I am a worried man!! Illicite sex is becoming too rampant, even in the church. Worse still is that its like our conscience has been seared as with a hot iron, even getting to the point of justifying the same.
In my own small way, I am hoping to be able to address this issue. Before then, I thought this Bible Study could be an interesting place to start off:
How can we avoid the landmine of sexual immorality? The world around us bombards us with sensual images. Movies and novels depict pre-martial sex and adulterous affairs as acceptable and even romantic. Although we might not physically violate God’s laws about sexual purity, few of us could say we never entertain thoughts that displease Him. Read more ...
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Maintaining The Proper Relationships:: By Oswald Chambers
I read this article just after a conversation I had with one of my many daughters!!
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. . . the friend of the bridegroom . . . — John 3:29
Goodness and purity should never be traits that draw attention to themselves, but should simply be magnets that draw people to Jesus Christ. If my holiness is not drawing others to Him, it is not the right kind of holiness; it is only an influence which awakens undue emotions and evil desires in people and diverts them from heading in the right direction. A person who is a beautiful saint can be a hindrance in leading people to the Lord by presenting only what Christ has done for him, instead of presenting Jesus Christ Himself. Others will be left with this thought— "What a fine person that man is!" That is not being a true "friend of the bridegroom"— I am increasing all the time; He is not.
To maintain this friendship and faithfulness to the Bridegroom, we have to be more careful to have the moral and vital relationship to Him above everything else, including obedience. Sometimes there is nothing to obey and our only task is to maintain a vital connection with Jesus Christ, seeing that nothing interferes with it. Only occasionally is it a matter of obedience. At those times when a crisis arises, we have to find out what God’s will is. Yet most of our life is not spent in trying to be consciously obedient, but in maintaining this relationship— being the "friend of the bridegroom." Christian work can actually be a means of diverting a person’s focus away from Jesus Christ. Instead of being friends "of the bridegroom," we may become amateur providences of God to someone else, working against Him while we use His weapons.
From My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers
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. . . the friend of the bridegroom . . . — John 3:29
Goodness and purity should never be traits that draw attention to themselves, but should simply be magnets that draw people to Jesus Christ. If my holiness is not drawing others to Him, it is not the right kind of holiness; it is only an influence which awakens undue emotions and evil desires in people and diverts them from heading in the right direction. A person who is a beautiful saint can be a hindrance in leading people to the Lord by presenting only what Christ has done for him, instead of presenting Jesus Christ Himself. Others will be left with this thought— "What a fine person that man is!" That is not being a true "friend of the bridegroom"— I am increasing all the time; He is not.
To maintain this friendship and faithfulness to the Bridegroom, we have to be more careful to have the moral and vital relationship to Him above everything else, including obedience. Sometimes there is nothing to obey and our only task is to maintain a vital connection with Jesus Christ, seeing that nothing interferes with it. Only occasionally is it a matter of obedience. At those times when a crisis arises, we have to find out what God’s will is. Yet most of our life is not spent in trying to be consciously obedient, but in maintaining this relationship— being the "friend of the bridegroom." Christian work can actually be a means of diverting a person’s focus away from Jesus Christ. Instead of being friends "of the bridegroom," we may become amateur providences of God to someone else, working against Him while we use His weapons.
From My Utmost For His Highest by Oswald Chambers
Akili Na Pesa :: Iko Uhusiano?
Economists treat money as a place holder, simply a tool to make exchange function more smoothly, but as real life and the current economic crisis indicate, money actually has a profound effect on our thinking, driving people to make decisions they would otherwise regard as slightly to completely insane.
Scientists are on the trail of understanding money’s effect on the brain and have found that for some peoples’ brains handling cash is like taking drugs, for others it’s like seeing a friend. Outlining a raft of research the article offers a run-down of money’s effects summarizing,
Simply thinking about words associated with money seems to makes us more self-reliant and less inclined to help others. And it gets weirder: just handling cash can take the sting out of social rejection and even diminish physical pain.
One researcher mentioned discusses the two separate social norms people operate under – social and market norms – and argues that “even a passing contact with concepts linked to money puts us into a market-oriented mentality” which effects our behavior and makes us more self-reliant and less trusting. Another scientist’s experiment revealed that study subjects who heard words associated with commerce were slower to ask for help, and a third showed money affecting some brains the same way drugs affect addicts.
For much more on the ways money warps our thinking, check out the lengthy but reader-friendly article. It also offers tips from the scientists on how to handle your irrational responses to cash.
Scientists are on the trail of understanding money’s effect on the brain and have found that for some peoples’ brains handling cash is like taking drugs, for others it’s like seeing a friend. Outlining a raft of research the article offers a run-down of money’s effects summarizing,
Simply thinking about words associated with money seems to makes us more self-reliant and less inclined to help others. And it gets weirder: just handling cash can take the sting out of social rejection and even diminish physical pain.
One researcher mentioned discusses the two separate social norms people operate under – social and market norms – and argues that “even a passing contact with concepts linked to money puts us into a market-oriented mentality” which effects our behavior and makes us more self-reliant and less trusting. Another scientist’s experiment revealed that study subjects who heard words associated with commerce were slower to ask for help, and a third showed money affecting some brains the same way drugs affect addicts.
For much more on the ways money warps our thinking, check out the lengthy but reader-friendly article. It also offers tips from the scientists on how to handle your irrational responses to cash.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Step-by-step guide to building an emergency fund
It seems that, in this economy, a lot of people are thinking seriously about their emergency funds. Frankly, I think that’s a very good thing —emergency funds are a key part of a healthy personal finance situation. The biggest problem, though, is that it’s intimidating —eight months? That’s a lot of savings.
Trust me, it’s not as hard as it sounds. Three years ago, my wife and I were nearly bankrupt. Today, we have an emergency fund and we’d be fine easily through the end of the year if things fell apart. You can do this. Here’s how. ...read more...
Trust me, it’s not as hard as it sounds. Three years ago, my wife and I were nearly bankrupt. Today, we have an emergency fund and we’d be fine easily through the end of the year if things fell apart. You can do this. Here’s how. ...read more...
Monday, March 2, 2009
Where To Start
I have said this before, will say it again... its been a long time since my last post and the monthly briefings have been virtually gone!
There are several thing that I could blame including the more use of Facebook, events in my life since the last post bla bla bla ... but I won't, ama I already have?
