tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-827109017527337202024-03-05T11:52:42.201+00:00RubologsSharing. Caring. Affecting Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900443427684017548noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82710901752733720.post-81680773432108135142018-03-05T19:35:00.000+00:002018-03-05T19:35:09.170+00:00The curse of the 're'<style type="text/css">
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #454545}
p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #454545; min-height: 14.0px}
</style>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UAd2piJqWl1EWQeEuUtUCKHyuGf7R4QFIT5MV-j12U7_XQKfBBXb90yI84LxXNHyW2auNip7RKFK9rSOqVqiwFDBKykj2rlY-9Ct8QDCbPEe6-JDViY9dr3uPrQcwbUlenLXTXnlDZ0/s1600/IMG_4507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7UAd2piJqWl1EWQeEuUtUCKHyuGf7R4QFIT5MV-j12U7_XQKfBBXb90yI84LxXNHyW2auNip7RKFK9rSOqVqiwFDBKykj2rlY-9Ct8QDCbPEe6-JDViY9dr3uPrQcwbUlenLXTXnlDZ0/s640/IMG_4507.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus-Philippians 3:14</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hi everyone,<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Welcome to the month of March. Usually, there are little sightings of blossoms by this time. However, in the UK where I currently reside we are recovering from our recent battle with the snow.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'm sure some of you read this and felt I may be speaking about emails. Well not necessarily. Any of these words sound familiar to you-REenergise, REvive, REstore, REdo, REpeat, REawaken?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> If they do, keep reading. </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last month, there was a week I didn't go to the gym as regularly as I do. I was scheduled to do a session for an hour that particular day but I was tired. I hadn't slept properly in two days and I felt justified in my decision.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I got home and I felt I'd be pleased going home and resting but I hated it. In fact, I had been so used to working past my tiredness that sliding back didn't feel good (but I felt that I deserved a break).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The month of January was an easy month to stay motivated and on top of things. I mean, it was a new month and a new year. However, once I made it past January, it was easy to slack and fall back to old habits.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is what got me thinking about what I call, ‘the curse of the re’. I only felt it was necessary to reenergise, start again, build momentum in January but for some reason it was hard to maintain for other months, or so I imagined.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The prefix ‘re’<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>used at the beginning of these word simply means ‘again’. I agree that often times we need to redo or rebuild certain areas of our lives but what happens when this becomes a pattern?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For example, we say we will commit to an activity but end up starting all over again every month. We may have good intentions but if this pattern becomes consistent, it means progress will be stifled.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The commitment I set for myself from the start of the year was to continue pushing past the pain and discomfort to ensure I reach my goals. I started and got into a routine but as I mentioned earlier I almost relaxed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In my opinion, pain is good. It can either inform you that something is wrong or confirm you’re doing the right thing (think about exercising at the gym).</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, my advice this month is:</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Don't live in the 're’</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Certainly, by no means give up on your goals </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">and finally</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="Apple-converted-space" style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Stick to your commitments and watch your growth, in whatever sphere of life, increase and blossom to its full potential.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With love,</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Rubo<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900443427684017548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82710901752733720.post-3471797951735963422018-02-01T20:03:00.000+00:002018-02-01T20:04:09.628+00:00There are no rules <div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rmCEtZ-hNrN-Jm_mlMnE-ZO9vliUD7MarPm7Qnv_-YqFiHFB5MvO30bIG8VmdS-2ARxSGF45SpEW3iwAsGFXR3GVnk6ziQhGM34t-NZU6T9bJ2s9_a_y9CtHEVpjSZaK2ckCoz-3S-c/s1600/IMG_9296+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5rmCEtZ-hNrN-Jm_mlMnE-ZO9vliUD7MarPm7Qnv_-YqFiHFB5MvO30bIG8VmdS-2ARxSGF45SpEW3iwAsGFXR3GVnk6ziQhGM34t-NZU6T9bJ2s9_a_y9CtHEVpjSZaK2ckCoz-3S-c/s1600/IMG_9296+%25281%2529.jpg" width="425" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given to you, just as I promised to Moses (Joshua 1:3)<span class="p" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "arimo" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br />
</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
As I welcome the month of February, this is what keeps ringing in my head. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">See, I am a goodie-too-shoes. I do everything by the books. I rarely step out of line and whenever I have, the consequences that follow have been weighty. So I easily stick by the rules.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yet I can’t seem to shake this sentence from my mind-‘there are no rules.’</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I am familiar with this phrase, all thanks to social media, however it rings a sharp bell for me today.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My understanding of this phrase is: to remove limits and boundaries created by society or traditional laws. Truly I understood this phrase. </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">However, I did not grasp the effect this phrase offered me personally.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">About a week ago, my friend blurted this phrase out to me mid argument. We are currently working on a personal project of mine and I wanted to change something. No actually, I was asking if the suggested change could work. He had been polite with me up until this point but I think he had enough. With his eyes wide open, hands in my face (literally), he said ‘Ruth, there are no rules.’ I was stunned to say the least.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I know. I’ve said this phrase a few times in this post already but I want to drum it into your mind because truly there are no rules.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If there is one thing I learnt last year through my journey, it was that I am in control of whatever path I pursue. It is <b>literally</b> up to me to take the first step and the step after that and so on.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Therefore, as we slowly, but oh so surely progress into the year, remember-there are no rules. Create your own path. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">With love</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Rubo</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900443427684017548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82710901752733720.post-12846056427290385542017-12-27T19:22:00.001+00:002017-12-27T19:22:52.526+00:00Birthday Messages <div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">What a year!<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">If you know me personally then you would know that this year has been nothing but a year of harvest on every side and I am nothing but eternally grateful to God.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">Every year, I take time out to hear what the word for the next year will be. This year it came in two batches and I thought it may be of benefit to share with everyone else.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">One question that has popped up severally over the past few months for me has been focusing on what I see. I don’t mean physical things per se. I’m referring to my future, goals, visions etc.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">For example, there was one time I was running late for a train I really needed to get on. As I was picking up my pace, I heard God say “What do you see?” I’m like first of all, I can’t talk and run at the same time lol. Eventually I responded that I see myself getting on the train. I got to the train station 50 seconds before the train left and someone helped me get on the train. This is one instance out of several examples.</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">God was trying to teach me something. Ultimately, He is in control but we have a part to play. What you see, is what will occur. What you see will be what you work towards or anticipate. It is such a mystery but I encourage us all to refocus our lenses by which we operate.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This year I ‘saw’ several things before they happened. I essentially, through God’s help, created my own path and achieved personal desires that in other circumstances would have taken much longer. Another example, is in the area of my career. I kid you not, I changed roles twice this year because I knew there was more. I saw myself in a different position and God fulfilled it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">So what do you see? Limitations or opportunities? Victory or defeat? Possibility or impossibilities?<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">I will say that it’s not everything you see that will occur at that moment. As I mentioned earlier, God is in ultimate control and sometimes things are withheld for our own good, but we have a part to play.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">May I add that until we adjust what we see, we won't walk in full potential.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><i>Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, "I find no pleasure in them" Ecclesiastes 12:1</i></span></span></div>
<div class="p2" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">This is just a word of caution and honestly I love how balanced God’s word actually is when we choose to take the time out to understand it.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">There's a reason why this scripture is so relevant. ‘The time of your youth’ is a unique opportunity you’ll never have again. It’s when you’re most naive, so you can explore different things. It’s the time you have the most strength and even zeal to take risks. It allows you to explore, find and build. Key element here is build. It is a time to build, a foundation if you will. This is why as we build it is in our best interest to build with our creator. </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The time of our youth is also very special because things are still very new to us. It's the beginning of a journey to discovery. </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;">Therefore whilst you still have the time, make sure you use it wisely.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="color: #666666; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">So as we step into 2018, take some time to assess what you see and stay in tune with your source.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<style type="text/css">
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #454545}
p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #454545; min-height: 14.0px}
</style>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Happy birthday to me!</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ruth</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">P.S. </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">A few scriptures that got me through the year are:</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Ecclesiastes 9:10</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">1 Peter 5:6</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Isaiah 55:10-11</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Job 32:8</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Zechariah 4:6</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Psalm 31:14-15</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Psalm 16:8</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Psalm 46:10</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Isaiah 41:10</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900443427684017548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82710901752733720.post-46463607926301876612017-10-25T18:39:00.003+01:002017-10-25T18:39:30.746+01:00A Festival of Life Encounter <br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwd-d6HLqj5TAoc52uFEpkDNXQrRTkBK-4GKmqwJYrHheib4bOWZQdH3qzJV5oegOKCBCMqOJpAPU_yovJbNVPWQ28Tr3S25S6uTK2pSUpIHrTzUWTEKBNPsj9dKSXmFTNPeI0RsHymQo/s1600/IMG_0408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwd-d6HLqj5TAoc52uFEpkDNXQrRTkBK-4GKmqwJYrHheib4bOWZQdH3qzJV5oegOKCBCMqOJpAPU_yovJbNVPWQ28Tr3S25S6uTK2pSUpIHrTzUWTEKBNPsj9dKSXmFTNPeI0RsHymQo/s640/IMG_0408.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: xx-small;">Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;">
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hi everyone,</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As promised, I will be sharing my Festival of Life experience. There’s a motive behind this. I am aware that there’s a younger generation coming behind who follow, watch and listen to everything we do. They need us to be open, transparent and help them whenever we can. I felt compelled nonetheless for their benefit to share this with them and whoever else happens to read. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Where do I begin?</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In all honesty, this journey started years ago but I will focus on last year. Last year had its great moments as I remember a few of my friends got married and I turned 25! Despite this, it was a struggle to get through. I spent days, weeks and months living in anxiety.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I remember a particular day when it hit me hard and in a way I didn’t think it could penetrate through. It was FOL season and one of the final rehearsals (for more info and when the next FOL holds, visit <a href="http://www.festivaloflife.org.uk/">http://www.festivaloflife.org.uk</a>). I was asked to lead one of the songs and I’ll be honest, I didn’t feel prepared as it was a complex song and required some getting used to. In fact, I spent most of that day worrying about it.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Time to sing! I get to rehearsals, the song comes up and the mic is handed to me. I froze. In my mind all I heard was ‘can’t, don’t bother, look at all these people staring.’ In reality, my friends were nudging me to sing and all I wanted to do was faint. In a nutshell, I was given only a section of the song to sing and that relieved some of the pressure I felt. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Fast forward to this year. I’ve overcome the anxious period of my life and even if it crops up, I have the tools I use to combat it.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So the week of the event and I receive a call about leading the praise at this seasons FOL. Honestly, I couldn’t believe it. I immediately informed a few people to back me up in prayer…I really needed it.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So on the day, I was all over the place. My soul wasn’t at rest and I didn’t know how to respond. I had prayed the night before but as the day unfolded, I became increasingly anxious. My friend noticed prior to sound check and mentioned we’d pray before we went up for sound check. Within a few minutes she had arranged for about 10 of my friends to surround me and pray. I was on my knees and I just burst into tears, struggling to breathe and praying against the spirit of anxiety. I could not believe it had surfaced again!! But I am so thankful for friends like this. Love you guys, you know who you are.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So it’s time for praise and worship to start, I could feel my heart racing and I wanted to give up but at the same time, I was so excited. In fact, to tell you how bad it was, I had calculated that if I fainted, then someone else had to lead instead of me, lol. Looking back, I realise how immature a thought it was and how easily the enemy could get into your head.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have learnt from this experience and something I shared in my previous post-<a href="https://rubologs.blogspot.co.uk/2017/08/we-worship-we-war.html" target="_blank">'We worship, we war’</a>, that the enemy is always looking for a way to stop your praise. Be it on a personal or congregational level, the attacks will come. The question is, will you be able to stand?</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I am sharing this as a personal testimony to God. See what God has done within the space of a year. Last year, I was trembling with fear, did not have confidence with the gift He gave me and look at how it has turned around. Surely this is only the beginning. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I’ll close with this thought, one scripture that God gave me for this season was 1 Timothy 4:12</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.</span></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I did wonder why God gave me this scripture but now I understand it more. One of my prayers that helped me focus on God, was to realise I am but a vessel and God could use anyone. So if I am a vessel and He chose to use me, I should represent Him well in everything I do and say. Additionally, this scripture was added affirmation for me from God, that my age didn’t matter to Him but my heart towards Him is more important.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">On that note, I give God all the glory. I appreciate the support and love but it’s all about Him!</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">With love,</span></div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Rubo</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900443427684017548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82710901752733720.post-950210896097362382017-09-28T21:06:00.000+01:002017-09-28T21:08:13.878+01:00What worship is not-Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9CmOl-4tLJ86VmH2c7575eEDKsE1LIn2dHu0P-C0AbVBN-cUe9YQJQFQSeARi9Fca3QzzJ0KC32qHYeOGfA-a-D9b7A-Ckz9ShqoXv0jcNcXTocFFvW0rPFaALyxkwYkL2vQunm8Pmjc/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9CmOl-4tLJ86VmH2c7575eEDKsE1LIn2dHu0P-C0AbVBN-cUe9YQJQFQSeARi9Fca3QzzJ0KC32qHYeOGfA-a-D9b7A-Ckz9ShqoXv0jcNcXTocFFvW0rPFaALyxkwYkL2vQunm8Pmjc/s640/WhatsApp+Image+2017-04-12+at+13.46.31.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">John 4:24 God </span><i style="box-sizing: border-box; text-align: start;">is</i><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"> Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="color: #454545; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">Hi everyone,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">Welcome to another post on worship. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">Today we will be looking at the story of the Samaritan woman who met Jesus at the well <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+4&version=NLT" target="_blank">John 4</a>. It's such an interesting passage that has taught me so much over the years. Specifically in this post, I highlight points that make it clear what worship is and what it certainly isn't. </span><span style="color: #666666;">So grab a pen, notebook and your bible as we dive into this two part series. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;">Worship is not <b>about</b> you, but it is <b>for</b> you.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">Worship transforms you when you repeatedly and habitually give yourself to the Father <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+12%3A1-2&version=NLT" target="_blank">Romans 12:1-2</a>.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">When Isaiah encountered the presence of the Lord, he realised his state and that he needed God to change him. The bonus was he found his mission in life. This is what the presence of the Lord can do <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+6%3A5-8&version=NLT" target="_blank">Isaiah 6:5-8</a>.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;">Worship is not about or limited to a place.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">Instead, worship is a matter of the heart and connection of the Spirit. You could be in the ‘right’ place, for example, church and not be connected in any way. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+4%3A20-24&version=NLT" target="_blank">John 4:20-24</a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;">Worship is not absentminded.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+12%3A30&version=NLT" target="_blank">Mark 12:30</a> says it best: You shall love the Lord your God with all of your heart, mind and soul. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">Essentially it requires all of you. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;">Worship is not an event.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">It is a continuous lifestyle. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">The Samaritan women and those like her had been conditioned to think that worship could only occur in a place or at a certain time as was their custom <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+4%3A20-21&version=NLT" target="_blank">John 4:20-21</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Malachi+1%3A11&version=NLT" target="_blank">Malachi 1:11</a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666;">Worship is not limited to a song or type of song.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="color: #666666;">We truly get sooo caught up in this, don’t we? For some reason, it is only when we sing that we ‘feel’ like we are worshipping. It couldn’t be further from the truth. Everything we do is a potential act of worship unto God <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+corinthians+10%3A31&version=NLT" target="_blank">1 Corinthians 10:31</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=colossians+3%3A17&version=NLT" target="_blank">Colossians 3:17</a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="color: #666666;">Thanks for reading the first post. I'm sure it's got you thinking on areas that require a different train of thought.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666;">Stay close for the second post!</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666;">Much love,</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666;">Ruth</span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900443427684017548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82710901752733720.post-20669515550004412052017-08-27T13:28:00.000+01:002017-08-27T13:28:43.664+01:00We worship, we war <div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So last week something interesting happened. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I was very enthusiastic about service but also nervous at the same time as my pastor had asked me to coordinate our service-aka minister. But I was still excited for praise worship. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">On getting to church, I realised that the keyboardist who is always punctual hadn't arrived. The drummer was around. Most choir members were around. So we prayed and committed the service into Gods hands. Keyboardist still hadn't arrived. I then checked my phone and realised he couldn't make it and a replacement was on the way. Nooo!!! I don't want a replacement today-legit not in the mood. It's too late to go through the songs. Will he know the songs, what key will I sing on now? (All the things going through my head. Our church is in the process of building up a team of musicians so we currently use an agency). </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Immediately, I told the Holy Spirit how tired and unprepared I was for this. Simultaneously, I changed my prayer ‘Lord please just help me’. With much courage, I pick up the mic ready to start without the keyboard and just embrace what the spirit of the Lord wants to do. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1st issue, the mics started messing up. They were perfectly fine beforehand but once we started singing, it kept cutting off. I'm like what the heck! We start swapping mics, sound guys are running up and down. I eventually just put the mic down and carried on singing, closing my eyes and focusing on Jesus. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I hear someone running in pressing the keys on the keyboard to find out what key I'm on. My mind is like, but we didn't pray together- <span style="line-height: normal;">😩</span>. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Then I literally saw someone else run towards the conga drums. I'm like wait, what?! Hahaha this is funny. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Is this praise worship or competition to create the most commotion? I couldn't take it anymore so I stopped everything. Told the sound uncles not to bother with the mic, told the keyboardist not to bother pressing anymore keys, asked the drummer to please refrain from using her sticks and asked everyone to focus. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Let's forget the list, forget all equipment and just worship. Wanna know what happened? There was such a peace that came with that-we totally flowed together as a church, singing old school devotional songs and personally I felt like this was much better than anything else. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Let me take you back. The night before I was writing to God and I remember the impression God laid on my heart. He kept asking me to pray for the service. I was like what's with this constant request, can I please talk about my issues? Honestly, it was such a tug but I only prayed a general prayer. I can't remember if I was specific about anything. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When I narrated this story to one of my worship mentors, I was made to understand that we are not worshipping but we are 'warshipping'. This is warfare. The devil will do ANYTHING, he can to disrupt service, praise worship and personal devotional times. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A few things I'd like to pass on to choir members and worship leaders </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<ol>
<li style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> Cover yourself in prayer. This is no longer about you. Yes you have a heart and love for God but you’re in battle</span></li>
<li style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The worship team is not a playing field. It's a battle field. You're either ready for it or not. The attacks will come. What I spoke of is minute compared to what I've experienced in the recent past </span></li>
<li style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Be spiritually sensitive. This is tied in with number 1, start by consistently praying and praying in the Holy Ghost. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jude+1%3A20&version=KJV" target="_blank">Jude 1:20</a>, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8%3A26&version=KJV" target="_blank">Romans 8:26</a></span></li>
<li style="line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Be open minded. When it comes to praise worship, be led by the spirit. I had my list all ready to go and I had to adapt last minute. This may not be the scenario in all churches but let the Holy Spirit be your compass </span></li>
</ol>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I hope my little Sunday story helps you as it has taught me something fresh. I'm grateful to God for this gift and totally enjoying this journey. Expect more posts on this topic! </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">With love,</span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Rubo </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900443427684017548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82710901752733720.post-1792745808828245312017-08-11T17:46:00.000+01:002017-08-11T17:46:48.554+01:00Lessons learned <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FBAawD1h5gpg-symlak3vr7GE-BgyI9M1upLGkN6U6Va4YGnuRQJq6-bO6XCaczCw8v_7-Xm78toYm_KRfD1vaTdatFKbhtHM7eMgaQmULiSfOiDLH5kxE42Dk17MbZcl6oXKsR23M8/s1600/WhatsApp+Image+2017-04-12+at+13.45.27.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FBAawD1h5gpg-symlak3vr7GE-BgyI9M1upLGkN6U6Va4YGnuRQJq6-bO6XCaczCw8v_7-Xm78toYm_KRfD1vaTdatFKbhtHM7eMgaQmULiSfOiDLH5kxE42Dk17MbZcl6oXKsR23M8/s640/WhatsApp+Image+2017-04-12+at+13.45.27.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: "arimo" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone--especially to those in the family of faith. (Galatians 6:10 NLT)</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hi everyone,</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There is a concept in project management called 'Lessons Learned'. It's simply an evaluation of the different points within the project. Some themes include improvements that could have been made along the way, logs of different mistakes that occurred and conversations ruminating around action points that can be taken onboard for the next project. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I find it to be a useful tool as, in my view, small improvements over time produce excellent results. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Having said that, these are my lessons learnt from last month and I intend to take these forward from now on, so follow me as we continue...</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1. You can't influence the expectation's people may have of you </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This!!! Honestly, brethren, you can only do so much. I thoroughly hate the idea of people bondage, yet it is one thing I find myself constantly fighting against. It's time to embrace who we are, including our limitations and look only for God's approval. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2. The dynamics of certain friendships will change...</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and you have to be ok with that. It does not mean that something terrible happened, it could just imply that friendship has run its course. There's no need to pull at frayed strings. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3. Excellence is worth striving for </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I recently realised that it didn't matter what field, talent or product it was, as long as it had exhibited excellence of some sort, it attracted results. Excellence is universal and people are naturally drawn to excellence. Surely it means because of this, I should be drawn to pursuing it. (There are other reasons as well, might I add).</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4. We are more connected than we think</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This world is small and we ought to be good towards all when we are in contact with them. I have been in several situations of late where I met someone from my past. Thankfully, it was pleasant and loads of good memories were flooding in. Imagine if I had been such a horrible person towards them in the past? </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">5. If one door shuts, another will open</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I saw this happening in my friends life. He's quite a passionate and somewhat misunderstood young chap and recently a door was closed if I can use this phrase. In a roundabout way, the same door that was closed was now opened for him. It was so unexpected but mehn, I am ecstatic for him. If this is you, wait on it...it is coming. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">6. Every relationship will teach you something </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">How do I put this phrase in a better way? What I mean is even though the relationship did not work out, there was something in it that made you a better person. Something was gained through that experience-it served a purpose. Having said that, please don't waste your time in a relationship that CLEARLY isn't going somewhere. It is not every rope that you need to hold on to.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">7. We all have a lane</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Everybody has a unique part of them that makes them different from everybody else. Find it, embrace it, use it.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">and finally the UK has no sense of seasons. Torrential rain in summer *sigh*</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">That's all for now guys,</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Much love </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Rubo </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900443427684017548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82710901752733720.post-89675674003348813032017-07-19T22:05:00.001+01:002017-07-19T22:39:55.344+01:00Oh death where is thy sting? <div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNL9wrX_-VxV37wVzZPZZ-JmlaAP5D1ZWOn36WNcX-KASw42aok7FeA_UZPSN17tJq2FLUP_-UgyhrUQ4vRVGbyRVDmA7uXxoDswpQ3rzaz1r0WzwnkORSqf_h-JFdPYIe5eL_3mN9s0/s1600/Photo+23-11-2016%252C+16+59+29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghNL9wrX_-VxV37wVzZPZZ-JmlaAP5D1ZWOn36WNcX-KASw42aok7FeA_UZPSN17tJq2FLUP_-UgyhrUQ4vRVGbyRVDmA7uXxoDswpQ3rzaz1r0WzwnkORSqf_h-JFdPYIe5eL_3mN9s0/s640/Photo+23-11-2016%252C+16+59+29.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 1 Corinthians 15:55 (KJV)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Hi everyone,</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Please pardon my outbursts of unscheduled posts, I just feel that if I don’t write about it, it may no longer have any relevance.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I recently wrote a post on FB, it read ‘<span style="background-color: white;">Can I be honest?</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">I no longer understand death...I think it's time we talk about it.</span>’ For a hot minute, I have not been so transparent on social media as I believe there’s a time and place for everything but for some reason I did. I must thank those who have reached out and I believe it is because you also identify with my sentiments.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I thought it would be useful to expand on these thoughts and provide some clarity.