Mind your pace

During my morning walk, a young lady jogged past me with such gusto that I literally felt the wind rush past..lol. For a brief moment, I envied her. I wished I could run like she did but I couldn't. I couldn't because of a knee injury I sustained during exercise some years back.

 Any form of serious exercise would be foolhardy  on my part as it would only aggravate my already sore knee.  So you see, I can't run or jog like my 'friend' but I could walk and walk I did! NO EXCUSES!! Imagine my surprise a couple of miles later when I ran into my jogging friend ...Again! Remember she'd jogged past me but fast forward a couple of minutes later  and we meet again. She was running while I walked but we still managed to run into each other. If i'd known I would eventually catch up with her,  I wouldn't have wasted that brief emotion envying her! ....although I was not in competition with her neither she me.  Envying her was not even necessary

 Though we are strangers, the ultimate goal is the same- KEEP FIT. She was jogging her way to a better and healthier lifestyle while I was walking to mine. She might get to her destination faster but as long as I dont give up and maintained my pace, I WILL GET THERE TOO. Life is a journey and all of us are on that journey. While some are walking, others are running, jogging or even sauntering along the way. The most important fact is to keep moving and never forget the destination. Dont get stuck in a rot, keep moving and MIND YOUR PACE.

• Acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses.
• Keep step in tandem with your strength and abilities...yours not another. Remember we are framed /wired differently.
• Don't envy or give room for Jealousy. 
• You are not in a competition with others.
• Your journey is personal 
• Remain focused on your path.
• Mind your pace.
• Make no excuses make use of what you have no matter how little or insignificant it might seem to you..IT MATTERS.

Just Waiting on Him

Editor's Note: Greatness stems from commitment in little things. The level of dedication a man puts into little assignments is most times a reflection of how he'll handle greater opportunities. The preparation for any assignment is as great as the assignment itself. Don't complain, put your back into it. This was exactly what Stephen was doing-being faithful in waiting on tables and dealing with seemingly small matters. Though Stephen was full of Faith and the Holy Spirit, he did not disdain the assignment as it prepared him for the meeting with the Sanhedrin. Acts 6&7. Dear friends, do not despise small beginnings because therein lies the greatness. Ofcourse, I just have to share this article by Greg Laurie of Harvest Ministries. You can connect with Pastor Greg on www.harvest.org. Be blessed.

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Bounce back with a BANG.

The summer months slipped quickly with many wondering as usual the swiftness of time. For me,the memories of the long sunny days are filled with every adventure but exercise and diet. Those plans and accompanying goals swiftly went out the window with my winter Jackets. It was ice cream season peep! lots and lots of flavours and toppings. Not to mention barbecue parties and so on. *sigh*

  Summer is gone now and its back to the rigours of exercise and healthy living. After the long break exercise became more pain than pleasure. The pains in my joint were testimony of over indulgence during the holiday. I could barely  get my skinny legs to obey me how much more do a trot. The thought of giving up never even crossed my mind. If I was "silly" enough to be distracted then I should be bold enough to pick up where I left off with my goals in sight.

It is not inhuman to lose track of our goals and be distracted like we sometimes do.  We've all been there and some  might even be right there at the moment. "do not be surprised at the fiery trial that you are going through as if something strange were opening to you" 1 peter 4;12. But its crucial to weigh the consequences of our slight detour against the benefits of getting back in line with our vision and remaining focused.

If like me you've experienced a diversion, it is imperative that you get back with the programme and move on. It might be difficult at the beginning but it'll eventually get better. It might be slow but if you don't give up, you'll pick up pace.
Don't let errors of the past keep you from moving forward. ITS TIME TO BOUNCE BACK WITH A BANG. Not even a failed relationship, job loss or financial mistakes can hold you bound except you allow it. There is glory in your future that the past cannot hold a candle to

With that in mind, I picked up my pace as I walked and it eventually became a trot and now I AM RUNNING AGAIN.

