The Journey.

Its my birthday today! I was not going to write anything but just couldn't resist the urge to include you in my day.  This particular celebration is special for many reasons and I want to share with you.
I was at a book launch yesterday when a friend asked how old I was. For a brief moment I forgot and had to tell her the year I was born. After deep consideration, I realised my life has been filled with so many glorious moments that time seems suspended. In fact, there was a time my life seemed paused but that is a topic for another post.

Truth is, the past years have been a journey, a bumpy one at that but an adventure nonetheless. I have been battered, bruised but not broken. My body bears physical scars that cannot be hidden but others are not visible to the naked eyes, testament to deeper wounds. I survived an accident in which over sixty people died but lost three fingers on my right hand. The scars and partial disability do not detract from who I am but only enhances the fact that physical features do not truly describe a person but inner beauty does. I have been emotionally abused and rejected but I always bounced back; bigger and better (my ample folds are a testament to the bigger part..lol). Some of my experiences are still too raw to share and are in the healing process but I'm not lying under. NOT THIS GIRL.

  A lot of friends, acquaintances and strangers wonder how I am able to laugh and make others laugh in the midst of the ugliness and I laugh the more.

You see life is a journey with unexpected bumps and detours with network of connections called failure, rejection, distractions, pain, regrets and mistakes. Some you prepare for and still run headlong into them while others happen upon you despite your better choices and plans. However these bumps do not discount the realities of success, fulfilment, achievement. and other pleasures that are intertwined in the process and most times have to be deliberately sought out.

 A lot of times of times the bumps lead to the bounty, if only you bear the discomfort. never think for a moment that whatever challenge or trials you'r going through will destroy you because it won't. YOU ARE BUILT TO LAST...beyond the pain, rejections, illness, separation, divorce, bankruptcy, betrayals etc.
I have been through some situations that I thought I would never survive but years on, I look back and marvel at how I managed. I even wondered why I worried in the first place. NOW I KNOW BETTER.

Challenges no longer faze me, I have learnt better and mostly from the low moments. ITS ALL GOOD. My new attitude has nothing to do with positive thinking or any new age mumbo jumbo, ITS THE GOD IN ME.

Jesus has been my anchor, my sanity in the midst of the madness. How else do you find humour when your world is turned turpsy turvy? By seeing through the lens of God's Word. I realised The same power that made laughter well up in the heart of Sarah dwells in me.
So I am celebrating because "in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us" Rom 8:37.  Despite my challenges, I AM THRIVING. I AM GETTING BETTER AND BETTER.
 I've got so much to say but you get the gist. Every trial you've gone through make up your story and your story is meant to comfort and encourage others not kill you." blessed be the God and father of our lord Jesus Christ,...who comforts us in all our afflictions so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with comfort which we ourselves  are comforted by God" 2 Cor 1:3-4. 

Since bumps are a necessary part of the journey, I'd like to share certain truths I've learnt along the way.

• Challenges are part of life-"dear friends do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come upon on you to test you as though something strange were happening to you" 1 peter 4;12 .
• You have to be connected to Jesus-"I am the vine;you are the branches...apart from me you can do nothing" John 15:5.
• The Word is indispensable-"thy word is lamp for my feet and light to my feet" Psalm 119:105.
• The Holy Spirit is Guide, Helper, Comforter, Standby, Grace.
• God has a plan- "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord. plans to prosper you and not harm you" Jeremiah  29:11.
• Trust God and His plans.
• It will end well-"all things God causes everything to work together for those who love him" Rom 8:28.

• Walk in faith
• Pray without ceasing.
• Form godly relationships
• learn from every challenge.
• Have a good attitude-don't complain.
• learn from the experience of others
• don't isolate yourself
• it shall pass-don't give up
• be patient- the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1;3
• Expect something good.

Life is a journey. You don't have to go it alone. Weave your experiences into a tapestry of interesting stories with the Holy spirit driving the narrative.

I am grateful for the journey so far and excited for the journey ahead. First stop, dinner with my son, that's a story I'll share tomorrow. Now, what to wear?...lol.

Start Now

Driving past  my favourite Chinese restaurant was the hardest thing I've ever done in a while. I was craving king prawn fried rice so bad that it took super human strength to drive straight on and not give into the urge to order some. The chef and I are not quarrelling rather I am on a strict diet to achieve my target weight goal. ..again.I decided to give weight loss another go three months  after falling short of my plan. I felt there's no use waiting till the new year to embark on another weight loss journey. There's no better time than now.

