All is meaningless....except

 So my daughter suggested that as a family we read through the book of Ecclessiastes. I had trouble spelling it just now. Anyways some may be familiar with the content but for those who aren't it pretty much considers the meaning of life. The useless chasing after the wind. It sums up our existence between birth and death and what we do in between. In other words after birth we grow and toil and accumulate, fight, hate, love, gather and then we die. A chasing after the wind. Meaningless! BUT its only meaningless until we consider whats next. This life isn't it. As a matter of fact this life is the prerequisite for the next. The only way to the next is through Jesus Christ. The sooner we realize this and embrace the promised life  through repentance, then our toil and gathering, work and pain, our joys and suffering will we all have purpose through our loving Father who created us to do good works. Good works that are meaningful works. Good works that doesn't pay for a seat, but are a by product of our love for the Father who already guaranteed us a seat by His blood. So when we believe and accept HIS payment for sin then All IS MEANINGFUL!

Toodles

The Spiritual Balance

 I recently pondered on my emotional state, reactions and feelings of just about everything and what seemed to impact me the most. Whether its due to hormonal imbalance,(ahem peri-menopause) age, lifestyle changes or just a lack of the most fun things I often reminisce, I seem to find my thoughts and feelings quite disheveled and sometimes completely susceptible to the outside world.  I have read, "Change the way you think and you change your life." In a sense I agree very much with this statement. The Bible seems to endorse this urging true followers of Christ not only to follow his commandments but to think on things that are praiseworthy and true (Philippians 4:8) and to walk and live according to the Spirit of God (Galatians 5:16). The Spirit of God brings assurance and peace that does not adapt to the outside world but remains in its purest form despite all around us. The mind then is the center, the battleground in between flesh and spirit and will act according to what its being fed. So whether its daily affirmations, positive thinking or more importantly the Spirit of God, if this becomes our constant source for our minds, then feelings, emotions and our deepest thoughts will be healthier stronger and more at peace, giving us that spiritual balance we all need.

Toodles

Weird or Misunderstood

 Don't you just find that most people seem weird. Social interaction is becoming less natural and relating with each other seems more of a task than a welcomed practice. Saying good morning to your neighbor, small talk when we find ourselves in a similar predicament, helping someone rather than recording or just showing genuine care and concern for others are becoming norms of the past. We complain, we hate, enforce rules rather than understanding, we lack the love and patience which are the pillars of any community and the community is slowly ceasing to exist. Ok so keeping it real, Im in a multi diverse society, with different cultures and perspectives, the people beside me are weird, the people behind me are even more weird and the those who take a stroll at the same time as me weren't taught manners growing up, or have since thrown manners through the window. Have I misunderstood them, maybe. God knows I wish thats all it is... but I do believe the more we live on our phones in isolation the weirder we become. Natural organic social interaction is no longer natural but has become a weird awkward occurence that we would rather avoid  . Ahh Well...

Toodles

Two Opposites

 One child is goal oriented. She spends her days thriving to achieve only the best, goals and deadlines are real. Measuring up, proving one's self, only the best, failure isn't welcomed, a perception of whats commendable and noteworthy and ahhh the joy of success. Having a perception of what isn't up to standard  and how could one be even remotely happy with that. In all of this, if there is some laughter and enjoyment then its perfect.The other lives her life for experiences. Shared togetherness, fun, laughter, artistic creativity, people, places, music, her goal is to live and love. In all of this lets mix in a little bit of achievement but whats more important is that she enjoyed it. Two opposites for sure. At my age Ive come to realize (wisdom should take credit here) that a little bit of both with the former relenting to the latter and God being the ultimate focus and guide is key to real JOY and peace . Not happiness, JOY. Thats all one really needs.

Toodles

The outside world is important

I thought about this. Its a feeling of being alone and wanting something soothing, soul satisfying, a deep yearning for something more but not quite sure what that something is. The uncertainty comes from the fact that you have your family maybe a friend here or there you occasionally meet for coffee, whatsapp family connections and the once in a while somewhat enjoyable Netflix binge series that you struggle to get through towards the end. Thats good, I think but is it enough? Theres still this longing and I believe its the need for the outside world. A community of vulnerable people be it friends family or strangers, who share in each others lives and experiences intermittently. The random but frequent meetings, the smiles, greetings and sharing of life in ways that we laugh cry support and grieve together. In ways that feed our souls. In raw, unfiltered, authentic ways. In ways that strengthen us so we can go back to our nests refreshed and filled ready to pour.  I need this world. 

Toodles

Wars and Rumours of Wars

 So its been a strange week with Dubai caught in the war between Iran Israel and the US. The whole Gulf Region is in protect mode. The uncertainty looms and life has shifted into what feels like "what the hell". Someone described Dubai as the band that kept on playing while the Titanic sunk. Not sure how I feel about that statement but it does make you think about what the possibly outcome could be. So whilst I have a healthy concern for this whole debacle, Im using this time to really exercise some hard core trust in God alone. Not knowing what will happen but trusting that whatever happens it will be ok because Gods got this! Feed your faith and your doubts will starve themselves to death.

Toodles                                                   

The Little Girl with the Paper Doll

 I had a paper doll when I was eight years old. I remember it clearly because it was my most prized possession. I played with it carefully and regularly, enjoying every style change not wanting anyone else to handle her because she was so fragile, after all she was paper. I remember this because this doll made me so happy. Once I had her everything was just right. I never minded that I was by my myself, in fact I never needed anyone else, never craved anything else and knew as a matter of fact, that me and that doll was enough. Got me thinking, what has happened now? In our modern day lives, we just cant seem to be satisfied no matter what we have, always needing the approval and acceptance of others and constantly killing our joy with comparison. We need to find our paper dolls, we need to find ourselves.

