Keep Rolling

 

If You’re a Rolling Stone, Keep Rolling

A river flows a kilometer from my home.
Every visit, I return with stones—smooth, heavy, or scarred by water.
I never let them go.
Some sit on my table, a few rest on the shelves, and others lie quietly in the yard.
Each stone is different.
Each one has a story.
They remind me that I, too, have been rolling over hills, plains, and dusty roads.
From Kerala to Kashmir,
Through Manamadurai to Almora,
Past the villages of Raipur and Raigarh,
The lanes of Bhilai and Bilaspur,
The dusty stretches of Bankura and Purulia,
The quiet corners of Champa and Chhatarpur,
The slopes of Shimla and Mussoorie,
The serene valleys of Dehradun,
And the sun-warmed towns of Vizianagaram and Rajahmundry.
I've rolled through schools and slums,
Tribal hamlets and hill settlements,
Colonies of the leprosy-affected and communities hidden from maps.
Each stop left a mark—a face, a story, a seed of faith.

Why Rolling Still Matters

People often say, “A rolling stone gathers no moss.”
And that’s true—if all you want is moss.
But I’ve learned something different.
A rolling stone may not gather moss,
But it gathers moments.
It gathers meaning.
It gathers marks of purpose on every surface it touches.
The stones in my hand remind me—
Movement doesn’t mean aimlessness.
It means being ready when God decides to pick you up
And place you exactly where you’re meant to be.
So if you’re still rolling—keep rolling.
Because even a stone that keeps moving downstream
May one day become part of a foundation upstream.
So if you’re still rolling—keep rolling.
Even if it looks random to others, every move you make with courage and conviction matters.
Like a stone rolling downstream, each step of faith and determination may one day place you exactly where you’re meant to be—a part of a foundation that is lasting, purposeful, and meaningful.

 The Creator Who Picks You

Did you ever wonder why David picked smooth stones?
Why not stones with moss?
Perhaps because smooth stones are ready to be used.
They've been shaped by the journey,
Polished by time,
Prepared for the task ahead.
And just as David chose those stones,
The Creator picks you at the right time to place you where He wants you to be.
Your journey, your experiences,
Have been shaping you,
Preparing you for the purpose He has in mind.
So, keep rolling.
Trust that the Creator knows the path,
And He will place you exactly where you need to be.

Tail Piece: Keep Rolling with Purpose

As you continue your journey, remember:

·       Embrace the journey—each experience shapes you.

·       Trust the process—even when the path is unclear.

·       Stay faithful—your purpose is unfolding.

·       Keep rolling—you are being prepared for something greater.

Let your life be a testament to the journey,
A story of faith, resilience, and purpose.
Keep rolling,
For the Creator has a place for you,
And your journey is part of His plan.

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Tiny Wings & Timeless Lessons

A Small Visitor, a Quiet Message of Care

Philipose Vaidyar

One morning, a tiny visitor came knocking—literally! A Common Tailorbird flew into our reflector window at the sitout and fell, completely still. Hearing the sound, I rushed out and found it lying there, numb and motionless. I gently picked it up and gave it some water. Within moments, it began to stir, shake off the shock, and regain strength. After a few minutes, it perched on my hand, then took off gracefully into the open air.

As I watched it fly away, I was reminded of how tenderly God watches over His creation. Even a small bird that loses its way finds care and comfort in His providence. Jesus said, “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.” (Matthew 6:26)

He also reminded us, “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care... So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29, 31)

A simple moment, yet a beautiful reminder of God’s gentle care—for them, and for us.

Over time, I’ve found that birds often become quiet teachers—revealing lessons about trust, care, and the rhythm of God’s creation. Each of these reflections recounts a different moment when nature became a gentle messenger.

