No excess baggage allowed

Its already day seven of the new month. How quickly time flies. It seemed just yesterday that we ushered in the new year. I read a rather sad story about a young lady who suddenly died a day  after celebrating the new year with much pomp like everybody else. She reportedly slumped and and died while jogging in the early hours of the morning

Late Nebo Olive

 Stories like this should bring us to our knees and be thankful for mercy and grace. "He does not treat us as our sin deserves or repay us according to our iniquities."Psalm 103:10"

How is it going with the action plan for the year? Travelling  is hot on my list..lol. I love travelling a lot but was not able to do much of it in 2014 for many reasons. Even if I don't make enough international trips(which I plan to) I'll be exploring the historic and heritage centres in Ireland. The only problems I have is packing and unpacking. Today I'll be discussing PACKING.  I simply don't know what to pack and how much to take along. Most times I just end up logging unnecessary stuffs along. I HARDLY UNDER-PACK-excess is my un-doing..lol.

 Fortunately, I've never had to pay for excess luggage but the extra space taken by unwanted clothes affects holiday shopping space. Most of the clothes also end up unworn during the holidays. Why Pack em'?

Excess baggage refers to baggage in excess of the stipulate weight or unnecessary burden.

Every airline has baggage/ luggage restrictions in weight and contents for health and safety purposes which every passenger is mandated to obey. If its over the allocated weight and the passenger insists on taking the luggage along, he or she has to pay for the excess. However certain contents are not allowed on board. It does not matter your station or class, YOU MUST OBEY THE RULES as it applies to everyone (except its a private jet can't help you with that information yet..BE PATIENT).

Photo Credit: Brittany Bradford on Pinterest

Certain emotions, attitudes and relationships stand as excess luggage in a person's life. When you are overwhelmed by situations, people or emotions, you may be carrying what can be labelled as UNNECESSARY BURDENS.  DROP EM'!

Bitterness, strife, anger, regrets, drunkenness, fornication, revelry, gossip e.t.c.  all fall under the unnecessary category. LEAVE THEM BEHIND. These are sinful and unproductive habits that only take up useful space in your life. They cause a person to stagnate and impedes fellowship with God and man. Remember if it is not enhancing you, its a burden. Like my belly fat, LET IT GO

Photo Credit:Lamis Jarrar on pinterest

However there are certain attitudes that you absolutely need for the journey ahead.  Some of these don't come naturally and you can't have too much of them. These include forgiveness, kindness, joy, prosperity, abundance, favour, gentleness e.t.c. YOU CAN'T HAVE TOO MUCH OF THE FRUITS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. "against such things there is no law" Gal 5:23. 

Photo Credit:www.colourbox.com

I got upset with someone on Sunday and almost marred the whole day with a stinking attitude. Mid way driving home, I checked myself, prayed and gladly let the emotion go. I have learnt to check myself with these questions,

•  would I want to be remembered with my present attitude, behaviour and actions? 
• how does my present attitude profit me,others and the kingdom of God.
• is it necessary?
• Does it enhance my relationships with others?
• what example am I setting?
• if I reflect on the days activities, will I be proud of myself?
• is their an alternative reaction to the situation that is not toxic?

Do not make room for unnecessary burdens in your life this year. If you insist, you'll pay for it just as you would excess baggage. If it's necessary let God do the heavy lifting for you "Cast your cares on the lord and He will sustain you" Psalm 55:22.

STRATEGIC PLAN.

• Plan for the journey-set goals.
• take only what is relevant and necessary-dump unnecessary habits.
• seek assistance/advice
• Research read books
• have a life style of prayer

My Little Red Jacket

The only thing permanent in life is CHANGE-so the saying goes! Already signs of winter is rife in the air. The gentle cool breeze in the evenings is a sure evidence of the coming of the cold nights. Not so long ago, the weather was warm and the summer heat unbearable yet enjoyable. Alas the summer sun is desperately struggling to shine through the clouds while we beg for to it abide a little longer. Even the sounds of the ice cream van is fast becoming a distant memory. Reluctantly, the winter jumpers are finding their way from the back of the closet to a handy reach and the fire places are being lit to give extra warmth in the evenings.  Oh where did the summer go!! how fast the time slide like sand between the fingers!!
In  a little while the trees will shed their luscious green leaves and bear the brunt of the winter cold. However, winter does not have to be dismal neither should it sound the death knell of joy, spontaneous laughter, endless fun and feeling of camaraderie among people. A winter jacket is a staple for everyone living in cold prone regions. It is as essential as food. Most people during the cold season prefer black coloured coats because it creates more warmth but not me. Three years ago, I bought a beautiful red jacket which reminds me of the one worn  in the movie Red Riding hood-you can't help but notice (seriously, I think I was mistaken for Mrs Clause twice..lol).

picture courtesy jay-elx.blogspot.com  

My red jacket stands out in the crowd and draws attention even without my wanting it. It is bold, radiant, captivating and I say it also enhances my good features..lol.  Black is bland, despite its functionality it is not exciting. It blends in with the crowd but that's not what we are called to do as children of God. We are called to be different.
Like the season, challenges come and go but you have a choice to either be swallowed up in the darkness or stand out with a can-do attitude of praise. Praise is hard in moments of difficulty but most times its the only way up. Praise changes your perspective in a dreary situation and focuses on a mighty God-IT'S AN OPEN INVITE TO HEAVEN'S BEST. IT'S AN EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE. Remember, "weeping may endure fore a night but joy cometh in the morning" Psalm 30:5. 
I don't know the trying challenges that you are facing but know that help is just a heartful of praise away. 
"Do not be afraid, you wild animals, for the pastures in the wilderness are becoming green. The trees are bearing their fruit; the fig tree and the vine yield their riches". Joel 2:22..

ASIRI TU

"Asiri tu" in Yoruba, a language spoken in the Western part of Nigeria  means "the secret has been exposed! (I really should start charging for these free language lessons). Whose secret has been exposed? Well, its scorching hot outside and most men are shirtless and the ladies are attired in cut-off shirts and shorts- any light clothings to make the heat bearable! For the less brave like me, its a breezy dress;anything to allow for comfort in this weather. However, that's not the only reason I am wearing a dress. I have been on a weight loss journey since forever and the folds are barely shifting. I have lost some weight but not as much as I planned or desired at the beginning of the year. Its almost second half of the year and I'm far from my target weight. Aside from the medical reasons, I've not been consistent with my exercises and less rigid with my diet. Kindly blame my erratic diet on my love for Pounded yam and egusi!!! "Chineke God of Israel deliver your daughter from this unlawful captivity and bondage to food especially pounded yam and Yinka's delicious efo-riro (vegetable soup), Amen and Amen".