Peer Pressure

“Pa, can we please get a dog PLEASE..just like the one Amy has! or a smaller one like the one of Sara. Ok?” After few weeks at school, you start realizing the impact of peer pressure your kids go through. I know you parents out there are not surprised when your kids start asking for what their friends own starting from toys, pets up to houses with several swimming pools. Suddenly back to school or kids birthday turned into a burden on the parents who have to manage their kids needs seeing what others are enjoying or bragging about. I love how kids are so transparent in their emotions, they do not need to hide or mask the influence they get from their peers at school. They will absorb and reflect that at home in a simple question format a need captured from their friends…yes, Peer pressure is a reality starting this early age.

We, sophisticated adults, seem to be more clever in hiding our needs, yet we know for sure that we are equally impacted-if not more-by that peer pressure. We pretend being immune to what our surrounding brings on our plate everyday, to the way our close circle acts and reacts. “Show me your friends, I will tell you who you are” is a true and wise statement. We know that deep down we start copying the attitudes of our surrounding, we absorb and reflect the need in acting it rather than speaking it out loud like our innocent kids. This goes specially to attitudes and way of life we believe we lack and dream of having. We like those Go-Getters yet give a deaf ear to the wrong doings on the way to get the goal, we like having this trendy look yet neglect the border line flirty side it brings, we yearn for this over empowering “charismatic" presence yet accept its side effect selfish attitude. Actions and attitudes do make an impact, specially if they get copied…they are contagious in a peer pressure way.

No wonder in proverbs, influence of peers and societal pressure was clearly stated:

He who walks with wise men will be wise, But the companion of fools will suffer harm. (Proverbs 13:20)
20المُسايِرُ الحُكَماءَ يَصيرُ حَكيمًا، ورَفيقُ الجُهّالِ يُضَرُّ. (امثال ٢٠:١٣)

I am not seeking to open your eyes on the choice of your surrounding (You are mature enough to chose)..but rather I am asking each one of us to reflect on who we are to our friends and society..Are we the wise or the fools? Do we realise the power God has created in us to impact, influence and change…do we realise that we are created to Shine and Keep shining His Light?

What type of “Peer Pressure" you are spreading today? I hope the Up-lifting one!

Communicate!

I have been watching the way we bring up our kids and noticed that it is all about Communication! Yes, even if they are 6 years old, we need to communicate to educate. I like it when Aline wants to give them a message, lesson of life, behavior or attitude, she just takes them aside, away from people, and have a face to face conversation grabbing their full attention. While our comments told to them when they're busy eating, watching tv or playing don't settle there or simply not taken seriously..too much distraction around them. They need to be fully attentive in a direct one to one conversation when they need to know how to act and behave. I guess you all do the same with your kids! Equally in corporate world, going into a new year and new objective setting phase, we look forward to sit with our manager, communicate face to face and start planning the year, set the goals to achieve and what attitudes or competency we need to develop. If you set your own targets alone without your boss..you might be doing what is not needed of you, end up being useless or even a burden to your company! To add value aligned to the bigger plan, you need to KNOW YOUR ROLE, DO IT and fulfill your purpose.

With 2014 about to start in few hours, I know that lots of you are preparing your famous New year's resolution, putting the goals and objectives of your personal life in 2014. When thinking about spirituality resolution, many face the same question "but i dont know what God wants from me throughout this new year? I am puzzled..what do you think i need to do?" My first question back is "At work, do you just wait until year end to sit with your boss and set your goals of 2014' or you dedicate the time needed and align early in the year? Same with God, did you sit with Him one to one meetings (personal praying hour) to read His emails (His Words), seek His Guidance and Coaching (through the Holy Spirit), and align your vision to the company's vision (God's Will in your life). Like at work where each has a role and purpose, God created YOU for a purpose to fulfill through your life"

So dear friends, if I have one thing To seek doing in 2014 it is to continue with all seriousness my One to One time with my Heavenly Father. These moments that opened my eyes for what I am doing now, and for sharing with you my thoughts about His Running Hugs, His daily gifts, His Coaching and much more! Before complaining that 2014 went fast as 2013...no changes..ma7alak ser..Do something different..because if you do what you did, you ll get what you got! Decide that it will be the year of Communication..the year you will not only know about God..but Know God..and His purpose through you..He is waiting for you every morning!

