; a list of bite-sized reflections and reasons for gratitude. I really enjoyed the process and hence I decided to may be make it an annual tradition. Penning down a similar list for my 31st birthday was tough because 2021 was uncomfortable. My thirties kicked off with me gritting my teeth through physical pain, combating emotional exhaustion, and getting to a point where I stopped praying because I doubted God’s presence in my life. Although I began writing these reflections from a place of emptiness, I believe God used the process to soothe my mind with truth and to fill my heart with a renewed hope. - No matter how old I get , I wish to keep learning from those who have walked before me.
- Stay Soft my dear heart, hard things break faster.
- Never lose Hope, it helps us to laugh and love in adversity.
- The opportunity to pursue your dreams is a privilege to be grateful for and not a right to be demanded. Be grateful anyways
- Being busy doesn’t make you more important or righteous than others. The call to “be still” is a call to Faith.
- I may not be able to show up for my loved ones' in their crisis, but in prayer, I can entrust them to the One who is always present by His Spirit.
- When God changes your plans, Trust Anyway.
- The Resurrection is a sign that hard is not always bad, and pain is never purposeless. No matter our current circumstances, it won’t end in ashes. There is always a Purpose.
- The key to contentment is not about lowering expectations but establishing right expectations: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” – Matthew 5:3-4
- My inabilities may bruise my ego, but they serve the greater purpose of magnifying God’s power and promises to imperfect people. God’s power is made perfect in human weakness. (2 Cor 12:9)
- Self-sufficiency is never an indicator of spiritual maturity. God describes himself as a ‘Helper’ who sustains, cares, and provides for His people from beginning to end.
- Healing takes time. Be patient with grief.
- Maturity takes time. Be patient with growth.
- Forgiveness is a process, not a one-off event. Be patient.
- In a performance-driven culture, we need leaders who are faithful to both hard-work and committed rest. “Six days thou shalt work, but on the seventh day thou shalt rest: in earing time and in harvest thou shalt rest.” – Exodus 34:21. (respect Sundays for rest).
- Love is the most excellent spiritual gift. (1 Cor 12:31) No matter your vocation, personality type or qualifications, we’re all called to a life of love.
- Character trumps competency. Knowledge will pass away, but love will remain. (1 Cor 13:8-13)
- “Where love rules, there is no will to power, and where power predominates, love is lacking.” – Carl Gustav Jung. The events of the cross are not a reflection of God’s weakness, rather it shows us the power of a kingdom ruled in LOVE. (Philippians 2:5-8)
- The best parts of me have been shaped by God’s appointed people in my life, not all that are faithful and loveable are to be related in blood. They are just appointed and chosen.
- Sometimes, the mountains will move, and other times God gives us strength to climb. Either way, God is still powerful, present, and good.
- Difference is a good thing. I can surround myself with like-minded people who affirm me in all my prejudices, or ‘as iron sharpens iron’ I can humble myself before my eclectic body of Christ to be sharpened in heart, mind, and character.
- It's not the religion, but the Gospel that empowers surrender.
- Happiness is dependent on circumstances beyond our control. Contentment comes from an internal confidence that Christ is in control, and He is working all things (even hard things) out for our good. (Romans 8:28)
- Theology is integral for existence. Can we love a God we do not know?
- My life is finite and momentary, but it belongs to the One who is infinite and eternal: The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the Word of our God endures forever. – Isaiah 40:8
- In 1 Corinthians 13:4, the first descriptor of divine love is that ‘Love is patient’.
- You don’t need to own a lot to give a lot.
- Hospitality is about making people feel worthy of love, acceptance and a place at the table.
- If God is in control of the outcome of my plans, then even my failures and bad decisions can be repurposed for good.
- “Leave it all in the hands that were wounded for you.” – Elisabeth Elliot
- Stories on this side of eternity will never be perfect, but my Faith in the final chapter empowers me to write with Hope: ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ – Revelations 21:4
Whether 2022 is a mountain top experience, or a battle in the valley, it is my hope that these words will encourage you to persevere with Faith, Hope and Love, and the greatest of these is LOVE. |
