Reflecting on 2016

Looking back at 2016, I can confidently say that there is so much to be thankful for….and like the song says, count your blessings name them one by one, I reflect on some of the blessings of 2016.....

The love of the Father
Health
Preservation
Peace
Accommodation
An amazing Job
Sorted out Visa
The constant flow of God’s word
Courage
Favour and grace
Good relationships
The blessings of family and friends
Ideas (including ‘Inconversation’….coming soon) and divine direction
Answered prayers

I thank God for seemingly setbacks and delays that were actually opportunities to manifest himself as God who answers prayers, the God of all flesh and the one who is in charge…..

2016 was amazing and I have GOD to thank for that……

2017 can only be better because our pathways in life only gets better and better and better   - The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining ever brighter till the full light of day (Proverbs 4:18)

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas

So it’s less than 24 hours to Christmas day (its Christmas Eve)

Lots of shopping already done, some more to go…..

The Holiday feel, whether it’s a day or two or more, is in the air

The gifts already wrapped and ready to be opened

The food menus all ticked and the cooking process in motion

Christmas this year is on a Sunday so that includes a Christmas service for some

In all of these amazing events,

It’s important to remember, the one we celebrate: the one whose birthday it is on Christmas day

Keep sharing the smiles, the messages, the songs and most of all the LOVE

That’s really what it’s all about

Do have a Merry Christmas 💗💗💗

Thanksgiving Sunday

On this Thanksgiving Sunday, I reflect on the year 2016 thus far and events that have taken place from the first to this last month in the year, as a result, my heart through my hands, express these words about a ‘Faithful God’  

 January – The Merciful One

February – The Source of Love

March – The Preserver

April – The One who Orchestrates Breakthroughs

May -  The One who gives Grace

June – The One who goes before us

July – The Orchestrator of 'One Voice'

August – The One who Favours 

September – The One who adds years to life

October – The One who makes Fruitful

November – The Giver of Continuous Favour

December – The Settler

Learning and Growing

As a child, it did seem like you never really had to worry about anything as someone else did the worrying while you enjoyed the spoils or the rewards. This was my reality, at least not until I began to move up classes at school and the plays, naps and creativity seemed to be taken over by timed activities, bells, and assignments not to mention punishments for being late or doing something wrong. 

This became my reality, school brought out the consciousness of the inevitable life process ‘growth’, which in the words of Benjamin Franklin - ‘Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning’. And as Paul rightly said ‘When I was a child, I spoke, thought, and reasoned in childlike ways as we all do. But when I became a man, I left my childish ways behind’.

Never stop learning, growing up is part of life, however make sure life’s lessons mould you in the right direction. 

Prepared Meal!

I got home after a really busy day yesterday and wasn’t sure if I could get myself to make something to eat. My flatmate was busy cooking something in the kitchen and offered me this pleasantly looking meal. I couldn’t be more grateful.

As I reflect on the things I sometimes don’t necessarily open my mouth to pray about but are sorted, I am reminded of the word - God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all we could ever ask or think……..Those prayers we make in thoughts also count. 

Today, I am thankful to God who answers prayers and meets our needs beyond our words (what we ask in words) but also our prayers made in thoughts.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us

 Reference: Ephesians 3:20

Choices!

We don't have to have it all figured out yet, 

It doesn't have to be perfect yet.

We may not have it all yet 

We may not be at the finish line yet

At the moment of having it as a thought, 

going through the process, 

when it seems blur and impossible, 

when it seems hopeful but still a long way to go, 

when you feel tired but closer than when you first started, 

when you are not where you ought to be, but definitely not where you used to be, 

remain thankful for a thankful heart keeps the dream alive and receives grace to accomplish....

And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

Ephesians 5:20

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you who belong to Christ Jesus 1 Thessalonians 5:18

And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 

2 Corinthians 9:8

Influences!

I met a lady (Jose) from Manchester today. I would describe her as exciting and engaging. She came in briefly to do some cleaning nevertheless, got everyone’s attention as she spoke about her three sons and how they have turned out to be great kids. Two are currently studying at the university (Manchester and Australia) and the first son works with a multinational abroad (Netherland). You could literally see her eyes light up as she showed us pictures of the boys and how well they are doing.…..She finally said to us (the listeners) ‘it wasn’t easy raising them boys within the community I live but I am a Christian and I brought them up in the ways of a Christian guided by the bible and that has kept them grounded’. That to me was a profound statement and it brought to mind the reality of how necessary it is to sow the right seeds in the formative years of an individual and never stop sowing because we never really stop developing, learning.

