will take care of the rest.