Kwanzaa 2013: Day 6–KUUMBA

[This Kwanzaa I have incorporated the profession of my Christian faith with the celebration of my heritage and community. Kwanzaa, by nature, is not tied to any one faith, but as the parallels between the Seven Principles and many Christian teachings are strong, I try to recognize both in my personal observance. I hope that no matter what your beliefs are regarding theism or religion, you will read on and take away a positive lesson from it to apply to your own life’s journey.]

HAPPY KWANZAA, everyone!

HABARI GANI?
Day 6, December 31 – KUUMBA (creativity)
To let our creativity shine, always doing as much as we can in the way that we can in order to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

Owo Foro Adobe
depicts a snake climbing a raffia palm; represents ingenuity, excellence and performance of great feats

John 1:3
All things were made by him: and without him was not any thing made that was made.

Life Application:

• Allow the Creator of the Universe to fully shine
• His Light into your life
• Jesus the Light of the World, Son of God
• Creator of all things

There are countless scriptures that point to God as the Creator of the Universe. There is a God who is the Creator of all things. The book of John begins with “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.”

Prayer:
Lord, You are God, Creator of Heaven and Earth! In You all things were made. We acknowledge You, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Creator of all things, Breath life upon us by Your Spirit. In Jesus’ Name, I pray TODAY! Amen.

ASHÉ!

(Affirmations and devotions courtesy of the book Kwanzaa for Christ, by C. D. Holmes-Miller )

As always, you can revisit any other Kwanzaa posts on the Kwanzaa page of this blog!

Kwanzaa 2013: Day 5–NIA

[This Kwanzaa I have incorporated the profession of my Christian faith with the celebration of my heritage and community. Kwanzaa, by nature, is not tied to any one faith, but as the parallels between the Seven Principles and many Christian teachings are strong, I try to recognize both in my personal observance. I hope that no matter what your beliefs are regarding theism or religion, you will read on and take away a positive lesson from it to apply to your own life’s journey.]

HAPPY KWANZAA, everyone!

HABARI GANI?
Day 5, December 30 – NIA (purpose)
To collectively build and develop our community, to restore our people’s traditional greatness, and to do what makes us glad to be who we are.

Sankofa
“But it is never too late to go back and fetch what is lost.”

Ephesians 3:11
According to the eternal purpoe which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Life Application:

• Trust that it will all work out together for God’s purpose in your life
• Trust God!

We have many things that we do and are involved in–but we only have ONE PURPOSE! Our lives have a plan designed by God. The Lord ha a plan and purpose for your life and destiny! When our agendas fail, the Christian is assured that things are working together for the good.

Prayer:
Lord, just what is my purpose for You?! Though I don’t understand things right now…Help me to trust You. Help me to know things TRULY ARE working together for YOUR GOOD PURPOSE in my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray TODAY! Amen.

ASHÉ!

(Affirmations and devotions courtesy of the book Kwanzaa for Christ, by C. D. Holmes-Miller )

As always, you can revisit any other Kwanzaa posts on the Kwanzaa page of this blog!

5 Things Your Husband Needs to Hear When Things Just Aren’t Going His Way | BlackandMarriedWithKids.com

http://www.blackandmarriedwithkids.com/2013/10/5-things-your-husband-needs-to-hear-when-things-just-arent-going-his-way/

Kwanzaa 2013: Day 4–UJAMAA

[This Kwanzaa I have incorporated the profession of my Christian faith with the celebration of my heritage and community. Kwanzaa, by nature, is not tied to any one faith, but as the parallels between the Seven Principles and many Christian teachings are strong, I try to recognize both in my personal observance. I hope that no matter what your beliefs are regarding theism or religion, you will read on and take away a positive lesson from it to apply to your own life’s journey.]

HAPPY KWANZAA, everyone!

HABARI GANI?
Day 4, December 29 – UJAMAA (cooperative economics)
To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.

Funtummireku Denkyemireku
represents two crocodiles sharing a common stomach–when one feasts, all are satisfied.

Acts 2:44
And all that believe were together, and had all things in common.

Acts 2:45
And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.

Life Application:

• Do you see a need that you can supply?
• Have you been ignoring someone’s request?
• Listen and supply with generosity for the Lord.

As Christians we are called to share in supplying the needs of others. The servant’s heart is benevolent and liberal. The Lord commands us to give to those who ask. We are not to turn a deaf ear to those who have need. We are to give unto the Lord as we supply the needs of others.

Prayer:
Lord, open my heart to share. Let me see the needs of others and to cheerfully come forth to supply. Change my heart O Lord toward benevolence and liberality. In Jesus’ name, I pray TODAY! Amen.

ASHÉ!

(Affirmations and devotions courtesy of the book Kwanzaa for Christ, by C. D. Holmes-Miller)

As always, you can revisit any other Kwanzaa posts on the Kwanzaa page of this blog!

Kwanzaa 2013: Day 3–UJIMA

[This Kwanzaa I have incorporated the profession of my Christian faith with the celebration of my heritage and community. Kwanzaa, by nature, is not tied to any one faith, but as the parallels between the Seven Principles and many Christian teachings are strong, I try to recognize both in my personal observance. I hope that no matter what your beliefs are regarding theism or religion, you will read on and take away a positive lesson from it to apply to your own life’s journey.]

