PASTOR'S BLOG

PASTOR’S BLOG

While the Wife’s Away 

Day 16 – Keep up an attitude of gratitude

Kingston-Miami-LA-Sydney-Auckland. Only 8 days and I will pick Angella up at Auckland airport after her marathon journey.

Sabbath day has come around fast again and I am reminded to have an attitude of gratitude as I experience warmth and thoughtfulness from my church friends. Christine told me she will prepare me some food for Sunday night. She’d already baked me a very tasty quiche, which I enjoyed over two nights, the weekend before.

I remember a tennis buddy of mine once, after hearing some of the wonderful things members of the Adelaide congregation had done for me joked I might be a cult leader. Not so!

I remember also though experiencing great kindness from the dearly beloved late pastor of that church, Phil Kordahi. He, as Christ said and modeled, came to serve and not to be served. One time he did a round trip of about two hours to clean a spot on my carpet. I remember also some sisters in the church giving my home a thorough clean and leaving flowers and gifts to welcome us home from Jamaica after our wedding.

An attitude of gratitude surely helps us also to be positive and joyful people.

I have truly had a good experience with the people of God.

Jesus said: A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

PASTOR'S BLOG - While the wife's away

Day 15 – Think about her and try to write her something nice

You Fill My Cup

If you were a star you would shine brightly

If an embrace you’d hold me tightly

If you were the wind you’d be a cool summer breeze

If you were a ship you’d be Queen of the seas

If you were a four wheel drive you’d have true grit

If you were a shoe, you’d be my perfect fit

If you were a road you’d have no pot hole

If you were an actress, you’d have the star role

If you were a comedian you’d be funny

If a land, you’d be the land of milk and honey

If you were a random act you would be kind

If you were a cloud you’d be silver-lined

If you were a judge you would be fair

If a breath, you’d be a breath of fresh air

If you were a direction you would be up

But you’re my wife and you fill my cup.

And make my hair stand up

PASTOR'S BLOG - While the wife's away

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.

PASTOR'S BLOG - While the wife's away

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.

PASTOR'S BLOG - While the wife's away

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

YOUTUBE.COM

Don't Worry Be Happy (Bobby McFerrin) | Playing For Change | Song Around The World