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">For a few years, I have watched several friends and close acquaintances lose a family member to cancer. Some have even suddenly passed away. These usually occur in waves and after intense prayers, we would ‘appear’ to lose our battles. At first I’d mourn briefly and move on with life. However, as I have aged, I have begun to seek for more answers. I feel part of this delayed response has been due to the fact that I still have all my family members and in good health. In essence, there has been no direct cause of questioning.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I am a Christian and I have been brought up with the ideology that, although I am in a relationship with God, He is the higher authority and some questions are not to be asked. I beg to differ. I recognise the sovereignty of God and will always acknowledge it, however I believe I am permitted to ask questions. The only issue here is I may never receive an answer or the answer will not be satisfactory. I should also avoid to question God himself because I am a mere mortal, alive by His mercies alone.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">What has further contributed to this season of questioning if you will, is that I’m currently studying the book of Job with a few friends. I have read and assimilated the pain Job tried to convey and am amazed. Job DID vent and he DID complain but funnily enough it was ALWAYS done BEFORE God. Not once did Job hide his thoughts from God. Another point to take away from Job was that he somehow, in all his pain, recognised the sovereignty of God and never denounced His supreme authority through his speech.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Back to my Facebook post. I still stand with the statement but I will explain my angle. I have essentially been emotional. I wonder how my friends carry on with life without their mother or father. Who will walk them down the aisle? Who will nurse them when they have had their children? Who will they refer to when adult life hits them? I strongly believe Jesus is their comforter and will be their ever present help in time of need. However, I am also aware of the purpose behind parents and the value of their presence in our lives, so if I am honest, it hurts sometimes.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I was encouraged to read Philippians 1:21 and boy o boy did it provide a perspective. I also read 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 and Thessalonians 4:13-18</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I’ll share what I learnt from these scriptures:</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">1. Death was not the original plan but now is as a result of sin in the beginning</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">2. Death is therefore inevitable; everyone will eventually die</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">3. Jesus conquered death by His sacrifice on the cross</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">4. Believers have hope in Christ </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">5. We all have a purpose to fulfill and when that time is up, we will essentially leave</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">6. God’s ways and his plans are different to ours and we should remember that</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I hope in sharing this; I’ve been able to highlight the key themes running through my mind over the past few weeks.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I pray for anyone reading this who has lost a loved one that God truly comforts you and I also pray that you stay strong in the faith.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I still believe death and bereavement is a topic Christians should talk about in depth as it has impacted everyone, one way or another.</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">With love,</span></div>
<style type="text/css">
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #454545}
p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #454545; min-height: 14.0px}
</style>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">Rubo</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900443427684017548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82710901752733720.post-44513867058015312602017-07-12T21:09:00.002+01:002017-07-12T22:36:15.798+01:00The beautiful butterfly <div style="line-height: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRYbtA_NVbkGQCsjq5tpp2WHu4nL0WRv_8uYLdMqnhpO4uqz8Y4-W_liKBJQEIFp5N4etXgKK2D5NHZAKmEN7JEo7VqNnR5G74vM0OgvPTmpoGt0OfXHbZAowiykdvI0_WUW-_lYkwcM/s1600/IMG_0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsRYbtA_NVbkGQCsjq5tpp2WHu4nL0WRv_8uYLdMqnhpO4uqz8Y4-W_liKBJQEIFp5N4etXgKK2D5NHZAKmEN7JEo7VqNnR5G74vM0OgvPTmpoGt0OfXHbZAowiykdvI0_WUW-_lYkwcM/s640/IMG_0025.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The LORD says, "I will give you back what you lost to the swarming locusts, the hopping locusts, the stripping locusts, and the cutting locusts. It was I who sent this great destroying army against you. (Joel 2:25 NLT)</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hi everyone, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is actually an unscheduled post. I was initially going to post on Sunday but I refrained and now I know why…follow me through.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At times, I take an old diary and go to that same day in the previous year. I read over what I wrote, what was on my mind including my fears, worries and expectations I held for that year. The outcome is usually one of mixed emotions. Some entries cause me to be happy, others cause me to be ecstatic and others cause me to well up in tears. Overall, I always notice some form of progress, no matter how small.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yesterday was one of those moments and I’d like to share it with you.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This time last year I had just closed the door on a situation and was going through a rough season. I was struggling with my dissertation, managing a demanding a part time job, started a new church where I was given responsibilities and other ad hoc responsibilities that found their way through to me. What put the cherry on the cake was that I was battling with anxiety. At the time, I wasn’t too aware what I was experiencing. I knew that I couldn’t sleep well, I ate more than I needed to, I had severe muscle pain over my legs, nausea showed up occasionally and I found it hard to concentrate.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My anxiety story will be one I’ll share in length one day but for now I want to thank God for the progress since last year.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>I think the worst part of this period was that I didn’t really share this thoroughly with anyone apart from God and my journal.</i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As I was reading through my journal yesterday, something caught my attention. I had just finished from a busy busy busy weekend. It was my besties birthday and a friend’s bridal shower, the day before my prince2 certificate in project management. HOW this happened to me and I got through it, I will never understand. God’s grace is real y’all! I saw a prayer that I wrote down regarding that weekend and I looked up and smiled.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As I write today, I am a project manager working for a reputable company (sorry can’t mention the name haha) WITHIN my field. Honestly, let me not lie to you, I didn’t think I would even put this qualification to use, I just did it at the time without giving it much thought.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I can also say that emotionally, I am in a healthy place, anxiety is far from me and I see life from such a beautiful perspective.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>As with the butterfly, adversity is necessary to build character in people.</i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Joseph B </span></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Wirthlin</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This post is just to encourage myself and someone else who may be unable to see the light at the end of the tunnel…I was once there but things have surely turned around. I haven’t shared the full story of progress as it is ongoing but I still hope that in some way this has sparked a light in you.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It’s mid-July of 2017, can you remember where you were this time last year? I’m sure it has been nothing but a story of progress! Drop us a comment and share your story with us.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With love,</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rubo</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900443427684017548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82710901752733720.post-48148706713340355362017-06-25T20:10:00.003+01:002017-06-25T21:20:01.970+01:00You got any luggage?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmMSefqtyaFIfyittOyZCgXq0aAjx0R582gkXoA7VcZPUp1kuRsLNsJYsGqEpkSDF_JB5lJvbimOZyxYfJa5tesa62-JD1UdNJvWmsaf_8jcLyYRHkuTq4Z8464TDdPO6YwET8ISojAk/s1600/IMG_0671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="305" data-original-width="1200" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvmMSefqtyaFIfyittOyZCgXq0aAjx0R582gkXoA7VcZPUp1kuRsLNsJYsGqEpkSDF_JB5lJvbimOZyxYfJa5tesa62-JD1UdNJvWmsaf_8jcLyYRHkuTq4Z8464TDdPO6YwET8ISojAk/s1600/IMG_0671.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"> Let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. </span>Hebrews 12:1</span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hi everyone,</span><br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you know me well, you'd know that I love to travel, but hate flying...what a combination! I love being in a new place, meeting new people, tasting food, learning the history behind buildings and street names. The best part for me however, is listening to other speak in their local dialect and accent. Gosh memories are already flooding in!</span></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having said that, the part I don’t enjoy so much is the preparation, aka mission-plan-every-outfit. It can be laborious to say the least, especially if you’re like me and you prefer to wear as the day commands…but it’s all good. I have learned over the years, that I actually don’t need to pack so much that I don’t have any space to buy new things whilst I’m away. I need room for the new things I encounter along my trip unless I miss out on a memory or an experience I cannot fully grasp just by having photos (although those are amazeballs too). </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It’s taken me some time to learn that as I honestly can’t deal with not having ‘in case’ items but sincerely, all it does is take up space. You just end up with more weight than you essentially need. Although, on my last trip, my blunder was that I didn’t check the local weather forecast. For some reason, I assumed it would be the same as the UK (don’t ask). </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So why did I use this analogy?</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Without giving myself away, at the time I wrote this piece, I was carrying baggage and I’m certain that a lot of us have at one point or the other. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Baggage in itself can mean several things for different people. In this case, I refer to an old way/habit/pattern of thinking AND behaviour. In essence, the thinking and mindset I had, affected my behaviour severely. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>Until the old mindset leaves, the new can’t come in and even if it does, it will not work. </i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will refer to the scripture that talks about pouring old wine into new skin. "And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. For the wine would burst the wineskins, and the wine and the skins would both be lost. New wine calls for new wineskins." Mark 2:22 (NLT)</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What happens? It bursts, new skin cannot hold old wine. Never ever, no matter how you try it. So also you cannot walk with a renewed mind by harbouring old thoughts…you’ve gotta get rid of the old thoughts first.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Likewise, it is difficult to walk in freedom, purpose and pursuit of life whilst hanging on to previous emotional baggage. I chose to dwell on this specifically today, although it can be applied to other areas. How will you be able to embrace the new opportunities if you actually have no space to put them anywhere? Think of a hoarder, they buy, buy and buy some more, yet they cannot appreciate the vast amount of items they possess as it’s completely covered up. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><i>Also what good is it to you to keep carrying the baggage? </i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please let’s not be in denial, some of us have to dig deeeep pluck it out and address it. One way to do this is to pass it on. Hang on before you crucify me. Why don’t you cast your burdens unto Jesus for He cares you? Jesus is able to take the burden and exchange it for His. The issue is, we’ve carried this around for SO long that it has become a part of us and because of this we struggle to let go.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My plea to you, if this is a situation you find familiar, is let go. Stop selling yourself short. Make that exchange, move on and begin to embrace the opportunities that Jesus has already presented to you.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With love, </span></div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rubo </span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">P.S. Stay tuned for my official travel blogpost soon </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900443427684017548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82710901752733720.post-7716077663867818432017-05-30T19:49:00.002+01:002017-05-30T19:50:39.307+01:00When it is not well<div style="line-height: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmI4Cefw31rC5dY3QYXd4ClIlxTid_BTQ0f8UCz3odUdGcBGinZKNl8gUj7MVTu-ltybrVbnvQM1f736KWu8G3iTB7_KEGW3bQTBFAEDaAftaEKyebSennOW3PskW6-iME53wMdwVdO60/s1600/IMG_0464.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmI4Cefw31rC5dY3QYXd4ClIlxTid_BTQ0f8UCz3odUdGcBGinZKNl8gUj7MVTu-ltybrVbnvQM1f736KWu8G3iTB7_KEGW3bQTBFAEDaAftaEKyebSennOW3PskW6-iME53wMdwVdO60/s320/IMG_0464.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I’m from a Nigerian background…. scratch that - I am Nigerian and proudly so. I am also a Christian (waits for everyone’s negative view and moves on). With this said the term ‘Nigerian Christian’ comes to mind. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
I love love love the vibrancy, passion and zeal expressed by some of my fellow Nigerian Christians. The enthusiasm displayed is contagious and encourages you to be expressive of your worship. However, there is one pet peeve I have, the ‘IT IS WELL’ phrase.<br />
I originally heard of this phrase in the beloved hymn - It is well with my soul. This hymn for me has been a great help during difficult times. Whilst it may not have brought the solution to the problem, what it has done is provide peace and clarity for me to move forward; something one can argue is a solution in itself.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Initially, ‘It is well’ was used, in my opinion, as a means to comfort someone going through a difficult time. I think it is quite appropriate actually. However, it has been abused!!! Errbody and then some say it. In fact, it’s even used as a way to end a conversation, as if to say it is now a full stop. Like how did this happen?<br />
It has also been used as a means to avoid answering a question. Can anyone relate? You talk with someone but instead of them talking sense or providing you with a good answer they burst out with this response.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ok there goes my background information…please follow along.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I recently encountered some not so pleasant circumstances and these were my thoughts. I kept thinking- what happens when it is not well? That sentence doesn’t sound grammatically correct but honestly, that’s what I thought. What do I do when I cannot find the right words to say to myself or even someone else? </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What happens when ‘It is well’ does not suffice? </span></i></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">At the time I had no solution, but that season passed and with it came points that could help someone else get through a difficult season:</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
1. A support system<br />
Remember how I said the ‘it is well’ phrase was coined to encourage someone through a difficult time? Well having a support system sit with you to listen and provide encouraging thoughts can be a great anecdote to the situation you find yourself in.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
2. Allow yourself to go through the motions<br />
I strongly believe in being real with yourself. I am one for crying, needing a hug or whatever else…BUT doing this in the presence of the Lord. So have your moment but do it with God.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
