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Sunday, January 2, 2011
Saturday, January 1, 2011
A new beginning
"Then Jesus said: Come to Me all you who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you for I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls" Matthew 11:28-29
I know, I know. It sounds cliche and sawn - off. But do take a moment on this, the first day of a bright New Year, 2011, to hear what God has to say to you in your life.
Would you like to feel peace and joy this year? Would you like to move forward in your life? Would you like your life to have meaning? Did you stress about the state of the world over the past year? (It seems to be getting worse and worse, not so: war, famine, disasters, extreme weather conditions) Do you lie awake nights worrying about your children or your aged parents? Have you had a great shock this year? Has someone close to you let you down/hurt you incredibly?
If you answered yes to any one of these questions, then take time to kneel before God, the Almighty, most High Lord of all. He is waiting with arms outstretched to welcome you. He is forgiving and gracious. He is peace. Above all, He is love. He sent His son (whose birth we celebrated earlier this week) to die for our sins. We don't have to do anything. No good deeds, no rituals or religious rites. (We are human beings and not human doings!) Merely seek God in prayer. Once we have committed our lives to Him, then we can walk the talk in His strength and according to His Word, the Holy Bible.
If it is your desire this year to experience the love and goodness of God through His precious Son, Jesus Christ, then I pray you will come to know Him in a special way. Jesus is the only Way to God. Do not look back; do not waste time on regrets and remorse. Go now and lay your life, your grudges, in fact, everything, at the cross of Jesus. Then, on a daily basis, speak to the Lord; if it feels unnatural to pray aloud, then let the prayers be thoughts in your head. Speak to Him about your worries, your joys , your happiness or your fears. Anything and everything. He is your Friend.
May the peace of God which passes all understanding fill your hearts and minds. Bless you all in 2011
Discover God's dream for your life:
Our loving Father God's opportunities are within your life's purpose. Make this your guideline. Look back: how and where did God change your life? Did He change your life? Would you like Him to help you to change? Look to Him with great expectation, because that is where the blessings lie. God has a plan for your life. In Jeremiah 29:11, the Lord says: "For I know the plans I have for your life. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. When you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me." Amen! Which of God's children do you have contact with? Network with these people. They could be doors of mercy to new possibilities.
Trust the Lord's directions:
Where there is a need, know that there is an opportunity to see God at work. This also creates new opportunities. Allow a peaceful soul to glean the answers if you feel unsure. This is the Holy Spirit's confirmation that you are on the right road. Seek God in every opportunity. His favour is an invitation to get to know Him better and to experience His love and peace within your heart.
When a door opens, ask God that His will be done and act upon this. If it's suited to your talents, gifts and skills, this is a confirmation that you are on the right path. If a door closes, this is probably so that you can move forward to newer and better things.
If you have read this far and decided to make a firm commitment to follow Jesus, I welcome you in the name of the Lord. Welcome to the largest and most blessed family of God. May you go from strength to strength as you experience His purpose and peace in your life. Amen!
Happy Birthday Emily
Emily proudly displaying the cake I had made for her at the local bakery, as I do every year. She and I popped downtown to collect and the entire staff in the bakery came out and sang to her. Sweet huh? Afterwards we went to the cafe and bought a couple of litres of soft drinks and some sweets/candy for her two grandchildren. Her children - two from Johannesburg and one from a small town in the Cape, are visiting her at the moment and she says she won't be going to bed until after midnight! Great excitement at the Mkhosi household today
For those of you who have followed my blog for a while, you might remember me speaking often about Emily, my stalwart house-lady. Emily came to me in July 2002 and asked for a job as a cleaner. Many people lost their jobs when minimum wages were made law in this country. Emily was one of them.
When I went to live in West Africa in 2004 (and stayed for three years) Angus was still unmarried and lived in my home. Emily kept house for him and cared for my pets. I returned to South Africa and stayed home for the next three years. When I went to live with Grant in the Sudan, Emily assumed total responsibility for my entire household (by now Angus was married and lives down the road from our house) She cared for my six cats and three dogs as well as I do when I am home. She also supervised the gardeners and payed their wages for me at the end of the month. It was always a great pleasure to arrive home from a third-world country and walk into my home which was fresh and clean, the windows sparkled and the bed-linen was crisp and inviting. Of course, the animals were well-fed and happy. All Emily's doing.
Emily was the first baby born in the Free State on New Year 1953. She and I are exactly the same age but because it's my birthday in February, I always tell Emily she can give me orders for the next six weeks as she is older than me! Emily has a good pension fund which I set in place soon after she became permanent with me and will be retiring sometime within the next year.
I thank God for Emily who has looked after our household for the past nine years and wish her the best for 2011.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY EMILY!
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