Long time present

It's about 2 years since I last posted on this blog and a lot has happened. I have gone through many changes in my life including the loss of one of my brothers and I have had personal tragedies that have led me to question everything. However, the most important thing that I can proudly state is that no matter what I have been through, my faith in God has remained stable. I am a believer in everything happening for a reason even when the experience is so painful. The way I have got through these tough two years is by praying more and more; praising more and more and trusting God more and more even when I had no energy and felt as if no one was listening. Yes, miracles do happen because God has remained faithful. Looking back on the Footprints poem, it was when I saw one set of footprints that the Lord carried me. I had nothing else left, no energy, no motivation, nothing....one day I got so tired to the point that I went to pray in church and after a while fell asleep there...it was the most refreshing sleep ever because when I woke up, I had a peacefulness inside and made me stand still in the presence of the Lord. I felt like I had got an awakening by the Holy Spirit. I still feel it. I feel new. I feel re-energized. I feel encouraged. Thank you God for not giving up on me. Stay blessed everyone.

STRENGTHENED

...the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
(Psalm 27:1)


...whosoever believes in Him shall not be ashamed.
(Romans 9:33)

Five

Lord, I have been married five years and all the things I used to fantasize about being married have remained exactly that - a fantasy!

Marriage is not easy, especially when I don't get my way (all the time). I am used to getting what I want when I want it but of all the lessons I have learnt since being married is that to love someone is indeed a great thing! Sometimes the joys overshadow the bitterness of unspent anger and vice versa. But of late, the anger seems to be mounting a big come-back. Many times, I am reminded of the vows I took and humbled by the fact that I said I would be strong in good times and bad, in sickness and in health......you catch my drift?

My patience has definitely grown and my tolerance too. Compromise means just that! And boy is this ringing loud in my ears!

I resolve to keep on keeping on and to overlook the unpleasant. I am going to be a better wife because after taking stock, I have realised that I have lapsed a bit in one or two areas. Anyhow, the 'tug of war' continues and life goes on!

I salute those people who have been married for sixty odd years! Tell me the secret. please.

Time

There is a time to dig, and a time to plough
A time to sow, and a time to reap
A time to plant, and a time to harvest
A time to scatter, and a time to gather
A time to weed, and a time to water
A time to collect, and a time to distribute

A successful crop requires time
A successful outcome requires timed planning
A successful result may come after failure
Repetition to conquer shows motivation to succeed
So it's okay if things take time
As long as waiting time is not wasted time

by Pauline Okposi

Inner beauty

Don't be concerned about the outward beauty

that depends on

fancy hairstyles, expensive jewellery or beautiful clothes.

You should be known for the beauty that comes from within;

the unfading beauty of a

gentle and quiet spirit,

which is so precious to God.

1 Peter 3: 3-4

Those who need me

Please God, let those that need me always be able to recognise me and reach me,
no matter how good or bad I feel inside.
Amen.

Pat Caplin, of Colchester.

Promises

Never make promises

unless you are sure you will honour your word.

For people who make promises

that they don't keep

are like nimbus clouds

that bring no rain.