Perfectly Imperfect

Have you been struggling with imperfections? I am not talking about physical imperfections. have you ever struggled with the notion that you'll never amount to anything good? We all do and even the most successful people struggled with some sort of imperfections at one point or the other before they eventually 'arrived'. You may not be where you aspired to be yet but I'm sure you are not where you used to be. The key is never give up on 'PROJECT YOU'. The people you aspire to be like did not arrive as 'FINISHED PRODUCTS' but had to go through the assembling process too. Nobody said it will be easy peasy. So don't be detered by your failures, you are one step maybe several steps away from the 'dream you'. Don't believe me? David is not prolific preacher Joyce Meyer's first husband but she is happily married and has a fulfilling ministry. Paula White is a divorced minister, Donnie McClurkin was once gay just to mention a few. In the bible Jacob was a cheat, Peter had a temper(he also denied Jesus thrice), Noah got drunk, Jonah ran from God, Paul was a murderer,Gideon was insecure,Miriam was a gossip, Marther was a worrier, Elijah was depressed, Moses stuttered, Zacheus was short, Abraham was old, Paul assented to murder, lazarus was Dead and Jesus had the most messup ancestral lineage..PHEW!!! Seriously you aint too bad for God to reform. he is in the business of restoration and revival. Not to forget I am a disabled single mum with loads of issues but I refuse to live a less than fulfilling life. #lovinglife #livinglife.

Hot Chocolate for cold morning.

Don't we all love a hot mug of chocolate on a cold winter's night? The warmth of a hot mug between your hands and sweet aroma of hot chocolate gently soothing the senses to sleep-PLEASURE. Don't worry we are still talking chocolate..lol. I have read cocoa has immense health benefits, no wonder a hot cup of cocoa drink on a cold winter's night does wonders for the senses. Cocoa is good for the night but you also need strength to face the rigours of a busy day So I'm starting this segment titled "#Hotchokolateforcoldmornings". It will be a collection of inspiring quotes to spur you through the day especially those seemingly dreary days that makes getting out of bed more of a chore than pleasure. It'll be one quote per day don't want you hooked on sugar..lol. So lets get this party started. #excitedallready

When to Pray by Greg Laurie

The importance of prayer cannot be over emphasised in the life of a believer. According to a popular saying "a prayerless Christian is a powerless Christian". Too many Christians have become play tools for the enemy due to a non-existent, Luke-warm or faithless prayer life. So I am devoting more time to the topic of Prayer-WE ALL NEED A FRESH DOSE OF "FIRE". Enjoy this article by Greg Laurie of Harvest Ministeries Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms. —James 5:13 When we find ourselves in trying circumstances, often the temptation is to strike out at the person who helped bring those circumstances upon us. Or, we want to blame someone for our state of affairs. We may even become mad at God for allowing this in our lives. Or, we might wallow in self-pity. But when we are afflicted, when we are suffering, or when we are in trouble, God tells us what we should do: pray. Why? For one thing, it just may be that God might remove that problem because of our prayers. That is not to say that God always will take our afflictions, suffering, or troubles away. But sometimes He will. By simply bringing our circumstances before the Lord and acknowledging our need and dependence on Him, we can see God intervene in the situation we are presently facing. Prayer can also give us the grace we need to endure trouble and be brought much closer to God. James 5:13 tells us, "Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray." The word suffering used here also could be translated "in trouble" or "in distress." Is anyone among you in trouble? Are you distressed? Then you should pray. So when the bottom drops out, when you feel you are just hanging by a thread, when circumstances have become incredibly difficult, or when they have grown worse by the minute, what should you do? You should pray. You should pray when you are afflicted. You should pray when you are sick. You should pray when you are corrupted by sin. And you should pray when specific needs occur. Pray, and don't give up.