I'll make this simple... I will share the highs, the lows, the lessons and the victories of the last few months and we move from there...
October 08:
-I finally called it quits and moved on from my previous employer. After months trying to integrate the two businesses, the cultural differences were night and day and I moved on.
- The house construction slowly ebbs to a pause with finances running low and no new applications expected, its time to quit the site.
- PhD Prais-athon both editions are a resounding success ... Yaani, Mungu anajitukuza kabisa!! See recap here ...
November 08:
- I sign off a brand new contract in a brand new company offering a brand new concept in virtually untested ground. The company has been newly registered but is part of bigger group from Denmark with an amazing concept ... see www.grundfoslifelink.com for details.
- The total returns from Operation 25 hit the 220,000/- mark and that is a major achievement! I feel personally proud that the effort has now moved on and become a huge contributor to StAY Alive campaign against drugs through the KATAA Initiative.
- The biggest (by reach & budget) KATAA AntiDrugs roadshow happens running from Kahawa West, Githurai 44, 45, Kasarani, Zimmerman.... WOW!!! See a recap here ...
- I start my new contract a week early to assist in the setup formalities!
December 08:
- It feels like starting all over again... all registrations VAT, PAYE, NSFF, NHIF et al... wacha tu!!
- De ja vu ... applications for VISA to go to Denmark in January!!
- Participating in the planning and execution of the first ever Christmas Comes To Zimmer Cantata. It was personally gratifying, a long cherished dream finally fulfilled, thank you LORD. See recap here ...
- Its Christmas, and two long held traditions - visiting a church and no long distance travel are broken!! We make a cameo appearance at St Andrews and shortly hit a traffic filled road to Murinduko to visit with my wife's in-laws. Going by the menu, it was not a bad idea at all!!
- New years, and we are spoilt for choice on how and where to cross over from. An attempt at taking the kingdom for TSO hits a snag due to the sheer traffic (both human and otherwise) and so we move on to Sifa Car Park! The All Star Unity Party is on. Could only last until the fireworks are over!!
January 09:
- The highlight definately!!! Europe for the first time ever! Day one of landing and its minus 10 degress!! Culture shock!! The sunlight is never out until 9AM and hurriedly takes off at 4:30!! I never got to see what happened or what there was between my hotel room and the office (traveled when it was DARK!! This could take a whole page ... wacha hio itoshe for now! But the bottom line even with all the excitement, I LOVE KENYA!!
- More setups!
- With a clear voice God says its your Year of Jubilee... and so my family and I embark on a new road to discover our next mission ground ... I will cover this extensively under a separate post!
- And so the above journey starts ... first its the Patrons Breakfast and Kamukunji (see recap here...)
February 09:
- Its back to basics ... setting up new systems from srcatch!!
- Construction restarts at our future home and what a flurry of activity
- Discover I am a celeb... the hard way!! The firm that took over the firm I left in October publishes my image among others in the local press in a general public announcement about no longer being with them! Amazing how people (mis)understand some of this things!! Interesting stares by the neighbours, parishioners and other acquitances, cannot help but hear some voices. Its about time to know your true friends! Since I am a preacher, elder and crusader it gets even more interesting!!
- Its the queens birthday ... Happy Birthday My Lady, my Lover my Friend!! Still discovering who you are more than 16years since I met you and more than 13 since you came to live with me!!
- At the kingdom, we are taken through the Prayer of Jabez step by step by the queen in a four week series!! This is powerful!
March 09:
These is what I am looking forward to:
- A journey of new discovery starts this month after my family and I have been officially released by the Church
- LIFELINK hits the ground with the maiden installation
- Seeing through my two outstanding assignments with the Praise Team & StAY Alive Fellowship.
My guiding theme is Healing and the reference is Matt 8:1-13!!
Praise The LORD!!
There are several thing that I could blame including the more use of Facebook, events in my life since the last post bla bla bla ... but I won't, ama I already have?
I'll make this simple... I will share the highs, the lows, the lessons and the victories of the last few months and we move from there...
October 08:
-I finally called it quits and moved on from my previous employer. After months trying to integrate the two businesses, the cultural differences were night and day and I moved on.
- The house construction slowly ebbs to a pause with finances running low and no new applications expected, its time to quit the site.
- PhD Prais-athon both editions are a resounding success ... Yaani, Mungu anajitukuza kabisa!! See recap here ...
November 08:
- I sign off a brand new contract in a brand new company offering a brand new concept in virtually untested ground. The company has been newly registered but is part of bigger group from Denmark with an amazing concept ... see www.grundfoslifelink.com for details.
- The total returns from Operation 25 hit the 220,000/- mark and that is a major achievement! I feel personally proud that the effort has now moved on and become a huge contributor to StAY Alive campaign against drugs through the KATAA Initiative.
- The biggest (by reach & budget) KATAA AntiDrugs roadshow happens running from Kahawa West, Githurai 44, 45, Kasarani, Zimmerman.... WOW!!! See a recap here ...
- I start my new contract a week early to assist in the setup formalities!
December 08:
- It feels like starting all over again... all registrations VAT, PAYE, NSFF, NHIF et al... wacha tu!!
- De ja vu ... applications for VISA to go to Denmark in January!!
- Participating in the planning and execution of the first ever Christmas Comes To Zimmer Cantata. It was personally gratifying, a long cherished dream finally fulfilled, thank you LORD. See recap here ...
- Its Christmas, and two long held traditions - visiting a church and no long distance travel are broken!! We make a cameo appearance at St Andrews and shortly hit a traffic filled road to Murinduko to visit with my wife's in-laws. Going by the menu, it was not a bad idea at all!!
- New years, and we are spoilt for choice on how and where to cross over from. An attempt at taking the kingdom for TSO hits a snag due to the sheer traffic (both human and otherwise) and so we move on to Sifa Car Park! The All Star Unity Party is on. Could only last until the fireworks are over!!
January 09:
- The highlight definately!!! Europe for the first time ever! Day one of landing and its minus 10 degress!! Culture shock!! The sunlight is never out until 9AM and hurriedly takes off at 4:30!! I never got to see what happened or what there was between my hotel room and the office (traveled when it was DARK!! This could take a whole page ... wacha hio itoshe for now! But the bottom line even with all the excitement, I LOVE KENYA!!
