A purse, pocketbook, bag, carryall, clutch, and tote. These are all terms for a woman’s handbag, and the topic of the fourth instalment of Life Lessons from My Favourite Things. I have a sizable collection of handbags but I want to tell you about what I learned about myself from one special handbag, my Micheal Kors tote bag.
Gifted to me as a surprise by my dear friend, Wendy, this bag is amazing and beautiful. When I travel, I can put everything I would normally carry, and some – my wallet, sunglasses, documents, essentials like lip balm, and things I would hate to lose like my retainers, currency, and keys.
Recently, I was going through my handbag collection, and I realized that my MK bag was totally underutilized. After only a few uses, I had put back into its white dust bag and light brown box. I checked it out to see that it was still in almost pristine condition, and reflected on why this bag which was so important to me still sat protected in my closet.
Why did I put it on a high shelf while my other handbags were on readily accessible shelves?
When I think back, I can remember so clearly that day in December 2022 saying to myself, “this is a pleasant surprise when I collected a large package from an Amazon delivery driver. I wonder what prompted this.” I didn’t have to wait long because Wendy called for the second time to enquire whether I had gotten the package she sent me. You see, she had been tracking it to ensure it was delivered safely to me.
It was very important to her that I got this special gift that she was planning to give me for some time. She shared that our friendship meant so much to her over the years and how I had proven to be a kind, thoughtful, and cherished friend. She also advised that I get a dust bag for the handbag when I told her it came without one.
I remember feeling a tingle in my body and a few goose pimples on my arms as she spoke from her heart. Truly, I knew that Wendy loved me as a friend. Yet, I didn’t think that I was deserving of her largesse. She was just someone with a modest income, and in no sense rich. Yet, she had expended some of her hard-earned money to show kindness to me and to say ’thank you for being a friend’, and I felt underserving of it.
I skimmed the outside and inside of the bag and admired the spacious cavity. Immediately, I saw the magnetic closure which was supported by a metal clasp to keep things safe. The bag could also be configured to a smaller size. I thought, she really had thought about getting me a bag that was not only stylish but secure. Why me, though?
You see, I was never someone who got many dedicated gifts like this one. For the past three years or so, a group of girlfriends had been pooling funds to get each other a personal item for birthdays, and at Christmas, something for our homes. Yet, this gift struck a chord with me. Someone thought I was deserving of something special but I didn’t think so.
As I started peeling back the layers of my complex personality, I realized that I was not good at letting others love me. I was good at sharing my time, talents, and effort with others but I didn’t think I was worth being reciprocated in kind for anything. If someone gave me something, I always felt they would want something in return. Quite honestly by the end of my reflection time, it wasn’t even about the bag anymore. It was about acknowledging to myself that I was, in fact, ‘worth it’.
Lesson learned…by putting myself out there and doing things that I normally didn’t shy away from (mostly thoughtful, kind deeds for others), someone had taken notice and ultimately took the time to say ‘Thank you. You mean a lot to me’. I treasured this gesture so much that I was using the bag sparingly so that the special memory about Wendy’s action would last longer. It was important to me to prolong my MK bag’s lifespan for as long as possible.
While this is certainly not the most expensive bag I will ever own, it certainly taught me a huge and significant lesson about self-worth. I am a complete and worthy individual who deserves to be treated with the same care and attention I give to belongings like my MK handbag. Moreover, my worth isn’t determined by an item’s quality or price tag, but by my own conscious choice to value myself.
I’ve since decided to use my MK handbag more often so it won’t get dry-rotted; and every time I fish it out of its box and dust bag, I remind myself that others believe in me and love me just the way I am. I just need to believe and accept that I’m worth being fussed about at times. Showing love and appreciation isn’t for everyone else, it’s also for me.
So, have you ever thought, “this is too much for me, but just right for someone else?” I think too often as women we don’t always recognize our own value. If you’ve ever felt this way too, I hope this story provides a bit of encouragement to let you know that that you add to the lives of others will at times come back to you… as it should
God, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well (Psalm 139:14, New International Version).
ne,
After taking a short break for the summer, I’m back to share the third installment of my series Life Lessons from My Favourite Things.
Open the golden, shiny wrapper and you will discover Ferrero Rocher, a chocolate of chocolates, and my favourite in the whole wide world. I love to pamper myself with them. According to Wikipedia, Ferrero Rocher, a bonbon chocolate, was introduce in Italy in 1979 and in other parts of Europe in 1982. Michele Ferrero, the credited inventor, named the chocolate after a grotto or cave in the Roman Catholic shrine of Lourdes, Rocher de Massabielle. Together with Ferrero, the company name, ‘Rocher’ is the French word for a rock or boulder.[1]
Each Ferrero Rocher ‘rock’ is made up of a whole roasted hazelnut encased in a thin wafer shell filled with hazelnut chocolate and covered in milk chocolate and chopped hazelnuts -a yummy multi-sensory experience. Thanks to its extraordinary taste, and experience and its one-of-a-kind packaging – big golden eggs, bars, and various options of package pieces – Ferrero Rocher is a symbol of celebrations across the world, perfect to show your loved ones how much you care or make moments golden and memorable.
