What Mary did

When Mary broke her alabaster box full of expensive oil on Jesus, her intentions were misconstrued. She was condemned by many even Jesus' disciples for wasting such precious and very costly oil. In their beration of her "unacceptable" action, her character was also brought into question in Luke 7:37 "a woman in that town who lived a sinful life".
Despite the negativity around her and her somewhat warped reputation, there was something beautiful about what Mary did.
Mary saw an opportunity: it was six days before the passover, when Jesus would be crucified. She knew her lord would be taken from her soon so instead of reveling like others were, she chose to do something eternity would appreciate. What better time than that moment to bless her master as she knew he would not be coming that way again. SHE SEIZED THE MOMENT. She saw an opportunity and took it.

She gave: Jesus was always the one giving so she decided to turn the tables around this time. Mary recalled that Jesus brought her brother back after he had died and was buried three days. Death to man is the final fontire but Jesus crossed that frontier and brought back life. I'm sure never in Mary's wildest imagination had she thought that those grave clothes that held her brother Lazarus bound will ever be loosened nor the tomb that sealed and separated the living from the dead would ever be opened except at resurrection but at His Word "Lazarus came forth"; his grave clothes unbound and tomb stone rolled away. What an  amazing love. How can one repay such feat? That moment in Bethany was her opportunity to say "thank you". The hand that gave was small but the heart that received was large.

Picture credit:www.tyrellmara.com

She Appreciated: you can rarely separate appreciation and giving. Mary had witnessed the many miracles that Jesus had performed and she'd also had the opportunity to learn at the Master's feet first hand and in close proximity. Her giving was a show of her appreciation.
She gave something of worth: the bible describes her gift as costly Infact one of the disciples put a price tag to it " why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarius and givenlisted to the poor" John 12:5. My dear, for all Jesus had she couldn't just give anything, she gave something of worth and heaven noticed.
She was generous: Mary was not miserly with her offering, the bible says "she poured a flask of costly oil on Jesus", in other words she soaked Jesus with her offering. She drenched his clothes in expensive oil!
Her giving caused a furore : Mary did not only grab heaven's attention, her giving also caused a furore in that small room. People will sometimes misconstrue your intention and even label you negatively. The disciples labeled her giving "a waste". Her giving was so much that it irked the people in that room.
It is the Jesus opinion that matters: People will always have an opinion about what you do or what you are but it is the opinion of Jesus that matters. The disciples called her generous offering a waste but Jesus called it "a beautiful thing" Matthew 26:10. I will Take Jesus opinion anytime.
Lessons from Mary

• Opportunities abound around us
• Seize the moment.
• Appreciate 
• Give.
• Let your giving be generous
• Let your motives be selfless and genuine.
• Give your best-don't pinch corners
• People will always talk but it heaven's opinion that matters
• Never mind the crowd follow your heart.

Wow! What amazing lessons from a simple gesture from a pure heart. My heart beats for this woman's misunderstood offering. I know what it means to be so blessed and you wonder how to say thank you, bacause this has been a long post I'll what I mean in my next post.  

Cultivate a habit, have a routine and Follow it.

My people say "you can't open your eyes and watch someone prick them" meaning you can't be alert and watch things slide into chaos in your life, you do something about the situation and take control. A couple of months backs,  I decided to form a godly habit and stick to it. As you may know,every habit requires a routine in fact every habit is formed by routine.

Every night before my son goes to bed, I anoint him with oil and we say our prayers together. Initially he didn't mind my nightly kisses but as a typical boy he's grown tired of mummy's kisses but would rather blow me a kiss as I stand by the door ready to turn off his lights.
Everyday for the past few months, it doesn't matter how tired or stressed I am, I always anoint my son before he sleeps. Infact, my son looks forward to our nightly routine. The moment I walked towards him, he says "nointing" his word for "anointing" (My heart skips ever time he talks after years of waiting and praying for the lord to open his lips. I shared the story Here
Some days when I want to skip our routine, I feel the gentle nudge of the holy spirit to go back and finish the day right by anointing my son with oil.
Aside from his bed times,  we also go through the process before he goes to school.

