Her Sides

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, our routines can quickly rob us of the excitement and anticipation that each new day should bring. Yet, within these mundane tasks lies an opportunity for a profound shift in perspective—a chance to rediscover the thrill of living. One powerful way to do this is by cultivating a grateful heart. Gratitude has endless benefits and can open countless doors. Whether it's the smile of a child saying "thank you" or the profound gratitude we express to God, gratitude can multiply blessings in our lives. There are countless opportunities to express gratitude in our everyday lives, from the moment we awaken to the time we drift off to sleep.   For instance, as we coax our children out of bed for school, their protests can be a reminder of the joy of having them in our lives, their voices a symphony of blessings. Breakfast becomes not just sustenance but a moment to be thankful for the food on our table. Our daily commute, perhaps o

  A study of Ezekiel 43- 45   The book of Ezekiel, from chapters 43 to 45, vividly describes how restoration happens when God's glory enters the Temple. Reading through these verses reminds me of the transformation that occurs at salvation, how the feeling of chaos gets replaced by the overwhelming sense of God's presence that brings peace and calm that settles you. You feel covered by a sense of safety and comfort reflective of his glory as you enter and stay in his presence. The more you prioritize the time spent with God, the more his character rubs off on you, and you get clarity on his plan and promises for your life.   But what happens when we move away from God? We lose connection to his presence and glory and fall out of his purpose, plan and promises. Ezekiel's description of the return of God's glory to the Temple is an excellent reminder to re-evaluate our stance with God and return to him. As we do this, he promises to restore his

We all realize we can't control what is or will be at some point. We can do our best to influence it. We can work hard to set it up for success, but ultimately, there is an element of the Divine in the outcome of everything. Recent reports on the world's economy have brought much anxiety to organizations and individuals, leaving us with more questions than answers. Will the inflation rate make me sell my home? Will my business survive the economic strain? Will my job get cut in the next rounds of layoffs? Questions and questions assail our minds every free second of the day.  Daniel 4:17 tells us that God rules the affairs of men and gives them to whoever he wants. So while we may try to resolve some of these questions or anticipate and plan for some, the truth remains that the outcomes remain in God's hands. If we know and believe this, what should our stance be in a crunch? I came across Isaiah 37: 30  and decided it would be the Outlook I'd take on my economy for the

If God was to write a letter to you as he did to the churches in Revelation, what would he say? To the church in Ephesus, he says I know your work, perseverance and that you cannot tolerate wicked people, but you have turned away from your first love and have fallen, so repent. To the church in Smyrna, he acknowledges their afflictions and poverty yet commends their richness in Christ and faith, encouraging them to stay faithful to the end as they are about to be tested and persecuted. To the church in Pergamum, he wrote I know you live where Satan has his throne, yet you have remained faithful to me. They did not renounce their faith even in the days of trouble. Yet, some among them taught false doctrines and enticed others to sin. To the church in Thyatira, he wrote about their love and faith and how they are doing more for him now than at first. Still, he calls out their errors of letting an immoral woman and false prophet run loose among them, misleading others into sexual i

  "Sow your seed in the morning,   and at evening let your hands not be idle,   for you do not know which will succeed,   whether this or that,   or whether both will do equally well." Ecclesiastes 11:6 (NIV)   At every stage of life, sometimes you'd look around and feel the puzzles of life, leaving you stumped. You may feel like you are in a maze sometimes. The endless twists and turns of everyday obstacles could seem like you constantly run into walls and dead ends. And since we can't predict the future, we sometimes have to stumble along with our hands trailing the walls as we search for the clues to exit the maze. The endless possibilities and outcomes of life's choices make you sometimes wonder which road to take. Without a sure roadmap to guide us, I choose to follow a simple concept that has helped my success in many areas of my life; and that is: Try everything. Every thought, every idea, every teeny skill, every tiny dream, every seemingly irrelevant op

I attended the celebration of a man's life with a legacy of kindness. First, I listened as everyone talked about how he had impacted their lives and how much his life had inspired and influenced them. Then I meditated on the words of the various hymns we sang as we celebrated his faith and transitioned into a new life. Lastly, I listened to the preacher's message as he discussed the importance of living a good life here on earth and its influence on life afterwards.  As I listened, as started to think about the words of Solomon and how he sums up what life is truly about in Ecclesiastes 12:13 - Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. We are encouraged to value every moment on earth and use it wisely in reverence and service to our maker. Our time on earth, however long or short, is limited, and we need to approach living with grace, purpose and wisdom.  Teaching and after teaching in the bible encourage us to love God and love each other; beyond