ok, that's it...
I'm back...
it seems that adventure still abounds, although, certainly in smaller & less exciting doses....but adventure is adventure & it's time I started writing again...
Ok, let me tell you the real reason I'm writing on this site again...
A book by the same name of this site is being currently constructed (penly speaking)...in order to write good book material, I need to keep my writing skills honed/up to snuff/practiced/sharpened....ok, I think u get the point..
all that to say...I'll be writing up here again..
Tune in to tomorrow's post (or the day after, depending on how life goes over the next couple days) which will tell about my adventure being a part (a small part) of the mini-series Coma, starring Geena Davis, James Woods, Burgess Jenkins & others...
See u then..;)
Thursday, December 08, 2011
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
closing temporarily...
when traipsing around Africa saving souls/bodies/spirits, experiencing cultures, seeing the world, performing, writing, giving, doing, etc. I felt a more intense kind of gratification in knowing that I was making a difference & then hopefully inspiring you all by telling you about it here on this blog...
Now, however, I live a slightly boring life here in suburbia, going to work & back, as I adjust to a new lifestyle & get set up to study (what I don't know, but certainly something that will help set me back in Africa making a difference & experiencing Adventure for a Lifetime)...
So for the timebeing, because I'm so boring, I thought I'd officially take leave,
as well as take time to write my book, before all my beautiful African memories leave me...
So with that I take leave...I certainly won't close the site, cuz for those new to it, there's many an adventure to read about, picture to enjoy & story to be inspired by...there's 5 yrs worth of blog up here, so feel free to peruse around & enjoy to the full...
Meanwhile, I'll try & find another more fitting name for a site that can host more boring tidbits from a less adventurous time that is mine (the present)...
Stay tuned...;)
Now, however, I live a slightly boring life here in suburbia, going to work & back, as I adjust to a new lifestyle & get set up to study (what I don't know, but certainly something that will help set me back in Africa making a difference & experiencing Adventure for a Lifetime)...
So for the timebeing, because I'm so boring, I thought I'd officially take leave,
as well as take time to write my book, before all my beautiful African memories leave me...
So with that I take leave...I certainly won't close the site, cuz for those new to it, there's many an adventure to read about, picture to enjoy & story to be inspired by...there's 5 yrs worth of blog up here, so feel free to peruse around & enjoy to the full...
Meanwhile, I'll try & find another more fitting name for a site that can host more boring tidbits from a less adventurous time that is mine (the present)...
Stay tuned...;)
Friday, March 18, 2011
Stories of Hope/Kindness during Japan disaster...
March 11 stories that warm my heart
by Celly Kamoi on Monday, March 14, 2011 at 1:25am (reposted w/ permission)
Some of these are taken from my friends and family's posts on FB and others are Tweets. The generosity of heart in a time of crisis touches my soul. I love Japan, and though I haven't lived there for 11 years, it's still my home and I feel the pain and want to be with my countrymen. There is love and kindness out there - I've never felt so patriotic about my country as I do now.
Even if you only read a few, it will encourage and warm your heart. My people need your help and prayers!
* Lots of stories coming out about people risking their lives/giving their lives to save others. What I find most touching is the little things, like the homeless people bringing cardboard to the people sleeping in the cold in stations where they are stranded. The homeless, often ignored by all of us, may not have much to give, but they are doing what they can.
* My sister wrote: During the earthquake, I thought I was going to die. The trains were stopped, so I walked towards my friend's house. There were no taxi's running, the restaurants and shops were all full of people who couldn't get home. After I'd walked 4 1/2 hours, hope was fading, the temperature dropped and I was so so cold. The masses of people crawled along like little ants dragging their feet. At that time I had just crossed this bridge, as I came down there was an old man with the trunk of his car full of "hokkairo". He passed them out to the weary people walking, encouraging each passer by. I immediately felt warmed inside through the kindness that was shown.
* Heard a story last night of a woman and her baby who were caught up in the tsunami. A man on a second floor balcony climbed down to help her, passed the baby up, and helped the woman up, only to be washed away by the tsunami himself. Selflessness like that is amazing.
* In the middle of the night, I was walking home from college. A lady at a bakery was giving out bread. She kept her bakery open till late hours and was doing what she could do to help others. I was so touched. Tokyo is still not a bad place to live! Such a heart-warming scene.
* Seems the Yakuza up north were out in force after the quake... HELPING DIRECT TRAFFIC.
* Just read about the citizens of Osaka showing up in droves to donate blood.
* I was so moved by the statement issued by the UN Secretary General, saying, "Japan is one of the most generous and strongest benefactors, coming to the assistance of those in need the world over. In that spirit, the United Nations stands by the people of Japan and we will do anything and everything we can at this very difficult time." This is a perfect example of doing good to others. They will do the same to you, when you most need their help.
* This afternoon at the convenience store there was a group of young punk looking guys buying drinks and beer. When they got to the register, one of them realized if he bought the beer as well, he wouldn't have any money left to make a donation for quake victims. He returned the beer.
* My husband walked for 4 hours to come back home. He was feeling weak at Akabane and this man offered free coffee saying "It's pretty cold huh? Warm up with this hot coffee!" Thanks to the him, my husband regained the strength to keep walking. It must have really touched him because he's been repeating the story 5 times. Thank you to the man passing out free coffee.