There  is a purpose to our routine. James 5:14 says " is anyone sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church and let them pray over him anointing him  with oil"( since I have five strands of grey hair on my head, I think I qualify to be an elder..lol.)

The perfection of Josh's healing is the ultimate purpose of our nightly routine but along the way several things are happening that have been beneficial to mother-son relationship.

• Our nightly anointing provides bonding moments for the two of us
• Josh gets to use his words in prayers
• We both look forward to it.
• It's a date with the Holy Spirit. 
• God wants date time with His children.
• We get to God at work.

This is one of the positive habits and  routines I have cultivated over time. A routine is simply " a sequence of actions regularly followed" in my case for an expected end. A routine is not done haphazardly but deliberately  with an end in view. Jesus had a routine. Luke 5:16 "but Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed". It was his habit to go away frequently to pray so much that his disciples took cognisance of his routine and habit.

TIPS ON BUILDING AN EFFECTIVE HABITS AND ROUTINE

• Find a godly habit
• Create a routine 
• Consistency
• Every routine is deliberate 
• It works with an end in view
• Routine is crucial in building anything.
• It is deliberate 
• What you keep at, you become perfect in. Proverbs 22:29
• Enhances productivity 
• It is healthy to create balance
• It builds structure which is key in healthy and wholesome living.
• It helps create healthy habits
• Positive routine empowers.

Since every habit is built by routine, mind what you put heart and mind to; they are key to  activate success.

Speak the word

My son Joshua  just started to speak at the age of 9. My littleman was diagnosed with autism at age two plus with added complication of no speech! His delayed speech was a source of constant pain to me and frustration for him. As he grew older; he couldn't express his needs and I had to constantly guess what he wanted or what was wrong all the time. This took a toll on both of us, so you can imagine the constant conflicts and tantrums in my house.  Mind you, I throw a mean tantrum and this I did constantly. .lol.

Photo credit:www.songofthelarkblog.com

Fast foward to this day, Words cannot adequately describe my joy the day he uttered his first word! Dear friends, the Israelites were absolutely spot on when they exclaimed with joy in Psalm 126:1 "when the lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like them who dream". Seriously, this is a dream I don't want to wake up from, not even the devil can pinch me out of this....E FITTING'NT.
The miracle of Joshua has become a source of encouragement to many families that are experiencing similar challenges. I give glory to God that there is indeed a purpose to my pain. (we will talk more on that tomorrow).

I have learnt several lessons watching joshua's speech unfold daily.

1. Some of the words have been innate in him though dormant as he did not know how to frame them or give expression to the words.
2. As a parent, I had to teach him more words by pointing out objects and calling them by name.
3. Used the strategy of repetition to enable the word stick., 

Like any SANE mother would (emphasis on sane), in excitement I will point  at anything and everything in sight wanting my son to say them loud and clear to the glory of God and the shame of the devil. However to my dismay, my son got tired of using his words he'd rather pull me or point to the desired object but my humble self was having non of that. You see not using his voice and words would lead to the loss of his acquired skills. WHAT YOU DON'T USE, YOU LOSE! PRACTICE ALSO MAKES PERFECT..KAPISH?

God wants His children to speak the word always.The word of God to a believer is an affirmation of the righteousness and glory of God. It is a declaration of an unshakeable  faith in an awesome God. The believer believes in the heart (innate)and confesses(expresses) with the lips.  In Ezekiel 3, after the prophet had eaten the scroll  which represensented the word of God, he was told " son of man go now and SPEAK MY WORDS TO THEM" As sweet as the word was because it was likened to honey in verse 3, the prophet was not meant to merely savour the taste and lick his lips but to GO AND SPEAK HIS WORD. Ezekiel was commanded to speak the word he'd consumed to a hardened and obstinate people.
Dear friend, what is stopping you from declaring the word in your life? Don't just keep it bottled inside, SPEAK THE WORD and watch amazing things start to happen. What that mountain needs is just the word " Trully I tell you that if anyone says to this mountain 'be lifted up and thrown and thrown into the sea' and has no doubt in his heart....it will be done for them" Mark 11:23

BENEFITS OF SPEAKING THE WORD

• it builds your faith
• It is an exercise of faith
• It builds confidence in you and God.
• It brings God's purpose to bear in our lives.
• It enhances spiritual growth.
• Develops the inner man and transforms us outwardly.
• It gives victory over sin
• It gives life

Back to Joshua, you are not shutting off the words, NOT ON MY WATCH.