3. Realising there is an end</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sometimes when we go through certain things we forget that there is an end date to it. I get it, it seems like forever but when we walk with the mentality that ‘this too shall pass’, it helps us in our attitudes to move forward.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
4. Taking it step by step<br />
Give yourself some slack. You will not know what to do at every point, instead ask God for the next thing to do and He will direct your path.<br />
</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">If there’s anything I wanted to achieve with this post, it was to make you think about the power behind words…I hope that can be said of this piece.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
With love,</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />
Rubo</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900443427684017548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82710901752733720.post-6656828895533097882017-05-15T20:33:00.000+01:002017-05-30T19:37:41.127+01:00Welcome to Adulting<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">Hi everyone, </span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">Yes there is no error in my title. I'm talking about Adulting not Adulthood. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">Adulthood is the stage of being. Adulting for me is the state of transition or becoming. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">I remember as a little girl how excited I would be whenever I spoke about my twenties. I literally skipped the teenage years as I didn't even know it existed. I spoke about my wedding day, having a car for every day of the week (pssf), and having a lot of money. I could not wait for my 25th. At the time, I thought being an adult meant perfection. Yeah right!!! </span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">In fact, with a 'harsh' reality, my friends and I have come to realise that our twenties have been nothing but tough and rough. It has been a journey of several lows, momentary highs and a literal flight of discovery. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">I remember this particular day, I was fresh back from uni and as per usual, I was cleaning the house. It was a mixed season and I had been praying too. I was asking for an answer to a question I wasn't too clear about. I wanted to understand my struggles and I wanted to know what I should be expecting going forward. It felt like I hit rock bottom and did not have a recovery plan. But something happened. My friend called me and as we spoke, she gave me a scripture: </span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness--secret riches. I will do this so you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name. (Isaiah 45:3)</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">This scripture gave me a glimpse of hope in a very unsure season. It assured me that there were things in me that God was yet to pull out. It showed me that God was and is in control of my life and path. It illustrated that my purpose, calling and who I was to be was solely connected to Him. Finally, it explained that I am His and everything I was to go through would be so that I could know who He really was-The God of Israel. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">For the years that followed that day I have literally been Adulting. I have been taking it step by step, day by day and leaning on God to know the next move. It has not been easy and I have certainly taken a few wrong steps, but it is part of the process. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">Adulting to me is like the transition of a caterpillar to a butterfly. It has to go through a stage before it grows to be a butterfly. Imagine the pain in between that we never get to see, all we see is the beautiful butterfly afterwards. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">So we are left with a few options; either grown your way through your growing pains or embrace the change, learn, adapt and evolve into the person you were always meant to be. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">Here are some few tips that have helped me along the way </span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">Know who you are and who you are not</span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">In other words be real with yourself and work on and improve on areas that you are lacking in. For example, if you're not an organised person, accept it and improve on it. There are tonnes of tools and resources out there to help you get into a routine and stick to it. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">Be financially savvy </span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">Yeah, finances is a critical topic in this period. It is certainly advisable to improve your knowledge on finances, savings, accounts available and those most beneficial to whatever stage you're in. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">Some websites I've used to improve my knowledge- Money Saving Expert and The Money Advice Service</span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">Website I've used to maintain my credit score-</span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">Also speak to others who may be more knowledgeable than you in this area. The bank is also willing to provide you with information-for freeeeee. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">Love yourself </span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">So many ways to dissect this phrase but I'll stick to one-don't rush into a relationship. Whilst I believe that every relationship is for a purpose to learn something et al, I also believe that we don't have to waste time and emotions. So learn to be by yourself. No relationship, as good as it is, will fill the vacuum that self love does. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">Adulting is hard, I won't lie. Sometimes I'm like bye (waves bye to air) but most times I observe and I take on what I can because I realise this phase will end eventually. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">Keep the hope up! </span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">With love </span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;">
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">Rubo </span></div>
<span style="color: #666666;"><br /></span>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #666666;">XxX</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900443427684017548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82710901752733720.post-56444630661530988192017-04-30T13:29:00.000+01:002017-05-30T19:25:13.826+01:00Not where I want to be<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AuYaldSI02VwNHyJVAPwL9Xp9LH8u5lIK8T7oiy2Ti7onTtO-nMBMTE-z7ECd63T0kjL85eWYMf62KU-losjsB3t47IPDIIBggQEZ08jtKeNR8Cs1M4lEpoZirD-dYxjb7OXKJn7LA8/s1600/Photo+23-11-2016%252C+16+56+45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4AuYaldSI02VwNHyJVAPwL9Xp9LH8u5lIK8T7oiy2Ti7onTtO-nMBMTE-z7ECd63T0kjL85eWYMf62KU-losjsB3t47IPDIIBggQEZ08jtKeNR8Cs1M4lEpoZirD-dYxjb7OXKJn7LA8/s320/Photo+23-11-2016%252C+16+56+45.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">If you
wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Ecclesiastes 11:4 (TLB)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Hi everyone,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">Welcome to my first official
post of 2017! Rubologs is back and in the zone (am I allowed to say that?)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">I am excited to have you with
me on this journey but first I will take you back to my 25th birthday and the
thoughts I had running around in my mind at the time. I will also be sharing
some of the pictures from my photoshoot, I decided to have a little glam
session- see it as a bonus if you will. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQ1l2_DEuQvj1WHEtc400uSd_kzrqTJucMHwMuQPtXIMP7IOrCvq3K3If7bTvItXewwZCKMtEgphUeeGju66zQgFmF_U0vVQcNQUGNY_K8uCtLTmku6_opOkRgB8YWkFOtrOC82bbCAo/s1600/Photo+23-11-2016%252C+18+04+04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipQ1l2_DEuQvj1WHEtc400uSd_kzrqTJucMHwMuQPtXIMP7IOrCvq3K3If7bTvItXewwZCKMtEgphUeeGju66zQgFmF_U0vVQcNQUGNY_K8uCtLTmku6_opOkRgB8YWkFOtrOC82bbCAo/s320/Photo+23-11-2016%252C+18+04+04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As I assume everyone does,
your birthday comes around and you review your previous year. You take stock of
what you were able to accomplish or almost accomplished, you remember your
failures and of course your moments of success. Can you tell that I forget to
remember the good things? Lord help me.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Anyways, I started feeling as
though I had not achieved enough, which I think is a sign of being ungrateful.
I felt fat because I had not lost enough weight despite having a personal
trainer, I had not secured a role in my preferred career path and I was not
married- L O L. To add, I stopped blogging which I dearly missed.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhod8a1MkGqW8o9tsx2d11LS5KNhWM1AgQ5X-GytNG2fGNU9nHmbA0lwrLHSEqut9buYxfOI0-7XV0igdDfzglO0HNaDkXVqeet7iDv_KMfv1zVVp5MxG-BsMYaR8XOrcwwXb2YcHbMazA/s1600/Photo+23-11-2016%252C+16+59+29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhod8a1MkGqW8o9tsx2d11LS5KNhWM1AgQ5X-GytNG2fGNU9nHmbA0lwrLHSEqut9buYxfOI0-7XV0igdDfzglO0HNaDkXVqeet7iDv_KMfv1zVVp5MxG-BsMYaR8XOrcwwXb2YcHbMazA/s320/Photo+23-11-2016%252C+16+59+29.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In essence, I just felt like I
had several setbacks and I used these as an excuse not to move forward. I remember,
I was at home on this fateful day when the scripture hit me. I had dropped my
car off at the mechanics and as I walked back to pick it up, I took in my
surroundings. I’m not quite sure what caught my attention, but something did
and it’s as if I was in the ‘mind of a tree’. It’s true that trees, plants and
flowers alike have their optimum conditions to do what they do but they don’t ever
stop doing, even if we don’t see it on the outside. The roots are constantly
networking, water is being drawn up the stem, leaves fall off when they need
to, but the key thing is that they continue. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><i>If you
wait, you will not grow</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So here I am with my ideas and
what do I do? I chose to wait. Wait for what exactly? Did God ask me to wait? I
mean sometimes He does but I kept waiting for the perfect conditions and not
taking stock of the place I had reached. I didn’t take into account the work my
roots had been involved in, the nourishment from the water I had received or
even the benefit of a dead leaf falling away. That is an achievement in itself
and should be celebrated.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhLqcIEOL4iLJO_xHu5KSGXwOCXYKbf1IvRaU2zrzlubhchOBXuh9bikcA7cr0bhZoIQXmiISQU_U84Ym32srS7oUo_h4FzIHi_syNEfgX_W60s_0EKDzvLSBP7riTYMq5PyadvSBy0M/s1600/Photo+23-11-2016%252C+17+50+00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQhLqcIEOL4iLJO_xHu5KSGXwOCXYKbf1IvRaU2zrzlubhchOBXuh9bikcA7cr0bhZoIQXmiISQU_U84Ym32srS7oUo_h4FzIHi_syNEfgX_W60s_0EKDzvLSBP7riTYMq5PyadvSBy0M/s320/Photo+23-11-2016%252C+17+50+00.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"><i> I may not
be where I think I should, but I am certainly not where I used to be.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">The above statement was something
I had always heard in church but maybe it was never my reality until now. This
pushed me to affirm and indeed take stock with the right perspective.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">I’ll tell you where I am. I am
in Christ, I am loved and to be loved, I am a work in progress, I am healthy
and beautiful!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGmVQgV7uVWVw4mSopbYUE633jC6tnZusNPmpR8u5DSs03sqkNFyROijiL1Vjip_-Xp_L2wzZfBpZiRgoTLW069RweQp98AQORhH0ne1CEPMwLm28r2m2pZFDfRo_OFAauhyphenhyphendgzgv9Jk/s1600/Photo+23-11-2016%252C+15+50+57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOGmVQgV7uVWVw4mSopbYUE633jC6tnZusNPmpR8u5DSs03sqkNFyROijiL1Vjip_-Xp_L2wzZfBpZiRgoTLW069RweQp98AQORhH0ne1CEPMwLm28r2m2pZFDfRo_OFAauhyphenhyphendgzgv9Jk/s320/Photo+23-11-2016%252C+15+50+57.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So, we have found ourselves in May and I welcome you because that is enough to move forward with.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hope this post has touched you in one way...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">With love,</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #353535; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><span style="color: #666666;">Rubo </span><span style="color: #353535;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
<o:PixelsPerInch>96</o:PixelsPerInch>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="false"
DefSemiHidden="false" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="382">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footer"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="index heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of figures"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="envelope return"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="footnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="line number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="page number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="endnote text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="table of authorities"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="macro"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="toa heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Bullet 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="List Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Mention"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Smart Hyperlink"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<style>
<!--
/* Font Definitions */
@font-face
{font-family:"Cambria Math";
panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1107305727 0 0 415 0;}
@font-face
{font-family:Calibri;
panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;
mso-font-charset:0;
mso-generic-font-family:auto;
mso-font-pitch:variable;
mso-font-signature:-536870145 1073786111 1 0 415 0;}
/* Style Definitions */
p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal
{mso-style-unhide:no;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
margin:0in;
margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;
mso-ansi-language:EN-GB;}
.MsoChpDefault
{mso-style-type:export-only;
mso-default-props:yes;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri;
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}
@page WordSection1
{size:595.0pt 842.0pt;
margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;
mso-header-margin:.5in;
mso-footer-margin:.5in;
mso-paper-source:0;}
div.WordSection1
{page:WordSection1;}
-->
</style>