* This afternoon, I saw a young guy who has radical looks. He donated put several ten-thousand-yen bills to a donation box saying his friends “We can buy a game anytime”. I heard his words and that made me and the people around there what is important and we donated a bit too. I re-realized that it is not appropriate to judge people by their looks.
* When the earthquake struck Japan, I was working at the restaurant. The restaurant was almost full. After the earthquake, we guided the guest to go out from there because it could be dangerous. I thought great part of them would leave there without paying, but most of them came back and paid their bill. The rest of them, who didn’t pay yesterday, came back to the restaurant today to pay. What a beautiful country Japan is.
* Weep! I was so touched I cried super hard! That international call from a stranger just now, it was a phone call of worry and support from someone who called their own number, except with Japan's country code hoping to connect with someone in Japan! I didn't quite understand the English, but I understood what the person was trying to say! She said a lot of people over there are "praying for Japan"!
* It happened last night. A convenience store near a train station managed to open for business with a power generator. While I was waiting in a long line, the generator stopped, maybe because it ran out of fuel, and the cash register stopped. The entire store was pitch black. Everyone put the things they had in their hands back on the shelves and left, even though no one would've noticed if they walked out with them.
* An elderly man, probably over 80, who was rescued from the disaster area said "We will be OK, we are pretty sure we will. We have experienced Tsunami from Chile so why can't we do it this time?" he said with a smile. He again said with a smile, "It is useless to say something sad" to the news reporter trying to get some comments of sorrow. His wife standing next to him told the reporter sharply "Don't take photos of our disgraceful look". From this conversation, we can see how courageous the people who built Japan have dignity.
* A conversation I overheard on the train between two grandmas. "The police are telling us to turn the lights off because there's not enough electricity. We used to spend a lot of time without lights for the good of our country during the World War 2. This time, we don’t need to worry about the bombs falling over us. We’ll gladly turn off the light, won’t we?” The people around them got silent for a second. My eyes welled up with tears
by Celly Kamoi on Monday, March 14, 2011 at 1:25am (reposted w/ permission)
Some of these are taken from my friends and family's posts on FB and others are Tweets. The generosity of heart in a time of crisis touches my soul. I love Japan, and though I haven't lived there for 11 years, it's still my home and I feel the pain and want to be with my countrymen. There is love and kindness out there - I've never felt so patriotic about my country as I do now.
Even if you only read a few, it will encourage and warm your heart. My people need your help and prayers!
* Lots of stories coming out about people risking their lives/giving their lives to save others. What I find most touching is the little things, like the homeless people bringing cardboard to the people sleeping in the cold in stations where they are stranded. The homeless, often ignored by all of us, may not have much to give, but they are doing what they can.
* My sister wrote: During the earthquake, I thought I was going to die. The trains were stopped, so I walked towards my friend's house. There were no taxi's running, the restaurants and shops were all full of people who couldn't get home. After I'd walked 4 1/2 hours, hope was fading, the temperature dropped and I was so so cold. The masses of people crawled along like little ants dragging their feet. At that time I had just crossed this bridge, as I came down there was an old man with the trunk of his car full of "hokkairo". He passed them out to the weary people walking, encouraging each passer by. I immediately felt warmed inside through the kindness that was shown.
* Heard a story last night of a woman and her baby who were caught up in the tsunami. A man on a second floor balcony climbed down to help her, passed the baby up, and helped the woman up, only to be washed away by the tsunami himself. Selflessness like that is amazing.
* In the middle of the night, I was walking home from college. A lady at a bakery was giving out bread. She kept her bakery open till late hours and was doing what she could do to help others. I was so touched. Tokyo is still not a bad place to live! Such a heart-warming scene.
* Seems the Yakuza up north were out in force after the quake... HELPING DIRECT TRAFFIC.
* Just read about the citizens of Osaka showing up in droves to donate blood.
* I was so moved by the statement issued by the UN Secretary General, saying, "Japan is one of the most generous and strongest benefactors, coming to the assistance of those in need the world over. In that spirit, the United Nations stands by the people of Japan and we will do anything and everything we can at this very difficult time." This is a perfect example of doing good to others. They will do the same to you, when you most need their help.
* This afternoon at the convenience store there was a group of young punk looking guys buying drinks and beer. When they got to the register, one of them realized if he bought the beer as well, he wouldn't have any money left to make a donation for quake victims. He returned the beer.
* My husband walked for 4 hours to come back home. He was feeling weak at Akabane and this man offered free coffee saying "It's pretty cold huh? Warm up with this hot coffee!" Thanks to the him, my husband regained the strength to keep walking. It must have really touched him because he's been repeating the story 5 times. Thank you to the man passing out free coffee.
* This afternoon, I saw a young guy who has radical looks. He donated put several ten-thousand-yen bills to a donation box saying his friends “We can buy a game anytime”. I heard his words and that made me and the people around there what is important and we donated a bit too. I re-realized that it is not appropriate to judge people by their looks.
* When the earthquake struck Japan, I was working at the restaurant. The restaurant was almost full. After the earthquake, we guided the guest to go out from there because it could be dangerous. I thought great part of them would leave there without paying, but most of them came back and paid their bill. The rest of them, who didn’t pay yesterday, came back to the restaurant today to pay. What a beautiful country Japan is.
* Weep! I was so touched I cried super hard! That international call from a stranger just now, it was a phone call of worry and support from someone who called their own number, except with Japan's country code hoping to connect with someone in Japan! I didn't quite understand the English, but I understood what the person was trying to say! She said a lot of people over there are "praying for Japan"!