In a world filled with processed foods and obtuse wisdom, this ‘sweet rock’ reminds me many desirable things:
- God’s Word: described as pure, golden, and luxuriously sweet, conveying delight, satisfaction and fulfilment.
- God’s Wisdom: depicted as sweet, and offering hope and a positive future to those who seek for it and find it.
- God’s Presence: a place of quiet rest and a desirable experience for those who love him, want his friendship, and seek live in obedience to his commands.
- Kind and Edifying Speech: sweet words that are like honeycomb’ pleasantness to the soul, a pure heart, and a source of healing and encouragement for others.
- Kind and Caring Actions: Christians are encouraged to show sweetness through actions of kindness, compassion, and love towards others.
- Joy and Pleasure: from being in the presence of a lover that brings pleasure and pleasant conversation.
- God’s Salvation: the sweetest gift of all that’s offered though Jesus Christ which brings us forgiveness, eternal life, and a relationship with God (John 3:16).
- God’s Kingdom: a promised place of sweetness, where there will be no more pain, sorrow, or suffering (Revelation 21:4). This is the ultimate sweetness that we can look forward to as believers. I can’t wait to be there with the sweet Rock of Ages, Christ Jesus, my Lord.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferrero_Rocher
This second instalment of my series Life Lessons from My Favourite Things is about rocks. Yes, rocks. According to National Geographic, the definition of rock to a geologist is “a natural substance composed of solid crystals of different minerals that have been fused together in a solid lump.” Based on their formation, this fusion of different minerals assembled in various patterns and textures makes each rock a work of art.
I love rocks. I was one of those children who collected small rocks from a road or country path that caught my eye, drawing me to them. In a weird way, I never grew out of collecting rocks. On many trips, I would set my eyes on a piece of these inanimate, cold fragments of earth whether igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic, and it would become my trip souvenir.
Why do I love rocks?
They have a natural and unique beauty – no two rocks are exactly alike. Their colours, forms and textures hold a deep mystery and create a sense of wonder and fascination. Natural rock formations are among the most beautiful, incredibly scenic places of the world.
Rocks also offer a grounding sense of connection to nature that helps people feel rooted and calm, and can be used as inspiration for art, sculpture, and other creative endeavours. In an almost weird way, I find them calming and soothing, especially the smooth ones that were weathered by water erosion.
Beyond the physical aspects, rocks collecting provides a deep connection to the natural world. Holding these bits of geological treasure in your hands gives you an intense connection to the Earth’s history and a timely reminder of the incredible forces that have shaped our planet over thousands of years.
It seems fitting that I now have a small collection of rocks in a basket in my living room. Finding those rocks was definitely not an easy task, if you are a rock lover like me. I have a few specific criteria for picking my choice rock. It must be the right shape – not too large because I have to take it back home, and have some interest in colour and mineral formation. This criterion helped me pick my most prized piece of quartz that still brings me joy decades later.
Several years ago, my youth group and I painted “Prayer Rocks” as Saturday evening social activity where we wrote down Bible promises to support what we prayed for in our lives at that time. It felt really good to write down words of hope on something so solid that helped them look even more beautiful.
Rocks and stones have been used for as long as time to build foundations and all other types of lasting structures. I have often thought that some people are like rocks, dependable, steadfast, and loyal. Jesus taught his disciples that they would be considered as wise if thy built their houses on the rock, literally and spiritually. When the storms of life come, your house would stand firm, and who doesn’t want that?
As we start spring 2025, I am starting a new blog series: Life-Lessons from My Favourite Things that I hope would take me to the end of the year. To kick of this series, I want to share some lessons about shoes. If you know me well, you’d know that I love shoes: all kinds of shoes – sneakers, sandals, flats, heels, boots; leather, patent, canvas – you name it. You can call me a shoe-aholic.
Why do we NEED shoes or do we just WANT them; or is it both – we NEED and WANT them. I am agreeable to the last option because of a few reasons.
Shoes are needed because they offer protection from the elements: cold, heat, rain, and snow. They also shield our feet from sharp objects and potential injuries like cuts, scrapes, and punctures. We also want proper shoes because they can help prevent fungal infections and other foot problems.
In 2022, to fill global needs, an estimated 21.9 billion pairs of shoes were consumed worldwide. This translates to roughly two pairs of shoes per person on the planet.[1]
Life Lessons from Shoes
Shoes, while seemingly mundane, can offer valuable life lessons about self-expression, personal growth, and overcoming challenges. They can also symbolize our journey, identity, and the importance of taking steps, both literal and figurative, towards our goals.
Here are some life lessons we can learn from shoes:
- Comfort and Fit are Important
My love of shoes stems from a desire to wear footwear that fit properly which is crucial for foot health and to maintain overall well-being. We all know that just as a poorly fitting shoe can cause pain and discomfort, relationships that don’t fit our values and goals can lead to unhappiness.
I admit that a few times I made the mistake of buying a pair of shoes based only on looks or appearance without checking to see whether they are comfortable for standing and walking. Similarly, we need to find activities and relationships that fit us well, and surround ourselves with people and things that are supportive and that bring true happiness.
We must also remember that people can appear one way – cool and friendly – on the outside but be different on the inside – prickly, critical, and untrustworthy. Yikes!
