Maximize Moments

2012 - Right in Step With The Full Moon

2012-01-10T12:21:00.001+02:00

I do not claim to have any magic stick or spiritual powers, but what I’m about to share is simply my fascination. I love synchronicities and “appointments with destiny” thrill me. I pay attention to the encounters where my personal moments suddenly seem orchestrated by the grand designer of life.
Let me set the stage. From my last post entry, you would notice that I went through some time of reflection, soul-searching and meditation at the end of 2011. Well, that is my end-of-year ritual. I do that every year to close it.
However, this ending was different in 2011. After the spiritual detox and reflection, I felt led to do a physical detox. I was feeling quite unhealthy, bloated and blocked physically, so I embarked in what I know how to do, a crash detox (which i highly un-recommend but will probably do again). It felt great only at the end of my very scary procedure and hence, no further details will be provided.
Even after that, It felt like there was something else still calling for my attention. I intuitively moved into a time of a space detox. I cleaned the house with my husband, removed clothes and shoes that were no longer needed etc. Then I moved on to Electronic/Digital Detox. I rearranged folders on my computer, deleted old information, assembled all scattered documents to the same place , deleted email addresses that were no longer helpful or useful to me at this season of my life, went through my audio and also did an audio detox, sorting out old CDs to be given away, and keeping the ones I would still listen to.
Now all of this has been taking place between 20 December 2011 to 9 January 2012. It has been a fairly intentional and long days of just aligning my spirit, soul and body. This morning (10 January 2012), I woke up with such a sense to research the “Full Moon” of 9 January 2012 (I have been fascinated and passionate about full moons for many years). It suddenly dawned on me that “Full Moon is a time of purification, purging and getting rid of things that are no longer serving us. It is also a time of spiritual and emotional detox.
I realized that I have been in some weird way connected to the rhythm and movement of life. I am now feeling a new energy, a great attunement and a readiness to take on my goals and head in the direction of my life, more powerfully.

Drawing the Curtain on 2011

2011-12-31T10:32:00.001+02:00

Armed with my Bible, Journal, iPod, Camera, Pack of Kleenex, Diary and my Rosary around my neck, wearing a free-style white dress. I arrived at Schoenstatt in Constantia around 3:50pm.
Almost immediately as I got out of my car, the familiar air welcomed me. The last time I was here was before I was married. The smell of nature and the beautiful well-watered flowers were an instant therapy. I found a path that led me to the Chapel.
Looking inside from the door of the very tiny, match box-like building, I saw two nuns sitting in silence – one was wearing all white and the other all black. I entered and instinctively turned to my right, sitting on the very last bench at the back of the pew. The stillness was so tangible, it made me feel like some sort of a glitch in the system. - It felt unholy to look around so I quickly put my bag down, and promptly closed my eyes to get in synch.
After about 10 minutes, I slightly opened my eyes to notice the spiritual symbols around me. The unusual Christmas decoration on two trees – one to the left and the other to the right – several tea lights burning softly on a tray, taller candles neatly arranged, a framed photo of a “Father” with a beard as long as a palm tree.
As I sat, I could hear that someone entering from the back door and sitting to my left side. In the perfectly framed moment, there was not even a hint of temptation to turn back and look. However, I noticed the sound of her breathing. It was softly noisy. It reminded me of faint rumblings before a storm. I could tell she was one of the Nuns because she got up and walked to the front to grab some literature, and then returned to her seat. I loved her humanness, thinking to myself she didn’t let her awkward breathing stop her from entering the silent place.
At this point, I decided to bring back my focus to God. I wanted to center my attention on Him, even though my thoughts were rat-racing in my head. I felt inspired to ask God one question that would sort of put the random thoughts in their rightful place. Here’s my opening question for the quiet conversation:
“How has it been between us lately?”
I must say that God is the most “big picture” person that I know. The spirit of God led me through some powerful memories, too numerous for my small processing plant. My thoughts started to come alive in the form of vivid images and movie strips. He showed me that it’s been 10 years of a wild adventure with Him since the time I left my home and my family in 2001. 2001 -2011.
It’s the end of 2011!
Between listening, writing and the silent conversation, an hour had just flown by. So I decided to transition to my next favourite place in the Center, the grave yard – believe it or not.

Upon entering through the wooden triangular arch, I noticed immediately that a new gravestone has been added! It was newer, with some withered bunch of flowers tilted against it. Could the flowers be from a dear friend? Someone who has shared a sanctified life with the deceased? Grieving times of working together to perform spiritual disciplines? It brought tears to my eyes. I stared at it for a while. It read:
“Sister Mary Hastings Born (with an asterisk symbol) 28.12.1932 Died (with a cross symbol) 18.2.2010.”
The year 2010 felt raw and recent, while at the same time thinking 79 years ago, in the same month of December, a family celebrated the birth of a baby (perhaps somewhere in Germany) and now, somewhere in South Africa, here lies the remains of this life. I started to reflect on life as a journey, my journey, the journey of the people I care about. I pulled out my journal again, and began to write…

The Fragrance of Hope

2010-08-31T15:13:00.004+02:00

I guess it would be somehow unsettling if you spotted someone wearing a blinding-bright yellow cotton dress in the grocery store on an overcast, rainy, piercing cold winter day, right? For me the answer is Yes, Because most of us usually associate winter with gray, dark, or dull colours, even in the way we dress.