* It happened last night. A convenience store near a train station managed to open for business with a power generator. While I was waiting in a long line, the generator stopped, maybe because it ran out of fuel, and the cash register stopped. The entire store was pitch black. Everyone put the things they had in their hands back on the shelves and left, even though no one would've noticed if they walked out with them.
* An elderly man, probably over 80, who was rescued from the disaster area said "We will be OK, we are pretty sure we will. We have experienced Tsunami from Chile so why can't we do it this time?" he said with a smile. He again said with a smile, "It is useless to say something sad" to the news reporter trying to get some comments of sorrow. His wife standing next to him told the reporter sharply "Don't take photos of our disgraceful look". From this conversation, we can see how courageous the people who built Japan have dignity.
* A conversation I overheard on the train between two grandmas. "The police are telling us to turn the lights off because there's not enough electricity. We used to spend a lot of time without lights for the good of our country during the World War 2. This time, we don’t need to worry about the bombs falling over us. We’ll gladly turn off the light, won’t we?” The people around them got silent for a second. My eyes welled up with tears
Thursday, January 06, 2011
2011 kick-off..start it out right..
employ these principals & 2011 will be your best year yet..
*Don’t let mistakes of the past blur your vision for the future. Focus on the good to come.
*I am willing to go anywhere, anywhere, anywhere—so long as it’s forward.2
*People are always blaming their circumstances. I don’t believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can’t find them, make them.3
*Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.4
*“When you pass through the waters … they shall not overflow you.”5 God doesn’t open paths for us in advance of our coming. He doesn’t promise help before help is needed. He doesn’t remove obstacles out of our way before we reach them. Yet when we are on the edge of our need, God’s hand is stretched out. Many people forget this and are forever worrying about difficulties which they foresee in the future. They expect that God is going to make the way plain and open before them miles and miles ahead, whereas He has promised to do it only step by step as they may need. You must get to the floodwaters before you can claim the promise.
I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, “Fear not, I will help you.”6
*Faith gives us courage to face the present with confidence and the future with expectancy.7
________________________________________
1 Mottos for Success.
2 David Livingstone (1813–1873).
3 George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950).
4 William Carey (1761–1834).
5 Isaiah 43:2 NKJV.
6 Isaiah 41:13 NKJV; Author unknown.
7 Mottos for Success.
*Don’t let mistakes of the past blur your vision for the future. Focus on the good to come.
*I am willing to go anywhere, anywhere, anywhere—so long as it’s forward.2
*People are always blaming their circumstances. I don’t believe in circumstances. The people who get on in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and, if they can’t find them, make them.3
*Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.4
*“When you pass through the waters … they shall not overflow you.”5 God doesn’t open paths for us in advance of our coming. He doesn’t promise help before help is needed. He doesn’t remove obstacles out of our way before we reach them. Yet when we are on the edge of our need, God’s hand is stretched out. Many people forget this and are forever worrying about difficulties which they foresee in the future. They expect that God is going to make the way plain and open before them miles and miles ahead, whereas He has promised to do it only step by step as they may need. You must get to the floodwaters before you can claim the promise.
I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, “Fear not, I will help you.”6
*Faith gives us courage to face the present with confidence and the future with expectancy.7
________________________________________
1 Mottos for Success.
2 David Livingstone (1813–1873).
3 George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950).
4 William Carey (1761–1834).
5 Isaiah 43:2 NKJV.
6 Isaiah 41:13 NKJV; Author unknown.
7 Mottos for Success.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Mari's Charitable Christmas Spirit..
"He said that his wife was sick in the hospital & he had no one to cook Christmas dinner for them..Plus he'd spent all his money on her medicine & wouldn't be able to buy Christmas presents for his kids..now he was trying to get back to his hometown so he could see his wife in the hospital before Christmas & spend Christmas with his kids..
...he just walked up to us at the bus stop..I was a little leary at first, but there was something about him..you could see in his eyes that he was genuine...so we gave him a ride to his bus, plus we payed for his fare so he could go home to his family..but before that, we stopped at a Pick & Pay & bought some food for their Christmas dinner.."
This was the story told me by Mariangela last Christmas, when recalling her grand "operation angel", conducted by her & Seth the Christmas before that one..
As soon as I heard this story, I knew I just had to do the same for someone else..not cause I wanted to outdo Seth & Mari, but because I was so impressed with their Tiny Tim/Bob Cratchet Christmas spirits & I wanted to "save someone's Christmas" too..
At the mission base I stayed at/worked at for a year in South Africa, one of my main jobs was deliveries/driving duties...Picking up food for distribution, delivering food at our creche in a local slum, picking up donated goods for the mission center, picking up building supplies for renovations to the mission, trash runs, school runs, shopping trips, business trips, taking the kids to dance recital...I was behind the wheel most of the day..
During such driving expeditions I would often pass hitchhikers. Of course, Johannesburg's notoriety as THE crime capital of Africa did give me a sense of extreme caution when assessing who would benefit from my "driver's charity lift" that particular day..
Shortly after Mari told me her story (and shortly after Christmas had ended) I was back & forth from the mission base to the Home Affairs office downtown Pretoria where I was working on extending my visa to enable me to stay on in time to participate in the World Cup Outreach programs I knew we'd be putting on..
