My Life in Red and White

A new year begins,  I have an idea, an outlook, a projection of what the future holds... The year unfolds and slowly and steadily, the picture unraveling differs from what I imagined. Good times, bad times, more good times than bad? I've lost count! Laughter, tears, friends lost, friends gained, friends 're-gained'... Rain, Sun, Snow, Heat! Sun, more heat!!  Happy memories, sad memories, and days that just went by. The year keeps unfolding, and I discover every morning that my projections and plans maybe somehow far from my present reality but it doesn't stop me from dreaming....  I won't stop hoping, I won't stop projecting. Through the rainy days I learnt a valuable lesson - thinking of the sunny days ahead helped me get through. I refused to focus on what was around me, I chose to think of the bright days ahead. Most mornings, I reflected on Jeremiah 29: 11  " For I know the thoughts  and  plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts...

Growth! It happens when you are not aware. One morning, you realize that the things that once had power over you no longer have a hold. You wonder how you got here, but you can't place the exact moment it happened. Growth! Suddenly you are stronger, Suddenly you are wiser, Suddenly you become aware of the strengths you possess. The many times you thought you'd die, you won't survive this, But you got back up again, One foot ahead of the other, and made it through another storm, another dark night, and another... Growth! Sometimes, it happens when you're not aware, Then you are grateful for the rain. the fire, the storm, the silence, All the things that lead you to this place, This place of strength, this place of a 'bigger you', This place of growth.

I've been thinking about the paths that i'm meant to take in the coming months. Decisions, directions; I've been planning and praying. I've tried to explain my decisions to close friends, but some times, they aren't on the same frequency with me. Don't get me wrong, their questions are borne out of genuine care and love; but I know what I've heard, I know what convictions I have, I'm certain about these decisions and I'll follow through with God's leading and stick to the plan. It might not make sense in the immediate, but with God, I trust that he will illuminate the path ahead of me.  And in concurrence with my situation, my devotional couldn't have said it better! STREAMS IN THE DESERT They were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the Word in Asia ( Acts 16:6 ). It is interesting to study the methods of His guidance as it was extended towards these early heralds of the Cross. It consisted largely in prohibitions, when they atte...