Today, I was waiting for the light to turn green around Kirstenbosh area when I suddenly noticed a collection of stems with bulbs ready to burst open! They looked like tiny protea plants, and then I recalled that Cape Town is one of six floral kingdoms in the world, with millions of different species.

Lately I heard many talks by radio DJs getting excited about 1 September being the first day of Spring, but today, this moment was very different – nature was speaking directly and personally to my heart. The message was that “it was ready” for a change. “It was ready” to burst open.

As erratic as it is, Spring is the season of transition. Spring represents so many things to so many people – blossoming, colours, rebirth, renewal, regrowth, life, change and so on, a common denominator being the “awakening of the senses”. In fact, several places around the world celebrate the start of Spring, like the “festival of colours” in India.

If flowers trigger a sense of smell and are synonymous with beauty, then Spring definitely comes with a fragrance, and with a burst of colour.

But what does all this mean to our souls?

Here are some practical exercises I suggest you reflect on as we experience the natural transition from Winter into Spring:

a. If you had an opportunity to colour your experiences this past winter (spiritual, emotional, financial, relational, personal growth) what colours and shades will you use?
b. When you imagine the months ahead, what colours do you see splashed in your life story?

These two questions will help you to put your expectations and passion in perspective.

Lastly, remember this when you look around you: Nature is giving you permission to dream in rich colours. Live life colourfully in the next season. Choose the colours that are big, bold and bright. Be that lady with a bright yellow dress in the shopping aisle this Spring!

“If you've never been thrilled to the very edges of your soul by a flower in spring bloom, maybe your soul has never been in bloom.” - Terri Guillemets

“The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created Spring.” - Bern Williams

Kogeria Match Day in Delightful Durban

2010-06-25T18:21:00.005+02:00

“The warmest place to be in 2010” has been the marketing line for Durban during the FIFA World Cup! Durban promises great weather, mouth-watering cuisines, and the only Host City with a Fan Park right on the beach!
From the time the Host Cities and games were announced, David and I had no doubt that Durban was the place to be for the World Cup, for reasons obviously greater than the food and weather. Our two countries – Nigeria and South Korea would be taking on each other.
With the game tickets, flights and accommodation sorted, finally the long-awaited day arrived. 22nd June in Durban was a delight!, a group of us were at the FIFA Fan Park, at the beachfront supporting Bafana Bafana as they fought to restore some hope in the nation’s psyche after their loss to Uruguay on June 16th.
There was passion and excitement everywhere. An endless sea of yellow and green, Hip hop artistes on stage, food stalls, multi-cultural faces, friendly security officers and obviously the deafening vuvuzela choirs, where every tune and pitch works best at distortion levels.
The Bafana Bafana game became an instant spectacle as South Africa landed the first goal against France in the first 25 minutes. The whole place caught fire. Strangers were jumping on each other and the natural dancers displaying their moves. The joy was indescribable. Being on the beach during winter watching the world cup with passionate supporters was priceless.
After that, it got even better. We made our way on foot to the beautiful Moses Mabhida Stadium, to watch Nigeria play South Korea. The architectural design of the stadium is the most admired among all others. Stepping into the stadium alone gave me an endorphin rush. As we settled in, the two teams took to the field as the electrified crowd cheered. Both teams needed to qualify for the next knock-out stage of the game, so the tension was as thick as glass.
There were over 61,000 people at the stadium that night, mostly wearing either green for Nigeria or Red for Korea. The game ended with a tie, but Korea moved to the next stage while Nigeria didn’t qualify.
As we exited the stadium around 10:30pm at night, meeting fans and taking photos with strangers was such fun, no actually therapeutic for me, since i was depressed that Nigeria did not qualify for the knock out stages. Everyone was on high with happiness, but at the same time very considerate and friendly. It was truly the best choice to be in Durban!
The question that remains in many minds is ”how has the game impacted on our relationship?” Well, all I have to say is that I’m glad David is not as much of a “die-hard” fan as I am.