When to Pray

Difficult as it may seem, the best time to pray is when you absolutely don't feel like. The past few days have been wrought with emotional upheavals so much I felt like given up on people. Unfortunately, as humans we are created to nurture and be nurtured. So instead of giving up, I dug deep into that well spring of strength and I've been praying like my life depended on it and of-course it does. Boy, do I feel better. Prayer does not necessarily change the situation but it does change how you view your circumstances. It changes how you view our Father in heaven and IT ULTIMATELY CHANGES YOU. I have seen God move in tremendous ways when people pray and I've seen downcast people become radiant after uttering simple words of pray. You need to read the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1:1-18, it will blow your socks off..lol. I aint typing that, don't want to spoil the great reveal Nobody remains the same after being in the presence of God. You are not permitted to leave the presence of the ALMIGHTY downcast( it's a punishable offence..lol) SO WHY WON'T PEOPLE PRAY? "if my people who are called by name,will humble themselves and pray,seek my face and turn from their wicked ways,then I will hear from heaven,I will forgive their sins and heal their land" 2 Chronicles 7:14. So what are you waiting for? get off your behind, wipe off those tears and lets get praying. THAT'S THE SPIRIT. Truth is, we are all in need of prayer and what better time to pray than this present moment. Prayer cost nothing and its time well spent doing something absolutely life transforming. It's a strategy that's time tested and trusted. Enjoy this amazing ministration by Kevin Lever

.....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"

When Life Hurts

Have you heard the music by R.E.M titled "Everybody hurts? Its actually a melancholic yet inspiring song depicting the pain that everybody carries though some are more visible than others. The rich, poor, married, single, elderly, young, employed, unemployed, male, female, pastors, laymen,you name it-everybody really do hurt sometime. Truth is we live in a fallen world with imperfect people. Despite our better intentions even the most perfect of us would still unconsciously hurt another. But what if you are the object of that hurt? what if you are the object of another person's vile intention. The first thing you want to do is hurt them back-make them hurt same way you've hurt or worse. That might seem like a good idea but what good does that do in the long run. Hitting back "might" give temporary satisfaction but can never take away the pain or restore what has been lost. So what do you do when life hurts. ACKNOWLEDGE THE HURT-Most people live in denial of pain and "gently sweep" the issue under the carpet and pretend it never happened. That my friend is a potent recipe for disaster. It is a festering wound whose rancid smell would eventually expose itself. Why else would a seemingly perfect couple suddenly turn on each other and open a can of hideous worms that seemingly appeared from nowhere! The can of worms didn't just appear, it had always been there just never acknowledged or dealt with. One or both had un-dealt with issues that suddenly spilled over with little or no provocation. Stop pretending and acknowledge the fact that you've been hurt. If its not all right, say its not al right!. DROP THE PRETENCE, YOU ARE BETTER OFF. CONFRONT THE ISSUE- I hate confrontation! I'd rather hide away and let the matter slide so peace would reign but I have learnt over the years that's it is a cowards way out. Confronting the issue does not imply aggression but a wise attempt at conflict resolution so an ugly situation would not repeat itself. it's a gently way of telling someone "hey buddy, what you said about my appearance hurt me". FORGIVE- Choose to forgive. It's is Our Father's desire that we "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you" Ephesians 4:32. The ability to forgive is a measure of how Christlike we really are "Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children" Ephesians 5:1 . The first time I heard about "ADVANCE FORGIVENESS" was from a dear friend. its simply choosing to forgive others way before they hurt you. it is also a biblical principle. "You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins" Colossians 2:13. The bible is so rich on forgiveness. CONFIDE- In the words of legendary actor and comedian Frank Spencer(Michael Crawford)"a trouble shared, is a trouble doubled..lol not necessarily so. you are not created to live life alone. Instead of being overwhelmed with your issues, confide in someone that can help ease the burden. Not everyone needs to know your business but there is always someone that can help but DON'T DIE IN SILENCE. YOU ARE NOT ALONE-never for a moment think you are alone-someone,somewhere is going through or has gone through what you are dealing with. Don't be afraid to reach out. Don't let pride interfere. pride cannot save you only wisdom can. BE PREPARED- Scouts honour! Offences will always come. You will offend and people will offend but the bible says "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone".Romans 12:18. Never be too big to say Sorry or accepting another person's apology PRAY-There is no replacement for prayer. It is confiding and sharing your deepest hurts and desire with your heavenly father who never judges and would certainly never condemn you. It cost nothing and is more result oriented than any self help book out there. Finally, never let any situation or person determine your worth. No circumstance or human being is worth loosing your delightful smile for. According to popular parlance when life throws you a lemon, make a tall glass of lemonade out of it and remember to put some ice in it-makes it more refreshing .

