The perfect gift.

Hello peeps, the celebration continues today. Its sales, sales and more sales and I am not going to miss out on the fun. ITS THE SEASON. However, I am going with a list and sticking with it, no use filling the house with unwanted items(that time don pass...lol). I KNOW BETTER NOW!

As promised, I finally got round to opening my family Christmas presents this morning. Many thanks to everybody that blessed me and mine with gifts. I APPRECIATE YOU ALL. Josh got all sorts of gifts but two particular gifts caught his  attention; a magnetic sketcher and story books from his teacher. These gifts appealed to his needs and interests.

THE STORY BOOK: My son loves books and enjoys being read to. Words can not fully describe his excitement when he saw the books. It was what he desired and his response was a testament to that.
THE MAGNETIC SKETCHER: His motor skills has improved so we've got the writing going on well. My little professor loves every opportunity to show off his tracing and writing skills. This gift will enable him have fun while he is also learning and enhancing his fine motor skills.

Photo Credit:www.jeannekolenda.com

The gift are not much in financial value but the intrinsic values are inestimable. The benefits have more than aesthetic appeal and address the needs of my son. THAT MAKES THEM PERFECT.
THE SOURCE; These special presents came from his teacher who is very familiar with his likes and needs. He was able to buy the appropriate gifts armed with his knowledge of Joshua's needs. THAT IS WISDOM.  Wisdom is simply  the right application of knowledge and Mr O'Sullivan applied his knowledge in getting gift for his student.

Buying of gifts can be an herculean task most times. I dread gift shopping because getting presents for some people is like solving puzzles with missing pieces. people want to give gifts that will appeal to the reciever and will be used not dumped in a corner. Here is the problem. It's not easy identifying and attending to the needs of others. This is because needs differ for each person.  A lot of people still confuse their wants with needs. What one person might deem as a need might be an extravagant or frivolous want by another. For instance, a pair of designer shoes is not an immediate need for a homeless or hungry person. "Needs are fundamental for human survival while wants on the other hand as a human desire to get something additional after they have satisfied their recurring needs" .
I have learnt in dealing with people to attend to needs and not want-wants only come after needs  have been met. Don't get me wrong, wants are not bad but should come after  initial priorities have been met.
The story of the woman caught in adultery gets me every time. Jesus did not condemn her because her action was already self- condemning and her accusers reiterated the fact with their stones ready for the kill  . At the point Jesus met her, He did not come with stones but with the gift of FORGIVENESS. He met her need. WHAT A SAVIOUR.

Photo Credit:www.pastorbriang.blogspot.com

The best person that can truly identify the needs of man is GOD.The rest of humanity can only guess. That is why at Christmas, He gave mankind the gift of Jesus. After the fall of man, he did not need gold or silver but REDEMPTION.
Many times we don't know what we need but God does. HE KNOWS AND HE WILL GIVE. "but my God shall supply all my needs according to His riches and glory by Christ Jesus" Phil 4:19.
  Since human needs differ, their are certain steps in identifying the needs of others.

• Form and have a relationship.
• Ask don't assume.
• Observe.
• respect individuality-don't generalise.

Now the gift of Christmas, IT IS MORE THAN PERFECT.

Letter to my Joshy

Appreciating my son at Christmas. He is much stronger than I give him credit for. How else does he manage to live with the Queen of Loko herself?
Dear Joshy boo,
I've made a lot of crazy decisions in my life and followed with a lot of crazy actions but having you tops it all.  Its been eight roller coaster years since you came into my life but it's an adventure I've come to enjoy with the highs and lows. I know its not your birthday but your smile makes me want to celebrate every day. Who knew it'll take a lil boy to turn this ogre into mush.

For many reasons this is the best Christmas ever and its because you are in it. We don't have much but we have each other and that makes other things trivial in comparison. YOU ARE ALL THAT MATTERS.

I feel like everything in my life was a build up to you; my choices, decisions, heartbreaks, regrets, rejections and applause. EVERYTHING.  You are the crescendo of all my achievements. NOTHING COMPARES WITH YOU. Every time, I see you the rejection, my past, pain and choices are all worth it. If I had done one thing differently, I would never have had the joy that you are my son. YOU ARE WORTH EVERYTHING. Thank God I chose you and I'll do it all over again maybe not via Onitsha..lol

Facts About Giving.

This year has been truly magical for me (its not over yet still expecting more miracles and breakthroughs..abi nah). I have experienced the love of God in more ways than I can count or explain even in the disappointments. I am naturally a very content person hardly expecting much from people but always eager to help out. I LOVE TO GIVE. Like I tell my friends GIVING MAKES ME HIGH..lol. In the build up to Christmas  I have received gifts from unexpected places and people. I have also given when it seemed impossible to give. ITS WHO I AM. Giving is such a beautiful act. Every time people give, I am reminded about the generosity of God and the ultimate gift of Jesus. Lets examine certain truths about giving in no particular order.

