NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE FROM YOUR DREAMS ARE VALID.

How school for orphans became Laikipia’s best

Adopted from the People’s Daily News Paper 27^th March 2014

 

By JAMES MURIMI

 

When Education Cabinet Secretary Jacob Kaimenyi announced the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) 2013 examination results, nobody imagined that a humble school located in the interior part of Laikipia County could do well. Against all odds, students of Thoome Boys’ Secondary School who come from vulnerable backgrounds broke a record by clinching the top position in the district schools category in the county.

 

The school had a mean grade of B plain (9.41 points) and out of the 22 students who sat for the national examination, only one did not attain minimum university qualifications. The school had one A plain, four A-, six B+, seven B plain, one B-, two C+ and one C plain. The students, most of whom are orphans, normally wake up at 4.30am every day, milk school cows, clean the compound and feed rabbits and manage a chicken pen. After classes they split firewood and manage a green- house.

 

When we visited the school recently, we observed that the boarding institution does not have a proper dormitory facility; an incomplete laboratory and a library structure have been converted into dormitories. The students also cover three kilometres to and from the seasonal Narumoru River where they fetch water for consumption at the school. The Ministry of Water conducted a hydrological survey on the 4.5 acre school compound but no bore hole has been done so far.

 

If they fall sick, students have to walk about 6km to and from the nearby Tigithi Health Centre for medical attention. Started four years ago, the school did not have any utensils and the cook, Alex Ngunjiri, donated utensils to help prepare meals for the students. “Uncle Alex”, as he is known to the students, has over the years been encouraging them to persevere by ignoring lack of luxuries such as tea with sugar.

Principal Samuel Wahome Mweri says that when he was posted to the school in 2011, there were only two teachers; himself and his deputy, Stephen Mwangi Mureithi. Former Laikipia East Member of Parliament Mwangi Kiunjuri, helped in sponsoring some of the pupils. At first they used pressure lamps at night, which used to break, forcing the students to use torches to study. “Our school did not have electricity connectivity but nevertheless, my students did not waste time as they remained focused and understanding throughout,” says Wahome.

 

“Kiunjuri gave us Sh105,000 from the Constituency Development Fund kitty for the electricity connection,” he adds. The school made big strides after purchasing a computer, printer and a photocopier. Teachers and learning materials are hired from the nearby Tigithi Secondary School. “But we don’t have any laboratory and my students walk for 2.5km to Tigithi Secondary School where we use their laboratory facilities for practical lessons over the weekends.

 

We also depend on the school for library services until our new structures are complete,” says Wahome. Construction of a twin laboratory and library rooms is underway, with support of Sh3 million from the CDF kitty under current MP, Mutahi Kimaru. The MP also donated Sh550,000 cheque to the school to equip science laboratories and libraries. Area District Education Officer Ali Sheikh has also helped the school to get relief food from the District Commissioner’s office and grants of laboratory equipment from the Ministry of Education have been received.

 

“We also conduct practical lessons in some of the classrooms as we wait for the completion of the new laboratories,” says the principal. The school admits students from every ward in Laikipia County who are vetted at the grassroots to ensure that they are from needy families. The vetting team comprises Members of County Assembly, religious leaders, chiefs and village elders who write a report and submit it to the principal.

 

Thoome is a cosmopolitan institution comprising students from all ethnic groups in the country. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of their major sponsors, has constructed a zero-grazing unit in the compound. The conservancy has also supplied two dairy cows, installed a biogas system and sponsored eight students.

 

EDITED BY MOSES NJOROGE

 

MY SPEECH DURING THE WAGEBILL DEBATE HELD ON 24TH MARCH 2014 IN NAYUKI-LAIKIPIA COUNTY

MY SPEECH DURING THE WAGEBILL DEBATE HELD ON 24^TH MARCH 2014 IN NANYUKI-LAIKIPIA COUNTY

REPRESENTING THE YOUTH. CHIEF GUEST WAS H.E THE GOVERNOR JOSHUA IRUNGU LAIKIPIA COUNTY

H.E THE GOVERNOR,JOSHUA IRUNGU-LAIKIPIA, SRC COMMISIONERS PRESENT ALL PROTOCALS OBSERVED, LADIES AND GENTLE MEN, I AM SO HUMBLED TO STAND BEFORE YOU TODAY REPRESNTING A TYPICAL KENYAN YOUTH, I KNOW THE NUMBERS HAVE ALREADY BEEN DISSUSSED THEREFORE I WOULD LIKE JUST TO SHARE WITH YOU THE EFFECTS OF THE ESCALATING WAGE BILL TO THE YOUTH..

