100 YARDS-Life a football field!!! (Part 1)

Football Season is almost over...one more week until the finale, Superbowl48. I don't know about you but I am definitely eager for this one. My team, Seahawks will challenge their opponents for the Grand Prize. Not only does the winning team go home with the title Super bowl Champions but they also take with them the trophy and a ring for each player, the envy of many.

I have to admit I wasn't always a fan. I didn't understand why a person would run across a field like a mad man with what seemed like an endless trail of men running in pursuit, only to trip him and then pile on top of him. Football to me was a senseless game. It was impossible to convince me otherwise until I moved to Seattle. Needless to say I was sucked into the city's '12th man'. A body of crazy fans whose loyalty cannot be swayed, win or lose.

Slowly I started learning the rules of the game, they are quite simple. Each team has an end zone which is located on the opposite side of the field, 100yards long. You start at the 50yard mark and move towards you end zone. You are allowed to make a minimum of ten yard moves at a time for which you get four attempts. If unable to make a ten yard move, your opponent gets the ball and moves the opposite direction. My expertise to the rules is still limited, however, my little knowledge of the game has since made it an interesting game to watch. Until recently it also became a tool that would teach a fundamental to success, relentless pursuit!

We had just won the match against the Sacramento 49ners, like every other fan I was ecstatic. Naturally a couple of days later I was still high on adrenaline from watching the very tumultuous game and off course the news didn't help with the constant recaps of the last minute touchdown evasion by Richard Sherman. A close call but we won, our gateway to the Super Bowl. 

So here I am driving home from work, listening to worship music. Weirdly so, running through my mind are replays of the game. This particular scene where our star quarterback plunges into a group of big men. He pushes his way further towards the ten yard line. I find myself paying special attention to him. I notice he keeps pushing even though his obstacle looks like a brick wall. At that moment, it was like a light suddenly turned on and started blinking, I realized his motivation. He knew as long as he kept pushing, he was moving closer to his mark, ultimately the end zone where he would score a touchdown. It did not matter what was against him, every inch forward meant he was winning. It then dawned on me...life is a match on a football field. With many obstacles (all manners and sorts) coming your way, looking to trip you, looking to destroy you just because they want your ball (purpose). But if you clutch your ball with all your might and keep moving against the torrent. Even though in small steps, You are winning!!!

I specifically find delight and much encouragement from the story of Zerubbabel whom after many years of Israel's captivity in Babylon would lead them back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple. Israel had been held captive for sometime now, but there was a promise that had been spoken of their redemption through the prophet Jeremiah. A promise of restoration, whose fulfillment would begin in the stirring of a king's heart. It is said,"...in order to fulfill the Word of the Lord spoken by Jeremiah, the Lord moved the heart of Cyrus king of Persia to make a proclamation through out his realm..." Ezra 1:1 (NIV)

"This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: The Lord the God of Heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and He has appointed me to build a temple for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Anyone of His people among you__ may His God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem in Judah and build the temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, the God who is in Jerusalem. And the people of any place where survivors may now be living are to provide him with silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with freewill offerings for the temple of God in Jerusalem." Ezra 1:2-4 (NIV)

Following this proclamation a large group of Israelites returned to their settlements. In that place Zerubbabel and Jeshua son of Jozadak began the rebuilding of the altar, after which they would later continue in the rebuilding of the Temple itself. All through the rebuilding of the altar, they act in fear of the potential for opposition because their enemies camped around them. This opposition doesn't exactly become a reality until they begin to rebuild the temple. It is said:

"When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were rebuilding the temple of the Lord, the God of Israel, they came to Zerubbabel...and said, 'Let  us help you because , like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to Him since the time of Esarhaddon king of Assyria who brought us here.' " Ezra 4:1-2 (NIV)

Zerubbabel and the rest of the kinsmen naturally did not accept this alleged 'kind gesture' because they knew their enemies. They refused to shake hands, their response, "You have no part with us in building our temple to our God. We alone build it for the Lord, the God of Israel, as the King Cyrus, the king of Persia, commanded us", Ezra 4:3 (NIV) And of course...this brewed a storm. It started an uphill battle, because their enemies "...set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to on building ". It is said "...they hired counsellors to work against them and frustrate their plans during the entire reign of Cyrus king of Persia...down the reign of Darius king of Persia".

