tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91611898565122086262024-03-06T21:01:06.495+01:00EROInspirationsWelcome - You are in the right place at the right time!!!Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202972020876371306noreply@blogger.comBlogger265125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161189856512208626.post-64864391552809478782018-04-28T10:53:00.001+01:002018-04-28T10:53:55.389+01:00His Act of Trust Made Me Ponder<br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I don’t know why most kids think toothpaste is some sort of
candy to suck on once it has been put on their toothbrush. Anyway, my son knows
fully well that once he is done “sucking” the toothpaste off his toothbrush,
that is the end of him brushing his teeth and mummy comes to take over.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One fateful evening while he was having his bath, as usual
he had sucked out the toothpaste from the brush. He then asked me for more
toothpaste. He saw that “Nigerian-mom” look in my eyes that said “we are done
brushing” and as I tried to snatch the toothbrush from him to rinse and pack up,
he quickly hid his toothbrush to prevent me from taking it from him. I guess in
his mind he was saying, “since she won’t give me toothpaste, I might as well
manage water to brush my teeth!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I realized he really wanted to brush his teeth. So I said, “give
me the toothbrush let me put toothpaste for you.” I was expecting him to hide his
toothbrush knowing from history what his mother was capable of doing. Instead
he immediately handed me the toothbrush and went about pouring water on himself, awaiting the arrival of his “refilled” toothbrush.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8UKyJ9jkL6Gdj4c_aHXAgIJfw7UsAXlzXcknDIReW61VmnzYPHzfMwvaD9243NgPc38bqbeNAcX3QgtqRJbTUddMkhG0xwQH9PxzcUO6SKv_Lg-u2eJOB_rzorGXLGUz8KPeWvZleMew/s1600/babynbrush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="755" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8UKyJ9jkL6Gdj4c_aHXAgIJfw7UsAXlzXcknDIReW61VmnzYPHzfMwvaD9243NgPc38bqbeNAcX3QgtqRJbTUddMkhG0xwQH9PxzcUO6SKv_Lg-u2eJOB_rzorGXLGUz8KPeWvZleMew/s200/babynbrush.jpg" width="167" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image source: <a href="https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-illustration-cute-baby-tooth-brush-d-rendered-illustration-image77480368" target="_blank">dreamstime</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">His act of trust made me ponder. He actually took my word
literarilly. He had “forgotten” that a few seconds ago I was ready to take the
toothbrush and end the teeth-brushing activity. He trusted me completely that
he just continued what he was doing expecting me to come back with what I said
I will bring.</span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then the word of God came to me, <b><i>‘Jesus however said,
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them; for it is to
those who are childlike that the Kingdom of the Heavens belongs." [Matthew
19:14, WEY]’</i></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I don’t know what your situation is but today the Lord is
telling you to trust Him completely. Whatever word He has spoken to you, take
His word literarilly. Just as a child would to his/her parent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Perhaps you are at a point where you are tired of trusting
and waiting due to disappointments and hope deferred. Or perhaps you don’t even
have a word to trust Him for. It is never too late to renew your trust in Him.
Like the Father in the story of the prodigal son, He is waiting for you with outstretched
arms, to talk with you, to speak with you, and to give you reason to trust Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, O LORD, have
never forsaken those who seek You [Psalms 9:10, NIV rephrased]. </i></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Have a blessed day. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202972020876371306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161189856512208626.post-27918836947275972982016-12-31T07:54:00.000+01:002016-12-31T07:54:05.834+01:00One of my many miracles of 2016<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I cannot believe that today is the last day of 2016. This
year had been good. If I thought I knew the extent of God’s love, mercy and
faithfulness, 2016 taught me that I have not yet known even the beginning of
His love. As a family, we cannot thank God enough for His faithfulness. The
testimonies are plenty but I want to share one that has opened my eyes to the perfect timing of God.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It all started in October 2014. I was on one of my business
trips so I thought to visit a doctor in the US whom I was familiar with to
complain about a lack of menses. After her detailed tests, she said my ovaries
had shrunk and from my hormone profile I was premenopausal (entering menopause
before the right age for menopause). She said if my husband and I were
interested in having another child, it will be very difficult for me to get
pregnant naturally but she will give me some drugs to help. If after 3 months I
did not get pregnant, she advised that we should consider more advanced
fertility treatments.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I think I was more devastated to hear that I was
premenopausal. When I discussed it with Mr. Rita, he brushed it off and said
God has the final say. So I told him, “You are a seasoned engineer. If you make
a diagnosis and give a recommendation, don’t you expect people to take your
word and act on it? How much more a seasoned doctor?” He did not respond, but
that was what I held on to.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">At about the same period, my older daughter (3 going on 4) started talking about
a baby brother. This baby brother was so real to her that she named him
Kelechi. She talked about him every day that it became bothersome to me. I was
working on my 2<sup>nd</sup> novel (Morning Does Come) and every morning she
would come to my study to talk about this baby brother, and even draw pictures
about him. I called my mother one day and told her I was being “traumatized” by
this baby brother, when the doctor had pronounced me premenopausal. My mother
said next time my daughter mentioned it, instead of trying to explain why it
may not happen, I should agree with her.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIF1sRyj8ShXaXS1DkIRbVEPF65mSdMdkG-jETV09gEv0wiRhliCs_LL_ntda6EQiNGNiMXXI9kOk1QoDJdz1sAzrUpOVzESFmnWEfzWasODdDpAqryDd0W3jB6ocSinr2d9CaIfBBKE6a/s1600/Ola_faith.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIF1sRyj8ShXaXS1DkIRbVEPF65mSdMdkG-jETV09gEv0wiRhliCs_LL_ntda6EQiNGNiMXXI9kOk1QoDJdz1sAzrUpOVzESFmnWEfzWasODdDpAqryDd0W3jB6ocSinr2d9CaIfBBKE6a/s320/Ola_faith.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In March 2015 when the drugs had not worked, I went in
search for an OBGYN in Pau, France where we were residing. I was told that the
earliest appointment I could get was in July. I was leaving Pau in July so I
could not take the appointment.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In April 2015, I had a dream. One lady visited me and gave me a word about my children. I told her “how can it be when all through my
marriage I have struggled to have children?” and her response was “The Lord
will do it. As a sign, He will give you a son and his name will be called
Jude”. I woke up that morning thinking I would be pregnant, only to see a
period a few days later. I was so disappointed and lost hope.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We got back to Nigeria in July and I quickly went to see my
doctor who knew my history. When he did a scan, he said he was not seeing one
ovary (from shrinking to disappearance???) and that we would have to schedule a
HSG to understand what had happened to my organ. This was too scary to imagine.
