Glo, Author at 1Africa | Page 26 of 27

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October 24, 2014

James 4:14 “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes”

The older I get the more I understand the words of James. Life is truly just a mist that appears for a very brief moment and then poof! It’s gone. As I look back over my 32 years of life (yes, yes I know, I am getting old) I realize just how fast life is passing by. It seems like just yesterday that I was 5 years old and playing in my first T-ball game. It seems like I should still be in high school looking forward to the next basketball game. Then almost overnight you wake up and college is over, marriage has started and you have kids tugging at your pant legs wanting attention.

As I contemplate all of this I am very aware of the regrets and missed opportunities of this life. As the old saying goes, “If I knew then what I know now how different this life would be.” Those words ring in my ears continually. Choices made that should not have been made. People with whom I should have talked to and told a variety of things. Things that I did and knew better. This list could go on and on. But most importantly , I would have taken better advantage of every moment of life.

There are so many things I would do differently if I could go back in time. Yet that is impossible. So I would encourage anyone who reads these words to start right now and take advantage of every moment God gives to you. Do not have regrets. Do not have missed opportunities. Do realize you are just a mist that will very quickly be gone.

Is there a decision you need to make? Do it now. Is there a person you need to talk to? Do it now. Is there an opportunity you to take advantage of? Do it now.

I will leave you with two more passages of Scripture to consider:

Ephesians 5:15-16 “Be very careful, then, how you live–not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.”

Psalm 90:12 “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Do not settle for regrets, missed opportunities, and less than the best of what God would have for you!

Courtesy of http://pastorsbc1303.wordpress.com/2008/09/27/life-lessons-regrets-missed-opportunities-and-mist/

An open heart

Faith

Glo

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October 21, 2014

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There is a man whose life is a constant source of inspiration to me and whenever I read his books, even those giving an account of the most unpleasant experiences and mistakes he made, I am sure to find a lesson or inspiration to apply to my own life. This man is none other than David in the Bible.

“But God removed Saul and replaced him with David, a man about whom God said, ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart. He will do everything I want him to do.’” Acts 13:22

What made David “a man after God’s own heart”? When reading the book of Psalms particularly, it is worth noting that David was a man who had his heart totally open before God. He was never shallow when worshiping God and was lavish in his praises to God. The Psalms he composed contain words so deep that one can tell they came from the depth of his heart. But his openness of heart was not just limited to when he worshipped. What struck me the most about him is that when he sinned against God, he still approached Him openly and transparently told Him exactly how he felt, acknowledging his weakness and his desperate need for God.

“Lord, do not forsake me; do not be far from me, my God.
Come quickly to help me, my Lord and my Savior.” Psalm 38:21-22

Psalm 38 in its entirety is an example of how David utterly expressed his dependency on God even in the most weakest and painful moments of his life, and God loved him for that.

A sincere heart is surely something that pleases God. Is your relationship with God sincere and open? Can God confidently say you are a person after His own heart?

Pause

Glo

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October 17, 2014

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There is a phrase in French which, in English, translates as: “Taking a step backwards in order to leap farther forward”. This phrase is often used to say that sometimes it is necessary to pull away from one’s usual activities, look in hindsight at things already done and then gather the necessary information which will put you in a position to take a much better and giant leap forward.

The good thing about taking a step “backwards” is that it gives you a moment to pause, look at things from a different angle and take stock of your life. For you to reach your destination, you need to know where you’re currently located. Many times we work hard – which is a good thing – and we make every effort to find solutions to the issues we face but if we’re not too careful, we can get caught up in a fast-paced lifestyle and lose focus on even some of the most important things.

“His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue.” (2 Peter 1:3)

God made sure to give us ALL that we require for life. It could be a unique talent, a resource etc. But, often we’re too preoccupied to identify these things and life ends up being a complicated journey. It doesn’t have to be that way! You have been given everything you need for your success in life and, as the scripture above says, it is through the knowledge of God that we get to discover what He has placed in us.

Taking time to reflect is good in so many ways. How this looks may be different from one person to the next, but whichever way you chose to do it, let God’s divine power make known to you what He has already given you for your success in life.

Are you aware of this?

Lifestyle

Glo

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October 15, 2014

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Every day, people wake up to all sorts of harsh realities ranging from losing loved ones in horrific road accidents or earth-quakes, to facing terrible diseases. For women specifically, breast cancer is one of those harsh realities and it is one which they will either survive or succumb to, depending on the genetic type and stage of the disease.

In sub-Saharan Africa and in many parts of the globe, breast cancer is the second most common life-threatening disease among women after cervical cancer, claiming millions of lives in some regions more than in others. Research shows that advanced age, a history of breast cancer in family and excessive alcohol intake are some of the risk factors that increase chances of breast cancer developing in a woman. However, regardless of your age, family history and the environment you live in, breast cancer remains one deadly malignancy every woman should be aware of.

The pressing need for action against this disease led health organizations first in America in 1985 to dedicate the whole month of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This observance has since become global and the aim is to make every woman aware of the causes,symptoms and treatment options for breast cancer with a view to preventing the disease,thus reducing the number of deaths caused by this dreadful disease.

For decades, mammogram tests have been the most trusted way of detecting breast cancer and physicians encourage women from age 40 upwards to get into a yearly routine of having themselves screened for breast cancer.

But it is advised to every woman to learn how to perform monthly breast self-examination as this can help detect lumps or any unusual condition in the breast.

