Bin Em' fast!!

I don't know where the strength came from but  few days ago, I decided to de-clutter my wardrobe. I noticed I had lots of clothes but I'd not worn quite a number in years. According to fashion guru Gok Wan "if you've not worn them in ages, you are most likely never going to wear them"(or something in that order but you get my drift..lol). So our went that Next jeans that doesn't fit any more and that shirt bought years ago on the spur of the moment but doesn't fit any more either and  plenty others soon became a pile on my bedroom floor including the ones I've held unto for sentimental reasons!!.

However in typical Gladys manner, the pile has remained on the floor ever since neither tidily arranged nor bagged for disposal until this morning. In my quest to find something suitable to wear, I found myself drifting towards the pile of clothes on the floor. For some inexplicable reason an old top set apart for Charity became appealing. I quickly forgot why it was on the floor in the first place and wanted to wear it. Already the other day I'd worn a top from my "floor collection" and it had somehow found a way back into my wardrobe. I realised the rejected clothes were gradually becoming attractive because I'd not done anything about them and this got me thinking (thinking is hard work right?)

 amenclinics_photos via

 Anything or relationship in life that does not suit your present situation bin it fast. It does not matter how long you've had it. If its not functioning productively and helping you attain your highest heights-DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR AND BIN EM' FAST!! Don't just leave them hanging in a corner before you know it, they become attractive again! Remember you set them aside for a purpose. In a fit of loneliness a couple of months back, I reached out to an old boyfriend but thankfully caught myself before things got out of hand. I remembered he was an "old" boyfriend for a reason and I "jejely" severed that connection. I didn't need the emotional drama. In a more positive Gladys fashion" I reached out to the God of all Wisdom who helped permanently shut the door and delete every trace of that old life. Deleting might seem harsh but one's destiny is worth EVERYTHING. Recovering alcoholics and drug addicts are sorely advised to avoid situations and relationships that would drag them back into their old toxic lifestyles. Never assume you are strong enough to resist the pull of certain situations, avoid them all together.
I have cleared space in my wardrobe and dumped the unused clothes. I now only have functional clothes that I wear and easily access without hassle. No more unnecessary attachment or fillers. If it ain't useful, it ain't worth it. BIN EM' FAST.

Trusting God through Emotional Trials

Editor's Note: If  many of us would have our way, life will be a smooth journey  and not a roller coaster ride!  If you ask me, I could do without the bumps and sudden, unexpected turns on the road. In fact, I'd prefer if everything was predictable but that would be downright boring wouldn't it? Where would the adventures be? Unfortunately Life indeed is a roller coaster ride but our attitudes and emotions do not have to be a hell-of-a-ride. I have a friend who has the most amazing attitude even in the wake of challenges. Coral smiles at everything and in everything. You'd never know she was a victim of domestic abuse or had a child who was wheel-chair bound! Despite the turmoil in her personal life, my dear friend was the go-to person when other women had issues as she always had a shoulder for others to lean on. At first I thought the years of beating had knocked her brains out but NO!  P.S still waiting for an opportunity to prick her with a needle to see if she's human! But Coral is as human as the next person but she'd only learnt to trust God and SMILE in all situations. Her attitude is that of praise and gratitude in the midst of challenges. What about you? Kindly enjoy this amazing devotion by Joyce Meyer.

My name is Gladys, I'm a GARRIOLIC!

Its no longer breaking news that I love food as  my ample plus size is a testament to that fact. I love food in whatever form and from wherever; if its edible, I'll gobble. However what may look and feel like pleasure can also become a bondage. The transition most times are not instantaneous  rather subtle and unnoticed. They most times start out simple and easy to control, then like a flood it overwhelms.  My struggle with garri started eight years ago (Garri is a by product from cassava which is a staple food crop in Africa,Asia and South America)

Cassava

 It was my incessant crave during pregnancy. Its dry, flaky and strong sour tasty was like heaven on my tongue. The Ijebu variety was my favourite