My World Cup Woes and Wins

2010-06-08T14:31:00.005+02:00

As you’ve probably experienced, most bearers of news will begin by asking...”good news and bad news, which one do you want to hear first?” and usually, the receiver chooses the bad first.
Flying through Johannesburg at the end of April on my return trip from Nigeria, My suitcase was broken into, and the only items only stolen were two Nigerian National Soccer Team Jerseys (Adidas Brand). I was very upset because one was a gift from my brother-in-law and the other was also a gift from me to David, my boyfriend. By the way, David and I are planning to watch our two countries take on each other in Durban, where South Korea plays Nigeria.
My second woe was recent. This time, David bought me a Nigerian flag to put on my car, and three days later, it was stolen when I left my car parked at the airport. These two unpleasant experiences put a slight damper on my world cup spirit.
Rewind button. I applied for match tickets in February, and was super thrilled when my application was randomly selected. The procedure was that you would be notified if successful, then price deducted from your credit card and finally, starting from April, you walk into a FIFA ticketing office, with all the proof in the world to redeem the tickets.
Upon receiving the instruction for collection via email, I got this dreaded picture in my head... me spending a whole day in a long cue, then finally when it’s my turn, the person behind the desk looks at my documents and says “we still need X”. Then I would have to go away, and go through a repeat of long cues again. Oh, another worst-case-scenario was that I will be told “sorry, your payment transaction failed, you have no confirmed tickets on the system!”...then what will happen to the flights, car and every other thing that was booked?
If you have ever attended a procrastination party, you are able to perfectly predict the next point. Two months passed by, and then, two days before the kick-off game, still haven’t gone for ticket collection. Suddenly, I woke up to the thought of FIFA re-selling my ticket if I didn’t collect it before the game starts!!! (Another silly fear scenario i created). So I decided today was the day (08 June).
I printed the confirmation email, my passport, proof of my residential address, along with a hand-scribbled address of FIFA Collection office. I drove into town without looking up the actual location online, but I was lucky to accidentally spot the street name I was looking for, and later on FIFA Sign! First miracle!
Then there was the problem of parking. It was full to the brim. I was told to drive in so I could make a U-turn and exit. But I had a gut feeling that I shouldn’t exit, and Bingo! I found parking, the ONLY spot available, with a string of cars behind me, scrambling to turn around and exit. That was my second Miracle.
As I get out of my car, I saw a long cue in front of me, which confirmed my paranoia. I looked further and noticed another sign that said “collection”. It had no queue, too good to be true, I thought. Upon entering, I saw some volunteers. Bear in mind that by now, I was already so defensive and apprehensive, waiting to be told a long procedure.
A lady guided me to a self-help point. She asked me if I had the credit card that I paid with, again my answer was a defensive yes. She collected the card, simply slotted it in, and out and then comes the sound of printing! In less than two minutes (no exaggeration), I had my two tickets in my hands. My mouth fell open, and the volunteers were so amused by my expressiveness.
As I walked out, there were cars trying to turn around and exit due to full parking. I realised that I didn’t even need to pay for parking, as I was there not longer than 5 minutes total.
It literally shocked me as I realised how much of my “perception of reality” and “fear” had held me back for over two months!
If there is anything to remember, “Do not always believe the scripts in your head”. In my case, I made up horrible reality in my head to a point of paralysis. Fear and self-inflicted limitations hold us back from so many wonderful, magical and memorable experiences. Once again, I’m reminded that the best way to test your fears to see if they are true is to act as though they didn’t exist. Courage is not the absence of fear, but acting in spite of fear.

Conversations That Matter

2010-02-18T15:19:00.004+02:00

When was the last time you spent time with someone and all you experienced was the awakening of your senses, dreams and desires for the life you were born to live?
Such moments, when they are happen, are unforgettable. Something inside you shifts, as suddenly you become aware of more possibilities, options and opportunities greater than what you have imagined. Actually, some of the most powerful and transformative truths emerged from simple conversations. Partnerships, projects and priorities become established from what may be seen as “random chats”.
Every conversation we engage in has the capacity to either cement our old, existing thoughts or to chart the course for new possibilities.
You have heard many times that “listening” is a valuable part of being in a conversation. Things like not butting into someone’s sentences, maintain eye contact in order to respect the speaker etc. But very few times do we actually take the time to listen to ourselves, and honestly ask why we are having a certain conversation?
Rather than allowing unnecessary degenerative conversations and surplus waste of words, learn to take a step back and ask yourself what you are seeking in each conversation. The bible says “seek and you shall find”. You will always discover a portion of truth that will set you free.
Make it a goal to seek for something fresh and stimulating from each conversation, no matter how mundane and I guarantee you that you will constantly experience a regenerative flow in your life.
Every moment presents us with minute pieces of all that we need to change, grow and move towards wholeness.

The Symphony of Silence

2010-01-18T19:55:00.005+02:00

Church was a little longer than usual today. I got back home around 11:30am, so I hurriedly threw a few basic things into a small overnight suitcase, packed some apples, juice and some bread of sorrow (for when I feel weak and distracted in my body).
I got on the M3 towards Constantia, as fast as the limit permits, in order to arrive in time for my so-looked-forward-to solitude retreat at a Catholic Retreat Center called Schoenstatt. I made it on time, 12noon precisely, and I knew that It was a sign I was off to a great start.

Approaching the Price Drive, my lost memory began to re-surface as my heart warmed up to the feeling of remembering my first visit, in October 2006. It felt so familiar.
I intuitively knew I needed to go through the second gate, but for the life of me, I could not remember the reception entrance this time. I walked around the block a few times, before I eventually found the entrance.
Everywhere and everything was soaked in silence, a type of quietness that could make one’s breathing sound as loud as a truck. I pressed the door bell, then hesitated…unsure who would answer the door. In less than 30 seconds, a lady-cook from the kitchen came to the door. We greeted. After the welcome, she asked me to go ahead and choose my room, because most were available.
The building has two floors and two wings, with longer corridors on the right wing. Both ground and top floors on the right have fourteen rooms, with fewer rooms on the left wing. Some rooms have two single beds, while some have only single.
I chose room No. 10 on the right wing, because it coincides with 2010.