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:12.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900443427684017548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82710901752733720.post-36148648973251323302015-09-22T22:18:00.002+01:002017-04-30T13:43:05.162+01:00South Africa...my new home <span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Hi everyone!</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I will not even begin to explain where I fully disappeared to but I will say I have been busy having fun and discovering myself. It has been a journey full of ups and downs but I am so grateful that I have gone through it-heck, I am still going through it!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So I recently went to South Africa to volunteer for approximately three months focusing on developing health and hygiene within a township in Grahamstown.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Lovely experience? Where do I even begin? From the lovely community and the mama's, to my host family, amazing counterpart and diverse team of people I was working with.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It was an experience that I can never forget and I will be sharing more of it in due time.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For now I am going to share a few things that I learnt in true Rubologs tradition:</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1. Everyone deserves the chance to smile</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I don't actually know how to explain this point lol but let it marinate in your mind...</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2. Patience is a virtue</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It is hard working in a large group of people with different characters and personalities and this was a major challenge that we faced during our placement. However, being open to accept people for who they are and what they stand by truly helped me to work with rather than against them. It is good to work with people you have a lot of similarities with but at times it limits your personal growth.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3. As faces differ, so do their needs </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It was not always obvious until you got close to someone to hear their life journey and their aspirations. I now know not to always judge a book by its cover but to sometimes get closer to people. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4. Access to practice good health and hygiene should not be taken for granted</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In the community I was working in, health and hygiene was an issue we were dealing with. We did this in various ways through community workshops, events and lessons in schools. Whilst the knowledge was being passed on, it could not always be applied. How do you maintain personal hygiene, if the water supply was turned off for three days? </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">5. South Africa has winter</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">No but they actually do. I was soo ignorant of the fact that just because I'm in a tropical country, it automatically means bikini! Wrong. It was freezing and I had a cold. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have learnt a lot during my time away and will cherish these moments and the people I met forever.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For now I will leave you with a few snaps...see you soon! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Plenty of love</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Rubo xx</span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhj5c3705F-uERG0qMO8yX1YgRJYlQUssTpTFH19GwzYnjTasU7866FNsnsPygM90PSWnAqtCAk3pL9r1DRSLtXF8zGon4mepvmtWxTqeAQI3WjGHDZyTGFIG8pihru9b-nO7rIY31ns/s1600/sa.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAhj5c3705F-uERG0qMO8yX1YgRJYlQUssTpTFH19GwzYnjTasU7866FNsnsPygM90PSWnAqtCAk3pL9r1DRSLtXF8zGon4mepvmtWxTqeAQI3WjGHDZyTGFIG8pihru9b-nO7rIY31ns/s200/sa.png" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First day in SA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCeA8yfa48YKqaOpFIPo3KgLUtxbzBx85KEa8QQnikWky23udAdItlKflItO697CcQ0KCqBzSc3bO_DIJpKDnhXoSP-Xm9gm7kJ8RqZoS4OxscFjeAgVuMfToD-9g46-UfulRsX7WqJ6k/s1600/20150712_111303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCeA8yfa48YKqaOpFIPo3KgLUtxbzBx85KEa8QQnikWky23udAdItlKflItO697CcQ0KCqBzSc3bO_DIJpKDnhXoSP-Xm9gm7kJ8RqZoS4OxscFjeAgVuMfToD-9g46-UfulRsX7WqJ6k/s200/20150712_111303.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the National Art Festival</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCgnuV8dR2z6_sHNfvLIBk8et2aFzZFu188RObS9CEO3DW-BawCj3e9blaJjNvMGnv2L09RIPiaN1TOh5A5XVtC5x5bG0fIhfhH06UZwz68eQP8QzfohgxkrFaQ6Y67VQUjL5kM9ZSR8/s1600/20150712_114556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCgnuV8dR2z6_sHNfvLIBk8et2aFzZFu188RObS9CEO3DW-BawCj3e9blaJjNvMGnv2L09RIPiaN1TOh5A5XVtC5x5bG0fIhfhH06UZwz68eQP8QzfohgxkrFaQ6Y67VQUjL5kM9ZSR8/s200/20150712_114556.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">National Arts Festival</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtm5vM_3MOyR1yeNzWiOvbz_ZqQmw9gek4wmA1zfGAPcMD7OtK5yNDM21IMfA5TXmmWuvAqE5pkB0NO7nLeLgGU5ou38h9R4LLDmWdV6CZYS0mcim_SjSJ6fcFbIm7eNEopStKD1m5uI/s1600/20150612_162620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtm5vM_3MOyR1yeNzWiOvbz_ZqQmw9gek4wmA1zfGAPcMD7OtK5yNDM21IMfA5TXmmWuvAqE5pkB0NO7nLeLgGU5ou38h9R4LLDmWdV6CZYS0mcim_SjSJ6fcFbIm7eNEopStKD1m5uI/s200/20150612_162620.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snippet of a township</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzW1pk2ZuB2WuDyPjdW6RGuF1RcAbtQ8Cx2QUhGhIjvhDEqH2uBw44Y5KjNdN8pM81e9OyhmNdfinD2oq1C4QwR67lE4lypZ5VfW833fhO843vaptL-7R6agn5PooK9yelhZmfrWVGGY/s1600/20150612_165643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMzW1pk2ZuB2WuDyPjdW6RGuF1RcAbtQ8Cx2QUhGhIjvhDEqH2uBw44Y5KjNdN8pM81e9OyhmNdfinD2oq1C4QwR67lE4lypZ5VfW833fhO843vaptL-7R6agn5PooK9yelhZmfrWVGGY/s200/20150612_165643.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from my home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_CZy55TaJVCNY8WIVeVj1G5S6OrrzlPUNNgfUsMpw7SowXW2WIRj72ZahXkXBzfUD20ut0atwj_OwOmIjqBLZaCh-uLAcFEjhVGXTAru69HI4blqt3gRFjQ5sWKZI9mFV9qeAQk42PI/s1600/20150613_141255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw_CZy55TaJVCNY8WIVeVj1G5S6OrrzlPUNNgfUsMpw7SowXW2WIRj72ZahXkXBzfUD20ut0atwj_OwOmIjqBLZaCh-uLAcFEjhVGXTAru69HI4blqt3gRFjQ5sWKZI9mFV9qeAQk42PI/s200/20150613_141255.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of town centre </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOlzHqpVnkn0WNDtGYweWL620yPuGFEbU1MHAXsSHClnaz-danzMKMk9lBJjV6hSLhOwwUL8V5-twfBLrlGkQrKV9Wuribe0xDnSq8qwqryOGmNQc0auDrOINfIf2AL8arRs24OtIUiw/s1600/20150620_115326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOlzHqpVnkn0WNDtGYweWL620yPuGFEbU1MHAXsSHClnaz-danzMKMk9lBJjV6hSLhOwwUL8V5-twfBLrlGkQrKV9Wuribe0xDnSq8qwqryOGmNQc0auDrOINfIf2AL8arRs24OtIUiw/s200/20150620_115326.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me being me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgdXz9K2twSV03Jpyt8twxN53O4BT8pcMbP3vPu5lgfmsBxHYK5zU2Is5FmHnOdCZuNdyBSYJjfOKp4ekGj3lNy67vXDbV4kBRIWVJZ136I3gg5QOAvbQcR4-v7JY6fi85RVKLTUgXRA/s1600/20150622_103330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVgdXz9K2twSV03Jpyt8twxN53O4BT8pcMbP3vPu5lgfmsBxHYK5zU2Is5FmHnOdCZuNdyBSYJjfOKp4ekGj3lNy67vXDbV4kBRIWVJZ136I3gg5QOAvbQcR4-v7JY6fi85RVKLTUgXRA/s200/20150622_103330.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My working group-aka the best </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxF9CrlocxPIjPJAcxNvtkIixZgewDTQsRITilGhEgHoQwq3_eJf8A7EmP1j0oQi0CIXPRu5F7Ff_Tu-AtRPFDxZ386TO4eW_YseyYD2E5ubhxbgTN-06BOjBny6xPdhCOou0NWKufNwk/s1600/20150622_203651.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxF9CrlocxPIjPJAcxNvtkIixZgewDTQsRITilGhEgHoQwq3_eJf8A7EmP1j0oQi0CIXPRu5F7Ff_Tu-AtRPFDxZ386TO4eW_YseyYD2E5ubhxbgTN-06BOjBny6xPdhCOou0NWKufNwk/s200/20150622_203651.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My counterpart who became my sister xx</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900443427684017548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82710901752733720.post-40140915286178609342014-11-24T22:28:00.002+00:002017-02-04T13:17:18.611+00:00Anger affects your fruit<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUJoEg9tIjpZqR7nThzMbNWqOfvuPRylmvUqr4ZWBPczDSFB1xmfIq1-gfWY2skoKe25_xtOPh5yqK9wx3jFZPsWTqS1fi2U27d3cZbavkJDRGuXi44YoNffI0_TVvU2bkv4iFUmIa_g/s1600/anger_quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUJoEg9tIjpZqR7nThzMbNWqOfvuPRylmvUqr4ZWBPczDSFB1xmfIq1-gfWY2skoKe25_xtOPh5yqK9wx3jFZPsWTqS1fi2U27d3cZbavkJDRGuXi44YoNffI0_TVvU2bkv4iFUmIa_g/s1600/anger_quote.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: www.notable-quotes.com</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires (James 1:20 NLT)</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ever been angry? Rained a few choice words at a loved one? Felt like you could have pulled someone's brains out? Read on...</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">There are two scriptures I've been pondering on for a few weeks, if not months, at the back of mind that relates to anger.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ephesians 4:25-27 (NIV)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="text Eph-4-26" id="en-NIV-29299" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span style="color: magenta;">“In your anger do not sin:<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29299BE" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29299BE" title="See cross-reference BE">BE</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,</span></span><span class="text Eph-4-27" id="en-NIV-29300" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>and do not give the devil a foothold."</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">James 1:20 (NLT)</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires."</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">See when I first read these scriptures, I actually became more aware of the importance of remaining calm in situations that warrant anger. However, my awareness was blinded by the reasoning that this wasn't right 'because the bible said so'. Recently I read these scriptures again when sharing it with one of my mentees and then it became clearer to me.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: magenta;">"Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires." </span>J<span style="color: #666666;">ames 1:20 (NLT)</span></span><span class="p" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #666666; line-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Lately, I've been angry. To an extent, I'm not too sure I know why I've been angry but I've come to realise that this has to do with the fact that I keep running away from God and the responsibilities He's placed in my hands.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> <b>(<a href="http://rubologs.blogspot.co.uk/">Read my post on running away</a>)</b> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Simply not doing as He's asked or responding to His calls can change your emotions FOR Him, AGAINST Him. Yeah, it's funny right, I did not believe it till I experienced it,hence it affected me gravely. After close examination, I caught a glimpse of what the scripture was referring to in terms of righteousness and not being able to be the Christian I'm daily growing to be. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">Anger blocks the fruits of the spirit being used. In other words, it inhibits you being patient with a person who seems to be unaware of the discomfort their actions bring you. It doesn't allow you to view that person in love or be gentle with them. It completely blocks you from using kind words towards them if and when correcting them. It disables you from living in peace with all men. It robs you of your internal joy. It discourages you from being faithful to your prayers for them (for example in the event that this is your spouse, friend or even child). Anger encourages a lack of self control and it's in these circumstances that you find people uttering words they never would have in the first place and in summary it produces no good.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666;">There is a way that God requires us to behave as listed in</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+5:22-23" style="color: #222222;"> <b>Galatians 5:22</b></a><span style="color: #222222;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;">and anger is one of the things that blocks us from acting in such a manner. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">I'm not sure who I wrote this post for but I know that at one point or the other, we may have been angry and displayed characteristics that we otherwise wouldn't have. I implore you to forgive yourself but take conscious steps to avoid such a state (whatever that means for you) next time.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">Let's not allow anger to block our fruit and ruin our testimonies as Christians</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">Rubo </span></span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900443427684017548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82710901752733720.post-11115162940522799412014-11-17T21:38:00.001+00:002017-02-04T13:20:05.523+00:00Where are you running to?<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNV7HVK5JSsPLdKJUkm3FUq3KW2a59WhKfipZRD6v9bPQyOAQj74_vLAo2znef34JzGaokMevXu1voqkgw1Pjd3tayzepfjSZO66ohWVkAgKbldAMB8KcBBFYAHv2EzI8pyHKHw9xeyU/s1600/running.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNV7HVK5JSsPLdKJUkm3FUq3KW2a59WhKfipZRD6v9bPQyOAQj74_vLAo2znef34JzGaokMevXu1voqkgw1Pjd3tayzepfjSZO66ohWVkAgKbldAMB8KcBBFYAHv2EzI8pyHKHw9xeyU/s1600/running.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Still running? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source:www.alignfiles.com</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So last week I posted on my Facebook that we should stop running away and go back to God as He's waiting to hear from us. He wants us to continually dine with Him. How humbling is that? Therefore I embraced Him and encouraged others to do the same thing.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A trial appeared and all of a sudden I found myself running away again. I heard His calls but decided to ignore, I felt His nudges but decided to move away and ultimately I was back at square one-confused. My prior convictions, visions and decisions were clouded. Discouragement set in and I was running on auto pilot.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'm currently undergoing something called 'the wait'. A period of time Christians frequently find themselves in according to scriptures such as Psalm 40:1-3 and Isaiah 40:31, for example. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The wait can be described as a period of silence. A moment where things appear not to be working, prayers unanswered and worship apparently blocked. Funnily enough, this is a time where deep intimacy has the potential to be built. It's in such a time you cannot depend on your feelings to know God is near as your feelings will ultimately fail you. It's a time where you evidently build your inner man. You pray till you can't pray no more, you worship till you can't find a song ('ultimately' make your own), you sacrifice till there's nothing left and you study until you close your eyes and can only see scripture. In other words you keep pressing on and keep chasing after Him. Yes Him. Not the answers to your prayers but Him.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">As mentioned before, God kept calling me to talk to him, to simply pour my emotions before Him, but I declined. I think I know now that I didn't know what to say. It's situations like these that I value the scripture Romans 8:26 (NLT):</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">"And the<b> </b>Holy Spirit </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">helps us in our weakness. For example, we don't know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words."</span></span><span class="p" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I've read this scripture a few times but to be honest, I'm grasping the concept of this verse more and more. The Holy Spirit is aware of our weaknesses and shortcomings. Instead of judgement, He's readily available to help us. A common example described in the verse in relation to prayer accompanied with the solution. So why on earth are we running away if He's actually willing to help with even the most basic things? </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sometimes God only wants us to come. Imagine when you've had a bad day and your mother or spouse cuddles you up on the sofa with hot chocolate and holds you in the silence whilst you cry and fall asleep. It's such a comforting experience and I realise now, that's all he wanted to do.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Listen, waiting can be exhausting if you're doing it just to find an answer. So instead, wait on Him. Let Him renew your strength. Let Him revive your relationship.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">But more importantly, stop running away and talk to Him.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I'll leave you with this scripture from Matthew 11:28 (NLT):</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">"Then Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens</span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">, and I will give you rest."</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666;">Much love, peace and prayers </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Rubo </span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900443427684017548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82710901752733720.post-19016231460134082582014-11-16T13:45:00.000+00:002017-04-30T13:51:24.386+01:00Better late than never (2)- I'm tired of trusting, hoping and believing<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gBb-vaEZraPPxQcQZ2FurGKbIPVc3thq22UoLc_qPxk1VnA6F_zzatdVB0lSk5TrYAclz1AxXLoMbNVy3EM5hR8A1sQwWlVODrdzsK7gbH-jcicy_Sh2has-emfMxKLBXwhm_ACJ6rw/s1600/tired-of-waiting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7gBb-vaEZraPPxQcQZ2FurGKbIPVc3thq22UoLc_qPxk1VnA6F_zzatdVB0lSk5TrYAclz1AxXLoMbNVy3EM5hR8A1sQwWlVODrdzsK7gbH-jcicy_Sh2has-emfMxKLBXwhm_ACJ6rw/s1600/tired-of-waiting.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: www.gopixpic.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">No honestly, I'm over it. It's draining, or am I doing it the wrong way?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Oh I apologise for those who assumed this would be another inspirational post but I've promised myself to be more honest with you this year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lately, all I have received through my digital letter box, are letters starting with the phrase 'We are sorry to inform you', 'It is with regret we inform you', 'We are afraid that we cannot accept your application' and so on and so forth. It is disheartening.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In all honesty, part of the reason I am tired is that I keep going through these cycles. I am tired of seeking the direction, receiving it, taking action, praying and hoping that it will work out, only for it to fall through like water through a sieve. However, I laugh as I'm starting to realise that my theme for the year may actually be trust; in the sense of walking with God.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I think God wants me to learn and develop in the area of trusting Him. But as you can tell, I am finding this particularly difficult. There are a million questions buzzing through my head as I try and comprehend the idea of trusting, waiting and 'faithing' (for lack of better word).