Love is a Fruit

I love journals. Seriously I do. 

It is always so encouraging to go back to old posts, protests and prayers and witness just how the hand of God has carried you through time. And some entries are just timeless. I was encouraged by one such entry from a while back.

"There is ultimately no loss in Love, for by opening up your heart to another- you can only grow. Love is the antithesis of all commodities, because when you choose to give it away, it always comes back- in one form or another. The economics of Love is that it is always in demand, and our most reliable supplier- God- never runs out! By being connected to Divine Love we are made innately aware of new things. For even when love is not reciprocated, love in its truest essence and noblest intentions is never wasted. In the end- when all has fallen away and everything has been shaken- Love will still be standing. 

"This means that all of creation will be shaken and removed, so that only unshakable things will remain."                         Hebrews12:27

The challenge in each day should thus not be merely to succeed, attain or overcome, but to love divinely. We find the key in Jesus. Love (not merely the idea of it) is practical not theoretical. They say: " Better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all?" Yet, love is not a trade- off or barter. Love in its purest form is a willing sacrifice. It says, " I have weighed up the options and I choose to put you first". Like Jesus who basically said, " though I have to die- I give my life for you to live." Love is a Choice.

See, when flutterings falter, looks fade, cash flow slows, attraction dies and chemistry fizzles out, Love says: " I will still choose you". Think about it, Jesus knew exactly how many times we would mess up, fail Him and yet still chose to die for and love us every single day! That's amazing! How can we love like that?

Love says: "Regardless of what I can get from you, I will seek your face and not just your hand. I will seek your heart and not just your wallet. I will seek your good and not just my gain."

Thus, there is ultimately no loss in Love because it is always a choice. A choice to believe that anything is possible. Love is the greatest adventure. There are no winners or losers in Love because it's never a game. 
It's a fruit, so cultivate it, eat it, share it and in doing so- learn from the Master Himself."

"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

                                                                                          John 15:13

Till then, 

Keep Becoming His Best...

 
© 2012 Allison Pillay

the antithesis of a Poet [!]

antithesis of a Poet

Let my words speak for themselves:

Bold, Crunchy, Smooth, Rough

Like peanut-butter on bread

Spread it on. Thick.

Take a bite. Eat.

Be enlightened.

Grow.

Let my words speak for themselves

For if you look at me you may not relate

For you will find:

No afro hair,

No emancipative stare,

No slogan tee,

No cause to free-

Just me

Relatively speaking, I am not what you see

I am what I speak

Having the power of life and death on my taste-buds

I choose Life

And boy… is it sweet!

Let my words speak for themselves

For they have life,

And can give life;

If you will receive LIFE

Let my words speak for themselves

For maybe within them you may recognize:

Footsteps heard in shoes you once wore

The taste of an-almost love that knocked at your door

Fears of the future, concealed in your past

Dying for truth;

Living for lies in contrast to:

Hope

Let my words speak for themselves;

For, I am the antithesis of a Poet

Here you will see:

No poetry slams, no hip-hop jams

No feminist fads or political jabs

No mentality of race, but a desire for space

To

                                                                                              just 

be

                                                     Me.

I couldn’t colour outside the lines ‘cos I didn’t even have a pencil

When I stopped to ask for directions, teacher’s just handed me a stencil

But, I knew I was born “break the mould”

I Love Life

But I’m not sold

Cos’ I was bought with a price

And it’s so nice

To finally be free,

Basking in my True Identity

Found only in Him who has gone before me,

Loves me; adores me

Constantly assures me

That I am made in the image of ONE- who is three

The perfect design of a spiritual being

Beautiful, adorable- altogether irreplaceable

Born to love and to be loved; my heart- unshakeable

In passion, alive with fire and mystery

Designed to show forth the praises of The Holy Trinity

To testify of the wonders of His grace and glory

To speak Fire and Life; to share my story…

Let my words speak for themselves

For I am the antithesis of a poet,

I am conduit

“He who believes in me as the Scripture has said: ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.‘” John 7:38

Until then...

Keep becoming His best.