- Good Shoe Care Matters
I take good care of my shoes to make them last. I clean and polish them after each season change, especially winter and spring when they get covered by grime, salt, and water. I also keep them in boxes when they are not in use to keep away dust and to maintain the original shine.
In like manner, we should keep cleaning and polishing ourselves both physically and mentally so we could shine, remain desirable, and to ensure our relationships last. So, the next time you feel down and unmotivated, remember this shoe-lesson: Make sure you don’t let the scum from outside rot you out and make you smelly and stinky. Keep wiping the dirt away to remain clean.
Shoes are also a symbol of walking along various pathways as we journey through life. The path we take is often more important than the end goal so we should focus on the process of living, learning, and growing throughout our lives.
- Embrace your Imperfections
It’s odd that we use much of our time to take stock of our weaknesses and imperfections. We think that we are less than or not as great as the person next to us. Then someone comes along and genuinely appreciates us and heaps praise on our heads, and what do we do? We try to push them away with our own negativity.
Likewise, no shoes are perfect. Some shoes are good and some are bad but we wear them, nonetheless. So, just as there are good shoes and bad shoes, we can learn from good and bad people; from good and bad situations; from positive and negative experiences, as well as from successes and failures. So, learn from shoes and embrace your imperfections and learn from your mistakes.
- Stay Grounded
It doesn’t matter whether your shoes are cheap or expensive, branded or local, custom or mass-produced, they always have to remain beneath your feet, and on the ground. In like manner, we should never forget our true place. It doesn’t matter how successful we become; how much money we have, or how famous we get, we must never forget our roots or from where we came. This ensures we stay humble and firmly grounded like our shoes.
- Beware of the Footprints You are Leaving
Just as shoes leave a footprint on the ground as we walk, we leave our own mark on the world in his journey called life. In the book of Ephesians, chapter six, and verse fifteen, the Bible counsels that a Christian must have “feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.”
This phrase, part of Paul’s description of the “armour of God”, is symbolic of a Roman soldier’s equipment, and is used to show how the component parts of the Christian’s spiritual body armour work together.
More especially, the expression “shod feet” means to wear shoes. A soldier’s shoes are designed to grip the ground firmly, even when it’s slippery. Similarly, having the gospel of peace fitted into your shoes allows us to make various footprints: we stand firm in our faith; we share with others the good news that salvation comes only through Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross; and we fight for what’s true and right. However, shoes not only prepare us to share the gospel of peace but show that one is at peace with God.
- Maintain both Sole and Soul
You must have heard the saying, “There is always room for another pair of shoes.” This saying is true for a few reasons: Shoes may wear out failing to provide adequate support and protection. We need specialized ones for athletics and other sporting activities, and for special events like weddings and graduations. We also need different types of shoes for a particular activity (e.g., we need rubber boots to wade through water or mud).
The shoe sole is one of its core elements without which the shoe won’t be able to sustain itself for long. As such, we replace our shoes when their soles fail. Similarly, chapters of our lives end as happens when a friendship or marriage fails or when someone retires from a job or dies.
Learning to embrace the wear and tear of life can build resilience and make room for new beginnings. As souls, we must also take care of our real selves as we live on this earth and to prepare for eternity. To protect body and soul, we must be spiritually strong to face the highs and lows of the Christian life.
Finally, like our shoes accommodate growth with an increase in age and size, we too can grow in Christ through the study of God’s word, prayer, and witnessing. So, don’t rot and die. Abide in Christ, grow, and bear much fruit.
[1] https://runrepeat.com/shoe-consumption-statistics
It’s a really, really nice word. We all talk about it. We want it. We miss it when we don’t have it. We don’t know whether we can do without it. Having it seems normal. Losing it is weird, and even hurts at times.
It’s universal – found in every language, culture, time period, and region of our world. It has many facets. It describes a deity. It’s an emotion, a way of life, and the most important thing one could ever have. What’s that really, really nice word? Well, LOVE, of course, and I think everyone should experience it.
Here are three good reasons why you should allow yourself to love and be loved.
- Connecting with God
God is love. To love is to know God and to have a connection with him. His love is the foundation of every relationship and the reason we can love others. The Bible teaches that our ability to love comes first from experiencing God’s love. This love is not just a feeling but a commitment – a sacrificial, self-less love, divine love that was manifested in Christ. Our Saviour demonstrated this great love on the cross when he gave his life for us. As we connect with him and receive this love, it fills us and overflows into our lives, allowing us to love others in ways, we couldn’t do on our own.
- Connecting with Others
This may seem trivial, but love has been the key to the functioning of society for the last 5000+ years. The ability to make loving, intimate connections with another person; the importance of touch, and to have that fondness returned is dynamite, literally. From the warmth of neighbourly relationships to the kindness of strangers, love manifests itself in diverse forms, shaping our well-being and contributing to our overall life satisfaction.
Whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day or prefer to skip it, research shows that love can have real, measurable effects on your mental and physical well-being. Its many benefits include increased life expectancy, lower blood pressure, reduced cardiovascular disease risk, decreased anxiety, and stress. Love and strong social connections have also been shown to reduce feelings of loneliness and depression while increasing happiness and a sense of belonging. The upswing in positive thoughts is also noticeable and that itself makes a big difference. Who doesn’t want all of this? I know I do.