- More setups!
- With a clear voice God says its your Year of Jubilee... and so my family and I embark on a new road to discover our next mission ground ... I will cover this extensively under a separate post!
- And so the above journey starts ... first its the Patrons Breakfast and Kamukunji (see recap here...)
February 09:
- Its back to basics ... setting up new systems from srcatch!!
- Construction restarts at our future home and what a flurry of activity
- Discover I am a celeb... the hard way!! The firm that took over the firm I left in October publishes my image among others in the local press in a general public announcement about no longer being with them! Amazing how people (mis)understand some of this things!! Interesting stares by the neighbours, parishioners and other acquitances, cannot help but hear some voices. Its about time to know your true friends! Since I am a preacher, elder and crusader it gets even more interesting!!
- Its the queens birthday ... Happy Birthday My Lady, my Lover my Friend!! Still discovering who you are more than 16years since I met you and more than 13 since you came to live with me!!
- At the kingdom, we are taken through the Prayer of Jabez step by step by the queen in a four week series!! This is powerful!
March 09:
These is what I am looking forward to:
- A journey of new discovery starts this month after my family and I have been officially released by the Church
- LIFELINK hits the ground with the maiden installation
- Seeing through my two outstanding assignments with the Praise Team & StAY Alive Fellowship.
My guiding theme is Healing and the reference is Matt 8:1-13!!
Praise The LORD!!
Global Financial Meltdown
Wanna understand where it all started? I found this article by Carol Musyoki which was published in the Business Daily of Monday March 2, 2009 interesting and easily dissects the chronology of the melt down ...
Forty-year-old David Thomson, a librarian at the Fort Lauderdale Public Library, slowly shuts the door of his three-bedroom bungalow for the last time. The house, in a largely middle class suburb of Fort Lauderdale City, has been home to him, his wife and two children for the last five years. Behind him, the CTS Bank official is nailing a Foreclosed sign on the front lawn.
The Thomson family immediately becomes a statistic: one family out of the 1.2 million residential home foreclosures so far in 2008. 3,000 miles away on Wall Street, Bryant Weill, a hedge fund manager at Bear Stearns, shuts the door to his corner office for the last time following the financial collapse of the 80- year -old firm. He drives back to his $1 million mortgage-free home in his S-Class Mercedes Benz to tell his wife that he is now jobless. David and Bryant have never met each other in their lifetimes and probably never will, but their lives are inextricably intertwined in a financial web that has almost brought the global financial wheels to a halt.
Let us work out what happened here. Read More
Forty-year-old David Thomson, a librarian at the Fort Lauderdale Public Library, slowly shuts the door of his three-bedroom bungalow for the last time. The house, in a largely middle class suburb of Fort Lauderdale City, has been home to him, his wife and two children for the last five years. Behind him, the CTS Bank official is nailing a Foreclosed sign on the front lawn.
The Thomson family immediately becomes a statistic: one family out of the 1.2 million residential home foreclosures so far in 2008. 3,000 miles away on Wall Street, Bryant Weill, a hedge fund manager at Bear Stearns, shuts the door to his corner office for the last time following the financial collapse of the 80- year -old firm. He drives back to his $1 million mortgage-free home in his S-Class Mercedes Benz to tell his wife that he is now jobless. David and Bryant have never met each other in their lifetimes and probably never will, but their lives are inextricably intertwined in a financial web that has almost brought the global financial wheels to a halt.
Let us work out what happened here. Read More
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Iko Nini - Mbona Kimya?
Its amazing how time flies! It is more than two months since my last update and even more since my monthly brief!!
To sum it up... my life has been one huge unrehearsed circus! Spiritually, I have soo grown! But more of this has been occasioned by uncertainties and upheavals rather than positive experience! Remember my job situation (see previous posts), it changed from great opportunities (even across boarders) to turned down offers. As I blog, nothing is clear and I am now living by the minute rather than by the day (LOL).
But that's not all there is! From this, I have heard God's voice on patience, studied with my family on love and had interesting revelation on gifts! Further, my personal commitment to raise funds through Operation 25 for StAY Alive Fellowship and the related anti-drugs campaign received a major boost by being embraced by the wider St Andrews community. Result? I not only achieved my personal target, but the total collection at blog time stood at 216,025/-, just above what we thought was an ambitious target of 210,000/-. The good news is that we should be able to collect a few more from willing sponsors. Further, Operation 25 is now beyond, Pappa, beyond StAY Alive and is a community baby meaning it now has a life of its own. My prayer is that it will be one long life filled with great growth and success.
Me again! What does the future portend? Its bright, not because its clear now but because I serve a God of miracles, a God who never fails and I join the Psalmist in my theme of the season:
Psalm 37:
25 I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.
The present? Very uncertain, very risky and very daunting. Let alone tomorrow, I do not know about the next minute. But in all the joy of the Lord is my strength.
To sum it up... my life has been one huge unrehearsed circus! Spiritually, I have soo grown! But more of this has been occasioned by uncertainties and upheavals rather than positive experience! Remember my job situation (see previous posts), it changed from great opportunities (even across boarders) to turned down offers. As I blog, nothing is clear and I am now living by the minute rather than by the day (LOL).
But that's not all there is! From this, I have heard God's voice on patience, studied with my family on love and had interesting revelation on gifts! Further, my personal commitment to raise funds through Operation 25 for StAY Alive Fellowship and the related anti-drugs campaign received a major boost by being embraced by the wider St Andrews community. Result? I not only achieved my personal target, but the total collection at blog time stood at 216,025/-, just above what we thought was an ambitious target of 210,000/-. The good news is that we should be able to collect a few more from willing sponsors. Further, Operation 25 is now beyond, Pappa, beyond StAY Alive and is a community baby meaning it now has a life of its own. My prayer is that it will be one long life filled with great growth and success.
Me again! What does the future portend? Its bright, not because its clear now but because I serve a God of miracles, a God who never fails and I join the Psalmist in my theme of the season:
Psalm 37:
25 I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.
The present? Very uncertain, very risky and very daunting. Let alone tomorrow, I do not know about the next minute. But in all the joy of the Lord is my strength.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Five Rules of Style for the Business-Casual Workplace
Dressing for work used to be pretty easy: a suit and tie for men, and a skirt suit or pantsuit for women. Then came casual Fridays and “Hawaiian shirt day.” Today’s business-casual workplace (where, according to Gallup, just 6 percent of American men bother to wear a necktie) would seem to be a world without rules. Read More
Monday, July 21, 2008
July (Sub 10Degrees)
Its a pity that the July post is coming in close to the months end. Probably its expalined by the kind of month its been, coz honestly its been crazy.