"Then the peoples around them set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to go on building. They hired counsellors to work against them and frustrate their plans during the entire reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia,"

Ezra 4:4&5 (NIV)

Does that sound familiar? Just when you have set out to complete a task, the're all of a sudden forces that rise out of nowhere to "discourage" and "frustrate" your efforts?

*Its a series....Watch this space for Part 2...Life a football field*

 

~Penzi Amani~

LOVE MAKES MY WORLD GO ROUND Series (Part 4)

Love by English definition; a feeling of warm personal attachment or deep affection. By other definition: it is a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.

Both definitions by human standard would be considered proper. I call it fallacy(fake). The implications of it being an emotion beyond human control, we somehow just have a strong liking towards someone because fate dealt it that way, is deceptive.

By example God has taught us...Love is a choice. He chose to create man, He chose to provide for him. He chose to employ empathy in His dealings with Adam, that's how He noticed Adam's need for a companion. He chose to fulfill this need, it would have been easier to just ignore it. He chose to overlook Adam's discontentment and instead of taking offense He sort a better way to resolve Adam's problem. God created Eve. In love God gave sagacious instruction, "do not eat from the tree". Man allowed himself to be tricked, he ate from it still. In discontentment and disappointment God still gave opportunity for an explanation. Even though the response was appalling, it did not stop Him from noticing the shame Adam and Eve experienced in their nakedness. What seemed impossible to overcome to these frail humans, He overcame by covering them with skin clothes, made after a sacrifice. Millenniums later He still looked to cover our naked truth, that we are wretched and hopeless, by making an ultimate sacrifice. His Son, Jesus Christ, would be the new clothe that would cover our nakedness. The receipt of this clothe...our righteousness. "For God so loved the World that He gave His one and only son that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" John 3:16 (NIV). He chose to love us.

With that said, my definition of love. The conscious decision to act in manners of affection and total loyalty, indiscriminate of the recipient's values, without expectation of reciprocity. Love is not an emotion, it is a mind set. A commitment you make to learn and understand a person, to value their perspective, to engage in their pursuit for success. A choice you make to be loyal and protect their interests against the world and sometimes themselves. Love demands respect, love demands honesty, love demands consideration. Love demands you, it does not just happen.

So the next time we (you & I) say "I love you", it is my prayer we consider carefully what this powerful four letter word mandates. Let our revelation of this truth as it is in His example instigate proper execution of Love.

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another,"
John 13:34 (NIV).

Are you a follower of Christ...how do we know? In my discovery of what love is my deficiencies are evident to me. I realize I have not been a perfect example of what God's love should be like. If you are wondering what am talking about read Part 1 of this series. My prosecutor's definitely have this case against me sealed but I thank God, in His love for me He has provided the greatest Defense Attorney. In my acquittal I get a second chance to be a better person, letting Love Reign. LOVE MAKES MY WORLD GO ROUND!!!

How about you???

Yours Truly,

Penzi Amani

LOVE MAKES MY WORLD GO ROUND Series (Part 3)

The rendezvous between God and man has been ongoing for some time now. Sure, it has had its ups and downs but nothing like what is about to happen. They are about to get into a confrontation...someone is about to experience some major disappointment. Genesis 2:16-17, " And the Lord commanded the man, 'you are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die'. "

Ever heard of the saying 'Common Sense is not so common '? What is soo complex about these instructions? I mean its simple...EAT EVERYTHING JUST NOT FRUIT FROM THIS TREE!!! Why??? IF YOU DO YOU WILL SURELY DIE!!! Purpose, reason, intention, all made clear leaving no room for confusion. Somehow the snake managed to convince Eve it was okay to eat of the tree because apparently, there was implied consent by virtue of the presence of the tree. I mean if God had not meant for them to eat the fruit, He would not have left it there in the first place right.