I unpacked my small, blue suitcase, and pulled out all my retreat materials: Bible, IPOD, John Eldredge’s book (Walking with God), 3 Journals, Year Planner, Laptop (for Podcasts and study documents, not work), Highlighter, and Pens.
Quickly, I made a draft plan of what to cover in day One, considering all that I felt needed to be covered. The idea of putting everything down on paper helped me attain an incredible, clear state of mind, as my head was buzzing with thoughts and noise.
In less than 15 minutes of being in my room, I was ready to dive into my spiritual encounter. I started by reading through the entries from the last time I retreated in this place. After about 5 hours of worship, prayer, listening, journaling and reading, I looked at my watch and it was time to go for the outdoors reflection and meditation. Time simply flew by!
Grabbing my journal, bible and camera, I wasn’t sure how to get out of the building without locking myself out, knowing it would be a miracle to see another soul close by. But just in time, like an angel, I saw a white, flowing dress coming up from underneath the stairs, towards where I was standing. “Should speak, should I not speak?” “Will I make her unclean if I talk to her?” “Is she sworn to Silence?”
Through the cocktail of questions, my impulsive side got the upper hand, so I looked in her direction and asked her about how I could go out and come back in. Sister Heidi, a very soft, pleasant and polite lady, let me out and said she would keep the backdoor open for when I will get back.

The garden outside looked manicured and magical. The enchanting old and rugged trees, some with crosses nailed to their trunks, hidden meditative benches, and old paved paths altogether awakened a dimension of my spirit to pure peace. I walked around for about 20 minutes, then I entered the Shrine (like a chapel) to embrace some silence.

The tiny sanctuary was so beautifully lit, the ambience was surreal, As I sat and looked, the glowing candles were in harmony and seemed to be talking to each other. I felt uncomfortable sitting down, I fell to my knees in obedience to the posture of my spirit. I was rapt in the moment.
The Shrine as described by the Sisters, is a “Holy place of pilgrimage and prayer”. It is the life-giving source of the center, and rightly so, it is positioned in the centre of the compound.
I heard someone come in, but there was not even a twitch of desire within me to look back. Time flew by.
Then I heard a large bell, it rang three times, with a brief interval, three times again… and again. I looked at my watch, it was 6pm. I guessed that was a call for supper. I didn’t need to go and eat, as that was not on my To-Do list. However, I took that as a cue to move to my next location, the graveyard scene.

I carefully studied the row of engraved marble stones, with the names of Sisters who are no more. I counted about 26 on one line, with the last addition marked “2006”. One could see that the marble stone still looked new, hence felt like she could be some where not too far off, I felt nearer to her than the older ones, odd. Ironically, it felt like everything was alive and speaking. Actually, I looked around a few times instinctively to see if someone else was around, there was not a soul within sight.

As I continued, I came across the grave of a Father which said “born in 1931, ordained in 1961, and died in October 2008”. There were fresh flowers growing on top of the heap of dirt, also an engraved marble above where he laid his head. The dark compost made a rectangular outline, I could almost imagine the length of his coffin, which obviously made me wonder how tall he was.
I turned slightly and another symbol drew my attention, it was a huge erect marble cross, with this inscription “Our Way Leads To The Father”. It hit me in a strange but resonant way, as though I needed to catch up with a missed breath. As I stood there in profound meditation, I realized yet again another time lapse, I needed to head back to the house. Time flew by.
Back upstairs, I sat in the old chair placed at angle facing my bed, and thinking to myself “I want so much out of my time here”.
I felt an urge to write a different journal entry. I started writing this, and I was gone again. When I came back to the moment, I realized it was 7:30pm already and I needed to get to the next Discipline. So, here’s where I stop writing. Two more hours and I will put my lights off.

Connectedness: Silly or Synchronistic?

2009-11-06T17:10:00.009+02:00

I'm sure you have heard the theory of "one tends to notice the very thing that is on one's thought radar" for instance, when you are planning to buy a house, suddenly you notice all the "For Sale" signs.
Well, i recently bought a car through the kind generousity of friends and supporters. Call me shallow, but i absolutely love the colour. Ironically, I recently thought about the fact that I hadn't seen an exact match of my car on the road. So this morning, just before 10:00am i drove to Media Village to meet up with my outreach team. I noticed a car parked in front of the base exactly like mine (both in colour, make and year) to a point that it frightened me!!! ...to make it more intriguing, there was no spot left for parking except right in front of my car's "twin". So without a choice, I pulled right in front of it.
Within a very short time, a couple of staff at the base noticed the "convoy of two" charcoal black cars. And as we were having fun trying to spot the difference (from inside the building), we saw the owner walking towards his car. He had this strange but delightful look on his face.
Almost on cue, I rushed to the window, stuck my face through and waved at him. I expressively told him I had been curious to see who the other owner was. I spontaneously said "this is a rare occurrence, and it might never repeat itself again in our lifetime"
Have you ever said something and then in hindsight realized its double-meaning or profoundness?
He ecstatically responded with a big grin, asking me some fast-facts about my car. He also told me of how an old lady ran into him from behind, while he was waiting at a red light. It would cost him a fortune to fix the back of his car. I empathised, yet i could not help wonder how effortless the "two moving metals" could create a heart-felt connection with strangers who just met in a minute? Is it really about "cars" or our "wiring" as humans?
Ok, the story continues...Then he pulled out his cellphone and took a photo of our "unique moment in time". I came out of the building, took my one photo, shook the hand of the stranger who introduced himself as Richard. It was a 'hi and bye' but as we said goodbye, it was warm as though we were some two friends who just finished a meal together!
The staff at the base were so thrilled and entertained by our instant bonding, their giggles fueled laughter as Richard drove away. He kept looking through his rear mirror and waving back at us. Everyone was happy :)
Call it coincidence or crazy, it sure was a burst of energy. I couldn’t help thinking about how many of those simple but magical moments we fail to realize and celebrate in our lives due to the noise of reason or analysis paralysis in our heads?" perhaps we have lost the ability to be childlike in our curiousity?
Also, i could not shake off the thought that it had to take a "car" to create a connection that panned out in such a powerful yet playful manner? Isn't there so much more that we share in common? Is it un-natural to see or celebrate the humanity in each one of us?