Even Jesus was connecting daily with His Father and the Holy spirit through Early rising prayer:

وفي الصُّبحِ باكِرًا جِدًّا قامَ وخرجَ ومَضَى إلَى مَوْضِعٍ خلاءٍ، وكانَ يُصَلّي هناكَ، (مَرقُسَ 1:35 AVDDV)

The next morning Jesus woke up very early. He left the house while it was still dark and went to a place where he could be alone and pray. (Mark 1:35 ERV)
Make 2014 a year of change..and start by your Hourly meeting...Just give Him a chance..a week, you ll be amazed...just 30 minutes at the beginning of your day..but doing with passion, hunger seeking change and impact..seeking a connection..a relationship!

Come on...join the Early Risers team! Are you in?
Have a blessed Communicative 2014 my friends!

The "Wanting" to Change

"Coaching" is the big thing now in the world of human development. Who ever is in the business world knows what "coaching" means. Most of the time, it is a one to one tailor made form of training made for executives, that unlike traditional therapy, which often focuses on the past, on who you got to where you are now, coaching focus on the present and future, on where you want to go (in life or business) and the most effective way to get there.

I am reading these days a book by one of the top business coaches in our days "Marshall Goldsmith" with an interesting title and topic "What Got You Here Wont Get You There". He was talking about his role as a coach and his ability to make success with his clients who with, a big ego, tend to resist a needed change. He wrote a statement that caught my attention "I have now made peace with the fact that I can not 'make' people change. I can only help them get better at what they 'choose' to change". This "wanting to change" is the key. Boom! This is so simple..yet powerfully true!

Same in the spiritual world, our Loving god has created us with the free will to "choose and want". I guess that the most amazing changes happened to the ones wanting to go the extra mile..wanting to reject their reality and embrace a new world...the ones that made God's might meet their heart's desire. Their boldness and courage melt my heart. Every time I read the story of Bartimaeus, the blind beggar at the wall of Jericho, I see this boldness that I pray having one day. Those 6 lines in Mark 10:46-52 are worth reading..every letter of it. The scene is great to imagine and allow me to quote these three verses:

فلَمّا سمِعَ أنَّهُ يَسوعُ النّاصِريُّ، ابتَدأَ يَصرُخُ ويقولُ: «يا يَسوعُ ابنَ داوُدَ، ارحَمني!» فانتَهَرَهُ كثيرونَ ليَسكُتَ، فصَرَخَ أكثَرَ كثيرًا: «يا ابنَ داوُدَ، ارحَمني!». فوَقَفَ يَسوعُ وأمَرَ أنْ يُنادَى. فنادَوْا الأعمَى قائلينَ لهُ: «ثِقْ! قُمْ! هوذا يُناديكَ». (مَرقُسَ.  10:47-49)

He heard that Jesus from Nazareth was walking by. So he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, please help me!” Many people criticized the blind man and told him to be quiet. But he shouted more and more, “Son of David, please help me!” Jesus stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.”” (Mark 10:47-49 ERV)

The blind Bartimaeus's deep manifested desire caught the attention of Jesus and literally stopped Him! This is a person that took 4 crucial decisions: He knew he was blind...He didnt accept his situation...wanted deep down to change..and finally he knew in Whose hands to put his faith! I am sure if Marshall Goldsmith had Bartimaeus as an executive under coaching..He would have written about his success story of change!

God, i pray to have this faith..I pray to have the listening soul for the "coaching" of your Holy Spirit. Amen

May the blind open the eyes of our heart, Lord!

So tell me, how did you do it?

"Wow..is this...no way! How did he change like that? بيلعب ايه رياضة عشان يتغير كدة؟ olli ya captain..eih elli khalak keda..T25 p90x instanity..gym we khalas..oh, that Trainer..i know him..ok i ll talk to him!..thanks for telling me ya man!"
"Just a minute...are you telling me that this lady there lost all that weight and became what we see now...esta7ala..i really need to know the secret!!! Hi ezayek..sou2al..meen doctor el Regime beta3ek..momken nemreto..Wow thanks..i ll call tomorrow to book an appointment!"