I told the doctor that once I return from one of my business trips, I would
schedule the HSG.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I returned from my trip, and I was supposed to resume work
in Nigeria immediately. On the day I went to the office in Nigeria, I was told
the position was not available and hence I would have to go on a one-year leave
of absence. The drop in oil price had impacted a lot of things. I was very very
disappointed but I had no choice. I told myself that once I clear my desk, I
would go and schedule the HSG. Maybe it was God giving me time to do the
advanced fertility treatment if it called for it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">September 9, after I submitted my signed letter accepting
the Leave of Absence, I went to the clinic to schedule the HSG. As part of
routine practice, they performed a pregnancy test since I was 2 weeks late in
my period. To my greatest surprise, it came out positive. I was in shock.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Please take a moment to pause here and feel the shock with
me. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I told the doctor he did not know what he was saying. It
seemed he did not understand that I had been struggling with infertility all through
my marriage so getting pregnant out of the blues was close to impossible. The
doctor said since he trusts the results of the lab test, he will treat me as a
pregnant woman.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">That was how God gave me a surprise during my one-year leave
of absence. Many people thought I planned it but did not know it came as a
surprise to me. During the one year, I enjoyed my pregnancy – no work pressures
at all and I had enough time for my other kids. Then when my baby was 6 months
old, I was called back to office, for a similar role as I was to take before
the leave of absence.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And before I forget, the baby is called Kelechi Jude, named
by his sister and in fulfillment of the dream I was given in April 2015 (exactly
1 year before he was born).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Wishing you a miracle-filled 2017.</span></div>
Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202972020876371306noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161189856512208626.post-15795088815718021712016-01-11T08:00:00.000+01:002016-01-11T08:00:15.440+01:00Zero Percent in Math<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today I want to share with you a lesson I learnt from my experience
getting 0% in Math. For those who don’t know, I am a Petroleum Engineer. I
would not have come this far without some passion for Mathematics. But once
upon a time, Math was my weak point. Maybe I will share with you how I overcame
that in another post. Let me not digress.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was in Primary 4 then and we were learning
division/fractions. It was the most difficult concept for me to grasp. Then we
had a test. When I looked at the questions, for example 6 divided by 3, I told
myself that these questions did not have solutions. The “problem” was
unsolvable. So it was no surprise when the results of the test came, I had 0%. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My mother tried to explain the concept to me, but it did not
stick. The teacher did the corrections but I could not fathom how she ever
arrived at a so-called solution. My mind was made up – the problem was
unsolvable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But as I grew older, I realized the issue was not that the
problem was unsolvable. <b>The issue was I did not know the solution</b>. Until I
believed that there could be a solution and made effort to find that solution,
the concept of division remained rocket science.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwKMcUx0UkJVAi-aDbM-jgozn_H5OA5wfiwt2sqGa9mzhYFih4hiHahTc_RLZA2w4CMCVI7a_axa2mxYZMRhdk0OsgdCRtctES6Q4pJf6vhVlAaIXF7_yMjK_d78guntpu4k9-R55RnYd/s1600/Revelation_concepts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwKMcUx0UkJVAi-aDbM-jgozn_H5OA5wfiwt2sqGa9mzhYFih4hiHahTc_RLZA2w4CMCVI7a_axa2mxYZMRhdk0OsgdCRtctES6Q4pJf6vhVlAaIXF7_yMjK_d78guntpu4k9-R55RnYd/s320/Revelation_concepts.jpg" width="277" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In life, I have faced a couple of challenges where it seemed
like the problem was unsolvable. But each time I am reminded with the gentle words,
“My people perish for lack of knowledge, is anything too hard for the Lord?”
Until I run to the All-Knowing One, I remain in despair, depression and
hopelessness. Thankfully, the 0% in Math also reminds me that the issue is not
that the problem is unsolvable, but that I do not know what the solution is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you ever been or are you in a situation where it seems
the “problem” is unsolvable? Some issues may be impossible to the men, but with
God nothing is impossible. It is never too late to seek the wisdom of the
All-Knowing God. He says today, </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">“Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you
great and unsearchable things you do not know.” [Jeremiah 33:3, NIV].</span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Be it a strategy, be it direction and guidance, be it a solution to an
issue, the Lord has all the answers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As you call upon Him, may He open your eyes and ears to
receive His unparalleled wisdom and restoration. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remain Blessed.</span></span></div>
Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202972020876371306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161189856512208626.post-91828583547964348822016-01-02T07:23:00.001+01:002016-01-02T07:23:42.358+01:00Welcome to 2016 - Your Best Year Yet<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Happy New Year !!!.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't know what your story was in 2015 but may 2016 be better, much more than you imagine.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Each day in 2016 is like the layers of an onion - each day is new and fresh, and comes with its own flavor and value. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">May you take each day at a time, being led by the Spirit of God and being sustained by God's grace.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">May you experience uncommon grace and favor.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Praise our God, all people, </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let the sound of His praise be heard;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He has preserved our lives and kept our feet from slipping [Psalm 66: 8-9, NIV].</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Welcome to 2016, Your Best Year Yet!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSxEvQq-zFFuIglpzT1TkJjs2gJVPN639gXK3zGgTqzM_10VPMgC3Mn4DThQOv8QQeKZtU6B4RbFF2NGQwFDWdVKQwFp5hHEpa-dz8DR_j5WD-13OTKIjWdIE6Mw1JFF9Tv-fPv30ty_Zs/s1600/multilingual-happy-new-year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSxEvQq-zFFuIglpzT1TkJjs2gJVPN639gXK3zGgTqzM_10VPMgC3Mn4DThQOv8QQeKZtU6B4RbFF2NGQwFDWdVKQwFp5hHEpa-dz8DR_j5WD-13OTKIjWdIE6Mw1JFF9Tv-fPv30ty_Zs/s400/multilingual-happy-new-year.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remain Blessed</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Rita+Okoroafor" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rita Esuru Okoroafor</span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202972020876371306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161189856512208626.post-36744580656089107272015-12-24T08:43:00.002+01:002015-12-24T08:43:53.962+01:00Excerpt from Morning Does Come: Chapter 7 Page 64<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>“Your mother does not need to know you came to see me,” Uncle Timothy said. “She will not be happy with you.”</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>“Why?” Kaine asked.</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>“It is complicated. Come here,” he said, motioning to her with his hand. “Come and sit on my lap like you used to when you were a child.”</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>She blushed.</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>“Uncle, I am quite heavy now,” she said as she stood up and walked toward him.</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>“The heavier, the better,” he said with a laugh.</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>He lifted her unto his lap. As she tried to make herself comfortable, her skirt moved up, revealing her thighs. He immediately pulled her closer to him.</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>In a hushed tone he said, “If a beautiful girl like you runs a restaurant, you will have many customers, not because of the food you cook but because many men will want to have a feel of you.”</i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7edgxYBrkdI1ctZB7iPgiY4mQpF_iDUZxg62gAHk7VVzFcrJmSckSLM8eOENTFpTgUQQ-hQ4LYckcgGyuJ9omRcBPrqYA11HitFdjjD1CsPHB1oeVDSZ1pILVGrlqDirMBOR-_h9UA8d/s1600/stock-photo-16353147-girl-talking-to-father.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe7edgxYBrkdI1ctZB7iPgiY4mQpF_iDUZxg62gAHk7VVzFcrJmSckSLM8eOENTFpTgUQQ-hQ4LYckcgGyuJ9omRcBPrqYA11HitFdjjD1CsPHB1oeVDSZ1pILVGrlqDirMBOR-_h9UA8d/s320/stock-photo-16353147-girl-talking-to-father.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What is the fate of Kaine during this meeting? Would she get what she wants out of the visit? Can you predict what next?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you haven't picked up your copy of <b>Morning Does Come</b>, find out what happens to Kaine (and much more) by getting a copy through any of the means listed <a href="http://erolyrics.blogspot.com.ng/p/morning-does-come.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Get a copy for yourself or someone dear to you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Compliments of the season and have a very Merry Christmas.</span></div>
Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202972020876371306noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161189856512208626.post-14224145953736076672015-12-18T11:46:00.002+01:002015-12-18T11:48:00.217+01:00Ordinary but not Ordinary<div class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Certain events may seem ordinary in your eyes but to God