I have been so lazy about posting blogs, this silly story is my wake up call, as it reminds me all over again about why I started blogging: It's all about connectedness, celebration, communication, creativity, curiousity, consciousness and Christ.

No Line On The Horizon

2009-06-28T09:32:00.004+02:00

The stunning thing about Kona is its diverse landscapes. Closer to where we live, all one sees is black lava soil spread out, with very scanty vegetation(if not nothing). It almost feels like landing on the moon (don't ask me for details).

So today, a bunch of us (call2all chicks) decided to take a drive on the Big Island of Hawaii. We drove around the North Kohala Coast, until we got to the very end of the Island (the West end). The view over the valleys was just so majestic, especially the glistering blue sea and blue sky. It was indeed picturesque. The view created such a craving in the other peeps that we decided to drive another 45 mins to view the same scenery from South Kohala point.

Anyway, the whole point of my writing was a moment that caught our attention while enjoying the views at North Kohala...The colour of the sky and the sea was almost blending into one stretch of blue, and so i want to share a photo with you, hopefully you can enjoy the thin line on the horizon.

Our World - Do you Agree or Not?

2009-05-07T11:04:00.008+02:00

Thought I'd share "Stress" with you

2009-05-03T19:59:00.002+02:00

Forbes.com recently interviewed nine CEOs to learn how they are managing stress. Given their high income brackets, one might think their strategies would be out of reach for most people (like day-long spa getaways). You might be surprised, then, to learn that nothing they do for stress relief is that expensive. Here was the list they came up with:

Maintaining a clear focus and a clear head.
Riding bikes, running, or exercising 4-5 days a week.
Listening to music.
Laughing.
Meditating.
Spending quality time with family.
Working and playing outside.
Unplugging from email.
Trying something new.
Sharing deeply with a friend, especially the good stuff.
Setting aside catastrophic thinking.
Doodling first thing in the morning.
Getting together with friends to relax and have fun.
Now that's a good list for just about anyone, and many of them don't take any money at all. Stress relief is like that. It has more to do with the decisions than the money you make. You may want to use the list above review your own decisions and to adjust your life accordingly.

Coaching Inquiries: What relieves your stress? How could you do those things more often? Who could you do them with? What patterns of behavior would assist you to be your best self?

Cape Town 2010

2009-04-20T12:19:00.003+02:00

You should watch this: Join the Global Conversation.

Transformative Power of Gratitude

2009-04-17T23:11:00.006+02:00

This week was quite demanding to say the least. Just when I thought I was on top of things, a pop-up from no where would show up over and over, like a long math equation.

Side-track: usually I sleep with a pen and note book next to my bed to write down a to-do list, sort of downloading my brain before I fall asleep, (could be things as dumb as “trim your nails”)
and when I wake up it helps me plan my day…
So as usual the night before, I had written down 3 things that must be done before the end of my working week. Upon waking, this morning, I felt like I had cobwebs all over my brain, totally jaded before I even lifted a finger.

As I pondered upon my predicament, an idea bolted into my mind… So here’s it. I decided to have a creative quiet time! I picked up the same pen and paper, but decided to write down things that happened recently that I am grateful for. Before long, I was feeling turbo-charged.

It didn’t end on paper, It made me so mindful of every little thing that I did through the day as I continually experienced a string of aha! moments, almost back to back... From the rain that started just when I was walking to work and me feeling glad to go back home and find the umbrella I hadn’t used in a while, to successfully loading a new cartridge in my printer at the office, oh, and the best was when I went to the post office to mail stuff that I thought would cost me a fortune, only to be told it was only R7!
I could go on and on to tell you about how grateful I felt when I had just about the right quantity of cauliflower and broccoli to make my lunch more nutritious, or the spontaneous 1 hr of dancing to some techno music as a device to ward off the silly cold weather.

As I returned to the point where I started the day (obviously my bed in case you forgot), I decided to watch a movie before blacking out. Half way through the movie, I was saying to myself…why am I watching this trash? Do you want to know what I watched?
Anyway, I don’t want to begin a movie review, so will skip details…at the end of the movie, I felt like I felt when I woke up in the morning, useless and empty-headed. I told myself, this c**p movie can’t be the last thing on my mind before I fall asleep, I must listen to something uplifting. So I went into my iTunes, searching for a not-so-long inspirational podcast. I came across one I hadn’t played before, and a name I don’t even know. It was an interview with Sarah Ban Breathnach. I started listening. Guess what she was talking about? ….drum roll…..GRATITUDE!
She wrote the book “Simple Abundance”. Her opening line was “you need to write at least 5 things you are grateful for each day”.
So I figured out writing this blog tonight will be my creative way of acknowledging “Gratitude”…

PS. and I did write another list longer than the one I wrote in the morning, I feel great and grateful – full circle huh?