One particular morning, when going to an appointment with a senior officer at the immo office who'd promised to help speedily process my visa, I had a certain feeling (or maybe Someone was speaking to me) that I should take a side road to down-town Pretoria via the industrial area instead of taking the free-way like I was accustomed to doing..I would soon find out why...
I was flying along at a "slightly" high speed (well, only about 10 ks over the speed limit..ahem..)as I was late for my appointment, when on the side of the road I saw a small Afrikaans family of hitch-hikers, consisting of a young couple & their baby...I sighed inwardly as I drove past them, as I didn't want to stop & get them, but I knew good & well that I was going to nonetheless..
I pulled over to the side of the road & put on my emergency lights..As they rather quickly walked up behind me, pushing their baby in a buggy, I could see that they were poorly dressed, slightly shabby looking, with a sort of stressed air about them--the wife in particular--as if they hadn't had much sleep the night before. The man explained that they were trying to go to a national hospital several kilometers up the road, but they didn't have a car, or cab fare to get there..When he asked me to open up the trunk so they could put the buggy in the back, I obliged..after noticing them struggle for a minute or 2, I rolled my eyes & wondered just how much later they were gonna make me.. After helping the wife & baby get into the back, the man got into the front passenger seat & off we went.
All my annoyance was gone in an instant, when the man explained to me after thanking me again & again, how his wife had fallen sick several days before & was experiencing shortness of breath & having trouble sleeping...but the reason they were going to the hospital was for their 6 month old baby, who was also sick (I can't remember with what)..He explained how they'd taken several trips to a government hospital as they couldn't afford a private doctor..He had no idea how he was going to get treatment for his wife, as they barely had enough money to get medicine for their baby..
As I drove on, we made small talk & I told him why I was in South Africa & that I was a missionary..I talked about my time in Nigeria & that I'd plans to go back there (which I did at the time)..He asked if I would take him with me & employ him as a missionary as well..
After only about 10 minutes we arrived at the hospital. When I pulled up at the entrance the man asked if I had any money I could give them towards medicines..I thought of Mari & how heroic she'd been in accommodating all the needs of her "weary-traveler-in-need" that Christmas.. But I actually hadn't brought money with me that morning, as it was to be a single-faceted visit with the immigration officer & then I'd be coming straight back to the mission...
"I don't have any money on me, but I believe in the power of prayer & I'd like to pray for your wife & baby before you go.."
I laid hands on the baby & mother & prayed a simple prayer asking for Jesus' miracle working power to not only heal them from what they were sick with, but to also provide for them in the myriad of ways that they needed..
I left them with the few gifts that I did have to give them, including a loaf of bread & some fruit that were in my car from the last food distribution I'd done, as well as a copy of the inspirational magazine meant for the appointment I was now late for..They received these gifts thankfully & I promised them I'd continue to pray for them, which I did both throughout the day, as well as during the months that followed whenever I thought about them..
As I drove on to my appointment, I realized the the frustrations I faced with my visa not being processed as I'd wanted, were nothing compared to the frustration this simple couple faced as they watched their child struggle with something they had no power to fix..
Apart from the reality check as to how blessed I really was, I also drove on with the feeling of happiness & relief that God had me be at that exact spot that morning, where I could be of assistance to that family in need & pass on a little bit of Mari's charitable Christmas spirit..
...he just walked up to us at the bus stop..I was a little leary at first, but there was something about him..you could see in his eyes that he was genuine...so we gave him a ride to his bus, plus we payed for his fare so he could go home to his family..but before that, we stopped at a Pick & Pay & bought some food for their Christmas dinner.."
This was the story told me by Mariangela last Christmas, when recalling her grand "operation angel", conducted by her & Seth the Christmas before that one..
As soon as I heard this story, I knew I just had to do the same for someone else..not cause I wanted to outdo Seth & Mari, but because I was so impressed with their Tiny Tim/Bob Cratchet Christmas spirits & I wanted to "save someone's Christmas" too..
At the mission base I stayed at/worked at for a year in South Africa, one of my main jobs was deliveries/driving duties...Picking up food for distribution, delivering food at our creche in a local slum, picking up donated goods for the mission center, picking up building supplies for renovations to the mission, trash runs, school runs, shopping trips, business trips, taking the kids to dance recital...I was behind the wheel most of the day..
During such driving expeditions I would often pass hitchhikers. Of course, Johannesburg's notoriety as THE crime capital of Africa did give me a sense of extreme caution when assessing who would benefit from my "driver's charity lift" that particular day..
Shortly after Mari told me her story (and shortly after Christmas had ended) I was back & forth from the mission base to the Home Affairs office downtown Pretoria where I was working on extending my visa to enable me to stay on in time to participate in the World Cup Outreach programs I knew we'd be putting on..
One particular morning, when going to an appointment with a senior officer at the immo office who'd promised to help speedily process my visa, I had a certain feeling (or maybe Someone was speaking to me) that I should take a side road to down-town Pretoria via the industrial area instead of taking the free-way like I was accustomed to doing..I would soon find out why...
I was flying along at a "slightly" high speed (well, only about 10 ks over the speed limit..ahem..)as I was late for my appointment, when on the side of the road I saw a small Afrikaans family of hitch-hikers, consisting of a young couple & their baby...I sighed inwardly as I drove past them, as I didn't want to stop & get them, but I knew good & well that I was going to nonetheless..