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have two choices. The first is to trust God despite the fact that I have NO CLUE as to what is happening with me. The second is to be bitter and harden my heart towards God even though the situation remains that I have NO CLUE as to what is going on. Let's just say I have almost made up my mind.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Having said that, I have chosen to ponder on a few scriptures to put things into perspective</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Isaiah 26:3 (ESV)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: magenta; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Isaiah 40:31 (NLT)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: magenta; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">"But those who trust in the LORD will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint."</span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Isaiah 40:8 (NLT)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: magenta; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">"The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever."</span><span class="p" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 14px; line-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."</span><span class="p" style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-size: 14px; line-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jeremiah 33:3 (ESV)</span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">"Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known."</span><span class="p" style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-size: 14px; line-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Listen, (you too Ruth), this walk of faith is not easy. Whilst this may be true, we must remain convinced that God is walking with us, working for us, in and through us at every point in time especially when it does not appear to be so.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So Rubologians (haha as if), I apologise for my somewhat melancholic tone, but I chose to be open and honest with you. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By the way, in case you've forgotten, it is well with your soul.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stay tuned on the next post </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rubologs </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900443427684017548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82710901752733720.post-11210278576899542032014-09-14T21:49:00.002+01:002017-04-30T13:57:45.005+01:00Welcome to adulthood<blockquote style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" type="cite">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAbBtXKLp2vzGd5fbEC2H48NlMsN4YLV8rC22IsqN5jU-MTcXxdg8T1ksdEgjhtMsAIi_MnNej9d5MPrJVK1Fyxa38EaoSKodKsaW2nvZVTXJPqN8RJiv8z6bh4UjAR3g0CBDqaH22yo/s1600/_MG_8423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAbBtXKLp2vzGd5fbEC2H48NlMsN4YLV8rC22IsqN5jU-MTcXxdg8T1ksdEgjhtMsAIi_MnNej9d5MPrJVK1Fyxa38EaoSKodKsaW2nvZVTXJPqN8RJiv8z6bh4UjAR3g0CBDqaH22yo/s1600/_MG_8423.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">July 2013-In shock, it's been over a year y'all </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</blockquote>
<blockquote style="background-color: white;" type="cite">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAbBtXKLp2vzGd5fbEC2H48NlMsN4YLV8rC22IsqN5jU-MTcXxdg8T1ksdEgjhtMsAIi_MnNej9d5MPrJVK1Fyxa38EaoSKodKsaW2nvZVTXJPqN8RJiv8z6bh4UjAR3g0CBDqaH22yo/s1600/_MG_8423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt;">To all my graduates,<u> </u></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt;">I congratulate you or as they said at my graduation ceremony, graduands! (I still don’t understand that word till date.)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">How does it feel having graduated, bland, great, confusing or overwhelming? I remember when I first graduated, I felt very disappointed. I don’t know why, but I was expecting a big welcoming party to wish me a happy graduation. Oh my days, how can I forget? I remember what happened on graduation day. I previously lost my iphone (RIP Iphone 4) to the toilet that week, so I had no phone. Like, no insta post, no facebook sermon, nada. Just one mash up blackberry that needed a second touch, so I felt like the only people that cared were the 6/7 family members and friends (who funnily were all male) that turned up to my ceremony.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Anyways let’s move on. In all honesty, I was not ready for the shock of ‘adulthood’ as I fondly call it. During uni, everybody struggled with maintaining money but in the back of our minds, we always had peace as we knew Student Loan was going to ‘drop’ anytime soon (you’ll only understand if you went to uni in the UK lol). Dear graduate, there is no student loan that will drop again and if you didn’t save you’re going to be struggling until you get a job. Hmm a job (check this <b><a href="http://rubologs.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/job.html">post</a></b> where I talk about finding a job).<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">There’s also the issue of moving back home, if you haven’t already. You see I’m from a Nigerian home and that is a book on its own. In uni, I had the liberty to move as I pleased but when I returned home, I had a clash with my parents. On my side, I forgot the protocols instilled by my parents which we had to adhere to and on their side, they forgot that I experienced freedom and was a growing adult. It wasn’t easy adjusting. After two weeks with my mum, I was looking for another course to do so I could leave lol. It’s not like I wanted to leave but I was tired of food finishing everyday and having to wash the bathroom that 5 people had used over a week.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I could ramble on and on but I’m writing this post for a reason. I’ve experienced some things and I’d like to share a snippet of the things I learnt in the early stages of being a graduate.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">I think I have one major point that could be broken down into many paragraphs and that is: Don’t be in a rush to move on.<u></u></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">After speaking to my friends who just finished from university, the response I got from them is that they’re looking for a job. If you’re like them, frantically looking for a job, slow down. In my opinion, I believe you should do other things instead. For example, evaluate the exact career choices you have available to you and plan accordingly. What might have been your ideal career at the beginning of your course, may not necessarily appeal to you now and you need to be able to identify what it is you want to do before you get it wrong. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, what matters is that you get there!<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Another option is to go away on holiday. This may sound very silly to you but not everyone who has been to uni, even considered the idea of a break. Some just work, work and work some more. Now, even if it doesn’t appear to be studying, you’re still working if you’re continuously planning events, having socials or attending to voluntary commitments such as service in the church. So technically, you haven’t had a break have ya? So please, go on holiday with a friend. With a budget of 400, you can easily find a 7 day all inclusive to most places in <u></u>Europe<u></u>.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Similar to my previous point is considering doing a mission trip for an extended period. First, you get to see another country, another section of the world at large and you’re able to see yourself at work in more likely than not, adverse conditions to what you’re used to. This is good for those people that have never been away from home apart from uni. Check this website for more info (<a href="http://www.volunteerics.org/">ICS</a>).<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Plan your finances. Ok, you’ve sorted out your career, found out potential starting salary and have probably started applying for jobs. My advice is work out a budget. Savings is a priority and should be set at almost 50% depending on whether your salary can afford it but nothing less than 20%. I PLEAD with you, pay off your overdraft ASAP. I don’t even have to assume this. I’m aware, a lot of us were reckless with money during university and have now landed with overdraft. For some banks, your overdraft is interest free for one year after graduation on certain amounts. Find out what your bank policy is and let’s get rid of the debt we can afford to get rid of. Also, depending on your life goals, check your credit. However, before you do that get advice from someone in the financial industry. I checked mine and I’m on track baybe! Lol<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">Find or develop your natural abilities. Some of my friends critically assessed themselves and instead of working for others, they are working and building their own businesses. They realized that they had a gift, skill or talent that they could develop and overtime they have managed to do that. It may have taken them a few steps but they’re where they desire to be now.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">My final point, talk to people. You’re not in this journey alone. Take the courage to ask for advice or even give advice if you, like me, graduated last year. <u></u></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">These are my main points but one thing I’d like to say is that I wish I’d been more patient in getting a job or rather used my time more wisely when I didn’t have a job. I sincerely do not regret getting a job but I didn’t do some of the things I mentioned above and looking back I wish I did. Having a job is a great thing, puts your life in order to an extent and helps you to mature as an individual on different scopes. However, critically and prayerfully assess whether the road of a job is for you and whether it’s for now. Forget the money aspect. In all honesty, money has wings and it may take you a couple of months before you even ‘enjoy’ your salary.<u></u><u></u></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;">So, my dear graduate, keep focused and take your time.</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<blockquote style="background-color: white;" type="cite">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt;">P.S If you have any advice that you think would be valuable please drop a comment or send me an email at rubologs@gmail.com. </span></span> </span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" type="cite">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</blockquote>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: x-small;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900443427684017548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82710901752733720.post-73934054901343898022014-09-04T22:34:00.003+01:002017-02-04T13:21:28.283+00:00In September, I remember....<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8O8WAXfakhOV1MhFlDA_R5cH5LUgwkG1_66MTZAHuOY2SL9sMARMVjhvZENRCxg0O8eTyZVPArShLKPnbt2iYOkpgsvRfepKYyymRchGsHM1nPykT5A2UMSCrkQ2ii3NleKkTyAJF6VI/s1600/september_bliss__76.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8O8WAXfakhOV1MhFlDA_R5cH5LUgwkG1_66MTZAHuOY2SL9sMARMVjhvZENRCxg0O8eTyZVPArShLKPnbt2iYOkpgsvRfepKYyymRchGsHM1nPykT5A2UMSCrkQ2ii3NleKkTyAJF6VI/s1600/september_bliss__76.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: www.smashingmagazine.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It's the beginning of the month and instead of doing my monthly snippets on lessons I've learnt, I thought I'd switch it up this month.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Follow me as I share the 9 things I'm grateful for:</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My faith. There's many things in this world that disappoint but the God I worship doesn't have this track record. For the love He continually bestows on me. The fact that He knows my future and helps me to reach it keeps me in awe. The fact that He seeks me and speaks to me, I'm grateful.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My family. I'm grateful because we're still together despite the many things that could've separated us. We're growing each day to understand one another and for the love they display whether it's through shouting or hugging, I'm grateful.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My friends. I have a good set of friends. Friends that tell me the truth, help me, encourage me. Friends that actively maintain our friendship, not ones that I have to chase for a text lol. They've been there through the braids, tracks, weaves and Brazilian times. I'm grateful.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My fights. So far this year has been good but I've cried a few times and had my share of ups and downs. I've had to fight the desires to sin, the desires to want more and the desire to at times give up. But all in all I can say that I've overcome many things and for that, I'm grateful.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My fears. I'm grateful for these because it helps me to remember that my hopes and dreams should be in one persons hand. It helps me to put things in perspective and keeps me running to the person that can take the doubts away. It's always a great exchange and for this I'm grateful.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My feelings. It's not something that comes to mind, is it? I'm not saying it's ok to be angry or constantly moody without resolving the issues causing these expressions of emotions but I'm saying it's great that we can be ourselves. So whilst it sounds silly, I don't have to go through a lifetime of suppressed emotions and for this I'm grateful.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My flaws. I'm not perfect. I have some blemishes which I'm using toner for (lol the make up artists will laugh at me for that). But rather than look at my flaws and become discouraged, I look up to the one who is perfect to help me. For this privilege, I'm grateful.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My food. I like food!! In my language we have a name for those who like food and loosely translated it's someone who IS food (did I get that right?). I can have any type of food because I live in a place where variety is not lacking. Others don't have so I savour every moment and for that, I'm grateful.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My future. Simply put, He holds my world in His hands; I'm secure and most importantly I'm grateful.</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900443427684017548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82710901752733720.post-62346075880302927362014-08-19T22:30:00.000+01:002017-02-04T13:23:51.402+00:00Why should I feel discouraged?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50y-RCGSy3RFcA9uuIGvu6H7Ak8V8QFWXXzMWa3rwDpW4ygrQoNMAibGuVngIuVGWdLMfvwvRGqVS0hVOvfTYcCkmCduHOEdZq-eMpRka7yNkM9K48o-AKOFSR_TPeOzwFJo0nzzSifI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2014-08-19+at+22.25.50.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg50y-RCGSy3RFcA9uuIGvu6H7Ak8V8QFWXXzMWa3rwDpW4ygrQoNMAibGuVngIuVGWdLMfvwvRGqVS0hVOvfTYcCkmCduHOEdZq-eMpRka7yNkM9K48o-AKOFSR_TPeOzwFJo0nzzSifI/s320/Screen+Shot+2014-08-19+at+22.25.50.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: www.lovethispic.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Ever felt discouraged, without hope and no sense of direction? Welcome to the club. </span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Psalm 42 says 'Why, I ask myself, are you so depressed? Why are you so upset inside? Hope in God! Because I will again give him thanks, my saving presence and my God.' (Psalms 42:5 CEB)</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">There are several reasons why as Christians we may feel discouraged. We may have lost a loved one, scored badly on an important exam or made a bad decision resulting in loss. Let me be real with you, even watching the news these days can be quite discouraging. Whatever the case, we can identify with the feeling. David did too and he certainly didn't hide this emotion but like Job, openly expressed his feelings before God.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In verse three of psalms 42, David mentioned he had been crying for days on end to the extent that he had no energy left as he refrained from eating. He was even being tormented with thoughts of what people had previously said in that they questioned the reality of his beliefs.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqL8QggMAlu03ptoAvXW-OOMSdZ0I_ci4mRsRzCrH5H9SdH1_NnQt7wLl7xMj1Sm9zGm2bOZAHjX09ILqqsJ39wTKO-rUyU6FOfNUVXy6GzOdEf_ulhnV7bKHE9Gost1enGREh-yZuJo/s1600/dont_be_discouraged.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqL8QggMAlu03ptoAvXW-OOMSdZ0I_ci4mRsRzCrH5H9SdH1_NnQt7wLl7xMj1Sm9zGm2bOZAHjX09ILqqsJ39wTKO-rUyU6FOfNUVXy6GzOdEf_ulhnV7bKHE9Gost1enGREh-yZuJo/s400/dont_be_discouraged.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: www.wordpress.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Does this sound familiar?</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Life gives you the option of being depressed, upset and at times bitter. But let's examine what David said in the latter part of verse 5. He said 'Hope in God! Because I will again give him thanks, my saving presence and my God.'</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Why did he say this? I believe it's because he had an assurance based on his past experiences in his relationship with God. He knew that he'd come out of this situation because God was with him. That's what brought him out of the situation.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">With this in mind, I thought of things that I do that help me when I'm discouraged.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">1. I'll be honest with God about my feelings</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">2. I'll calm down and not let emotions rule my thoughts</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">3. I make my feelings accountable to another person</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">4. I'll be silent to hear from God as I believe he's heard me</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">5. I'll be vigilant to understand what He's trying to teach me.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">6. Ultimately, I'll keep moving forward as there's no benefit to my progress if I remain stagnant.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Last thoughts: What we must always strive to maintain is our relationship and enhance the knowledge we have with Him, through the word of God. Then when discouragement surfaces we'll be able to deal with it.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Today I'm reminding you and myself that if His eyes is on the sparrow, then He's surely watching over us.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Rubologs</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900443427684017548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82710901752733720.post-79882623767469651642014-08-10T21:49:00.000+01:002017-02-04T13:24:46.288+00:00The thief of joy <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZz73OaJRyxCdTc3bMQ8CFHTs1VO5sqB9W1hzNdsVwZB0F5Cd6iOWzDBgdyZ9DEp0mp9mXBT961ZfkJW0gkJRs3miKOIprjKqWnC9KSog4Ro7vwDg7UysZTpBEDHZxHUBjGuHq7VIJak/s1600/stop-comparing-yourself-to-others.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZz73OaJRyxCdTc3bMQ8CFHTs1VO5sqB9W1hzNdsVwZB0F5Cd6iOWzDBgdyZ9DEp0mp9mXBT961ZfkJW0gkJRs3miKOIprjKqWnC9KSog4Ro7vwDg7UysZTpBEDHZxHUBjGuHq7VIJak/s1600/stop-comparing-yourself-to-others.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Source: www.wordpress.com<br />