A Video Clip from Younger Leaders Gathering, Malaysia 2006

2009-03-16T19:59:00.008+02:00

Thank you Bruce for emailing me this link. Although the clip itself is very much a low quality, Malaysia 2006 was a high point in my life, an event that accelerated the work of God in and through me. Some one once said, i think it's C.S Lewis...and i am paraphrasing it...we some times experience a simple, ordinary moment without knowing that therein is wrapped destiny.

The African Worship was a sensory experience, worth sharing again with the world. So to all YLGers out there, may you take your place in this life, live it fully, experience it joyfully and leave very little or no room for regrets. We are called to shine, to reflect His glory through simply living the life that honours Christ.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QqWjbVMREJ8

Drool and Dirt: A Gross God?

2009-03-07T10:57:00.002+02:00

Imagine standing in line for prayer and the minister walks up to you, spits in her palm and touches you with that cold, smelly, jelly fluid? Perhaps screaming and spinning in disgust is an appropriate response.

In John 9:1-7, we read a puzzling story of a blind man. For starters, the cause of his blindness was up for guess work…sinful parents? serious birth defects? God’s glory? Then there’s the very murky, shady healing approach by Jesus. He spat on the ground, made clay art from it (yuck!) and placed it on the blind man’s eye. Perhaps, this man’s life didn’t need extra humiliation, due to his shame, pain and rejection. I must add that this does not fit the image of Jesus, the pretty blond blue eyed buddy, who is depicted as stately, regal, charming and oh-so-wow all the time!
In my culture, to spit in front of someone is considered as very offensive, not to mention dipping your finger in it, mixing it with dirt, another rude symbol, and placing it on someone. Surely there must have been some more fancy method to the madness? A more decent way to heal this blind man in public? Was Jesus simply stretching his creative boundaries? Throwing the box? Manufacturing drama?
According to sabbatical laws, no work at all! No one is permitted to bake, mix or mould anything on the Sabbath. Jesus decides to mix saliva in public (case #1), sends him to go wash (case #2).
In this controversial episode, I believe there is far more than what meets the eye. I must admit that most of the messages I have heard on this subject have sounded rather bland, clichéd and colourless. Today’s culture attempts to filter out rich layers of reality from the context of how life was in Jesus’ days. One theological school of thought says that “it was a symbolic use of fluid – representing washing, cleansing…He did it in order to teach us that we who are spiritually blind are under the curse of God. We are an abomination to God. We are dead in our sins…
In one similar healing story found in Mark 8:23-25, he spat directly in a man’s face to heal him, yet in another found in Mark 10:52, only faith healed the man. So you must have noticed that Jesus varied his healing methods, why?

From some of the extra readings I do through my delicious ESV bible study, I stumbled into the “Testament of Solomon”. Disclaimer here: I am not recommending that the content therein is the word of God. I simply found interesting comments pertaining to spitting on the ground, and some scary instances of how King Solomon fought spiritual warfare with demons. The Bottom-line is, there were layers of superstitious acts and beliefs prevalent in those days. Do you remember the story of Moses and the magicians? The Jews many times wondered where His powers were from (Mark 11:28). Magic was the norm, even though Jewish law prohibited various forms of sorcery, witchcraft or divination. The authorities wanted to discern whether he was a fake or a true prophet of God. Talking about superstitions,
Spitting is also used as a prophylactic against the evils of coveting, sorcery and the evil eye. When speaking of evil and of evil things, the early Hebrews would press one thumb on the ground, repeat the word "Pipi" nine times and spit. Another method is to spit at the object and utter the word "Maris." Spitting on one's breast was supposed to avert the Jealousy of the gods. The Bible records innumerable instances of its superstitious use by the Hebrews and its symbolic personification. It states that if the father of Miriam (the wife of Moses) had spat in her face when she was born, she would not have contracted leprosy. In parts of Ireland even today, a newborn child is spat on by its father; neighbors spit on the child for luck the first day it is brought out; and the older women spit on the ground all around it to ward off evil.

From the excerpt above, how do you think Jesus was perceived? I believe in most instances, Jesus was a borderline legal case for the authorities. He pushed the envelope, heightened their paranoia by rubbing their fears in. See what Matthew 12:22 says:
“Then a demon-oppressed man who was blind and mute was brought to him, and he healed him, so that the man spoke and saw. And all the people were amazed…

jump to verse 24:
But when the Pharisees heard it, they said “it is only by Beelzebul, the prince of demons that this man casts out demons.”

All I can say is that I like this man. They could question his methods, but one thing remained unmistakable, Jesus knew who He was, and what He was doing. He was God at work without a formula or presciption!

Found You, Jenna

2009-02-25T16:25:00.000+02:00

It has been over two weeks now, since we met outside my house. I wrote about you in my blog the same day, about how much I was looking forward to meeting you the next day. I came out twice to look for you on the scheduled morning, you were not there. I thought of writing my next blog saying “oh! Well, she never came”, but my sixth-sense held me back.

Just yesterday, I was driving back home from salsa class in the evening with my friend Sandy, I pulled by for her to get some stuff from 7-11 and a homeless man came and started bugging me. I was irritated so the way home, we began talking about the homeless people in Muizenberg. I told her about you, that you were special and I had made an appointment with you, but we lost each other, you never left my mind.

This morning, your sun burned-face flashed again in my thoughts, I had many occasions to give out the stuff I had packed for you, but something in me, a precognitive sense knew I had to wait for you.

