This Rugged JoyFull Home

An artist will always be influenced by their past, their cultural exposure, the travels of their youth, the mentors they were afforded, and the family in which they were raised. These have a great impact on one’s artistic inclination; they help to shape their artistic process, the way they view things, and how they translate the world in their creations. Whether it’s through music, fashion, fine arts, architecture, or any other art form, these influences always find their way to his creation being amplified in a fitting manner.   For instance, Paul McCartney of the Beatles wrote the timeless song “Yesterday” at just 21 years old. It resonated globally because the lyrics were remarkably profound and melancholy for someone so young. “Why she, had to go  I don't know, she wouldn't say I said, something wrong, I don't know For yesterday” People wondered where he got his inspiration for such a sad song considering his age. Sir Paul noted that pain and grief were the key element...

While the looming crisis of a Russian invasion of Ukraine unfolded last week, I had a serious sit-down talk with my kids to make sure we were all aware of what was going on and what was likely to happen.  What have we made of what we have seen and heard on social media since the war broke out six days ago? How do we verify the validity of these claims? How can we be sure that there is no bias in the reports on our newsfeeds? How can we tell fact from fiction? What are the most reliable news sources available to us, considering that much of the information is controlled and broadcast by western media ? How I wish I had all the clear answers to these questions. I cautioned them to be careful about what they reshare on social media—to really think well before they click. To be mindful how they respond to FAKE news, as it is rampant everywhere you turn. They must verify the sources of the news they read, stay observant, and remain vigilant. Amidst all the chaos, it is of utmost importa...

My heart was in a good place when I requested my husband to include a marble island in our tiny kitchen, to which he readily obliged. We were a young couple brimming with hopes and dreams as we started building our first home. To my mind, it wouldn't hurt if we  used the few pieces of immaculate white marble tiles that were left with my side of the family after enduring a  business bankruptcy just years before I got married.  I wanted it to serve as a reminder of the Lord's faithfulness and lovingkindness for the next generation to see. How He gently ushered my family of origin into a life of full dependency on Him in the '90s,  minus the earthly possessions that my parents had invested in through years of honest and gainful hard work.  It will be a reminder of how the Lord saw us through during the humbling times of letting go by way of eviction . Back then, eviction , spelled with a big "E", was not yet glamorized in the entertainment industry such as in the...