Comparison is the thief of joy-Theodore Roosevelt</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sometimes we compare ourselves so much to other people that we forget the great things that God has bestowed on us which in turn halts us from doing the things He wants us to. This happened to me for 2 months.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's an internal battle. A battle that occurs in the mind, translates to speech and eventually becomes your character. I find it quite ironic that during this time, I read the 'The battlefield of the mind' by Joyce Meyer. I think reading this book helped me to restructure my thought pattern to a great extent and has helped me to even identify the way in which the enemy primarily works against our minds. I certainly recommend it. However, you can read all the books you want to and gain as much information as possible but nothing will change until you do internally.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I'll confess that, I didn't realise I was in this phase until I stopped certain things that God specifically put in my hands to do. For example, this very blog. I know it's a work in progress but I so compared myself to others that I eventually convinced myself that I couldn't do anything with it or that it wouldn't go far. May I mention that this however, did not stop the flow of ideas regarding my blog posts. I thought about it everyday!</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As I mentioned before, my character was affected. I reduced my calls, texts and general posts that made me, me. I became inferior to people that genuinely loved me and I was downright negative about everything. The funny thing is no one particularly noticed this because as I said, it was an internal thing and I hid it quite well.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Eventually I became quite unhappy and demotivated to do anything and if I'm honest with you, I cannot recall how I got to this stage. I'm only grateful that I'm progressively coming out of this! One way I'm recovering so to speak, is by reminding myself of who I am in Christ and remembering the love He has for me that He displayed on the cross. It's easy to forget so that's why God told Joshua ''This book of the law must not depart from your mouth but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. Then you shall make your way prosperous and then you will have good success." Joshua 1:8 (NKJV) Yes, to have good success in our minds means to be stable and positive.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Let's be clear, this isn't a blog post to declare and announce some epic return but rather an encouragement and caution against comparison.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There's a reason why you are who you are, bestowed with the gifts and talents that you have. Others may be in your field and this is for many reasons including the fact that you can't reach everyone by yourself. So "<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.</span>" 2 Corinthians 10:12 (NIV). I compared myself with others, became foolish and look where it landed me! Avoid doing the same.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Last thought: If you compare yourself with another person, you're indirectly telling God that He didn't do a good job.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Until we meet again, be yourself!</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Rubo</span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Keep an eye out for my next post on discouragement. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900443427684017548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82710901752733720.post-3980023653916496642014-06-14T21:13:00.000+01:002017-02-04T13:55:22.004+00:00I don't think, I lust<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHrj0uooFyGqre5yjgfFYxZoeI0_RaABuAJfmD6k7lmMX9e6R6J-5YP68EnRuJQ3lCo63QmueN9eqt-C_RJ6eYhsHmLOHEk2AK1TNf63EM9B5GQ8SIDlFDLbSTH2oHrg7kxpiCLBeDIs/s1600/faded+love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghHrj0uooFyGqre5yjgfFYxZoeI0_RaABuAJfmD6k7lmMX9e6R6J-5YP68EnRuJQ3lCo63QmueN9eqt-C_RJ6eYhsHmLOHEk2AK1TNf63EM9B5GQ8SIDlFDLbSTH2oHrg7kxpiCLBeDIs/s1600/faded+love.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Faded love<br />
source: www.flicker.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The thing I hate most about lust is the fact that it's so subtle. Let me be honest, I didn't even know I was lusting and till date I can't even recall when it started.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I don't necessarily want to go into this subject as I'm convinced that the majority of people reading this are aware of it and have probably encountered (for lack of better word) it.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My post is for those who have struggled and I mean struggled with it for the past months or even years and are at their wits end and need help. I know that position. I know what it did to me physically and spiritually; it's not an easy battle to engage in.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For the majority of us, it starts with an image, a thought of a person or even a familiar scent for those with a more </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">sensual outlook. Yes, this is how subtle it can be as I mentioned before.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Firstly, let me address that the enemy is aware of the state of your mind and has decided to use this as a main weapon of warfare against you.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Let's look at a few scriptures before I go on to explain tools that I've used which has helped me through the years.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><u>Matthew 5:27-30 (NLT)</u></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="MAT.5.27" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 34px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="label" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0.9em 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;">27</span><span class="wj" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">“You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’</span><span class="note f" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; cursor: default; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span></span><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span><span class="verse v28" data-usfm="MAT.5.28" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 34px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px;"><span class="label" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0.9em 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;">28</span><span class="wj" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.</span></span><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="MAT.5.29" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 34px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px;"><span class="label" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0.9em 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;">29</span><span class="wj" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">So if your eye—even your good eye</span><span class="note f" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; cursor: default; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">—causes you to </span></span></span></b></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="MAT.5.29" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 34px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px;"><span class="wj" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">lust, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body</span></span></span></b></span><b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span class="verse v29" data-usfm="MAT.5.29" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 34px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px;"><span class="wj" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.</span></span><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> </span></span><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="MAT.5.30" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 34px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px;"><span class="label" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; line-height: 1; margin: 0.9em 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;">30</span><span class="wj" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">And if your hand—even your stronger hand</span><span style="-webkit-background-clip: padding;"><span class="note f" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; -webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; cursor: default; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span></span><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">—causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.</span></span></span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span class="verse v30" data-usfm="MAT.5.30" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 34px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px;"><span class="wj" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span></b>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The first part of this verse addresses lust and what it actually is-adultery. Then the second part addresses how to combat it and with what intensity. For you to physically pluck your eye out would leave you blind and in excruciating pain. However, looking at it metaphorically it means that you've disabled the equipment that would otherwise land you in trouble.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In essence, this verse helped me to understand how God viewed lust and how He wanted me to deal with it.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><br style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><u>Hebrews 4:16 (NLT)</u></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="HEB.4.15" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 34px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px;"><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="verse v15" data-usfm="HEB.4.15" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 34px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px;"><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">testings we do, yet he did not sin. </span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="HEB.4.16" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 34px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px;"><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">So let us come boldly to the throne of our </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="HEB.4.16" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 34px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px;"><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need </span></span></span><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="HEB.4.16" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 34px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px;"><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">it most.</span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span class="verse v16" data-usfm="HEB.4.16" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 34px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px;"><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This verse has been a great comfort to say the least. At times I'd feel episodes of sheer guilt, shame and rejection. Upon reading this, I'd understand that I was in a relationship with someone who understood EXACTLY what I was encountering but was able to withstand it meaning that through my constant relationship with Him, I </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">too could overcome.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><u>1 John 5:4 (NLT)</u></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 34px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>For every child of God defeats this evil world, and we achieve this victory through our faith</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I smile whenever I think of this scripture because I learnt it by listening to a sermon in church but didn't know how</span><span style="background-color: white;"> important a scripture it would become to me.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Simply stated; because He overcame, I can overcome.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><u>1 Corinthians 10:3-4 (NLT)</u></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span class="verse v4" data-usfm="2CO.10.4" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 34px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 17px;"><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. </span></span><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="2CO.10.5" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 34px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 17px;"><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.</span></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b><span class="verse v5" data-usfm="2CO.10.5" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; background-color: white; border: 0px; line-height: 34px; margin: 0px 0px 0px 3px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 17px;"><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yeah welcome to Christianity also known as spiritual warfare. This verse practically tells you what Matthew 5 </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">gruesomely explained. Throw the thoughts into the bottomless pit of hell. That's where they belong, not your mind!!</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><u>Psalms 19:4 (NLT)</u></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 2em; text-indent: 1em;">May the words of my mouth </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 2em; text-indent: 2em;">and the meditation of my heart </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 2em; text-indent: 1em;">be pleasing to you, </span><span class="content" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; line-height: 2em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 2em;">O </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span class="sc" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 2em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 2em;"><span class="content" style="-webkit-background-clip: padding; background-clip: padding-box; border: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">lord</span></span><span class="content" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #444444; line-height: 2em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-indent: 2em;">, my rock and my redeemer.</span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Again another scripture that helped me to cast down thoughts by simply replacing it with the word of God.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /></span>