Still on this thought (influences), any wonder how kids tend to pick up stuff (I refer to words, gestures, and the likes). I recently spoke with my sister-in-law who narrated stories to me about stuff her 3 year old son (Tammy) picked up 'I know that one time because I always ended my calls with take care, God bless, he would say it when he is role playing with his toys. Also, we say the grace after prayers at home, he insists on saying the grace after every prayer no matter how short....Similarly, another nephew of mine, Joshua who is 6 years old, when he was much younger (about 3 years old) and asked ‘how you are?’ his response was always ‘I am blessed’. He picked this response from his mum who always responds in this manner. Consequently, it is helpful to say that we should never stop sowing the right seeds because it pays and at the same time, to the best of one’s ability, expose yourself to whatever has the capacity to positively channel you, people around you in the right direction.

‘Point your kids in the right direction, when they’re old they won’t be lost’. MSG

‘Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it’. NLT

Reference:

Proverbs 22:6

Mum @70

Mum @70

So today happens to be my mum’s birthday and I thought to write something about her :) 

On the 23^rd of September 70 years ago, a baby girl was born to a Nigerian - Cameroonian couple. I would say, she was an independent strong child, brought up in a Christian home where she developed her love for God, people and interestingly, books and archives. 

Just to have a scan through her educational background, she started high school at St Margaret College, Ilesha, obtained a Bachelor’s Degree, Library Science, B. Sc. (Hons) from the Texas Women’s University, Denton, Texas and moved on to the admired University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria where  she obtained a master’s degree in Library Science.

Her passion for library matters (books and archives) led to her being all of this and more: library assistant para-professional at the Ibadan University Library, Senior Library Assistant, Para-professional Assistant in the Library Department, College of Science and Technology, Librarian (1) Head of serials section, Senior Librarian, Principal Librarian, Deputy University Librarian, Rivers State University of Science and Technology and though retired, she still works as Librarian (contract staff) at the University.  

Her love for God has also reflected in the way she raised her children to know and submit to God, how she remains a constant support to her hubby, children and all around her, how she constantly works in love, forgiveness, and care. Amongst the many hats she wears; carrying out pastoral duties as a matter of passion and duty, she currently is Pastor in Charge of Zone in the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) PH.

Today as you turn 70, we celebrate you and declare this to you that ‘through wisdom your days will be many, and years will be added to your life’. (Proverbs 9:11).

Happy Birthday mum and have a wonderful year ahead.

#birthdayblessings  #mum@70  #family  #God’slove #blessings 

WHY! WHAT! And HOW!

WHY! WHAT! And HOW!

I recently found myself listening to discussions about purpose and on hearing a number of meaningful responses, I couldn’t help but investigate further to understand ‘purpose’. I would like to state that this post isn’t an in-depth explanation on purpose, but it essentially focuses on 3 significant components I have come to understand regarding purpose.

Some of the responses I gathered concerning purpose are; to give hope, to inspire others, to reach out to specific people in a given society, preach the gospel, make music, to serve, to be a writer, to be a teacher, to own corporations, to make money etc. I dare say, they are all true about the ‘what’ in the dialogue about purpose.

Likewise, other responses talk about the skills or knowledge acquired that can aid one in the journey to fulfilling purpose. These include having that unique voice, writing skill, the intellectual capability, the ability to work with numbers, the ability to speak eloquently, the witty mind for creativity and business, the flair for sports etc. This again, I dare say is true about purpose as it speaks about the ‘how’.

Following these responses, I decided to check the dictionary meaning of the word ‘purpose’ and have just highlighted two here:

•         Why you do something or why something exists - Cambridge dictionary
•     The reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists. – Oxford dictionary

Pondering on these definitions, I realised, as observed from the responses above that, in identifying one’s purpose in life, there is a significant emphasis on the ‘what’ and the ‘how. Even so, purpose as defined above, significantly focuses on the ‘why’. Drawing on the dictionary definition that focuses on the ‘why’, it is right to say that,

‘It is important to know ‘why’ we do ‘what’ we do as we develop the ‘how’ we do ‘what’ we do’.  

As a Christian (one who believes in God), it is right to say, purpose is God centred or God initiated. This is clearly emphasised in the bible (the official manual for Christians). Likewise, there are lots of narratives in the bible that talk about God working out His purpose in the lives of people. Consequently, as we submit to God, He reveals ways (hinging on the why, what and how) by which we fulfil His purpose in our lives.

#purpose #why #what #how #God #beinspired 

Testify Sunday- Angelic Assistance

Testify Sunday - Angelic Assistance!