It’s really hard to tell why this cancer develops and, even though many studies have been and are still being conducted on the subject and preventative measures are in place, breast cancer – like many diseases of its nature – remains a situation not entirely in our control. When it comes to health, I’m of the opinion that the best approach to take is to follow this long-standing good advice: maintain a balanced diet & lifestyle, exercise regularly and learn as much as you can on health related issues. Many have reaped good results from this!

The video below, courtesy of www.howcast.com, gives insight into how to recognize breast cancer symptoms:

Who’s Your Guide?

Faith

Glo

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October 13, 2014

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Every sportsperson or musician who has made it big in their career has had one thing in common – good coaching. Vince Lombardi said: “Coaches who can outline plays on a black board are a dime a dozen. The ones who win get inside their player and motivate.” Human beings have a natural desire to succeed and any person who is serious about life knows that getting wisdom, advice and motivation from someone “greater” than them is of utmost importance if they are to succeed. As you journey through life, who do you look to for guidance and motivation? One of the most popular stories in the Bible is the story of David. He was one of the most powerful and influential kings who ruled in Israel and I believe it was so because he chose the wisest Man of all time to be the One to guide his steps in everything. “I have set the Lord before me always. Because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.” (Psalm 16:8) Because God walked before David and showed him which way to go, he lived a life of success. He may have made mistakes as we all do, but he certainly was one remarkable man who left a great legacy behind. Wouldn’t you want God to walk with you and lead you as you go through life?

Are All African Men Like This?

Culture

Glo

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October 11, 2014

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It’s time for our weekly feature, Big Up Africa! Each week, we try to source a video or other piece of fun, creative content that celebrates our beautiful continent in one way or the other. This week, courtesy of Mama Hope (you can check them out at www.mamahope.org), we thought we’d bring you a video that takes a swipe at Western mainstream portrayals of and stereotypes about African men. It’s pretty hard-hitting stuff but also delightful and funny.

Seeing as we believe 1Africa is all about community and sharing, we want to hear from you after you’ve watched the video. Have you come across some insane or possibly even offensive stereotypes about African people? Let us know here or on our Facebook page. We’d love to hear from you.

Also, if you’ve come across a short video or any other piece of content that celebrates the beauty and creativity of Africa, tell us about it and we might just feature it on Big Up Africa!

What Do I Give?

Glo

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October 10, 2014

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A Mango tree never produces guavas, it can only produce mangoes, because it is a mango tree. Everything that can reproduce itself, reproduces after its own kind. God who created the earth and everyone in it is a Giver, the greatest Giver of all times. And so, because we come from Him, we were made to also be givers. Do I really give, how do I give and what do I give? These are questions I’ve asked myself many times, especially in moments when I thought I had nothing to give.

It is in moments like those that I’ve come to realize that in each person, God has placed something unique that is of great benefit to others. It can be resources, talent, knowledge, time etc. There is always something to give, and the moment this settles inside of us, we will never struggle to be givers like our Maker.

We cannot give what we don’t have, so when it comes to giving, I believe the best place to start is to answer this question: “What do I have?”

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’. Acts 20:35

Why Withhold Praise?

Glo

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October 9, 2014

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Praise the Lord!

Let the name of the Lord be praised, both now and forevermore. From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets, the name of the Lord is to be praised. (Psalm 113:2-3)

Is there a person who doesn’t appreciate an honest compliment or words of affirmation? Well, there could be one, I don’t know. But what I do know, is that honest compliments and kind words of affirmation have a way of uplifting & enriching one’s soul. Human beings crave for these things, how much more God in whose image we were made? He is pleased when we worship Him, in fact, He inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3) and sometimes, He causes great miracles to happen when we praise Him. A beautiful example is found in the story of Paul & Silas in the Bible, who had their chains broken when they praised God in prison. Our God is great and indescribable, so why withhold praise from Him?

Praise the Lord oh my soul!

Do Not Be Anxious About Anything

Glo

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October 8, 2014

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There is a song I learnt in Sunday school which says: “Cast your burdens, upon Jesus, for He cares for you”. What this song suggests we do, sounds simple but has it always been easy for you to believe and trust that Jesus is ready to help you when you feel burdened? I’ve struggled trusting Him at times, especially when it seemed as if some of the burdens I carried were just too much for Jesus. But nothing is ever too much for Him, He is all powerful!

In Philippians 4:6 Paul says: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God”. These words express God’s desire for us to trust Him and speak to Him in every circumstance we’re in, good or bad. His love for me and you is amazing! It feels surreal at times but is genuine & unconditional. I may not comprehend it all but I chose to trust Him.

So, in as much as it is human nature to be anxious, remember the words of Paul every time you’re about to get anxious. “Do not be anxious about anything”. God wants to walk the journey of life with you and help you when you feel burdened by life. Would you let Him do that?

Don’t Travel Alone

Glo

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October 6, 2014

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Every time I’ve had an amazing experience or came across a beautiful thing, I would immediately feel a burning desire to want to share that experience with a friend or family member. Life was designed to be shared. God demonstrated this by creating us to be in relationship with Him.

He says in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10:

Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their labor:
If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.

This scripture holds so much truth. Lone rangers often don’t make it too far. Companions, friends and family make our good experiences more pleasant and share our burdens through difficult times.

Don’t travel alone!

Glo

Do not miss it!