2015 is practically upon us! It seemed just like yesterday that the world ushered in 2014 with much pomp and celebrations. Its that time of the year when people start deliberating and planning for the new year. New year resolutions will be the focal topic of discussions for the next few weeks. Old habits will be dumped and new habits formed;new agendas  will be set for the coming year by all and sundry. The plan for the new year by everybody entails getting better and improving on every endeavour.

Photo Credit:www.funatzoo.com

 I'm all for making new year resolutions but believe some things can't wait  till a new year to be started.
You don't have to wait till 2015 to develop a good attitude or forgive someone.
You don't need to wait till its a new year to get rid of bitterness and live in love.
You don't need to wait till the new year to start a bible reading plan or improving your prayer life. TODAY MAY BE ALL YOU'VE GOT.

 Bad  habits like gossip, over eating, procrastination, laziness, smoking e.t.c. need to be dealt with now not tomorrow  Imagine waiting till a future date to lend a helping hand .ITS JUST NOT GOOD ENOUGH. "do not say to your neighbour "come back tomorrow and i'll give it to you..when you have it with you" Proverbs 3:28. These aspects of our life don't have the luxury of time and neither do you.  You don't know if you've got hours or days so why wait? LIFE WAITS FOR NO ONE.

Photo Credit:www.marcmauro.com

Some things can't wait till the first of January to get the green light in life.  Such things don't fall under  the calender or seasons of life. They deserve attention NOW.
If you don't like something in your life, don't put it off till tomorrow to change it, DO IT NOW. It does not matter if its mid-year, end of the year, or beginning, if its worth imbibing, embrace it!  How many times do we find ourselves putting off something only to realise we should have done it earlier? COUNTLESS!
. Don't put off till tomorrow what you can do now. The time to start is now. Don't delay.

Take the lid off

Running around doing my daily chores was harder then usual, no thanks to my figure- enhancing girdle..lol. Whoever invented body shapers should be commended then arrested! These constrictors are the real definition of "suffering and smiling". The longer I wore it, the more difficult smiling becomes and its hello cranky!

Photo Credit:www.cbs-i.com

 At the end of the day, taking the form fitting outfit off is the best feeling ever. Its an indescribable feeling of freedom. A release from constraints and pressure. Just like boiling water with the lid on- imagine the release when the water reaches boiling temperature and the lead is removed. Steam is released and pressure reduced. In my girdle I was a walking bag of pressure albeit a pretty one.

Photo Credit:www.themaidensgied.blogspot.com

Without even wearing girdles, a lot of people are living  constrained lives.These constraints could be external or internal  They are afraid to truly live because of  fear, lack, rejections, low self esteem and failure. . Any situation or position that prevents you from realising your potentials is a constraint and limitation. Negative feelings also serve to constrain and limit an individual from achieving or attaining his or her full potentials. When a person is constrained, it leads to a toxic build of pressure that  causes frustration, dissatisfaction, strife even depression.. A constrained person is an unfulfilled person. They might talk and look the part but inside is a different kettle of fish.

photo Credit:www.freedigitalphotos.net

God created every man for a purpose and His ultimate desire is that we find that purpose and fulfil it. It is important that you fulfil purpose as reaching your potentials has a moribund effect. You are fulfilled and this in turn impacts your immediate area of influence.

Taking the lid off is to be all God wants you to be- unashamed, unlimited, unrestrained and fruitful. IT IS TO BECOME.....! There is no cap to what you can become. God is limitless and because you are created in His image, you have limitless potentials. Every potential has an immense capacity to add value to others.

A donkey is a natural beast of burden. Its inherent ability is to carry cargo. However in Matthew 21, we find a donkey who was nowhere near what it was created for. Instead of helping ease burdens it was tied up until Jesus stepped in. It had the potential to carry a full grown man but its owners had tied him up. The ropes limited his movement as it could only move as far as the length of the cords would allow.But when the ropes were removed, it moved beyond its immediate domain. People began to notice the donkey.  The story of an ordinary donkey became a crucial part of Jesus' grand entry into Jerusalem. Every time the story is told, the donkey is mentioned. Because it carried Jesus, it walked on a path that only kings tread..People put their clothes on the ground for it to walk on. There was ease of traffic because an ordinary donkey carried the king. Dear friend, when you give your dream to Jesus, men will rise to your aid.( During the first edition of the Laugh out Loud event, people were just giving and giving so much that I told some people not to bother. However the holy Spirit told me not to deter people from their blessings and the flow continued.) You have to be willing to be used and transformed. Every dream comes raw and needs refining. When the disciples took the ropes off the donkey, they dressed it up to fit the master's good purposes. "and they brought the ass and colt and put on them their clothes and they set him thereon" (Matthew 21:7
CENTRAL TRUTH:  Your God given vision has the capacity to do more than you can imagine. Don't let fear, circumstances including people tie you down. If you don't know what to do invite Jesus into your vision and ask for the help of the holy spirit to execute it.