From Beak to Bond: Lessons Beyond

A reflection on how birds model quiet cooperation and care—reminding us that faith and community are built not just on words but on shared trust and small acts of love.
👉 https://pvarticles.blogspot.com/2024/11/from-beak-to-bond-lessons-beyond.html

The Guava Tree & The Chattering Jungle Babblers

An everyday story from the backyard turns into a lively conversation on belonging, noise, and neighborhood—both among birds and among us.
👉 https://pvarticles.blogspot.com/2025/01/the-guava-tree-chattering-jungle.html

Latest Post:  The Gospel According to the Birds

Inspired by a reader’s poetic response—
“Your words like petals softly fall,
And stir our hearts to heed God’s call…”

—This piece invites you again into the fields and forests to see how faith, responsibility, and care for others form the real gospel of life.
👉 https://pvarticles.blogspot.com/2025/10/the-gospel-according-to-birds-and-lilies.html  

Each of these moments—whether in the rustle of wings, the chatter of babblers, or the stillness of a stunned tailorbird—reminds me that God’s watchful care is never distant. He is near in every fragile heartbeat of creation, teaching us to notice, to nurture, and to trust.

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See the New Release, Trekking the Tribal Trail Click Here 

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Are You Gathering Moss ?

Philipose Vaidyar

Moves that Matter

A year ago, at a gathering, someone looked at me and said,

“You’re a rolling stone.” He added, "A rolling stone gathers no moss."

The reason? I didn’t stay long in the same organization he did.
Ironically, he too moved on—thrice or more—into leadership roles elsewhere.

Paradoxically, the man who never poured oil over my midnight lamp,
who never helped, invested, or spent time on me,
still preferred to certify me, almost forty years after we first met.

I left because I couldn’t see my vision taking shape.
Waiting years to earn trust or a formal job description wasn’t an option.

Some people work and earn experience for thirty years —
But it’s the same one year of experience repeated thirty times.
The longest I stayed in an organization was six years —
not because I wanted to move,
but because life and family were more important than work.
I worked to live, not lived to work.

So, I began doing what I could.
No waiting. No guarantees.
Just conviction.
Just faith.

When my official JD never arrived, I took a step of faith:
I packed my things, handed over responsibilities,
and submitted my resignation.
That step marked a new beginning — a journey I would walk alone.

Sometimes recognition, validation, or opportunity comes not from those we expect,
but from God’s timing, unseen connections, and moments long in the making.
Each step I had taken, each risk I had embraced,
was not wasted.
Every move of faith, no matter how small or solitary,
was shaping me — smoothing me, preparing me for purposes I could not yet see.

Insights Along the Way

Even if you feel like a rolling stone, it isn’t instability.
It’s a call to trust the journey, to keep moving even when the path isn’t clear.

·       Every step matters, whether you see immediate results or not.

·       Every act of faith — small, unseen, or solitary — contributes to something greater.

·       Life isn’t about repeating the same year over decades; it’s about growth, learning, and meaningful action.

·       Work to live, don’t live to work. Let family, faith, and purpose guide your choices.

·       Opportunities, recognition, and impact often come from unexpected places, sometimes decades later.

If you are willing to keep moving, to act with conviction and courage,
you will find that every risk, every step of faith, and every unseen effort shapes not only your life but the lives of others.

So keep rolling.
Keep trusting the journey.
And remember: what seems small or forgotten today may be the seed of impact tomorrow.

Next:  >> If You’re a Rolling Stone, Keep Rolling 

https://pvarticles.blogspot.com/2025/10/keep-rolling.html 

https://sites.google.com/view/philipose-create 

See the New Release, Trekking the Tribal Trail Click Here 

My Focus on People Groups 

https://sites.google.com/view/focusonpeople 

The Gospel According to Birds

Lessons from Lilies 

Philipose Vaidyar

Every generation wrestles with the same question: How should we live?
Some say, “Work hard, save wisely, and care for family.”
Others insist, “Don’t stress—just enjoy life; God will provide.”

In our fast-paced, consumer-driven world—where Instagram whispers, “Treat yourself,” and advertisements murmur, “You deserve more”—it’s natural to dream of a simpler, stress-free life. But what if true peace isn’t found in budgets, balance sheets, or luxury, but in the quiet lessons of creation itself?