So they eat of the tree and what seemed so perfect wasn't so perfect anymore. They realize they are naked. Shocked at the new discovery they run into the bushes. Before there was nothing to hide, now there is definitely something to hide. They try to salvage the little interest they had in their dignity by meshing some leaves which is pointless because it doesn't work anyway, then the hear the sound of the Lord coming and they are afraid. Guilt overwhelms them and naturally they run and hide.

That sound calls out to them and asks , "Where are you...." Out of the darkness they are called into the light. Let the confrontation begin. We are not ignorant of the conversation that follows suite.

"But the Lord called out to the man, 'Where are you?'

He answered, 'I heard You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked so I hid.'

And He said, 'Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?'

The man said, 'The woman you gave to me she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.'

Then God said to the woman, 'What is this you have done?' The woman said, 'The serpent deceived me and I ate.' " (Genesis 3:9-12 NIV)

One thing is certain. God knew where they were. He knew they had eaten of the tree, He knew of Eve's little escapade. He knew Adam has eaten of the fruit and Eve had given it to him. Why the numerous enquiries? I put it to you, it was a gesture of love, fourth act of recorded in scripture. An opportunity for them to own up to their impunity, who knows maybe even to earn their immunity but nooo...they refuse to concede and instead they pass the baton down the hierarchy of affairs. In so doing they race into their defeat. Romeo and Juliet have committed suicide. I guess we will never really know what would happened had they just said, "Yes I ate of the fruit...I messed up, I am sorry!"

Repercussions: Adam must toil in pain (hard work) , Eve will thrive in pain (childbirth) and Mr. Snake...lets just say this one must bite the dust (no legs). Might I add mankind would die and return to dust. "...For dust you are and to dust you will return" (Genesis 3:19).

What happens next just drives me bananas. The epitome of the beauty of love. Remember they tried to cover themselves up with some leaves and it didn't quite work out right. Let me conjure your imagination...God gave a command, man ignored Him, the proof is their disobedience. Man realizes ooops am naked, he covers up with leaves. God is offended by this act so He confronts man. Man denies responsibility and instead blames someone else. God is angry He declares judgment, a repercussion for irresponsibility. He is clearly very upset, He is obviously not smiling, not very ecstatic about the situation. However somewhere in the midst of all His anger, He sees their naked bodies and the shame in their eyes. The pitiful attempt to cover their privates with leaves does not escape His notice. There was no way He was going to let them walk around like that. So he takes some animals, slaughters them and makes them clothes made of skin. Covering their shame even though they clearly did not deserve it. He would later kick send them out of the garden but there was no way He was going to let them walk around ashamed of themselves at the sight of their own nakedness. There had to be a way for man to have some dignity and He made that way at the price of a sacrifice. Fifth act of love recorded in scripture, later to be re-enacted by the ultimate sacrifice of one who would be, " pierced for our transgressions...crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace...by His wounds we are healed."(Isaiah 53:5) Our shame covered ultimately never to be seen again, WOW!!! Stupendous is an understatement. Absolutely no way you can top this. I think about it and I fall in love with Him all over again. Such great length just for me even after numerous offenses. Mankind would adopt murder, idolatry, homosexuality, adultery, theft, jelousy...I could recount all manners of fault. Total defiance of what He originally intended...but He who loved us first does not let us go. In His nature is the definition of love. It is not an emotion, it is not a the sparks you feel when you go on that date, it is not just caring for someone or something. It is some much deeper than that.

I realize it is what drives Him to let the sun set and the moon rise so I have my rest, it is what places the desire to let the rain fall and the sun shine so I enjoy the best. Because of love He creates wonders on this earth and allows mankind the understanding of horsepower so they invent this contraption I now call a car, science...a revelation of His mind. Love is why He provides the air we breathe, the reason why we have the ability to savor the sweet fragrances from the petals in spring. Love is why He we eat, He understands that a perpetual drought would destroy us all. Love...literally Makes the World go Round!!!