The bottom line is if you truly want to lead a healthier life and enjoy all the mental, emotional, and physical benefits that healthy relationships provide, it’s important to nurture connections that make you feel secure and supported—whether they are romantic or not. So, go ahead and make those connections. You need them.
- Connecting with Yourself
Love isn’t just about romance. It’s about remembering to be kind to yourself. From personal experience, I can tell you that it’s incredibly hard to find love without loving yourself, and even harder to keep it. Loving yourself means that there is self-acceptance, self-forgiveness, that you are patient with yourself, especially when you make mistakes. Loving yourself means being less needy and less demanding in a relationship, leading to healthier relationships which blossom into even greater love. So, love yourself. Embrace the red and pink hearts, the love poems, the cards, and of course, the (dark) chocolate. It will open your heart’s door and be a magnet to even greater love – all around.
Finally, know why love is important. Love God. Love others. Love yourself. Your life will be much richer, I promise.
A few weeks ago, we ended our journey through 2024 and crossed over to a new year, 2025. In this month’s blog, I’d like us to think about this concept of crossing over – moving from one part, side, or year to another – by looking at a fascinating story found in the third and fourth chapters of the book of Joshua.
Historical Background
1. The nation of Israel had spent 430 years in Egypt. For some of those years, during the time Joseph, Jacob and Rachael’s son was alive they enjoyed peace, but several years after Joseph’s death, they were enslaved in Egypt. (Gen. 15:13).
- Through Moses, God delivered them from the Egyptians and after the Exodus, they crossed the Red Sea on dry ground to continue their journey from Egypt to Canaan.
- They spent some time (about a year) at Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments (the Law). Then they headed to Kadesh Barnea to enter the Promised Land; but 10 spies after scouting the land, convinced Israel that the inhabitants of Canaan were too strong for them to conquer and they should therefore, return to Egypt (Num. 13:25–33).
- Because of their unbelief and disobedience, they were banned from entering the Promised Land. A two-week flight turned into 40 years of desert-wandering and eating manna until every person 20 years old, and older had died (Num. 14:20–25).
- Then, after 40 long years of desert living, and some 500 years from the time God promised the land to Abraham and his covenant descendants, the time to cross over had come. Joshua and Caleb were more than 80 years old standing alongside a new generation of faith to take the Promised Land.
- There is only one last obstacle, the rushing Jordan river swollen with spring rains, and overflowing it banks.
There are a several lessons from this Bible narrative of Israel’s crossing over the Jordan river into the Promised Land. I’ve chosen five of them to share with you.
- First, we must let God take the lead.
Joshua 3: 3-4 says, “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before.”
God commanded that the visible symbol of His presence and His character – the ark of the covenant – would show the way they must go by leading the way through the crossing. His people were to follow it. By leading with priests carrying the ark instead of soldiers, God declared that the key to Israel’s victory in the Promised Land would be essentially spiritual, not military. Only as they followed the representation of His presence would they be successful. The same goes for us. We don’t know what 2025 holds so we must follow God’s lead. Resist the urge to take matters in your own hands because you have never been this way before.
- Second, there must be strict adherence to the conditions God sets.
While the miracle of crossing the Jordan River was wholly God’s, it was performed upon the fulfilment of certain conditions by the people. They were to sanctify themselves. Because this would be a spiritual battle, Joshua required Israel to make spiritual preparations in order to be successful. That means they were to separate themselves from common and filthy things to focus on the LORD, and to see what wonders the LORD would do among them.
Today, though we know that our battles are spiritual, we have become ultra focused on the physical. We seem to be more concerned about what is on our plates than what is in our hearts and minds, but God has not changed his requirement. He is still saying to us “Be holy for I am holy.” A few weeks ago, I ‘googled’ what is the opposite of holiness? You know what I found? Worldliness. So, if God is calling us to holiness, then we must shun worldliness.
Israel was also required to move in obedience to God’s commands concerning the crossing. They were to set themselves in array (group themselves in a certain manner), with the priests leading, keeping 2000 cubits, some 1,000 yards (1km) behind the ark. This was for at least two reasons. (a) To respect the holy nature of the ark of the covenant, and (b) To make it possible for all Israel to see the ark – to see that God was in it. We too must keep our eyes on Jesus in 2025.
Although Christians are not called to carry out the same physical acts like Israel, spiritual preparation is necessary for any life of ministry and service. We must make every effort to do so. As with Israel’s preparation, crossing over from sin to victory involves hearing and believing God’s Word and the discipline of obedience to that word.” There is no other way to move forward victoriously.
- Third, spiritual leaders must be faithful
Look at Joshua’s step of bold faith in verses 7 and 8 of Joshua chapter 3. “Then Joshua spoke to the priests, saying, “Take up the ark of the covenant and cross over before the people.” So, they took up the ark of the covenant and went before the people (Joshua 3: 7-8). God told Joshua to command this radical step of faith, and Joshua sent the priests to walk across a swollen Jordan River, not because of foolish presumption, but as a man led by the LORD, and because of his experience. He was one of only two men who remembered the similar work God did in Isarel’s crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14).
