One Pence

Hi my lovelies, I have a beautiful story to share with you. 

It was a mini exercise we did in the church: please keep reading. So, during sermon, the priest asked if anyone had one pence coin and that they bring it out. We did. 

One Pence
Photo credit: depositphotos.com

We were asked to look at both sides of the coin, close our eyes and differentiate between the two. 

Most of us weren’t able to do so. Then, he asked us to pray for the blind.

He asked that we look at the side with the picture of the queen's head and pray for the country and other nations. We continued and turned to the side with the picture of crowned portcullis with chains and prayed for all prisoners.

Lastly, he made us hold the pence in the center of our palms and prayed for beggars. 

It was an exceptional experience for me: having to meditate, think about different experiences and challenges people face in their daily lives. 

I love it when the word of God is so simplified and yet mysterious.

Have a blessed weekend Friends. 

P.S.

Sorry Friends, I had to re-post as the previous one would not open. Thanks to a loyal reader that made me aware.  

Do You Think People Around You Know Truly Who You Are?

I enjoyed this lovely sermon from my priest; one of his interesting lenten season preachings. I would like to call this, my favorite.

He talked about the marvelous works of Jesus and how he did masked himself most of times as his power would be too much for anyone he comes in contact with to contend.

Photo Credit: www.taskforce-gaea.com

Applying the same masking formulae to humans, the reverse is the case. He told us that some individuals are living in pretense just to fit into the society.

He went further and said that such false way of living can momentarily be beneficial to us but most of the time it has an adverse effect on us.

He went on to tell us all to imagine what our lives would be like, if we truly show inner selves to people around us.
Take for instance:
     -A situation where we do not have to cover up to look accepted amongst our peers or colleagues.
     -A situation where we say something in honesty and people take our word for it.
     -A situation where we express ourselves freely without being afraid of being called names.
The list goes on...

It actually occurred to me that we live in a world where we most times find ourselves doing what is expected of us by the society irrespective of what we actually want or how we feel about them..

Do you think people around you know truly who you are?

P.S. It's my first post for the year.
Have a beautiful 2016. 

My Easter Story

The holy week is one of those days in the church I look forward to. This is due to the variety of hymns being sang and all the Latin aspects that comes with the occasion.

Let me give you a brief account of my holy week. So, I was opportune to attend the holy wednesday mass which kicked of with the stations of the cross. Mmm... I really enjoyed that bit because that was actually the only time time I was able to partake in it with my brethren this Lenten period. Personally, I love it when am able to go to the church for the stations of the cross with the congregation than when am alone at home.

Then came the Maundy thursday. For me, this event started with singing rehearsals,the mass and the procession. It was lovely as the hymns were so transforming and sublime. They included Love is His word, Pange lingua gloriosi, Panis angelicus(one of my favourite songs) to mention but a few.

Oh! Did I mention that we had the Bishop in our midst too? He visited us and was the main celebrant. His sermon was brilliant as he talked us through the reenactment of Jesus last days prior to his arrest. He encouraged us to watch and pray with Christ. The washing of the feet was carried out as well. More so, those points in the mass where a priest says a part and the other says another part stood out for me. I had a swell time. It felt like experiencing catholicism in its full splendour.

The holy thursday ended with the carrying of the blessed sacrament in procession to the garden of repose. The parish priest encouraged us to stay for a little while and say some private prayers.

I have an intriguing story for you now; while I stayed behind and prayed,I watched a lady who had gone close to the blessed sacrament and prostrated. That got me as I have not seen that act of adoration being displayed in a very long time. It happened to be that I had seen this very lady on holy wednesday tidying the church premises. So, on my way home, I saw her on the other side of the road and I waved her and said hello(I kind of wondered why I was saying hello in the first place). 

She crossed over to me and asked for my name,that she had seen me the other day...We became friends. She told me her version of the celebration, how she cried when the blessed sacrament was to be taken to the gardens of the repose and asked God to forgive her sins.She told me that most times instead of thanking God she complains about what haves and haves not.  She added that in the garden of repose, it felt like she saw Jesus."I felt someone holding me" she said to me. I suppose she really had a divine encounter. From our little  chat, my new friend does lots of charity work and believes in miracles. Bless her.