I pulled over to the side of the road & put on my emergency lights..As they rather quickly walked up behind me, pushing their baby in a buggy, I could see that they were poorly dressed, slightly shabby looking, with a sort of stressed air about them--the wife in particular--as if they hadn't had much sleep the night before. The man explained that they were trying to go to a national hospital several kilometers up the road, but they didn't have a car, or cab fare to get there..When he asked me to open up the trunk so they could put the buggy in the back, I obliged..after noticing them struggle for a minute or 2, I rolled my eyes & wondered just how much later they were gonna make me.. After helping the wife & baby get into the back, the man got into the front passenger seat & off we went.
All my annoyance was gone in an instant, when the man explained to me after thanking me again & again, how his wife had fallen sick several days before & was experiencing shortness of breath & having trouble sleeping...but the reason they were going to the hospital was for their 6 month old baby, who was also sick (I can't remember with what)..He explained how they'd taken several trips to a government hospital as they couldn't afford a private doctor..He had no idea how he was going to get treatment for his wife, as they barely had enough money to get medicine for their baby..
As I drove on, we made small talk & I told him why I was in South Africa & that I was a missionary..I talked about my time in Nigeria & that I'd plans to go back there (which I did at the time)..He asked if I would take him with me & employ him as a missionary as well..
After only about 10 minutes we arrived at the hospital. When I pulled up at the entrance the man asked if I had any money I could give them towards medicines..I thought of Mari & how heroic she'd been in accommodating all the needs of her "weary-traveler-in-need" that Christmas.. But I actually hadn't brought money with me that morning, as it was to be a single-faceted visit with the immigration officer & then I'd be coming straight back to the mission...
"I don't have any money on me, but I believe in the power of prayer & I'd like to pray for your wife & baby before you go.."
I laid hands on the baby & mother & prayed a simple prayer asking for Jesus' miracle working power to not only heal them from what they were sick with, but to also provide for them in the myriad of ways that they needed..
I left them with the few gifts that I did have to give them, including a loaf of bread & some fruit that were in my car from the last food distribution I'd done, as well as a copy of the inspirational magazine meant for the appointment I was now late for..They received these gifts thankfully & I promised them I'd continue to pray for them, which I did both throughout the day, as well as during the months that followed whenever I thought about them..
As I drove on to my appointment, I realized the the frustrations I faced with my visa not being processed as I'd wanted, were nothing compared to the frustration this simple couple faced as they watched their child struggle with something they had no power to fix..
Apart from the reality check as to how blessed I really was, I also drove on with the feeling of happiness & relief that God had me be at that exact spot that morning, where I could be of assistance to that family in need & pass on a little bit of Mari's charitable Christmas spirit..
Friday, December 17, 2010
Let My Love Warm Your Christmas..
From Jesus, with Love..
No matter how down you may be--if you are out of work & have an empty wallet or bank account, if you're lonely or sick or have suffered personal loss, if war or hatred or injustice or others' indifference has chilled your heart--My love can change that. Let My birth & all that it heralded be remembered. Let My love fill you & give you purpose. Evils also plagued the world at the time of My birth & throughout My life on earth, but in the midst of such great darkness came the brightest light the world has ever known; amidst great suffering t...he greatest gift was given. My Father sent Me in the form of a weak & helpless baby to grow up & live as one of you & experience the same hurts you do, and to suffer at the hands of unjust men. I became one of you in order to save you.
Let the truth & love that I brought that first Christmas Day shine in your heart now. Let Me wipe away your fears & tears.
Let My love warm your Christmas.
Merry Christmas, everyone! ;)
No matter how down you may be--if you are out of work & have an empty wallet or bank account, if you're lonely or sick or have suffered personal loss, if war or hatred or injustice or others' indifference has chilled your heart--My love can change that. Let My birth & all that it heralded be remembered. Let My love fill you & give you purpose. Evils also plagued the world at the time of My birth & throughout My life on earth, but in the midst of such great darkness came the brightest light the world has ever known; amidst great suffering t...he greatest gift was given. My Father sent Me in the form of a weak & helpless baby to grow up & live as one of you & experience the same hurts you do, and to suffer at the hands of unjust men. I became one of you in order to save you.
Let the truth & love that I brought that first Christmas Day shine in your heart now. Let Me wipe away your fears & tears.
Let My love warm your Christmas.
Merry Christmas, everyone! ;)
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
Christmas kick-off..
So it's officially Christmas all over the world now, no doubt..
Here in the States, Christmas starts about a week before Thanksgiving..so we've already had @ 3 wks of Christmas decorations, carols, commercials (those r the most annoying)..
In any case, this beautiful story, signifies the Love & Spirit that embodies Christmas & for which Christmas was originally invented...Enjoy!
The SPARROW at STARBUCKS - The song that silenced the cappuccino machine.
It was chilly in Manhattan but warm inside the Starbucks shop on 51st Street and Broadway, just a skip up from Times Square. Early November weather in New York City holds only the slightest hint of the bitter chill of late December and January, but it's enough to send the masses crowding indoors to vie for available space and warmth. For a musician, it's the most lucrative Starbucks location in the world, I'm told, and consequently, the tips can be substantial if you play your tunes right.
Apparently, we were striking all the right chords that night, because our basket was almost overflowing. It was a fun, low-pressure gig - I was playing keyboard and singing backup for my friend who also added rhythm with an arsenal of percussion instruments. We mostly did pop songs from the '40s to the '90s with a few original tunes thrown in. During our emotional rendition of the classic, "If You Don't Know Me by Now," I noticed a lady sitting in one of the lounge chairs across from me. She was swaying to the beat and singing along.