Like Joshua did for Israel, leaders must encourage and instruct God’s people to hear and obey His words. The work of ministers and leaders is to hold forth the word of life, and to take care of the administration of those rules, orders, ordinances which are tokens of God’s presence and instruments of his power and grace. Though miracles may excite men, they cannot work faith in us, for “faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
I must add that Israel followed the priests as far as they carried the ark, but no further; so, we too we must follow our ministers and leaders only as they follow Christ.
- Fourth, expect God to work in brand new ways for you in 2025
Notice that God’s work of stopping the flow of water at the Jordan River so Israel could pass through was similar to what He did at the Red Sea (Exodus 14: 21-22), but not the same.
The waters at the of the Red Sea were divided (Exodus 14:21-22) n contrast to the waters of the Jordan River which were cut off upstream, leaving a dry riverbed that was passable for Israel. From generation to generation, God’s work is in some ways the same and in other ways different or brand new for his glory, and as evidence of his faithfulness.
The waters of the Jordan stopped flowing the moment the priests’ stepped into them. God required the priests to take a step of faith, and then He acted. In the same way, God often asks us to take a step of faith before He moves. What step of faith do we need to take in our lives today as we face 2025?
As Israel crossed safely, the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD stood firm on dry ground in the midst of the river. For most of the year, the Jordan River was about 100 feet wide and only 3 to 10 feet deep. However, when the more than 3 million Israelites crossed, it was at flood stage, overflowing its banks. It’s said that the body of water that piled up would have been 20 miles (32 km.) long, 2 miles (3.2 km.) wide, and around 120 ft. (37 m.) high. What a faith-boosting experience![1]
Joshua 4:24, says “He [God] did the miracle at Jordan so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the Lord is powerful and so that you might always fear the Lord your God.” Readers, I assure you that no enemy can overcome God’s mighty power, and he wants to reveal this power to you in 2025.
- Fifth, memorialize your miracles
When the entire nation had finished crossing over the Jordan river, God ordered Joshua to set up a memorial. One man from each tribe was ordered to collect a stone from the bed of the Jordan river from the very place where the priests’ feet stood firmly and Joshua used these stones to set up a monument of remembrance at Gilgal, the place where they lodged that night.
The memorial was to be a sign among the Israelites so that when their children asked in time to come, ‘What do those stones mean to you?’ The adults could tell them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. Do we have memorials of our victories in Jesus, and do we share the significance of those victories with our children?
When God works miraculously for you, do what Israel did: find ways to memorialize the miracles for our children’s sake.
Reflection
As I close this blog, I want to ask what is the main point of Israel’s crossing of the Jordan? The point is that Israel was called to cross over from wilderness living to the Promised Land, a land of freedom and prosperity. To do this, they were to fix their eyes on God and his presence, follow Him, and trust him to take care of them as he did the flood waters of the Jordan river.
As we have crossed over into 2025, we too are in the last leg of our journey through the wilderness ‘en route’ to the promised land or heaven itself. The challenge is we often find ourselves being stuck in “wilderness living.” No matter what we do and no matter how many times we “recalculate the route”, we seem to be right back where we started.
Perhaps we are experiencing a lack of fulfilment in our relationships, health, career, or purpose. Maybe we have given up hope of things ever changing for the better, and have decided to tread those same well-worn, familiar paths of bitterness, hopelessness, cynicism and defeat.
I would like to urge you to pray that God would lead us to a place where we can spiritually cross over from the wilderness of defeat, disobedience and sin to a life of victory, obedience, and holiness in Jesus.
[1] Using the geographical layout of the land from where Israel camped [Adam] to the crossing of the Jordan site.
“After coming into the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11, King James Version.
Growing up, Christmas was a huge production. One week before the big day, we’d “break up” the house by disarranging everything. Then, we’d clean the walls, windows, floor a everything in sight. A bit of painting following together with varnishing of the wooden furniture. On Christmas eve night, we “put away” the house for Christmas, that is, we cleaned up the house, put the furniture back in its place, order, hung lights and new curtains.
“Putting away” was an all-night, labour-intensive affair that usually ended in the wee hours of Christmas morning. When everyone got up on Christmas morning, the living room was spic and span, bringing a deep sense of satisfaction because we did it. We got everything ready for Christmas, on time. It was magical.
One thing was different to what we now see. Each person – parent and child – had a small gift in the gift corner because we didn’t have a tree or stockings. The reason: we were a large family and money was relatively scarce. We just couldn’t afford anything else. The outcome: we spent the Christmas season stress-free and guilt-free. What a gift in and of itself!
Now that I’m grown and have my own family, I do things differently. “No breaking-up” and “putting-away” of the house. It feels silly to have the house in disarray for weeks and leave so much to do at the last minute. My Christmas house decorating is usually finished by the first week in December. That way, I can enjoy the fruits of my labour. A Christmas tree, a wreath, and few lights are all I need to get into the Christmas spirit.
These days, with my daughter all grown-up and out of the house, I struggle with something different: I want to avoid excess.
My husband and I have most of what we need, so we (mostly me) have a new way to Christmas shop, including gift-giving. We follow a simple rule: Give each other something that’s practical, that’s needed, and will be used. When we started, my husband tried it, and it didn’t go so well. He gave me a gift card to a spa forgetting that I don’t like to be touched, especially by strangers. It took me two years to drum up enough courage to visit the spa, and when I went there this year, the spa service had been discontinued. Be careful about the gift cards you give. You don’t want to waste money.