Kenyans in the age bracket 1-30 years constitute 75% of the Countries’ population, forming the largest source of Human resource.

The Economic growth rate has not been sufficient to create enough employment opportunities to absorb the increasing labor force of about 500,000 annually. Only about 25% of the youth are absorbed leaving the 75% to bear the burden of unemployment.

Research shows that the youth prefers to work in the private sector yet the youth make 67% of the adult population currently at about 60% of the Kenya’s entire population. (Youth book fact 2010) As inferred from the above statistics, it’s clear that the youth are the largest consumers of government services.

HERE ARE SOME OF THE EFFECTS OF UNSUSTAINABLE WAGE BILL ON US THE YOUTH

1.       DEBT BURDEN

The youth of Kenya are the bridge between this generation and the future generations. A rising budget deficit associated by an ever rising public sector wage bill forces the government to borrow both locally and internationally. This has over the years raised the national debt close to 2 trillion and as such the youth of Kenya will inherit the debt burden.  For purposes of intergenerational equity as enshrined in our constitution, we must work on reducing debt burden for future generations.

2.       SKEWED PRIORITIES

The youth will lose out on investments in the five key youth areas on empowerment theses are

-Access to quality Education, Skills development ,b)access to information c)Access to affordable Credit D)Access to market for their skills and services and E)technological transfer.  MOST OF THIS MONEY ENDS UP BEING USED IN SALARIES AND ALLOWANCES.

3.       UNCOMPETITIVE PRIVATE SECTOR

-An unsustainable wage Bill contributes to loss of Jobs in the private sector which is the biggest employer of the youth. It’s an agreed truism that macroeconomics that the private sector is the driver of an effective economy and consequently national development, the current state of the private sector is one that can’t deliver Vision 2030 as envisioned in the Blueprint.

4.       INFRINGEMENT OF THE RIGHTS OF THE YOUTH

The governments mandate is to provide an all inclusive social economic empowerment to the youth. A ballooning wage bill has made it hard for government to deliver on its mandate as the enabler of the social economic development as enshrines in the bill of rights.

The spiraling Wage Bill needs to address to allow the freeing of resources for the youth.

 

MR. MOSES NJOROGE

YOUTH DIRECTOR

MT. KENYA BAPTIST CHURCH

CAREER COUNSELOR, YOUTH COUNSELOR, MOTIVATIONAL SPEEKER.       

 

Youthdirector.mkbc@gmail

moresaysgn@yahoo.com

 

10 SIGNALS THAT A CHURCH DOESNT WELCOME VISITORS....

I READ AND LOVED THIS HAVE A LOOK AT IT AND SEE IF ANY OF THESE CAN HELP US WELCOME MORE PEOPLE IN THE KINGDOM.

Here are ten ways churches signal newcomers they are not wanted.

1. The front door is locked.

One church where I was to preach has a lovely front facade which borders on the sidewalk. The front doors are impressive and stately. So, after parking to the side of the building, I did what I always do: walked to the front and entered as a visitor would.

Except I didn't go in.

The doors were locked. All of them.

After walking back around the side and entering from the parking lot, I approached an usher and asked about the locked door. "No one comes in from that entrance," he said. "The parking lot is to the side."

I said, "What about walk-ups? People from the neighborhood who come across the street."

He said, "No one does that."

He's right. They stay away because the church has told them they're not welcome.

One church I visited had plate glass doors where the interior of the lobby was clearly visible from the front steps. A table had been shoved against the doors to prevent anyone from entering that way. I did not ask why; I knew. The parking lot was in the rear. Regulars parked back there and entered through those doors.

That church, in a constant struggle for survival, is its own worst enemy. They might as well erect a sign in front of the church that reads, "First-timers unwelcome."

2. The functioning entrance is opened late.

Even if we understand why a rarely used front door is kept locked, it makes no sense that the primary door should be closed. And yet, I have walked up to an entrance clearly marked and found it locked. The pastor explained, "We unlock it 15 minutes prior to the service."

If that pastor is a friend and we already have a solid relationship, I will say something gracious, like, "What? Are you out of your cotton-picking mind? A lot of people like to come early. Seniors do. First-timers like to get there early to see the lay of the land. That door ought to be unlocked a minimum of 45 minutes prior to the announced worship time."

If the pastor and I are meeting for the first time, I'll still make the point, although a little gentler than that.