Love in action

Editor's Note: Love has a ripple effect. When the heart is right, love is like a river that flows from person to person, effecting change  in its wake. Being a conduit of love is an ideal we all must strive for. It is simply putting your money where your mouth is. Moreover it is what God expects from every believer. Reminds me of a story about a girl that chose to be the hand of change in the life of a drunken neighbour. All her life she'd known this man as a drunk, a source of comic relief for the neighbourhood. Everyone laughed at this man in his weakness until this selfless young lady chose to be the one to help transform the man. She paid someone to feed him and enlisted other hands to wash him while still seeking assistance to further help him learn a vocation . That is what I call love in action....more than mere expression of feelings! Now the man is on a full road to recovery. Let me share an excerpt from a devotion by Joyce Meyer to encourage us on the benefits of being the conduits of God's love.

Joyce Meyer

"There are many ways to demonstrate the love of Christ. When you show His love to someone else, it can soften that person's heart and before you know it, they'll be finding ways to to reach out and show love to others and so on and so on. So celebrate God's love and let Him lead you. Is he putting someone on your heart right now? 
I want my love for Jesus to be reflected in the way I show love for others, even those that may be difficult to love. If I can soften one hard heart with the love of God , maybe that person will soften another's heart with love then that one will reach out to others and so on and son....And soon we'll have a love revolution!
John 13:35 "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples,  if you love one another."

Never forget your source....BE GRATEFUL

The Internet is full of wonderful stories ranging from the interesting, hilarious to the downright absurd! However no matter how weird the stories might be, I try to keep an open mind but keep my inner filters working to maximum capacity. Don't want the silly stories taking root in my mind.  I was stunned by the story of a  beauty queen who went back home to thank her mother shortly after being crowned winner of a much coveted beauty crown. 17 year old  Khanittha"Mint" Pheasant  is pictured kneeling before her mother near a row of wheelie bins. She went down and dirty on her knees,crown and all because that was her root-NO SHAME!!

She didn't mind the rubbish or consider that her silk sash or pageant gear and golden heels will get dirty because it was the hands that cleared the dirt that reared reared her-NO SHAME.

I am amazed that the first thing this beautiful lady did was to go back home to appreciate her mother and and not throw a self congratulatory party as many are want to do-HOW SELFLESS AND HUMBLE.
Gratitude simply means thankfulness or appreciation for kindness shown.
Luke 17:11-19, tells how Jesus healed 10 lepers and only one returned to show appreciation. Before the healing they shouted with a loud voice " Jesus, Master, have pity on us". After all is said and done only one returned to show gratitude. If gratitude was not important Jesus would not have made the following statement. " were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner? Then he said to him "Rise and go; your faith has made you well" Luke 17:19. Some bible scholars say the one that gave thanks was made whole.
An African proverb says "a river that forget its source wI'll soon dry up". The Israelites forgot their source in the old testament and became prey to their enemies. People who were once the dread of their enemies later became captives in the land of promise-HOW SAD!
Think back for a moment on the mighty victories God has done for you. Miracles of healing or deliverance from the bondage of sickness or addiction. Did you remember to show gratitude?
Take time today to remember God's faithfulness and how He has seen you through the many stages of your life.
TIPS ON GRATITUDE. 

• Count your blessings.
• Be content.
• Focus right-gratitude puts situations in perspective. It says "it could be worse"
• Never give up on hope.
• Appreciate the little things.
• Celebrate every milestone and small successes. 
• Sometimes it's not about what you don't have but what you do.
• DO not envy- it's not really greener on the other side of the fence.
• Say it-Always show appreciation.
• Gratitude takes the focus off you-its selfless.
• Gratitude enhances relationships.
• Practice attitude daily. It will change your outlook on life and people.

Right now is a good place and time to start. Bring out a journal and start writing.

Don't just assume........INVESTIGATE!