© 2012 Allison Pillay

I'm not your SUPERWOMAN (>_<)

Morning Ladies ('00,)

Does anyone remember that song by Karyn White back in the late 80's with the same title as my blog today? I'll refresh your memory with a few lyrics:

"Early in the morning I put breakfast at your table,
I make sure that your coffee has it's sugar and cream"

Is the memory becoming clearer now? I remember my aunts' listening to it and crooning out the verse, " now you say the juice is sour, it used to be so sweet", and thinking to myself, "Lady, that's 'cos you didn't check the expiry date!" Lol. Childhood innocence.

Well, today, I wanted to shine the spotlight a bit on the "Superwoman" mentality pervading our society. Yes, this is the information age, and most woman are free to achieve much more than our predecessors did. We can vote, work, raise kids and raise profits in international companies while fighting for causes and still look good while doing it. Or can we? 

Are we fighting so hard to maintain an ideal that has been thrust upon us by the Cosmopolitan and Vogue magazines out there, that we are floundering to look the part? Act the part? Sound the part? Are we trying to "do it all", forgetting that it is "not by might or power, but by His Spirit"? [Zechariah 4:6].

The pressures to look like a Hollywood wife, or Milan model extends worldwide to places like South Africa- and even here- local celebrities' lives are swathed in an air of scandal and negativity. While, I am not judging their choices, I am asking the crucial question: "When did their lives become our standard?" The truth is that most celebrities and models crack under the pressure of trying to maintain their lives. The irony however, is that while we are aspiring to become like them, (have it all, do it all)- they are falling apart.

Yet God in His grace has already provided the standard for us:
Proverbs 31. 
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+31&version=NIV

This epic passage describes exactly what a modern Christian woman should look like. In fact, I wonder how many rich and famous/fast and furious iconic woman out there have come into contact with these liberating verses? To summarise, it describes a virtuous, God-fearing, independent young woman who is a good wife, mother, friend, businesswoman and citizen. So much so, that, "...her works bring her praise at the city gate." [v31]

Below are a few verses that really stand out for me, with relevance to today's society and our role as Christian women. 

A Proverbs 31 Woman:

- Is entrepreneurial [v16]
"She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard." 

- Is socially relevant [v20]
"She opens her hands to the poor and extends her hands to the needy."

- Has faith in God and trusts in His Divine provision [v25]
"She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."

- Is industrious and shows concern for her loved ones- not self-absorbed [v27]
" She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness."


 - Is a faithful friend and good role model to young women [v26]
"She speaks with wisdom and faithful instruction is on her tongue."
 
 - Puts God first in all she does. Through the Holy Spirit, cultivates inner beauty and character while caring for her health, fitness and well-being [v30]
"Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised." 



I once heard it said that, "Being a woman does not make you a better Christian, but being a Christian does make you a better woman." We are to be the standard for a generation of lost, confused, hurting and broken women out there. We don't have to be "Superwoman"; we are already Princesses, with VIP access to Heaven through Jesus Christ. May we as women, therefore look only to God, to become all that we can be (and more!):
For His Glory, and our good.


 

The "S" on my chest stands for SPIRIT: The one and only, who's HOLY;
without Him- I cannot do it!
 

Until then...

Keep becoming His Best

© 2012 Allison Pillay

 

The Single Lady & The Abundant Life

All My Single-Ladies,

Don't put your hands up. I know how you feel. He didn't put a ring on it, or maybe he did, then changed his mind. Or maybe you're still waiting for "him". Uh, uh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh! Are you one of those just going through the hum-drum of life, waiting for "him" to appear and life to suddenly take flight? Well, are you?

Wake Up!! There's a whole lot of life to live and a whole lot of people to love! The abundant life that Jesus spoke of in John 10:10 is not just to be lived at a specific time or season- but continually in our walk with Him. Whether single or married, business-woman or housewife, we are called to live the abundant life in Jesus Christ. See, the abundant life is not dependant on our circumstances: past, present or future, but on the goodness of a loving, faithful, supernatural God.

