LOL donates to Charity

This week has been amazing!! Despite being hectic, it has been absolutely fulfilling. Finally LOL, an annual  charity event that I host made good its promise to make monetary donation to Samaritans.

Samaritans is  a non profit organisation which provides support to persons affected by Suicide and I was deeply honoured to make a contribution in my "little way" but borrowing the tag line of one of the biggest super market lines in Europe "EVERY LITTLE HELPS.

Words can not truly express how I felt that Tuesday as I shared with the representatives of the charity group on the vision behind LOL and why I chose Samaritans as one of the beneficiaries of my fund raising

Trust me I gladly shared.

LOL (Laugh Out Loud) is an annual comedy event I organise to promote positive mental well being through entertainment. It was borne in 2014 out of several reasons but chiefly in obedience to God. The 3rd edition of the event aptly titled "LOL 3"was to commemorate 3 years of impact as well as raise funds for Samaritans and St.Laserians school for special needs children. At the second edition in 2015, all monies raised chiefly from ticket sales all went to the school to support their great work with "special children" despite cut backs in government spending. I know this for sure because my son  attends the school so I thought whichever way I could help I WILL.

So since inception LOL has been driven by charity  and the favour of God with help coming from friends and well wishers who believe in the vision with me. At the last LOL, I  went from store to store, spoke with strangers and practically begged to achieve my vision no matter the weather with my young son in tow but I didn't mind. I finally found use for all the plenty certificates that I've gathered over the years...in fact I'm the real LOL!

On a serious note, it had nothing to do with skills just PASSION; a heart to help those who are "going through" and GRACE of God.  I am simply a vessel  glad to be in the lord's service.

As I shared my story and vision with the women in that cosy reception area' what I saw in their eyes words still fail me to express.
I left that building with a bounce to my step and awe at what God can do with a life broken and yielded to him-warts and all (in my case seven fingers and a colourful past)

LOL is a vision inspired by God to restore joy and laughter into the lives of His children who have been robbed because that is what any form of mental health challenge does IT ROBS. LOL is still a small part of the greater picture and I am grateful that God is the Master Artist.
Next stop is St. Laserians. I heard they've got something great planned.

Start your day right.

Thank God Its Monday! Remember every day is a good day to be happy irrespective of what day is or what it holds.

Like I always say "If God bring you to it, He will see you through it" so its imperative to start the day right.

 Now tell me how do you start your day? with technology at our finger tips, it is ever so easy to gravitate towards social media first thing when we wake up. Sometimes in the guise of doing a quick bible study on a mobile device, one might be tempted to "sneak a peak" at the various social media platforms subscriptions.

You very well know that familiar pull of catching up with the latest goss! ...and many times that's how "the cookie crumbles".-good intentions becomes subsumed in social engagement and quality prayer time becomes lost in the hustle of the day. Yet, we wonder why we get frazzled before the day its over!

In other to get it right, there is absolute need to do it right. The right start prepares us spiritually, emotionally and psychologically for the whatever the day might bring. In order to beat the Monday blues, you need to immerse yourself in the life giving Word of God and bask in God's presence without any distraction.

In the Word we have peace in the face of chaos that is constantly bashing our senses from the news. Sometimes it feels like no good news is news anymore and that itself is disheartening. In the Word, we are fortified with the knowledge that God's presence is guaranteed as we go about the business of the day whatever that is to you. let the Word of God give you the necessary kick for the day. Moreover, God wants to hear your waking thoughts, He is also interested in your anxious and wandering thoughts. Psalm 5: 3 "In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; In the morning I lay my requests before you"  He wants you to carry His fragrance all through the days and that comes in the place of prayer.

I will leave you with these words I read a while back which since guides my morning chat with God, "Don't start with the blogs, START WITH THE WORD!.

TGIF

Its Friday! Yippee!

I love Fridays and I am sure most people do too. Its simply because it heralds the weekend and  an opportunity to wind down (for me that means not flying out of the bed to get my son ready for school come saturday).