I recently read a traumatic story about a little child that was left behind in a creche when the staff closed for the night-because they thought she was a doll!! What an absurd assumption given the responsibility of care that the staff were entrusted with! Thankfully the little angel's father came fifteen minutes later to the horrors of hearing his daughter crying in a locked building. He immediately called emergency services and his daughter was rescued.

Without getting into too much grammar, a lot comes to mind on how shoddy this particular organisation was run. Did nobody bother to check that every child was accounted for before the doors were shut for the night?
They probably assumed the other person had done so. They also failed to verify that the lifelike doll was actually a doll before jumping to their erroneous conclusion. NOBODY CARED ENOUGH OR WAS PROFESSIONAL ENOUGH TO GO THE EXTRA MILE!!!
Assumption is defined as "the acceptance of a thing as true without proof". We live in an age where people assume on situations, relationships and people without adequate fact or information. It's easier to jump on general presuppositions without the necessary investigation, leaving no room for benefits of the doubts!

According to Ted Rubin assumptions unfortunately is "the mother of all screw up in relationships". Most times conclusions based on assumptions are wrong because of absence of fact or evidence. This narrow point of view in the long run has an adverse effect on relationships incuding businesses. Moreso, assumptions leads to errors in judgement and action!
The staff in this particular creche would have saved themselves this unnecessary publicity if only one person had bothered to check that the object of contention was actually a doll and not concluded based on assumption or assumed the responsibilty on another. It would have cost less than few minutes to verify their assumptions. Well, it says a lot about the work ethics of the staff involved in this horrible picture show!

Before you make up your mind on any issue or situation, investigate don't assume. Seek proof- this doesn't make you a doubting Thomas. Jesus did not condemn Thomas for seeking to see the evidence of his resurrected self, instead  Christ indulged him and he will you.  Remember, Gideon wanted proof too and the Almighty Himself indulged this scared warrior too (Judges 6).
Don't assume on anybody or situation,  you might just find out embarrassingly wrong you are!. Save yourself the trouble....WHEN IN DOUBT INVESTIGATE. It's a mark of excellence.

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.

Change starts with you

We all have dreams of changing the world but the greatest change starts with you. As an agent of change, you must be transformed first. You must be your  own first test client so you can testify on the veracity of your claim.

 I was at a business pitch for a product the other day and couldnt help but notice the complexion of the sales person. She had such amazing skin so it wasn't difficult to convince me about the products, I had fallen already! Her glowing skin captivated me and I wanted what she had. If I could take off her skin and wear it, I would have!!

Photo credit:www.everyday devotion. Com

Before Apostle Paul could go about preaching the gospel of salvation, he had a firsthand, genuine encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus Acts 9:9-19. When people saw him after his encounter with the lord, they knew something had changed.
Change is not an illusion, it is evident.
I can never forget an episode of "Britain's got talent". A woman walked on stage and said she could teach the audience how to make a million pounds to which Simon Cowell asked if she had one million pounds and she responded 'No'. The end you can envisage, Simon told her to get off the stage. You cant gift what you don't have!

The word of God is a change agent and it start with its carrier. The word of God has a roller coaster effect and it starts with you. It started with a group of people huddled in a small room at pentecost and spread to thousands who'd gathered in the city.
The Bible is full of individuals who were willing to change and in return brought change to generations.  Are you ready for change? Remember, it starts with you! Be the change that you preach.

Photo credit: Www.putitinwritting.me

How to be a change agent

• Be the change that you preach. Don't say one thing and be another
• Lead by example.
• Be passionate about your calling and purpose.
• Be focused
• Know your limits but don't limit yourself 
• Engage others...Change is impact full when it involves others.
• Don't be afraid to drive change.
• Change is about difference..be different.

Before you take that bait. ......THINK

Adam and Eve learnt the hard way the devastating consequences of sin when they fell for the enemy's bait, hook, line and sinker!  Our first family got more than they bargained for after they took the bite off that "fruit".

Photo credit: www.answers in genesis. Org.

They lost their esteemed position of authority  amongst God's creation and the beautiful comfort of their home. God's original purpose was that man would live  in eternal fellowship with Him in a world devoid of pain but when sin crept in that plan went belly up!! (Hindered but not destroyed). Sin hurts!! Sin drove a wedge between man and his creator.