We all need help or some form of assistance every now and again. However, there are times situations  just seem impossible to fix. At those times, we come to terms with the fact that we need some form of supernatural help to get through.....

I put in an application a while ago and was waiting for a response. It seemed to be taking forever, but the fruit or character 'patience' came into play as I stayed calm through the period of 'waiting'. After almost two months, I received a call on a Wednesday from an uncle whose address in Manchester I had used for correspondence. He mentioned while we chatted that I had a letter and he was going to post it to me (who was at the time in Scotland). Estimating delivery, I was sure to get it at most 2 - 3 working days on standard delivery (2nd class postage) schedule.

After waiting a few days without receiving any letter from the post, I began to feel a bit of concern as I wasn't sure what the content of the letter was and if I had to respond within a time frame. I called my uncle who confirmed the date he posted the letter to me. It became more obvious that this was an unusual delay as letters normally don't take this long; and since it was a 2nd class delivery used, it was impossible to track. I did everything possible to get some form of help to track (like going to the post office to enquire, calling the post office department who handles such issues, consulting on what next to do) the letter. Seconds went to minutes, minutes to hours and hours to days. I came to terms with the fact that this situation will need some form of supernatural help; angelic assistance to locate the letter and have it delivered to my speedily. I spoke to a few people about it and asked for their prayers. The following week Wednesday, a day after

I had asked for prayers and prayed for angelic assistance to locate the letter, the letter arrived. I consider this divine assistance that came right on time because, if the letter had been delayed a day more, the timeline given to respond would have elapsed.

Have a blessed Sunday and remember, God is never late. He responds right on time when we call for help.

Thankful for Life

Testify Sunday 

So I woke up early this morning thinking. My thoughts were on the concept of life; how we wake up in the morning, go about the day (carrying out various activities) and at night, we go to bed with the intent of waking up the next morning. This 'routine' or 'practice' goes on for days, weeks, months and years. I tried to imagine how far we have come as humans on earth, how much technology has evolved, how we have been able to understand the concept of life; though still limited to our interpretation. As a result of our knowledge about life, there are evidently lots of speakings, write-ups, books, blogs, videos, etc on eating right, exercising right, getting the right degree, making money, being financially independent, having a family, dating, environmental safety, conserving the earth, best holiday locations to visit and so on....I thought to myself, these are really great things, great tips on getting the best results out of the life we have. However, I became more aware that none of these ideas actually are guidelines on how to 'get or obtain life itself'. This highlights the truth that
'life is a gift' and the true concept of life can only come from the giver of life. 

Some people might struggle with the concept of God, hence there are various beliefs on a supreme being, how the earth came into existence, how the human race emerged, how it has evolved over the years and so on. Regardless of what we choose to believe, the truth that is and will always be is 'life is a gift and the giver of life still remains GOD. 

'It is good to proclaim God's unfailing love in the morning and His faithfulness in the evening', 

'Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer. 

"Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honour and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created."

'For thus says the LORD, who created the heavens (He is the God who formed the earth and made it, He established it and did not create it a waste place, but formed it to be inhabited), "I am the LORD, and there is none else'.

With a thankful heart, I testify today that I am thankful for life, thankful most especially to the giver of life:God almighty. 

Have a blessed Day!

Reference: Psalms 92:1-2, 1 Timothy 4:4-5, Revelations 4:11, Isaiah 45:18

Happy Birthday!

It’s another year and am super thankful and excited as I look forward to enjoying more of God’s love, mercy, grace, peace, favour and all His benefits He daily loads us with.

As a way of reflecting on life and God’s goodness today, I share a narrative on ‘the birth of star’. Some people call it autobiography, others accept it as fiction, but I can tell you it’s a mixture of both. Nonetheless, it carries the message that we are a miracle brought forth to shine, to add colour and beauty to the world. Never stop shinning, always remember, you count.

The Delivery

It was a bright beautiful morning, Tuesday the 8th of September, mum had been pretty paced about and although somewhat ready for my grand entrance into the world, it didn’t seem obvious as there was the worry of timing; is it going to be today or are we going to wait a little more? A month to this day, mum had a dream concerning a cut. She wasn’t sure if it was going to be the baby or herself. She however shared the story with dad who quickly took action, requesting that a blood match be done and reserved prior to the delivery date.