However in my books everyday is a good day whether it is Monday, Tuesday or any day for that matter as it is very important to have a thankful attitude everyday.  Scriptures say "this is the day (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday) that the lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it". So rejoice and be glad no matter the day of the week or what ever the day will bring. If God made it, He will take care of it. If God brings you to it, He will take you through it, SO REJOICE!

Thank God EVERYTIME you wake up as its a  privileged to be ALIVE  (that in itself is invigorating) and not just on a Friday. Everyday is an opportunity to make a difference in the world and that starts with a "heartitude of gratitude"

So  don't let your attitude be determined by the day of the week. The days of the week are just labels and you are more than a label. YOU ARE THE BOSS. The day of the week shouldnt manipulate your emotions, YOU ARE IN CHARGE. Be excited everyday  as there are blessings in store for each created day. Psalm 68:19 says "blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation" If you love presents like I do that should get you off your feet in an excited whoosh! That's more than a trailer load of presents apportioned to you EVERYDAY. That said I dare you to be thankful everyday and not just on a Friday. Have fun unravelling your presents. Remember the Holy Spirit is on hand to help ALWAYS.

Dont stop, CONTINUE

Happy new month! Cant believe its the second month of 2017 already.

It seems just like yesterday when we heralded the new year with so much pomp! Time is moving and so should we as its so easy to get stuck.

For some, the new year goals never got off the ground while pen never got to paper with others and there is a third group who got stuck midway or are challenged in fully executing set goals. It does not matter which category you find yourself  DONT GIVE UP. A new day has been gifted to you to  continue where you left off even if it means simply starting again.
The word continue means to persist in an activity or resume after interruption. It implies the following

• Persistence
• Diligence
• Commitment
• Discipline
• Strength
• Motivation
• Dedication
• Focus

It is so easy to give up when things don't work out but it is also wise to know what is worth pursuing. The bible is a beautiful story of God's relentless pursuit of man. Despite man's nature to wander and disregard God's affection, HE NEVER GAVE UP and you cant either because we are made in God's image "And God said, Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness" Genesis 1:26

A person's ability to continues at a task reflects the worth of the task or object irrespective of the surrounding environment or circumstance and in our case WHOS WE ARE. So how determined are you? February in my part of the world is wet and windy but die hard fitness people still brave the weather in other to achieve their goals. All it takes is few adjustment here and there. So the end is always worth it even if its experiencing the simple feeling of accomplishment but its always more than that.

Your present situation might be like an obstacle course but I encourage you to give it one more try with possible adjustment here and there.

So before you give  up on that set assignment here are points to consider

• Reflect on the reason why you started
• The worth of the project
• Does it (goal) really matter
• the expected end results
• winners don't quit and quitters don't win (which cap fits?)
• WHOSE ARE YOU

You don't have to go it alone. Find a friend who can walk the journey with you or even seek professional help. It might cost you but it will be worth every dime invested. Above all pray and the Holy Spirit will see you through. Remember winners don't quit and Giving up is not an option!

Just because

I read an interesting article about a guy who who got a job after unknowingly helping an old man who turned out to be the General Manager of the company he was going for an interview at. You might say the old man had no choice but to employ the young man because of the good deed he'd done and you are absolutely right. With man its "rub my back and i'll rub your back but its not so with God.

The bible make us to know that even before the world was created God knew us and loved us. Before you and I burst into the scene screaming and causing mayhem God knew us. He'd always known about the drugs, abortion. backbiting, lies, hurts, unrequited love, the pain, the dysfunction etc. He'd known about the many times we would deliberately ignore His truths in mindless pursuits only to return broken like the prodigal son yet He is out waiting for us to come back JUST BECAUSE.....
1 John 4:19 says God first loved us!! There is nothing you and I have done or would ever do that will qualify us for His love if not for GRACE...Its nothing but grace-unmerited favour and inexplicable love.

If I were God I would have given up on me but God is not man neither are His ways and thoughts.

With man one good turn deserves another but God loves JUST BECAUSE. You don't have to slave away to earn His good pleasure but neither is His love licence to sin.
So stop trying to rationalise the hows and whys, simply accept that that God loves you JUST BECAUSE HE IS LOVE. And that settles it!!