Photo credit:www.Jonathancliff.com

But the story does not end there thankfully.  The boundaries set in the word of God are meant to protect not cramp our style. The command " you must not eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil"  with their obedience was the edge that protected Adam and Eve till they broke it. Sin kills!! There is no pleasure outside God and His Word. " there is a way that appears to be right but in the end it leads to death" Proverbs 14:12.
Sin destroys!! After a wrong deed is done and the euphoria of conquest dissipates, what is left is like a sour taste at the back of one's throat with dire consequense and that's putting in it lightly.

Truth is, sin will cost you! It will cost you your peace, honour, relationships, health. Sin comes with a price-a deadly one at that!
So how can we escape the conundrum of sin? How can man differenciate between right and wrong? The answer is simply through God's  Word and the Holy Spirit.

"When Jesus ascended into heaven, He sent the Holy Spirit to be our guide. We need Him! We need his guidance to make wise choices and not become trapped by sin that hurts us and damages our relationship with Jesus. The Holy Spirit is with us, available all day long with the wisdom we need to live the rich and satisfying life Jesus wants for us"  Lynn Cowell.
God's plan for his children has not changed. The abundant life of unbroken fellowship is possible with the help of the Holy Spirit. So before you take that bait, before you eat that proverbial "forbidden fruit,put it down and reconsider the consequence. Before you make that decision, think twice,  It'll do you good.
TIPS FOR OVERCOMING TEMPTATION.

• Flee temptation...don't argue or try to browbit the situation 
• Identify areas of weakness 
• Seek Godly help and counsel. Create an accountability network. 
• Think of the long term concequence.
• Take yourself out of the situation .. 2 Timothy 2:22
• Pray
• Measure your action in line with God's word.
• Remember you can't do it alone.
• Depend on the Holy Spirit for guidance, wisdom and help.

Sheroes

I grew up reading comic books. These books about people with super human strength were my escape from  reality. I wanted more from life as a child and my comic books provided these alternate reality

I was fascinated by the comic characters who could move things at the blink of an eye, fly,live under water or even be at two places at the same time.  I was even more fascinated with the fact that these super humans were as different as their powers.  Superman had a red cape and could fly while spiderman wore a spandex outfit and swung from building to building with a spider Web. They also came about their powers in different ways.  Superman was born a super hero while spiderman was bitten by a genetically modified spider. Most of the superheros  I read about were aliens while others were normal people going about their regular businesses when life happened to them e.g the fantastic four, cat woman etc. But there is also  a group of superheroes who assumed the role of "citizens police" when they noticed a need in society e.g Batman and Robin. In addition being a superhero cut across gender, age and race. In reality people fall under the different categories of super heroes.  While the focus most times are tuned towards the men, a growing number of women are daily breaking boundaries. Ordinary women who in their different fields of endeavour have impacted lives with their skills and talents. Some were born as superheroes, some are accidental superheroes while others assumed the cape.
On the 19th of September, a group of women aptly named "Sheroes" will be celebrated at the Sheroes Awards night for their indelible contributions in the areas of politics, Charity, fashion,sports, entertainment, business, and events.
It's going to be more than a glamorous affair, it's celebrating  women who inspire, influence and impact.
Fact is women don't get celebrated much particular women that make a difference in society and that's what Sheroes is all about.

Do Over.

Wow! It's amazing how time flies. Seemed just like yesterday when the new year was ushered in. Well, it is  said time does fly when you're having fun and its been an amazing year but it's not over yet

 So welcome to the month of September.

 I'm excited about this month because of what the lord has in store for me. I have an amazing word from the lord and i'm hankering to share  with you but you have to be patient. Remember,  patience is a virture, a fruit of the holy spirit and fruits are good for you..TRUTH.