My uncertainities are still there. Lest the uncertainities, extra workload etc that came along with the merger plans, may I state that I have had opportunity to travel. I was recently in J'Burg where I also had a chance to visit with the family of our weddings best maid.
Further, had a eventful flight to Kericho (those small planes are quite something eh) and look forward to another trip to Lusaka in two days. So yes, still tarvelling this road.
Nothing much has changed though and we keep trusting God to speak His direction in our lives.
On the campaign I run with StAY Alive Fellowship, the fundraiser was launched. Please see separate post to follow.
The house project was put on a slow pace following the uncertainities surrounding my employment. That does not mean that it has not progressed. Here are the latest pics.
My uncertainities are still there. Lest the uncertainities, extra workload etc that came along with the merger plans, may I state that I have had opportunity to travel. I was recently in J'Burg where I also had a chance to visit with the family of our weddings best maid.
Further, had a eventful flight to Kericho (those small planes are quite something eh) and look forward to another trip to Lusaka in two days. So yes, still tarvelling this road.
Nothing much has changed though and we keep trusting God to speak His direction in our lives.
On the campaign I run with StAY Alive Fellowship, the fundraiser was launched. Please see separate post to follow.
The house project was put on a slow pace following the uncertainities surrounding my employment. That does not mean that it has not progressed. Here are the latest pics.
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Half Way 2008
Its June !!! A good time to run a mid year review or better still see where we have come short and seek to make ammends early.
But then again, is that really the case? We openned the year under a ball of smoke and fire, just when it was dying out prices of everything skyrockets, five months later many Kenyans are still in IDP camps, amnesty or no amnesty and the list goes on!!
Call me a hyper-optimist but I believe that God has something great in store. After the labor pains, after the traviling there comes a new life. And I believe that is it for me, for us, for Kenya.
Whats on for June:
- You will recall in my April post me mentioning about the takeover at the firm where I have been for a year or so, well nothing much has changed and the transaction effects are yet to trickle down. Where does that leave me? In God's Hands. Well, still at base but my ear is on the ground for any opportunities. Just fresh off a string of interviews and waiting on God for favorable responses.
- We start Season II of the small group meetings in church and are looking forward to another exciting seven week journey in continuing to discover our purpose in this world.
- Is this misplaced? Not at all... OK the Euro championship kicks off on 7th and I am rooting for Spain and Portugal. Wacha-na-na-hio... the National Football team has a hectic schedule and God willing I am down with the process. One match lost but kwani... I will be in the stadium having fun and cheering the new look (read KFF free) Stars...
- On 4th, my wife and I will be celebrating 15years since we set eyes on each other and what a period it has been. Yaani... we have been married for 13 years and we thank God that we can still enjoy our lives and share ourselves the way we do. Supuu... ni wewe tu!
My guding verses:
John 16: 20I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. 22So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
Karibu nisahau... the first phase of the Abode Project is now officially over. See the pics...
But then again, is that really the case? We openned the year under a ball of smoke and fire, just when it was dying out prices of everything skyrockets, five months later many Kenyans are still in IDP camps, amnesty or no amnesty and the list goes on!!
Call me a hyper-optimist but I believe that God has something great in store. After the labor pains, after the traviling there comes a new life. And I believe that is it for me, for us, for Kenya.
Whats on for June:
- You will recall in my April post me mentioning about the takeover at the firm where I have been for a year or so, well nothing much has changed and the transaction effects are yet to trickle down. Where does that leave me? In God's Hands. Well, still at base but my ear is on the ground for any opportunities. Just fresh off a string of interviews and waiting on God for favorable responses.
- We start Season II of the small group meetings in church and are looking forward to another exciting seven week journey in continuing to discover our purpose in this world.
- Is this misplaced? Not at all... OK the Euro championship kicks off on 7th and I am rooting for Spain and Portugal. Wacha-na-na-hio... the National Football team has a hectic schedule and God willing I am down with the process. One match lost but kwani... I will be in the stadium having fun and cheering the new look (read KFF free) Stars...
- On 4th, my wife and I will be celebrating 15years since we set eyes on each other and what a period it has been. Yaani... we have been married for 13 years and we thank God that we can still enjoy our lives and share ourselves the way we do. Supuu... ni wewe tu!
My guding verses:
John 16: 20I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. 22So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.
Karibu nisahau... the first phase of the Abode Project is now officially over. See the pics...
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
May: My Sunshine Month
May has always been nostalgic for me. On May 1st 1999 I placed my marriage to God and made a solemn vow to love my wife til death do us part!!! We call it the Labour of Love (the anniversary is on Labour Day remember).
This year the family got to share a VERY sumptuous breakfast and also managed to visit the proposed site of the future abode!!!
Speaking of which: In my posts of October 2007 I had indicated our hope of breaking ground at our future abode... it finally happened almost six months later, well within God's plan. Even with the uncertainties surrounding my employment contract, we decided to proceed with the project and we are trusting God that He will see us through phase I and at least allow us have a roof over our heads where we can move in.
Another fabulous thing that has happened is that our Home Fellowship has been introduced to this brilliant format of a prayer chain which we are now taking every Thursday night... I see God transforming us and us doing exploits for the glory of His Name.
My key study point this month will be on Righteousness. I hope I will be able to share some on this.
This year the family got to share a VERY sumptuous breakfast and also managed to visit the proposed site of the future abode!!!
Speaking of which: In my posts of October 2007 I had indicated our hope of breaking ground at our future abode... it finally happened almost six months later, well within God's plan. Even with the uncertainties surrounding my employment contract, we decided to proceed with the project and we are trusting God that He will see us through phase I and at least allow us have a roof over our heads where we can move in.
Another fabulous thing that has happened is that our Home Fellowship has been introduced to this brilliant format of a prayer chain which we are now taking every Thursday night... I see God transforming us and us doing exploits for the glory of His Name.
My key study point this month will be on Righteousness. I hope I will be able to share some on this.