3. The church bulletin gives inadequate information.

The announcement reads: "The youth will have their next meeting this week at Stacy's house. See Shawn for directions. Team B is in charge of refreshments."

Good luck to the young person visiting that day and hoping to break into the clique. He has no idea who Shawn is, how to get to Stacy's house or what's going on if he dares to attend.

So, the youth does not return. Next Sunday, he tries that church across town that is drawing in great crowds of teens. For good reason, I imagine. They act like they actually want them to come.

4. The pulpit is unfriendly to first-timers.

The pastor says, "I'm going to call on Bob to lead the prayer." Or, "Now, Susan will tell us about the women's luncheon today." "Tom will be at the front door with information on the project."

By not using the full names of the individuals, the pastor ends up speaking only to the insiders. Outsiders entered without knowing anyone and leave the same way.

5. The congregation sends its own signals.

Is visitors parking clearly marked? And when you park there, does someone greet you with a warm welcome and helpful information? Or, do you find a parking place wherever you can and receive only stares as you approach the entrance?

Did you get the impression that you were sitting in someone else's pew today?

Did anyone make an effort to learn your name and see if you have a question? Or, was the only handshake you received given during the in-service time as announced in the bulletin? (Those, incidentally, do not count when assessing the friendliness of a congregation. Only spontaneous acts of kindness count.)

This week, a pastor and I had lunch at a diner in downtown New Orleans which I've visited only once and he not at all. We were amused at some of the signs posted around the eatery. One said rather prominently, "Guests are not to stay beyond one hour." My friend Jim laughed, "I guess they're saying we shouldn't dawdle."

Churches have their own signs, although not as clear or blatant as that. Usually, they are read in the faces, smiles (or lack of one), and tone of voice of members.

6. The insider language keeps outsiders away.

Now, I'm not one who believes we should strip all our worship service prayers and hymns and sermons of all references to sanctification, the blood, justification, atonement, and such. This is who we are.

However, when we use the terms without a word of explanation--particularly, if we do it again and again--first-timers unaccustomed to the terms feel the same way you would if you dropped in on a foreign language class mid-semester: lost.

We signal visitors that they are welcome in our services when we give occasional explanations to our terms and customs which they might find strange.

7. No attempt is made to get information on visitors.

Now, most church bulletins which I see from week to week have the perforated tear-off which asks for all kinds of informations and even gives people ways to sign up for courses or dinners. But I've been amazed at how many do not ask for that information.

So, a visitor comes and goes. The church had one opportunity to reach out to him or her and blew it.

A church which is successful in reaching people for Christ will use redundancy. That is, they will have multiple methods for engaging newcomers, everything from greeters in the parking lot to friendly ushers to attractive bulletins and after-service receptions.

8. No one follows up on first-timers.

One of the ministers of my church helped me with this. He said, "Asking people to fill out a guest card implies that there will be some kind of contact with them afterwards." He pointed out that our pastor informs them "no salesman will call," but even so, "Someone phones many visitors and letters go out to most."

The first-timer who visits a church and does everything right has a right to expect some kind of follow-up from a leader of that congregation.

We're frequently told that people today cherish their privacy and do not want to give their name and contact information until they decide this church is trustworthy. My response to that is: it's true, but not universally true. Many people still want to be enthusiastically welcomed and will respond to invitations to give given the grand tour and taken to lunch afterwards.

In most cases leaders can tell from guest cards whether a visit will be welcomed. If not, at the very least a phone call should be made. If the caller receives an answering machine, he/she leaves the message and may decide this is sufficient for the first time. (Every situation is different. There are few hard and fast rules. Ask the Holy Spirit to lead you.)

9. Intangibles often send the signals loud and clear.

In one church I served, a couple roamed the auditorium before and after services in search of anyone they did not know. Lee and Dottie Andrews greeted the newcomers, engaged them in conversation, and quickly determined if an invitation to lunch would be in order. Almost every Sunday, they hosted a visiting family at the local cafeteria. At least half of these joined our church.

In another church, a husband and wife who sold real estate brought their clients to church with them. Some of the most active and faithful members who joined during my years in that church were introduced by Bob and Beth Keys.

Often, it's nothing more than a great smile that seals the deal. Or a warm, genuinely friendly handshake.

A friendly, "Hey, have you found everything you need here?" may be all that's needed.

Some churches install a newcomers desk in the foyer, where visitors can meet knowledgable leaders, pick up material, and get questions answered. Those can be great, but there is one caveat: you must have the right people on that desk. Individuals gifted with great smiles and servant spirits and infinite patience are ideal.