Today is a beautiful day and it's not simply because of the weather. It's beautiful because of the assurance in God's word and His presence, nothing else does. It is  beautiful because we've been given the opportunity to make right the errors of yesterday.  You see yesterday started on a crazy note for me. For reasons I can't begin to explain, I thought my son was back in school on the 31st. Unlike his usual happy self, he woke up cranky and reluctant to take his bath which in turn got me cranky and crazy. I screamed, he screamed and the whole situation went downhill. Given my son's peculiar needs, this wasn't  a great way to start school!  Stomping down the stairs like  naughty child, my eyes caught his school calender on the wall and I realised my error. Josh's resumption date was 1st of September not 31st of August,silly mummy! Believe me it felt like i'd like i'd won the lottery! This over zealous mum apologised to her Lil boy and made up with his favourite meal. I was happy for a lot of reason but chiefly because I'd been given the chance to start the first day of school all over again.

Don't we all love a fresh start? A new beginning devoid of drama in whatever form. A new day brings it with a fresh perspective and an opportunity to make right the wrongs of yesterday or improve on the goodness enjoyed. "With man this is impossible but with God ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE " Matthew 19:26. A do over is nigh impossible with man but with God its easy peasy!  However, God will not force His will on you but requires your invitation and cooperation. Don't waste today. This new month is a gift; it's like a blank canvass and you hold the brushes and paint to colour it in the varied and vibrant colours of the rainbow. Let the holy Spirit guide your hands. Embrace every opportunity. Forget the past and love a little more. Be adventurous.
Are are you ready for a do over? How badly do you want a change? If you are ready  I am. Let's get started.
Tips for a do over.

• Be tired of the old toxic thinking and bad attitude 
• Get rid of stinking thinking and unproductive emotions, relationships 
• Be ready and accept change.
• Laugh more, stress less. " be anxious for nothing " Phil 4:6-7
•  Choose the company you keep " he that walks with the wise shall be wise but the companion of fools will suffer harm" Proverbs 13:20.
• Do something that makes you happy. ie  exercise, learn new skills, etc.
• Live for a purpose. Discover your purpose and pursue it
• Live passionately and purposefully. 

Let the transformation begin!!!

Don't give up on today!

"I am stronger because of the hard times, wiser because of my mistakes  and happier because I have known sadness. The same is true for you. Every difficult conversation you have includes someone who is teaching you something about yourself. Every trying situation contains an opportunity for deeper self reflection and learning. Every irritant, heartbreak, frustration,disappointment, fearful moment and sadness is a teacher. Remember, nothing is as bad as it seems. Nothing! There's a benefit and a blessing hidden in the folds of every experience and every outcome. So don't you dare give up on today because of the way things looked yesterday. Don't even think about it. Everyday is a new day to try again."
Culled from Mark and Angela Hack Life, " Practical Tips for Productive Living"

Between Fear and Pride

Yesterday, I shared my fears about resuming blogging after several weeks of absence.  I realised that by giving wings to my ideas in this case putting fingers to keyboard, the words started flowing and it became easier to write. I wondered why I was fearful in the first place?

While contemplating what to write about today, I decided to expaciate more on some of the factors that cause fear in people especially at the brink of starting  something aside from the ones listed in yesterday's post.
PRIDE: In this case implies having an unhealthy consideration of one's worth or ability. This sometimes prevents people from taking up certain roles for fear of failing and being pecieved as inept or lesser than their self pre-conceived perception. This negative  self consciousness is driven by pride which in turn prevents people from launching out . Reminds me of an episode of " The Big Bang Theory" when Sheldon refused to take driving lessons because he was afraid to fail...AGAIN!!! Instead of admitting his fears, Sheldon hid behind a facade of "transcending regular human activity such as driving" .

Of course this drove his friends who only wanted to help him off their rockers. His pride prevented him from doing! When pride comes between you and a feat nothing gets done. A friend of mine had to return to a job he left  ages ago after all else failed. Mind you, it was not an easy decision but he had to put food on the table for his growing famity and pride alone will not do that!.

 It takes humility to start from the scratch not minding what people will say. It's non of their business in the first place. Stop worrying about what people will say and start DOING. You owe yourself the right to succeed and you can only do that by being humble. Remember there is dignity in labour!
Proverbs 16:18-19 "pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall"

FEARless

Before you say anything, I admit my guilt! I have been away for too long! Truth is, I am more of a talk person but I really do love writing despite being a lazy writer(told you i'm aware of my crimes 😊).  I've been contemplating updating the blog for a while but at the last minute get wracked with nerves because I'd been away for too long! I worried if i'd lost my edge and instead of putting that theory to the test i'd slinker out of my office and differ writing for another time until Today. I determined to allay my fears and concerns and write something because the blog won't update itself abi!

