Hi everyone! I hope you are all enjoying this lovely holiday season. Today I went into the town with my mom and the children. We had a simply marvellous time. Of course we went early to avoid the afternoon rush. It seems as if many persons had the same idea we did because there were lots of people shopping and folks seemed to be having a jolly good time despite the economic melt down.

I really believe that each holiday season gives persons the opportunity to relax and unwind regardless of their financial status. My mom seemed to be in her element. I was very happy to see her so alive and vibrant because she seldom wants to go out and interact as she seems to think that she is too old to enjoy life anymore. Shopping for my sister's wedding anniversary certainly brightened her up. On Christmas Day my little sis will be celebrating her 11th anniversary.

Well... my mom had a whale of a time. She met friends she hadn't seen in ages. I'm real happy for her. As I was saying, money or no money, people seem to be having a very good time. True happiness really does not consist in wealth or possessions. I think it is just lovely to saunter along the streets in the radiance of the sunshine. Indeed today was a lovely day to be out.

I believe we are very blessed here in Jamaica. Today I enjoyed these blessings:

• The warmth and brilliance of the sunshine
• The beauty of the azure sky
• The friendly service of the salespersons
• The companionship of my family members- particularly my mother's
• My view of the lush green hillsides
• Wonderful Jamaican meals

Tomorrow I'll be busy baking cakes. That should be great fun. I just love baking.

Have a good night and may God bless you all.

Families United in Christ

Last night we had wonderful family togetherness programme at church. It was really awesome I wish I had a few pictures to show you but I'm still saving to buy myself a digital camera so I can capture some special moments to share with you. At my church we have a member who lost her mother, her house and all her possessions in a fire a few years ago. She struggled along with her husband, as they tried to start all over again. I imagine that a blow of that nature must have been staggering, given the fact that they were past middle age.

As a church, we encouraged and assisted where possible as they tried to make sense of the tragedy that had overtaken them. Sad to say a few months ago this sister was dealt another cruel blow when her husband was snatched away from her by the cold hands of death. We can only imagine her pain and intense mental anguish. Not only that, but without her husband her financial woes increased. The devil certainly knows how to pour it on doesn't he?

Well! What can I say? We serve a mighty God who is great in providence. Giving all to Him makes a difference. Our family togetherness programme was designed to show our unity as we reached out in a tangible way to alleviate the distress of our sister. All the families in the church made their contribution to provide a 'purse' for our sister so she could have a brand new start. The support was tremendous as persons gave freely as the Lord had blessed them. God is indeed able to provide for His people abundant blessings.

As the presentation was made the brethren rejoiced and cheered. It was a moment of gladness. Yet many cheeks were wet as tears of joy streamed down the face of that sister and the faces of those who were present. Indeed it was a blessed moment. It's not over yet. There will be more rivers to cross and more mountains to climb but knowing God, being a part of His family, and uniting in service will certainly make the journey more tolerable and successful.

May God bless you all.

Grade Dinner

Tomorrow will be our grade dinner. We will be taking our Grade 9 students to a hotel to dine. As usual I'm expecting it to be great fun. We work hard during the school year and it is at times like these when we get an opportunity to play hard and just enjoy ourselves. I am definitely looking forward to this occasion.

I am a fun-loving person who thrives on adventure and excitement. Many people do not know that part of me as I tend to restrain myself. Yet there are times when I can't help but give in to the sheer joy of being alive. My students know both sides of me. They know me as a no-nonsense person who demands nothing less than the best from them. They also know my keen sense of humour and love of fun.

Well, I am definitely expecting to have a good time if all goes well. I got myself one of the prettiest dresses you ever did see. It feels so smug and comfy on me. Of course this was definitely not in my budget but since I will be on holidays for the next few weeks I'm hoping it will balance out. If it doesn't I'll be in trouble so I'm just praying and hoping. That's another thing about me I'm really too impulsive for my own good. I sometimes act and then I find myself thinking, 'Now why did I do that?'

