Living the Life of Riley

Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?

Matthew 6:26 (NIV)

After coming from a massage in the building next door, I found these pigeons enjoying a bath.

It struck me that they look extremely well fed. They obviously live the life of Riley, as they are not only eating well but they have a huge, luxurious pool to bathe in as well.

I kept trying to get a photo of them dipping in the pool and shaking their feathers out but I wasn't fast enough with my camera phone.

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24 (KJV)

There was a side benefit to watching the birds. I met Maria from Brazil.

Maria was standing near by, saw me taking photos and she decided to take photos of the birds too.  We began chatting and I invited her for coffee which she accepted.  We had a great time getting to know one another.   The way we talked you would have thought we'd always known one another.  She was very kind and invited me to stay at her home if I ever travel to Brazil.  Maria was very busy while in Canada.  She took a short English language course to supplement what she already studied in Brazil, she took a week long tour to the Rocky Mountains, and the big City of Calgary.  She also went to Vancouver Island to visit our provincial Capital City, Victoria. She loved her travels but she absolutely loved Vancouver.

I managed to  get together with Maria once more before she departed on her long journey back to Brazil. I  hope we will be able to keep in touch though she tells me she won't soon be back to Vancouver.  While she absolutely loved it here she only visits each place once so that she can try to see many new places around the globe.

Would you believe that neither of us thought to get photos of one another despite the fact that we  both of us had cameras, lol.

Come Back Africa

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." 

George Santayana 

I was looking for the showtimes for a new film based on Salmon Rushdie's book  and screenplay, "Midnight's Children", directed by Deepa Mehta. Apparently, it doesn't start playing in local theatres until November 2, 2012.  Though it was shown at the recent Vancouver International Film Festival, I didn't get a chance to see it.

While looking for "Midnight's Children", I instead found out about a movie called "Come Back Africa", a Film by Lionel Rogosin. It was filmed in secret in late 1950s in apartheid South Africa and is a glimpse into that harsh reality that was life for many black South Africans during the apartheid years.

What I liked about this film is that it was filmed in 1950s so is likely more realistic than a recreated story of what took place in the 1950s. I also enjoyed seeing all the old cars and the dress of the day. I was amazed at how large Johannesburg was back then. I was also struck by how much the Black Africans loved music. Everywhere in the streets there were small groups of Christians singing or children or young men playing flutes and dancing.  Despite the hardships of life they did not forget the joy of music and no doubt it helped to sustain them.

I'm leaving you with a trailer for the film in case you get a chance to see it where you live.  A young, Miriam Makeba also sings in the film.

The film deals with some disturbing subject matter but it is good to be educated about what apartheid was really like. Perhaps in educating ourselves we can avoid the mistakes of the past. For more information about the film click here.

Blue Monday

“There is no blue without yellow and without orange.” 

Vincent van Gogh

A multi-coloured cotton baby bib with baby blue ;-)

Joining with Smiling Sally at Blue Monday today.
Have a great Monday!

Congratulations, Jonah!

 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11

Hello friends, I am so pleased to announce that Jonah from the Missions of Hope has graduated with his Master's degree in International Development. He has been working very hard these past several years to study and gain his master's degree, at the same time he has been actively involved in his community and in the work of the Missions of Hope.

Through God's grace, Jonah managed to get from Kenya to Uganda for the graduation ceremony yesterday.

Jonah is second in from the right side of the photo with the green and yellow cloth around his neck.

Here Jonah points with his grad cap to the Bugema University logo on top the lovely fountain.

 

Well done, Jonah!!!

I am excited for what the Lord will do for you.

God bless and keep you.

If you have an encouraging word or message for Jonah, please click here and leave him a comment.

Heavenly Skies

“He must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore everything, as he promised long ago through his holy prophets.” 

 Acts 3:21 (NIV)

 I'm joining up with the gang at Skywatch Friday.

Click here to see the other submissions.