After all, Jesus pointed us to the birds and the lilies. Perhaps the animals had it right all along.

So, let’s pause, step away from the city noise, and take a walk through the forest and fields. There’s a gospel being preached out there, too—the Animal Kingdom Gospel.

 

Part 1: The Animal Kingdom Gospel

Jesus said:

“Do not worry about tomorrow. Look at the birds of the air… see the lilies of the field.”

Ah, what a simple model for life! If only humans could live like animals—carefree, instinct-driven, moving with the rhythm of creation, unconcerned about exams, EMIs, or grocery bills.

·       Birds don’t sow, reap, or store up. They live day by day, chirping with the morning light, hunting in the evening. Their wings carry them wherever food is found, and their songs rise with the dawn without a care for tomorrow.

·       Lilies don’t fret over fashion or status. They bloom season after season, filling the fields with effortless beauty. They neither toil nor spin, yet radiate a splendor that needs no human effort.

·       Animals eat when hungry, sleep when tired, fight when threatened, and play when free. They move with creation’s rhythm, content with what each day brings.

·       Parents in the wild care for their young until they are strong enough to survive. The chicks spread their wings, the cubs learn to hunt, and the calves begin to walk. In time, each one goes its way, and life in the wild carries on.

 

Part 2: Stop Press, Think.

Sounds liberating, doesn’t it?

Until you realize—you’re not a bird, not a lily, not an antelope. You’re human, created in God’s image with reason, responsibility, and relationships.

·       Birds don’t pay rent or school fees.

·       Lilies don’t provide medical care for aging parents.

·       Lions don’t build societies where justice matters.

To imitate animals while ignoring the Creator’s design is to live half the truth.

Here’s the irony: some who claim to “live like the birds” still:

·       Spend lavishly on Starbucks coffee.

·       Upgrade phones every year.

·       Buy smartwatches that tell the same time as a cheaper one.

·       Dine at fine restaurants while neighbors struggle for basic survival food.

This isn’t birdlike faith—it’s consumerism wrapped in fake spirituality. Irresponsibility dressed up as freedom.

The truth is: Jesus was not inviting us to abandon responsibility but to be free from anxiety.

·       To “not worry” doesn’t mean “don’t plan.”

·       To “trust God” doesn’t mean “neglect family.”

·       To “consider the lilies” doesn’t mean “chase luxury and then blame God when it fails.”

A Pause for Reflection

Jesus warns against living solely for the present moment. Consider the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:19–21):

“And I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink, and be merry.’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night, your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”

Pleasure without purpose is perilous.

Children are a heritage, not a commodity we customize or acquire like possessions. Likewise, parents are not disposable—they are the ones who gave us life. Scripture illustrates this with honor and care: Abraham purchased a burial site in Canaan as an act of faith in God’s promise. Jacob, though he died in Egypt, was lovingly cared for by his children in his old age. When he died, they honored his wish by carrying his body to Canaan for burial—a final expression of their devotion and faith. Later, the Israelites carried Joseph’s bones from Egypt to the Promised Land, fulfilling his request and affirming God’s promise.

Even some animals gather around their dead, but humans—created in God’s image—are called to a higher responsibility. If Jacob’s sons cared for him in life and honored him in death, how much more should we cherish and respect those entrusted to us while they live? True faith values life as much as it honors death.

Yet many children today think:

It was my parents’ duty to care for me; now it is only my duty to care for my children.

Does that mean children have only rights and no responsibilities, and parents only responsibilities with no rights?

  

Part 3: The Real Call – Work, Stewardship, and Care

Pulling out parts of a Bible passage out of context to satisfy oneself is neither biblical nor Christian. Read and meditate on Scripture with a willingness to learn and obey. The passage that draws our attention to the birds of the air calls us to seek God’s Kingdom and His righteousness. We are also advised to go to the ant and learn from it. 

The Scriptures are clear:

·       “Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise.” (Prov. 6:6) — Ants save for the future. Wisdom is in preparation, not waste.