I certainly hope I'll be able to hold my head up above water this time around. Ah well! I guess that I can only hope for the best. At least I'll have a jolly good time. With the economy as it is these times are not as regular as they used to be. I'll let you know how it fares. I guess you all know me a little better now. As time goes by I'll share more of myself with you.

May the Lord bless and keep us all.

Exam Time

For the past week I've been very busy marking examination papers. Quite a task I must say, since I had a mountain of papers to go through. It is never easy at this time of the school year. Anyway, I seem to be getting through nicely even though I would have appreciated a bit of help if it were available.

I must confess that the marking of examination scripts can be a very rewarding experience even though marking is tedious and time consuming. There is this warm glow that spreads over me when my students excel. There are times when I come upon a particularly good paper and I just feel like punching the air and shouting with joy:

'Yes! Perfect! He got it! Great job!'

Right away I want to share my joy with someone else. I just can't keep it to myself. I am like a proud mother who wants share with a close friend that special moment when her child excels. It may seem strange but I have a strong bond with my students and consider them my children even though I am not their biological mother. If they hurt; I hurt. If they succeed; I am like a proud mother. Don't try to understand. I guess it is just one of those inexplicable things.

Anyway, I have had a number of students doing well in their examinations and to tell you the truth I am tickled pink. This takes me to the point I want to make. If I can feel this way about students excelling in a temporal examination, I wonder about God's reaction when we excel in the daily tests that prepare us for eternity. Paul offers us the following words of encouragement:" study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth".

Whether we believe it or not we are students in God's classroom and the lessons being taught are to prepare us for eternity. How well are we mastering the lessons taught? By the grace of God let us study well and be excellent students thus giving God the opportunity to say: Hast thou considered my servant ___________? (Put your name there.)

I'm sure He'll be tickled pink.

Have a blessed night.

Stock-Taking

It's the first day of December. I don't know if you all feel the way I do. Somehow, I feel the need to revisit the rooms of my heart and ensure that they are prepared for holy visitors. As the old year draws to a close, I must take stock of how well I have managed my Master's assets. I'm expecting Him soon because I'll be one year closer to His coming as soon as the new year rolls in.

So, I enter the living room and begin checking. I look at the sofas all soft and comfy. Are they in perfect condition or do they show signs of wear? I inspect them carefully knowing that my Master expects them to be all worn out by the time He arrives. If I have entertained strangers, invited in widows and cared for orphans then my sofas will certainly show signs of wear. I'm not totally satisfied with the condition of the sofas. I'll have to certainly work on welcoming far more widows, orphans and even strangers next year. No, I'll begin right away. There's no time like the present. I look over at the television. Seems I didn't use it much. The Master won't mind though. He wants me to guard well the avenues of the mind. He also wants me to use my time wisely. I think He will be quite pleased to see that the television was seldom used.

Ah well! Let me hop over to the dining room. Is there wholesome food on my table? What have I been eating? What have I been feeding my family? Do I see some rich desserts filled with sugar and milk? Or do I see fruits, cereals and fresh vegetables? Wait a minute... Did I deliver any food baskets this year? Oh dear! Did I share my meals with the poor amd the needy? Could I have shared more? I do believe that I could have. The Master has given me so much.

Stock taking is difficult isn't it? I have not been to all the rooms. Two rooms and suddenly I'm all tired out. I have much to think about tonight. Probably you would like to join me in stocktaking. It might encourage my soul. Well, I'll do some more another day. See you soon.

Have a blessed night.

Christmas But Not Yet (Part 2)

As I was saying in my last post Jesus will soon come to take His faithful people home. CHRISTMAS!!! As a result of His request in John 17:24 the marriage will be consummated. PRAISE THE LORD. The scripture records: 'And they that were ready went in with Him to the marriage and the door was shut'. HALLELUJAH!!! There is a sense of security because the saints have been shut in with with Jesus.