Bare Ground
Broken Ground
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
big BLOATED cAbINeT
I usually do not put down any political commentaries but on this one you will allow me!!!
The much taunted Grand Coalition Government has been unveiled... in it we see good old Mr Moi smiling along!!! Almost the entire lot have served for him!!! So much for what the president had said in his campaigns... lean and clean government. The premier also disappointed ... for a man whose middle name should be CHANGE I was thoroughly disappointed to see the likes of Kipkalya Kones, William Ole Ntimama to mention but a few...
Anyone who has cared to listen to me speak about the history of politics in Kenya will now agree with what I have been saying all along. Kenya is under a political elite handed down from the colonial days up to now!!! These guys are all the same, they control all the power and property ... indeed they are together!!! What do I mean? Well this is what. They all seat at one dining table and all we do is change the guy holding the serving spoon... but all is not lost!!! CHEER UP KENYA - WE SHALL OVERCOME.
Meanwhile, here's a pun filled relaunch I initiated at a e-forum... enjoy the anecdotes!!!
When a product (or service) is being relaunched there are all sorts of campaigns that are carried out. Well the cabinet was being re-launched recently... assuming it was an advert how would it go?? Allow me to be first up: - ITS BIGGER, ITS BETTER (sic)... BUT IT STILL HAS THE SAME OLD QUALITY (sic) YOU HAVE BECOME USED TO. - Pappa
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(soundtracks...) then song starts 'domo domo..domo' raila appears..'sisi tuliacha domo'..kalonzo appears waving the wiper...'sasa tumepata kazi'..musalia appears doing a jig..'ala!'..the orezo appears and says 'mimi niliambiwa tu nimeshinda'...then everyone bursts out laughing and shake hands...then title text comes on the screen GRAND COALITION 2008: YOU KNOW YOU CAN TRUST US! - Gee
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ALI BABA N THE FORTY THIEVES(2008 SERIES)....COMING TO A THEATRE NEAR U - Dante
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It's Finally Here... the big one is here... Not One, Not Two, Not Three but this time Forty Odd Ones... More Jobs For More ... - Pappa
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For More See The Actual Forum Here.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
April:: My Milestone Month
Hey!!! April is here and I am calling it my milestone month. Just before I get to that let me talk about the first day of April, aka April Fools Day. Well did you know that the Bible actually brands all who lie to a neighbour and say they were just joking as being worse than murderous fools??? Proverbs 26:18,19 states:
18 Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows 19 is a man who deceives his neighbor and says, "I was only joking!"
I hope you were not caught up in the murky April Fools affairs.
Milestone month? Ah, yes!
::My daughter turns 6 on the third and as I watch my son move into early teenage its amazing what is happening to Wema and the role my son, Malcolm has on her life. I pray God allows me not to miss any step in this fledging and symbiotic relationship and that it bodes well for both siblings and for the glory of God.
::We have just completed the first organised small group discussion that my wife and I have been facilitating on the Purpose Driven series. With forty participants split into two groups the closing ceremony was a combined celebration for the two groups with a sumptous breakfast being served. I call it a milestone in that God has used these group of people in an amazing way to bless our lives and theirs too and its only a matter of time before they burst into full potential carrying the entire church with them. Opportunities for other groups sprouting from some of the group members are there not to mention our own Season II that should be kicking off in two months. By the way, for accountability purposes, the groups agreed to a monthly joint meeting over the next five months and who knows what God might have in store. As a goodwill gesture, the group raised funds to purchase a book and obtain the accompanying study material to send to some one in OlKalau (somewhere in Cenrtral Kenya) who received a 'lost' sms in the initial stages of the groups development and requested the same. Was the sms really lost? I do not think so!!
::The firm I have been working for over the past year has been bought off by a rival signalling that our contracts are on the line. While this brings tonnes of disquiet among my colleagues, I could not help but notice the calmness and joy Christ placed in my heart at the happenings... actually I was more worried for my colleagues and how they would receive the news more than myself. Just a few days before the news, I had a brief chat with a colleague whom I remember saying to that I am in the firm only for a season and a reason and once its complete it will be my time to move on as God provides!!! How prophetic!! Its easy for me to feel depressed as is my boss... we have literaly sweat ourselves out turning around the business from near oblivion to building our brand to its rightful status and just when we had got to the top of the hill and have a good view... events happening hundreds of miles away (in a board room in London) sweep all that away in one go!!!
What does the immediate future portend? I intend to give my all in the transfer process and ensure the few loose ends that remain are dealt with conclusively (i.e. make it much easier for whomever will be taking over) as I look out with grace and joy at what Christ has in store for me. As if having a premonition, I had already renewed my registration with my employing agency ready to listen to any opprotunities out there... I guess nows the time to spruce up the resume and hit the road!!
My guiding verse this month is off Pauls letter to the Romans Chapter 8:28,37-39
28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.37 ... in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I am more than a Conquerer!!!
18 Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows 19 is a man who deceives his neighbor and says, "I was only joking!"
I hope you were not caught up in the murky April Fools affairs.
Milestone month? Ah, yes!
::My daughter turns 6 on the third and as I watch my son move into early teenage its amazing what is happening to Wema and the role my son, Malcolm has on her life. I pray God allows me not to miss any step in this fledging and symbiotic relationship and that it bodes well for both siblings and for the glory of God.
::We have just completed the first organised small group discussion that my wife and I have been facilitating on the Purpose Driven series. With forty participants split into two groups the closing ceremony was a combined celebration for the two groups with a sumptous breakfast being served. I call it a milestone in that God has used these group of people in an amazing way to bless our lives and theirs too and its only a matter of time before they burst into full potential carrying the entire church with them. Opportunities for other groups sprouting from some of the group members are there not to mention our own Season II that should be kicking off in two months. By the way, for accountability purposes, the groups agreed to a monthly joint meeting over the next five months and who knows what God might have in store. As a goodwill gesture, the group raised funds to purchase a book and obtain the accompanying study material to send to some one in OlKalau (somewhere in Cenrtral Kenya) who received a 'lost' sms in the initial stages of the groups development and requested the same. Was the sms really lost? I do not think so!!