After the tune was over, she approached me. "I apologize for singing along on that song. Did it bother you?" she asked.
"No," I replied. "We love it when the audience joins in. Would you like to sing up front on the next selection?" To my delight, she accepted my invitation. "You choose," I said. "What are you in the mood to sing?"
"Well. ... do you know any hymns?" Hymns? This woman didn't know who she was dealing with. I cut my teeth on hymns. Before I was even born, I was going to church. I gave our guest singer a knowing look. "Name one."
"Oh, I don't know. There are so many good ones. You pick one."
"Okay," I replied. "How about 'His Eye is on the Sparrow'?"
My new friend was silent, her eyes averted. Then she fixed her eyes on mine again and said, "Yeah. Let's do that one." She slowly nodded her head, put down her purse, straightened her jacket and faced the center of the shop. With my two-bar setup, she began to sing, "Why should I be discouraged? Why should the shadows come?"
The audience of coffee drinkers was transfixed. Even the gurgling noises of the cappuccino machine ceased as the employees stopped what they were doing to listen. The song rose to its conclusion.
"I sing because I'm happy; I sing because I'm free. For His eye is on the sparrow And I know He watches me."
When the last note was sung, the applause crescendoed to a deafening roar that would have rivaled a sold-out crowd at Carnegie Hall. Embarrassed, the woman tried to shout over the din, "Oh, y'all go back to your coffee! I didn't come in here to do a concert! I just came in here to get somethin' to drink, just like you!"
But the ovation continued.. I embraced my new friend. "You, my dear, have made my whole year! That was beautiful!"
"Well, it's funny that you picked that particular hymn," she said.
"Why is that?"
"Well ." she hesitated again, "that was my daughter's favorite song."
"Really!" I exclaimed.
"Yes," she said, and then grabbed my hands. By this time, the applause had subsided and it was business as usual... "She was 16. She died of a brain tumor last week."
I said the first thing that found its way through my stunned silence. "Are you going to be okay?"
She smiled through tear-filled eyes and squeezed my hands. "I'm gonna be okay. I've just got to keep trusting the Lord and singing his songs, and everything's gonna be just fine."
She picked up her bag, gave me her card, and then she was gone.
Was it just a coincidence that we happened to be singing in that particular coffee shop on that particular November night? Coincidence that this wonderful lady just happened to walk into that particular shop? Coincidence that of all the hymns to choose from, I just happened to pick the very hymn that was the favorite of her daughter, who had died just the week before? I refuse to believe it.
God has been arranging encounters in human history since the beginning of time, and it's no stretch for me to imagine that he could reach into a coffee shop in midtown Manhattan and turn an ordinary gig into a revival. It was a great reminder that if we keep trusting him and singing his songs, everything's gonna be okay.
The next time you feel like GOD can't use YOU, remember, Noah was a drunk, Abraham was too old, Isaac was a daydreamer, Jacob was a liar, Leah was ugly, Joseph was abused, Moses had a stuttering problem, Gideon was afraid, Samson had long hair and was a womanizer, Rahab was a prostitute, Jeremiah and Timothy were too young, David had an affair and was a murderer, Elijah was suicidal, Isaiah preached naked, Jonah ran from God, Peter denied Christ, The Disciples fell asleep while praying, And Lazarus was dead!
No more excuses now!! God can use you to your full potential. Besides you aren't the message, you are just the messenger.
Here in the States, Christmas starts about a week before Thanksgiving..so we've already had @ 3 wks of Christmas decorations, carols, commercials (those r the most annoying)..
In any case, this beautiful story, signifies the Love & Spirit that embodies Christmas & for which Christmas was originally invented...Enjoy!
The SPARROW at STARBUCKS - The song that silenced the cappuccino machine.
It was chilly in Manhattan but warm inside the Starbucks shop on 51st Street and Broadway, just a skip up from Times Square. Early November weather in New York City holds only the slightest hint of the bitter chill of late December and January, but it's enough to send the masses crowding indoors to vie for available space and warmth. For a musician, it's the most lucrative Starbucks location in the world, I'm told, and consequently, the tips can be substantial if you play your tunes right.
Apparently, we were striking all the right chords that night, because our basket was almost overflowing. It was a fun, low-pressure gig - I was playing keyboard and singing backup for my friend who also added rhythm with an arsenal of percussion instruments. We mostly did pop songs from the '40s to the '90s with a few original tunes thrown in. During our emotional rendition of the classic, "If You Don't Know Me by Now," I noticed a lady sitting in one of the lounge chairs across from me. She was swaying to the beat and singing along.
After the tune was over, she approached me. "I apologize for singing along on that song. Did it bother you?" she asked.
"No," I replied. "We love it when the audience joins in. Would you like to sing up front on the next selection?" To my delight, she accepted my invitation. "You choose," I said. "What are you in the mood to sing?"
"Well. ... do you know any hymns?" Hymns? This woman didn't know who she was dealing with. I cut my teeth on hymns. Before I was even born, I was going to church. I gave our guest singer a knowing look. "Name one."
"Oh, I don't know. There are so many good ones. You pick one."
"Okay," I replied. "How about 'His Eye is on the Sparrow'?"
My new friend was silent, her eyes averted. Then she fixed her eyes on mine again and said, "Yeah. Let's do that one." She slowly nodded her head, put down her purse, straightened her jacket and faced the center of the shop. With my two-bar setup, she began to sing, "Why should I be discouraged? Why should the shadows come?"