So here we are...down to the final ministration when the great work for man's salvation will be finished. According to Daniel 12:1-3 Michael stands up to go for His children. For the space of half an hour heaven is silent as Jesus approaches Planet Earth with His retinue of angels. CHRISTMAS!!! His children are heard saying in the words of Isaiah 25:9: 'Lo this is our God we have waited for Him and He will save us: this is the Lord we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation'. CHRISTMAS (not x-mas) is in the air. Christmas is a-coming and the grapes are already fat.

Good news, my friends, all are invited and all may attend. See (Matt.22:4, Luke 14:16-17 and Rev.22:17). Jesus has promised to gird Himself and serve us. The wedding supper of the Lamb will be served. Oh what a joy! Christmas at last! I can hear the ransomed choir start to sing 'Amazing Grace'. It will be a grand celebration, friends. Signs of the time signal that the Christian Christmas will soon be here. Jesus will come to serve at the banqueting table. My friends are you ready to celebrate? Will you be made ready? Accept Jesus today. By God's grace let us meet at the banqueting table.


Love you all but Jesus loves you better. Reach out in faith today and be touched by God's grace.

Christmas-But Not Yet- Part 1

We are about a month away from what the world now dubs as Christmas Day and folks are getting excited. Yet, in all the general pandemonium that takes place supposedly in His honour, very little is seen of this Jesus- man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Somehow He is strangely absent from the feasting and pleasure seeking masses which are held. Sad to say, many Christians are being swept away on the high tides of commercialism, sensuality and gluttony that sweeps over communities at this time of the year.

The life of Christ refutes the idea of Christmas celebration as we know it today. While on earth Christ lived a life of self sacrifice. Reveling, feasting and merriment were not to be His lot. Christ lived in the shadow of the cross and yet very few people recognized it. I can well imagine the intensity of emotions which many Jews experienced when they heard that Jesus was born. The thought of liberation from the Jewish yoke would have been uppermost in their minds. This would have been reason enough to celebrate. Christ, the Liberator, had come on the scene. "Christmas!" But not yet.

First the cross... but the Jews couldn't understand it. They failed to understand Christ's mission. Could it be that we are still misunderstanding even today? Interestingly, even the disciples failed to understand Christ's mission and looked for 'Christmas' prematurely. The sons of Zebedee were ready for 'Christmas'. They even desired to have the best seats at the gala. Judas too wanted 'Christmas' prematurely. His desire led to the betrayal of Jesus. Today we too want 'Christmas' prematurely.

The crucifixion of Christ was a crushing blow to His disciples. Today, persons are crushed when they face the startling fact that there must be a crucifixion of self before there can be a 'Christmas celebration'. Yet 'Christmas' is a-coming. Soon Christ will come for His people in fulfilment of His promise in St. John 14:1-3. (To be continued)

Praise The Lord!!!

Am I the only one noticing how rapidly the days are passing? It seems like the years just roll in and out like the waves of the sea. Well, once more we are on the brink of a new year. The challenges, we must admit, have been many. There were times when we felt we could not nave made it so far into 2008. We were buffeted by the powers of darkness and at times it seemed as if the mountains were extremely difficult to climb.

For many of us there were mountains of debt we couldn't clamber over, mountains of poor health, economic instability, family disputes, misunderstandings, and even mountains of spiritual maladies/inadequacies. Yet as Ruth says there is much to praise God for. Tonight I want to praise the Lord for the following blessings:

1) The blessing of present life which according to His promise will one day blossom into life eternal. I look forward with a sense of anticipation to that day.

2) The blessing of health

3) The blessing of family and friends who support and encourage

4) The blessing of the students I teach- indeed despite the challenges they present their love and affection is genuine- I am rejuvenated just by being with them- they help to keep me young. :)

5) The blessing of a fruitful land to live in

6) The blessing of a church family by which my spiritual life is enriched

7) The blessing of comparative comfort of home- it still needs working on- but I feel extra blessed when I remember that the Son of Man had no place to call home

8) The blessing of the Internet which brings programmes which present deep spiritual truths that I'm enriched by

9) The blessing of sight, hearing, speech, smell and feeling- can't imagine how it feels to be deprived of one's senses

10) Last, but perhaps most significant, the blessing of trials and problems which serves to keep me focused and on my knees.

