LIFE LESSONS FROM THE ANT

LIFE LESSONS FROM THE ANT

What's the first thing that crosses your mind when you think of an ant? For most people, the first thought is ‘yuck,' or ‘eek' – because an ant is a pest!

There are, though, some important life lessons one can learn from the ant. First, look at the verses below.

Proverbs 6:6-8 "Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and become wise. Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, they labor hard all summer, gathering food for the winter." (NLT)

Proverbs 30:24-25 ‘There are four things on the earth that are small but unusually wise. Ants – they aren't strong, but they store up food all summer." (NLT)

A) Ants are self-driven.

That lone ant you see wandering around the house is not doing so aimlessly; it has a mission. It is looking for food, and once it finds it, it will alert the rest of the ants to come and help carry the loot. Now here's the thing – this ant came searching of its own volition; nobody sent it out to look for food.

Many people wait to be shown what to do, how to do it and when to do it. That may be a good approach, but most successful people will tell you that they are self-driven. An inner push drives them to improve themselves, work smart and succeed.

In the same way, the Christian should not wait to be told to develop a deeper relationship with God. The desire to know God should come from within.

B) Ants are committed to the task.

Even without any form of leadership, ants keep working. Interestingly, each ant knows what his or her role is, and it does that task with zeal. Ants intuitively know that the work they do is for the benefit of the ant community.

Your community consists of your family, friends, workplace colleagues and church. In the workplace, you have your role, which is the task that you are hired to do. If you are not committed to your role, the organization cannot run smoothly.

It goes without saying that every Christian should know what he or she is supposed to do for the Lord. Sadly, many believers are clueless on their role in the body of Christ. The church cannot function efficiently unless every member takes up his or her role.

Ask God to show you what he wants you to do, and then be committed to its accomplishment.

C) Ants are wiser than they look.

That tiny, little black insect is a wise creature. It knows that when food is in plenty, it must be stored for seasons when there is none. It also knows how to attract its fellow ants to a lucrative food source.

Ants appear to understand the times and seasons better than people do. How many times have you seen people squander a windfall, rather than invest it? Just like an ant, a wise person should always store up resources during the good times in anticipation of the lean times.

The same applies to the Christian life. When things are going well, use that time to build your relationship with the Lord, so that when bad times come, you have a firm foundation to stand on.

D) Ants are determined to succeed.

Each ant can carry items that weigh twenty times its body weight. Though it is hard work, this ant makes sure it gets the load to the food store. After delivering its payload, it goes back for more! Ants work hard and determine to do a good job.

It's too hard! I can't do this! These words come out of many mouths when given a task that seems too hard to accomplish.  If one adopts the mindset of the ant, however, no task is too difficult to achieve.

Are you feeling as if the Christian life is proving to be more of a challenge than you had imagined? Take heart, periods of discouragement are normal. If you purpose in your heart not to give up, God will give you the strength that you need.

As you start the week, keep the virtues of self-drive, commitment, wisdom and determination close. If you feel like you need a little encouragement, refer to the verse below to keep you going.

Philippians 4:13 "For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength." (NLT)

Did you miss last week's devotion? Check out the link below.
four-simple-lessons-from-psalm-37

HOW TO HELP YOUR PRESCHOOLER SETTLE IN SCHOOL

HOW TO HELP YOUR PRESCHOOLER SETTLE IN SCHOOL

Finally, the time has come for your little angel to join a school. The transition from home to school, however, needs to be managed correctly, so that your child is not stressed.

Below are some hints on how to help your child cope with the first few days in school.

1. Prepare yourselves.

Talk to your child long before to explain the need for going to school, and what happens there. Older siblings can help psyche up your younger child for school. You can also visit a few schools and see which one your baby likes best. Some schools even allow the child to visit for a few hours to get a feel of school life. You can also get reviews of different schools from other parents, as well as tips on how to handle the first few days of school.