Talking about wasting money. It is so easy to do this at Christmas-time. We try to please so many people- friends, family, church members, and wind up spending so much money needlessly just because, we want to appear generous. The truth is, we must not put this kind of pressure on ourselves. We are the only ones hurt in the process.
There is a better way. I follow it and it works. I make a list and plan what I am going to buy long before I actually go shopping. Then I set a “hard” budget that feels right for me, and stick with it. When I do shopping, if I didn’t plan for it, it doesn’t get bought. Having a budget doesn’t mean cutting out the fun; it just means focusing on what matters most to you and your family.
We also give our daughter a single gift from both of us, though she gets two cards. I listen to what my husband talks about and get it for him. After three and a half decades of marriage, surprising him for Christmas is not high on my agenda. For young family members, I like to give books or craft materials to promote learning.
I like to give cards so I usually buy some for friends and acquaintances. I get specific ones for friends, and boxed one for colleagues and acquaintances. Time-permitting, I sometimes throw in a few home-made cookies, and a pack of favourite teas or hot chocolate to say I care. We talk a lot about service and helping others, and yes, I try to give a gift to one or two seniors at church, and neighbours along with cards.
You can also donate to local charities or volunteer to share Christmas meals to the needy. This can bring so much joy, and it’s a lovely way to connect with the community, and spread kindness, especially to those who may be spending Christmas alone.
So, this 2024 Christmas, do your best to conserve and save money. Have a happy minimalist Christmas. We really don’t know what 2025 will bring. Something tells me that “challenging” might be a good word to describe it.
Simply put, purchasing power refers to the financial ability to buy a certain of goods and services with an approved currency unit. During my childhood, the world was completely different from today. When you wanted to buy something from someone or somewhere, you either paid by cash or wrote a cheque. If you couldn’t pay with cash or a cheque, you could also go to a bank and mortgage something of value to get a loan to pay for the product.
Back then, I thought I understood a bit about what Revelation 13:17 meant regarding restricted purchasing power. Based on historical records, those who lived in the 1940s, during World War II, had a small sample of what will be experienced in the near future when there are strict limitations on purchasing power.
Through an enforced rationing system, federal government restrictions in the United States were placed on consumer products and people could not buy much of stuff like gasoline, oil, tires, shoes, sugar, meat, coffee, and a host of other items without federal government ration stamps.
Conversely, people could not sell goods without permission from the federal government. Price-fixing was done for both buyers and sellers, and there were very stiff penalties, including fines and imprisonment, for violators. Yet, a large black market sprang up and flourished illegally reducing the sting of the restrictions.
Today, we are living in a completely different age. Cash and cheques have largely been replaced by cashless substitutes and online trading. I saw this firsthand on my recent vacation to the United Kingdom. In many train stations, there were no human attendants selling tickets, only machines that gave instructions about how to get them using your credit card or in London, your Oyster card. No cards, no service. Only cash, no service.
The situation was the same when I went to a tourist attraction or even the supermarket or pharmacy. The words ‘Card Only’ or ‘We are cashless’ greeted me. Through these experiences, I am beginning to see how easy it would be to out an embargo on purchasing power as predicted in the Bible.
In Revelation chapter 13, the Apostle John records an interesting and important prophesy about the closing moments of history. Two beast powers emerge to persecute God’s remnant people. The first, a hybrid beast, rises from the sea or populated areas according to Revelation 17: 5. This beast is made up of parts of three unclean animals in Daniel 7 implying that it is a successor of those animal kingdoms: the leopard, the kingdom of Greece, is strongly influenced by Greek philosophy; it has feet like a bear, Medo-Persia, pointing to the influence of Persian religion, Zoroastrianism and, particularly, Mithraism on it; and its mouth is like a lion, reminiscent of Babylon’s power and arrogance, especially that of King Belshazzar who succeeded King Nebuchadnezzar.
The second is a lamb-like beast which arises from the earth that will speak with intolerance like a dragon. Talking about what is generally believed to be the United States of America, the Bible says: “And he [the lamb-like earth beast] exercises all the authority of the first [sea] beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first [sea] beast, whose deadly wound was healed” (Revelation 13:12).
Notably, the earth beast, also named the “false prophet”[1] will serve the first or sea beast which receives the power, the throne and the dragon’s [Satan’s] great authority. Driven by the devil’s wrath, both beasts will seek to harm the remnant, followers of the woman described in Revelation 12:17, “who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus.”
Continuing the divine prediction in Revelation 13:17, John states that there will come a time when the earth beast will issue a decree that “… no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” This suggests there will be a time when purchasing power will be fully restricted based on religious allegiance and will be directly related to “worship”, not of God but of a beast power.
Put plainly, very soon, a civil power will launch a global effort to persuade and force the world to worship the first (sea) beast by forming an image to it and then calling the world to worship that image. Through miraculous signs (Revelation 13:12), this civil power will convince most of the world to worship the sea beast thereby hoping to establish a religious monopoly.