Hi

I intended to post tonight but I'm deadbeat. I've been marking papers and recording grades from the moment I got home. I will try to post tomorrow

Have a blessed night.

Making the Moments Count

As we look around us each day we see the baleful effects of sin on planet earth. Each day makes it increasingly clearer that signs of the times are appearing in rapid succession as prophecies reach their fulfilment. Today we live in a world where men's heart are indeed failing them for fear. Crime has escalated to alarming proportions and even babies are being brutally abused and slain. Yet we are assured that our present state of existence will not continue forever.

According to the Scriptures our Lord shall come and will not keep silence. For the Christian, 'we have this hope that burns within our hearts, hope in the coming of the Lord'. We can fully concur with Wayne Hooper that 'the time is here when the nations far and near shall awake and shout and sing Hallelujah Christ is King!' I believe with all my heart that some day soon our Lord will put in His appearance to eradicate sin from planet earth. Indeed our time here is short. There's no getting around that.

So how do we make the moments count? May I humbly make a few suggestions here? I do not count myself an authority on such matters so feel free to share your suggestions as well. Here goes:


1) Love God above all else.

2) Love all men- even the unlovable.

3) Give willingly- it will return to you full measure, pressed down and running over.

4) Be kindhearted to all regardless of class, colour or gender.

5) Be an intercessor- pray earnestly for others, even for your enemies.

6) Be temperate in all things- moderation is an excellent guide.

7) Maintain a healthy diet

8) Exercise daily

9) Take time for family and recreation

10) Be an effective witness- let your life be an open book which all men can read.

I'm sure there are several other ways of making the moments count. How about sharing some you have thought about with me. Remember, today take time to stop and smell the roses, you'll last longer my friend. :)

The Need for Light

In every situation there is a lesson to be learned. The truth of this hit me like a hammer this morning as I prepared for church. A few days ago I told you about the unfortunate situation in which a gentleman found himself. I remember telling you that I giggled uncontrollably. Interestingly, I wasn't giggling this morning. Can you guess why? Of course you can! The laugh was on me!

I'll tell you what happened. I was all dressed for church when I decided that I needed a little listerine to make sure that my mouth was smelling extra fresh for the day at church. However, mine was finished. I asked my mom to let me have some of hers. We share the same house. She tossed me her key and I hastened to her room. By this time everyone was in the car waiting for me because we were already late.

Well my dear friends, I was in her room with a hop, skip and a bounce. In my haste I didn't bother to turn on the light even though with all the windows tightly locked the room was dark. I just bounded to her dressing table and picked up the bottle of listerine and poured some into my mouth so I could proceed with my gargling. To my consternation the strong scent of dettol assailed me. I had poured DETTOL into my mouth.

I hastened outside to spew it out. I was nauseated and gagged helplessly. Everyone hurried out of the car and tried to determine the cause of my discomfiture and to assist. When I could eventually speak my daughter began giggling uncontrollably. It was so funny now that she phoned my sister to ensure that she had a good laugh too. Needless to say I was not myself for the entire morning. You may be laughing now because I am quite okay and none the worse for the experience. What is the lesson here though?

Mankind needs light. When we walk in darkness we stumble and sometimes fall. Jesus declares 'I am the light of the world'. If I had taken the time to turn on the light I would have seen that the bottle contained Dettol. We cannot safely traverse this earth without the light of Jesus to guide our steps. The word of God, the Bible, is designed to flood our lives with heavenly rays of light. We need to take the time to open its pages and allow the rays of God's light to permeate our very being.

Turn on the light. It is your guarantee of spiritual safety. It will prevent you from imbibing poisonous doctrines. Be blessed and stay blessed. Love you all.