2. Organize yourself.

Once you settle on a school, the real work begins. Make a checklist indicating what you need for the first day. Buy whatever you need in advance so that you are not rushing around the day before school opens. Label uniforms, lunch boxes and water bottles in good time. Find out about the transport arrangements and meals. If possible, pay the school fees early to avoid long queues. If you have everything ready by the time school opens, you will have more time to help your child transition into school life.

3. Manage your anxieties.

The parent is usually more anxious about the first days of school than the child is. As a parent, you need to handle your fears so that they do not rub off on the child. Share your worries with your spouse, partner or a close friend. Do not let your child know that you are a bundle of nerves.

4. Give yourselves enough preparation time in the morning.

Your child should enjoy the process of getting ready for school. A mad morning rush puts everybody on edge, and as a result, the child may be stressed. Wake up earlier every morning on school days and prepare your child in a relaxed manner. Give the child time to eat breakfast as you chat. If you need to leave for work before your baby goes to school, give your helper the same instructions.

5. Set a routine.

Children work best when given a routine to follow. Developing a routine for before and after school can work to your advantage. The morning routine should include a specific wake-up time, breakfast and changing clothes in the order that works best for you. Let the after-school routine include a meal, nap, homework, playtime and of course, bedtime.

Note that bedtime should be earlier on school days, because of the earlier wake-up times. Set definite times for going to bed and waking up, bearing in mind that your child needs enough rest after a long day at school.

6. Communicate.

Find out how your child is coping at school. Talk about the teacher, friends, school bus, meals and anything else that relates to school. These conversations help the parent know whether the child is adjusting or not. If your kid does not seem to be handling things well, be there to reassure and support.

Develop a rapport with your child's teacher. If your child has trouble coping, work together with the teacher to make the transition period easier. Remember that your child spends several hours with the teacher daily, and as such, he or she is best placed to know how things are going in school.

7. Be realistic.

Not every child copes well at first. If your baby does not handle change very well, you will notice an increase in tears and toilet accidents. At this point, reassure your child in a loving manner. Ask the teacher for advice on how to handle the sudden changes in your child. If you handle this period correctly, your baby will grow to love school and will be crying for his teacher on the weekends.

Parents, remember that children are different. Treat your baby as an individual. If the process of starting school goes well, you will have a happy child.  Even if there are few hiccups, with your support and encouragement, your child will adjust to the new surroundings in no time. Most importantly, be a loving parent.

All the best!

See the link below for tips on choosing a preschool. http://alisonkiriinya.blogspot.co.ke/2016/10/10-important-points-that-should.html

FOUR SIMPLE LESSONS FROM PSALM 37

FOUR SIMPLE LESSONS FROM PSALM 37

Psalm 37 is one of those psalms that one reads repeatedly. Within this psalm, several pointers stand out that apply to the Christian life. Today's post will highlight four of them.

1. Trust in the Lord.

Psalm 37:3 "Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. "(NLT)

To trust in someone is to believe in his or her reliability, ability or strength. When you believe in God, you are acknowledging that he can do everything that he promises to. His power is incomparable, and he is completely reliable. Why trust in man when you can trust in God?

2. Delight in the Lord.

Psalm 37:4 "Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart." (NIV)

What does it mean to delight in the Lord? To delight in God is to find satisfaction, fulfillment, and peace from your communion with him. You can therefore only delight in God if you spend time in his presence. As you fellowship with him and get to know him better, you will enjoy spending time with him. God desires to have an intimate relationship with every one of his children.

3. Commit everything to the Lord.

Psalm 37:5 "Commit everything you do to the LORD. Trust him, and he will help you." (NIV)

Committing everything to the Lord means rolling everything over to him, and handing all your heavy burdens to him to carry. God takes our burdens gladly because he has the strength to handle them. Are you unsure about your plans? Is fear of the future weighing you down? Commit your plans to the Lord, and leave their success in his hands.

4. Be still in his presence.

Psalm 37:7a "Be still in the presence of the LORD, and wait patiently for him to act." (NLT)

Stillness in the presence of God refers to silence, calmness, and quietness. When you sit still and quiet in his presence, you do not fight against him. Instead, you are ready to hear from him, and more importantly, obey him. If you are going through a period of turmoil, take some time away to be still in his presence, and listen to what he has to say to you.

