Of singing, driving and toastmaster demos...

Wow, it's been nearly a month since my last post.

What more is there to say.

Many a things be happening on my side of the world these days.

FCC had just had it's first Toastmasters meeting/demo last Saturday, more updates on that soon enough. All I can say about it is, I am glad to be a part of it and I hope more would join us, not for the churches benefit, but really for your own good. Toastmasters has always ever been a platform for any person professional or otherwise to equip themselves the right know how on speaking, presenting and even leading in their respective positions in life. Rather than a classroom environment, Toastmasters believe on a hands-on approach, a meeting like setting, where individuals are invited to come up front and present their topics and so on. One would also be given small responsibilities to which will prepare them for bigger and more important duties in the future, I believe this is where the"leadership" aspect of Toastmasters comes in.

Therefore I urge all who are reading this, to come, join us at Toastmasters in FCC, for more info, just email me at Darren323@gmail.com.

I was planning to just mention about Toastmasters but it turned out to be a pitch, nvm then..haha

Been learning a lot in Faith Music, Faith Vocal to be exact. Theory wise I'm still a little weak, but I am slowly working on it. Good news is that I had my first full band performance/ practice, for our upcoming "examinations" I guess. A few creases to iron out,but I believe I am getting there.

I will also be performing in our upcoming Good Friday service, am nervous about it, but I am looking forward to it as well.

Few weeks ago, or was it a month ago, shot a video along with other staff members for a song we wrote and performed in congratulating Good Samaritan church on their 25th year Anniversary. Looks good, I hope..hahaha

So there you go, I've been rather busy in them secondary talent department.

Moving on, I just went through my first practical driving lesson last Thursday, though my instructor looked afraid and frustrated the whole 4 hours of my training, I believed I did well enough considering it was my first time driving.

"Don't let go of the clutch.... Don't you know how to drive straight... I said balance..balance..."

Well .. If I knew all that, I wouldn't be taking lessons would I... But I digress. Truth be told many individuals, friends of mine even, have had driving experiences before they went for their first class.. Oh you know that old wives tale, their parents were not around, they found the car keys, started the engine, next thing you know, they put the gear in reverse, and before you know it, they were driving around their house without the knowledge of their parents, or for those who have seen better days, have had small accidents like banging into their neighbour's car, or even their own gate. I happen to be one of those who aren't like that. I was trapped at home for the bulk of my youth, and I distinctively remember my mom's car to always be in the driveway, but I never drove it.

People question me or sometimes even ridicule me for not driving it around. It's not like it had never occurred to me to do so, but I have certain principles that I like to live up to. We live in a world where temptation is all around us, and most of the time, we fall victim to them, therefore, consciously, if I could've prevented myself from committing anything bad, even in the slightest of ways, I would try to do so. It gives me pleasure in knowing I have self control over such things. A certain ego boost, you might even call it.

Don't get me wrong, I am not going to judge those who did it, if you felt judge than perhaps you would admit at being guilty..haha... but the point is, I have my principles and I live by them. Regardless how it might seem to be a disadvantage.

God has constantly been faithful in guiding me, even though for the past few weeks, I felt like I have distanced myself from Him. Time and time again, God has brought me into situations which reminds me of of His goodness and grace, He has surrounded me as well, with people who constantly assure me of my faith. And for that I thank you Lord !

This stuck with me during one of my devotions last week. Thought I'd share it as well.

Phillipians 2:14 Do everything without grumbling or arguing, 15 so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”[c] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky 16 as you hold firmly to the word of life.

It's hard being a good person, let alone being a Christian. No matter where you go people will judge you, atheist or not, people expect nothing but goodness from you, and the slightest fault will just cause you to be bombarded with accusations and expectations. I find myself to always be given unrealistic expectations, just because I am a Christian does not mean I won't be angry, or so on. We are told to be like Jesus, not be Jesus. Face it, we're all humans and we make mistakes, even the best of us.

I know I for one can be quite difficult to work with. Sometimes, my anger gets the better of me, and I will always speak my mind and the truth and for that reason I get into trouble. There's a back story to why I don't lie and why I hate liars, but that's for another day.

Perhaps its the way the truth is delivered that needs to be changed. That Conan in your face truth can no longer be used in this world, a world of back talking and whispering, where men and women cower behind their lies and judgements, two faced agreements and corner cutting ways. They have a word for that, and they call it being "diplomatic" or perhaps "wise".

But being a Christian means understanding all this and handling it in a better way, for we should not conform to the ways of the world, for even though we are in the world, we are not of it.

God help me to be that person that I should be.To be put right with You. To find the "balance" in handling all things. Amen.

Till next time, God bless