Mind your pace

The other day while I was doing my usual morning walk a woman ran past me so fast you'd think it was Usain Bolt.

 For a split second I was tempted to run after her but quickly squelched that thought. I simply  adjusted and continued at my slow but constant pace.

Add caption

For some people, the mere fact that I and the person that ran past me are both women was enough reason to say I can run and should run too. Unfortunately, physical attributes and similarities are not enough to join a race that a person is neither built for nor called to.

Fact is, I am not a running person but I can walk up a storm. I'd rather walk than join a gym. my strength is in walking not running so it would be absolutely foolhardy to want to run for any reason.
Doing anything simply because other people are doing it is a simple recipe for disaster. Human beings are framed and wired differently. Our preferences, upbringing, experiences, education, culture,etc all contribute to making us who we are and affect our choices. This does not discountenance recognising opportunities and embracing them or pushing oneself to be better. The emphasis is knowing and embracing your strengths and acknowledging your weaknesses. 1 Peter 4:10 "as each as received a gifts". Our giftings are different but the purpose the same "use it to serve one another".
The woman ran while I walked but the purpose is the same-KEEP FIT
The woman ran while I walked-MOVEMENT
The woman ran while I walked-DIFFERENT LEVELS
The woman ran while I walked-DIFFERENT ABILITIES
The woman ran while I walked-for all I know she might be a professional athlete (but I don't know so why the unnecessary need for competition)
Everyone has issues but some are just more obvious than others. I have a bad knee but moving anyway though not at the same speed as my anonymous friend. My knees at this time are not able to carry my ample body to run. Even if I wanted to i'd be doing myself more damage. As for my exercise mate, I am also not privy to her "issues" so will be stupid to run at her pace or even try to.
Never mind what others are doing or how except to learn from them, MIND YOUR PACE
God in His infinite wisdom has framed us all uniquely and different and it will be foolishness to desire to be anything short of His best for us.
Know YOUR innate abilities, develop YOURSELF and MIND YOUR PACE

Keep the vision in view

The last thing I wanted to do this morning was exercise but I had given myself  a 30 day weight loss challenge and it was just day two!! Day two and I lacked motivation to move!! Then I remembered the reason for the weight loss journey in the first place and this got me off my lazy ****** and back on track.

Sheroes Award night, an annual event organised by the multi talented broadcaster Yemi Adenuga is coming up in October and I want to look my absolute best.

Sheroes 2016

The award night is to celebrate women who inspire,impact and influence in Ireland and beyond in different spheres. Last year was amazing and this year will be more so knowing Aunty Yemi as I do

Yemi Adenuga

I had the perfect dress and have the picture of how I want to look come October 2016 and that "picture" was all the fuel to get me going

Exercise mode

Weight loss experts tell people to have a vision of their anticipated end result for the weight loss journey to be successful. The picture of the end result serves as fuel when you lose motivation, the vision will help you back on track. For me its the silver/black dress in my wardrobe

Hebrews 12: 2 "Looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith". The vision is ahead not behind. It is an onward and forward outlook. So look ahead. Every goal is a future driven event and your vision fuels your goals.
It also pays to write the whys and hows down. These will serve as reminders along the way.
Habakkuk 2:2 "write the vision down; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it".
Don't just envisage the dream run with it!! Bring to life whats on paper! Don't just write it down, Give wings to your dream.
While trying to lose weight for Sheroes night, I am enjoying the daily walk, watching people as they go about their business and getting inspired along the way. These makes it all worth it. Aside your primary motive, as you give expression to your dream you will start to achieve even unidentified lesser goals. Remember its ok to start small and work it up from there. Just never lose sight of the vision. Now time to shed more flabs!

What I wore last year

TIPS TO REMEMBER

• Have a goal
• Picture it
• write it down
• keep it in view
• be committed
• Focus
• Determination
• have a strategy
• have a time frame
• break it into small achievable bits
• run with it
• it wont always be convenient but it will be worth it