::The firm I have been working for over the past year has been bought off by a rival signalling that our contracts are on the line. While this brings tonnes of disquiet among my colleagues, I could not help but notice the calmness and joy Christ placed in my heart at the happenings... actually I was more worried for my colleagues and how they would receive the news more than myself. Just a few days before the news, I had a brief chat with a colleague whom I remember saying to that I am in the firm only for a season and a reason and once its complete it will be my time to move on as God provides!!! How prophetic!! Its easy for me to feel depressed as is my boss... we have literaly sweat ourselves out turning around the business from near oblivion to building our brand to its rightful status and just when we had got to the top of the hill and have a good view... events happening hundreds of miles away (in a board room in London) sweep all that away in one go!!!
What does the immediate future portend? I intend to give my all in the transfer process and ensure the few loose ends that remain are dealt with conclusively (i.e. make it much easier for whomever will be taking over) as I look out with grace and joy at what Christ has in store for me. As if having a premonition, I had already renewed my registration with my employing agency ready to listen to any opprotunities out there... I guess nows the time to spruce up the resume and hit the road!!
My guiding verse this month is off Pauls letter to the Romans Chapter 8:28,37-39
28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.37 ... in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I am more than a Conquerer!!!
Eight Myths About Cow Milk - By Dee Overly
The milk industry has created several reasons why we need our daily dose. We've heard some of these for so many years now that they have become part of our thinking. It's time to examine the myths, lies and propaganda about cow's milk.
:: Cow's milk is pasteurised to make it safer:
Milk is pasteurisd at over 170 degrees. All of the enzymes and anything of value in the milk are killed at 130 degrees. So, it's fortified, value has to be added back in. What pasteurisation really did for the business was give milk a longer shelf life. But beware. Raw milk sours when it goes bad, so you know it immediately. With pasteurized milk you can't tell when it has started to spoil. It's already rancid long before the bad odour develops.
::Cow's milk is a good substitute for mother's breast milk:
Let nature be your guide. The structure of the milk for each species is designed to meet the specific needs of that species. Humans do not need to put on weight as fast as cows. The high fat and cholesterol content of cow's milk should be on everyone's list of things to avoid.
::Our children need milk to make them strong and healthy:
Humans are the only species that refuse to wean their young. Again, we've set ourselves above nature. How wise is this? Studies are showing that dairy products are the leading cause of allergies. Since cow's milk causes a build-up of mucus in our bodies, dairy can be linked as a primary cause for runny noses, colds, ear infections, bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma, and even hay fever.
::Milk is essential for good teeth: This is still being touted today even though it was brought into great question back in the 1960s. A study was done using rats because their tooth decay process is biologically identical to human teeth. The end result was that the group fed pasteurised milk got twice as many cavities as the group on the sugar-fed diet.
::We need milk and dairy products for protein: The protein component in cow's milk is casein. This substance is so thick and coarse that it's used to make some of the strongest wood glues you can buy. Cow's milk contains 300 times more casein than human milk. But then, cows also have four stomachs for digestion. Human bodies lack the digestive ability to break down the casein protein.
::Pregnant women need to drink more milk:
Actually, the more cow's milk a pregnant woman drinks, the more likely the infant will need that suction tube hospitals always have on hand. It sucks out the thick mucus from the baby's nose and throat at delivery so it can breathe. It's called "muco-protein" and mothers-to-be may want to learn more about this. Remember, your unborn is eating what you're eating. The high mucus content of milk passes into your baby.
::Breast feeding mothers need to drink more milk:
Have you ever heard of a cow drinking milk so that it has better and more nutritious milk for its calf? No adult mammal on this planet drinks milk except for the human. For some reason we've put ourselves above the laws of nature. If we look at nature we'll find the plant life foods to make nutritious breast milk for our species' young.
::Milk helps coat the stomach and ease the pain of ulcers: This idea has been passed down through the last few generations and seems to still be floating around. Dairy products are acid-forming foods. Milk will aggravate an ulcer. You'll want to talk to your doctor for help in dealing with an ulcer.If milk is a major part of your life style and you are looking for an alternative, you should consider soymilk. It's high in calcium and its protein is easy to digest.
It seems there is some adjusting to be done!!
Dee Overly writes for www.articlehealthandfitness.com.
:: Cow's milk is pasteurised to make it safer:
Milk is pasteurisd at over 170 degrees. All of the enzymes and anything of value in the milk are killed at 130 degrees. So, it's fortified, value has to be added back in. What pasteurisation really did for the business was give milk a longer shelf life. But beware. Raw milk sours when it goes bad, so you know it immediately. With pasteurized milk you can't tell when it has started to spoil. It's already rancid long before the bad odour develops.
::Cow's milk is a good substitute for mother's breast milk:
Let nature be your guide. The structure of the milk for each species is designed to meet the specific needs of that species. Humans do not need to put on weight as fast as cows. The high fat and cholesterol content of cow's milk should be on everyone's list of things to avoid.
::Our children need milk to make them strong and healthy:
Humans are the only species that refuse to wean their young. Again, we've set ourselves above nature. How wise is this? Studies are showing that dairy products are the leading cause of allergies. Since cow's milk causes a build-up of mucus in our bodies, dairy can be linked as a primary cause for runny noses, colds, ear infections, bronchitis, sinusitis, asthma, and even hay fever.
::Milk is essential for good teeth: This is still being touted today even though it was brought into great question back in the 1960s. A study was done using rats because their tooth decay process is biologically identical to human teeth. The end result was that the group fed pasteurised milk got twice as many cavities as the group on the sugar-fed diet.
::We need milk and dairy products for protein: The protein component in cow's milk is casein. This substance is so thick and coarse that it's used to make some of the strongest wood glues you can buy. Cow's milk contains 300 times more casein than human milk. But then, cows also have four stomachs for digestion. Human bodies lack the digestive ability to break down the casein protein.
::Pregnant women need to drink more milk:
Actually, the more cow's milk a pregnant woman drinks, the more likely the infant will need that suction tube hospitals always have on hand. It sucks out the thick mucus from the baby's nose and throat at delivery so it can breathe. It's called "muco-protein" and mothers-to-be may want to learn more about this. Remember, your unborn is eating what you're eating. The high mucus content of milk passes into your baby.
::Breast feeding mothers need to drink more milk:
Have you ever heard of a cow drinking milk so that it has better and more nutritious milk for its calf? No adult mammal on this planet drinks milk except for the human. For some reason we've put ourselves above the laws of nature. If we look at nature we'll find the plant life foods to make nutritious breast milk for our species' young.