So what is love?


~Penzi Amani~

Read: LOVE MAKES MY WORLD GO ROUND Series (Part 4)

LOVE MAKES MY WORLD GO ROUND Series (Part 2)

We all know the creation story, we can probably recite John 1:1 verbatim. "In the Beginning was the word, the Word was with God and the Word was God" (John 1:1, NIV). Genesis gives an even better description of how creation came about. You might be wondering why backtrack so far into the past. It is impossible to understand the love of God except you go back to the genesis of the demonstration of this love. The dynamics between mankind and God could very well be replicated in the dynamics among ourselves. See the relationship between God and Adam was not that of a tyrant and His subject. It was a friendship. This was determined first in the conception of the idea, "Let us make man in our image in our likeness..." (Gen 1:26a, NIV).  Man would be like God, a creature that God could relate with...He continued to make him a delegated attendant of the planet earth. He would rule over the birds, the beasts and the fish.

The first act of love: prior to creating him, He sees to an abundance of provision. It is said, "Now the Lord God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there He put the man he had formed...God made all kinds of trees grow...trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food" (Genesis 2:8-9 NIV). Adam had it made for him, not only did he have a limitless supply of food but water too. Four streams for one man. What beats that ? My question for him would be, why would you mess that up? But then again, don't we all?

Adam is in the garden, he has everything he needs but God notices something. Was it a frown, or he just wasn't smiling often enough, who knows? But it communicated a message, this man was lonely. So God goes on a mission to find him a helper He brings all the animals to him one by one. Adam names the animals but decides none of them are good enough. God could have just went off on him and said, "You ungrateful wretched man," and stomped His feet out of his life like most of us would, remember my example,  read Part 1of the series. Nooo, instead God puts him to sleep and using his rib curves out a woman and there it was, "bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh". All of a sudden grumpy Adam turns into Romeo. He had met his Juliet, unfortunately they would soon both die. We'll touch on that subject soon enough.

Ladies and gentlemen what we have reviewed here is what they call double jeopardy, God demonstrates two acts of love. First He considers Adam's loneliness and looks to correct it by attempting a solution for his problem by bringing him options, the second act of love. His option's are rejected, God so patient takes a position of empathy. He realized Adam needed a helper of equal intelligence, a person who understood him. The only way to fulfill such purpose was to draw her from inside him. The third act of love. A lesson we all need to learn Dealing with a person from a place of understanding...love is not self-seeking

Remember,

" Love is patient, love is kind, love does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered. it keeps no record of wrong...it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres ", 1 Corinthians 13:4-6(NIV)

 

 

When God provides for Adam, He shoes him kindness. When He notices his loneliness and brings all the beasts. He looks to Protect Adam's interests. When Adam rejects all the options he presents instead of being offended He practices patience and endurance. He doesn't go on to remind him daily of how ungrateful he was and in His graces he was able to forgive him. I am reminded of times when I supposedly forgave someone for an offense and then when they committed another offense because yes they are human, I turn around and say, " remember when you did... and I forgave you...I was so gracious to you". God did not keep record of this wrong.

 

 

You are probably thinking, "Well, that was God, am not God". Might I remind you how the idea to make you was conceived. " Let us make man in out image and in our likeness..." Genesis 1:26. That my friend means that you are able to act in patience, kindness and endurance because you are created like God *wink*. It goes even deeper when Adam and God get into an altercation. God is flat out disappointed...pure catastrophe has just happened. Does it strike a chord? Learning how to love even when disappointed.

 

 

Watch this space for more...Read LOVE MAKES MY WORLD GO ROUND Series (Part 3)

LOVE MAKES MY WORLD GO ROUND Series (Part 1)

"Though I am wicked in all my ways

 

Purge not my heart I follow in wicked ways

 

Broken all our covenants, You find me vain

 

Stain on my heart so great but relentless you still gain. "

 

Lyrics to Protector of my Soul

 

 

Love, love, love...makes the world go round. Jingle from the cartoon Power Puff Girls. Three little girls with superpowers who somehow make the world better with their good deeds against an evil magician Mojo Jojo. Gone are the days when that's all I would think about was the next episode of a cartoon. Not so important right now. My topic today is the big "L" word. Yep, I said it LOVE!!!