When I was younger (than I am now!) and used to do school evangelism, I remember encouraging other teens not to wait until they were older before choosing Jesus. Many of them said," I'll serve Jesus, after college", or " I want to experience life first". Well, those who chose to do life before Christ, found it to be a shallow experience filled with much confusion, and in time soon discovered that indeed Christ is Life!  You see, they had initially thought that if they waited for life to be just perfect, that would be the best time to serve Jesus. How often do we sometimes think that way?

For those of you who know and love me :), you are well acquainted with my culinary creations and passion for cooking. It is a past-time that helps me to relax, unwind and unleash my creativity on hungry participants! Yet, I must admit that my greatest reward often comes from seeing those I love enjoy the meal. Which begs the question from many a nosy aunt (because yes, I am part Indian), "So nice curry you make! When you gonna find a nice, nice husband?"  Umm, and that's my cue.... "Dessert anyone?"

Well, to be honest, many a single sister has often asked the same question, "When, Lord?". If fact, we can sometimes get so caught up in the eternal angst that we inevitably put our lives on hold. Instead of living life abundantly- we put our desires, dreams and ultimately destiny on hold for "One Day".

In "Lady in Waiting" by Jackie Kendall and Debbie Jones, I came across one such story of a young lady- who in anticipation of her prince arriving one day- had packed away all her treasured items. In fact, she used to eat all meals on a paper plate! One day, God told her to set out her finest china and crystal for dinner and to continue doing so. Each night, she ate dinner, not from a paper plate- but from fine china, as the precious Princess that she was. 

Guess what? In time her hosting skills grew and one day (read the book to find out how :O), her dreams came true!

You see, the abundant life is all about enjoying God now. Just where you are: Loving God and living Life to the fullest.  Remember: You are LOVED, You are CHOSEN, You are WANTED! So don't hold back and wait for the perfect moment- but dive right in! Father God is waiting to lead you onto the Adventure of a lifetime- Yours!

Chicken Tagliatelle with a Creamy Pesto-Parma sauce and home-made Garlic Crostini- Bon' Apetite! [Recipe available on request ;D]


 
Till then...

Keep Becoming His Best


© 2012 Allison Pillay

The Princess Diaries

My Dear Friends,

Call me a Princess, but part of me can't wait to get to heaven just to try on my gown and dress. Yes, I dream of a full on Disney sequence, in HD colour and surround sound! Jesus, my prince waltzing down the stairs and leading me onto the dance floor (think Beauty and the Beast- minus the Beast).

I am captured by the thought of spending an eternity with Him. I am homesick for the place I come from. For the One I love.

I long for heaven, yet while here on foreign soil, I must not forget who I am. He has called me by Name- I am His. Below is one of my favorite verses from Psalm 45, describing what it means to be a Princess for Him- the privilege and the responsibility.

Listen, O daughter, consider and give ear:

Forget your people and your father’s house. 

11The king is enthralled by your beauty;

honor him, for he is your lord. 

12The Daughter of Tyre will come with a gift,

men of wealth will seek your favor. 

13All glorious is the princess within [her chamber];

her gown is interwoven with gold. 

14In embroidered garments she is led to the king;

her virgin companions follow her

and are brought to you. 

15They are led in with joy and gladness;

they enter the palace of the king. 

16Your sons will take the place of your fathers;

you will make them princes throughout the land. 

17I will perpetuate your memory through all generations;

therefore the nations will praise you for ever and ever.

This psalm, although originally sung by King David for a wedding, captures so beautifully the privilege and wonder of being called a daughter of the Most High: A Princess of the Kingdom of Eternity.

As a Princess of God's Kingdom you are:

- Loved

- Cherished

- Accepted

- Adored

- Protected

- Empowered

- Adopted

- Clothed

- Called

- Wanted

As His Daughter you receive Divine:

- Identity

- Protection

- Assistance 

- Wealth

- Honor

- Favor

- Grace

- Fruitfulness

- Blessings

- Respect

You are marked with His Royal seal. You are chosen by Him.

He has held out His scepter towards you. #You are Accepted.

So, when you find yourself struggling to breathe in this atmosphere, blinded by the pressures of this foreign world, remember- this is not your natural habitat. You are born of God, Created for Destiny and Life in the Spirit. Called to the Higher Life, in the world and not of it. [Romans 12:2]

You are redeemed. You are royalty. You are His. 