10. What happens following the service can make the difference.

You the newcomer have enjoyed the service, you were blessed by the sermon, and you would like to greet the pastor and begin an acquaintance with this church. Most churches are set up for you to do just this. But not all.

I've been in churches where within 5 minutes after the benediction, the place was deserted. People were so eager to leave, they hardly spoke to one another, much less guests. The signal they send the visitor is clear: "We don't care for our church and you wouldn't either."

Healthy church congregations love each other and welcome newcomers and their people are reluctant to leave following the end of services.

One wonders if pastors and other leaders realize just how scary it can be for a person new in the city to venture into an unfamiliar church. It is an act of courage of the first dimension.

The Lord told Israel to reach out to newcomers and welcome them. After all, they themselves knew what it was to live in a strange country where the language and customs were foreign and they were missing home. God wanted Israel to remember always how that felt so they would welcome the stranger within their gates.

How much more should a church of the Lord Jesus Christ.

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You stand tallest on your knees.

Prayer is powerful. In Matthew 7:7-8, Jesus said, "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened."

When a child asks his or her parents for something, they will usually do almost anything just to answer the child's request. For example, if a baby starts crying for food, a good parent will drop everything in order to feed the little child.

When you ask your parents for something, they will probably be quite eager to help you. The Bible says that God is our heavenly Father—the best possible father. So, how much more do you think God is looking to answer your prayers?

Therefore, if you need to hear from God, "ask and it will be given to you."

James 5:16 says that "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." Then, James gives an example of the power of prayer: "Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops" (James 5:17-18). That's amazing power. But what gave Elijah such power? Prayer.

It is no wonder that in Matthew 21:21, Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done."

Prayer is powerful. When you have unwavering faith in God, He will answer your prayers. That's why you stand tallest on your knees.

“PEOPLE WILL SERVE AND FOLLOW THE LEADERs WHO SERVES THEIR NEEDS”

“PEOPLE WILL SERVE AND FOLLOW THE LEADERs WHO SERVES THEIR NEEDS”

 

KEEPING LEADERSHIP’S ROLE IN FOCUS

Ezekiel 34 provides an excellent example of how leadership style and attitude impact people and organizational productivity.

….“Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? ³ You eat the fat and clothe yourselves with the wool; you slaughter the fatlings, but you do not feed the flock. ⁴ The weak you have not strengthened, nor have you healed those who were sick, nor bound up the broken, nor brought back what was driven away, nor sought what was lost; but with force and cruelty you have ruled them. ⁵ So they were scattered because there was no shepherd; and they became food for all the beasts of the field when they were scattered…….EZEKIEL 34:2-5

 

SOME VERY IMPORTANT LEADERSHIP PRINCIPLES THAT ARE SUGGESTED HERE ARE:-

1.       THE LEADER SHOULD NOT EXPLOIT THOSE WHO WORK UNDER HIM.

           ~To pursue our own selfish interests while neglecting the needs of the people who serve under us is offensive to GOD. He pronounces a “WOE” on any kind of that leadership.

2.       THE LEADER SHOULD LOOK FOR THE WAYS TO SERVE THOSE UNDER HIM

           ~People have a lot of needs to be met. The weak need to be strengthened and encouraged.

-the sick need to be healed.

-The strayed need to be brought back.

- The lost need to be found.

-israel’s leaders in Ezekiels time did not meetany of these needs.

On the contrary they used their power to be cruel and harsh with the people.

Keep in mind that the effective leader uses his position and authority to serve and meet the needs of others, not to force them to serve his needs.

3.       THE LEADER SHOULD SERVE WILLINGLY AND EAGERLY

          ~”Be the shepherds of Gods flock that is under your care, serving as overseers. Not because you MUST, but because you are willing,. As God wants it to be.” 1Peter 5:2

-The effective leader doesn’t complain about his responsibility to serve the work-related needs of the subordinates.

4.       THE LEADER SHOULD EXHIBIT SUCH A SPIRIT THAT PEOPLE WILLINGLY FOLLOW.

-We saw from Ezekiel that the leaders used their positions to meet their own needs and desires at their people’s expense. In addition, they have behaved  “harshly and brutally” with the effect on people being ..”So they were scattered because there was no shepherd”…(EZ 34:5)

-Notice that the excessive use of authority and failure to meet the people’s needs drove them away. This principle applies to the church as well as any type of an organization. People resist the excessive use of authority by their leaders.