HAPPY KWANZAA, everyone!

HABARI GANI?
Day 3, December 28 – UJIMA (collective work and responsibility)
To build and maintain our community together and make our sisters’ and brothers; problems our problems and to solve them together.

Finhankra
safety and security, brotherhood and solidarity

Galatians 6:2
Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Matthew 24:13
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore.

Life’s Application

• Do you see a need around you that you have ignored?
• Don’t just STAND THERE!
• What would Jesus do?

We are the Lord’s hands and feet to perform His Will on Earth! We are called to restore! We must cease from ears that do not hear and eyes that do not see! We have a responsibility to do good and to have compassion. Thusly, we put on the image of Christ for our communities.

Prayer:
Lord, help me be my brother or sister’s keeper! Help me to love the loveable!* Allow your unconditional love to flow to those I see in need! Lord, give me the courage not to look the other way! Give me the boldness to exhibit compassion and to care, thus making the difference! In the name of Jesus we pray. Amen.

ASHÉ!

*Though the author says “love the loveable,” we should extend ourselves to love the unloveable as well. Jesus came to earth in human form, lived among us and died on the cross to save us. ALL of us. Not just the people he liked or picked and chose. Matthew 25:40 states “when you did [for] the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” Where would WE be if Jesus had a VIP list for those deserving of His love and help? Not something I wish to consider.

(Affirmations and devotions courtesy of the book Kwanzaa for Christ, by C. D. Holmes-Miller)

As always, you can revisit any other Kwanzaa posts on the Kwanzaa page of this blog!

Kwanzaa, begins 26 December and ends 01 January, a celebration of First Fruits – National African-American history | Examiner.com

HERE’S what I was looking for yesterday…..her articles last year were very simple and concise, and easy for anyone to understand and absorb the meaning and significance of the Kwanzaa celebration. This is her Day 1 article.

http://www.examiner.com/article/kwanzaa-begins-26-december-and-ends-01-january-a-celebration-of-first-fruits

Day 2 of Kwanzaa: Kujichagulia means self-determination – National African-American history | Examiner.com

http://www.examiner.com/article/day-2-of-kwanzaa-kujichagulia-means-self-determination

Kwanzaa 2013: Day 2–KUJICHAGULIA

[This Kwanzaa I have incorporated the profession of my Christian faith with the celebration of my heritage and community. Kwanzaa, by nature, is not tied to any one faith, but as the parallels between the Seven Principles and many Christian teachings are strong, I try to recognize both in my personal observance. I hope that no matter what your beliefs are regarding theism or religion, you will read on and take away a positive lesson from it to apply to your own life’s journey.]

HAPPY KWANZAA, everyone!

HABARI GANI?
Day 2, December 27 – KUJICHAGULIA (self-determination)
We learn about and celebrate the traditions that help us define ourselves.

Ani Bere A Enso Gya
patience, self-containment, self-discipline and self-control

Philippians 14:3
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Matthew 24:13
But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.

Life’s Application:

• Thinking of giving up? DON’T!
• Do you need strength? Ask for it!

One of the most striking traits of Black people (my term of preference) is the ability to endure and persevere in the face of hardship. The author spotlights this in her look at today’s principle: “As Christians, we are called both persevere and endure the course journey of life. God’s grace allows us to endure afflictions happily. This seems IMPOSSIBLE–to HAPPILY ENDURE! With Jesus, we are able to count it all joy when tests, trials and tribulations arise.” In short, how we handle the things in our lives helps to define our identity and our character.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to keep going and to pick up broken pieces. Make me whole again. I ask, Look at me today; have mercy and grace upon me! In the Name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

(Affirmations and devotions courtesy of the book Kwanzaa for Christ, by C. D. Holmes-Miller )

ASHÉ!

As always, you can revisit any other Kwanzaa posts on the Kwanzaa page of this blog!

KWANZAA, a learning and growing opportunity for everyone – Baltimore Arts Education | Examiner.com

http://www.examiner.com/article/kwanzaa-a-learning-and-growing-opportunity-for-everyone

Kwanzaa 2013: Day 1–UMOJA

[This Kwanzaa I have incorporated the profession of my Christian faith with the celebration of my heritage and community. Kwanzaa, by nature, is not tied to any one faith, but as the parallels between the Seven Principles and many Christian teachings are strong, I try to recognize both in my personal observance. I hope that no matter what your beliefs are regarding theism or religion, you will read on and take away a positive lesson from it to apply to your own life’s journey.]

HAPPY KWANZAA, everyone!

HABARI GANI?
Day 1, December 26 – UMOJA (unity)
To strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation and race.

Bi Nka Bi, “Bite not each other.”

Psalms 133:1
Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

Ephesians 4:3
Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Let us endeavor to keep unity by becoming peace agents in all areas of our lives.

Life’s Application

• Where do you need to keep the peace?
• Where do you need to unify?

Prayer:
Lord, open the door that we can make and keep peace with others. Holy Spirit, guide and touch the heart that reconciliation and revival touches our relationships. Heal broken hearts, repair breaches, In the Name of Jesus We Pray! Amen.

ASHÉ!

(Affirmations and devotions courtesy of the book Kwanzaa for Christ, by C. D. Holmes-Miller )

As always, you can revisit any other Kwanzaa posts on the Kwanzaa page of this blog!