Concerning this end-time prophecy, the inspired writer Ellen White notes: “In the last great conflict of the controversy … those who are loyal to God will see every earthly support cut off. Because they refuse to break His law in obedience to earthly powers, they will be forbidden to buy or sell.” The Desire of Ages, Ellen Gould White, pp. 121, 122.[2] Satan says … “For fear of wanting food and clothing they will join with the world in transgressing God’s law. The earth will be wholly under my dominion.” Prophets and Kings, Ellen Gould White, pp. 183,184.[3]
We are clearly living in the time of the end (Daniel 11:45). Today, many are fearful, and trying to figure out what is happening in our world: Collapsing economies, non-stop wars and natural disasters; moral decline, diverse diseases; and dangers on every hand. Many, godly and worldly, believe that a terrible catastrophe is coming but God has not left us to wonder in ignorance.
The Bible provides us with a bird’s eye view of the future typified by persecution, a death decree, and the great time of trouble but in the end deliverance by a God who keeps His promises. So, let us loo to the future with confidence knowing that Jesus is coming soon to take us to heaven to be with him eternally. Remember, He who promised is faithful.
(Unless appearing in quoted references or otherwise identified, Bible verses are from the New King James Version.)
[1] See Revelation 16:13; 19:20; and 20:10.
[2] https://www.ellenwhite.info/books/ellen-g-white-book-desire-of-ages-da-contents.htm
[3] https://www.ellenwhite.info/books/bk-pk-contents.htm
I am sure you have heard the term” have a cutting edge” or “be at the cutting edge”. It refers to the “most modern stage of development in a particular type of work or activity” or “the most recent stage in the development of something” that usually gives a competitive advantage.[1] So, you often hear of companies at the cutting edge of information technology or scientific evidence, or organizations looking to hire employees with skills that put the company at the cutting edge of product design or innovation.
Not so long ago, while chatting with a friend who I admire in many ways, I was reminded of this term when she shared that she feared she has lost her spiritual cutting edge. She used to care about ministry and being involved in ministry but feels as if she has lost her effectiveness and enthusiasm for doing the Lord’s work. As this can happen to any one of us, I want to share some of my thoughts on recovering your spiritual cutting edge from the story of Elisha and the lost axe in 2 Kings 6:1-7.
The “sons of the prophets” (today, we might refer to them as a class of theology students) were studying under the Prophet Elisha. Many young men had joined the seminary but soon they ran out of space to accommodate everyone. So, they came up with an idea to build a new dormitory. With Elisha the trainer’s permission, and his encouraging and inspiring presence, they went down to the Jordan river to start cutting down trees, to build their new accommodations.
Like many students, the one in this passage, did not have all the resources he needed and resorted to borrowing to fulfil his lack. He borrowed an axe so he could do his part and help with the building project. Pretty soon a problem arose. One day, while cutting down a tree, his axe head flew off the handle, landed in the Jordan river, and sank to the bottom. In one mighty swing, he lost his cutting edge, and the power tool that made him effective.
Ever felt like this, spiritually? I have, at least a few times, but the question is, “What should you do when you think you’ve lost your spiritual cutting edge?”
Here are a few suggestions about how you can get back your spiritual cutting edge:
- Accept responsibility for losing your spiritual edge.
This young man lost his cutting edge and his effectiveness in doing the work he set out to do. He suffered the loss while he was cutting trees. He didn’t blame anyone else for what had happened! No, He took full responsibility for what happened to him. Maybe, he had neglected to maintain his power tool and to ensure it was in good working order. Such neglect may also be true of your spiritual life.
When you lose your “spiritual edge”, you must accept personal responsibility for it. You can point a finger at the Pastor or Elder and say “I lost my spiritual edge” because the sermons you guys preach are boring and I don’t feel engaged; or you can say “I lost my spiritual edge because the church’s programs do not meet my needs” or “I am working too hard doing church assignments and I lost my spiritual edge”. The truth is the blame lies with you and you must take responsibility for the loss. To prevent this from happening, you must constantly ensure that your spiritual connection with God is tight and firm to prevent slippage and loss.
- Stop chopping as soon as you recognize you’ve lost your edge.
When the young prophet lost his cutting edge, he stopped swinging right away. He stopped chopping and took a break. Think about it. If he continued trying to cut down trees, he would only be swinging at the tree bark, making noise, wasting time, and losing energy without making any real progress. If you sense that you have lost your spiritual edge, stop. Take a break. Rest. Pray. Study. Reconnect with God and meditate on His greatness. Reflect on who you are, what you do, and why you do it to better understand your divine purpose.
- Consider your accountability to the resource owner.
Having lost his cutting edge, the young prophet cried out for help. “Alas, my master! It was borrowed” (2 Kings 6:5). He lamented the loss of the borrowed axe head. It did not belong to him, and he would have to return it to the rightful owner who lent it to him. Likewise, your gifts, talents, and any ministries or opportunities you have, are not yours. They belong to God, the owner of everything in heaven and earth. 1 Corinthians 6: 19, 20 says “You are not your own and what you have does not belong to you. You are a manager, a steward, a trustee of what belongs to the Lord, and you will have to answer to Him for all that he has entrusted to you to manage. Always consider that.
- Seek help.
