"in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day”
Day 15 –Spend time with the boys climbing mountains and crossing rivers
It’s great to getting back to nature, being challenged physically and sharing light and also meaningful conversation with the boys.
Despite falling once into the river and a couple of times along the track, which was rough and mysterious at times, I thank God I made it back in one piece.
An early night is in order.
Day 14 – Keep up the communication – Say Jambo
Did you know Alexander Graham Bell was originally Scottish, not American? He was born in Scotland in 1847. I’ve often said the telephone is my favourite invention of all time. Thank you Mr Bell (and Whatsapp) that I can continue to communicate with Angella almost daily while she is on the other side of the world.
Communication in marriage is the key. That’s what my Say Jambo song is all about. Much credit goes to Ayatta and Absalom for their amazing recording (current lyrics below) https://youtu.be/ZrzmGykEeMM
Say Jambo © by David Kidd
Chorus
Say ‘Jambo’ in the traffic jam
Say ‘Jambo’ in traffic jam
Now you got time on your hands
Say ‘Jambo’ to wife in the jam. (Only include ‘to wife’ in first chorus)
Know your wife in traffic jam
Find out her middle name
Ask her her favourite colour
Check if her hair has changed.
Share with your wife in traffic jam
Give her your full attention
Tell her you got a new job - last year!
And other things you failed to mention.
Chorus
Listen to your wife in traffic jam
She got many good things to say
Maybe the car need new tyre
It could even be her birthday.
Discuss your children in traffic jam
Find out where they go to school
Check if they’re living for Jesus
In case you have been fooled.
Chorus
(male voice)
I talked to my wife once in traffic jam
Cos my sound system wasn’t workin
And it’s wrong to drive holding i-phone
She seems a very nice person
Check your wife’s smile in traffic jam
Smile at her with your teeth
Find out whether she’s happy
how she’s feelin underneath.
Chorus
Your wife may be on the edge of leaving
Because she’s been ignored
Thank God for the terrible traffic jam
That your marriage may be restored.
Toot if you’re in love again
Shout out her middle name
Rejoice! Someone actually likes you
Give praise in Jesus name.
Day 13 – Don’t worry, be happy now!
Philippians 4:6-7 says:
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
These verses were the basis for the message of encouragement ‘Prayer Overcomes Worry’ I shared with the octogenarians, nonagenarians and others today at the elderly home.
Two of them also gave heart-warming testimonies of the faith that has gotten them through the tough times in life and which gives them great hope for their future.
I remember when Covid-19 turned our world upside down and sent us into lockdown in our own homes the first sermon I was led to share was the very same message I shared more briefly today. You can hear the historic Covid-19 lockdown version at https://youtu.be/2YzhNbw95Fs
Enjoy two wonderful versions of Bobby McFerrin’s Don’t Worry Be Happy song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZeXbxWaGWA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWXUWepSak4
Don't Worry Be Happy (Bobby McFerrin) | Playing For Change | Song Around The World
Day 12 – Mental well-being
Monday’s English conversation and English conversation Bible class has come around yet again. Our subject for the Bible conversation class was a very practical one for daily life.
Many years ago I wrote a book called A Life Truly Worth Living - God’s perfect peace plan for your mental well-being. We talked a little about the thirteen-fold package of great mental health helps Christianity has to offer covered in this book, namely:
(1) Effective tools for overcoming destructive emotions; (2) A solution to guilt; (3) A solution to worthlessness and lack of identity; (4) A loving family; (5) Supernatural strength (God’s) to deal with things human resources have failed to resolve; (6) Daily purpose and activities to keep you meaningfully occupied and bring joy and satisfaction; (7) Exciting long-term hope to look forward to and to motivate you to endure life’s troubles; (8) A special restful day of the week to look forward to every week; (9) A helpful framework for understanding why the world is like it is and for believing why violence and suffering will finally end one day; (10) Wise proverbs and teachings for healthy and happy living; (11) Accountability to a loving God; (12) Power over satanic/demonic influences on the mind; and best of all; (13) The greatest leader, Saviour and role model ever on your side – Jesus the Christ, who lives in you to strengthen and comfort you through the Holy Spirit.
If mental health is an area you are struggling with, consider God’s perfect peace plan for your mental well-being. I am happy to email you a copy of my book, or you can peruse it at www.churchofgodslove.com under the Book/articles heading.
Have a blessed day!
Day 11 – Family time
My brother Richard has been volunteering his time to help train and coach his daughter’s rugby league team – a big commitment. My dad, step-mum (June) and I decided to go and watch a game and support them.
June did something amazing. She, with some help from Auntie Linda, knitted beanies for the entire team to wear on their heads to keep them warm off-field. The team members were very grateful.
I am very grateful to be living near family again here in NZ. I am also happy Angella can spend more time with family in Jamaica again this year after braving the long journey.
The unity and oneness of family is very important to God too. One of my favourite verses about God’s plan for our unity and eternal destiny says:
having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him. Ephesians 1:9-10
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