In this page Mama C will be giving a word of encouragement through her weekly newsletter “Happy Monday”. For comments on any topic or to interact with other people on common issues,Click Here.You will be required to register to be part of this Forum.
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Happy Monday!!! 4/12/2010
Emma’s Journey
“..let the weak say, I am strong.” Joel 3:10
Mama C
Today I want to dedicate this Happy Monday and hopefully many others in the future to my young friend, Emma (Immaculate) Mumbi Ndirangu, who is battling lung cancer. It is hard for me to write this but I promised myself, and Emma, that I will honor her by saying something about her and her journey. I hope one of these Mondays Emma will take me up on my offer and write this column herself. Emma: you know I will ask again.
I want to thank God for the way he has taken care of Emma since she was diagnosed with lung cancer almost 2 years ago.
A lot of you were in church today when Pastor Ruto prayed for Emma. Emma learned a few weeks ago that the cancer has advanced to stage 4.
As Pastor Ruto said today and has said before, Emma carries on with her life as usual. As I have said in this column before, Emma has been extremely strong. She continues to work and go to school (She is currently doing an MBA). Go Emma!
Emma has not become different or changed just because the illness has progressed. I know she will cope with this stage of cancer in much the same way she has coped with other major events in her life; with determination and hope. I pray that God, the giver of strength will infuse strength to every part of Emma’s body in Jesus Mighty Name.
Many today overwhelmed Emma with love at the Fellowship Hall. I know how much she appreciates it all. Let us continue to support her as best as we can or know how. Some of us may want to encourage her but fear saying or doing the “wrong” thing. Being there, is what matters most. And sometimes there is no right or wrong thing to say. Those that may struggle with what to say or do, let us take the cue from her. Emma talks very openly about the illness. If she does open up, let us listen without judgment, with an open mind and heart. Let us also remember that it may not be necessary to say anything. If unsure or words fail, smile or give a hug. These, too, speak volumes.
For those that wanted to know what Emma’s “next” move is, she told me to tell you that she does not know. She really has no answer for that question. She too has lots of questions, and not a lot of answers. She does not mind us asking. As she learns more, she will share more.
Many may also want to cook for Emma or do something for her. Please don’t ask her to call you if “she needs anything”. Knowing Emma, she will not ask for anything. Make a specific offer and just do it. You may ask Gracie (God bless you Gracie!!) how you can help. I may also have some ideas.. I know what these two girls like to eat..
For those that call or text Emma, please continue to do so. Even if she may not answer the phone or return text messages,
as she said in church a few months, she does see every call and reads every message. When you think about her, let her know. Don’t give up; our friend is going through a lot. Today our pastor shared Emma’s condition so we can all join our prayers and support for her.
Emma: As I have told you before, Keep doing what you are doing.. carrying on as you have been doing and together, we will all continue to believe God for a miracle. I know that being a Christian will not automatically make the illness go away, exempt you from pain and sickness, or exclude you from any of the other unpleasant things that go with this disease. What being a Christian will do, is cause you to have hope, security, and peace that can come only from knowing God and trusting in him. This Peace allows you to be in Control of your Outlook because you know that God is in control of your Outcome. Thus, your life does not become defined by cancer where it totally occupies you physically and emotionally. This Peace that you have allows you to treat cancer as an uninvited guest so that you do not allow it to take up permanent residence in your soul.
Thank you for honoring me and letting me in on your journey.
Kesha with Emma
Please look out for an invitation for a Kesha with Emma, soon.
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3
In His Love & Joy,
Mama C.
“…the Joy of the Lord is my Strength”. Neh 8:10
Happy Monday!!! 4/05/2010
Is it ok to eat too much
Mama C
I was watching a TV show the other day that greatly interested me. The show was about some people, both men and women who were “very big” – and that is an understatement. That got me thinking how they got that big. Then I remembered how I had got home and changed into comfortable clothes – because I am not the size I was when I first bought those pants that I got out of.
I no longer make new year resolutions to lose weight since I enrolled in a gym membership meaning to use the pool for water aerobics and went exactly 3 times in the month of January that year. I dare not even say how much I paid for that membership without feeling utterly foolish – and a very poor steward. After watching the show, I started wondering what the difference is between eating too much and drinking too much. Both are a result of the same problem: a lack of self-control. The bible says that both bring displeasure to God.
Before we point fingers at those that smoke and/or drink alcohol, let us examine if indulging in food is good or not. Let us call a spade a spade. Uncontrolled or unrestrained eating is a sign of gluttony. I looked up the definition of gluttony and found that:
Gluttony, derived from the Latin gluttire meaning to gulp down or swallow, means over-indulgence and over-consumption of food, drink or intoxicants, to the point of waste. In some Christian denominations, it is considered one of the seven deadly sins – misplaced desire of food or its withholding from the needy.