The new Testament tells  us to avoid dominating those under us. “ Not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock” 1Peter  5:3

~leaders are  to provide an example people will want to follow. How do they do that? As mentioned in chapter 1 “If today you will be a servant to those people and serve them and give them a favorable answer they will always be your servants” 1 KINGS 12:7.

“PEOPLE WILL SERVE AND FOLLOW THE LEADER WHO SERVES THEIR NEEDS”

Thoughts by Moses Njoroge.

Motivational speaker and a freelance Blogger.

Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit.

Reasons   to put the sarcasm aside.

1. Sarcasm is ambiguous.

Sarcasm depends heavily on tone of voice, body language and other nonverbal cues to be properly understood. The true meaning of a sarcastic message is easily lost over the phone–and you can forget about sarcastic comments being properly understood in written communication. Sarcasm often goes unnoticed without the change in inflection or raised eyebrow to signal its presence. And if you miss those cues, sarcastic remarks don’t make any sense.

2. Sarcasm translates poorly.

ESL teachers are taught to never use sarcasm:  it’s just not understood by their students.

3. Sarcasm is a defense mechanism.

It’s not a very good one, because of the inherent negative nature of sarcasm. If you need a positive defense mechanism, make it laughter.  (Just make sure it’s friendly laughter.)

4. Sarcasm is cynical.

Do you want to be known as a person who is “scornfully and habitually negative”? That’s the dictionary definition of a cynic. Sarcasm is both a product and reinforcer of negative thinking. Find some happier thoughts. Don’t wallow in negativity.

5. Sarcasm is mean.

The element of humor takes the edge off a bit, but sarcasm is often used to veil truly hurtful criticism. Don’t be a bully; drop the sarcasm.

6. Sarcasm is for cowards.

The touch of humor in sarcastic comments can hide criticisms far too aggressive to be spoken plainly. If you can’t bring yourself to directly say what you really mean, you shouldn’t say it at all.

7. Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit.

…according to Oscar Wilde. Take Emily Post’s advice instead: “As a possession for either man or woman, a ready smile is more valuable in life than a ready wit.”

8. Sarcasm is a means of judging others.

Do you really need to belittle others to make yourself look better? Don’t be the jerk with the superiority complex. Use kind words instead.

9. Sarcasm wastes words that could be put to better use.

Kind words are the best thing we can give another person. Sarcasm trades kindness for cruelty. It serves no higher purpose; it builds no one up.

CONTENTMENT (but godliness with contentment is great gain)

CONTENTMENT

WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT IS NOT

Webster defines contentment as "the state of being contented: satisfaction…not desiring more than one has: satisfied; resigned to circumstances, assenting, satisfied with things as they are." In the Bible content is from two words. The first word, ARKEO; means "to be possessed of unfailing strength, to be strong, to suffice, to be enough; passively to be satisfied with a thing, contented." The second, AUTARKEIA describes "a perfect condition of life in which no aid or support is needed; hence, sufficiency of the necessities of life: contentment."

1.IT IS NOT.......
Gratification. Paul did not always have all he needed. Sometimes he even went hungry (Philippians 4:11). However, he was always content (v. 12). Thus, gratification does not guarantee contentment and one may be content though lacking necessities and comforts.

How often have we seen someone who thought they could be happy if they could just have, or do, or be…only to experience disappointment, once gratified. Contentment is not rooted in possessing or pleasure.

Lack of Ambition. There is nothing wrong with wanting to succeed, improve, or do better. As a matter of fact, God's word teaches us to be thrifty and diligent in the management of our resources in order to increase our substance (Proverbs 10:4). God encourages us to work hard, achieve and rejoice in our success (Ecclesiastes 2:24; Proverbs 10:5; Ephesians 4:28).

What God disapproves is a covetous spirit and an insatiable desire for more and more (Ecclesiastes 5:10-11; Proverbs 1:19). The real joy in work, success and possessions is the realization that one has enough and the joy that comes from giving to other (Ephesians 4:28, 29; Proverbs 30:8-9; Acts 20:35).

Indifference. Laziness is a sin, and neglect is a greater sin (Proverbs 24:30-34). The man who will not work is unworthy of support (II Thessalonians 3:10). Too many try to ennoble their disorderly conduct by calling it contentment (Proverbs 21:24-25).

2.IT IS.......

Submission. In order to be content one MUST be realistic (Matthew 6:25-34; Ecclesiastes 1:15). The short man is not going to be tall, nor the bald man grow hair. There are some things we cannot change, but change the things you can and use the things you cannot (Luke 19:4). As one fellow observed they're not stumbling-blocks or barricades, but stepping stones.

