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

My Little Red Jacket

The only thing permanent in life is CHANGE-so the saying goes! Already signs of winter is rife in the air. The gentle cool breeze in the evenings is a sure evidence of the coming of the cold nights. Not so long ago, the weather was warm and the summer heat unbearable yet enjoyable. Alas the summer sun is desperately struggling to shine through the clouds while we beg for to it abide a little longer. Even the sounds of the ice cream van is fast becoming a distant memory. Reluctantly, the winter jumpers are finding their way from the back of the closet to a handy reach and the fire places are being lit to give extra warmth in the evenings.  Oh where did the summer go!! how fast the time slide like sand between the fingers!!
In  a little while the trees will shed their luscious green leaves and bear the brunt of the winter cold. However, winter does not have to be dismal neither should it sound the death knell of joy, spontaneous laughter, endless fun and feeling of camaraderie among people. A winter jacket is a staple for everyone living in cold prone regions. It is as essential as food. Most people during the cold season prefer black coloured coats because it creates more warmth but not me. Three years ago, I bought a beautiful red jacket which reminds me of the one worn  in the movie Red Riding hood-you can't help but notice (seriously, I think I was mistaken for Mrs Clause twice..lol).

picture courtesy jay-elx.blogspot.com  

My red jacket stands out in the crowd and draws attention even without my wanting it. It is bold, radiant, captivating and I say it also enhances my good features..lol.  Black is bland, despite its functionality it is not exciting. It blends in with the crowd but that's not what we are called to do as children of God. We are called to be different.
Like the season, challenges come and go but you have a choice to either be swallowed up in the darkness or stand out with a can-do attitude of praise. Praise is hard in moments of difficulty but most times its the only way up. Praise changes your perspective in a dreary situation and focuses on a mighty God-IT'S AN OPEN INVITE TO HEAVEN'S BEST. IT'S AN EXPRESSION OF GRATITUDE. Remember, "weeping may endure fore a night but joy cometh in the morning" Psalm 30:5. 
I don't know the trying challenges that you are facing but know that help is just a heartful of praise away. 
"Do not be afraid, you wild animals, for the pastures in the wilderness are becoming green. The trees are bearing their fruit; the fig tree and the vine yield their riches". Joel 2:22..

Laugh Out Loud

EDITOR'S NOTE:Just like a lot of you, I have been battered, bruised yet not broken. I have suffered rejection and emotional abuse yet I still find reasons to laugh. I have a physical disability but never allowed it to erode my confidence or affect my self esteem. Having a child with "Autism" has taught me how to give unconditional love. You see, there are daily challenges this side of heaven but you have a choice; be defeated or run your opponents outta town-I CHOOSE THE LATTER. My attitude has got nothing to do with my abilities or lack thereof but its about THE GOD IN ME. I appreciate life because I have experienced the darkness of depression. I appreciate having more than enough because I've experienced lack. How can you appreciate laughter, if you've never been sad? I know sadness that is why I appreciate God, the giver of Joy. My little sister Vickie mamalet(don't know how or where she got mamalet from) wrote this tribute about moi. Please enjoy, no room for bad belle..lol "The resilent are people who do not allow a problem limit their dreams or stop them from achieving. A lot of people allow a little dislocation rewrite their destiny for them, i have seen some people varnish in their regrets and die Un accomplished. Frustration sets in when the door of hope is shut down. Hmm when your right hand is broken, use the left and give the broken one reasons to come alive. I have seen a lot of broken pieces but this particular one did not stay broken" Yeah, that's me on the spin machine-i'm an insurance risk if I must say so myself..who cares? life is for living. Enjoy this comedy skit i put together for your plesure. Remember, LIVE LIFE, LOVE LIFE AND LAUGH DAILY.

Post by Gladys Otono-Atsenokhai.