Nothing speaks louder than results! We all look around us and keep asking for referrals when we see outstanding results. We as human beings love the comfort of asking and getting to know the experience others went through and proved successful (and we invented this..3ala ra2y el masal es2al megarrab wala tes2alsh tabib!).. Ask anyone using Booking dot com check on a certain hotel reviews and experiences of travelers who have been there before booking that hotel..or anyone reading reviews of a movie before watching it! And lately the revival of health awareness made all men seek the most effective sports and women seek the breakthrough in nutrition. In a way, these people are walking examples of successful change. Thank God for our social interests of sharing the "recipe of our success". personally, i do promote whatever brought the positive result i experience..if Running changed my fitness, i would simply tell you to put on your shoes, open the door and Run if you want to be fit..because i know what it did to me!

Do you know that this curiosity and need for referral was there as well 2000 years ago! Saint Peter told the believers that accepting the Lord in these days will bring them change..will bring them hope..and peace despite all the persecution and fight they will go through..despite their hard times..he told them that this world's fear wont reach them..wont impact them..and asked them TO ANSWER ALL who ask about the change they went through..about refer them to the ONE who made them the new Hopeful persons they are..

بل قَدِّسوا الرَّبَّ الإلهَ في قُلوبكُمْ، مُستَعِدّينَ دائمًا لمُجاوَبَةِ كُلِّ مَنْ يَسألُكُمْ عن سبَبِ الرَّجاءِ الّذي فيكُم، بوَداعَةٍ وخَوْفٍ، (بُطرُسَ الأولَى 3:15 AVDDV)

But keep the Lord Christ holy in your hearts. Always be ready to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have. (1 Peter 3:15 ERV)

In this unstable world, specially in our beloved county these days, will people come ask you how are you keeping your peace? Will you be ready to share this great love you receive from above and tell them why you have no fear when even you walk in the valley of the shadow of death?

Will your faith be a referral to Him? I am sure you can..just ask and you will be given!

Promise Keeper

"But you PROMISED!" followed by a heart felt dropping tears of disappointment!

I am sure that every mother and every father, every friend, every manager, every person hates the feeling this statement creates in him. Yes, I can say out loud that my toughest moments in parenting arewhen I am confronted with an undelivered promise to Leila or Farida. Even my simple promises of playing with them a game of "Uno" or dancing together on the LOUD tunes of "Gangam Style" mean A LOT to them...because they come from their Mr. know-it-all, No-wrong doing, tall muscled fighter DADDY! Yes, it is that simple, they trust blindly that I will keep my promise..! Failing their trust..brings ME instantly a moment of silence coming along with a heavy swallow of that bitter taste in my mouth..a moment of weakness i would say! We have all done it to our kids, friends, colleagues, family..you name it! And we still keep breaking promises every day!

That brought me to realize that I failed my promises not only to people..but I failed them even to GOD! How many times I said I will "Stand my Ground", start the change and i dont, how many times i cry and scream that this moment is a turning point, but I fail again! How many mornings. I promised to wake up earlier and sit with Him but I "Snoozed" too long!

Thank you Lord for not treating us the same when we fail You..thank you that Your love to us is not based on our love to You..thank you for Your words that stated clearly

ليس اللهُ إنسانًا فيَكذِبَ، ولا ابنَ إنسانٍ فيَندَمَ. هل يقولُ ولا يَفعَلُ؟ أو يتَكلَّمُ ولا يَفي؟ (العَدَد 23:19 AVDDV)

"God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? (Numbers 23:19 ESV)

And thank you for comforting me when you said:

لا أنقُضُ عَهدي، ولا أُغَيِّرُ ما خرجَ مِنْ شَفَتَيَّ. (المَزاميرُ 89:34 AVDDV)

I will not violate my covenant or alter the word that went forth from my lips. (Psalm 89:34 ESV)

I pray for my faith to keep hanging to your promises.. And I Thank you for being THE PROMISE KEEPER! Amen.