On the morning of the 8th, mum had been having contractions, they hadn’t been consistent as she was still 2-3 cm dilated. She had been to the hospital almost frequently in the last 48 hours. The hospital was just a 3 minute walk from the house. She was checked, monitored for a few hours on these days and was asked to go home and keep watch. She quickly tried to get herself ready and prepared for the day as usual, had a shower and headed down stairs for breakfast. Just after 10am, she felt pretty uncomfortable; with lots of movement and frequent contractions occurring almost simultaneously. Having gone through this birth routine four times already, she was almost certain this might just be it. The timing was perfect, dad walked in the room and she beckoned to him, I think it’s time. He quickly called the hospital to inform them of their trip to the hospital and rushed upstairs to get mum’s packed bag of things she was going to need at least for the next few hours or days. He beckons on aunty A as he heads back down stairs and they all rush off to the hospital.

At the hospital, mum was being catered for notwithstanding she had been experiencing more excruciating pains which didn’t seem like anything she had experienced at her previous deliveries. She had nurses giving her the drill; oh it’s going to be okay, you need to breathe, keep calm and the likes, a doctor will be here soon to get the baby out. This worried mum a bit but she needed to be strong for herself as well as the baby, she realised at this point that she had no other choice but to depend on prayers that all will be well. After about 5 hours of holding on to the pampering which was beginning to wane, the matron who had been coming in every now and again to make sure everything was okay, noticed some complications and felt it was a matter of emergency that I be brought out as soon as possible. She quickly headed back to the ward and was more than thrilled to bump into the doctor who was panting from the run he had to do to get to the ward.

Just as they got mum in the theatre, and began the drill for my arrival, it was like a miracle; what seemed to be needing more medical attention, ended with me coming into the world with little or no efforts from the nurses or even mum herself. Everyone in the room was as amazed, startled and joyful as could be; it’s a girl a nurse exclaimed. However, mum began to bleed profusely but as God would have it, the blood already reserved was brought and mum’s life was saved. I was all wrapped up and moved with mum into a private ward. The next morning, family members and friends trooped in and out of the ward dropping congratulatory messages and gifts for mum and I. Like a miracle brought forth I was delivered on the 8th of September and as the psalmist proclaimed,

‘For You shaped me, inside and out. You knitted me together in my mother’s womb long before I took my first breath’.

Happy Birthday to all 8^th September babies more celebrations to come. And never forget, you are a miracle brought forth to amaze your world. 

Testify Sunday!

Every month is special
The month of September stands out among all months
The obvious reason, it is my birth month
The month God the creator took out time to release to earth His masterpiece wired for good works
Its been years counting on years and He has never stopped unravelling His wonders through this earthen vessel yet made in His image
I am assured of this truth, more of His wonders are yet to unfold because with Him as guard and guide, it only gets better and life on purpose remains pleasurable
Therefore, with a grateful heart, I thank God in advance for the seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years ahead.

For the month of September, I am thankful for the following and more;
I am thankful for the day I was born
The blessings of this month
A month of divine progress
A month of harvest
A month of delivery
A Month of results
A month of peace
A month of strength
A month of Joy overflowing
A month of Abundant supply
A month of favour
And I am thankful for my fellow *Septemberites* Keep Shinning.

Having the Right Personality Continues...

Having the Right Personality continues....

So here's another narrative still focusing on having the right personality....This is on how Ruth Meets Boaz

One day while visiting the 'Field of Boaz' as the company was known to be, Boaz the owner couldn't help but notice Ruth (I would like to attribute this to character beyond physical looks :)), He was very pleased with her persona. As a result, he beckoned on the manager and inquired of him who she was? The Manager replied she is the Moabite woman who returned with Naomi. On hearing this, Boaz immediately instructed the Manager to have Ruth employed as a permanent staff and be given full access to all company benefits. 

Ruth was extremely thankful to Boaz though she was uncertain and curious as to why he showed such kindness to her. Hence, she decided to ask. Boaz gave a warm smile and said to her, I have heard about you and your kindness and support to Naomi your mother in-law. I am a distant relation to the family therefore, such act of kindness cannot go unnoticed to especially close family members and relations around here. On hearing this, Ruth expressed a chortle of shyness but was pleased to get such feedback.

Ruth couldn't wait to return from work as she was so thrilled to share her experience with Naomi. On her return, she excitedly narrated her experience at work to Naomi, who constantly had a smile on her face through the whole story. Naomi was very pleased with the information she had received as she very well knew Boaz and wouldn't have wanted Ruth working anywhere else but at his company; the 'Field of Boaz'. 

I personally enjoy the story of Ruth for several reasons one of which is how it highlights the actions taken by Ruth and unfolding results as a result of these actions (see story in the book of Ruth). I call them  'definite' outcomes of having a great personality. I choose the word 'definite' to emphasise the truth that though it may not be an immediate occurrence sometimes, having the right personality always breeds favour. 

