Easter

I have been challenged of late by the Cross of Christ. Easter is such a special season for us as Christian because it reminds us that God is forever calling us. The challenge for me has been this - how have I responded to this call? At first it was an eager "YES", until I realized that it is a call that takes me into the desert and then the cross.

So my enthusiastic "YES" is not all that enthusiastic anymore.

But His love for me compels me to respond with a "YES".

Who not What!

My family spent the week in Cape Town (without me) visiting family. At first I really enjoyed the "freedom" to do what I want when I want! So everyday I got on my shiny new tt (triathlon) bike and loved my time alone cycling away, but towards the end of the week, as much I love my new bike, I was reminded that it matter not what you have in your life but what really counts is who you have in your life. So all the things in my life could not give me nearly the same fulfillment and joy as the people in my life, the people we so often take for granted! It is a good thing to often remind the people in your life that they do mean more to you than all the stuff in your life.

Celebrate You!

I have come to discover that most people are unhappy with who they are or least with some aspect of who they are and we pray prayers that go something like this: "Lord please make me more like...(this or that person)"

Now I am not sure that this is the best way of praying, why? Well, because no one is perfect!

You hang around people long enough and you will quickly discover that every personality (type) has its positives and negatives.

Celebrate how God made you. Rejoice in who you are and rather pray something like this: "Lord make me the best possible version of me"

You might look at Peter (the guy in the Bible)and think what a hot headed fool, so full of himself, never thinking before speaking, he always "reacts" to a situation rather that "respond", not a good leader...etc.

But if I am not mistaken isn't he the guy that Jesus said he will build His church on?

Thank God for creating YOU and that you ARE part of His plan.

The God who calls us..."Come follow me"

I started this blog to record my Ironman 70.3 journey and to share the lessons learnt along the way, but then a very dear friend of mine reminded me that others enjoy my blog and find it meaningful and that I should blog more often - so here goes...


The season of Lent reminds me that God has a plan for his people, humanity, creation and so our God is a God that forever calls us... he calls us out of our places of brokenness, pain and hopelessness,  into his presence, into healing, into life, into purpose, wholeness and hope; “Come follow me...” he called the Israelites from slavery, he called the Essenes, he called Elijah, he called Moses, he called John the Baptist : "Came follow me" and this journey has two key  stops, two key moments that I believe repeat themselves over and over in our lives (perhaps because we slow learners or stubborn) but they are key in reaching our destination which ultimately is eternal life in the presence of God. 


The first is the desert, the desert is so important throughout scripture, we see the desert experience in the lives of all the key figures in the Bible,  because it teaches obedience and devotion which is necessary if we are to progress along this journey. The desert is where I realize that God needs to be part of my life if I am to "survive"

The second key moment along this journey is the cross! Complete surrender to God to the point of dying to self. This is where God doesn’t just have a piece of me but he is at the centre and my whole life revolves around Him. The Cross is where I realize that God shouldn't just be part of my life but that he should be at the center of my life should that I can "live life to its fullest"

Mauritius

Well I had a wonderful weekend in Mauritius and it was an experience that I will never forget, it would have been so much nicer if Catherine came with but at least I got to meet some very interesting people. I met the spokesperson for vodafone, the Dutch ambassador to the Vatican; and last but not least Miss France!

But one thing that just struck me once again was how money changes your world-view and also the way you interact with the people around you.

Matthew and Bethany I pray that you will always remember that it is not what you have or don't have that determines your value in life!  But rather what you become and what God thinks off you.

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. ^17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him."

(The Holy Bible : New International Version. 1996, c1984 (Jn 3:16-17). Grand Rapids: Zondervan.)

Life...bitter-sweet!

I have just been reminded again this week that life is full of surprises and most of the time it is bitter-sweet. A lady came to see me this morning and asked if I could marry her and her fiancee but the only catch is that the ceremony will be in Mauritius and would I be willing to go to Mauritius (all expenses paid) and do the ceremony for them...mm mm let me think about it....yes!!! What a wonderful surprise, I did not wake up this morning even thinking that I will be going to Mauritius to conduct a wedding. Then in my next meeting of the morning my worship pastor told me he was leaving! Again I did not wake up this morning expecting that.

So, life is and always will be a journey which often surprises us. Some surprises are sweet and others...bitter! Are we open to being surprised? Are open to the journey that God wants to take us on or are we so caught up in our schedules and "to-do-lists" that we miss what God wants to do for us, in us, and through us.

Pace Yourself...

Its a marathon not a sprint. I am learning more and more the importance of consistency (pacing yourself). All to often I encounter people who start something with great enthusiasm, passion and energy but halfway through you can see their enthusiasm waining. It is so important to be balanced and consistent, to pace yourself in order to finish the race marked out for you.

Life is not a sprint!