Amusing but Serious

Yesterday I had a really interesting experience which I found amusing. My husband and I sat in a line of traffic which was moving slowly as a result of some road work being done. A man alighted from a car just in front of ours with two hefty pieces of luggage. These he placed in the trunk of a waiting taxi. Having secured his luggage he opened the door of the car he intended entering.

It was at this point that the plot thickened. As that poor man stood poised to enter; the car took off at a most surprising speed almost sending him sprawling. The man stared, mouth agape as his luggage disappeared around the bend. I giggled uncontrollably. However, there's a lesson to be learned.

The panic flight by the driver was caused simply because he was driving an illegal taxi and the transport authority turned up. Could we be in such a situation where we engage in forbidden activities and are forced to flee when we finally realize that God is right on spot observing us? That man who was left standing, bereft of his luggage was adversely affected by the driver's callous and inconsiderate behaviour. He could have been seriously injured. Where am I going with this line of argument? Our actions, believe it or not, impact on others. When we get caught in these dilemmas, those around us are left to stare in wide eyed astonishment. As a result, they sometimes stumble and fall.

Let us therefore strive to obey the law of God so we have no fear of being condemned by it.

Love will make a Difference.

Milepost

Those of you who read yesterday's post will realize that today is a significant milepost in my life. I reflect on the past as I realize that, I, albeit undeservedly, have had 20 years of extended life. Twenty years seems to be a long, long time. Yet, it pales into insignificance when compared to eternity.

Extended life in the here and now is good. Nevertheless I look forward to that day when time shall be changed into eternity. Death will have lost its sting and the grave its victory. You may have lost a loved one to the grave. Take heart. A day is coming when according to the promise 'there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be anymore pain for the former things are passed away'.

I've learned to smile in adversity because I'm assured that joy comes in the morning.

Blessings

I am Blessed

Today I am feeling abundantly blessed. You may wonder why. It is with a sense of awe and humility that I share a tiny portion of my life with you. The year was 1988- twenty years ago to be exact.

I was poised precariously between life and death. I can even now remember the cardiologists hovering around me trying to hear my faint heartbeat which was somehow being silenced by the heartbeat of the baby I was carrying. The lines of concentration and care showed clearly in their faces. I struggled to remain calm although their serious expressions indicated that I was in a crisis. I was experiencing difficulty with my breathing and as the doctors prodded and poked at my swollen body I had a premonition that things were worse than I supposed.

It did not take long for my deepest fears to be confirmed. My condition was critical and I had to sign forms so that the doctors could perform the surgery to remove the baby the very next day. I was now 8 months pregnant and had been hospitalized for at least five months with only occasional weekends at home. Twice I had faded away into heart failure. Now the doctors were adamant that to keep me in that condition any longer was to sign my death warrant. Even now I can remember the fear that clutched at my heart as I overheard one of the cardiologists saying, "Sister, can't you see we are losing this patient?"

I painfully signed the forms then placed a call to my mother to let her know that I would be being operated on the next day. She was going to prayer meeting that night so she assured me that the brethren there would be petitioning God's throne on my behalf. I was somewhat comforted but could not stop the tears from rolling down my cheek.

I prayed and somehow slept that night. The next morning I was prepared for theatre and by midmorning the porters came for me. Once more tears rolled down my cheeks as the realization dawned on me that there was a possibility that even if the baby lived I might not make it out alive. Nevertheless, I placed my trust in God and made the decision that whatever the outcome I just wanted Him to save me by his matchless grace.

At 2:08 p.m on November 8, 1988, the doctors removed Roxanne from my womb and ushered her into the world. According to the records she gave a lusty cry. Her little lungs were strong, despite her mother's weakness. What of her mother? According to my doctors I was dead to the world. I could not be awakened. I was placed in the intensive care unit but as night approached I slept on. One doctor said he was convinced that they were losing me as it seemed that I would just slip quietly into that sleep of death.