Reference: The book of Ruth chapters 1,2,3 and 4

Having the Right Personality!

There are a number of factors we require in order to be all, or achieve all we have been wired for. Another way of saying this is, there are areas of our lives we need to pay attention to in order to fulfil purpose or life goals. Personality, I believe is one important factor that can determine how far we achieve purpose. I would like to share a narrative that depicts having the right personality is key to achieving in life.  

The Oxford dictionary describes personality as 'the combination of characteristics or qualities that form an individual's distinctive character'

   

This Narrative is based on the life of Ruth. It’s a narration about how Ruth finds a job......

Naomi and Ruth arrived Bethlehem at a time when the scarcity that had been in the land had ceased and lots of businesses where beginning to pick up. Ruth informed Naomi that she would love to go into the city to look for a job. Naomi was very supportive of her decision and advised her on how best to approach the people of Bethlehem since she was not from around here. Ruth was content with her mother in-laws instructions and adhered to them.

Within the first day of Job hunting, Ruth was fortunate to get an intern role in a company where she was accepted and later given a more permanent  job; to gather the grains after the harvesters. And in no time, her diligent, enthusiastic personality singled her out. This pleasant persona of Ruth kept her in a good relationship with the staff and management of the field where she had attached herself. 

Think about your experiences in life and try to identify how your personality has impacted events and results you have had thus far? Building the right personality does count!

Testify Sunday!

Everyday is a gift and an opportunity to experience God's goodness, to appreciate Him for His love as well as testify of His goodness.
I thought to however take a day out to share testimonies of God's goodness. #testify Sunday

******
Two Thursdays ago, at about past 1pm in the afternoon I heard my door handle click. This happened like three times and on two occasions, I looked through the door viewer and noticed a man pacing along the corridor, I noticed stuff scattered on the ground as well hence, I assumed he was a handy man doing some work. This got me thinking that his work probably involved working on the storage doors in the corridor and I must have wrongly assumed the click noice was my door. The third time I opened the door but he didn't seem to notice he was initially standing by one of the storage rooms and after a while he bent over like he was busy working. I observed him for a bit without saying anything to him. Once more, I was pretty convinved he was working.
After a few seconds,  I shut and locked my door, and started heading back to my room. I had barely reached my room door when suddenly I heard an aggressive bang on my door. I looked up and noticed the door handle forcefully going up and down. I rushed back to the door not sure of what to do and at this point, it was like a combat; he kept pushing hard and forcing the door handle while I was pushing and trying to safeguard the door falling (so it seemed) because I felt like if he continued, the door was likely to come off.
After a few seconds I realised it wasn't working I rushed to my room picked up my phones and laptop and ran into the bathroom. I locked myself in and called the police. I said to myself, I wasn't going to  come out of the bathroom until I was sure the police had come into the building.
After a few minutes,  I came out of the bathroom, looked through the door viewer and noticed a police officer talking to the neighbours opposite my flat.
I opened the door and was relieved to see the guy with the police in handcuffs. My neighbours further narrated that they watched the man from their door viewer try to pick my lock. As God would have it I had the key on the lock. And likewise when I opened the door, he didn't notice. The police called a few days later to say that the man had been charged.

On the same day my nephew swallowed 20p coin and was kept in the hospital for observation for a night but three days later he had a bowel movement and the coin was out without surgery.

We can't but be grateful to God for his Love, goodness and faithfulness as we continue to look to Him.

#testify Sunday
Have a great week ahead.

Determination!

So I just completed 8 hours journey from Manchester to Aberdeen, had about 4 hours sleep and out again for an all day Christian community engagement reach out event in Fraserburgh.

And I thought to myself, determination is a key factor in life. When you have goal, target, or dream, this force helps you achieve when you feel you can't,  it gets you going when your mind can't seem to find the will.

Be determined and by God you will achieve

Welcome to my blog, 

Okay, I can't really say I am new to blogging but yes, I am kind of. While on a 8 hours trip from Scotland to England I started reflecting on a blog website I had registered a while ago;exactly four years, but never really did much on it. So I decided, this might just be the right time to try this blogging adventure again. I call it an adventure because, I reckon, its a journey planned yet unplanned, a journey with great optimism, expectations yet with some uncertainties. Most of all, the purpose behind anything should be the driving force, the focus and the motivation through the journey embarked upon. 

So.....

This blog aims to share information which include short clips, comments, stories for the purpose of enlightening, educating, encouraging and entertaining.  

Welcome on board, and I hope you enjoy the ride.