Where to Look in Dark Times

Editor's Note: I met the most amazing woman some months ago who greatly inspired me. I cannot recollect her name as I type this article but I remember her story clearly which is what truly matters. Three times divorced, widowed, physically and emotionally abused and mother to seven children, her story seemed like a never ending tale of pain and sadness. Despite the plenty upheavals in her life, this amazing woman was able to achieve a life time dream of being a solicitor. It took her years and lots of heartaches, rejections and wrong turns but she arrived at her goal. She spends most of her time inspiring women all over the world that "life is possible" despite the plans of the enemy. A lot of people desire her life now but many would shy short of the dark times she went through. Your ability to trust God in the dark times is key to promotion and success.

photo by www.freedigitalphoto.net

 I remember this amazing woman today after I read this brilliant article by Ken Puls which focuses on where to look when the path seemed dark and endless. Many times when challenges comes many people worry, panic, do everything else but turn to God. Follow this link to read more

Just Do It.

Fear is one of the major catalyst of failure. In most cases, this crippling emotion lies not so much in the inability or otherwise of someone to do something but "reluctance" to even try for fear being labelled "inept". However, how can a person recognise innate abilities if he or she never ventures? A popular parlance says "nothing ventured nothing gained". If you never try, how would you know your potentials? If you never try how would you garner experiences and increase knowledge?  I have imbibed this new mindset that it's better to try something and fail than never try at all. Moreover, the concept of failure itself is a matter of perspective! For instance, if someone organises a seminar and only five people turn up instead of looking at the situation from the bottom's up, work with what you have and re strategies.Nike's timeless slogan "JUST DO IT" spurs every individual to live life and not merely exist. It encourages embracing a life of endless possibilities  i.e.  transition from inspiration to action. I also love Thomas Edison's perspective on failure. On his contribution to the invention of the light bulb he described his many attempts not as failure but learning experiences"I have not failed. I have just found 10,000 ways that don't work". It must have taken a tenacious doggedness to keep trying with such astounding trail of negative results. Thank God, he persisted!   Dare to take that step. Dare to give that idea wings. Dare to believe in your vision You never know the infinite possibilities that lie ahead until you try. "For we walk by faith and not by sight" 2 Corinthians 5:7

 Right now, the Nike Slogan is my personal mantra and I'm excited at the myriad of adventure ahead of me. Don't let naysayers and joy killers distract you neither let fear stifle your vision. Most times, you are your own stumbling block.

He Never Left Afterall

Not me silly.....Jesus! I've been on hiatus for the past 5 months and that my friend is a very very long story. I promise to keep you updated on the adventures I've been through, the lessons I've learnt and how grown up I've become. Truth be said, I've been a bad friend but guess what I'm back and I'm going nowhere. Unlike my now humble self, Jesus never leaves His friends no matter the situation-NO EXCUSES! He sticks closer than glue. If there is a person that sticks closer than a brother according to Proverbs 18:24 that person dear friend is Jesus. When Jesus is on your case, HE IS ON YOUR CASE! Remember my last post titled HE CAME BACK? How Thomas thought he'd missed out on one of the greatest experiences in his life? I'm sure he would have loathed the other disciples for boasting about how the master broke through their fear riddled hearts and sealed doors to show his nail pierced hands cos I'm sure I would have hated them all especially that Peter lol! Thomas must have blamed himself for breaking rank and stepping out for a breather only to miss Jesus' appearance. Sound familiar? It does to me! I've lost count of the number of times a seemingly innocent action becomes an overblown misadventure that leaves one reeling, struggling to find balance and wondering if you'll ever get another chance in life or in love. Some actions or inactions or effects of poor choices might make you wonder if you'll ever smile again, achieve desired goals again or if you'll ever find your niche again? Guess what? YES YOU CAN! The other disciples thought Thomas had missed out on that great appearance even Thomas despite his outward show of bravado thought he'd missed out but he inwardly craved His master’s re-visitation just like you and I. John 20:26 states that “A week later his disciples were in the house again, and Thomas was with them". Thomas stayed in the locked room this time hoping Jesus would visit again. Every person that at one point has been broken wants to be whole again.