Do you know what? I was actually pleased with myself that I said that 'hello' at that time.

Have a beautiful Easter celebration. Many thanks for reading.

Taking Photos During Christening

Photo credit: stpeterslist.com

It was a friend's child christening and I was opportuned to cover it. Hey! Don't mistake me for a professional photographer yet. Camera was ready, mobile by the side and all were set for work. Lo and behold the Priest made a brief introduction and mentioned no snapping of any sort till he is finished. Did he just said that was the kind of look we had on our faces but I said to myself maybe he actually didn't mean it.

To think of it, I have witnessed lots of christening and to be honest my parish priest do encourage photographs so I see nothing absolutely wrong with it. With that in mind, I pretended not to have heard this very priest. So when he concluded the mass and was about to begin the event of the day I started taking pictures not wanting to miss any part. He warned sternly that he doesn't approve such. I then lowered my hand in an angle he wouldn't notice me and my flash were turned off. Yeah! It worked till someone else snapped and he almost stopped the occasion, it was as though he couldn't control his temperament but he then paused and told us the reason behind his no snapping policy. 

According to him, christening is a spiritual   birth and an act which should be considered sacred. He finds it displeasing to see how people see it as a fun party; where they take pictures and send off to the Internet or to show off. He urged us to reason with him and simply take a few photos with him when he has finished. 

Well, I kind of reasoned with him and that was very thoughtful of him. He Made some good points but I and my colleagues want to take pictures like we usually see in other christenings and for record purposes too and so was it. Unbeknown to us, one of my friend's relative who sat at a different section recorded the whole event. Tada! By the end of the day we had  'the pictures' and lots more, no offence though. 

  

If I may ask pls, what is your opinion in regards to taking pictures duringx a child's christening? 

P.S Hope you had a great month? May the next month bring you favours. 

Coming Together As One.

Photo credit: prayinggodsword

I am delighted for having attended the "Ecumenical worship service for christian unity 2014" which took place at an anglican church in my neighbourhood. It was announced in my church and those who can make it were urged to come to, if for nothing else to at least represent our parish.

It was my first time in that church,as a matter of fact in an anglican church. When I got there, I met the first set of people who were from my church(catholic) and few members of the host church(anglican) who were running around to see that the day went well. Moments later our priest arrived and gradually the empty seats were being occupied. I admired the magnificent decoration and heavenly atmosphere.

The host Vicar welcomed the congregation, we were comprised of; Catholic( 2 parishes), Anglican, Reformed and Methodist churches, five different parishes were present. It was wonderful having all the churches in the area come together for such a unity service.

Meanwhile, over the years I have heard that the catholic and anglican ways of teachings are very similar to each other and had to testify to it that day. They were so true be it in the hymns, penitential act, readings and bidding prayers. Moreover, I loved the response during the prayers, it goes this way-
....Gracious God, hear our prayer,
    And in your love, answer. 
I equally noticed the prayers were based on the eight millenium development goals, which addressed the major global issues.  On the contrary, there was no creed nor communion; not that I expected them anyway.

The sermon was very inspiring as the Minister encouraged us to be good followers of christ. He admonished us to promote Gods name and the church although he spoke against people who worship a particular church rather than God himself.

As he preached, a feminine voice was heard from behind though what she was saying was quite unclear. It happened that the voice kept disturbing us. She interrupted him and thereby gained audience. A man followed her immediately who without doubt wanted to drag her out but had to let her talk as she kept saying she wanted to say something-

"I have been through a lot in life, I know God.
I am Linda....As she talked she demonstrated, letting her hands go as free as they can.
I have been through ups and down
I will tell you you this:
Never give up and always pray!
Never give up and always pray!"(I was startled when she said that, some of the congregation were nodding like it was a divine message).
Waving her hands she said "God bless you all"
She made sign of the cross twice before she was led out.
The congregation applauded her.

Later, the Vicar ended the sermon by saying "United we move forward against divisions and promote christianity by the unity of all christians."

To sum it up, I had a wonderful experience being that I learnt a lot that day and from my point of view, I believe that christianity is about coming together to worship God.