STRATEGIC STEPS TO TAKE.

• Up-skill  yourself in the desired field
• Read books that will build your knowledge base.
• Find a mentor
• change your mindset from "I can't" to "I can"
• Leave any toxic environment that does not enhance you.
• Don't be afraid to start small
• seek Godly counsel
• Start, Start , Start.

Find your selling point.

The world is a market place full of buyers and sellers. It is a hub of activities with constant exchange of good and services. Unlike some trade centres, the world market is not product specific but full of diverse range of product and exciting offers.

 People visit the market to either buy or sell as market places are not recreation centres except for a third group of people who are simply window shoppers.  Given its dynamic nature, the world market is highly competitive with vendors vying to capture customers and sell their goods. No business person wants to go home without making sales. In all the seller is the most active in the world market Even the casual observer sometimes cannot resist the allure of the goods or the persistence of the seller .

Photo Credit:www.sheknows.com

WHO IS A SELLER?
A seller is anyone who offers goods and services for sale in a market. He or  she has products tailored to meet a target market or demand. In order words, your specific gifts are the goods entrusted to you to sell to the world in either direct or indirect methods.
FEATURES OF A SELLER.
1. must have something that someone must be willing to buy.
2. must have a strategy to attract the right customer
3. must be able to create a demand for ther products
4. must be able to generate repeat custom for the product
5.The product must be in stock.
6.Know the market.
 WHAT ARE YOU SELLING.
If the world is a market place and you are the seller, what are you selling?. Everybody have unique skills and talents that are innate and dormant until discovered.. The world is full of needs that require fulfilment and it is only people that can satisfy those needs that will be appreciated. For instance, a person that is very sick will not appreciate a plumber as his needs at the time can only be met by a doctor. The doctor's selling point is his ability to treat sick people. Medicare is what he is selling! God did not create anybody empty. Colossians 1:19 says "out of His fullness we have all received"  and we know God does not do things in half measure so "you carry something".

Don't allow circumstances or your past or even naysayers talk you into believing otherwise "you have something to sell !".
You have within you ideas and vision that needs to be birthed to satisfy the needs of people "for the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God's sons to be revealed" Romans 8:19. 
The world is waiting for you to discover and embrace your unique selling point.  A wise person said "The provision lies where the vision is". Your wealthy place can only be found if you find and follow your vision and passion. YOUR VISION IS YOUR SELLING POINT.  When you find your vision, you find both provision and fulfilment.

I am a broadcast journalist with an insane sense of humour. Talk and stand-up comedy are my passion. So in in July, I obeyed the lord and organised a comedy night titled "Laugh Out Loud". The mandate was for God to restore broken lives through humour and HE DID. Already people are demanding for more and the next edition is in January. My passion and skills have become my selling point.

A winner at Laugh Out Loud

As a seller, your number one purpose in the market is to make sales. As a person you are created to positively impact your world. You are not permitted to return "home" with your God given talents.
So  what drives or motivates you? what do you like doing? When you discover what you like doing, it will automatically become your selling point.

Slow down and smell the flowers.

The 21st century life is largely fast paced. Everybody seems to be in a hurry to God knows where. Today's generation can be aptly labelled the microwave era. Everything is quick no time to waste. Even advertisers and manufacturers are narrowing their products to suit today's consumers. Everything is on the go-food on the go, gadget on the go-on the go to where I ask?

 I was slightly amazed some months back when I discovered the small oats pot for the busy person. Simply add hot water and its ready to eat. I wonder how it will compare to the "normal" oats variety that you have to properly cook. Call me old fashioned but there must be a difference even if its marginal.

 Some will argue that time is a precious commodity which nobody has to waste. I totally agree but in blazing through life many lose touch with reality barely noticing or truly appreciating the people or things that really matter. I am no art critic but I do know nobody breezes through an art exhibition. Art lovers stand over a painting or sculpture, evaluate the project and try to understand the mind of the artist while creating the object.