TAKE CHARGE #hotchocolateforcoldmornings

Most people dread Mondays! After a weekend of fun and relaxation, its back to a reality of work and serious endeavour. For most people, work is a chore-backbreaking,monotonous and boring. However no matter the kind of job you do, Mondays do not have to dreary!! It is all about you attitude. What you bring into your day and how you tackle the day's activities matter. YOU SHOULDN'T BE AFRAID OF MONDAYS, MONDAYS SHOULD BE AFRAID OF YOU!! Man is created for dominion and that includes taking charge of how your day is going to take shape. Shape your world with the right words and attitude. The most challenging situation or job can turn up beautiful if handled with a winning attitude. I know this attendant on the Waterford bound train. I don't know his name but I remember his smile and amiable character. He treats passengers as if we are all first class customers aboard a luxury jet. I'm sure the job doesn't pay much but it didn't affect his service delivery rather the man makes it an experience for all to enjoy and remember. Seriously, a simple cup of tea is more tasteful when served by my nameless friend. Don't complain about your job, BE THANKFUL you've got a job at all! Don't dread Mondays, BE THANKFUL you're alive to experience a Monday. "This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it" psalm 118:24. Everything you need to have a beautiful day and life is within your reach. God took time to fashion this day. You don't have to do much, just rejoice and be glad in it. No more lousy Mondays, YOU ARE IN CHARGE!!

Smile #hotchocolateforcoldmornings#

There is something about food that makes me happy. Serve me a bowl of any edible, tantalising and finger licking delicacy and I'll be smiling like the cat that got cream..lol. I LOVE FOOD. But there are days that even the best cooked meal will fail to lift the corner of my eyes or touch my heart? You see sometimes the last thing you feel like doing is smiling. Do you feel like crawling into a corner and bawling your eyes out right now? Go on, give it a good go! Crying serves its purpose, therapeutic and all but when you are done give that challenge a kick in the backside by smiling like the whole world depended on it. I have learnt to smile irrespective of the situation around me. I'm not talking about that false smile that people have somewhat mastered that comes out lifeless. I'm talking full on MEGAWATTS that comes from a point of knowing IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL. David understood this principle that is why some of his psalms might start out sad and defeated but his countenance would suddenly brighten and so does his situation. He knew God is never far. Just like praise, your smile confuses the enemy and brings a ray a of sunshine into an otherwise darkened situation. You can't offer praise to God and be gloomy. You may start out sad but I bet when you get midway recounting the awesomeness of God, His faithfulness and goodness, you wont be able to stop that upside down frown turning ride side up (seriously smiling myself now). Just as Praise changes your perspective, a smile brightens up an otherwise harsh countenance. People that smile make better companions, are approachable and pleasant to be around. I have certain friends that I love being around because they have a way of lighting up and making others smile, I call them LIGHTBEARERS. You may feel there is no obvious reason to smile but you are never without hope. Keep smiling in the midst of it all and watch God show up on your behalf. Moreover, your smile matters to somebody and YOU ARE SOMEBODY'S REASON TO SMILE. My friend's mum once said watching me eat gladdens her heart..lol. Try it today, ITS FREE, ITS FREE and it has the capacity to transform just about anyone except Mr Burns in THE SIMPSONS ..lol

It's a WOW day

Yippeee! It's a beautiful day! The sun is shinning and nature is ablaze with myriads of colours purple, orange, blue with splashes of green. Its absolutely gorgeous!! Every person I met during my morning walk had a huge smile on their faces and were eager to say "hello" too unlike many other days. It felt like God had poured out bucket loads of rainbow to transform every soul even the crankiest of them all. Even I had a bounce in my steps which had been missing for some days!! Its ironic to think the past few weeks had been clouded with sporadic rainfall and cold spells; everyone as usual huddled in massive jackets and faces hidden under warm woollen hats. The long winter nights seemed long and endless. We all wondered if summer would ever come or If we would ever rid of the cold weather. The winter wasn't as bad as previous years but it had been cold nonetheless. Compared to other countries Ireland faired very well and bravely. Today, the story has changed . The sun is shining and gone are the boring jackets and woollen hats. Isn't that the same with life? One day you are at world's and suddenly its bright and sunny again. It suddenly seems the bad days never happened. It's fair to say "tough times don't last but tough people do". Man is built to survive arduous situations but not alone. Scriptures says "though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death thou art with me, thy rod and thy staff they comfort me" psalm 23:4. Challenges are Shadows, they will vanish no matter how long they trail you around; you are not alone in the situation; the rod of God never causes pain only brings comfort. AMAZING!! The long endless cold has gone albeit for a season but for now the sun is out lets all enjoy the beautiful weather. Remember "sorrow may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning" Psalm 30:5. Today is a beautiful day, pack on the sunscreen and lets have A WOW DAY.#UNLEASHTHEBIKINI (IN MY CASE DON'T..LOL)