::Milk helps coat the stomach and ease the pain of ulcers: This idea has been passed down through the last few generations and seems to still be floating around. Dairy products are acid-forming foods. Milk will aggravate an ulcer. You'll want to talk to your doctor for help in dealing with an ulcer.If milk is a major part of your life style and you are looking for an alternative, you should consider soymilk. It's high in calcium and its protein is easy to digest.
It seems there is some adjusting to be done!!
Dee Overly writes for www.articlehealthandfitness.com.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Do Children Copy Their Parents When They Lie?
"Kids lie early, often, and for all sorts of reasons—to avoid punishment, to bond with friends, to gain a sense of control. But now there’s a singular theory for one way this habit develops: They are just copying their parents." Po Bronson.
For two decades, parents have rated ‘honesty’ as the trait they most wanted in their children. Other traits, such as confidence or good judgment, don’t even come close. On paper, the kids are getting this message. In surveys, 98 per cent said that trust and honesty were essential in a personal relationship. Depending on their ages, 96 to 98 per cent said lying is morally wrong.
So when do the 98 per cent who think lying is wrong become the 98 per cent who lie? Read More
For two decades, parents have rated ‘honesty’ as the trait they most wanted in their children. Other traits, such as confidence or good judgment, don’t even come close. On paper, the kids are getting this message. In surveys, 98 per cent said that trust and honesty were essential in a personal relationship. Depending on their ages, 96 to 98 per cent said lying is morally wrong.
So when do the 98 per cent who think lying is wrong become the 98 per cent who lie? Read More
Sunday, March 2, 2008
:::Let Not Thy Spiritual Guard Down Ever Again
The news of the agreement between the two protaginists in the post-election crisis that struck our beautiful country breathed a new lease of fresh air - and indeed life, into our beloved country.
BUT, is it time to celebrate? I say NO. Before you misunderstand me, allow me me to clarify early and state that we should give thanks and praise the Lord for the event but we should not put our guard down in the life after the agreement. In my post earlier this year, done when there was near desperation when the situation seemed to be taking too long to settle, I stated and believed deeply that Kenya will wake up from her wilderness experience ready to move to the next level. Prepared for the new glory that Christ has in store for us. True revival for this so called dark continent will start from here... I still believe that.
However, we should never allow our guard down ever again, the enemy has used many available loopholes to strangle us... but we are now 'wiser', stronger, more aware of weaknesses and definitely sure of our strength... in the Lord.
Where do we go from here? We need to pray that this be not a temporary measure that will collapse but pray that its is a life boat that will lead us to land from the murky and stormy waters that we had traveled on and allow our journey to greater strength, peace and prosperity proceed, this time with purpose and impetus.
May we dwell in unity, peace and liberty... plenty be found within our borders.
BUT, is it time to celebrate? I say NO. Before you misunderstand me, allow me me to clarify early and state that we should give thanks and praise the Lord for the event but we should not put our guard down in the life after the agreement. In my post earlier this year, done when there was near desperation when the situation seemed to be taking too long to settle, I stated and believed deeply that Kenya will wake up from her wilderness experience ready to move to the next level. Prepared for the new glory that Christ has in store for us. True revival for this so called dark continent will start from here... I still believe that.
However, we should never allow our guard down ever again, the enemy has used many available loopholes to strangle us... but we are now 'wiser', stronger, more aware of weaknesses and definitely sure of our strength... in the Lord.
Where do we go from here? We need to pray that this be not a temporary measure that will collapse but pray that its is a life boat that will lead us to land from the murky and stormy waters that we had traveled on and allow our journey to greater strength, peace and prosperity proceed, this time with purpose and impetus.
May we dwell in unity, peace and liberty... plenty be found within our borders.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Think About It!!
A sliced Carrot looks like the human eye The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye...and YES science now shows that carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.
Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm to overcome male sterility.
A Tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart is red and has four chambers. All of the research shows tomatoes are indeed pure heart and blood food.
Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows that grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.
A Walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds are on the nut just like the neo-cortex. We now know that walnuts help develop over 3 dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.
Kidney Beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys.
Celery, Bok Choy, Rhubarb and more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet the body pulls it from the bones, making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.
Eggplant, Avocadoes and Pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats 1 avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? .... It takes exactly 9 months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).
Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of Sperm to overcome male sterility.Sweet Potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.
Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries.
Grapefruits, Oranges, and other Citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.
Onions look like body cells. Today's research shows that onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes...
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Exciting 40 Days With Small Groups!!
Heard about 'Purpose Driven'? You must have!! The Purpose-Driven Life is a manifesto for Christian living in the 21st century...a lifestyle based on eternal purposes, not cultural values. Using biblical stories and letting the Bible speak for itself (click here to read more).
Having gone through this 'journey' before, I now venture into it with two small groups from my local church. It promises to be an exciting time and has already proved so so far.
There is an interesting mix within the group make up which should make it all the more exciting. As I obtain new insights I will be able to share what God has placed in my heart for this season... For starters I am hopeful that we shall have another two groups take up the series later in the year. It's my prayer that the group members will cascade their new found impetus to their home fellowships and or department fellowships and far beyond. Further, its my prayer that I will complete a foundation class manual for use for all new believers and other people who would wish to build the correct foundation for their belief in Christ Jesus within my local church. My third target by God's grace and mercy is being involved in 'systemizing' an up and coming youth group not too far off my local church, whose main struggle is transition and also understanding their place in the body of Christ.
Your prayers and other input are coveted. As I walk this journey, I hope that I will be continuing to fulfil God's purposes for me for such a time as this.
Having gone through this 'journey' before, I now venture into it with two small groups from my local church. It promises to be an exciting time and has already proved so so far.
There is an interesting mix within the group make up which should make it all the more exciting. As I obtain new insights I will be able to share what God has placed in my heart for this season... For starters I am hopeful that we shall have another two groups take up the series later in the year. It's my prayer that the group members will cascade their new found impetus to their home fellowships and or department fellowships and far beyond. Further, its my prayer that I will complete a foundation class manual for use for all new believers and other people who would wish to build the correct foundation for their belief in Christ Jesus within my local church. My third target by God's grace and mercy is being involved in 'systemizing' an up and coming youth group not too far off my local church, whose main struggle is transition and also understanding their place in the body of Christ.