Picture Credit:www.perkincentre.org

Even if the art looks dismal and uninteresting all artistic persons know there is a purpose behind every creative art and exhibit. That is why a visitor to an exhibit will pause and observe a display in order  to enjoy the creativity of the artist and resulting creation. Without this evaluation and deep scrutiny the effort is simply "waka pass". It leaves the observer with no lasting impression or lingering essence. In all, the experience is a blur, a simple waste of time without proper understanding or relevant benefits.

Have you ever given up on a person or project only to wish you'd given it a bit more time. I have and so have a lot of people. I have missed out on great opportunities due to impatience and I've formed great relationships that seemed contrary at the beginning but turned out amazing simply because I stopped to enjoy these people and not breeze through them.
I love the way cooks on food channels taste food. They not only taste the food, they savour and relish the food like its the best thing after Jesus.

My son loves flowers and was in his elements during the summer months. He'd stop and admire the fields with their burst of flowers and array of colours. Many times he'd suddenly stop in his tracks and pick some not minding if I was in a hurry or not. when my crazy rants couldn't get him to walk any faster when we strolled  past a particularly beautiful flower, I stopped to see what had grabbed his attention. In that moment, I realised that the flower was not only beautiful but smelt nice too and I was captivated.
As brief as Jesus' ministry was on earth, he knew how to slow down and impact the lives of those that came within his sphere. The bible is filled with instances of the occasions that Jesus noticed, stopped and consciously made a difference in the life of a person. There was no rushing Jesus.
Life is beautiful and its only when we slow down and appreciate the various moments that slide past us that we've truly lived. Then you'd notice that your cranky boss is actually going through a divorce or that errant little child just needs extra attention. A wise person once said its not the number of years a person has lived that matters but the number of lives in the years that really counts. Create moments! Live moments! Life will be a blur until we slow down and smell the flowers.

Finding My Purpose - John Maxwell

God's purpose is that we know Him and in knowing Him we know ourselves. Amazing and transforming teaching by John Maxwell.

Find Your Niche.

I have watched Monster's University, a Disney animated movie over a gazillion times but still can't get enough of the movie. I just love it. Aside from its entertainment values, I appreciate on a deeper level the underlying themes that runs through the plot. The movie follows the unusual relationship between Mike Wazowski and James Sullivan and how these mismatched monsters overcame their differences and became great friends. They overcame visible odds to become an impressive scare team, all these feats and more despite their obvious differences but between Wazowski's ingenious mind and Sully's Scary scream, it worked out well.

Photo Credit Sreencrush.com

However, the character of Wazowski is my focus in this post. Wazowski got on the Scare programme at Monster's University because he wanted to be a scare monster. It was a dream and passion that had followed him all his life. He was not only consumed by this passion, he pursued it relentlessly. His career choice was either SCARE OR SCARE nothing else! He read all the books on Scaring, had a plan and followed it meticulous. This one eyed monster did the "7 steps in achieving your vision" but there was a problem. Wazowski was not a scary monster! He looked more adorable and cuddly than scary. Everybody knew this except him. He knew everything about scaring, in fact he motivated his scare team into finding their inner scare yet he fell short of the scare standards.

Photo Credit.disney.co.uk

Wazowski had the head knowledge and strategies on being a scare monster but that did not translate well for him. He could help others be the best scarer but that didn't make him a good scarer until he found his true niche. Through a series of unfortunate events in the first instalment of the movie, Monster's Inc, Wazowski discovered his true calling-COMEDY.

Photo Credit Disney wikia.com

 Despite his drive and passion for scaring his niche was in making children laugh and in following that vision he made an interesting discovery and changed Monsters history. Although he excelled as Sully's supervisor in generating the most scream but as a comic he broke the bars and set new standards. He unwittingly discovered that laughter generated more energy and powered more homes than scream and this transformed "the monster world". AMAZING.

Photo Credit d23.com

While Wazowski is a fictional character his initial challenges are common occurrences among people. A lot of people are trapped in jobs and situations that are most definitely not their niche. Even if they are excelling at it, imagine the impact if its their true calling. Unlike Wazowski some fear change and would rather remain in a dead end situation than dare to change. In an episode of "How did you get so rich", a programme anchored by the late Joan Rivers, a man who'd been an average lawyer with a successful law firm found the courage to pursue his passion and became a successful Interior decorator highly sort after by Hollywood. He found his niche!