 I had no clear cut idea where to start or what to write though my head is reeling with story ideas but I decided to type away and watch the stories take shape. Sound familiar? Well this kind of feeling will resonate with people who'd lost businesses, experienced divorce or failure and are on the brink of starting afresh.  You worry about failing again! But who or what told you that failure is in your future? A wise person once said it's better to have tried and failed than never trying at all, afterall nothing ventured, nothing gained. Don't let fear hold you back. 2 Timothy 1:17 " but God did not give us a spirit of timidity,but a spirit of power, of love and of a sound mind".

 Rick Warren highlighted the three  kinds of fear that limits people from reachingtheir maximum potential.
SELF DOUBT: This keeps people locked in a self prison unable to develop their potential.  It is the fear of failure itself.
SELF CONSCIOUSNESS : Worrying about what people will say. In the larger picture, it's what God thinks that matters because trying to please people is an arrant waste of efforts.
SELF PITY: instead of wallowing in self pity, get out of the rut and learn from it. Afterall every failure is a potential mine of learning opportunities.  Once you become fearless, life becomes limitless. Instead of worrying about how to jumpstart that fluctuating relationship, starting that buisness giving up smoking, start with what you have-right where you are! Don't let past mistakes deter you from your future. Remember the righteous will be bold as lions.
So now let's back on our horses, no use frolicking in the mud with pigs. There is work to be done, lives to be impacted  and life changing testimonies to share.
I AM BACK.😎

What's your postcode?

Ireland is currently working on plans to introduce postcodes into the country as part of ongoing projects to improve the existing system.  This development aims to enhance and ease postal service delivery especially when people are filling forms on the Internet for international purchases

There will be no expected  changes to home addresses just an inclusion of the area code for easy identification.  The code system will also help enhance essential service delivery like ambulance response to distress calls to remote homes as codes will help narrow the location more

 London has an excellent code system.  Mind you, housing prices differ from code to code. Some postcodes are more crime prone while the more posh areas cost a pound and a dollar but in the long run worth every bit of money! Postcode maps boundaries between locales. In fact some people make a boast in their post codes...even the least attractive ones. Some people take it seriously even to extremes regarding their territories. If the postcode systems could be narrowed by labels like Faith ville,  Fear arena, Confusion valley, Doubt domain, Jealousy avenue, Messed- up grove even Death Zone where would you find yourself?

 Under which code label are you likely to belong or are even domiciled at the moment. I would certainly love Prosperity park where i'm  rich in love and have enough to bless others with. Grace view is not a bad idea  either where I am basking in unmerited favour-God's Riches At Christ Expense- a place without struggle  but rest in God's immense love. Healthy Haven would be a popular code for a lot of people too;a sickness free zone. The best of them all is Redemption  Camp where every home has self control, gentleness, faithfulness, patience-the whole enchiladas!Wouldn't that be simply awesome?

Once upon a time I thrived in low esteem, fear, rejection and many other debilitating emotion until I realised I had a choice to change my postcode so to say  and I gladly moved. I CHANGED ZONE. Sometimes I find elements of the old life in my new home but I quickly toss them out. I have no space for depression, gossip or victim mentality,  they don't belong in my new area code!

My desire for you is that in the month of June  you'll shift from sickness to divine health, fear to faith, poverty to prosperity in Jesus name. You have to change location and this comes by the renewing of the mind, Romans 12:2 ".don't copy the behaviours and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think". For most people, this change is not instantaneous rather its a gradual process worth every ouce of effort.  Are you ready to move? Call the removal van, let starts packing but only the good stuffs mind you.

The purpose driven life

At one point or the other, everybody questions the purpose of existence .  The need to know the purpose of life is not ridiculous but absolutely normal. Questions like why am I here? What is the purpose of life, marriage and other myriad of questions will certainly crop up in the mind of man  in the course of his life time.