Eating too much or Gluttony is not universally considered a sin; depending on the culture, it can be seen as either a vice or a sign of status. In some cultures (and ours may be one of those), some take pride in the security of having enough food to eat and the only way to show it is for the wealthy to eat so when others see them they will know that they have more than enough to eat. Indeed it shows in the growing body sizes. If one’s wife gains weight after marriage, then it shows that the husband is providing well. This however may result in a moral backlash when confronted with the reality of many others that are less fortunate.
Bible verses on gluttony: “Be not among winebibbers; among riotous eaters of flesh: For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty: and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags.” Proverbs 23:20-21
“And put a knife to thy throat, if thou be a man given to appetite.” Proverbs 23:2
Many of us are often quick to label smoking and drinking as sins, but for some reason we accept and tolerate gluttony. Many of the arguments used against smoking and drinking, such as health and addiction, apply equally to overeating. It is hypocrisy when those opposed to drunkenness in any degree, are tolerating the inclinations to eat too much.
God can heal us; but he wants us to cease doing whatever brought on our sickness. In other words, if sleeping in the cold gave us a cold and God heals us of this cold, then He expects us to quit sleeping in the cold. Or if eating too much has brought on high blood pressure, heart trouble, or one of the many other diseases which come from being overweight, then God requires a reduction in our eating.
Eating too much works just like any other sin. The liar must stop lying, the thief must quit stealing, the glutton must stop overeating.
Let us keep our bodies free from the sin of eating too much, realizing they are the temple of the Spirit of God.
Today I forgot all about this article and downed a few mandazis at the Easter service. Surely I cannot invite people to eat mandazis and not eat myself, or can I?
Later on I remembered that I started a low-carb diet yesterday. May the Lord forgive me for over-indulging.
“…the Joy of the Lord is my Strength” Neh 8:10 ****************************************************************************
As we enter the Easter week, let us remember the reason for this season: The Cross
Easter is about what Christ did on the cross for us.
How are we helping spread the message of the cross?
How are we using our lives to witness to others? Remember that until Christ comes back none of us will see Him in person. So the Jesus most people will see is the Jesus in us. How do you portray that Jesus?
Do we think that witnessing is too hard? Of course it is. It is hard to convince someone to put their faith and all of their love into someone they cannot see! It is the Christian’s responsibility to convey the message of salvation to others with conviction.
If you were the only Christian that someone knew, would your witness, in speech and in deed, be effective? Are we driving others away or are we living our lives so that other want to have the Jesus in us?
Is our testimony real? It is important that people see us as real persons and not as phonies. Many who desire an encounter with Christ don’t know where or how to seek out a relationship with Him. Therefore, our purpose is to mirror Christ for them and be ready in their time of seeking. When we get into a conversation with an unbeliever, we are tempted to blurt out . . . “You must be saved!” Jesus was patient, using questions rather than commands to masterfully deal with the lost. Let us mirror Jesus in that we can listen carefully, then gently ask the questions that delve into the unspoken issues.
Are we available for God to use?
Let us strive to be available. God cannot use us if we do not avail ourselves. Let us avail ourselves so God can make us channels – or as Pastor Muniu would say, conduits – through whom his love can flow and through whom others will see Jesus.
Are we using the gifts that God has given us?
God wants to use our gifts.. Let us find out what our gifts are and develop them. Let us offer them back to God for use in His work here on earth.
God had placed us on this earth for a very important purpose, and hopefully, one day, we will fulfill that purpose.
Let us purpose that others will want the Jesus in us. Let us purpose that others will not face loneliness alone., if we can help it. Let us purpose that our children will not face peer pressure on their own strength. Let us live a life of faith and love in Christ so we may be effective witnesses.
Starting with this Easter season, let us pray that many, through our witness, will accept God’s gift of love, Jesus Christ.
In His Love & Joy, Mama C.
Happy Monday!!! 3/29/2010
Easter: Spreading the story
Mama C
Mugithi – To Go or Not to Go
Mama C
Question: What is wrong with going to Mugithi? I was recently asked.
This is in relation to the coming of “the Mugithi guy”, to my town,(Dallas, Tx) on Easter weekend. What is Mugithi? Mugithi literally means train. I think people hold each other at the waist emulating coaches of a train, dance in unison while singing whatever the “king” is singing. That is what I imagine Mugithi is. I thought Mugithi is a song that was exclusive to Kikuyus. I may be wrong. I researched this on the internet and found the following definition:
“Mugithi – it is owned by many other tribes. Kikuyus think this is the best song ever. Luos think it is the best song to dance to. Luhyas think this is the best song to listen to. Kisiis think it is the best song to see people dancing to. Mugithi makes Maasais happy coz they think it is just a funny dance: muziki gani bila kushika fimbo na kuruka juu na tena juu? The list goes on and on.” ….. – Kiambuhouse.com
Here I will use God’s word to answer my young friend’s question.