FACTS ABOUT GIVING.

•  When God gives, He not only attends to the things you need, He also provides those things that you never knew you needed and probably never prayed about. That's why HE IS GOD.

Photo Credit:www.lovethispic.com

He knows you more than you know yourself. GOD HAS INTIMATE KNOWLEDGE OF YOU.

• God uses people-you are created as a conduit of blessing. Everyman is a channel for reaching out to the world.  The blessings, talents, gifts that you have are not meant for selfish purposes but as an outreach to a world in need.
• Little is something- I love supermarket chain Tesco's tag-line "every little helps". Every cent can go a long way to alleviate the need of another. What you consider little or insignificant might just be the right amount of assistance a family in need requires to survive another day.

  

  photo Credit;www.classicalchristianity.com

• If you cannot give from the "little" you've got there's a small chance that you'll give when you've got "much". however since "much" is a relative concept wonder when that is? If you cant give from the thousands in your piggy bank, you definitely wont give when when you have millions. The true hallmark of giving is the ability to give even when you barely have "enough". Mark 12:41-44. When God gave mankind the gift of Jesus he did not have a spare son to replace the one He'd given up/out.
• Giving does not stem from what you have or don't but from an understanding and trust in God's ability to take care of you. Phil 4:19
• It is an act of love. John 3:16
• its more blessed to give than to receive. Acts 20:35
• Giving should be done joyfully and not grudgingly. Corinthians 9:17.

  

  Photo Credit:www.ubdavid.com

• Its an act of worship.
• Expect a reward. What is a better reward than knowing you've made a difference in the life of another. Nonetheless when God gave the gift of one, he received the multiple result of you and I alongside a lost world.
• Giving can be learnt.
• Giving should be an increasing or progressive act/attitude
• it does not entail money alone.
• Giving is intentional
• You don't really need a reason to give, JUST GIVE. 

  

  Photo Credit:www.ncregister.com

Don't let this season pass without sharing with another person. Remember "EVERY LITTLE HELPS"

Dilema of a Single Girl

Once again it’s that time of the year!! Christmas is in the air and the streets are already lit with festive lights. Dublin city centre is agog with early shoppers jostling to get good bargains and probably a quick dig into that endless list of "Santa's list". I didn't have a shopping or to do list rather I was aimlessly gazing through every brightly lit window shop until a particular window dressing stopped me in my tracks. It had got to be the most glitter studded shoe I'd ever seen! I imagined myself in "dem killer heels" and was in the store before I could control myself. Seriously, I was practically drooling over "dem" heels until the price tags caused my saliva glands to malfunction. It was way out of my price range but what the heck its Christmas-A TIME TO SPLURGE. It was the perfect party shoe but I wasn't much of a "parry person". Not that I don’t like parties but the idea of walking alone into a room filled with mostly strange faces sometimes churns my stomach. It would be awkward seating at a table among strangers whom you have absolutely nothing in common with and nothing to *gist* about. Sigh!! So how does a single girl survive the party filled Christmas season without losing her dignity? I was discussing online dating sites with a couple of friends the other day and was practically in stitches at the responses I got from these marvelous ladies. Seriously!! Their answers ranged from online dating sites are for "lemmos", to its unchristian like" and “all manner of creeps troll the internet”. I agree all manner of "creeps" troll the internet but I am on the internet as well and I'm no creep. The world as we know it has advanced into a global village as a result of the WORLD WIDE WEB. Political revolutions are being spurred on the internet and religious leaders have embraced newer media platforms so what's wrong if love is borne via a media platform? Truth is the internet could be a dangerous platform to form a love relationship because "ANYONE COULD BE ANYBODY" on the internet. It allows the creation of a false reality (have you noticed how everyone seemed to be living the good life on FB?). I have met my fair share of "creeps on the internet but I have also made some great friendship through this platform (I will be gisting you about that in my next post). Like my good friend said “we have to meet people somehow” and since the world has moved online, there might be opportunities there as well but BE CAREFUL .Moreover because a dating site says it Christian does not make the people you meet there "holy angels" and this line of thought applies to every other platform that you meet people through. I know loneliness is hard to deal with especially during the yuletide seasons but it’s be better to be safe than sorry. So whatever platform you seek to enjoy the season just BE CAREFUL. p.s I hope my "killer shoes" don't end up abandoned in the closet with others but find its way to rock some parties this season...SO HELP ME GOD