Toodles 

A loyal friend

 Have you ever read the story of King David in the bible. Saul tried to kill him many times but despite this hate envy and jealousy Saul had for David, God provided a loyal friend in Jonathan, Sauls own son. He remained faithful to David despite his fathers opposition towards him and even helped to save his life. A good friend indeed. A Godly friend! In life we seek many things, but may we choose our friends wisely, those with a heart like Jesus, those who love and truly want the best for you not just from their mouths but genuinely from their  hearts.

Toodles

Braving the Wilderness

 Im currently reading this book called "Braving the Wilderness" by Brene Brown, Im doing this one book per month thing...may be hard for some but I love reading so not too terrible... I havent gotten very far in but already Im so drawn to the heart of this novel... "dare to stand alone" in your authentic self, belonging no place but every place...belonging wherever you show up fully. It resonated with me so much because I often feel like I dont belong, cant find my crew, fleeting community. Its been my struggle in Dubai...and whilst we all need that in alot of ways it eludes us. So yea Im looking forward to reading this book to see what little or big nuggets I can apply to my own sense of belonging or lack there of.

The day of death....

 The day of death is better than the day of birth... Ecclesiastes 7:1. A wise saying by King Solomon that suggests that life should be lived with a focus on eternity. We make our travel plans based on where we want to go and what we will do...yet we seem to miss the point of life.. life, a transitionary period that prepares us for somewhere else... a forever place, an eternal final destination. So it would make sense to prepare for it and not ignore it or procrastinate. So when we lose a loved one, the day of death, it makes us reflect on where we are going and if we are ready. In short have you accepted Jesus. Jesus is the only way to eternal life, the only destination thats worth going. Birth makes us celebrate, death makes us ponder. So we may think life is short lets enjoy it, but eternity is long lets prepare for it.

Blessings 

Teenagers meehhhhh!!!!

So I get it and I dont. On the one hand I get that its the age of unveiling, that we come into our own, figuring out who we are, pushing boundaries dealing with all these emotional and physical changes everyday, which creates a battle in ourselves. The flip side to this is that we now embody these different emotions believing them to be definitive of who we are, so we think we know whats right, we challenge argue, fuss and disobey! Sometimes to the point of going down a dangerous path where recovery is costly. If only we listened and took precaution as warned. Nope, we only realize this when we have kids ourselves and begin to appreciate the love guidance and direction mistaken for unfair treatment and lack of care. THIS my dear friends is the definition of a TEENAGER!!!

Toodles 

Am I Impulsive?

Impulsive...quick to act without much thought! Without careful thought.... Thats my interpretation and the formal definition is somewhat similar...acts based on sudden desires, whims or inclinations rather than careful thought...

Is this me? Yup sometimes. and whilst it can be exhilarating it can be damaging, according to some. I find as a parent of teenagers I jump straight into curse mode when no one listens or does what Ive asked. My feelings may be warranted, actually they ARE warranted but unfortunately my response may not be. So instead of repeating myself numerous times, ill just grab your device or tell you to get out of my car and walk or cancel the trip! Whatever comes to my mind for these kids to learn the ratio of actions and consequences that I will do. Now is it damaging or a lesson well learnt.. who knows.. Modern parents may agree with the former...Im more old school traditional and certainly align with latter. What say you!

Toodles   

Stepping out on a limb!

 Stepping out on a limb suggests a very risky endeavour...one thats almost doomed for failure considering the fragility of a limb. But its more about facing your fears and grabbing hold of a purpose, a venture, a belief despite what others may think or believe.  What great faith it requires. Sometimes its easier to do nothing...stay safe, dont even climb the tree.. but where's fun in that??? How would you grow or learn your capabilities. So yea whatever it is, write the book, start the business, apply for the job, speak up and the the firmness of that limb may just surprise you, or you may just surprise yourself!

Toodles

Its Thursday...

 Anybody else thinking where does the week go? As I start to slow down (Yes I start with a bang on Mondays and by Thursday...whole different pace) and have coffee with a friend I observe my surroundings and realise in a sense we're all the same.... We want and desire the same things, we plan, we yearn, we feel....now the actual process by which we live out these feelings is what makes us different. If only we let go of self more and leaned into others, be honest and true...pray without ceasing, I think we would achieve alot more of what we set out to do! Yea maybe just delusion but I think the aged and the 1% would agree!

Toodles 

Not only eggs but hugs

So Ive come to realise Moms need  HUGS!!!! Lots of them! A random unexpected hug....It amazes me how a long warm hug can make such a difference to my day. Its fuel for my mind body soul and spirit. The best reset one could get. So having my daughter make a plate of scrambled eggs is great but a heartfelt hug is even better, Ill go make the eggs myself... 

Toodles 

It aint easy but it aint that hard!

 So I once read that we are not tired and overwhelmed because we do too much, but because we do too little of what actually feeds our soul, of what truly matters. So we should be unplugged just as much as we are plugged in. Feeding our souls with all that nourishes, good clean and wholesome. For me thats spending time with family and good friends who are like family, enjoying delicious meals, seeing the world, reading Gods word, diving into a good novel, watching a great film, being alone, shopping and just totally being present, Its different things for different people, so as long we each find our soul food and don't skim on it, but embrace it and bask in it and never feel guilty for doing it!!!