.....because I'm happy.

As the years go by, I have realised that happiness is neither the abundance or lack of things. It is the state of a person's mind at any given time or situation. I have met people who had everything but were still miserable. I have also met people who had absolutely nothing to their names but are light givers everywhere they go. Of course, poverty is not a desirable state, MBAKWA!! Nobody wants to be poor-I DON'T WANT TO BE POOR. Happiness is a state of contentment. It is not determined by external things or people. If being rich was enough criteria for happiness, why do the rich also cry or seek for a semblance of happiness in drugs, and over indulgent living? Sadly, a good percent have also found succor in sucide! I have met married people who are miserable and I've also encountered fulfilled singles and vice versa. There is no joy in poverty neither is it found in a bulging bank account. I have read about ladies who thought having the perfect body would make them acceptable and fast track their way on the social ladder only to find that the perfect body can only hold the society's attention for thirty seconds and oooops! binned and forgotten. I have watched videos and read about people who added more value to the lives of others in the short time that they were on planet earth than those who had the where-withals to make a difference and amounted to absolutely nothing. I have met people desperate for fame and wealth, who would do anything to achieve their goals not minding who gets trampled on their way to the "top",all for selfish recognition and public applause-an applause that will surely abate after the initial euphoria is lost. You see, things will fail and people will disappoint but the WORD OF GOD ENDURETH FOREVER. Money comes and goes and beauty fades but a woman that fears the lord who can find" . imagine marrying a woman for her beauty or perky breasts, what surprise awaits that man fifteen years down the line...lol True living is finding contentment at whatever level you find yourself. This is not an excuse to be lazy or live in self denial afterall you need money to propagate the gospel rather it is the ability to put value on what really matters. Paul in Phil 4:11-13 says "Not that I speak from want, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." . The abundance or lack thereof did not affect Paul's disposition to life, attitude to people neither did it affect his purpose. In all Paul was UNSTOPPABLE. Prosperity did not make him strong willed and selfish neither did poverty truncate his vision. God does not want his children to be poor neither does He want them to forget the real purpose of wealth. God desires that we understand what true wealth actually is and the source of lasting joy. God is more concerned with the prosperity of your soul.Proverbs 11:3-4 "the integrity of the upright will guide them,but the crookedness of the treacherous will destroy them.Riches do not profit in the days of wrath but righteousness delivers from death". I am writing this post not because I have everything according to the world standards afterall I am living with a disability, unemployed(for now..lol) been rejected more times than I can recall, emotionally battered and bruised etc. However, I am a mother to a delightful little boy despite his health challenge, I have a loving family, I am blessed with a ridiculous sense of humour that brings joy everywhere I go and is gradually becoming a growing brand in Ireland. I may not have much in the eyes of the world but I have a God who never fails to show up whenever I call-no network failure or excuses. I am writing this because I AM HAPPY NOT BECAUSE OF THE THINGS I'VE GOT BUT WHO I'VE GOT. 1 Cor 1:31 "it is written, let him who boasts, boast in the lord"

Its a beautiful day.