Your prayers and other input are coveted. As I walk this journey, I hope that I will be continuing to fulfil God's purposes for me for such a time as this.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Hesitant To Say Happy New Year??
It has been a bit, has it not been? I visited my former CEO and lashed out at him "Happy New Year" more out of routine than anything else... His slow timid response... 'I honestly cannot respond to that'
I do not remember any January, indeed any moment when things were soooo different in our beloved country Kenya... But I have been always been an encourager. I always want to see the other side. I am not being cynical but I know - indeed I believe - it's gonna be a brighter day, we are gonna see a better country and yes... Christian (true Christian) revival, will kick off from our beautiful country.
I do not care what your middle name is... lets take the reigns and move ourselves ahead... not just by God's grace but by God's strength and salvation... until we walk the streets of gold.
In my own small way, I am gonna leave a legacy and a positive one at that... care to join me? It's 2008.
My guiding scripture... Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
I do not remember any January, indeed any moment when things were soooo different in our beloved country Kenya... But I have been always been an encourager. I always want to see the other side. I am not being cynical but I know - indeed I believe - it's gonna be a brighter day, we are gonna see a better country and yes... Christian (true Christian) revival, will kick off from our beautiful country.
I do not care what your middle name is... lets take the reigns and move ourselves ahead... not just by God's grace but by God's strength and salvation... until we walk the streets of gold.
In my own small way, I am gonna leave a legacy and a positive one at that... care to join me? It's 2008.
My guiding scripture... Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
AMKA - BADILIKA - WAKILISHA
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Rite Of Passage
A rite of passage, which marks a time when a person reaches a new and significant change in his/her life, is something that nearly all societies recognize and often hold ceremonies for. These ceremonies are held to observe a person's entry into a new stage of life and can be anything from a high school graduation ceremony or a birthday party, to a funeral.
Most rites help people to understand their new roles in society. They can also help others learn to treat people in new ways after they experience certain rites of passage. Most rites of passage fall into three main phases: separation, transition, and incorporation. In the separation phase, the participant is taken away from his/her familiar environment and former role and enters a very different and sometimes foreign routine that they are forced to adjust to and become familiar with. A rite that would fall into this category would be birth. The infant leaves a very safe and secure environment in their mother's womb to an extremely different one in the real world. Death can also be a separation rite, depending on a person's belief about what happens after someone dies. Societies have devised ways to mark these separations and aid in the transitions that will take place. For instance, the naming of babies marks the significant event of birth. Funerals and the many different funeral customs mark the separation that takes place when a death occurs. Funerals can also help those left behind to make the necessary changes needed to adjust to being separated from loved ones.
The transition phase is the time that the participant learns the appropriate behavior for the new stage they are entering. This phase can include the time when a person becomes engaged to be married. At this time, they are learning about the new stage of life they will soon enter -- marriage. They are also adjusting and preparing for it, or making a transition. The transition phase may also include the time that children enter adolescence and leave their childhood behind. This is the time when people learn and grow and prepare to be an independent adult in the real world.
The last phase, incorporation, takes place when the participant is formally admitted into the new role. Marriage is a good example of a rite that would take place in the incorporation phase. After people are married, they have taken on a very new and different role, having prepared for it in earlier transition and separation rites.
There are many, many rites of passage in our lives. Some are considered to be more significant than others, but almost every day we live can bring about transitions. However, there are five times in one's life that are often considered to be the most significant times of change. They are: Birth, Leaving childhood and becoming an adolescent, Leaving home, Weddings, and Death/Funerals. To recognize these significant times in our lives, societies typically hold elaborate ceremonies. Each different culture or society may choose to mark these rites in very different ways. Each ceremony is unique and meaningful to one's own culture.
So why the whole lesson above, you may ask. Well, my son Malcolm has just gone through an important phase in his life... the time that he enters adolescence and leaves his 'childhood' behind. It is an interesting moment for us as a family and we join in offering our thanks to God as Malcolm moves on.
Feel free to join us to celebrate this great transition on December 22nd 2007 from 2pm to 4:30pm at Blue Springs Hotel, Thika Road.
Most rites help people to understand their new roles in society. They can also help others learn to treat people in new ways after they experience certain rites of passage. Most rites of passage fall into three main phases: separation, transition, and incorporation. In the separation phase, the participant is taken away from his/her familiar environment and former role and enters a very different and sometimes foreign routine that they are forced to adjust to and become familiar with. A rite that would fall into this category would be birth. The infant leaves a very safe and secure environment in their mother's womb to an extremely different one in the real world. Death can also be a separation rite, depending on a person's belief about what happens after someone dies. Societies have devised ways to mark these separations and aid in the transitions that will take place. For instance, the naming of babies marks the significant event of birth. Funerals and the many different funeral customs mark the separation that takes place when a death occurs. Funerals can also help those left behind to make the necessary changes needed to adjust to being separated from loved ones.
The transition phase is the time that the participant learns the appropriate behavior for the new stage they are entering. This phase can include the time when a person becomes engaged to be married. At this time, they are learning about the new stage of life they will soon enter -- marriage. They are also adjusting and preparing for it, or making a transition. The transition phase may also include the time that children enter adolescence and leave their childhood behind. This is the time when people learn and grow and prepare to be an independent adult in the real world.
The last phase, incorporation, takes place when the participant is formally admitted into the new role. Marriage is a good example of a rite that would take place in the incorporation phase. After people are married, they have taken on a very new and different role, having prepared for it in earlier transition and separation rites.
There are many, many rites of passage in our lives. Some are considered to be more significant than others, but almost every day we live can bring about transitions. However, there are five times in one's life that are often considered to be the most significant times of change. They are: Birth, Leaving childhood and becoming an adolescent, Leaving home, Weddings, and Death/Funerals. To recognize these significant times in our lives, societies typically hold elaborate ceremonies. Each different culture or society may choose to mark these rites in very different ways. Each ceremony is unique and meaningful to one's own culture.
So why the whole lesson above, you may ask. Well, my son Malcolm has just gone through an important phase in his life... the time that he enters adolescence and leaves his 'childhood' behind. It is an interesting moment for us as a family and we join in offering our thanks to God as Malcolm moves on.
Feel free to join us to celebrate this great transition on December 22nd 2007 from 2pm to 4:30pm at Blue Springs Hotel, Thika Road.
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