You can Do A Lot 'On-Your -Own' Through Him Who Gives You Strength.

There are times that people who we know quite well seem to do things that tends to put us on the edge and all of a sudden we begin to question a whole lot of things.

It is okay to keep reminding ourselves that no one is perfect not minding the fact that we are still able to find that one person whom we simply choose over others.

While I was chatting with a friend the other day, she sounded really worried and said a couple of things about her partner. She has a plan of how things can be made better and not that he is not willing to accept her idea but it seems not to be very convenient for him now. She complained bitterly. I tried to reason with her but I still made her see reasons with the guy too.

 'You can see he is busy with some other things now, at the meantime let him be.  It is not like he is rejecting your idea.'

Why are you this disturbed? I asked because she was furious and that got me worried about them both. Well, we had a nice chat and she was calm and felt better afterwards.

It would be nice of us if we continually evoke that initial passion we had before embarking on anything because it does not only motivates us but also keeps us on our toes as well. When you know that deep down you love someone, don't cross yourself. Yes, be reasonable but that does not mean that it is going to be very rosy at all times. Love, they say endures all things that is why some people will seem to hurt you severally and you find yourself forgiving them, even before they apologize whereas same acts will be totally not tolerated with other people.

Try and develop a positive way of seeing people and things they do. It really helps and encourages a healthy lifestyle. Bearing a grudge is very bad because no matter how you mask it, it still finds its way and reflects in ones character. You might think that you are doing well and not showing whatever it was but people close to you can tell you act a bit different.

I would encourage discussing it, expressing exactly how you feel in the words that make you feelings or concerns well expressed. You have the right to be angry. There is no formulae in these things, think responsibly and do things your way. When you think the low-and-understanding voice is not working you can try out the high-angry voice, what matters is that at the end of the day you still go back to the normal.

Look at it this way, if you cannot have a quality chat with that very person whats the point going to talk all that through with another. You know them well and should be able to figure out when it is suitable to engage them in such conversations. Off course, you cant just initiate talk you tag 'serious' anytime and hope to get a useful response.

Always go for what is suitable for you. For instance, some people might like to chat after dinner time while some early in the morning. You don't go and wake someone up at midnight because you were told or have read somewhere that midnight talk is the ultimate. Maybe, it was for the writer or for most people they carried out research on at that time but the truth is 'we are all unique creatures' some generalised findings cannot be applicable to all at same time. Don't forget that some people don't even sleep before that time while some about few minutes before 12, so are you going to wake them up? It's either they babble first then talk, or later you get a warning for such sleep disturbance. Dozing while talk is going on can equally be achieved with that. I hope I was able make my point clear enough.

When something goes wrong and you still want to be with that person and they also want you, try to let them know how you feel. That's your life and you make decisions based on what you think you two have been through or what you feel for them. However, when you simply go and offload the 'problem' to someone you might get a contradictory advice. Some individuals can probe and dig out some past and unresolved problems and put life into them. Believe me, it happens while others would help you deal with it in a better and reasonable way. Both categories of people do exist, beware of the former except you have loaded your gun and only need help with the trigger.

You can simply try asking yourself questions like, why is this that, why is that this, if I do this...that happens,  if I do that...what could happen? You can make a chart for them if need be.  You never can tell, it might help you solve certain issues and minimise times spent in consulting others. Besides, some times people tell us things we already know, though it is not usually the case. Always try your best and leave the rest.

When you learn to see good in people, things can only get better and better but when you do the opposite, even the tiniest fault that can easily be ignored by others will be magnified ten-folds before you.

NB
I actually struggled to write this without mentioning God a couple of times. Always put Him first in all you do.

He Is Always With You.

Faith in God.

There is always a reason for everything that happens. Many times we worry ourselves and wonder why things are not as smooth as we want them to be.

Maybe, we simply like troubling ourselves because certain things we encounter are beyond our human understanding.

Most times, we feel we are abandoned by the Creator forgetting that He is ever faithful to His people. He never abandons his own.

We are all important to Him be it in our joys, sorrows and in bitterness. At any given time, He is fighting our battles for us, if only we can put all our hope and trust in Him. He will not let us down.

