Prosperity&Vans&Your legacy.

Skateboarding competition in Shoreham, UK 2012.

God said to Solomon, “ I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days. And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”

                                                     1 Kings 3:10-14 

A determined athlete herself, my mum used to say as long as I remember: 'Do exercises, muscles have memory. This is the best thing you can do for your body.' Exactly right. I'm so grateful to her for that. It appears that King Solomon's parents, both believers in one and true God, installed a vital quality in him:' Delight in the Lord and live!' Little wonder they knew the price of sin after so much pain and suffering that they both had endured by putting their own desires first.  I believe there is a lesson of great depth in that for contemporary believers. No one can discard the Bible saying that it is an ancient book, no longer relevant today. Can't be further from the truth! Someone had said:' Sin will keep you longer than you want to stay & cost you more than you are prepared to pay!' This saying could have easily come from the lips of King David& Bashsheba.

In order to be good at skate boarding these qualities are needed: good balance, courage, dexterity & a high threshold of pain.

Those are crucial qualities & without their presence it will be a waste of time if someone wants to be really good at it. Often such qualities come in your gene. We only have to look at famous skateboarders around the world to be sure of that. The same is true for musicians: consider Mozart, Bach or Chopin. Solomon had inherited a lot of godly qualities from his father, a man after God'heart, perhaps not in his gene, but through the legacy that David built to pass on: he thrived to please God and when he failed, he made it right. (At times God had to speak really loud through the prophet, but compare to other wicked kings that Jewish people had, David stands out) Having such a great advantageous start in life, the Lord enabled Solomon to pray according to His will. Not surprisingly that blessings had followed. What is interesting in this verse is God's promise 'to lengthen his days.' 

A friend of mine, who is double my age, inevitably comes to mind. He had  'the qualities that a potentially good skateboarder would have' naturally, but he also gave his life to the Lord. Now, almost 80 years old he prospers in everything that he does for the Lord, giving Him all the glory. Anywhere he goes he makes Jesus known: among high officials or waitresses; his deep love for the Lord is simply contagious. A true Christian must desire to leave a contagious legacy even after he/she is long gone. Listening to his stories, hanging out just for an hour with him makes you spiritually recharged and    massively encouraged somehow.  While diagnosed with cancer, he was at the doctor's office for a check up. A doctor looked at him and said:' You are a lucky man to be alive.' My friend who has been not ashamed of Jesus for almost half a century turned around and said:' 'Lucky' isn't in my vocabulary. Everything I have has been given to me by God.'  That kind of faith and confidence in God no matter what is a real prosperity. When someone insists that you must be rich, famous and healthy to prosper, they've missed the essence of Christianity. 

Fascinating how today a lot of young men are seeking riches, cool looks (half naked on the stage), lottery and loud music with shallow lyrics: girls like them for it! I can see how secular culture influences my children. That's why knowing that Solomon didn't become godly over night, I try to use every opportunity to shape my children's heart, brain and soul, to help them form a character of integrity. When I feel really tired, I push myself to read them a Bible story, have a chat about things, and ask them about their day. Most parents want their children to excel academically, develop their talents which is perfectly justifiable, but where does building up character comes in? This is the core of a person, but the hardest area to build. And I think one child is just as hard as 5 or more to bring up right. John MacArthur in his book on parenting points out that a parent has to deal with a child's attitude because that's where it all starts, before forming into an action. I can't tell enough how grateful I'm for this insight. Saved me a lot of grief.

There are many parents who think they are doing a splendid job raising their children. They are content to exclude God from their lives though. When things go wrong later in life, they wonder surprised: 'Why?' The Scripture strongly warns even a believer: 'Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.' 1 Peter 5:8. By excluding God there is no chance of escaping the powerful paws of Satan. It is rather presuming to assume that we, as humans, could stand up to Satan on our own strength. Let's not be fooled, he has been deceiving for thousands of years; he is terribly good at it. He is a supernatural being, one of the finest that God ever created before the fall and exceedingly more powerful than any man. That's why there is a Delilah in even every Samson's life. Especially  'Samsons' must watch out because Satan loves to defeat those who fight the most, before he takes down anyone else. 

