PiChron

Ezekiel 1:28 (Amplified Bible)
“As the appearance of the rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the surrounding radiance. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory and brilliance of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell face downward and I heard a voice of One speaking.”

Aaah…the rainbow.  Always a beautiful sight!

So, four months ago on one glorious day, I saw the rainbow in the picture above.  This was while I was returning from my walk.  It was so beautiful that I had to take a picture.

And here I am writing about it today.

There are a few scriptures in the Bible that speaks about the rainbow.  In Ezekiel above, in Genesis and Revelation below.  I am sure there are others.  However, I just want to point out that the rainbow is nothing new.  God had always used it to speak to us.

Genesis 9:12-16 (New International Version)
12 And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: 13 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. 16 Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”

Revelation 10:1 (King James Version)
“And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven, clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:”

In Genesis, God used the rainbow to make a promise to Noah, his family, and all generations – this I believe includes every one of us.  He made this promise to Noah to let him know that He was a merciful God – even after the destruction.

So whenever I see the rainbow, it reminds me of God’s promises, which lets me know that He will never leave us!  Though He disciplines us when we go astray, which by the way is usually for our own good – He is still always with us through it all.

This is the nature of God.  He does not change, He is patient with us, He is merciful, and He keeps His promises.

Be well…

The best is yet to come…

Psalm 78:3-4 (New International Version)
“things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us. We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.”

So some years back a coworker at the time invited my mother and I to her house for dinner.  It was a lovely well spent time.

After dinner, and while still in the dining area, we started to chat about our cultures.  My coworker and her husband are Italians.  They shared some stories about Italy while my mother shared about Nigeria.  I noticed that my mom who was a bit shy at first (it was her first visit to Canada, so I totally understood) began to lighten up.

She was suddenly very excited to share some stories and history about her culture. What made it even more exciting for her was when my coworker’s husband brought an album and began to show us the different currencies from around the world.  I watched as mom sat up and browsed through the album.  Lo and behold, there was the Biafran pound!

For those who do not know about Biafra and Nigeria – read more here.  My mom was now interested in hearing more from these lovely people whom she had never met until now – but who had the actual Biafran pound.  By the time I knew it, she started to have a separate conversation with my coworker’s husband.

You see, this was important to her as she had a younger brother who went to the Biafran war and never came back.  It brought back memories for her.  I could see the excitement in the eyes of this once shy little old lady (smiles) – she is my mom, so I am allowed (smiles again).

My mom often told me about her brother who went missing during the Biafran war.  It was one of those stories among many that were (sadly) never talked about. However, when someone who knew the story and not just that; he even presented proof (in the form of currency); her courage was boosted and perhaps she felt understood.

I remember literarily having to remind my mother a few times that it was getting late and we had to leave.  Mind you, this was the same person when I told her we were going for dinner, she kept on asking how long we were going to spend there and what type of food will be served (laughs).

The picture of the Biafran pound has a lot of history behind it.  I do remember hearing about it, but did not get in too deep as history was not really one of those things that was encouraged while growing up.  We came from a culture were it was better to be silent about a lot of things.  So this was the very first time I was seeing the Biafran pound.

As I write this particular post, I am reminded of what the Bible means for me.  Not only was it inspired by God, it is also filled with history.  I am reminded that in the Bible there are real stories from real people who were inspired by God.  That Jesus was born, did walk this earth, died and rose again.  That He even felt more pain than we could ever feel or imagine – so He understands more than we know.

History should be an important part of learning.  Our children need to hear some of our stories.  The Bible is filled with stories from the past that are shaping the future. Sharing this knowledge from the past, can better prepare the young generation for the future.

My mother felt validated by sharing her story of the Biafran war.  This story helped her connect to someone from a completely different world and background.  This is the wonderful thing about history and knowing who you are.

With this, I am reminded that true validation comes from accepting and knowing Christ.

Be well…

The best is yet to come…

Isaiah 40:8 – “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”

In case you are wondering – Yes, these are real roses and no! the roses were not dyed (smiles).

So, the first time I saw this bouquet of roses with different colors, I was filled with so much excitement!  I immediately got out my phone and snapped a picture!  Of course this was after thanking the gift giver.

You see, I knew about white, cream, red and even yellow roses.  However, it was the first time I was seeing orange and pink roses!  Hence my excitement when I saw the colors beautifully put together.  I later did some research and found out that there were even more colors which I was not aware of!

As time went by, I became calm from all the excitement (and yes! it took a couple of days) of seeing such beautiful display.

In my quiet time, I began to reflect on how really pretty the roses were and I thought wow! – God is truly amazing to have created such.

About after a week or so, the roses started to shrivel and eventually dried up completely.  Unfortunately, I don’t have any picture of the transformation.

However, I still did not throw them out as I like to keep flowers until they dry out.  For me, the rose was another example of God’s assurance; and just because it was all dried out did not mean that it wasn’t the same colorful bouquet of a few weeks back.  I still enjoyed displaying the dried version just like the fresh ones.

I believe this is how it is with God’s promises to us.  He loves and cares for us regardless of where we are in life – whether good or bad.

I know that sometimes we feel helpless at the challenges we or others we care about are facing.  In these times, worry may easily set in.  We wonder how the situation can ever change – or IF it will ever change.  It is in these moments of uncertainty that I am reminded that although I may not have the solution to my present situation; I know THE ONE who does.

Matthew 6:28-30 is another great verse that keeps me in check.  It says — “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith?”

Be well…

The best is yet to come…