The audience of coffee drinkers was transfixed. Even the gurgling noises of the cappuccino machine ceased as the employees stopped what they were doing to listen. The song rose to its conclusion.
"I sing because I'm happy; I sing because I'm free. For His eye is on the sparrow And I know He watches me."
When the last note was sung, the applause crescendoed to a deafening roar that would have rivaled a sold-out crowd at Carnegie Hall. Embarrassed, the woman tried to shout over the din, "Oh, y'all go back to your coffee! I didn't come in here to do a concert! I just came in here to get somethin' to drink, just like you!"
But the ovation continued.. I embraced my new friend. "You, my dear, have made my whole year! That was beautiful!"
"Well, it's funny that you picked that particular hymn," she said.
"Why is that?"
"Well ." she hesitated again, "that was my daughter's favorite song."
"Really!" I exclaimed.
"Yes," she said, and then grabbed my hands. By this time, the applause had subsided and it was business as usual... "She was 16. She died of a brain tumor last week."
I said the first thing that found its way through my stunned silence. "Are you going to be okay?"
She smiled through tear-filled eyes and squeezed my hands. "I'm gonna be okay. I've just got to keep trusting the Lord and singing his songs, and everything's gonna be just fine."
She picked up her bag, gave me her card, and then she was gone.
Was it just a coincidence that we happened to be singing in that particular coffee shop on that particular November night? Coincidence that this wonderful lady just happened to walk into that particular shop? Coincidence that of all the hymns to choose from, I just happened to pick the very hymn that was the favorite of her daughter, who had died just the week before? I refuse to believe it.
God has been arranging encounters in human history since the beginning of time, and it's no stretch for me to imagine that he could reach into a coffee shop in midtown Manhattan and turn an ordinary gig into a revival. It was a great reminder that if we keep trusting him and singing his songs, everything's gonna be okay.
The next time you feel like GOD can't use YOU, remember, Noah was a drunk, Abraham was too old, Isaac was a daydreamer, Jacob was a liar, Leah was ugly, Joseph was abused, Moses had a stuttering problem, Gideon was afraid, Samson had long hair and was a womanizer, Rahab was a prostitute, Jeremiah and Timothy were too young, David had an affair and was a murderer, Elijah was suicidal, Isaiah preached naked, Jonah ran from God, Peter denied Christ, The Disciples fell asleep while praying, And Lazarus was dead!
No more excuses now!! God can use you to your full potential. Besides you aren't the message, you are just the messenger.
Friday, November 26, 2010
Thanksgiving..
So u thot the last post was cheesy..
Since it's Thanksgiving, I'm gonna talk about giving thanks at a time when you're just not "feeling it"..
I'm not gonna lie & say that this is always my "eternal-flowing-inner-sentiment", but I'm discovering more & more the virtues of positive thinking/praising God for the current circumstance..no matter what it is..(that's the tough part)..
The other day I walked to work--FROM MY HOUSE! Which after Googling I realize was a full 4 & a 1/2 miles from where I live..no wonder it took me nearly an hour & a 1/2..
This was a result of me just missing the last bus connection that that would've brought me to the mall where I work on time..the next bus wasn't due till 1/2 hour after I was supposed to BE at work..The reason for my initial busing expedition, was what I presumed a faulty connection in the electrics of my borrowed car, resulting in the dashboard lights not illuminating when I drove from work the night before..
My initial reaction to the situation:
--If the car I'm currently borrowing was in fully functioning order--or better yet (& this realization the true source of my annoyance), if I had a car of my own--this would be 1000% avoidable..
--Being a cloudy day, I'll probably get poured on & I don't have an umbrella..my freshly ironed work clothes will be ruined..
--I'll arrive at work hungry/tired & will still have to be on my feet after an hour + of walking..
While all of the above may have been true, since I'd determined my current position was unavoidable, I decided to look on the bright side..my stance then turned to...this:
--This hour walk SO takes care of my exercise for the day..
--While it's overcast, it's dry, resulting in less heat then if the sun was out & hey, as long as I'm not getting rained on, it's all good..
--A full hour of fresh air & looking at the Autumn colors throughout the full & floral residential areas of Smyrna & Vinnings, while listening to my favorite Metanoya on my phone, is actually more relaxing than anything else..
That kind of thinking brought me relaxed & invigorated to the restaurant where I'm working & had me hot-to-trot thru my following 6 hour shift..
It turns out that what I'd thot was a problem with the lights of my borrowed car, was merely a loose switch/dial that I'd accidentally turned down..(typical)..there wasn't a problem at all..but I had an enjoyable, DRY walk that turned out a pleasant experience instead of an awful one..
What do you have to be thankful for?
Happy Thanksgiving!
Since it's Thanksgiving, I'm gonna talk about giving thanks at a time when you're just not "feeling it"..
I'm not gonna lie & say that this is always my "eternal-flowing-inner-sentiment", but I'm discovering more & more the virtues of positive thinking/praising God for the current circumstance..no matter what it is..(that's the tough part)..
The other day I walked to work--FROM MY HOUSE! Which after Googling I realize was a full 4 & a 1/2 miles from where I live..no wonder it took me nearly an hour & a 1/2..