·       “Which of you, wanting to build a tower, does not first sit down and calculate the cost?” (Luke 14:28) — Planning is faith in action.

·       “Do not love the world or anything in the world… For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” (1 John 2:15–17) — Worldly passions fade; obedience to God lasts forever.

·       “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” (1 John 3:17) — Real faith produces generosity.

·       In Matthew 25, Jesus separates sheep from goats. The sheep are those who fed the hungry, clothed the naked, visited the sick, and welcomed the stranger. True faith is practical love.

·       “Honor your father and mother”—the first commandment with a promise—“so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” (Eph. 6:2–3) — Respecting and caring for parents is a key to blessing.

·       “Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, especially their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.” (1 Tim. 5:8) — Family care is not optional.

 

Living it Out

How do we apply these truths? By cultivating contentment:

·       Not chasing luxury or endless upgrades.

·       Not bowing to every advertisement screaming, “You need this to be complete.”

·       Not wasting God’s resources on greed while neighbors and parents struggle.

Instead, Christians are called to be faithful stewards—managing money, time, and energy wisely at home, in the church, and in the community. True discipleship is not about consuming more but about loving more, giving more, and serving more.

 

Conclusion

Yes, look at the birds and lilies—but learn the right lesson. God provides. He cares. He sustains. He calls us to reflect His care by being responsible, generous, and wise.

Faith is not carefree indulgence; it is trust expressed through hard work, wise stewardship, love for family, and compassion for others. To live otherwise is folly.

Do not live like animals, whose destiny ends at death. You are created with a soul and spirit for eternal life and an eternal kingdom. Jesus reminded us not to worry excessively about what to eat or wear, but to:

“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matt. 6:33)

This is the punchline: the gospel is not about reckless freedom, but about living out God’s eternal principles with responsibility and faithfulness. Trust your Creator—and He will provide everything you need.

 

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Sparks, Knocks, and Slamming Doors

FAITH AT HOME: BEFORE THE CRISIS ARRIVES

Philipose Vaidyar

In an earlier write-up, “When Students (Children) Fail, Whom Do We Blame?” we noted that even in nurturing homes, children make their own choices. Click Here to View #1  Later, in “The Vanishing Youth from Our Congregations,” the focus shifted to the church—how weak programs, self-serving leadership, and misplaced priorities often push young people away. Click Here to View #2

Now, we turn to the home. Before crises arise, how can we nurture a faith that lasts? Not through formulas or fear, but through presence, patience, and intentional parenting.

Take one story: a young woman from a Christian family moved to the city, met a man of another faith at her workplace, and wanted to marry him. Instead of eloping, she consulted her parents, who agreed if the wedding took place in church. The couple joined a local congregation; the man underwent counseling, classes, baptism preparation, and was approved for membership. They married quietly—then disappeared from church life, later citing distance and work. Many such stories end in similar confusion, with parents left praying for true faith to take root.

Today, many church-raised young people marry outside the faith, divorce, or hide secret relationships. Global culture—instantly accessible online—shapes their values. In this consumerist world, even marriage is treated like an online purchase: try, discard, replace. Some avoid it altogether.

The deeper question is this: are our young people basing their choices on Christ, or simply on earning, spending, and consuming? Our children are not only listening but also watching—imitating not just their parents, but also their peers and the surrounding culture. In such a world, how do we ensure that what they absorb at home points them toward faith, character, and maturity?

1. Parenting with Purpose, Not Panic

Faith cannot be outsourced. It is not the job of the Sunday school teacher alone. Nor is it the church’s responsibility to raise our children spiritually. Scripture places that responsibility primarily on parents:

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road...” (Deuteronomy 6:6–7).

Children are often taught to memorize Bible verses and praised when they recite them in church or during family prayers. While this has value, what matters even more is helping them discuss, interpret, and apply the meaning of those verses in everyday life. From a young age, children should be guided to see how Scripture speaks to their challenges and choices.