There is something about a beautiful day that makes everyone smile especially where the people are used to dismal weather. The brightness of the sun pushing through dreary clouds is a dear sight to behold even for people who tend to allow the weather dictate the mood for their day. On a regular cold dismal day, it is "normal" where I live to be greeted with statements like "what a horrible day", "have you seen such crappy weather before", "its such a cold day" etc. You might say they are saying it as it is but lets look on the bright side, we are not in a tsunami prone zone! Admittedly most days are cold and blistering but admittance to such negative statements could put a damper on even little miss sunshine. Like a bad weather so is the person with a negative attitude. They have a way of killing the lights anywhere they go. Truth is, just as a bad attitude is contagious,so is happiness. My favourite people are the light bearers. They turn up in the most dismal places and the light goes up. They carry excess joy and laughter with them everywhere they go. Every child of God is created as a light bearer to illuminate and glow everywhere not only in church. Sometimes "bad weather" happens through painful experiences that may dim the light...don't condemn or brandish the bible over the victim like a weapon(we Christians do these things... the word of God is the standard but be wise) rather empathise and help turn back the light on full blast. For some recovery might be immediate while others might take a long journey...BE PATIENT. However that is not dismissing a special group whose bad attitude is a force of habit!! I know a lady that is desperate to be married and she could frustrate even a saint to break his/vow of silence with her lamentations. Initially I would be upset at her negativity after all I'm not married too (ADVERT:note to every rich bachelor reading..lol)but you don't see me dragging anyone into a well for that; until I read Proverbs 13:12 "hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes its a tree of life. So that changed how I related with her but its not an easy task if not for grace. Aside from this little torn in her flesh, she is a very lovely person and I choose to focus on her other endearing qualities and pray for her MR Right to come soonest. As children of God, we are encouraged not to allow circumstances to determine how we perceive the world rather to shape the world with THE WORD OF GOD. Ireland is a very lovely place to live and bring up children and it has become my home. It is cold most parts of the year but that does not detract from its beauty and its wonderful people. Its not perfect but I'd rather focus on the good parts. So after weeks of horrible weather we got a break today. The sun is shinning and everyone is smiling. During my morning walk I did not hear a single negative comment about the weather...indeed a longing fulfilled is a tree of life

A glimpse of Heaven

I had a glimpse into the love of God today. No! it had nothing to do with food though lunch was a delight-spaghetti and meatballs and yes, I cooked it..lol.(not real picture displayed below. Ate mine before writing this post #hungerthings#) I was reading John 17 and trying to understand the kind of love God has for the world. its indescribable, inexplicable and inexhaustible(wow..who knew that someday my B.A in English would eventually pay off..lol). Christ loves us the same way God loves him. The same love the father poured into the son, He also has poured into us. A love that is kind,generous, gentle, full of grace and above all keeps no record of sin. That is why Jesus was able to forgive those that crucified him instead of blinking his eyes and obliterating the whole lot of them sniggering mob..lol. Stephen understood this love too and what applause he got at his death."But Stephen was filled with the Holy Spirit. He looked toward heaven, where he saw our glorious God and Jesus standing at his right side. Then Stephen said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right side of God". Jesus stood to welcome this faithful servant. The world will never understand why a child of God would choose forgiveness and mercy over punishment to those that hurt them or choose to bless instead of curse. It is simply because we are in the world but not of the world. YEP! WE ARE ALIENS ALRIGHT..LOL. YOU ARE DIFFERENT IN A GOD KIND OF WAY. I almost OD'd on verse 13 "I am coming to you now, but I say this things while I am still in the world so that they may have THE FULL MEASURE OF MY JOY IN THEM". Someone please call 911!! since we have a full measure of the Joy of the lord in our heart then there is obviously no room for hatred, bitterness, unforgiveness, depression and a whole lot of negativity. Hallelujah!! I feel like giving the whole world a big hug. Now who's first in line

Go on Laugh Daily (GOLD)