What To Do When Your Rooster Crows by Sharon Jaynes

Have you ever been riddled with guilt? When it seems errors of the past just keep pushing themselves back in your face or maybe its people that won't let you forget your mistakes. A broken relationship and an unwanted pregnancy could be reminders of bad choices made in the heat of passion. A bounced cheque or an account in the red can also push the feeling of guilt to the fore. We've all been there and more so Peter, the most brash amongst Jesus' disciple. He denied Jesus not once but thrice and had a rooster remind him of his folly. When the mighty fall, they do fall with a big bang and the devil is always right behind them to constantly remind them of their errors. But Peter's story did not end with his error-no sire! The story gets interesting. I read this article by one of my favourite writers and I'm sure it'll inspire you too. P.S. I'm truly sorry for my long absence would make it up to you. Thanks for still visiting. You can follow Sharon on www.sharonjaynes.com. She is amazing. I sat on my back porch, wrapped in my fuzzy worn robe—the one that’s twenty years old that I just can’t seem to get rid of. The birch trees waved “good morning,” and the newly planted gerbera daisies stretched their faces to the sun…just a bit higher than the day before. Then I heard him. The rooster. ER-er-ER-er-ERRRR. I’m not sure where he lives, but it’s within earshot. ER-er-ER-er-ERRRR. I thought of Peter. I thought of me. I thought of you. ER-er-ER-er-ERRRR. You know the story. At the dinner table, on the night before Jesus went to the cross, he said to Peter: “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death with you.” Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.” (Luke 22:31) A few hours later, Peter did just that. Denied that he even knew Jesus. Three times. And then the rooster crowed. ER-er-ER-er ERRRR. “And he went outside and wept bitterly.” He cried and cried and cried. (I’ve messed up big time and cried and cried and cried before. Have you?) The next morning, the rooster crowed. And Peter remembered his failure. And the next morning, the rooster crowed. And Peter remembered his failure. And the next, and the next, and the next. With every squawk of the bird. A fresh reminder. First thing in the morning. Have you ever been there? I have. I have failed. And I have remembered…the rooster crowed. And even though I had asked for forgiveness, and I knew that God HAD forgiven me, the rooster crowed in my heart, and I remembered my failure anew. What did Jesus have to say about Peter’s failure? Three strikes, you’re out? Not hardly. After his resurrection, Jesus pulled Peter aside… “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “You know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.” Jesus removed the shroud of shame hanging from Peter’s guilt weary shoulders, and called him to get back to the ministry to which he was called. God’s forgiveness is always complete, total, and comprehensive. “If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action]“ (1 John 1:9 AMP). However, the accuser continues to crow—reminding us our past sins and failures. He tries to drown out the song of grace with the caw of shame. He crows. We remember. Perhaps even weep with Peter behind the wall. ER-er-ER-er-ERRRR. You know what I’ve decided? Rooster makes a fine meal. Let’s ring the rooster’s neck and cook him up once and for all. Don’t let the enemy accuse you of what God has already forgiven you of? Don’t let him fool you into thinking that the cross wasn’t enough. “Daughter, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord, you know that I do.” I wonder what went through Peter’s mind the next time he heard the rooster crow. I think he smiled and thought of God’s amazing grace. That’s what I’m going to do tomorrow when I hear that rooster crow. What about you? The next time the devil reminds you of all the times you’ve failed, will you stand with me and answer the caw of shame with the song of grace? If so, leave a comment that says, “Thank God, I’m forgiven and free!”