Back to the question: Is it wrong to go to Mugithi?
This question falls under several gray areas in our Christian walk. While it is true that the Bible does not specifically list every possible decision we will face in this life, it does address all choices with principles that govern Christian freedom. God has given us free will.
We have an opportunity, as Christians to exercise that freedom.
When we come into a gray area such as this, let us look up God’s Word, and we will find clarity and freedom to live our lives to His glory, which is the ultimate purpose of our lives as Christians.
Our world is changing. When I was growing up, it was very easy to detect a Christian from afar. The outward behavior changed dramatically to reflect the inner change, once one became a Christian. Today it is hard to tell who is and who is not a Christian as the Godly have become more worldly and the worldly have become more Godly. We tread carefully in order not to offend and strive to remain politically correct yet the word of God is clear on many issues we face. Many of these issues should be black and white, but they are not. Below are some questions we should ask ourselves in areas that appear unclear. Our guide should always be the word of God, not other Christians. Other Christians may stumble, but the word of God remains true.
I know this is a sensitive subject but since I have been personally invited to this event, please allow me “go to there”.
While we have the freedom to make our own choices, the Bible has some clear answers that I wish to share.
Is it spiritually beneficial? All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify. (1 Cor. 10:23) A “profitable” thing is useful, helpful, or to your advantage to do; and the idea behind “edify” is to build up spiritually. So based on this verse, ask yourself, “Will going to the Mugithi event enhance my spiritual life? Will it cultivate godliness? Will it build me up spiritually?” For me, the answer to this question is no.
Will it defile the Temple of the Lord? Don’t do anything that you know will harm your body or bring shame – it is the only instrument you have to glorify God. Romans 6:13 says, “Present yourselves to God as being alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.” How we choose to use our bodies should always reflect our concern to honor Jesus Christ.
Will it cause anyone to fall? This is the principle of love. As Romans 13:10 says: “Love does no wrong to a neighbor; love therefore is the fulfillment of the law.” If you know that your choice-what you consider “in bounds” and approved-causes another Christian to stumble and sin, love that brother or sister enough to restrict your own freedom. That is not very popular in our society today, but it is biblical. To continue to indulge in a legitimate freedom that causes problems for another Christian is a sin. For “by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore,” Paul said, “if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, that I might not cause my brother to stumble.” (1 Cor. 8:12-13)
Food will not commend us to God; we are neither the worse if we do not eat, nor the better if we do eat. But take care lest this liberty of yours somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. (1 Cor. 8:8-9).
Whether we like it or not, we may be the role models that others look up to. Let us cause our brother or sister to stumble by our actions.
Is it helping in spreading the gospel? Many of us are not out there evangelizing. We may not be “out there” telling others about Jesus Christ but whether we are aware of it or not, what we allow or disallow in our behavior affects our witness for Jesus Christ – and the world is watching us.
Last year after “Musaimo” came to entertain here in Dallas, a lot of people could not wait to let others know which “Christians” were seen dancing to his lyrics. Why? Because it is an issue of testimony – what our life says about God. Our testimony either tells the truth about God, or it tells a lie. The choices we make in the unclear areas should reflect our concern not to bring offense to God’s reputation but to bring Him praise instead. “Give no offense either to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God; just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of the many, that they may be saved (1 Cor. 10:32-33).
Will it Violate my Conscience? If our conscience is troubled by what we are considering, Let us not do it. If we are unsure about it – if we must wonder if it is right or wrong, let us refrain from doing it. The conscience is described as that “small voice” within us. I cannot overstate the value of a clean conscience, but it is worth keeping our conscience clear so that our relationship to God will not be hindered. Living with a clear conscience before Christ and others is a worthy goal for us to pursue.
Will it bring Glory to God?
As Christians, we should always seek to bring glory to God in everything that we do. The bible says, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31). This verse is clearly both the summary and the goal of all the principles above. Let us think about our decisions and ask, will God be glorified, honored, and praised through our actions? If I went to Mugithi, would I say along with Jesus, “I glorified You on the earth.” (John 17:4)
We all should examine the word of God for ourselves if the issues we face are unclear so that we can all enjoy our freedom in Christ.
Mama C.
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Happy Monday!!!