It is good to place one's confidence in God. The Creator is indeed the Sustainer of all. This is what happened: I felt a slap on my thigh. I awakened to the cries of, 'Thank you Jesus'. As I looked across the ward I saw a nurse on the other side staring at me as if she was in a state of shock. By this time I discovered that I was the one shouting 'thank you Jesus'. As the nurse rushed over to my side I tried to control the emotions that flooded over my entire being. With much effort I quietened as the nurse tenderly administered to my needs. I had been touched from heaven's throne room. My God delivered when it seemed there was no hope. What a God to serve, to love, and pant after!!!

He delivered me and I am still alive 20 years after. Today as I re-live that experience I am blessed. He can deliver you, my friends. Only trust Him, serve Him fully, then experience His blessings.

Love you all.

Rainy Weather

November is here and it seems to be bringing us some well needed rain. For many of us the change in weather conditions is a welcome one. Others bewail the wetness and the mud. I love the rain because it brings lushness to the crops in the field. My daughter is not very thrilled about the rain as her new room was flooded and she had to move into her original room. I suspect we have some fixing to do to cope with this rainy season. Nevertheless, there is much to thank God for.

He has been wonderful and gracious to us. It is not too early to start counting our blessings and naming them one by one. I know we will be just overwhelmed to see what the Lord has done for us throughout this year. I have been studying the atonement of Christ at my church and I am just tickled pink to think that God would give his only beloved son to die in my place. He died in your place too. Oh, what a love!!!

I hope you will all plan to give Jesus your heart. That is the best New Year's resolution you could ever make. Love you all.

Did you miss me?

I haven't been around for a while but my thoughts have been with you. I hope you haven't missed me too much. God continues to be good to us in spite of the many trials we face each day. Recently, I had the privilege of spending some time at a hotel where I had a great time. It was a beautiful experience- an escape from reality to a haven of rest.

Of course, by that experience my thoughts were transported to another haven. I thought of that lovely city,the New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven. I sat there around the banqueting table enjoying all the pleasures of Eden restored. Soon it will no longer be a dream but a blissful reality. It will not be a hotel but it will be home sweet home at last.

If you are reading this today won't you plan to meet me there?

Love you all.

School Reopens

I am back at work today and the heat is on . There is a bevy of activity all around me. Meetings and still more meetings. Yet it's good to slow down and reflect on one's blessings. The blessing of good health, the blessing of being employed, the blessing of being alive for just one more moment in time is enough to praise God for. Today, I am blessed. Hope you are too. May God bless you abundantly as you reflect on his goodness.

After the Storm

It's amazing the havoc that a little storm can wreak in our lives. Our electrical supply is cut off, the water goes from our taps and in some cases our roofs are lifted from above our heads. We become vulnerable. It is good when the winds still, the water ceases its buffeting and the storm is over. We can begin the rebuilding process.

Life is a journey and, inevitably, storms similar to Gustav arise to jolt us out of our comfort zone. In many ways, our light is cut off, our water goes and our roofs lift. We become so vulnerable that we need a haven in which to rest - an oasis if you please.

Today, take heart 'because the journey is too great for thee'. Rest a while; after the storm there'll be the still small voice - that voice which will direct us to greater heights and higher pursuits. Take heart for after the storm comes the calm. We can rebuild.

Love you all,
Verne

Who needs rest?

We live in a fast paced world where we are constantly bombarded by innumerable essentials that scream at us 'get me done now or else!!!' There is really no time for many of us to relax, unwind and be rejuvenated. As a result, we rush around in a mad round of activities which slowly but surely incapacitates us and steals our joy in living.

Today, if you are reading this post, you need rest. We all need rest so that we can reflect and focus on the bigger picture. We can begin to live abundantly.

Today, take some time to smell the roses; to see the beauty of the sunshine; to smile at that ragged, little boy; to tell your spouse 'I love you'. Slow down enough, my friends, to allow your inner man to be touched and influenced by the Holy Spirit. You will last longer, my friend.

May you be saturated by God's peace today. I love you all. Have a blessed day.