Pleasure. The secret to finding contentment is learning to enjoy the things you have, rather than finding displeasure in what you do not (Hebrews 13:5). This wrong perspective leads to jealousy and envy (Ecclesiastes 4:4; Proverbs 14:30). Life is robbed of its joy when we waste it pining away for what we do not possess while never savoring the what is ours and ours alone.

Satisfaction. Paul wrote the Philippians and said, "I am full" (4:18). Contentment comes when one is able to recognize "It is enough." The wise man says there are four things that are never satisfied: the grave, a barren womb, the earth which drinks in the rain and fire (Proverbs 30:14-16). He describes the men of his day as horse leaches that cry continually, "Give! Give!" (cf. Amos 4:1). There is a point when we have enough (I Timothy 6:8-

CONTENTMENT MUST BE LEARNED....

The Apostle Paul said, "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content" (Philippians 4:11). It is obvious then that we do not just wake up one morning and realize we are content. It is a state of mind that we must acquire through the discipline of the word of God. It is something that comes through the faithful practice of the religion of Jesus Christ (I Timothy 6:6).

We may learn to be content by following the example of Christ. Jesus did not possess a lot of things (Matthew 8:20), but surely He was one of the happiest men that ever lived. He understood that life is not measured by the size of one's bank account (Luke 12:15; Matthew 6:19-21, 25). He learned to trust in the Providence of God and the goodness of His brethren (Luke 6:27-38; Matthew 6:33). He was a giver not a taker (Acts 20:35).

We can learn contentment from the discipline of suffering. We can be perfected through suffering even Jesus was perfected (Hebrews 2:11). Trials build character which is of greater worth than things (1 Peter 1:5-7). Through suffering we develop greater faith and inner strength (Philippians 4:11-13; Romans 5:3-5).

The experiences of life will teach us how to be content if we will let them. The average or common lifestyle produces the heartiest people and those most likely to be truly reliant upon God (Proverbs 30:8, 9; cf. Hebrews 13:5; Matthew 6:24). Abundance tends toward dependence upon what one possesses (Ecclesiastes 4:6). Poverty often seduces to despair and cynicism (I Timothy 6:6-10). But a life filled with hard work and a thrifty lifestyle brings one to know that God is good and takes care of the righteous (Ecclesiastes 5:12; Proverbs 11:28; 22:4; 1 Peter 3:12). It is important that men learn it is what you are and do that endures, rather than what you had and spent (Proverbs 23:5; Ecclesiastes 2:18-19).

We can learn to be content from the examples that are about us. I remember hearing my mother say of the life during the Depression, "We were all poor we just didn't know it." What they lacked in material things they made up for in love and affection. The simple life can be a wonderful life if there is love in the home, whereas we can have both fists full and be miserable because we are consumed with things rather than relationships (Proverbs 16:8; Proverbs 17:1).

Strength of character is what gives enjoyment to one's possessions. Jesus knew it was not having that brought joy but doing (Acts 20:35). When we put our faith and trust in God rather than things (Hebrews 13:5) and get our priorities in order (Matthew 6:33) putting our substance under His authority (Proverbs 22:7; 11:16; 12:11; 21:17), then we will be on the road to contentment.

Thoughts by MOSES

#MosesToday(Facebook) @sesmoyd(tweeter) MosesNjoroge.blogspot.com,NJOROGEmoses.wordpress.com

LEGISLATORS ARE SO VERY HELPLESS BELIEVE ME THEY CANT HELP US.

Writing legislation for the good of the society is a notable worth task.

Public service is a honorable vocation but politicians no matter how sincere their motivation can only do so much.

What I have discovered is not how powerful these people are ,but how limited their power really is.

All they can do actually is rearrange the yard markers on the playing field of life.

They can't change the human life. "Heart"

They can't heal a wounded soul.

They can't turn hatred to love

They can't bring about repentance,forgiveness reconciliation and peace.

They can't get the core problem of a kid.

Business people can provide the needed jobs,

Wise educators can teach useful knowledge of the world,

Self-help programs can offer effective methods of behavior modification,

Advanced psychologists techniques can provide self understanding.

And all of the above are good but can it transform the human Heart?

I strongly believe that the only one power exists on this sorry planet that can do that.

That is the power of the LOVE of JESUS . Love that conquers sin,wipes out shame mad heals wounds and reconciles enemies and patches the broken dreams and ultimately changes the world ONE LIFE AT A TIME.

#MosesToday #Moses2017 #MyOwnOpinion.