I've tried to invite a young man from Skate Park to our church Youth Group. He seemed to be so busy: every day he was doing something after school. Another thing that caught my attention was that while he was on his own he was willing to listen, but once all his mates came over, he was embarrassed. He is very popular and physically able boy, one of the best in the park. This image already started to cost him because he is not confident in his choices - if others approve he is o'k, if not, he is embarrassed. He just joined High School, so what can I say about his character?  I felt I could do nothing, but just to leave him alone.

Believers know that God will protect them, but Satan doesn't easily give up. If he can't destroy a believer ultimately, he will try to vex his/hers walk with the Lord. Often it is too easy because sinful humans are self- destructive: they tend to dig their heels and often exclude God from major decision making points or possibly let God in, but on their own terms.     

The knowledge that there are 50 million abortions every year around the glob, says that not many 'Solomon' are walking around. Yes, we must remember how King Solomon got involved with too many foreign women and they turned his heart away from the Lord. That's also a good lesson to learn from. Our relationships with the Lord must be fresh and vital,  like manna - daily. After the Lord brings multiple blessings in our lives, it is important to remember the source. This is a picture of modern England. The country was so blessed in the past by the Lord, with outstanding men and women of God, but today the new generation prefers the gifts rather than the Giver.         

It is shocking to watch Youtube videos of multitudes of gullible people who flock to the prosperity churches in huge numbers. Do they ever read these portions of the Scriptures? They are hoping that God will make them rich, prosperous and healthy. The Scripture above is so clear: 'I give you also what you have not asked..' Solomon has not asked for riches.  I remember at one point one of my son's used to say: 'When I grow up I will be a bank manager.' In his little mind he connected two things together: surely bank managers make a lot of money! Well, it is o.k. to think like that when you are growing up, but hopefully you will grow out of it. Some never do, sadly.

When someone desires sincere wisdom, discernment, integrity in his/her life, it is not because of the desire to be great, but primarily because everyone around will be blessed. Outstanding skills are used for the benefit of others. How much more the Lord can use them when they are submitted to His will?  Before my husband became a Christian he was travelling the world to pursue his selfish ambitions. Now this ability turned into a blessing for so many.

A friend that I had mentioned often says:' The Lord had told me...' To have this intimacy with the Lord takes many hours spent in His presence. How can this precious bond between you and the Lord be replaced with anything that the world can offer? The reason why people pursue the world is because they have no idea how surprisingly pleasant it is to belong to the Lord. The Bible says: 'Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!' Psalm 34:8.

All males in our family are crazy about Vans. They don't one pair, but several. Since I do not skateboard, I didn't think too much about vans shoes. I've never owned a pair. At last I was given one by my generous husband. They probably are the only pair that I put on and walked out comfortably. A vivid memory from my childhood pops up about my mum pouring a glass of vodka into her new high heels to stretch and soften them.

This illustration is also true concerning the Lord. Father&Son&Holy Spirit desire to reveal that they are ultimately the best thing in this life. Triune God is the only one who can make anyone walk victoriously in good old age. 

But let all who take refuge in God rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love Your name may exult in You.

For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favour as with a shield.

                                                      Psalm 5:11-12

Revolutionary Tips for a Modern Woman&Relationships where God's Grace is the Universal glue.

'She was standing at the street lights, ready to cross the road, making sure her hair still looked lustrous and pleasing. The dress colour today was black: jacket, sweater, tights, and boots, what an eye of a stranger could see. No skirt.'  This can be assumed to be a descriptive from a novel. In truth, this was my morning observation of a Modern Woman. I could not help, but noticed that the skirts and even hot pans already not in high fashion. It is amazing how from past centuries a woman's dress had evolve at last: no dress, really. We can never assume that God had used evolution to create this world, too many inconsistencies present, but that is a different topic. While vogue changes back and forth, there are certain things that remain; a Woman's heart is just the same, desperate to be loved, appreciated, needed. So let's talk not only about fashion, but about what really matters.

I was in Psalm 20 for my Devotions, here some of the verses:

May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble!

May he grant you your heart's desire

 and fulfill all your plans!..

 He will answer him from his holy heaven

 with the saving might of his right hand.

 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,

 but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

 They collapse and fall,

 but we rise and stand upright...

 My observation made me to come up with my own verse:

'Some trust in naked legs, fashion, advise of a friend or a young age,

 A woman displays herself as on a cabaret stage,

Will she be in old age honoured, respected or joyful

Will she leave a legacy for the youthful to follow her?'  