they are not ordinary; they are strategically happening for a greater purpose in time
to come. #hope #lifelessonsfromkaine #morningdoescome</span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Next week, I will share with you an excerpt from my novel "Morning Does Come". Stay tuned... </span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Morning-Does-Come-Rita-Okoroafor/dp/1633850978/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450435360&sr=8-1&keywords=morning+does+come" target="_blank">Morning Does Come</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202972020876371306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161189856512208626.post-74604884296899393182015-12-16T09:26:00.002+01:002015-12-16T09:26:40.778+01:00My Toddler and the Bottle of Medicine<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a Tuesday. The day went on like any normal day. Infact, it was much better. The children had closed early from school. We had played together, done 'Mummy's Lessons' together, and talked and laughed so much. The children were in the best behaviors and I couldn't thank God enough for the joy He had given me through them. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As usual, women have to be multitasking. 2 separate pots of beans were on the fire while we were having fun. And just when it was time to finalize the cooking of the beans, I remembered that the children's medications were in the fridge and needed to be warmer before I could administer them. So I brought them out of the fridge and kept on my section of the dining table then resumed cooking the beans. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After some minutes, I heard the children haggling over something. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Give me some!" the older one said.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"No, its my own!" the toddler replied.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Let me drink a little na!"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"No!"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I could not imagine what they were fighting over. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I peeped through the glass in my kitchen door that overlooked the living room. Then I saw my toddler holding an empty bottle of cough syrup. I immediately ran out of the kitchen, forgetting the beans on the fire. She was coughing.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Mummy, it's very sweet!" she told me with an innocent look as she handed to me the empty bottle of medicine.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was finished at that point in time. I did not know where to start from. I turned to the older one to ask what exactly happened. It was obvious. I found myself scolding the 4 year old saying "next time, if you see your sister touching a bottle of medicine, take it from her and come and report to me!" How silly I sounded. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bbLTHBmDETyWOuYn00lMrJJjZxQ4TzqwOUx85BnQG0vNl0ZI7SsVsqDQi2x8uUqRnuicCVWr1DxZCoCOxbAnJL-Ku3-n02g0zE4Rgmn6Cjj2Ezmoh0GCZThP4MqM0Fsze9a0M984V31z/s1600/boy-saying-no-to-drugs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-bbLTHBmDETyWOuYn00lMrJJjZxQ4TzqwOUx85BnQG0vNl0ZI7SsVsqDQi2x8uUqRnuicCVWr1DxZCoCOxbAnJL-Ku3-n02g0zE4Rgmn6Cjj2Ezmoh0GCZThP4MqM0Fsze9a0M984V31z/s320/boy-saying-no-to-drugs.jpg" width="317" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I called Mr. Rita, told him we have an emergency and explained what had happened. No response from him, how frustrating. So I dropped the line and called Mr. Rita's father who is a doctor. I explained which medicine she drank and he gave me tips on what to do. After that, I went to attend to the beans which was almost burnt.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Very depressing and condemning thoughts began to enter my mind. I called myself names from irresponsible mother to a woman who did not deserve the precious gifts of God. I began to think of the impact of the medicine overdose, and this was only worsened when I consulted Dr. Google. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When Mr. Rita returned from work, I immediately handed his children over to him (without greeting him) and ran into the bedroom to have a good cry. Then I cried to God because the self-condemning thoughts were so depressing. And He comforted me. He reminded me of how happy the children were to spend the afternoon and evening with me. He reminded me of the beautiful paintings that came out of the extra time I spent teaching them how to color neatly. He reminded me that none had cried or thrown tantrums while we were together. I was not so bad after all.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I wiped my tears away and went to join the rest of the family. Mr. Rita was as usual awesome with the children. They did not miss me. And just as I was about to set the table for their dinner, I saw that the medicine had spilled on the floor of the dining table. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Phew! What a relief!</b> She had not drank a full bottle of cough syrup but the whole experience was a lesson for me - <b>Keep all medicines and anything harmful away from children!!!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And dear Mums, yes sometimes those self-condemning thoughts may come but I want to assure you that you are a great Mum, and no one could be a better mum to your kids than you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remain blessed.</span></div>
Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202972020876371306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161189856512208626.post-68839759161252639942015-12-08T07:39:00.001+01:002015-12-08T07:39:31.095+01:00From Dream to Reality<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My children and I were watching an animated version of the
story of Joseph, one of the sons of Jacob in the Bible. Since the children are less
than 5 years old, I had to do a lot of explanation during certain scenes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My older daughter has watched this movie several times. At
the scene of one of Joseph’s dream, where the sun and the moon and the stars
were bowing down to him, I explained it meant his brothers and parents will one
day bow down to him. Then my older daughter asked, “Why did he have to go to
Egypt and be washing the floor and enter prison before his brothers came and
bowed down to him?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To this I replied, “Ajuju”, which I always reply her when
she asks me those deep questions which I must not hurry to answer. And then I
began to ponder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Isn’t it like God to give a ‘dream’ which only comes to
reality in the fullness of time? Isn’t it the same God that made a promise to
Abraham concerning a son from his wife Sarah, and when the time was right, it
came to pass?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let me not go too biblical. I am sure there are certain
times you have prayed and the answers to the prayer came when the Lord deemed
the timing right. I believe there are certain words, prophesies and promises
spoken to you that became manifest only in the fullness of time. The fullness of
time could be immediately, a day later, a month later, a year later or even ten
years later, or more. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_0IkdlSyerYU7Jbj_2xKLivaBT6lSCMNt9OmNzImBGYrldqXyEmlsQxtLaRXkXjafATukooS4e2nmgEB0CYKkSMGtbOs4gIK_a50qCvjtV8Xblrvpc0-kVgMvdPdLZAzk68mEJtSRKHe/s1600/Hurdle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8_0IkdlSyerYU7Jbj_2xKLivaBT6lSCMNt9OmNzImBGYrldqXyEmlsQxtLaRXkXjafATukooS4e2nmgEB0CYKkSMGtbOs4gIK_a50qCvjtV8Xblrvpc0-kVgMvdPdLZAzk68mEJtSRKHe/s320/Hurdle.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And if you are in waiting, do not despair. Your fullness of
time will come. In the meantime, here are some things you can consider.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">1. God exists outside of time. He is not bound by
nor limited by our time. While you, or those around you may feel that time is
going and soon it will be too late, when He finally comes through, you will
understand that His timing is perfect. The bible states that “Through faith
also Sarah herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a
child when she was past age…” [Hebrews 11:11, KJV]. There was no medical
condition of this child (Isaac) which was recorded to have been due to Sarah’s
age, nor was it said recorded that she had issues during the 9 month journey due to her age. Indeed the Lord perfected the conception and childbirth despite Sarah’s
age.</span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 2.<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span>God cannot lie. God is not a man, so He does not
lie. He is not human, so He does not change His mind. Has He ever spoken and
failed to act? Has He ever promised and not carried it through? [Numbers 23:19,
NLT]. Hence if He has given you a dream, shown you a vision, or given you a
word, it will come to pass. It does not matter when.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 3.God does not need ‘big faith’ to work with you. Yes
the Bible says “But without faith it is impossible to please Him…” [Hebrews
11:6, KJV] but all He needs is a little faith. This is demonstrated in the
scripture, "You don't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I
tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could
say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing
would be impossible." [Matthew 17:20, NLT]. Faith as small as a mustard
seed could simply be a confession that ‘Lord, I cannot bear this on my own. I
give it all to You because You are the only one who can help me through this
situation’. Or it could be that revelation in your heart when a word of God
comes alive in you, and you have that knowing that God is able, and your
situation is settled in Him. Little faith is sufficient for Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> 4. Prior to a breakthrough, it may seem as if the
situation heightens in magnitude, almost crushing you beyond what you can bear.