There you go- four truths from Psalm 37!

Have a blessed week!

CAN I REALLY DO THIS?

CAN I REALLY DO THIS? (A LESSON ON FAITH)

The commencement of a new year usually signifies new beginnings. 

Have you been asking God to show you what he wants you to accomplish this year? Is there a dream that he has placed in your heart, of something that will come to fruition before 2017 is over? If so, chances are you will have periods of doubt where you will ask if God spoke to you, and if you heard him correctly. You may also be asking yourself, can I really do this?

You can do this. I can do this. Faith in God is all we need.

Here are a few pointers to encourage you in this journey.

A) With God, everything is possible.

Are you feeling like that task God has given you is too difficult?

Luke 1:37 "For with God nothing [is or ever] shall be impossible." (AMP)

Imagine how Mary felt when she heard these words. God had spoken to her about Jesus' conception, and to her, it sounded very far-fetched. After hearing these words, however, she was encouraged and submitted herself to God's will.

B) Don't doubt God.

James 1:6 "But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind." (NIV)

Ask God for wisdom and grace to complete the task. When you present your petition to him, do not doubt him. Trust in him fully, and let him take charge. Remember, you are just the vessel!

C) Have faith.

God honors even the tiniest bit of faith. Remember the mustard seed?

Luke 17:6 ‘The Lord answered, "if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and thrown into the sea,' and it would obey you."' (NLT)

A mustard seed is a tiny seed, with a diameter of at most 2 millimeters. That is how much faith you need to achieve your dream.

D) Have confidence that things will work out.

Hebrews 11:1 "Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see."(NLT)

Once you put your faith in God, you have the assurance that what you are hoping to achieve will become a reality.

 I hope you are now encouraged to step out in faith, believing that God will walk with you through the year ahead.

Did you miss last week's article? Here's the link
http://alisonkiriinya.blogspot.co.ke/2017/01/planning-ahead.html

PLANNING AHEAD

PLANNING AHEAD

Happy New Year! I hope you had a refreshing holiday season and you got to catch up with the people who mean the most to you.

At the beginning of each year, there is lots of optimism as people make all kinds of resolutions. This post is not about resolutions, though, it is about planning.  A plan is something that you intend to do, and you stick to because it has a definite time frame and conclusion. Examples of plans include starting your degree, moving house, buying land, etc.

Below are a few thoughts concerning God and your plans.

1. God wants us to plan ahead

Psalm 90:12 "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (NIV)

Different versions put this verse this way:-

"Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom." (NLT)

"Oh! Teach us to live well! Teach us to live wisely and well!" (MSG)

Does the wise man fumble blindly through life without knowing where he is going? No! A wise man will always have a plan.   Decide what you want to achieve, whether in the short or long term.  At the end of the year when you look back at your achievements, you will understand the wisdom behind the words in the above scripture.

2. God's plans are good

Jeremiah 29:11 ‘ "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not disaster to give you future and a hope."' (NIV)

Many people around the world love this verse, most likely because it is so encouraging to know that God has good plans for everybody. As you make your plans for this year, it is good to seek God and ask him to direct you. If you and God are on the same page, it is likely that your plans will succeed, all for the glory and honor of his name.

3. God establishes our plans

Proverbs 16:9 "A man's mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], But the LORD directs his steps and establishes them." (AMP)

The NIV version says, "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps."

To establish means to set up or build. After you decide on the direction you intend to take, you need to ask the Lord to bless your plans so that they succeed. You may have the grandest of plans, but for them to work out, you need the Lord's favor.

4. God's purpose always prevails

Proverbs 19:21 "Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." (NIV)

Finally, you need to commit your plans to the Lord. God's purpose will always prevail regardless of what you have planned. Surrender your plans to the Lord, and then if they do not work out, you will be at peace, appreciating that he is still in control.

Make the Lord your partner as you plan, and be sure to thank him when things work out for his glory. All the best!