Let me explain what I mean. While I would like to talk about many things that concern women, it must be very generic since everybody's circumstances are very unique and different from each other. But it is a good thing for us women to chat about these issues and get armed the best way they can. I do it by relying on the Lord's guidance and His infinite wisdom, for others, who don't know the Lord yet; it is just plain common sense to start with. What is interesting no matter how hard we women, including Christian one's, try at times to exclude God from our circumstances, it can't be helped, but everything revolves around Him. It is up to us thought to willingly bring Him in or distance ourselves even further.

Now when we live a smaller town, people are, more open about things, they have time to be friendly which is hard to imagine living in a big city. In one single day I've heard both of these stories from strangers.

One of the mothers's told me her war story. She was married to a man with whom they had five children. One day, he packed his bags in front of the four children, while his wife with a bump number five and face full of astonishment had watched him too. Not thinking that explaining was due, he walked out on them to a life of 'freedom and no more responsibility.' Oh yes, they were moving houses at the time. She often mentions how difficult it is for her to manage all these growing children. To her knowledge he has dumped two more women since, not getting their divorce papers yet. Why any Woman would desire such a man? Apparently he could be charm itself. This tells me that while a Woman worries about fashion things (a lady with a new born is willing to drive to another city to get her nails done!), her abilities to access another human are raw and naive. If any of those following women had done a background check on this man, his charm could disappear as a vapour. I'm convinced.

Later on in a day, when I was at the 'Mother & toddler group', one of the grandma's was sharing with me about her daughter. 'Yes, my daughter and her husband knew each other from school. They went through University together. Got married. Had two children and he cheated on her after she had the second baby. When the family broke down, I had both boys all the time. It was dreadful.'

Even though God created Woman ultimately a powerful being with such soft skin, beautiful shape, unmistakable aroma about her, gorgeous hair, sharp brain, she lacks wisdom at times, because it wasn't part of the package. It has to be obtained from the Lord. (I take bee pollen when I can. It is one of the most complete food on the planet, especially beneficial for women. The body doesn't produce it, flowers do.) We only could remember Eve or Sarah to get a visual picture. Both of them had such power over some of the most powerful men, Adam and Abraham who did exactly what these women asked them to. Because of lack of wisdom and patience from the Lord tremendous consequences followed for the rest of humanity. Eve asked Adam to eat from the forbidden fruit, while Sarah asked her husband to lie with their servant girl. So is the actions of a Modern Woman are significant today, whatever she does, whatever she says.

Today a Modern Woman often feels that she has to expose everything she posses to-trap- any- man- who- comes- around- quick scenario. No expectations, no ideals, no character - just claim your own! (Tom Cruise comes to mind. That man is probably is the highest paid actor on the planet earth. He appears so desirable to any woman, but if she knows that he intends on leaving double D&D 'divorced & devastated', is he worth it?) Once a Woman got her man in her grip, she starts complaining: you are not worth anything, you don't know me, you can't possibly understand me, you don't value me, why do you attend a church of Scientology? Often it is rightly true because a Woman does not consult God or time or even their parents when choosing the husband. Jane Austine's 'Pride and Prejudice' comes to mind where Lydia boasts to her sisters: 'If we all went to Brighton, I could of find you each a husband.' And wisely Lizzie replies: 'I don't like your way of getting a husband.' Poor Lydia wasn't even aware that she nearly missed the marriage all together.  

When we bake a cake, it is best to use the recipe. The problem I had, I wanted to invent a healthier version. So I thought if I put a lot of blended pineapple and raspberries, I would be able to enjoy a good cake and antioxidants as the same time. Bingo! I didn't follow a proven recipe, so my cake was flat as a pancake! Naturally I was disappointed and wasted time, money and effort while my family had to go without home made healthy cakes at the time. Oh, my eggs from the farm, or my precious honey, or my raspberries… So frustrating.

So the same is true with the marriage. A Woman wishes to get married. She has to follow a God established recipe using wisdom, relying on God's timing and choice of man. It will never go wrong, but when it appears that something has gone wrong, woman always could go back and remember that it was a God thing and what God does is always perfect. Falling back on the truth could revive not only memory, but dead relationships just as much. Didn't God brought to life Lazarus who was dead for nearly four days? Jesus was their close friend, but even this family could hardly believe. No wonder we often don't believe ourselves it is possible. The reality is success will be guaranteed whether 'she marries or not, when a woman follows the Lord.'