 

 

Some time ago had an encounter that challenged my thoughts on this topic. Thank God for good friends, they are rare. If you have one, my advise, hold on to them. A friend of mine and I, am talking about another friend, got into an altercation which stemmed from what was really a misunderstanding. Long story short what I thought to be subtly criticism wasn't so subtle. I said stuff I shouldn't have said, they said stuff they shouldn't have said. The ability to launch sarcastic missiles plus ego was a good enough recipe for nuclear warfare.  In some ways I was hurt, but I wasn't going to tell them because of course I was too proud to admit I had been grazed a little. So in my pride I made the conclusion, this friendship was not worth it. I went into a fit and decided to block them from being a part of my life in every way. Childish much, don't need to say it twice but it felt so right. It was my right to keep in or keep out a person from my life. I had a set of rules, if you did not abide I kicked you out. In this case, my sentiments, they needed to be put out. So without notice, they found their property on the lawn on the door a notice with the word "EVICTION" written in bold caps.

 

My good friend learned about it, me and my big mouth would not shut up, and I am glad they did, because it brought on a discussion that would later give me a new perspective on love. What is this true, wholesome, Jesus kind of love? I mean we have scripture all the way from the command, " Love your Neighbor as you love yourself" to the long elongated description of what love should be in 1Corinthians 13:4-7. Most if not all Sunday School children  have memorized these verses. So its not a matter of not knowing the truth but a deficiency in applying this truth in daily living.

 

"Love is Patient, love is Kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NIV)

 



So I go on in mumbling my woes and Joe so patient, asks me just two simple questions. He refers to me by my real name, he goes, " Sharon what is love?" My response, complete silence. As if the bewildered look on my face wasn't enough he continues with, "What if Jesus did the same to you?" Dead silence again. I was silent not because I was under informed on the teachings on love. I wasn't delving my brain for answers, it was because he had blatantly pointed out a truth. My behavior was not in any way shape or form a demonstration of God's love. God's love was patient, kind, humble. God's love was not about who was going to hit the other person first. God's love was about overlooking fault and showing protecting a friendship even when a person has hit your last nerve.  Our continued discussion on this topic helped me realize several truths. Love is not about how I feel, love is not about what I see, love is not about what I hear. It is not an idea. It is a conscious decision to pursue, consider and to embrace despite, in spite of circumstances.

 

 

To be Continued...LOVE MAKES THE WORLD GO ROUND Series (Part 2)

 

 



EXTRA EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT- I IS IMPORTANT!!!

"You've got the voice to change the Nations but you're biting your tongue
You've spent a lifetime stuck in silence afraid you'll say something wrong
If no one ever hears it how we gonna learn your song...
You've got a heart as loud as lions so why let your voice be tamed
Maybe we're a little different there's no need to be ashamed
You've got the light to fight the shadows so stop hiding it away..." Lyrics to Read all about it by Emeli Sande

I love this song...needless to say I appreciate good music. Sensible message that conjures the desire to break out from our cocoon and become, who knows, a butterfly maybe. I don't know....become something...everybody is something but we hold ourselves back. Why?

My Story, I always wanted to start a blog but it was one excuse after another. From I didn't have the time or I didn't have the grammar and whose to say I would get an audience. Do those excuses sound familiar? Until recently I thought to myself, WHO CARES!!! Who cares if I develop an entourage? Who cares if I have perfect English? Who cares if the public agrees with me? Sure it would be nice if in a perfect scenario but WHO CARES!!! I learned that the only person standing between me and my dream as a writer was me. I was my only enemy. I know this thought process might sound far fetched but let me walk you through it. Its as simple as the Genesis of mankind. After creating Adam and Eve it is noted,

" God Blessed them and said to them 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and SUBDUE it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground." Genesis 1:28 (NIV)

If every crawling thing, everything that flies, every fish that swims is subject to me then the only person who can silence me is me. What is the logic behind this? I have the ability to rule the world as I know it. I have the ability to increase, my tools the gifts and talents that God has given me. I was the only person in this whole planet who thought my voice did not matter. The rest of the world didn't care if I showcased myself or not. I quickly changed my mind. I decided that my voice matters, my perspective matters and sooo I started this blog and I intend to enjoy every minute of it.