My friend, Jesus never disappoints as he actually came back into that hope filled room and attended to one person's inner cry for a re- visitation. I love Jesus's conversation with Thomas "Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe". Imagine the surprise on Thomas's face because Christ wasn't there when he made that statement he thought. That's the shocker dear friend; Jesus is ALWAYS WITH YOU, watching out for you even in seemingly hopeless situations. He has promised never to leave nor forsake you and HE KEEPS HIS WORDS. Although he did not come immediately and poor Thomas must have whimpered like a child but HE SHOWED up as He always does and He will for you too. JUST STAY IN THAT ROOM.

Don't give up.

She'd had enough! Who wouldn't? Nana had been married to her husband for 12 years and half of those he'd spent in a drunken stupor. Sometimes he'd be so *wasted* that she'd be called out from work to take him home. These days she feels more like a child minder than a wife. She could barely recollect when they last made love or experienced the intimacy of marriage. How had it all gone wrong? Where did she go wrong? She'd tired of begging him to consider the trauma of his drunkenness on their ten year old son; the effects of his dad being carried in daily like a rag doll as result of alcohol abuse. She was tired of feeding him like a child when he was too drunk to feed himself. She'd had enough of the whispers and snickering’s when she's out shopping. "Pity stares" as her son would call them. Right now, she'd had enough of hiding her head in shame and was calling it quits! The church had prayed but her husband seems to be getting worse than getting better. She believes it’s better to opt out of her sinking ship of a marriage than drown with it. But something keeps telling her to hold on and not give up yet. You see, when her husband was not drunk, he was the sweetest of all men; loving, caring and always eager to help out. Initially, she'd remained in the marriage because of her son but today she'd realised her reasons were deeper than that. She still believed in miracles. She still believed in God and she remembered her marital vows. Nana is not alone in this quagmire. For a brief moment consider how many times you've felt like giving up on people and situations when they fall short of your expectations. A couple of days ago, I stumped up to my room in typical dramatic Gladys style and slumped on my bed vowing not to get up until God came down and gave me some quality face time. Earlier on, I'd been helping my lad with his reading and writing. It was all going well till we hit a brick wall. I didn't throw a tantrum like I would in the past but I wouldn't be Gladys if that moment was devoid of drama hence my melodramatic conversation with God. Overtime, I've realised God takes every moment of our lives seriously. No emotion is too small to bring before Him. He wants your cares, worries, laughter etc. If it matters to you then it MATTERS TO GOD. God did give me quality face time as I requested… lol. Galatians 6:9 "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up". It so easy to give up than pushing for results. But we only reap a good result if we endure and push through. Perseverance is never easy but always worth it if we keep the goal in mind. How many projects have you given up on and wondered what would have happened if only? The bible says in Genesis 1:26 that we are made in God' image and as far as I can recall GOD IS NOT A QUITTER. He never gave up on man hence He sent Jesus to reconcile us back to the father through his death and resurrection. I heard a story once about an athlete that competed in a race. Along the way, he sprained his ankle but continued nevertheless. At the finish line he was asked why he didn't quit when he hurt himself. He told the reporters that his country did not send him to the games to quit. "I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace". 2Timothy 4:12 I have purposed not to let little hiccups deter me from my goals. The next day, I was back to my motherly duties with heaven's own seal of assurance that I WOULD REAP A HARVEST IF I DONT GIVE UP! To my amazement, the lessons flew without a glitch and I wondered what my stress was about previously. LESSON LEARNT: God cares about everything that concerns you. DON'T GIVE UP trust Him to work all things together for your good. YOU JUST CHILLAX.

P.S Teaching is not my forte at all..lol but I'm learning patience. "For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing " James 1:3-4