Everyday a CHRISTMAS

She calls me her "Christmas buddy" because we get to chat only on Christmas day. My friend is a fantastic lady but for some inexplicable reason Christmas is the only time we get to connect and spend hours on the phone catching up. After the excitement of the day is over, it takes another 364 days or the odd 365 for us to reconnect again. A lot of us are familiar with this cycle. When I was growing up my brothers attended church only on the 24th of December to herald the birth of Jesus and after that Jesus is shoved back to the angels till the next Christmas eve. It was a ritual that took years and eventually concerted efforts by their wives to break. Christmas for a lot of people is the only opportunity to pamper and get pampered then its back to the doldrums of daily living. Where I live, the Christmas lights have finally been removed from the streets after many weeks of brightening the night skies and many hearts. Even the bravest person has put away the much celebrated Christmas tree and decorations. It’s all back in storage till the next season. The festive buzz has died out and everything and everyone is finally back to normal. However, normalcy for some is trying to pay off huge bills incurred to buy gifts and decorations for loved ones. Some debts are up to the value of €2,000. Ironically, most of these lovingly and painstakingly purchased gifts end up being sold on eBay or done deal described simply as unwanted Christmas presents. Some are even planning for the next Christmas already by joining much advertised savings schemes geared towards having a debt free Christmas. I miss the spontaneous laughter and greetings that filled the air in the build-up to Christmas; everyone smiling and happy just because it’s Christmas (even enemies become friends for a day, problems forgotten). It’s like the reality of Christmas and the message it brings, the festive cheer and well wishes have simply varnished till December 2013; the spirit of celebration boxed away like the trees and tinsels used to represent it. Already everywhere you turn its gloomy faces of people hit with financial worries, health scare and family crises. But it doesn't have to be that way. Beyond the commercialisation of Christmas, the message of this great celebration is timeless and can't be put in storage. It shouldn't be put away in a small corner of our hearts and pulled out like a magician's trick if and when necessary. IT IS AN EVERYDAY EXPERIENCE. The mere reason that today is not 25th of December doesn’t change the reality of GOD WITH US. Remember, in all that you go through GOD IS WITH YOU and not stored away in storage or in heaven waiting to appear once a year. Everyday offers new opportunities to be embraced by the love of God and be reminded of His faithfulness. "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness" Lamentations 3:22-23. So cheer up! The calendar might say Christmas is over but in my heart every day is Christmas.". "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us." Mathew 1:23

I want MORE

Most of the time, I'm a good and well behaved sister . I don't look for trouble and try to stir clear off trouble makers. The major reason is despite my *Herculean looks, Jackie Chan stance and bad ass kung Fu moves*, I'm all mouth and no action! Seriously, I've got the moves in my head but can't seem to translate them into action! But right now I'm protesting! You see, I was driving to church and saw my neighbour washing the wife's car. So what? You may ask. He was washing the car in the blistering cold that's why! Any man can wash the partner's car but only a true lover would stand in the cold and wash the partner's car for the simple reason that he doesn't want her "tarnishing" the family image by driving around in a dirty car. My neighbour’s wife and I had met at the car wash yesterday but we both couldn’t wait because of the long queue. It seemed the whole Athy had turned up at this particular car wash to have their vehicles valeted in time for Christmas. So we left the valet place with extremely dirty cars and planned to return early Monday morning so as to beat the rush. Sadly but without a choice, I returned home. My car is so dirty you would assume I'd been in a mud race! I've been driving the car with a cap almost hiding my face-don't want anyone noticing me in the car that is screaming "if you love me, kindly wash me".

*sigh* so imagine my green eyed feeling when I sighted my neighbour's husband washing her car. I wish I had someone to wash my car especially in the blistering cold. I've been single and very content for the past 6 years. In fact, I've practically evolved into a she-man. I do miss not being in a relationship but I don't allow that to cloud my day or rub me off enjoying life. Most of my friends are happily married and I sometimes crave the companionship that a wholesome relationship gives. I of all people know that there is only so much a single mother can do without much assistance. The work and challenges meant for two people being handled by one....but in all GOD HAS BEEN FAITHFUL. Christmas and its attending festivities have also heightened my desire to be married. Everywhere I turn, you see families and couples buying gifts and exchanging secret smiles and kisses. Indeed, It’s a season to love and be loved after all Christmas is about FAMILY (if I feel this way at Christmas, let’s not even mention Valentine’s Day. Well, I've decided not worry about that because it’s in the future and God is in control of the future."Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Mathew 6:34 . Now you understand why I'm protesting. This afternoon I discovered its ok to protest and crave for more. Wikipedia, the online dictionary describes a protest as " an expression of objection, by words or by actions, to particular events, policies or situations. Jacob carried out some sort of protest in the bible. Gen 32 recounts the story of how he wrestled with an angel on his way to Canaan. After an all-night battle, as the angel wanted to leave, Jacob protested not minding the serious injury that had been inflicted on him "Then the man said, "Let me go, for the dawn is breaking!" But Jacob said, "I will not let you go unless you bless me." Gen 32:26. Jacob realised his material wealth and possession were nothing without the blessings of God. He got tired of the struggles and deceit hence he craved more. That's not a bad thing is it? Right now, I’m tired of doing it alone (sleeping alone, planning alone etc.) so I’ve embarked on my own form of protest to challenge my single status. I don't have a placard but I've got my dirty car so I hereby declare that "I will not wash my car until I marry". If a protest was good enough for Jacob then it’s good enough for me!