Salty SALARY!

IT IS today...First day of the month..yes...time to check the bank account...THE SALARY is here! I know many of us wait for that day to come impatiently, for the salary means paying debts, buying stuff, medication, rent, etc. Salary is a sweet word to our ears, it has been linked to your value and worth for your company and the market place!

Made me wonder where this word comes from? I found out that salary comes from "SALARIUM" which derives from SALT. yes, salt ملح! During Roman empire, salt was "the salary" paid to soldiers, salt in the times of Jesus was not sold in Carrefour or عم مصطفى البقال, salt was scarce, was a necessity of life. It was used for seasoning (to give a nice flavor), preserving material (keep from turning bad..there was no deep freezer we talaga om babein), and sometimes to disinfect wounds..do you know that major reason for conquering lands was to secure salt back to "headoffice".. romans had soldiers guarding (Via Salaria)..the salt road leading back to Rome!

No wonder when i read Jesus words now i get a total different perspective of what we He what He tells us we are or ought to be! He said:

«أنتُمْ مِلحُ الأرضِ، ولكن إنْ فسدَ المِلحُ فبماذا يُمَلَّحُ؟ لا يَصلُحُ بَعدُ لشَيءٍ، إلّا لأنْ يُطرَحَ خارِجًا ويُداسَ مِنَ الناسِ. (مَتَّى 5:13

Am i expected to be that valuable..i am created to be a necessity of life to the community..are you a necessity? Do you make a difference in your surrounding like salt does, or you are tasteless, with a lost identity..like salt that does not salt!

Dear God, i pray today seeking your guidance, on how to pour my pinch of salt today..make my heart open for knowing where to act..makes my eyes see where salt is needed..difference is needed..and make it, In your name. Amen!

Throw in your "Pinch of Salt" my friends!

The User Guide..that we ignore!

Manuals or "el catalogue"..how many of you hate reading them? I am sure you do the same, you get a camera or a new gadget, you open it, charge and here we go.."lessa hano3d ne2ra..maho shagahl aho..bos keda..aho..sahla awy..bala catalogue balla yahzanoun (by the way i never understood yahzanoun dih)" and then suddenly one day, wa7ed men elli ara el catalogue yesabetak be shwayet tricks we options..things you wanted to do men zaman but you just did 10 other things and never was able to get this option work! Latest live example i had was this HDR option fel iphone..lamma shams teb2a darba fi weshak..ekhtera3 ya m3alem!

Exactly in prayer life, I feel that we decided to do it yalla nafsy..kelma men hena..kelmetein men hena..we aho shagal..but when we read el catalogue...WOW..a whole new world of options is unfolding in front of our own eyes..! What..seriously can prayers heal , bring light, get me whole again, crash fear, increase hope, strengthen faith, raise dead people ( read it in acts 9:40) and CHANGE the world..at least my small world around me!

Dear God...I pray today for getting more and more of You in prayer..i want this Christianity i read in your Catalogue/Bible..I want this power...i want it ALL....FULL OPTIONS PRAYER POWER! Dont keep me living with the (on and off buttons)...Amen!

New Operating System

Yes..finally..#iOS7..again, time line flooded with extra hyped happy people waiting to download the new operating system. Can't hide that i also do get excited whenever something new is launched..cause i expect it to be better..and specially when it comes from great developpers.

What about our OWN operating system #iME1.0..are we that excited to download it and show its interface to everyone around? It surely eliminates lots of bugs from your old system..gives you speed, agility, and definitely endless apps beyond what

I trust The Developper that during His Launch event Said out loud:

"A new heart will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you, and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. (حزقيال Ezekiel 36:26 AMP)" and "You must be made new in your hearts and in your thinking. Be that new person who was made to be like God, truly good and pleasing to him. (افسس Ephesians 4:23, 24 ERV)"

And i guess what, I trust this developper with my Life...at least He lives in a cooler place than California..imagine that! So go ahead YOUR new version is there..just a prayer away, no connection needed, nor wifi:)