Loliyaagbani: Slow the new.......

Loliyaagbani: Slow the new.......: So, for some weeks now, I have been working on changing my diet, not necessarily to loose weight but to ‘eat right’. And I intention...

Slow the new.......

So, for some weeks now, I have been working on changing my diet, not necessarily to loose weight but to ‘eat right’. And I intentionally had my mind fixed on going SLOW with the aim to build consistency. And yes, its been slow, figuring out the meals to go for, how to make them, combine them and know if my body likes it or not…..and sometimes, it can be challenging especially when your mind craves for the fast foods, easy to get off the shelf meals and of course the sweet options without any exceptions.

Linking this to most of the goals and dreams we have, sometimes, it can seem slow…...But I just got schooled that ‘SLOW is the New PERFECT’ (Message by Dave Gilpin of Hope City Church). And if you go by the word (you align your life with the word of God), this is for you. The kingdom of GOD was always compared to a SEED - which takes time to grow; it never sprouts up overnight. So those miracles that seem to have happened suddenly, had a slow (behind the scene moments). Words of encouragement for the week

Slow does not mean no
Slow means go steady
Slow means more…. time to learn, grow, build
Slow means better not worse
Slow develops regularity
Slow means peace, its going to be okay because God has got you
Slow is effective when working with faith and patience
Slow works with time
Slow is the New PERFECT. Because God Works in Slow and at the appointed time, He turns it to suddenly – The long Awaited Miracle

Adapted from and inspired by Dave Gilpin of Hope City Church

Happy Happy New Year Fam

Happy New year to you 🙌
As God has brought you into 2018🥁
May He lead you all through the year🎵
Grow in God and experience His goodness and exceeding wonders 
Have an amazing year of His Glory❤❤

I choose to be intentional this year!!
You? 

ou?

8th of September 2017

It’s another 8^th of September and oh my, I am again filled with gratitude to God for being GOD through the last one year. For giving me testimonies of deliverance, abundant grace, growth, health, provision, protection and advancement and for those He put in my path who have added to the ongoing story – my journey. It’s exciting to know what lies ahead and to know God has got it all planned, worked out and secured 😊 and yes by God the number of my days shall be completed and purpose fulfilled in Jesus name (Job 5:26,27).

So, here’s to declaring a happy happy birthday to me and all the Septembites, more of God and His goodness in our lives. Keep shinning

The Word Works

It’s been a while I put something down…..

And woohoo, it’s the 7^th Month in the year (2017), I can attest to the fact that there is so much to be thankful for. Hence, I have decided to take the time to share a testimony, to express my gratitude especially to an amazing God and His expression of Love through His word……

Earlier in the year, I had experienced some health challenges and had to visit the hospital seemingly every month. The symptoms ranged from dizziness, to chest pains, back pains, abdominal pains, helicobacter infections……..the frequent visits resulting in tests, treatments and the likes. Having been away from hospitals for almost 9 years, this experience seemed unusual, uncomfortable and questionable.

I had always declared God’s word regarding healing every now and again and do believe in divine health, but this time I realised the need for consistency in the face of raging adversity (stubborn symptoms and fear) - this included reading and listening to the words on healing, speaking these words especially when the symptoms where speaking and refusing to allow fear or doubt get the best of me. And I can say that in the mist of it all, God’s word came alive in my heart and mind and my body. The change was amazing to say the least. 

Some of the lessons learned:

• Surround your mind with the right words that agree with what you want to see
• Be consistent with the word of God - In consistency lies the power
• Don’t believe otherwise regardless of the symptoms – act what you want see
• Listen for sound counsel
• Keep Trusting God 

My Prayer!

My prayer for believers:

When/if the enemy comes with thoughts/experiences contrary to what we believe in the word (of God) for our lives, that we receive the grace to stand with the word...condemn every lie (any word, experience that is contrary to what God has declared in His word).

My prayer for people searching for THE truth:

May you come in contact with the truth (the gospel about God and His redemption act) and when you do, may your hearts be opened to receive this gospel; 'Good news'. May God by His spirit draw you to Himself; giving you that opportunity to have an amazing relationship with him - It is worth your life. 

We are destined to win and win we shall

#Loveprevails

#Godloves

#Letthewordprevail

#Victoryiscertain

#God'swordcanbetrusted

Image Source:WikiHow

Testify Sunday!

So its testify Sunday, and I thought to share this testimony

I woke up on Saturday morning, and noticed a part of my body was red - same as when there is a blood clot at a spot. I wasn’t sure what caused this and you can guess the ‘enemy of our soul’ never misses the chance to proffer suggestions of what it could be and yes with the symptoms to follow.

