Un-LEash

I've had few instances in life when I was scared...almost seeing a twilight moment unfolding in slow motion. I had one such moment today. I was on my way to a workshop this morning. I did not have many issues except terrible roads and inconsiderate and selfish people (ie, the usual). I was in the Mona area when I approached an intersection (my right of way) and saw that a taxi was contemplating making his way in front of me. In anticipation of what is normal (ie, him swinging in-front of me when he aught not), I started to depress my brake...and it was like mush. WTH?! Fortunately, there was no car directly in front of me, so by the time the pedal reached the floor, it slowed. Fortunately also the taxi was gracious to allow me to continue unobstructed. No doubt my heart was racing by this time. I was totally unprepared for this. I sauntered on until I reached my final destination (not the movie one thank God). I began to wonder if dem potholes were to be blamed...or if it wasn...

When I was preparing for today's Sunday School, I had options. The one that won out was on the theme "Called to Serve". It was based on the fore-telling of Jesus' birth to His mother . At first I was a bit hesitant to go back over the story we heard so many times just a few weeks ago, but it wasn't up to me. What did we get from the lesson? Faith - Mary was clearly terrified by the sudden appearance of angels (an uncommon occurrence). But she clearly had the faith to overcome whatever fear she may've felt by the news. Courage - In that very patriarchal society, the woman is the one at risk of being stoned to death for being pregnant before marriage. This was not far from Mary's consciousness. And yet, she was determined to fulfill her destiny. Willingness - If there is anything we have in abundance, it's choice. And to serve is exactly that. God knew Mary was willing to carry out that awesome task, and she certainly didn't disappoint. The bo...

I hate flying. For someone who traveled 4 times in 2014 and is likely to travel again this year, that's not necessarily a great "fear" to have. And here's what happened... When I was younger, I loved to fly. I remember looking out the window of the plane and thinking, "cooool". The feeling of take-off was just wonderful! I mean, you are flying! Landing was just as cool...why else would people clap?! And it seems my imagination was in the clouds at time. I told my primary school friends how "pickable" the clouds were and that the toilets would release their content into the sky (some may've hit the ships or birds below). What fun times! Years later, I grew up. And with growing came knowledge. And knowledge can oft be a dangerous thing because that's when it went downhill. Planes were now controlled by people (prone to error). Parts can malfunction when one least expects. Turbulence (especially in small airplanes) is not fun. Take-off and...

I've been on a journey to eat healthier for well over a year now. I was not eating enough fruits and vegetables and oft got ill (flu mostly). Multi-vitamin consumption was haphazard. I decided that life could not continue like that, and thus began a turn-around. It started with a relatively cheap smoothie blender (from Amazon.com). Since I found it difficult to eat fruits (not entirely sure why), I thought - why not drink them? I started with bananas and milk, then added papaya, and now I'm experimenting with various fruits and vegetables. In keeping with my healthy theme, I later tried to prepare foods that are somewhat tasty but good for my arteries. I should add that a new stove (since Sept last year) was a booster of epic proportions (maybe an exaggeration, but hey). I find vegetarian dishes better in many instances. Today, that was particularly the case. I decided to try a veggie pizza. It was partly to appease a conscience which is recovering from some Christmas food ...

I have a Bucket List. Some think that's morbid, others think I should call it a "to-do" list. Regardless, I have and am identifying those things which I want to do before I "kick the bucket", however long from now that is. What have I checked so far? A Cruise! - I wanted to do this for so many years, and I got the opportunity in 2013. I did all of 7 days touring the Eastern Caribbean (St Marteen/St Martin; St Thomas and St John, USVI; and the Bahamas). I did it solo (wasn't my first choice but a friend backed out), and it was so worth it. Going to Broadway! I've always been fascinated by Broadway...actors live on stage giving top-class performances. So in 2012, I went to see Mary Poppins! It was pretty cool. No regrets...worth every bit of the almost US$90 I paid for the ticket (and that was a discounted price). Flying 1st Class! My curiosity was piqued from a young age about the diff...

2013 was The Year of Faith . 2014...the very same. Any regrets? No. Was it successful? To some degree. Faith is built only when there is something to test it, and things there were! Do I have more growing and learning to do? Absolutely! I had several moments of unbelief (and will likely have several more), but that's the growing part. So what next? 2015 has been designated The Year of Seeking the Kingdom (Matt 6:33). I saw it on a wall somewhere and the concept was reinforced in several different ways. So having done some research, I finally have a better idea of what it means...at least for me and the year ahead. He rules! This is not so easy I've learnt. For one, I sometimes have difficulty distinguishing my voice from His. Further, I admit I don't always want to go where I THINK He wants me to. So this year I will make an even greater effort to listen to His voice and follow directions. Peace! Some things money can't buy, peace of mind included. I have se...