. You think your life is tough? try being a bike seat for a day! I saw this interesting video on YouTube that followed a day in the life of a bike seat being saddled and ridden by different women. The poor seat was sat on,bounced on, probably farted on and totally harassed by all manner of ample female behinds! If bicycle seats could talk, what a tale they would regale. Sometimes we think we've received the rough end of the stick in life and others have got it easier. Well, yes! Some people seemingly have it easier but beneath it all like my baby sister would say "its all in the packaging". Its a matter of presentation and packaging. Everyone has got a story, some are just more visible and read more loudly than others. I read somewhere a while back that "you are either coming out of a storm or going through a storm". So what do you do in the midst of life's many challenges? Simply enjoy the moment by HAVING A GOOD ATTITUDE! A grumpy attitude does not make the situation less palatable but a joyful spirit makes the journey easier. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters whenever you face trials of many kinds" James 1:2. The journey of life is not a walk in the park but an adventure(think Indiana Jones in the Temple of Doom). Learn to laugh no matter what comes your way. Laughter is precious, endearing and cost nothing. Infact, its benefits are immense-YOU LIVE LONGER. laughter clubs are even becoming popular...yep! you heard me. I have a friend that probably has the most contagious laughter. She would laugh at the silliest and most mundane things! She found fun in life and that got her through a rough childhood-not to mention also got her into lots of trouble with the teachers . As a lady, I know what it means to flaunt my most valuable assets-that innate DESIRE for people to see those fabulous shoes, clothes, jewelries etc. It also called NOTICE ME. Your laughter can also draw attention and endear you to many. Its an INVALUABLE ASSET, WHY NOT FLAUNT IT-ITS GOLD. Stop hiding it behind a grumpy attitude. So like our dear old bike seat it doesn't matter the size of the rump that's bouncing on your leather(no pun intended) enjoy the ride! it will soon be over! This post is dedicated to my baby sister, YOU MAKE ME LAUGH THE MOST. LOVE YAAA!

This too shall pass

Several years ago I was called out to Joshua’s school for a meeting with his teachers. He'd suddenly started limping and the teachers were worried. He'd not been involved in any physical exercise that could have caused the limp neither had anyone seen him fall. Of course, as a parent I was worried as he'd been fine when I dropped him off earlier that day. The school nurse checked him for any broken bone or bruise but found nothing, absolutely nothing. With a smile I took my limping son home. I noticed he was not just limping but dragging his right leg as if it was crippled, practically lifeless. I watched as he dragged the leg while playing oblivious to the panic in my heart. What could have caused this limp in addition to every other thing going on in my little boy's life? At least he doesn't seem to be in pain but I didn't like the way he was dragging his foot. It’s bad enough having to explain to everyone that my cute little boy had no words now this! This went on for three weeks and just like it started my boy started walking normally again. Since then we've gone through the aggression and hitting, screaming, crying cum laughing, scratching almost self harm phase. Josh would just jump off his seat and start crying and screaming, absolutely inconsolable. I understand the medical explanations but it hurts when you can't help your child's behaviour and all you could just do is try to hug the pain away. *Sigh* At that stage I would envelope myself in sadness expressed in tears but it never assuaged the situation only made it worse as I would not be good company to be with or around. It took a while before I realised this "moments" only lasted for a while. They were uncomfortable, unpleasant but they soon passed away. I have lost count of the number of times I was called out from school and work so much I thought I could not cope anymore....but I coped very well and also found favour with my lecturers and bosses. It was during those trying moments that I got a Masters, Diploma in journalism, produced a radio documentary, got two professional certification etc. Looking back now God is indeed faithful. I am encouraged by Psalm 23:1-4 “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, and he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me”. In those challenging perched moments God will refresh your soul after all scriptures says “he provides waters in desolate heights” isn’t that amazing!! Be reassured whatever is making you cry, breaks your heart or seems impossible this day shall also pass way. IT’S JUST A PHASE. I still get those odd calls from my son’s school but I have a better perspective and I tell the situation I AINT BOVERED!!! To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. Eccl 3:1-8