So what if we are different. So what if we don't live up to society's standards. There is no such thing as perfect people. If such a prognosis existed it would beat the natural desire in human beings to develop relationships. My weaknesses whether pronounced or hidden are another's strengths and vice versa. One word for it symbiosis. Symbiosis, where two parties depend on each other for support and reinforcement. Together they create perfection. I would go deeper in definitions but that's another blog for another day.

Don't look to be perfect, trust me nobody expects it. Just breakout in your beautiful mess. Cheers to New Beginnings!!! (winkwink)

Penzi Amani

Lesson: The Secret Art of Good Stewardship

" If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country how will you manage the thickets by the Jordan" Jeremiah 12:5 (NIV)

 One Sunday Afternoon on my way home from a friends house....It was raining cats and dogs, I mean I could hardly see ahead through my windshield. My wipers couldn't wade the water away fast enough. Then all of a sudden it seemed like heaven tried to power wash my windows because there was a sudden gush of water on my windshield. I hit the emergency brakes, not beneficial. My car hydroplaned for a few feet, I swerved towards the curb. After what seemed like eternity, it was really a fraction of  a minute, my car finally came to a stop. My heart was beating rapidly, I mean I thought I was going to die. I stopped soon enough to see this driver in a brand new Camry, latest model. He had swooshed right past me, I promise you....you'd have thought the rain was invisible to him...and off course a small flood was already collecting on the roads...given the momentum at which he ran past the waters...he managed to give me an unsolicited car wash.

Offended is an understatement to my sentiments...try adding insulted, degraded and maybe just maybe we can mitigate a Verb. In my world this driver felt so high and mighty hence their reason to drive past little drivers like myself and gush water on them. My thoughts; chances are he was oblivious of what had just happened. He just rolled along minding his own business. An act of road rage would have seemed acceptable...but of course my Christian banner displayed so gallantly on a bumper sticker represented a different message not to mention the one on my heart. So I bit the bullet and held my tongue. Instead I got myself back on course and followed the rest of traffic. My mantra, "Keep Calm and Carry on!"

All the way home I couldn't help but think about this driver. I questioned why a person would display such arrogance. Somehow in our minds we feel that when a person with better education, a better lifestyle crosses you, they do it with the intention of spiting you. My perception of this person was they intentionally committed this act against me so they could show off their car. I drove a beat up Honda Civic, 1992 model to be precise. This was back in 2010 so this car has been on the road for almost 20 years since the time of manufacture, the speedometer did not even work. Go figure, road rage was actually jealous rage. I questioned God, in a short prayer I asked Him, "Why is it that none-believers are more blessed than we are?" I had made the decision that this person couldn't possibly be a Christian. Apparently godly people are deprived. There is no way they live high quality lives. I laugh at my then ignorance, in my defense I was a young Christian.

A Scripture came to mind right after finishing this prayer,  If you have raced with men on foot and they have worn you out how can you compete with horses? If you stumble in safe country how will you manage the thickets by the Jordan" Jeremiah 12:5 (NIV).

Almost immediately it came back to memory, I had owned my car for two almost three years and not even once had I taken my car in for an oil change. What would be surprising is that I still had a car. Any mechanic would tell you I should have had a knocked engine by then. What can I say, my car must have been a Christian because it was riding on faith. How on earth did I expect God to give me a better-high maintenance car, when I was being so horrible with my current older-low maintenance car. What God was communicating in this moment was clear. It was a matter of trust. How can I trust you in bigger and better things if you display incompetence in the little you currently have. Needless to say I was embarrassed but I began to learn "The Art of Good Stewardship".

 To be Continued...