Nevertheless, I allowed this thought to drive me … ‘this is another opportunity to speak God’s word’ so I started speaking ‘No evil shall befall me neither shall any plague (disease) or calamity come near my dwelling’, ‘I live in health and abundance’…..

I got ready and went out for gospel reach out (aka evangelism), At the end of this fulfilling exercise, I couldn’t wait to get home and confirm the red spot was gone so I checked and viola, it was gone and of course every other symptom left with it! 

#thewordisauthentic #thewordworks #Istandwiththeword

Keep Shining!

So while I was on a trip 2 days ago, I was listening to 'At the mention of your name’ by Jen Johnson and at the same time reading ‘the word’ via my phone. At some point, I fell asleep. When I woke up, I found this verse highlighted and immediately received it as a promise from God for this time. You can too :) 

The Outcome!

So I decided to study (with the help of the Holy Spirit) a few verses in the bible from the book of Job. This was with the aim to understood God’s word within these verses and its relevance to me.

I looked up a few translations and decided to go with the message translation. This was because, the end of Job as recorded in Job 42:10-17 expressed more vividly what was declared and documented in Job 5:20-27.

The Outcome

“In famine, he’ll keep you from starving, in war, from being gutted by the sword – Job’s wealth and influence was far greater than what he had seemingly lost (Job 42:10)

You’ll be protected from vicious gossip and live fearless through any catastrophe. - The blessing of God on his life was so contrary to the previous negative experiences he had and the expectations of men for him, that this blessing of God upon his life became a shield from vicious gossip (Job 42:11)

You’ll shrug off disaster and famine, and stroll fearlessly among wild animals- I mean, that level of wealth and influence as documented in Job 42:10 can only make one calm in a contrary situation: knowing you are covered. (Job 42:12a)

You’ll be on good terms with rocks and mountains; wild animals will become your good friends - As the saying goes, success has many friends. Who wouldn’t want to be friends with Job at this time? (Job 42:10,11)

You’ll know that your place on earth is safe, you’ll look over your goods and find nothing amiss. – The level of wealth (which is beyond money) released unto him didn’t come with loss or sorrow. He experienced peace, safety and expansion (Job 42:12-15)

You’ll see your children grow up, your family lovely and lissome as orchard grass. – God did not only restore him by giving him children but he lived long enough to watch 4 generations of His offspring grow (Job 42:16,17)

You’ll arrive at your grave ripe with many good years, like sheaves of golden grain at harvest. - Job died an old man (140 years) full of days (Job 42:16,17).

 “Yes, this is the way things are—my word of honour! Take it to heart and you won’t go wrong.”- As He said it, so it was. Therefore, as He has said it May it be unto us according to His word, Amen

References: Job 5:20-27, Job 42:10-17

What’s Been Said

I had a dream

It was an interesting dream with lots of goings-on

But what stood out for me was what I understood to be the truth about this dream, after I woke up

The truth that flooded my mind and that came with such great peace

The truth that has been said! and expressed in 2 chapters of the bible

This truth, as expressed in God’s word

The word that can be trusted because it never fails

The acceptance of this truth ‘that's been said’, allows it to be a reality that stands sure

In acceptance and with thanksgiving, I share……

What's been said!

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High

will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

This I declare about the Lord:

He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;

he is my God, and I trust him.

For he will rescue you from every trap

and protect you from deadly disease.

He will cover you with his feathers.

He will shelter you with his wings.

His faithful promises are your armor and protection.

Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,

nor the arrow that flies in the day.

Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness,

nor the disaster that strikes at midday.

Though a thousand fall at your side,

though ten thousand are dying around you,

these evils will not touch you.

Just open your eyes,

and see how the wicked are punished.

If you make the Lord your refuge,

if you make the Most High your shelter,

no evil will conquer you;

no plague will come near your home.

 For he will order his angels

to protect you wherever you go.

 They will hold you up with their hands

so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone.

 You will trample upon lions and cobras;

you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet!

 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me.

I will protect those who trust in my name.

 When they call on me, I will answer;

I will be with them in trouble.

I will rescue and honor them.

 I will reward them with a long life

and give them my salvation.”

I look up to the mountains—

does my help come from there?

 My help comes from the Lord,

who made heaven and earth!

 He will not let you stumble;

the one who watches over you will not slumber.

 Indeed, he who watches over Israel

never slumbers or sleeps.

 The Lord himself watches over you!

The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.

 The sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon at night.

 The Lord keeps you from all harm

and watches over your life.

 The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go,

both now and forever.

Amen

Source: Psalms 91 and 121

And so it was!

And so it was

He spoke the world into existence and so it was

He spoke you into existence and so it was

He spoke 2017 into manifestation

He has declared His word for the year

And So Shall It be

Manifest 2017

Image source: http://www.freeiconspng.com/png-images/2017-happy-new-year-png

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