Imagine that Joseph had to go to prison before his breakthrough. Beloved, where
there is life, there is hope. No matter what comes your way, you will overcome “for
everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome
the world, even our faith” [1 John 5:4, NIV].<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">May your dreams come to reality.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remain blessed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>The story of Joseph can be read in the
Bible Genesis 37, 39 – 48.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>‘<b>Ajuju</b>’ is an igbo word that means ‘<b>Question</b>’.</i></span><o:p></o:p></div>
Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202972020876371306noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161189856512208626.post-80850256456931109552015-12-03T22:34:00.000+01:002015-12-03T22:35:11.768+01:00Tune to Inspiration 92.3fm let's talk about Morning Does Come<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Join Titilayo Oyinsan (TeeEyeTeeEye) and I during the Tea Break Show on 92.3
Inspiration Fm this Friday from 10.30am as we discuss my 2nd novel "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Morning+Does+Come" target="_blank">Morning Does Come</a>".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Make it a date as follows:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Friday, 4th of December</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">10:30am - 1:00pm WAT</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you are far from your radio, you can join in via the link below:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">http://tunein.com/radio/Inspiration-923-FM-s165872/</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you've read the book, here is an opportunity to ask those questions that have been running through your mind, and share your point of view. If you have not yet read the book, here is an opportunity to know why "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Morning+Does+Come" target="_blank">Morning Does Come</a>" is a must-read.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Talk soon...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0h8-BuYOM_AJVvRcEUlWVX27Xe0PbXk5L_GiKmh3TebSrt-3fT0JR8qigL-DxTVpzniX-6rO42xdlU93Ll-pigDs6-7OQS2MnUEiiXlDyzppgHuu_Yr4wNdcEd3lReFZfGw53J66XC4IV/s1600/morning-does-come.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0h8-BuYOM_AJVvRcEUlWVX27Xe0PbXk5L_GiKmh3TebSrt-3fT0JR8qigL-DxTVpzniX-6rO42xdlU93Ll-pigDs6-7OQS2MnUEiiXlDyzppgHuu_Yr4wNdcEd3lReFZfGw53J66XC4IV/s400/morning-does-come.png" width="257" /></span></a></div>
<br />Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202972020876371306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161189856512208626.post-54426378933364766722015-11-24T14:31:00.001+01:002015-11-24T14:31:33.771+01:00Morning Does Come Now Available in Nigeria<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Morning Does Come</b> - A brief review:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>This beautifully written novel tells the story of Kaine, a young woman whom we have all met: a promising ray of hope born amidst less than fortunate circumstances.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Her journey of faith and self-actualization through life's travails will move you. It reminds us of personal encounters with divine providence, and how indeed through it all, morning does come.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Rita Okoroafor has been blessed with the gift of inspiring faith through prose. Her stories reach the depths of human existence in a simple and unembellished way. The characters she creates are as real as the readers themselves and her message inspires reflection on God's message of love and hope. A gem has surely made her entrance into the Christian literary world.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>~ Adetola A.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 17.12px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Morning Does Come, is now available in Nigeria. If you wish to get an autographed copy (within Lagos and Port Harcourt), please drop me a message on Facebook or using the email esurunma@gmail.com, and we can discuss further.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YfYBL2qGZ1kpJ0HwSsWfTiIbXEIHnGOvrI_xmFwpaJR0GAHCELG_QnAyEAABcOZBE3FMYzcxeRfiG9hopqZs7f10ab2MSHGG1sh4EkBoWVO2IThwFSkb2_pyeFxqoRNvkRCB-HasroNw/s1600/morning-does-come.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5YfYBL2qGZ1kpJ0HwSsWfTiIbXEIHnGOvrI_xmFwpaJR0GAHCELG_QnAyEAABcOZBE3FMYzcxeRfiG9hopqZs7f10ab2MSHGG1sh4EkBoWVO2IThwFSkb2_pyeFxqoRNvkRCB-HasroNw/s400/morning-does-come.png" width="257" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For more details of the book and how you can get a copy, please visit the link <a href="http://erolyrics.blogspot.com.ng/p/morning-does-come.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For more details of my first novel "Against the Perfect Will", please visit this link <a href="http://erolyrics.blogspot.com.ng/p/writing-projects.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remain blessed.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202972020876371306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161189856512208626.post-69903583821296227532015-11-19T11:55:00.000+01:002015-11-19T11:55:05.591+01:00Some Truths About Marriage<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just to share an excerpt of a book in progress...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">1.</span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Marriage does not drive away loneliness:</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">
It is shocking to realize that though marriage is meant to provide
companionship, there can still be times when you feel lonely in marriage. There
will always be a vacuum that your spouse cannot fill, and that nothing else can really fill. There is always a space left for God (and the things He will need you to
do) to fill...</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">2. </span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Marriage is not the solution to sexual
promiscuity, sexual addictions, or lust:</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> If these issues are not properly
dealt with before marriage, chances are they may rear their heads during the course
of the marriage.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">3. </span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">There will be conflict in marriage even if
you are married to “Mr. Right”:</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> What makes the difference between the good
and the bad and results in a happy, successful marriage is how conflict is
managed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">4. </span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Marriage may come with some trials and
temptations:</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> Prayer and the fear of God will help in such times. God will
not give you more than you can bear, and you can overcome any trial or
temptation that comes your way by His grace.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">5. </span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Marriage has a way of molding us into the
image of God if we allow it:</b><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> In being married to someone with a different
personality, a different background, and differing experiences and
expectations, you may find yourself learning new things, becoming less
self-centered, and being refined... </span></span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Excerpt from Chapter 1: #Preparingforyourking</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What are your thoughts on the points above? True? Not true? Something else to add?</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remain Blessed.</span></span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202972020876371306noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161189856512208626.post-61115174822589578402015-11-16T10:19:00.000+01:002015-11-16T10:19:13.107+01:00Time to do exploits<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I discussed with the hotel manager concerning business in the hotel, she confessed that things had changed recently. She could not explain the sudden drop in customers or why it seemed clients no longer used the conference rooms in her hotel. She wondered if competition was doing something differently. I left her speculating.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I could only assume. The ripple effect. The oil price dipped. Budgets were revised. Many were out of jobs. Cost cutting/reduction became the order of the day. Nice-to-haves were shelved aside. Frivolities were suspended. It started with the oil industry but pervaded through some other parts of the economy. People and businesses were affected directly or indirectly.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are homes where husbands and wives found themselves out of jobs. There are some where the breadwinner or supporters were affected. There are those who were hoping to get lucrative jobs once they finished school, only to be hit with the news that there is a freeze on recruitment for the time being. There are so many scenarios of the ripple effect.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But should one lose hope?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This post is for you who might be in despair. Your dreams will not crumble. Your life will not be shattered. The macro and micro "things" may happen...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>...but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits [Daniel 11:32, AKJV].</b></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIQmcmonruDFHA7Q1vVl_T-0ypT6F-jndlZFE7z_zWJFETGYhhmsHQBAlaB3ashDpYxs8SfrNY_PxAovmjlsgt0OmbVuZ7c3PbGd1bIxMh34Mg1ampyx-i1BF1lYuUVwLFAV9Azs4seZa/s1600/move_mountains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZIQmcmonruDFHA7Q1vVl_T-0ypT6F-jndlZFE7z_zWJFETGYhhmsHQBAlaB3ashDpYxs8SfrNY_PxAovmjlsgt0OmbVuZ7c3PbGd1bIxMh34Mg1ampyx-i1BF1lYuUVwLFAV9Azs4seZa/s320/move_mountains.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Lord foreknew these things, and He knows there is a way out. He is the God able to sustain you one day at a time. He is the one who is able to open your eyes to see new opportunities. He is the one who is able to restore you even to positions better than the former.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is time for you to do great exploits, much more that you ever thought you could do. As you get to know Him more and more, attune your ears to His voice and align your heart with His, He will direct your steps. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remain Blessed.</span></div>
Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202972020876371306noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161189856512208626.post-39588683532405444522015-11-11T09:45:00.001+01:002015-11-11T09:50:34.678+01:00The Sojourn<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I had not seen Mr. Rita in 4 months. And he had not laid eyes on our <a href="http://erolyrics.blogspot.com.ng/2013/09/the-september-gift.html" target="_blank">September Gift</a>. December 2013 I carried my children and my boxes, said goodbye to my loved ones in Nigeria, and I was off to Pau, France.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I arrived at a city where it was imperative to know how to speak French to survive. The A I had in Junior WAEC French was not sufficient in the face of reality. That was not even my challenge. Nanny! By the time I learnt that there was nothing like live-in nanny, and I had to pay 18 euros per hour for nanny, I had to calibrate myself. But God ever so good made the settling in smooth, provided me with help just right on time, and gave me the best vacation thus far.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am grateful for the time in Pau, even though there was no chance to even post "hi" on the blog. DIY place.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am grateful for the lives that impacted me in Pau. My dear Pau sisters, I hope you get to read this post and realize how much you mean to me. Oh how I miss "my children" who gave me joy every time we were together. Gros Bisous.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am grateful for the opportunity to be taken out of my myopic world, to see different cultures and learn not to judge.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am grateful for the serenity that made me reflect on what I really want out of life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And I am grateful for the lesson I learnt - there may be a language barrier, but a smile, a hug, a tear, "woof woof", "meow", and laughter do not need translation: they are universal and understood by everyone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And if you love someone, there are so many other ways to express it other than speaking.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Glad to be back home though.</span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202972020876371306noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161189856512208626.post-68616061829714844422013-09-30T08:00:00.000+01:002013-09-30T08:00:19.113+01:00The September Gift<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><strong>My dearest people, apologies for my long hiatus between Dec 2012 and August 2013...plus my inability to respond to comments on my blog or leave comments on my fellow bloggers' blogs. Please bear with me.</strong></em></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><strong>In one of my previous posts, by faith I posted about a "September Gift" (all those posts were scheduled). Please read below (long post alert!!!) the story behind the September Gift. I hope someone is encouraged by this post.</strong></em></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1380132100909_36440"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1380132100909_36439" style="font-size: small;">I had <a href="http://www.erosinspirations.com/2012/10/on-path-to-healing.html" target="_blank">2 consecutive pregnancy losses between August and October 2012</a>. In November, I had to travel for training in the US. My husband then insisted that I should do a follow up test to ensure the evacuation procedure (for the 2</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><sup>nd</sup></span><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1380132100909_36442" style="font-size: small;">pregnancy loss) was done properly, and to check if there was something wrong causing the recurrent pregnancy loss. Reluctantly I obeyed. I did a couple of tests and to my greatest shock, the Dr pronounced me to be diabetic and immediately put me on medication. She said that the high sugar level was the cause of the pregnancy losses, and I should tell my doctors in Nigeria not to let me get pregnant again until the sugar level was under control.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1380132100909_36446" style="font-size: small;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1380132100909_36445" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I got back, it was not an issue of pregnancy anymore. It was sugar level matter. I was in the hospital once a week for all sorts of tests and follow up. I did some research and found out that someone who is diabetic and gets pregnant is considered high risk. The person will be taking injections throughout the pregnancy, etc. I discussed all of these with my husband. He then said we should pray about it. After one of his personal quiet times, he told me when I go back for the tests, there will be no trace of high blood sugar level.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">When I went for my next appointment, the blood test results came out. The sugar level was on the lowest side that the doctors (Physician and OB/Gyn) became confused. They said they had to stop me from taking the medication, because I was on a low dose yet it had the effect of reducing my sugar level too low. <span> </span>However, they could not stop me abruptly. They said I should take half the medication and come back one month later for checkup.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">In January, I missed my period. I did a pregnancy test and it came out negative. I then became worried that possibly the medication for sugar level given to me in Nigeria had done something to my menstrual cycle. It was very early in the year (festive season) so I could not reach any of the doctors who knew my history to complain. I was eager to see my period so that I could probably start ovulation induction, since my blood sugar was considered normal. When I did not see the period and unable to reach my doctors, I just went to see any doctor in Lagos at the clinic where they were monitoring my blood sugar level. They did a blood test and found out I was pregnant. Then I became scared because I had no pregnancy symptom. For the last 2 pregnancies, when I lost them, I had no pregnancy symptoms as well. I began to panic. The doctor I saw did not know my history so he did not know why I was worried. He just told me to take folic acid and come back in 2 weeks. One week later, my obgyn was back so I went to see him. After I complained that I had no pregnancy symptoms, and I was scared that history will repeat itself, he put me on a weekly hormonal injection. On the 2nd week of the injection, I started bleeding.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I rushed back to the clinic and they did a scan. To my dismay, the sac was empty. At 6 weeks, one would expect to see a yolk sac and a fetal pole, but this one was empty. I saw it with my eyes. At the same time, the owner of the clinic walked in because he wanted to use the scan room. He looked at the scan and said, "this is an impending miscarriage. The sac has collapsed and we have blood all over. If by next week you have not finished bleeding, come back for an evacuation!" In my file they wrote "Anembryonic something something..."</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I wept. I was devastated. I could not eat after that news. I stopped taking all medications including the folic acid. My husband then said we will go ahead with the evacuation, and then go for a vacation. He made all the arrangements for the vacation.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Because I had done a procedure in October, I was not keen on another one. So I decided to go to the Dr to ask for an alternative i.e. if they had a medication I could take to end the pregnancy since it was very early. When I went to the clinic, he said he would like to do a scan to know if the medicine would work or if we must do a procedure, because it depended on the amount of “tissue”that could be left behind by using medication. Lo and behold, there was a baby with a very strong heartbeat in the scan. I could not believe my eyes and ears. The Dr was in shock. He said this can only be God. That I should say thank God.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Well, my family and I went on the vacation a few weeks later, travelling around US, when I should have been resting. When I expressed some fears, my husband said, "It is not about what I do or do not do. It is God that is watching over the child".</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">By my week 10, I woke up one morning and I was soaked in water. I knew I did not urinate on myself. I do not sweat normally, so it could not have been sweat in that cold weather. Then my mind went to amniotic sac had ruptured. That was the same day I was to travel from Baltimore to Atlanta. I called my sister and asked for advice. Due to weather conditions, she said I should wait till I arrive at Atlanta before seeing a doctor. That though this is an emergency situation, doctors will not be keen on preserving the life of the child since it was quite early, and so it will end up in a procedure. So I should bear and get to Atlanta that night and go to a clinic.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">It was not easy. I felt that if I had known, I should not have travelled. I was far away from medical attention and I felt disappointed that God allowed me to see a baby with heartbeat, only to take the baby at week 10. My hubby prayed but I was in panic mode. Finally I settled down and prayed. I asked God for only one word. He gave me more than a word. He said, “With Me nothing is impossible. Even if the amniotic sac has ruptured, which has not happened, I can fix it. So my daughter, do not worry”. From then on, I became the one consoling my sister and my husband that everything will be alright.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I got to the clinic in Atlanta around 6pm. After all the checks, they could not find a trace of leaking liquid. The scan showed a healthy baby enjoying and not having a care in the world. I was discharged but told to treat for yeast infection.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">By week 14, when all worries and fears about losing the baby should have been gone, I started bleeding. I went for a scan and my doctor said he suspects a degenerating fibroid, which he showed me. He scheduled me for a detailed scan with the radiologist. When I went for that scan two days later, not only had the bleeding stopped, the radiologist could not find any trace of a fibroid. As I look back now, it is possible that God had worked another miracle there.