Mama C
Happy Monday!!! 3/22/2010
No sooner had I pondered on the question than I started receiving invitations in my inbox. My invitation reads, “It is true. The one and only King of Mugithi; one man guitar …. will be performing live”.
Today Pastor Mutisya preached on one of my favorite subjects: Serving. Specifically, serving God through serving others.
It is amazing how God blesses us when we direct attention away from ourselves to others.
As sometimes my life becomes monotonous.. waking up each weekday, going to work – going home in the evening.. waking up the next day going to work, returning home in the evening.. week in, week out. Often I ask myself, is this all? I am convinced that there is more to life than this repetitious living. No matter how much we make – it is never enough.. we get more and more stuff and it is still enough… Surely there must be more to life than this.
One of the primary ways of connecting with others in a more meaningful way is to serve. God has uniquely wired us all with gifts, talents and passions and equipped us to magnify Him by serving in the church. My hope is that we would all cultivate the same attitude described in Philippians 2:3 doing “nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility counting others more important than ourselves.”
As we feel led, service will inevitably become a part of our life’s worship. We pray that, in serving, God will mature and strengthen our gifts and create in us a servant’s heart that would bleed into all areas of our life. Let us permit God to guide us to the areas of ministry in which He has created and designed us to serve in. Don’t be afraid to step out and try something new. He will always enable us to do what He calls us to do.
In order to determine if we are experiencing the life God has for us in serving His church, let us ask ourselves:
Are we willing to answer the call to ministry, even in the smallest of ways?
Are we using our time and talents to accomplish the ministry God has for us?
Are we living a life of gratitude by joyfully donating a portion of our time and talent back to God?
Emma
As many of you may know, Emma had surgery this last week. She is still in a lot of pain but doing well.
I had the privilege of visiting with Emma yesterday. Had some great tea and mandazi there.. thank you Gracie!!!
At Emma’s apartment I met her neighbor, Githu, who came by to see Emma and also wanted to go wash her car. It so happens that someone else had cleaned Emma’s car the day before.. so guess what!!!! Githu offered to wash my car…
Wooohooo!!!!! my car was so dirty that this was such a God-sent!!! I thank God for Emma’s friend.. my car looks great…
May God bless the brother…. and may the Lord shine His face upon him… May God be gracious to him and give him Peace…
Those of us that know Emma know that she is very strong, very courageous. Emma has put on a great fight.
Emma has great doctors. I believe the work the medical doctors are doing is good. I would encourage you Emma to follow all the instructions they give you BUT remember that a Great Physician is up above and can meet you down here at your very point of need.
Cancer can bow to prayers. God declares emphatically in His Word, “…I am the LORD, who heals you”. Exodus 15:26. In Exodus 23:25 the Lord continues to declare that He will not only give us food and water but He will also take away sickness from us. Any sickness in God’s eyes is the same. Our Great and Mighty God is still the LORD our healer. Amen???
One of the names of Our Mighty God is “Jehovah Rapha”. The LORD God that heals us.
Cancer roots dry at the command of our God!!! Cancer cells will stop spreading at the command of God. His Word will restore health to you, Emma. The bible further says this in the book of Philippians 2:9-10 “Therefore God has exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the Glory of God the Father”.
This tells me that Lung Cancer will bow at the name of Jesus Christ. Healing will be attained by trusting in His Wonderful name.
Let us all join in believing with Emma for total healing!!!!
****************************************
Vickie
I had the opportunity to visit Vickie today with a few members of the Hospitality Team.
Vickie’s apartment is on the 3rd floor so she is temporarily living with a friend. She will be moving to another apartment
in her complex on the 1st floor next week. Once she moves, I will let you all know so we can arrange a visit and go thank God with Vickie for saving her life.
Vickie still cannot put weight on her injured right leg. The leg was fractured in 3 different places.
She is healing well even though she is still in a lot of pain. This is not unexpected after this kind of injury.
Vickie and her mother are very thankful to God for the miracle performed at the sight of the accident.
Her car exploded into a ball of fire 30 secs after she was pulled out. Wow!!! We continue to thank God for that miracle.
I told Vickie that I think God saved her life so she could serve with me and you in the Hospitality Team.
As soon as she gets well I will be sure to Push….. and push…. (No pressure here, Vickie!!!)..
We had some delicious samosas, mandazis and great food at Vickie’s. Okey, I do know for sure I have added weight since I started visiting in the name of the Hospitality Team… I am not complaining.
One of the things that I would want us to do when Vickie moves to her new downstairs apartment mid-next week, is to cook for her.
As you can imagine, she won’t be able to do some tasks for a while.. In the meantime, she will still need to eat…
Happy Monday
