~~Golden Warriors' Stadium, SF
One of the my favorite holidays is Valentine's Day. The reason is because, in this world, we hear so much about breakups, divorces, and fights. Very seldom, except in movies, TV shows and songs, we hear about love. Even the Bachelorette show star Clare thought she found the one in Dale only in week 4 and everyone was happy for her but only to breakup months later. Yet, Valentine's Day gives us hope. If we are willing be patient, kind and not self-seeking, love will find us. Don't give up; love will find you when you least expect it.
~~Golden Warriors' Stadium, SF
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Happy Black History Month!
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that." ~~Martin Luther King, Jr. Dear Friends, It is so easy to return evil for evil. God knows that there are so many people all around us who push us the wrong way. I know that it is not always easy to walk the road less travelled. As the former First Lady Michelle Obama put it, "When they go low, we go high." I have tried this and it is the most liberating feeling. I pray that God would continue to fill our hearts with grace so we can be light to those around us. ~~Photo: Pebble Beach, Carmel Did you know that you are a gift to this world? When you were born, God wrapped you and put a bow on you and presented you to the world. By the time your journey on this earth ends, this world would be a better place because you were not in it. Like with any journey, this journey starts with a single step. Try to make an impact on one person, a family member, a friend, a neighbor, and before you know it, you would impact the whole world.
It's Time To Say Goodbye to 2020
What a year it has been! The fact that I got to write this newsletter and that you are now reading it means that we are blessed to be alive. We have so much to be thankful for. With all the sad and grim news of 2020, I have seen the hands of God work miraculously. For that, I am deeply grateful. I would like to share with you two Bible verses that were instrumental to me in sustaining my joy and peace in the midst of this year's calamity. Isaiah 44:10 says, "The mountains and hills may crumble, but my love for you will NEVER end; I will keep forever my promise of peace." What a promise that is. Regardless of what happens, knowing that his love is eternal and unchanging, can help us stand firm even in the darkest of days. The second Bible verse is from Psalms 16:8, "I keep my eyes focused on the Lord; with him at my right hand, I will not be shaken." This promise is conditional. In order not to be shaken, we have to do one thing: keep our eyes focused on God. Of course, the enemy would want to steal our joy and distract us. Yet, if we want God's best in our lives, we need to stay focused on God. Everything that happens in our lives, whether it is good or bad, is there to help us be our best self. Seize each moment and ask God to help you capture the lesson in every situation. I would like to wish all of you a wonderful Christmas and a very happy New Year! To say that this year has been a crazy year, is an understatement. One thing is for sure though; the Lord is still in control. Centuries ago, our all-knowing God knew, that 2020 in the US was going to be a crazy year. Nothing about this year caught God by surprise or of guard. I don't know about you but for me, knowing that my Lord is in charge despite the insanity of it all, still gives me a reason to be grateful. The fact that I am still alive and able to write this message today, gives me a huge reason to say "Thank You, Lord, for life".
As we draw to a close of another year, I pray that you too will have a reason to rejoice and be grateful. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let's us strip off every weight that slows us down especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us."
Hebrew 12:1-2 What sin is tripping you off? Strip it off. This world gives you enough weight us it is to encumber you so you will not be able to run the race that is set before you. The enemy will do anything to keep you blind and busy to this world. Do not lose focus of your high calling. Just like any race, the less weight you are carrying, the faster you can run the race and win. "Don't be afraid to honor yourself. You need to be filled so you are overflowing to help others."
~~Oprah Be your best and do your best! You are worth being more than just the average. When you are your very best, before you know it, people will gravitate to you and get blessed by your mere presence. "Everything is happening in your life; joy, saddness, challenges are all there to bring you closer to you. Your life is your greatest teacher. Pay attention to yourself."
~~Oprah |
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Sehin Belew, Former Miss Ethiopia's Smart Guide to Beauty, Health and Fashion (Annotation Press, 2008) Categories |