The cry of the young student was also an immediate call for help. “Alas, my master!” he said to Elisha because there was nothing he could do about the situation on his own. He needed help. I do not think he expected Elisha, the man of God, to perform a miracle, but he recognized he needed his help. You too need help. You cannot recover your spiritual cutting edge on your own. Call on the Lord, and ask Him to do for you that which you cannot do for yourself. Seek help from spiritual leaders the Lord has placed in your life for fellowship, encouragement, and support. Once you have done this, God will act to help you restore your spiritual edge.
- Examine the problem closely.
Elisha responded to the young man’s cry for help with a question, “Where did it fall?” This question required the young man to reflect on what happened; to retrace his steps; and to examine his situation. So should you. Take the time and trouble to examine the problem. Where and when did you lose your spiritual edge? Was it through neglect of Bible study and prayer? When you fell back into some old sinful habit? When you stopped regular church attendance, or after some controversy with a fellow believer? Our tendency is to sink into despair, or to keep trying to work through the problem on our own without identifying where the missing ‘axe head’ is located so you could retrieve it.
- Retrieve your edge with God’s help.
The story about the sunken axe head ends with a miracle. Elisha, the man of God, threw a stick into the water, and the axe head floated to surface of the water. Yes, the iron axe head floated. Then the young student retrieved it himself. God miraculously intervened to restore what the young prophet lost.
Similarly, when you lose your spiritual edge, it is important to wait for God’s response, and to make every effort personally to retrieve your spiritual edge. Notice, although God performs the miracle of restoration, you have to retrieve your cutting edge yourself. So, if you have neglected Bible study, prayer, and regular church attendance you must recommit yourself to doing these things again to restore what was lost. Remember, only with God’s help, can you recover your spiritual edge. He assures you that when you seek him, you will find him, when you search for him with all your heart (Jeremiah 29:13).
Have you lost your spiritual cutting edge? Take action today, and experience the miracle God has for you.
[1] https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/cutting-edge
In 1849, French writer Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr wrote “plus ça change, plus c’est la même chose “- the more things change, the more they stay the same. In this month’s blog, I invite you to join me as we have some fun testing the truth about this saying. As an English speaker, I will have a conversation about the state of basic English Language today. How much has changed? How much remains the same? You be the judge.
The fun conversation is below.
“Hello “Are!” It’s been a while since I heard from you. Are you still there?”
“Yes, but quiet.”
” Alright, I’m checking in with you because I think you are being side-lined.”
“Why do you say so?”
“Well, I’ll tell you.”
At first, I thought it was just an oversight that you weren’t included in an email or invited to a conversation in which you should have been involved; but the evidence is mounting that you are not a part of the inner circle anymore. So, I believe it’s time to address the elephant in the room or the moose in the room as Atlantic Canadians would say.
“Are” you’re plural, but when I search for you, I can’t find you even when you should be there. Your singular brother “Is” has taken over and this bothers me. In virtually every sphere – in written or spoken conversations; on radio and television, on the Internet and across social media – “Is” is there. He’s masquerading everywhere whether he’s right or wrong; whether he’s correctly employed or not; at the wrong time and in the wrong tense. He relishes your position so much that he spends every waking moment contributing to the slow demise of our English language.
A few notable instances come to mind.
Firstly, I’m convinced that most of the television media have sidelined you. Journalists and television anchors have been caught saying things like “There “Is” many things to report today”. Even top, influential persons like ‘AC’ and ‘WB’ who once held your torch seem to have let you go for your partner “Is.” I know you should be there “Are” but alas desertion comes to mind.
Recently, I heard that many University professors, who for many years had your back, have also traded loyalties. Holders of Ph.Ds., Masters and, Bachelor’s degrees, no longer want to use you as part of their vocabulary. It seems like “Is” is reigning supreme. What’s even more egregious is that you have started to be replaced not only in speech but in written publications. Editors, once known as the gate keepers of our precious English language seem to have forgotten how to use you. It feels like the worst thing in the world, and it is, in a sense.
“Are”, I must also let you know that your absence has caused me some mental distress as well as health issues. “Is” has been so prevalent and annoying that I develop a serious earache every time it’s out of place, and that’s way too often. In my view, “Is” is also guilty of verbal harassment and should be charged for creating an English language crisis, and given a stiff fine. My constant fear now is that prolonged sidelining will play with my emotions and imagination and make me question my sanity and self-esteem.
“Are”, are you crying?” I know this is sad but this is no time for tears. “Is” must be stopped immediately, and I have some ideas about how to do that.
Together, we must protest and call “Is” out in every radio and television interview, in every newspaper article, in every op-ed, column, book and magazine. We must troll the Internet to point out every instance where they have wrongfully usurped your position. We must also enter every classroom where he first gets introduced, and every boardroom where they claim to practice inclusion and diversity and insist that you get re-instated to a place of honour around the table. As a necessity, and this may be critical, we must hold parenting classes to ensure the next generation gets it right.
“Are” I know you can still fit in and add value to our conversations. That’s why I’m appealing to every self-respecting English-speaking person who knows grammar: “Let’s put “Is” back in its rightful place and let’s reinstate “Are” to its rightful place in our language. If we don’t “Are” would be gone forever and that would be a very sad thing. There must be no delay or we’ll be sorry we didn’t take action sooner. The next generation must know you and your worth. We all must see to that. ©2024 Margarett Enniss-Trotman