"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." [1 Peter 2:9] NIV

Till then...

Keep Becoming His Best

© 2012 Allison Pillay

 

Of Blizzards & Cupcakes: Seasons of Faith

My Dear Friends,

I apologise for my short hiatus and for not posting sooner. I was catching up with some college work, but now I that am back, I hope to encourage and inspire you once more. Ideally, I would like at the very least to have a post per week, but as God leads, I will follow.

What a wonderful new season we are entering into here in South Africa- Spring! Everything is coming alive again; flowers bloom, landscapes change and a feeling of possibility permeates. How often do we find the seasons of nature reflected in our own lives?

Spring: Life abounds, joy is found, the air thick with expectation.

Summer: Seems to last forever with it's long days and endless nights. I remember my summer's in Chicago: Potbelly's pistachio ice-cream, my after-work swim in the lake and Salsa dancing with my friends...Sigh.
Sunsets at 10pm. Who doesn't love summer?

Autumn: nature's spectacular prelude to winter: Harvest-time, apple cider, beautiful hues of red, gold and brown as the leaves metamorphasize once more. (Can you tell I miss Chicago yet, lol?)

But then the flurries come. Or, here in South Africa, the wind. 
And before we know it, Winter is here. 

Sometimes in life, we try to fight the winter season.  Much like the great blizzard of February 2011, when we were snowed in for almost a week. We knew it was coming- and we didn't like it! Life came to a screeching halt. Roads would be closed down. There were already people stuck on the freeway from Chicago. I had to get supplies. Fast.

Me+ 3 kids under 8+ No school= #thinkonyourfeet and Pray!!!

Well, 3 cakes [a giant cupcake counts, ok:)]; 4 batches of cookies; 7 art projects; 2 movies [only 2!-I know!!], 5 games of Battleship and 1 AMAZING PIRATE-TREASURE-HUNT-DELUXE later, the snow cleared. 
The snow-blower came out, together with the sun. I had survived, and the scale was proof of my battle scars- Ouch! Still, while my success was evident, I knew that if I had spent more time preparing indoor activities for the kids- prior to the storm- I would have been better equipped for it.

Sometimes, life's like that. Sometimes, God warns us when we are about to go through a "blizzard" and need to stock up on spiritual supplies. Spending daily time in His presence and in His Word is vital, so that when the storms of life and winter seasons come- we can stand; we can overcome. There is nothing like the presence of the Living God to refresh a weary soldier. His Spirit lifts us up to a place of rest and renewal. We believe again, trust again, hope again- LIVE again.

Training our inner ear to hear His voice, amongst the many voices out there, is also vital. By listening to His voice, we are led to His will where we find peaceful pastures and abundant life.

"My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me." 
                                                                                             John 10:27

Only God truly knows what is best for you today. He has promised that He will guide us with His eye (Psalm 32:8). You CAN trust Him completely because He loves YOU completely.

The Practice of The Presence of God, by Brother Lawrence is once such book that has brought a depth in understanding the wisdom of abiding in His presence. It has also helped me to better comprehend the seasons of life, and thus left an indelible impression on my walk of Faith. Here is one such excerpt about his views;

"During the winter, Herman looked at a barren tree, stripped of leaves and fruit, and realized it awaited the sure hope of a springtime revival and summer abundance. Gazing at the tree, Herman grasped deeply the extravagance of God's grace and the unfailing sovereignty of divine providence. Like the tree, he felt seemingly dead, but held hope that God had life waiting for him, and the turn of seasons would bring fullness. At that moment, he said, that leafless tree "first flashed in upon my soul the fact of God," and a love for God that never ceased."

                                                              

What a hope!!

So, when you feel the storms of life approaching, or become unsettled by the changing seasons- remember:

" Every generous act of giving and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father who made the heavenly lights, in whom there is no inconsistency or shifting shadow."                                        

                                                               James 1:17 ISV      

Seasons may change, but God alway remains the same: Faithful.

       

Until later...

Keep Becoming His Best

© 2012 Allison Pillay