Even in our most difficult moments, he is making way for us. He needs us to know that we are safe in His hands remembering that He alone is the one who neither sleeps nor slumbers. He who was nailed to the cross knows our pain because he actually lived and knows what pain feels like better than us.

His words shall come to pass. 

Does a Woman have a Religion?

The issue of a woman's religion or perception of religion has been more or less no news. We are in the era where certain issues our fore-fathers never imagined have become common occurrences.


As each single day passes by, many people seem to be made cognizant of their evangelistic mission on earth and therefore go for it. There are now numerous Men and Women of God, with majority heading various churches. Kudos to them, there is explosion of churches globally. However, it would be very nice if all these reflect on the rate of crime we encounter lately.

Nevertheless, I was chatting with a mate yesterday and along the line she mentioned a new church in her neighbourhood that attracts lots of crowd especially women. She said many people have been testifying about the wonders the Man of God there performs. All thanks to his packs of -find your life partner, seeking for the fruit of the womb and the likes- crusades. Consequently, most worshipers are women who seek speedy miracles.

By the time I know it, we have already delved into a strange topic. She told me how she has quit her former church and now has another favorite and concluded by saying 'what does it matter a woman has no church.'

I would not have minded pretending I did not hear her well but not on this topic. What she said re-echoed in my ears. Are you serious about that? I asked.

She answered by saying she knows I am passionate about Catholic church but when the time comes I would speak differently. This was how we ended up discussing about women's perception of religion and all that it might entail. I could not believe she made such a direct statement.




In my opinion, women have religion. I believe so because when you grow up in one and value it so much you cannot be easily talked into a new one within a blink of an eye.  Besides, if you see religion as having a huge influence on your life you will simply prefer someone that reason like you but when it does not  necessarily mean that much to you, any place of worship ought to be suitable.

She asked what if I fall in love with someone that has a completely different religious view from mine. She almost sounded apologetic and wanted me to reason with her for my own good.

How is that going to happen? Who said I will call that love? These questions were prompted quickly in my head but I did not let them out out-rightly.

I have known many cases of what you are saying and I respect your reasoning. All am saying is that for people that want such, it is okay if it comes their way. I know no one is certain about anything in the future  yet we all make plans. If you think this is same for all women, then you are wrong.

What if you meet someone and they willing choose to switch churches because of  you?

Hey! Where are you dragging this conversation... Personally, I would prefer someone who is on same page like me. I am not willing to make someone change their church because of me. I guess when people do that their family and friends would know they did that for you and  that might affect your relationship with them. Please! I do not have such powers. I respect all religions. I can recall a time while in the course of  doing home visitation work as a Legionary we converted a neighbouring family, that is the sort of conversion that gives me joy. I mean not for personal gains.

Well, thats for you. As far as am concerned, no woman has a church until she is married. That was her response before I changed the topic...

NB:
I truly respect different people and their religions and have friends with all sorts of belief too. I mean no offense to any of my readers.
Please, feel free to share your  views.

Is it true that a woman has no church?

The Quest for a better way of life.

Most times, we spend a lot of time doing things that we think that are really important to us. Some times, we feel the we would be better off if we had 25 or 26 hours a day. There are too many things that need to be attended to and we try as much as we can to make ends meet.
Yet, we fail to spend quality time with God in prayer.

We think other things are of utmost importance and end up leaving out the most important of all.  There are either work or school  activities and personal needs issues that seems to consume all our time and we have reminders to ensure we are punctual because the penalty would not be fair on us but when it has to do with praying or going to church we tend to drag our feet.

Nowadays, we spend so much time on our bodies, decorating our faces, styling our hairs, checking out which section of hairs needs to be waxed or combed, think of what to wear, try them out, worry about how others are going to view us and the rest of them. I am actually referring to everyone, I think guys are worst these days. Yes! Times have changed, it is no longer applicable to women alone.

Nevertheless , the quest for a better life, to climb up the academic ladder, to gain promotion at work, become a successful  trades-person or performer and becoming richer should be likened to, if not same for our spiritual life.

We should endeavour to set some time for our own welfare by praying. Quality time in prayer is very essential as we might need not only to ask but to listen quietly. Most times we ask and ask and never listen.