<span style="line-height: 34px; text-indent: 17px;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><u style="background-color: white;">James 4:7 (NLT)</u></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; line-height: 34px; text-indent: 17px;"><b>So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I remembering reading this entire passage of scripture realising that I had read it only to understand one point. I must be under the umbrella (protection) of God before I can even face the devil, unless I'll just be flicked away </span><span style="background-color: white;">like a piece of dust.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">These scriptures are not extensive but this is what I used in overcoming this demon called lust.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Now, I'd like to give a few tactical points in overcoming this.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>1. Prayer</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What I mean in this point is that you should be honest with God. Explain to Him that you have this weakness and need His help. He already understands and He's already holding your hands, however He just needs you to keep the grip and never let go.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">However, be aware that this is a spiritual battle and needs to be fought brutally, so don't be comfortable or familiar with your prayer in regards to this. Address the enemy and let him know that you're not giving up!</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>2. Memorising the word and using it as a weapon</b></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">This is the biggest weapon you have to use in prayer. First of all read the word on this subject area of the mind </span><span style="background-color: white;">and use it. Memorise it till it becomes a part of you. Then when the moment arises you're equipped.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The three times Jesus was tempted by the devil, He used the word in order to overcome the temptation and over power the attempts of the enemy. It works! I know it does.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>3. Confession/accountability</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I can't stress this point enough. Let me be honest, the average evangelical/Pentecostal Christian doesn't want to be open with their fellow Christian brothers and sisters and the enemy is using this to divide the church.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">The word of God instructs us to confess our sins one to another. There's a reason why; two heads are better than one, physically,mentally and spiritually. Share with your Christian friend. I know some feel that they may be judged but I've found great peace in this. If you're not sure of who to talk to, pray first and let God lead you. I'm telling you it has helped. Don't expect too much, because they're not God and cannot fully solve this issue. In summary, this friend of yours can help you to pray continually and encourage you even when you don't feel like doing the right thing. There's great progress when you have the support of someone. Galatians 6:2 (NLT) says "</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255 , 255 , 255 , 0); text-align: justify;"><b>Share each other's burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ."</b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>4. Identify the conditions surrounding you that make you more vulnerable</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Are you more susceptible to lust in the morning because you've just woken up, are weak and not been able to gather your thoughts?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Is it when you're idle and not occupied?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Identify it and when you have, use it to your advantage.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><b>5. Watch what you watch</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">In other words, guard your heart. If you already know that watching a particular film or reading something will later result in episodes of lust then there's no point. Avoid it.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Let me close by saying that the state of your mind is important to God! That's the avenue He uses to talk with you so the enemy will do anything to block it.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Let's begin to think and not lust!</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900443427684017548noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82710901752733720.post-33452301257355289342014-06-03T21:40:00.001+01:002017-02-04T13:56:14.891+00:00The month of May <span style="color: #666666; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">I posted on Facebook a few days ago that the month of May was an emotional and spiritual roller coaster. I was literally left with two options. I remembered the scripture of 'life and death' but it came to me in a different way. I could've chosen to be bitter towards God and the people involved or chosen to view this as a learning curve and hold on to God even more. <br /><br />So this month I realised that communication within a family is vital. Without it, misconceptions will arise, assumptions will be made and confusion will take place. In fact, I understood this point so much this month that I was given insight to the damage it could do if it was missing. I also began to understand why married couples always pin pointed that communication was or shall I say is important to a marriage. Please don't take it lightly. If you notice a gap in communication with your loved ones, build a bridge. <br /><br />Treat others the way you would like to be treated. The problem is we know these things but we choose not to apply them. <br /><br />How you make your bed, is how you will lie in it. Excuse my proverbial language, however it's something that was reiterated this month to me. Don't expect an output if there's no input. <br /><br />Prayer is essential. I think I may expatiate on this point with another blog post but for now, I learnt that communication at all times with the Holy Spirit is what kept me sane or on track. <br /><br />This is one point that I'm still trying to grasp. I realised that I was not happy within me when I didn't use my gift to serve at the right time. I also found out that if I didn't do something that I was meant to do which could bless someone then someone else would replace me, do that thing and do it better *insertappropriateemoticon*!!! <br /><br />Before I leave, this might make you laugh but I learnt that money is good!! Lol. <br /><br />See you sooner than you think whilst we discuss practical ways to deal with lust. <br /><br />Rubo</span> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900443427684017548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82710901752733720.post-11104266180320209542014-05-13T21:17:00.000+01:002017-02-04T13:57:23.391+00:00Who's asking about my heart?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoQ1fSdJ2a8Wx2PG77eCWeT84kZIt4hzrtiCIj9PvMO7K8usA-ACLWrFDrJdCelk4OztABkVrt0CgdPw-ry8aMJk_ucWLLG1RPR0W7PgitKuivx2tXoIDKL_SRrXC0LADEYdupXXdE9s/s1600/450-heart-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXoQ1fSdJ2a8Wx2PG77eCWeT84kZIt4hzrtiCIj9PvMO7K8usA-ACLWrFDrJdCelk4OztABkVrt0CgdPw-ry8aMJk_ucWLLG1RPR0W7PgitKuivx2tXoIDKL_SRrXC0LADEYdupXXdE9s/s1600/450-heart-01.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">Search me, O God, and know my heart! </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;">Try me and know my thoughts!</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span class="text Ps-139-24" id="en-ESV-16264" style="background-color: white; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"><br /></span></span><span class="text Ps-139-24" id="en-ESV-16264" style="background-color: white; position: relative;">And see if there be any grievous way in me, </span><span class="text Ps-139-24" style="position: relative;">and <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16264AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></span>lead me in <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16264AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></span>the way everlasting!</span>" Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV).</span></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">(Source: www.netdoctor.co.uk)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This will be a short piece but I believe it is relevant to the subject at hand-The Heart.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I recently, spoke about the heart and this topic has been ruminating within me for the past month. After pondering continuously on the content of my heart, I realised I was asking the wrong person. How will I truly know what is in the content of my heart?</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Like David I asked</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <span style="color: blue; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"<span style="background-color: white;">Search me, O God, and know my heart! </span><span style="background-color: white;">Try me and know my thoughts!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><span class="text Ps-139-24" id="en-ESV-16264" style="background-color: white; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">24 </span></span><span class="text Ps-139-24" id="en-ESV-16264" style="background-color: white; position: relative;">And see if there be any grievous way in me, </span><span class="text Ps-139-24" style="position: relative;">and <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16264AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></span>lead me in <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16264AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></span>the way everlasting!</span>"</span> </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Psalm 139:23-24 (ESV).</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I think one of the reasons God asked me this question and does it quite frequently is because He's ensuring that my motive is right. What's the essence of serving an individual but doing it with resentment in your heart towards the person? It's a contradicting act and will amount to nothing. Hence we shouldn't forget that He is looking at the content of your heart. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As I was thinking of this, I stumbled across the fact that God might be constantly asking me this question in order to make me aware that He's always watching me. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Psalm 139:7-12 (ESV) says</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> <span style="color: orange; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"<span style="background-color: white;">Where shall I go from your Spirit?</span><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-7" style="position: relative;">Or where <span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16247J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></span>shall I flee from your presence? </span><span class="text Ps-139-8" id="en-ESV-16248" style="background-color: white; position: relative;">If I ascend to heaven, you are there! </span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white;"><span class="text Ps-139-8" style="position: relative;">If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! </span></span><span class="text Ps-139-9" id="en-ESV-16249" style="background-color: white; position: relative;">If I take the wings of the morning</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-9" style="position: relative;">and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea </span></span><span class="text Ps-139-10" id="en-ESV-16250" style="background-color: white; position: relative;">even there your hand shall <span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16250M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></span>lead me </span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white;"><span class="text Ps-139-10" style="position: relative;">and your right hand shall hold me. </span></span><span class="text Ps-139-11" id="en-ESV-16251" style="background-color: white; position: relative;">If I say, <span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16251N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></span>“Surely the darkness shall cover me</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-11" style="position: relative;">and the light about me be night,”</span></span><span class="text Ps-139-12" id="en-ESV-16252" style="background-color: white; position: relative;">even the darkness is not dark to you;</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-12" style="position: relative;">the night is bright as the day,</span></span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-139-12" style="position: relative;">for darkness is as light with you."</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;"><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white;"><span class="text Ps-139-12" style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white;"><span class="text Ps-139-12" style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I can't hide from Him as He knows everything already, including the content of my heart.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white;"><span class="text Ps-139-12" style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Next time you feel a nudge regarding your heart, think motive, think presence.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Rubologs </span></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="text Ps-139-11" id="en-ESV-16251" style="background-color: white; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;">11 </span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900443427684017548noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82710901752733720.post-87215775088957555032014-04-30T18:00:00.000+01:002017-02-04T13:58:48.698+00:00What I didn't learn in March and stumbled across in April<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYaLCZCtD7dXydk4dAaLuG6PY4Z-ukB6TA1BmKwkyaRWKmRuPzUTYM1FS7U5n8hGle4BOZ5RDHzcZQ3uSAW-i2StZIn-2VzjwmTTQafpDUCZChF6iiOVE8e_a1jpAty-MXuMhoDh8aNQ/s1600/spring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsYaLCZCtD7dXydk4dAaLuG6PY4Z-ukB6TA1BmKwkyaRWKmRuPzUTYM1FS7U5n8hGle4BOZ5RDHzcZQ3uSAW-i2StZIn-2VzjwmTTQafpDUCZChF6iiOVE8e_a1jpAty-MXuMhoDh8aNQ/s1600/spring.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spring at its best<br />
(Source: www.google.co.uk)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hi everyone,</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's been a while and there a few good reasons why I have been MIA. Firstly, I GOT A JOB!!! *praisebreak*. This may not be ecstatic news to everyone but for me and fellow recent graduates this is awesome news. I will be blogging about my experience later. Secondly, my big sister got married (plus other weddings) and I was too busy being excited that I just couldn't put my thoughts down.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, as promised every month I take stock of the lessons I learn and share them. However, last month, I didn't learn much. In fact, spiritually, March was messed up, tore up, you name it. I had serious moments where I doubted God's abilities, spouts of insecurities, lack of faith and the list goes on. This is despite the fact that I actually took time to organise my month. It reminds me of a scripture which says </span><span style="color: orange; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"Many are the plans in a persons heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I don't have a list of lessons this time around but I have a few distinct things that I remember. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I didn't learn that if you give the devil a foothold, he will take it and turn it into a stronghold. What I mean in simple terms is, give the devil a foot and he'll take a mile. I seriously let my guard down last month. I didn't shield my heart, mind or soul and I thought I'd be okay. It doesn't work like that...at all! See, I've come to realise this, the devil comes but to 'kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10). But he doesn't come to your room to wake you up at night to punch you instead he thinks like a business man and seizes certain opportunities and uses it to his full advantage. Be alert, the Bible encourages, BE ALERT!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Holiness is a verb! God has clothed us in His righteousness but we need to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. It is something we work on daily, consciously and persistently. Holiness is not by accident.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I've also realised that success doesn't suddenly fall on your lap. You must work at it. I've had to make adjustments in my life in order to align myself with success. Might I add that, success is objective to each individual and this should be taken in to consideration when you find yourself making comparisons with your peers.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Finally, God's grace (empowerment in this sense) is readily available. In 'Christianese' we tend to say that we need to 'tap' into it. A tap is used in controlling the flow of some form of liquid. However, until you turn the tap on, nothing will come out of it. How do you turn on grace? Acknowledge that it is present and it will begin to flow. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Personally, I've taken this on board and decided to run with it.</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Until we meet again</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Rubologs</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04900443427684017548noreply@blogger.com2