The best way would be 'to cover yourself in every aspect with much heavenly wisdom' in order to make a man have a desire to get to know you, to make an effort, to sweat a bit.  He has to make an effort and if he doesn't, he probably won't make any effort after the marriage. Who ever appreciated a diamond that doesn't cost anything?  Modern girls expose themselves by saying: there is nothing mysterious about me, there is nothing unique, don't look for depth, it wont cost you anything to lure me in your arms, ect. A good advise would be here to declutter her thinking wardrobe by asking yourself: 'Will I seem hard as a diamond to get in this outfit/actions?' Such a response is possible after profound impression of the Holy Spirit upon Woman's heart. Your immediate response could be: 'This way I will never get married. Oh, you will, you will.' To a good- Godly- faithful man! After all God isn't a liar: 'He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?   Romans 8:32. 

Of course, if it is according to His will, but who wants it otherwise? 

Many women today are trying to have a baby from a man they are with, thinking it will somehow glue them together forever. In truth, the only glue that there is in this Universe that binds together, is God's unmerited Grace. Children are not to be experimented with; they need to be in a safe environment with both mum and dad. All most significant people, including women committed terrible mistakes at some point or the other, but God brought them through because they relied on Him in the end. 

All relationships that we have as humans are only successful when 'each person thinks less about himself, more about others for start.' This is impossible without unconditional love of God in our hearts. And even then we must pray daily for refill. If we exclude God, the main ingredient from our cake- baking-marriage-any-relationships-making experience, expect it to go wrong. Family that involves so many people is far more complex structure than a mere cake!

Once Adam and Eve had left the Paradise, they no longer understood and related to each other Perfectly. Just as God intervened with their coverings, He will have to do so to the rest of their lives. Eve didn't not have a faintest idea that she will bear the son, the first ever murderer. They had never experienced death before. Neither did she know how to handle it. The same is true for us. Our life is a mystery, the future is veiled and only God know how to fight Satan off, how to prepare us to enter unknown future and all the bumps in the road ahead. We need his Grace and His presence daily. Just like it was in the Paradise days.  

Sugar, Sin & Self-sufficiency.

'This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.'

Acts 4:11-12

This mince pie is recognized as world's most expensive and  has been made with the most delicate ingredients. Wouldn't be wonderful to see the Day when this world recognizes how lovely and special Jesus really is, the author and finisher of life. 

After being away for a few days in Sussex, there are few highlights that I want to share. Funny enough, right before we left, my daughter and I were watching 'Pride and Prejudiced'. As Mrs Bennet exclaimed in frustration:'If only Mr. Bennet took us all to Brighton, this elopement would not happened.' What Mrs. Bennet was not willing to see that intentions go before us. So, in the end it didn't really matter where Lydia went, as her father rightly knew, she would do what she pleased. On the contrary, Mr. Nowak took us all to Brighton, our intention was to have a good time and see all the old friends we can. We had an awesome trip, so here some thoughts on that.

The rain has been busy at night, washing houses, streets, cars, anything that is exposed to it's zeal. Trees looked washed and ready to be examined by the sun. Proud and ready to face the day, Rottingdean, a small coastal village, with narrow old streets, with a Barclays bank and st. Margaret's church that takes roots in 13th century, preached history. Modern cars already busy and awake were racing up and down, while curious visitors were window shopping.This small village is one of those places that gives an appearance of time standing still and welcoming all things new at the same time. Reminds me a beautiful place in California, Arrowhead, a  picturesque mountain village. I believe Thomas Kinkade painted there.

  My mother- in- law was running late for her tennis session. Inviting her youngest grandchildren to come along delayed  a car trip considerably. While she was hitting the ball, children and I were at the playground near by. As I was standing on a modern-state-of-art playground, looking at the surrounding us valley of Rottingdean, amazed how everything around us changes all the time. Except God and His word. Not all see that thought. In my recent discussion  with an atheist, he could not help, but show his frustration that our society spends money on churches and faith schools. In my turn, I must mention that from the dawn of civilization people had a desire to worship a deity. This desire deeply build in like a hard drive in the computer. Even when they  didn't quite  know to whom they need to bow down, they showed creativity, as Athenians did by erecting an alter to an 'Unknown god.' How could someone have so much frustration over what a human race practiced from day one. That's titanium argument!