This was a result of me just missing the last bus connection that that would've brought me to the mall where I work on time..the next bus wasn't due till 1/2 hour after I was supposed to BE at work..The reason for my initial busing expedition, was what I presumed a faulty connection in the electrics of my borrowed car, resulting in the dashboard lights not illuminating when I drove from work the night before..
My initial reaction to the situation:
--If the car I'm currently borrowing was in fully functioning order--or better yet (& this realization the true source of my annoyance), if I had a car of my own--this would be 1000% avoidable..
--Being a cloudy day, I'll probably get poured on & I don't have an umbrella..my freshly ironed work clothes will be ruined..
--I'll arrive at work hungry/tired & will still have to be on my feet after an hour + of walking..
While all of the above may have been true, since I'd determined my current position was unavoidable, I decided to look on the bright side..my stance then turned to...this:
--This hour walk SO takes care of my exercise for the day..
--While it's overcast, it's dry, resulting in less heat then if the sun was out & hey, as long as I'm not getting rained on, it's all good..
--A full hour of fresh air & looking at the Autumn colors throughout the full & floral residential areas of Smyrna & Vinnings, while listening to my favorite Metanoya on my phone, is actually more relaxing than anything else..
That kind of thinking brought me relaxed & invigorated to the restaurant where I'm working & had me hot-to-trot thru my following 6 hour shift..
It turns out that what I'd thot was a problem with the lights of my borrowed car, was merely a loose switch/dial that I'd accidentally turned down..(typical)..there wasn't a problem at all..but I had an enjoyable, DRY walk that turned out a pleasant experience instead of an awful one..
What do you have to be thankful for?
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Price moments..
It amazes me at how short a day really is..24 hours sometimes seems to just fly by & we're left looking back at a week that was a joint effort of 7 seamless days that just passed with our barely glancing twice..
But then at the same time, when you stop & think about it, there are a lot of little moments in each day that make up noteworthy events, even though they may be little...when you do stop to notice..
The other day I read something in a book by Kevin Trudeau about getting 15 minutes of sunlight a day & the health benefits attached..now I see that 10 minute walk from the bus, or that little "pause" in the sun outside the mall on my break in a totally different way..
..then the fact that we had 2 weeks of straight sun this month proved another thing to get happy about..During said 2 wks the Autumn colors were in full display & just stepping outside anywhere here in Georgia seemed a treat..
The other day at work I happened to overhear one of my guests speaking Dutch with her son at one of my tables (I work at a restaurant) this was all I needed to launch into a full-on, albeit broken, 20 minute Dutch conversation with her & we were both thrilled as we relayed to each other in a language that we both loved (neither of us being originally Dutch, by the way) the events that made up our lives up till our "chance" meeting that day..
Just yesterday & today I had the most quality 24 hour visit one could have with a missionary family I've been very close to over the last 10 years in Birmingham, Alabama..the smiles on their children's faces & the care & concern I receive from the parents (who, incidentally, have adopted me as one of their children) warms my heart to the full & is truly irreplaceable...totally special..
Life is made up of these type moments..
Let's savor these as much as we would the big things that come our way...cuz hey, those "biggies" may not come around that often..
But then at the same time, when you stop & think about it, there are a lot of little moments in each day that make up noteworthy events, even though they may be little...when you do stop to notice..
The other day I read something in a book by Kevin Trudeau about getting 15 minutes of sunlight a day & the health benefits attached..now I see that 10 minute walk from the bus, or that little "pause" in the sun outside the mall on my break in a totally different way..
..then the fact that we had 2 weeks of straight sun this month proved another thing to get happy about..During said 2 wks the Autumn colors were in full display & just stepping outside anywhere here in Georgia seemed a treat..
The other day at work I happened to overhear one of my guests speaking Dutch with her son at one of my tables (I work at a restaurant) this was all I needed to launch into a full-on, albeit broken, 20 minute Dutch conversation with her & we were both thrilled as we relayed to each other in a language that we both loved (neither of us being originally Dutch, by the way) the events that made up our lives up till our "chance" meeting that day..
Just yesterday & today I had the most quality 24 hour visit one could have with a missionary family I've been very close to over the last 10 years in Birmingham, Alabama..the smiles on their children's faces & the care & concern I receive from the parents (who, incidentally, have adopted me as one of their children) warms my heart to the full & is truly irreplaceable...totally special..
Life is made up of these type moments..
Let's savor these as much as we would the big things that come our way...cuz hey, those "biggies" may not come around that often..
Thursday, November 04, 2010
perseverance..
is something we all need to make it along as times wax tougher & tougher..
I love these already put together acronyms that hit a certain cord in my heart & say what I would've wanted to say..
I won't take credit for the little "breakdown" below, but it'll ring just as true, nonetheless..hope it encourages you today..
* Persist no matter what.
* Endure discomfort.
* Request help.
* Steadfastly hold on to your beliefs and values.
* Envision triumph.
* Very consistently keep at it.
* Embrace adversity as your teacher.
* Refuse to give up.
* Enjoy and celebrate every tiny bit of progress!
I love these already put together acronyms that hit a certain cord in my heart & say what I would've wanted to say..
I won't take credit for the little "breakdown" below, but it'll ring just as true, nonetheless..hope it encourages you today..
* Persist no matter what.
* Endure discomfort.
* Request help.
* Steadfastly hold on to your beliefs and values.
* Envision triumph.
* Very consistently keep at it.
* Embrace adversity as your teacher.
* Refuse to give up.
* Enjoy and celebrate every tiny bit of progress!
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