This should not be about rewards or punishments but about creating space at home for genuine interaction—learning together to hear God’s voice. Don’t wait until Sunday school or youth camps, which in reality offer little scope for such conversations. Some ministries may run programs on quiet time, personal Bible study, or inductive study methods. These can be helpful, but children may miss them because of school or other schedules. Parents cannot depend on those occasional opportunities; they need to take the lead.

Remember, parents are the best teachers of values, behavior, and character—even if not of academic subjects. Let spirituality begin naturally at home, as early as children learn anything else. When family prayer becomes a time of dialogue and discovery, children grow not just in knowledge of Scripture, but in the habit of listening to God.

Sadly, many parents start intentional spiritual conversations only when a crisis arises—when their child walks away from faith, gets into a bad relationship, or begins making poor choices. But by then, we are reacting, not shaping. The time to start is not when they’re in trouble, but when they are still learning to speak and observe.

2. The Atmosphere at Home Speaks Louder than Rules

Children can sense pretence. If we pray in church but fight at home, if we speak about love and grace but live with bitterness and complaints, they notice. Home must be a safe space where grace is practiced, truth is taught, and love is consistent. Not perfect parenting—but honest, humble, and consistent.

Let’s not confuse rigid rule-keeping with righteousness. Children thrive not in controlling environments but in homes that model Christ.

3. Modeling, Not Just Teaching

Paul boldly said, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)

That’s a strong claim—and a needed one today. Parents don’t need to be perfect, but they do need to be intentional. Children model what they see: how you pray, how you treat your spouse, how you spend money, how you respond to failure. Everything preaches. 

 4. Spending Time Individually with Children

Each child is unique, and parents must take time to connect with them personally. From an early age, explaining matters and truths individually—whether during a walk, a routine task, or shared activities—helps build trust and openness. Encouragement is best given in public, while correction is most effective in private, especially in matters of personal growth or sensitive advice. Parents should agree on this and decide who addresses which matters. Such intentional one-on-one moments shape both confidence and character.

5. Guarding What Shapes Them

In today’s hyper-connected world, children are shaped not just by what happens at home, but by what they consume online, what they hear from peers, and the subtle ideologies pushed through media. Parents must help their children develop discernment, not just discipline. That includes talking about values, warning about deception, and helping them think biblically.

We must be present—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. Presence builds trust. And trust creates the bridge over which truth can be shared.

6. Faith Is Caught Before It Is Taught

Let’s remember: faith is not downloaded through lectures. It’s absorbed through life—through conversations at the dinner table, through bedtime prayers, through how we treat the poor, speak to elders, and respond when things go wrong.

It’s not about doing more programs. It’s about being more present.

A Closing Thought

We began by asking: whom do we blame when children walk away—the church or parents? The truth is, blame never builds faith. What is needed is ownership. Church and home must partner, but the first classroom of faith is always the home.

A crisis can take many forms. It may begin as a spark, come knocking, or linger at the door. The hardest is when it enters the home—when children slip away unnoticed or storm out in anger, slamming the door behind them.
That is why parents cannot afford to wait for such moments. Faith formation cannot be outsourced to Sunday Schools, youth camps, or occasional trainings. These may support, but parents must lead—shaping character and guiding children early toward wise, Christ-centered decisions.
So let us not wait for sparks to flare, knocks to sound, doors to slam, or children to slip away. In a world of shifting values and consumer-style relationships, our children need what is real. They need to see lives lived with authenticity, a daily walk with Christ, and a readiness to listen together for His voice. What must be passed on is not rituals or memory verses, but the joy of knowing a living Savior at the center of every decision.

Previous Post # 1 https://pvarticles.blogspot.com/2025/01/who-fails-parents-or-children.html 

Previous Post #2 https://pvarticles.blogspot.com/2025/08/missing-from-pew.html 

https://sites.google.com/view/philipose-create 

See the New Release, Trekking the Tribal Trail Click Here 

My Focus on People Groups 

https://sites.google.com/view/focusonpeople