The playground was right in the middle of tennis court and a football field. I was admiringly watching the youngsters running around under sharp eye of their coach, at the same time impressed by the older generation, still exercising their muscles through tennis. To stay fit, you must get up early and just do it. Muscles won't bulge especially when you are aging. The same is very true about spiritual training. As believers we must open up the word of God to find out what He requires from us. While I've never been to a service in St. Margaret's church, I know it is not a gospel preaching church. In spite of standing there through the centuries, many people from the village still worship a quite distant God. Sinners must be wash by the truth of God's word! This is an essential part for believers if they seek to glorify and obey the Lord.

I had an amazing experience lately. For a year now, because of small children, sometimes I have to listen to the sermon  through the speakers. The sound system in the church was on it's last breath and sometimes the sound just disappeared, sometimes it was faint, often a lot of noise came through at the same time. This has not been a pleasant or helpful experience. However, this past Sunday the sounds was perfect due to the newly purchased sound system. Our life is just the same. We get very little help if we don't hear the word of God that is instructing, encouraging, edifying, building up, cleansing, helpful all around and ect.  

I've finished reading a book by T. Tchividjian 'Jesus+Nothing=Everything'. The  thought that stayed with me was about how the more he studied the gospels, the less he worried about things. That is an intent of God's word to give a believer every confidence that God is for us, that God is in control of absolutely everything, that He will protect and do what is best for us eternally. Often repetition is the best thing:'God is Sovereign. He is in control.' It  could be a good thing to hear it over and over again. My friend whom I visited on this trip, had shared with me about her 'weekend away', where they talked how to handle anxiety and worry. She said she felt rather frustrated  that they repeated again and again the same plain truth. As it was repeated, it started to sink in more. That proved to be rather helpful in the end.  

Once a believer washed regularly by the truth of God's Word even from time to time he/she gets 'dirty' by the world, it is obviously felt. When I don't have sugar regularly and suddenly  it is again in my mouth, it hits the whole body system so strongly. The same is with the pollution of this world. We would feel it just the same and it will revolt us when Holy Spirit works through and in us. We must not forget that it is impossible to live a life of obedience on self-sufficiency. Many women fall into this same old trap. They seek the Lord diligently, but the minute they have children it all goes on a back burner, often without realizing it.  It did happen to me. I could not go to many evening Bible studies anymore or prayer meetings, lacked fellowship, was tired to dig in to the word on my own. The end result was frustration with everything and everyone since I've tried to live a Christian life on my own resources. It is an impossible reality. Once we realize it, the Lord will make a way for us to obey Him and draw from His spiritual well. I've prayed. Simple, but we forget how powerful and effective this tool is for a Christian. The Lord brought a friend to pray, a Bible study to listen on line, a Bible read out from the internet. Jehovah-Jireh He is indeed! Often many Christians get tempted to have worldly, unbelieving friends. What was interesting, all the friends I went to see were the one's I've made at the church. It felt like we parted yesterday. None of my daughter's friends from her old school wished to see her. That was sad, but such a good confirmation of the things I was teaching her about the Lord and His binding glue between people. Once the Lord bring you a true friend, it is for life.
The day we've left, we thought it would be a good idea to get some exercise and fresh air at the Marina. We walked towards the surfing spot where a few brave enough lads were catching waves in the English Channel. The water looked so cold, but my husband assured me since he spend a lot of time  there himself, that it is not that bad once you get going. What stood out for me was the effort that they were making. It could be life consuming. It could come to the point when everything you do evolves around surfing. It does keep you fit and gives pleasure, but that is all. Life is  just as hostile and hard for anyone who doesn't have protection of the Lord.

Why not commit your life to the Lord and allow Him to consume every area of our life. Because it will be not just for now. It will last for eternity.        

This is world's most expensive wedding cake. Guess what? At the marriage feast of the Lamb, where Jesus invites his friends, they shall eat something that wont be even close to this poor  visible image of a cake!  
Matthew 22:1-14
'But we never can prove

The delights of His love

Until all on the alter we lay;

for the favor He shows,

and the joy He bestows,

are for those who will trust and obey.'