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The pregnancy itself afterwards was very smooth. I was so energetic and I looked forward to the birth of my baby.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">My baby’s due date was 7</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><sup>th</sup></span><span style="font-size: small;"> of September, 2013. 3 nights before that, I was woken from sleep by a contraction. This was the same experience I had with my first baby whom I had a few hours after I was woken up by contractions. I remained awake to monitor the intervals of contractions. It was 30 minutes apart. So I rested and expected that by morning, the intervals would have reduced and I would be much closer to active labor. To my disappointment, by the time I woke up in the morning, there were no contractions. The same thing happened the next night. I had to read online and some people mentioned “painful Braxton-hicks” while some others called it “pre-labor”and that the longer the pre-labor, the shorter the active labor. On Friday night (6</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><sup>th</sup></span><span style="font-size: small;"> of September), the same thing happened. This time, I could not even go back to sleep. Yet the intervals of contractions were 20-30 minutes apart. On the 7</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><sup>th</sup></span><span style="font-size: small;"> morning, I told my sister I would like to go to the clinic – she actually saw me going through one of the contractions. So she accepted to drop me at the clinic.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">As we started our journey, the contractions stopped. I told my sister to please turn back, that it was “false labor” and I did not want her to get to the hospital (45 mins drive away) only to be told that I should go home. She refused and said not all labors are the same. That she will prefer to have me see a doctor. I reluctantly listened to her.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">When we got to the clinic, I was checked. The doctor said I was only 2cm dilated, I was not contracting, and my cervix was not ready for birth. However, they said they will monitor me, and also run some tests to see if I had some infections that were causing painful Braxton-hick contractions.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I was on the hospital bed with the monitoring devices (contractions and fetal heart rate) feeling very bored. My sister had left. I was lamenting that I should not have wasted hers and my time that morning. I had just sent her a text that I will talk to the doctors to let me go home soon, and I will come home to prepare lunch, when suddenly a group of medical staff rushed into the room where I was. One of them explained to me that I am being rushed to the theatre for an emergency cesarean section, because my baby’s heartbeat had dropped very low. There was no time for further discussion, I saw myself being wheeled to a theatre. I was prepared for the operation. However when they monitored my baby’s heartbeat, it had normalized, so they said they were going to induce me to have the baby via vaginal birth. I was then wheeled back to my ward.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I was induced and was being monitored. However, I was not dilating as they expected yet baby's heartbeat was fluctuating. The epidural they gave me began to wear off. I then called on the anesthesiologist to come and look into it. When she turned me to my right side for a refill, my baby’s heartbeat dropped so much that I was rushed back to the theatre. They told me they could not wait for the effect of the epidural to set in and so I had to go on full anesthesia. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I woke up, I saw a baby in my arms, who I breastfed for about 2 minutes. I recall sending out message to my husband and sister telling them I had had the baby, and I think I went back to sleep. I woke up again and I was in a recovery room. I asked for my baby but no one could tell me where my baby was. I became scared. It was almost 7 pm. My sister came to check on me. She wanted to see the baby too. The nurses said they could not bring the baby to the recovery room. I kept praying that everything was okay with my baby.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">I finally saw my baby by 10pm. She was born around 1:40pm. She weighed 2.6kg. She was the smallest baby I had ever seen. But when I held her in my arms, looking down at her nose so exactly like her father’s, I could only thank God for yet another full term journey He had taken me on. It was a journey of revealing another part of Himself to me. He that promised is faithful.</span></div>
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<span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1380132100909_36456" style="font-size: small;"><span id="yui_3_7_2_1_1380132100909_36455" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today, when I hold her in my arms, I remember that she was called “an impending miscarriage, an anembryonic sac, degenerating fibroid…” but God had the final say. She is Nwachi Grace, and I love her so.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remain blessed.</span></div>
Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202972020876371306noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161189856512208626.post-62341613506015162562013-09-16T08:00:00.000+01:002013-09-16T08:00:15.092+01:00Revisiting The Evergreen Tree<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><strong>Sometimes, we can go through situations we have been through before, and even when we know how faithful God was in the past, we still have fear, doubts, etc, deep in our hearts. That means we need to constantly be reminded of who God is, and His word should take priority over every situation we face.</strong></em></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><strong>As I type this post, I recall a time when I was filled with anxiety and fear, and the experience I had with the "Evergreen Tree". I searched out a post that helped to remind me of who God is and what He can do. He exceeded my expectations then. I hope that as you read this, you will get some comfort or encouragement if you are in a situation of anxiety, doubt or unanswered questions.</strong></em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Each time I took a walk, that tree caught my eye. Since my mind was filled with so many thoughts, I could not place why the tree appealed to me. One day, I had to stop and take a hard look at the tree. It was then I realized why it always stood out. In the midst of dry, deserted, leafless and barren-looking trees, it stood tall, fresh and evergreen.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was one of those periods when my mind was clouded with anxiety and unanswered questions. I had some sleepless nights worrying and running scenarios in my head. But that day as I looked at the tree, how it looked, and the way it stood out, I found myself getting back on track. I do not want to belittle God by likening Him to anything, but when I thought about what the tree meant in the midst of the other trees, I could not help but be reminded of the consistency of God.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #003366;"><strong>He is the God that does not change.</strong></span> He is the same yesterday, today and forever [Hebrews 13:8]. We live in a world where things are ever changing but He still remains the same in every facet. He said it, <em>“I am the LORD, and I do not change”</em> [Malachi 3:6], and this word is true.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #003366;"><strong>He never says a word and changes His mind.</strong></span> All His promises have been tried and proved true. When He speaks today a word or a promise, He does not change His mind. ”God is not a man, so He does not lie. He is not human, so He does not change His mind. He has never spoken and failed to act. He has never promised and not carried it through [Num. 23:19].</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #003366;"><strong>He remains the same</strong></span> [Psalm 102:27]. The God that was spoken of before now is still the same God today. God does not need to prove to us that He is God. He is the Lord, the God of all the peoples of the world [Jeremiah 32:27]. If we come to Him in prayer and He does not answer the way we want, He does not stop being God. In fact, it only means He has better plans for us.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #003366;"><strong>Seasons will come and go but He will always be there</strong></span>. There will be periods of joy and laughter. There will be periods of trials and disappointments. But in all of these He is still the God who gives good and perfect gives and does not change like shifting shadows [James 1:17].</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #003366;"><strong>Even when all else fails, He will never fail.</strong></span> Most times, we go to Him as the last resort instead of the first. Yet He receives us, and attends to us. He hears our prayers, He sees our tears, and like a loving Father, He is always willing to restore us what seemed to be lost or taken from us [Joel 2:25].</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #003366;"><strong>There are times when we may not be able to feel His presence, but He will never leave us or forsake.</strong></span> He Himself said <em>“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”</em> [Hebrews 13:5] It is not only when we feel blessed that He is with us. At those times when we feel alone, or deserted, He is so close, watching over us, putting a protective hedge around us that we will go on to see the goodness ahead of us.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #003366;"><strong>God is self-sufficient.</strong></span> He knows how to fulfill His promises in our lives. When He does it, it is in a way that no man can take the glory. It may not be the way and time we plan, but He sure knows how to make things beautiful in its own time.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No matter what else changes around us, God in all His greatness and might and majesty will never change.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Having been reassured of the love and consistency of God, I finally cast my cares upon Him and started having a good night’s rest.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No matter where you are, may you be reminded that God is the never-changing God. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remain blessed.</span></div>
Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202972020876371306noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161189856512208626.post-39572886551903205052013-09-11T08:00:00.000+01:002013-09-11T08:00:13.558+01:0020 Years In Memorial<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God is amazing!!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I cannot believe it has been 20 years since Daddy was taken from us in a very brutal and gory way.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then, when it happened, I thought our lives were over. Looking back I now understand what it means to truly rely on God daily for provision, for sustenance, for direction, in fact, for everything.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then, I understood what it was like to cry and feel your heart broken in pieces, literarily. I never believed that someday we could move on without the heaviness associated with the pains of losing a loved one.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To be honest, I still cry sometimes when I think about him. I cried during my MSc graduation because I would have loved him to be there. I cried during my wedding because I would have loved him to be physically present. Last year I remember crying while driving as I thought about how he was separated from us. Sometimes I get sober when I am having a great time with my husband, and I realize that my mother is all alone without the company of a lover and best friend.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7aV9Zq2RfcJ-HxSzxvK-usLdURIK_5RB7jPSUYjhG7oqNDuAZLuFFhai9gLtxArC-pf0Bp5ExRLaw04W6sJGSDS5nVnYXK5N_1fr7wsaU4snqhVV8GdB2Q09_K8TuQKIxbvRXslUxvfr/s1600/Popsie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI7aV9Zq2RfcJ-HxSzxvK-usLdURIK_5RB7jPSUYjhG7oqNDuAZLuFFhai9gLtxArC-pf0Bp5ExRLaw04W6sJGSDS5nVnYXK5N_1fr7wsaU4snqhVV8GdB2Q09_K8TuQKIxbvRXslUxvfr/s320/Popsie.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This post is just to say "Thank You Lord!" In these 20 years You have proven, times without number, that You are the Father of the Fatherless and the Husband to the widow. You know how to turn mourning into dancing. Your promises of never leaving us nor forsaking us remain tested and true. Thank You.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finally, I thank You for the "September Gift". You that promised is faithful.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">You can read about how he was separated from us <a href="http://www.erosinspirations.com/2008/09/in-memorial.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202972020876371306noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161189856512208626.post-64766529857342929012013-09-02T08:00:00.000+01:002013-09-02T08:00:14.438+01:00A Morning With The Glassware<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">That early morning, the master opened the shelf that
contained all the drinkware and tableware. The mugs, water glasses and tea cups,
which stood at the forefront, were ready to be selected for daily duty. But the
master reached deep into the shelf and picked up the wine glasses, champagne
flutes and Styrofoam cups.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><span style="color: black;">“Finally we get a break today,” a mug murmured. The other
mugs, water glasses and tea cups nodded in agreement.<o:p></o:p></span></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">The master took a special clothe and wiped the wine glasses
and champagne flutes. He took these glassware to a special corner of the kitchen
and lifted them up against the light to check if they had sparkle.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXT_RWevYUpM03_OW6VWHmLJQGYWc3QZtplTGPfctfrLHPYx2Pm4yhY5VXakRtPWt4Uce1pFk_urksqNXYuxGcSL6Upjw3JWIj34VFxD2py5DUn8m71AkY-1dDoRtTa-RDEgCg81-hfyR/s1600/glassware.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXXT_RWevYUpM03_OW6VWHmLJQGYWc3QZtplTGPfctfrLHPYx2Pm4yhY5VXakRtPWt4Uce1pFk_urksqNXYuxGcSL6Upjw3JWIj34VFxD2py5DUn8m71AkY-1dDoRtTa-RDEgCg81-hfyR/s320/glassware.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><span style="color: black;">“Wow!” a water glass murmured. “He has never treated us like
this!”<o:p></o:p></span></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><span style="color: black;">“I feel used,” a tea cup said. “Every morning, he uses me
but it seems like today is a special occasion and he has no use of me…of us!”<o:p></o:p></span></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>
</em></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><span style="color: black;">“We are the most used,” one of the water glasses said.
“Whether it is morning, afternoon or night, whether it is for him or for
guests, he always uses us. Yet without giving us this special treatment and
attention.”<o:p></o:p></span></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>
</em></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><span style="color: black;">“Let’s take it that we are not that special,” said the mug.
“And for the records, I don’t feel useful anymore, though a few moments ago I
was looking forward to a break!”<o:p></o:p></span></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Just then, the madam walked into the room.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">“Thanks for preparing the glasses for our dinner tonight,”
she said. “Let me prepare you a fantastic breakfast.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">“Yes please,” the master replied in delight. “One more
thing, I did not wash the water glasses, please can you do so? I like how
delicately you handle them. Also when serving my breakfast, please could you
put juice in my favorite mug and tea in my special tea cup?”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">“Certainly, my love,” the madam replied, “breakfast is
incomplete without them!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">So while the master continued cleaning the wine and
champagne glasses, the madam went on to prepare and use the other glassware for
their appropriate functions.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><span style="color: black;">“Well I feel special afterall,” the mug said, “I did not
know I was his favorite!”<o:p></o:p></span></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>
</em></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><span style="color: black;">“I did not know he cared for us that much,” the water glass
said, “he wanted us to be taken care of delicately.”<o:p></o:p></span></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>
</em></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><span style="color: black;">“And I am definitely ready to be used this morning, knowing
that indeed I am special,” the tea cup said.<o:p></o:p></span></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">So is it with how God uses us. He uses us differently for
different purposes. Someone can be part of the choir, ministering twice a week.
Someone else can minister once a month and impact as much, if not greater
number of people. Someone can be a cleaner, cleaning the church’s toilet
everyday while someone else can be a visiting preacher that pulls multitudes.
Not one of these has irrelevant roles. In the sight of God, none is more
special than the other. Each person He has created has a unique purpose, and He
loves everyone with an everlasting love.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Today as you consider yourself, realize that God created you
specially and with a unique purpose. Some in your area of calling will appear
greater, and some will appear like they are not up to par with you. It is God
who has distributed the gifts and manifestations of the Spirit for different
purposes. Do not think lowly of the things you do, especially as it pertains to
the kingdom of God. Some of the things you do are indispensable, and there are
many out there who cannot do it as well as you do. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working
for the Lord, not for human masters [Colossians 3:23]. God is not unjust; He
will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His
people and continue to help them [Hebrews 6:10].<o:p></o:p></strong></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">In the eyes of God, He measures your success by how well you
do what He wants of you, not by any yardstick designed by man. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">And He loves you just the way you are, like you are the only
person on earth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Remain blessed.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All scripture are taken from the New International Version (NIV) translation unless otherwise stated.</span></em></span></div>
Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202972020876371306noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161189856512208626.post-16543335492947425402013-08-26T08:00:00.000+01:002013-08-26T08:00:00.584+01:00Dealing With "Pharaoh"<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Waiting on God in any capacity is not easy. It is only Him
that can give the strength and the hope to keep going on. But there are times
when during your waiting period, there is a tangible thing, most likely a
person, whom you are "waiting on" or who is holding back the physical manifestation of what God has done for you. This
can be worrying.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWgaC0Qc2OgrK5KRTXdeQjjR-V40jrFt9Uv6Cm853kRXP3-R9Grqo3LWpiU1ZRuIzeWS6qnbCC3UOJ_oOnFZTctnolH1q-JrsaWwgshG1Iceo2uuQEmuglspj6msCrw6i9nlx9dO69cwy/s1600/pharaoh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdWgaC0Qc2OgrK5KRTXdeQjjR-V40jrFt9Uv6Cm853kRXP3-R9Grqo3LWpiU1ZRuIzeWS6qnbCC3UOJ_oOnFZTctnolH1q-JrsaWwgshG1Iceo2uuQEmuglspj6msCrw6i9nlx9dO69cwy/s320/pharaoh.jpg" width="216" /></span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">I liken such a person to Pharaoh who did not want to let the
Israelites go. I guess with each sign and wonder to affect the Egyptians, one
would think Pharaoh would change his mind. Instead his heart remained hardened
until the 10<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> plague [Exodus 6-12]. With each plague, time was
passing by. If I was one of the Israelites, I would wonder why things were
taking time and why God could not just do the 10<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup> plague in the
beginning and save all the time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">
God is a God of order, perfect timing and infinite wisdom.