So as I pulled my car out of the drive way today, I noticed a group of homeless people digging into the trash bins. And from a far distance, someone began to run towards me. First, I didn’t make the connection, but when you started calling out: Sister, Sister…I came to look for you the other day!!!
Suddenly I realized that the strong sense I had earlier in the morning was a spiritual reminder, a forecast that I would see you again. So when I told you to wait as I switched off the car and went back into the house, I knew you would love the surprise I had for you. I couldn’t wait to see that burst of joy again.

So dear doughnut reader, I came out, little did Jenna know what she was about to get! I had packed a suitcase full of clothes for her. When she saw the suitcase, she beamed and froze simultaneously. She impulsively gave me a hug, I hugged her back. She ran across to the opposite side of the street and pulled her trolley closer, she then mounted the suitcase on it. The cutest thing was that she waved her friends goodbye, job done for the day, sorta…she carried on giggling till she went out of sight.

I am so glad I found you again Jenna.

Missions or Madness?

2009-02-18T16:24:00.000+02:00

Today was one of those days where my head simply just got buried in work. Whew! I had to pull myself out of the office to go home for a lunch break. By the way, I realize how blessed I am that my home is not far from my office, so I get to walk back and forth - my only exercise at the moment besides my dance routine plus, I eliminate commuter commotion, as well as save some petrol.

You know that feeling of when you are certain that it’s just a matter of time before you have that conversation with someone you act as though you don’t see or notice? Say amen if you relate.

So I get to the front of my gate, and I see this gentleman. He lives just two gates away from mine, even though I don’t recall how many faces I have seen go in and out of that house.

He increases his steps to catch up with me when he saw me approaching in the opposite direction. I greeted him first. He went on to ask me if I was from Ghana, I said no, I am from Nigeria. Then I asked him where he came from (obviously I knew not from South Africa). He said he was from Kenya. I immediately attempted speaking the little Swahili I had picked up….I said “Karibu” – Welcome and “Asante Sana” –thank you very much?

I told him that I traveled to Kenya several times last year, and he asked me what I did for a living. So I told him I was a missionary. He had this quizzical look on his face, then he said “but you make a lot of money to travel a lot? I said “No, I actually don’t even get a salary, I love working for God’. Boy, you should have seen the bemused look on his face. His next sentence was “how do you eat… does God literally come to put food on your table?… I want to witness that…”
I have to tell you that by now I was totally digging the conversation. He wasn’t trying to be cynical, he genuinely thought it was absurd, out of order and terrifying to not live on an income.
He continued by asking how long I had lived like that, and I said “about 8 years”. Then he looked as if he’d seen a ghost, it was hilarious to be an observer of the moment.

Just then, Gabriel from YWAM base showed up, so I told my neighbour that I would love to share more with him about how God cares for his children, and how to live by faith.

The moral of my narration... suddenly, I realized that what has become normal to me is insanely petrifying to an average man on the street. I realized how far I had come to be at peace with the fact that I need to let God control my life, even though I daily take responsibility for my choices and how I live and conduct myself. Or maybe I am the one that is crazy?

2009-02-11T13:55:00.000+02:00

A Dignified Appointment

During breakfast this morning, I read an inspiring article from Joy Magazine. The crux of the write up was that “we all need help”. Ok, let me back track a bit...
I live in Muizenberg, a multi-ethnic, broad-based suburb with extremes ranging from cool surfing culture, to tons of homeless people and dodgy guys parading the streets. I some times catch myself crossing to the other side of the street when I see shady or drunken men. I try to avoid any conversation or eye contact, as some of them are simply not sane. Just the other day my office was broken into, and so, certain uneasy feelings tend to get reinforced, apparently a reason to be more prayerful in order to inhibit the budding desire of fear’s rule.

So here’s where my story starts. As I opened my gate to leave the house for work, I noticed an unusual string of homeless people searching the trash bins that have all been lined up outside for the municipality services to empty (we take out our trash every Wednesday - thanks NK for doing it faithfully through the years).
Suddenly my eyes met with that of a petite, older woman who had just crossed over to dig into our trash. Instead of disconnecting the eye contact, I sustained it, and in my heart, I became aware of a human being made in the image of God, not the label that she represented at the moment.
She spoke up first and said “sister, can I get some old clothes?” part of me was very relieved that she did not ask for money, because some times it simply means supply me “a dose of drugs”. Despite her dull skin and withered countenance, I saw a genuine spirit shine through her smile. Then I realized that we had “connected”. I loved it.
With slight hesitation, I replied her saying “I am late for work, but we could meet same time tomorrow morning, in front of my house because I want to put together some clothes for you”. She immediately bolted with joy, it was contagious. I felt a surge of warmth run through my heart as I walked away, it was love.

I was so grateful for the opportunity I was given to practice “seeing a human being first, before whatever labels the person represents”. She gave me an opportunity to grow in my area of “need.” She made my day! I am looking forward to tomorrow’s appointment, as though I am meeting with a V.I.P. I hope she remembers to show up.

2009-02-05T08:58:00.000+02:00

God is Visible

Since 2009 started, a part of my heart has been wresting with the question of “How can one sustain a relationship with someone you do not see? And in this case, that someone is God.
Supposedly, our relationship with God is a faith journey. I don’t know about you, some times faith to me is almost synonymous with foolishness, and at times a constant clash between head and heart.