Garri

 I knew it was bad for my health because of its starch contents and I was pregnant and suffering badly from gestational diabetics but I didn't care. I was being closely monitored by the diabetic team and dieticians but I still found a way to smuggle garri into my diet. I was alone and pregnant and garri was my go to comfort food.  Like any addiction, garri was my solace, my cocaine!  I thought my unholy craving might disappear after the birth of my son but  it was not to be rather it became worse. My diet was incomplete without garri. no matter how sumptuous a meal was, I'd finish it off with garri. A spoonful of the flaky product was all I needed- no need to add water or sugar. I'd just flip it into my mouth and I'd be just fine. My friends were not safe from my crave either. Like an addict I'd seek out garri in their pantry but we would all have a good laugh about it. yeah, it became our joke but MY PRISON!!. You see whatever habit you have no control over is an addiction and most times bad for you. Dictionary.com defines addiction as "the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psycologically or physically habit forming" Man was created for dominion but for me garri had become my boss. Garri was bad for my me but I just couldn't seem to help myself. I became tired of  the constant trips to the kitchen at odd times and places. I needed help! All my self efforts to break this bondage was not working and it was now hurting my health again. Garri in itself is not bad but my uncontrollable desire was the problem so I decided to pray. You might wonder, pray over food again? Yes Pray! if it matters that much to me, surely it matters to God. "pile your troubles on God's shoulders-He'll carry your load, He'll help you out. He'll never let good people topple into ruin" psalm 55:22. God cares about the big and little things that trouble His children. He cares enough to send His son to die for me so my "little" addiction matters to Him too
Its three weeks since I started the journey with God to break my addiction to garri, 3 weeks since I last craved the tasty sour powder in my mouth. I still have garri in my pantry because it has several other uses but I no longer abuse its usage. Your addiction might be worry, fear, sex, porn, alcohol, drugs etc. Never mind how many years the unlawful claws of bad choices and habits have held you captive, Jesus came to set the captive free. All you need is ask and believe He can help. God wants His children to live life victoriously. "

MY NAME IS GLADYS AND I AM REDEEMED.

Nigeria: Sex, Lies and Black Magic

EDITOR'S NOTE :A lot of women are being trafficked daily and exploited as sex slaves in Europe. I've met many ladies whose lives have been devastated by this endemic social,"economic", physical, psychological and spiritual ill and its not a  beautiful STORY  to retell.

 How and when do we step in as society to end this evil? more enlightenment programmes and government intervention? what about the church? please families be wary of the allures of the "golden fleece in Europe". there is more to the tale than you imagine and why trade a soul for material gain. After watching this programme I am more baffled.http://www.channel4.com/programmes/unreported-world/articles/all/nigeria-sex-lies-black-magic-reporter-feature

LET IT GO

EDITOR'S NOTE: Never cry over spilt milk, its a total waste of energy! Its common knowledge that a forced relationship can never work..but like my pastor would say "common sense is not common".

 Its the absence of common sense that would make a person latch unto a toxic relationship. Even when the obvious is staring them right in the face, the human emotion will cook up a reason to hold onto an awkward situation or people. When a person walks out of your life be brave and let them go. They've only played their part and its time to move on. It does not necessarily mean they are bad people " there is a time for everything and a season for every activity under the sun" Eccl 3:1. Letting go is not easy but its always worth the effort. So next time somebody walks out of your life, tell em' KEEP WALKING!!   Enjoy this brilliant excerpt by T.D Jakes. 

Don't blow it.

EDITORS NOTE: A lot of times we blow up opportunities and relationships either knowingly or unknowingly or even through carelessness and misadventure. We sometimes take golden moments for granted thinking we've always got tomorrow to make up or take that bold step. Unfortunately, some of the consequences of our action or inaction can later come to bite us

.  For instance an opportunity you should have said yes to but never did suddenly comes to mock you. Even simple things like giving up the chance to reconcile with a loved one until its too late( been there and it hurts like crazy but NO REGRETS!!). I believe the most painful is the opportunity to share Christ with others directly or indirectly through our words and actions. Whatever you do, don't lose the opportunity to love like today is all you've got. Be blessed with this wonderful articled culled from UCB devotional

Live For Today

Today is that tomorrow you promised yourself, LIVE IT.  Many times people worry about tomorrow so much they  forget to enjoy today. Worrying about tomorrow is like exhausting tomorrow's energy today-it never solves anything!!  Life itself is a daily journey-one day at a time. This does not negate strategic planning for future benefits but you don't get tied up in knots over it. When you worry so much about the big things such as tomorrow, you forget about the simple pleasures that make today unique. Living for today allows God to take charge and lead. It is relying on God for daily strength and sustenance in fact EVERYTHING.  So why not take the pressure of yourself and dare to enjoy the simple pleasures of today. You can do that by trusting in Him who lives, controls and created time.

Encouragement for the hurting

EDITOR'S NOTE:  Sometimes life hurts no matter how careful or saintly you are. Even the strongest of people also hurt . Job was righteous but he had his "bout" of challenges.  A "dear friend" betrayed my confidence a while back and I was badly wounded. Many nights after the incident, I cried myself to sleep and  sought solace in God the healer of broken hearts (he heals the broke hearted and binds their wounds" psalm 147:3) . Eventually, I was healed and the hurt just a distant memory but I still bear emotional scars from the relationship. Mind you, many times I was tempted to lash back and hurt the source of my pain but I never did simply because I have a different kind of spirit at work within me. In all, I believe there is a lesson to be learnt in every situation whether good or bad, you'll come out stronger if only you'll let God change your perspective. I found this inspiring article on Proverbs 31 that teaches  how to cope when life hurts. It's written by Chrystal Evans Hurst. Be blessed.

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.