Photo credit.www.the yogi movement.com

 Unfortunately, many live life without fully finding the true answer to that question. This is because a lot of people are looking in the wrong places. Since man did not simply burst into creation but is the well thought-out hand work of a creator, it goes to say he will ultimately  find answers in his creator.  

In what is popular described as the Great Commission, Jesus sent his disciples out on their own to "preach this message, the kingdom of heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead,cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons" Matthew 10:7-8.

This command does not apply to the disciples alone but also to us. It is a calling and a purpose that should drive our lives.

Wherever you are, whatever you do, preach the gospel, heal the sick, raise the dead and cleanse those who have leprosy. In your marriage and at work, preach the gospel, heal the sick, raise the dead and cleanse those who have leprosy.!! Are you a teacher, midwife, sales-person, care-giver, do same too!

Photo credit:www.Cherylcope.com

This might seem too basic but it's the pathway to discovering the purpose of life.

The great commission  was the driving purpose in Paul's ministry. Everything he did and indeed his whole life was centred on these five pillars.  For Paul "to live is Christ". Preaching Jesus the Christ was all Paul lived for.

(Philippians 1:21). What about you?

Don't get muddled up in what's not. Don't sit on a shelf waiting for an apparition to appear and tell you to do. 

Don' waste precious  time over- thinking stuffs,  the disciples didn't and life eventually  made sense. What an amazing testimony they had on their  return...that's what I call fulfillment and it only comes at the place of living a purpose driven life; everything else pales in comparison. 

Finding laughter.

I read an interesting article recently in which ace Nigerian comedian Basket Mouth was largely critiqued for not including the godfather of Nigerian comedy Alibaba in his list of top five favourite comedians of all time.

BasketMouth 

You know how people jump on a case without getting the whole gist, well they jumped on this case because who doesn't know that Alibaba  is the king of them all-twale baba.! Nuff respect.

Alibaba

In response to the furore over his "controversial" list, BasketMouth got to defend his claim during an interview with Olisa  on "The Truth". His explanation blew my mind and inspired this post. His explanation "for me I don't like putting Alibaba on the same level. When he was grooming me, we went for a burial and Ali said, " look around, crack 5 jokes with everything you  have seen. I tried but could only cracking one. Ali baba then told me to listen. He cracked jokes with everything....so that is something  else".

Talk about being put on the spot!! An initial response to such an absurd  request would be "there is nothing to laugh about in that setting". Mind you the request was not to find something to joke about the corpse but to find  things to joke about IN that environment!
The Israelites  found themselves in such a situation ages ago. Captive in a foreign land, far from home and everything familiar. To make matters worse their captors expected them to make a merry song in their situation. Psalm 137:4 " how can we sing the songs of the lord while in a foreign land". They did not have to make up a song, the song of zion was in them already  just as it is in  us but they had a problem with singing  in a foreign land!! Don't we all sometimes.
No matter how careful  we are, we will find ourselves in a "foreign land" sometimes. A foreign land could be a divorce, sickness, bankruptcy etc. It is an adverse and contrary situation. Who laughs in that kind of situation? How do you laugh in the midst of adversity?
Truths to note

• Anybody can laugh in good times but It takes a heart that is grounded, matured and trusts in God to rejoice in the midst of trial. Paul and Silas sang and prayed the prison doors down. Act 16:25
• Looking eyes see.You have to look beyond the pain to really see.
• Even  the small things count If you consider them closely.
• 1 Thessalonian 5:18- give thanks in all circumstances.  In the midst of the storm be thankful
• laughter makes trying situations a bit more tolerable .I. e  it smoothen's the rough edges.
• You are alive, there is hope and " hope maketh not ashamed". Hope fuels faith.
• its a show of strength.
  

 I must say it was a hard thing to ask but not impossible; if it were the request would not have been made. Alibaba had seen possible joke materials at the  event that's why he made the seemingly difficult demand on his protégée. The request was to enable his intern push the envelope and expand his mind; take him from the level of mediocrity to excellence. Basketmouth is better off with the "hardline training he got. God expects his children to find joy in every situation. IT GROWS YOU. Your ability to find elements of joy in dreary situations stands you out on a different level and that my friend is something else.

Photo credit. Www.hack writers. Com