This morning, I woke up and started reading my bible with foggy eyes, jammed mind and a half-paralyzed body. By the way, I am currently reading from Matthew. When I got to verse 25:31-46 (an analogy we know so well)….goats and sheep and all that…where he separates the sheep from the goat, and thanked the sheep for giving him food, clothes, hospitality etc.
It suddenly hit me that God is Love and Love is God. Every experience of love is an experience of God!!! (Whether one is the giver or receiver). But we have heard many times that we cannot see God, true! but there is another side to God, He daily reveals himself in human form! …through the eyes of the homeless, kid, through the wrinkled face of the dying HIV positive woman, through the eyes of an abandoned baby, through the eyes of the stranger seeking direction to the train station. Not to say he is found only in places of need, even in the eyes of the rapist, the dictator, the drunkard. God is in every human being!!! It is logical to reach out to needy people, How about the prison part of the story?

Can I look beyond the prison/bondage of people and see God waiting to be discovered in them?
The irony of the story is that in most cases, I don’t see God in the “man on the street”. I see a labeled person, and perhaps the problem, ignoring the image of God in them. I get so preoccupied with trying to get through my day and I sometimes just don’t see people (I mean God). How can I say I love God when I don’t love the people that I see?
1 John 4:8 says it best “whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love…”

It sounds so idyllic, until fear comes into the equation. It changes the whole dynamic. The world is full of evil people, with rebellion and brokenness everywhere… Do I have a legitimate reason to shut off from seeing God in people because of their messed up choices, lives, behaviours and addictions? Do people need to deserve or qualify for love before I love them? I don’t believe that when Jesus said “whatever you did to the least of these, you did to me” included a “qualifying clause” for love. I think that’s where my struggle lies.

2008-01-18T09:27:00.001+02:00

Boy, am i tired?

I have been sitting and listening and processing in small groups since morning till about 5pm when we had dinner and moved straight into Community worship at 6pm at the OHANA Court.

The good and bad news is that my plans for the weekend also flew out of the window! The Impact World International leadership team is having a meeting over this weekend and Mark announced today that those of us who are national leaders also need to sit in. I'm not going to be spiritual about saying it's cool, actually it's sort of sore.

I had a plan to see more of the Island, seeing my weekends are limited, so i had to reschedule. The good thing though is that i am not forced to attend, i could fling it, but i thought...i'm actually here primarily for the seminar, and it felt alot better to put my plans on hold.

So as you can see, i am not very inspired at the moment and i am not saying anything useful to you, but if you care enough you would share in my misery right? for good times and bad times, so stick with my pathetic rambling for a while.

My eye sockets are about to crack due to weight of tiredness, tomorrow is going to be another long day and i hope i do not feel as exhausted as i am tonight.

I promise to tell you something nicer than this tomorrow! I guess i better shut up now, else i'm going to repeat myself again by saying ....OK, that's it for now. Cheers!

2008-01-17T08:26:00.000+02:00

Now this is nothing profound, but i officially award myself the title of "Spontaneous Street Dancer of the century!"

In 2005, I danced samba in the streets of Rio de Janero, Brazil

In 2006, I danced Tango on the streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina

and today, i danced the Hula on the streets of Kailua-kona, Hawaii.

I was returning from a walk to the Pier where the Island Breeze perform the Lua'u and Hawaiian Protocol at the Sea-side hotel. I heard some music and crowd so i decided to go check it out. There was this professional dancer and a guy playing guitar on the street for money. She invited a few of us to take an instantaneous crash course and perform with her. I jumped in and danced a full song with her, it was such a great exotic feeling to dance freely.

I had some really spiritual thoughts i wanted to share with you this evening, but this being the dominant feeling in me at the point of writing has supressed any other reflection from emerging.

I will have to try to share something qualitative - So on a more meaningful note, this week has been very spiritual for me. My spirit is receiving some awakening in deep and hidden places. Tomorrow we will be having a combined session with the International Leadership Team of Impact World Tour, a lot of the guys are flying in for their annual meeting, we are expecting the power of the Holyspirit to show up in a very profound way as we plan to spend some mega time in prayer. Will let you know what transpires.

2008-01-17T04:17:00.000+02:00

Mark came in for the usual 9am start of lecture, we had just finished our house church...he felt we needed to go into some intercession, he only laid a very loose structure and challenged us to pray for the nations of the world that we were representing.

Now this is not some micky mouse prayer that we always do, throwing out some random wishes out there, that we do not even remember 2 hours after a prayer meeting. Our class is full of people who are ready to go and take their nations for God through a mighty wave of salvation, so it was quite strategic. It was really deep for me, and God challenged me on many levels. I feel that some things are really happening in my life in the spirit, which i cannot even put words to at the moment.

At lunch, guess who i ran into? Martijn (from Belgium) and his wife and baby. I sat with them for lunch and caught up on their lives.

I came up to my room and dozed off! I totally forgot that i had a national leaders meeting with Mark others. But some how i do not regret the sleep, did me good :-)

After dinner, we had another 2 hour session, it was lively and fun. But boy, i was asking myself " what have you signed up for? " there is just too much work and detail and strategy that goes into plannning campaigns and i have to take time out and find out what all of that means for me.

If you have a minute, would just spend a few minutes in prayer for atleast some one you want to see get saved? We are called to reach all, and i like the way Mark has coined it, Call2All. Chat soon!