Photo Credit Tv Land

Your niche is a situation or activity that is specially suited to your interests, ability or nature. It is your vantage position for excellence. My dear friend Ota's niche is cooking. She makes the most mouth watering dishes and can whip up a three course meal from almost nothing. She has made a career from a natural ability that she also loves passionately.

Otaniyenuwa Omregie

My niche is talk and I'm good at it. Crowds don't faze me, infact I glow like a new bride anytime I hold a microphone. Standing before a camera or speaking to an audience is natural with me no stress or hassle. The words just keep coming and I've got a sense of humour to boot.

The media especially television is my passion. WHAT IS YOURS?
For anyone trapped in any destructive behaviour, it is definitely not your niche. You are created for more. Find your niche in Christ and you'll soar beyond your wildest dream. THAT'S A FACT! 

Little drops Of Water by Julia carney

Little drops of water,

little grains of sand,

make the mighty ocean

and the beauteous land.

And the little moments,

humble though they may be,

make the mighty ages

of eternity.

Little deeds of kindness,

little words of love,

make our earth an Eden,

like the heaven above.

So our little errors

lead the soul away,

from the paths of virtue

into sin to stray.

Little seeds of mercy

sown by youthful hands,

grow to bless the nations

far in heathen lands.

Glory then for ever

be to God on high,

beautiful and loving,

to eternity.

Connect Right! Connect Well.

Everyday I am amazed at the power and influence of social media. In fact the rate of technological advancement these days is astounding. When I think I've caught up with a particular model of a device, something else shows up on the horizon, so I have stopped playing "tag the donkey" with technology especially social media. There are just too many platforms out there. Phew!! I must confess, I have forged some great friendships via social media. My active foray into the world of social media in 2008 has brought me in contact with people that have contributed actively into my life. Some of them I've never even met!! A lot of these impacts may not even have been directly addressed to me but by mere reading these group of people's  status updates, I AM BLESSED and inspired to pursue my vision. The Laugh Out Loud Comedy night was a vision inspired by these people whose pictures I'll put up later. They were not aware of this program  like I said some of them I have never met but they indirectly contributed to its birth and success. I will not even waste space  to speak about the flip side of social media on this post, not on this watch...lol. Ironically even they "contributed" inadvertently to my growth. After all, God created Cosmos out of chaos and brings beauty from ashes. So thank you "FRENIMIES".

This brings me to the central truth of this post, God uses situations and will bring people your way that will help nourish your vision. In your journey to higher heights, you will encounter people that have been divinely positioned to help actualise your purpose-good or bad. Luke 1:26:56 tells us Mary's encounter with Angel Gabriel and how the birth of Jesus was foretold. After telling Mary about her role in the Messiah's Coming, the Angel mentioned Elizabeth whose pregnancy was connected to Mary's purpose. Immediately Mary got the message, she rushed to visit her cousin(no time to waste). The angel did not tell Mary to share her vision with just anybody, friend or foe but with someone who could understand spiritual matters-someone who carried a vision as well. Scripture records that the moment Elizabeth heard Mary's voice, the baby in her womb leaped-her vision was ignited. Even Mary couldn't help but burst into praise. DIVINE CONNECTIONS.

Omobolanle Olufemi Longe

In this season, you need the right people to ignite and birth your vision. May God grant you the insight to know and hold unto the relationships that matter. Also receive grace to let go of toxic people. What you carry is too precious to be terminated. CONNECT RIGHT! CONNECT WELL!! AND SEE YOUR VISION LEAP TO LIFE.

LOLA OGI  Chief Editor www. SpiceBaby.com

Dr Temi Odejide, Snr Pastor House On the Rock London

Kelechi Anyalachi,Managing Consultants at LifeImprints.

Working Wonders of the Wilderness.

Moses and Aaron must have had the worst job ever! Talk of leading the most stubborn, opinionated and ungrateful bunch of people in history on a journey spanning 40 years, in the wilderness of all places!! I would have secretly knocked them off in their sleep or given God a very good reason to obliterate them all..phew!!. I'm sure looking back at his call, Moses would have wondered if he'd missed out anything on the job description!  Am sure if he'd known how stiff-necked the Israelites were going to be let's just say he may have backed out (eerm, I would.). To think poor Aaron was roped into it. A simple visit to his brother became a life long adventure...see wahala!  The 10 plagues and the run in with Pharaoh were child's play compared with dealing with this group of complaining people.