Group and routine or recitative prayers are equally beneficial and shows that we have interest and are somewhat committed. However, we need to make an extra effort to communicate with God alone.

We need to unwind ourselves and absorb Him, in our own time, talking to him in our own language and pace as though we need to make Him know our unique voice and style. 

We Have A Pope.

What a movie!

During announcement in church last Sunday, the Priest mentioned about an Italian movie that will be shown on Wednesday. Its' tittle is  ''We have a Pope'' with English subtitle.

At first I said to myself, it might be cool going to watch it but the fact that am going to have to listen to the I-have-no-idea-whatever-they-are-saying-ITALIAN and the supposed plot of the movie made me think that it could turnout being very boring.

Well, on that evening I was disposed to seeing it so, I went for it. It followed the evening mass and was more like fun time. During the church time we were few but more people came later for the movie.

We all went down to the lovely decorated hall and the large screen made it all look magical. I am in a Cinema after all. Wine was served and the Priest gave a brief introduction before the film kicked off.

It was a very good and interesting watch. It portrayed the degree of secrecy in the Catholic Church and how issues are being handled.

On the contrast, it showed how most Cardinals instead of praying more for a fair election of a new Pope rather  prayed that they do not get voted for. Another funny instance was when the elected Pope ran off the Vatican and on one occasion told a stranger he met that he suffered 'Parental Deficit. At his age!

He felt he couldn't do it. Despite wearing the Papal regalia, greeting the Faithful posed as a huge problem for him.

Forgive and Let go.

In life, it is very essential that we willingly forgive our fellow men, no matter what they do to us. This is very important because nobody is perfect and can overtly boast of not erring. Indeed, it sounds like a task that could be impossible to achieve but with the true definition of Christianity at heart, it is actually achievable and of considerable benefit to those that indulge in it. In addition, our lives seem to be a model for other people as it reflects the Christ-like image divinely bestowed upon us all.

Although, it is a unique and selfless way of living, it is an exceedingly tedious and demanding dutiful life.It transforms our reasoning but does not affect our relationship with one another. To most people, you act in a manner they cannot comprehend and wonder why you think that is a good way of life but you alone know your inner drives and happiness.

I was in a middle of a conversation with an elderly Woman the other day and she made me understood the concept of forgiveness the more. Being a staunch Catholic, she thought she was living the ideal christian life and practising her faith. She usually says the Lord's Prayer and chants it till a problem she never imagined befell her family and all they have lived for, made her meet a powerful Priest that made her read meaning into each line of Our Lord's Prayer. For the first time in her entire life, she realized she isn't that worthy of saying such prayer;a mere prayer she easily rattles within the twinkle of an eye.

She kept living like that for a while but couldn't understand her life anymore and knew she needed to let go of all that have wronged her in one way or the other. Not that she does not talk to some of them, she does for talking sake but in her heart she is not at peace with them.

She narrated many ugly encounters she had had with people and how life can be cruel,sometimes. It was a touching story but I at least understood her for who she was. At a point, she broke down. There was so much betrayal from trusted friends,deceits and all sorts of malicious acts.

She lacked words to express the way she felt the very day she truly let go of her past and in her heart of heart forgave all that have wronged her.

Surprisingly to her, it reflected on the way she currently communicates with them, in cases of those she has been able to meet. She felt lighter than ever, as though a heavy burden was lifted off her chest.

Personally, I think it would have been better if most times we sincerely forgive and forget. I can recall hearing it often when I was younger and even said it a couple of times but now, I doubt whether it is feasible or maybe one of those instances of 'easier said than done'.

Well, I guess there are issues that find their way off our memory while some depending on how probing we found them never leave us no matter how hard we try.

All in all, it is of our best interest and duty to forgive others just as we would want our Creator and fellow humans to treat us.

My Community.

This is our first gathering in 2013.

Our Lady help of Christians activities kicked off at 4pm with Mass by Fr. Charles,
A Salesian Priest.
He talked more about Don Bosco
Whose feast day will be celebrated on the 31st of January,
Marking his 125th celebration.
This was accompanied by The Rosary, Benediction and graceful Our Lady hymns.

Finally, we had tea and will meet again next month.

See you.