With Him, there is no mistake. Every period of waiting gives rise to a
testimony. He uses the opportunity to reveal Himself in a way unique from how
He has shown Himself. God is a God you can put all your trust in and not get
disappointed. Above all, He makes everything beautiful in its own time.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">If you are waiting on God and it seems there is a “Pharaoh”
on your case, please heed the voice of Your loving Father today. He says, “Be
still, and know that I am God [Psalm 46:10]; You will not have to fight this
battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the LORD
will give you [2 Chronicles 20:17a]; The LORD will fight for you; you need only
to be still [Exodus 14:14]”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">
The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers
of water: He turns it wherever He will [Proverbs 21:1, King James 2000 Bible].
Bring your “Pharaoh” to God in prayer. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Pray for wisdom on the next step(s) to take. Pray also that God will bless this “Pharaoh” such that in his joy
and happiness, he will desire to make others happy. Pray that the Holy Spirit
will bring to his remembrance your case. Just as King Xerxes remembered Mordecia
[Esther 6], may your “Pharaoh” be awakened to the fact that you are a covenant
child of God. May honor and recognition also follow as your “Pharaoh” lets go
of your blessing. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">
In Jesus name, Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">As you wait on God, remember that God causes everything to
work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them [Romans 8:28, NLT].<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">
Remain blessed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><em><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All scripture are taken from the New
International Version (NIV) translation unless otherwise stated.</span></em></span></div>
Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202972020876371306noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161189856512208626.post-51389977278153668962012-12-30T09:00:00.000+01:002012-12-30T09:00:06.623+01:002012<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2012! I don't know how to describe my personal perception of the year so far...Though I lack the words, I think everything I felt was...Intense?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The year kept on calling me to be alert, to stand firm, to reflect, and to be grateful. The truth is, no matter how intense the challenges had been, the hand and presence of God was manifest much more intensely.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I guess that as the year draws to an end, you may start evaluating your plans vs. your achievements. But as you do, please remember 2 things:-</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. There may have been some things which you did not plan for, but they happened, even exceeding your expectations. Please put them in the "balance sheet".</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. The year is not over, not yet. You can still believe for a "last minute miracle" in specific areas of your life.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God is not bounded by time, and He can do His thing even when we think it is too late. The last minute miracle may be the physical manifestation of what you have been waiting on Him for, or just a Word from God that leaves you in faith, peace and encouraged.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2012 is not over until it's over. It will only usher in 2013, which comes filled with promises.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZMGIc8JseiGNKl29d1pkj4-0PsSnh1TNOrnGPyFJ5_GQgCXJX3tQCjxmhf_5fNFpI-OGb1Ekvm5bpv6djrc7nvrDjrmKa6lCmPtoh2YWV_D58OM0dnjFy9ZqK9AxCIU2DNIXZblT0fl2/s1600/Welcome+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_ZMGIc8JseiGNKl29d1pkj4-0PsSnh1TNOrnGPyFJ5_GQgCXJX3tQCjxmhf_5fNFpI-OGb1Ekvm5bpv6djrc7nvrDjrmKa6lCmPtoh2YWV_D58OM0dnjFy9ZqK9AxCIU2DNIXZblT0fl2/s320/Welcome+2013.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As the seconds tick by and we move on by God's grace, let us not be so consumed by our desires that we forget how good and how faithful God has been. We must have felt His hand in our lives or in the lives of those around us. May He crown the year with His goodness. May we align our hearts with His, that we may walk in His perfect will. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks be to God... Words are not enough to describe how beautiful and awesome He is, but still I know He is...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Way Maker</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Door Opener</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The One who gives second chances</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The One who works behind the scenes</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Doctor who has never lost a case</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Miracle Worker</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The One who gives Beauty for Ashes</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Story Changer</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The One who is always on time - never late</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The One whose timing is impeccable</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The One who customizes blessings</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The One who gives testimonies</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The One with whom nothing is impossible</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The One who gives peace that passes all understanding</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The One who hears and answers prayers</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The One who forgives and makes whole</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The One who saves</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Restorer</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Healer</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Comforter</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The All-Encompassing, Self-Sufficient One</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The One whose plans are will are only good for us</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The One who gives strenght</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The One who gives wisdom</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The One who gives victory</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Lawyer, Jury, Advocate and Judge in the courtroom</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Orderer and Director of our paths and steps</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Loving, Gracious, Faithful Father.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Did you experience any of these facets of God this year? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">May 2012 leave you with a feeling of peace. May 2013 bring you and your loved ones peace, joy, fulfillment, and the manifestation of your heart's desires.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God bless.</span></div>
Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202972020876371306noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161189856512208626.post-25427932530182954672012-11-26T08:00:00.000+01:002012-11-26T08:00:11.096+01:00When Shoes Don’t Fit<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are certain situations I have passed through where I</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> found myself asking
questions like “God, why me?” and “God, why did you let this happen?” The most frustrating part was I did not need to look far to see someone who had what I desired, making me feel that God was being
unfair to me. Quite recently I have learnt to stop wallowing in self-pity after I had the
experience with shoes.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvOZlgFTHoNbmQiEtVHVo4otl3RGN_u_U-djmP8ysgsdo1q5O5sLMKSw8nbCts48OC-614OYwJ8dhB5MBSh41tK1fDRQNaWWpbgKy6cwnMSGIOdsFKvhqE4L_KA-ggQPpW0o_Vrs_iioc/s1600/Shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKvOZlgFTHoNbmQiEtVHVo4otl3RGN_u_U-djmP8ysgsdo1q5O5sLMKSw8nbCts48OC-614OYwJ8dhB5MBSh41tK1fDRQNaWWpbgKy6cwnMSGIOdsFKvhqE4L_KA-ggQPpW0o_Vrs_iioc/s320/Shoes.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My 20-month old daughter loves shoes. Of interest to her are my shoes, or anything with heels. One day, my daughter wore my shoes and tried to walk. It was not an
easy journey for her. She could not walk at her normal pace, nor could she do
the things she would ordinarily have done with her shoes on. My shoes appeared
more appealing, and indeed they were very comfortable for me, but when she wore
them, it was so clear that it was not meant for her.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then it dawned on me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many a times, we may find ourselves in a situation where we
lament and complain, and wish our situation was like someone else’s. Not knowing
that if, perhaps, we find ourselves in the true picture of what they are going
through, we may not be able to cope.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em><strong>You may think your situation is the worst until you actually
know what the “other” person is going through. But really, you don’t need to
know.</strong></em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This post is just a call to gratitude. To say “Thank You” to
God, who in His grace, mercy, and sovereignty, has allowed you to be in the
shoes you are in. Maybe it could have been worse. Maybe you would have
struggled if you were in the shoes of that person whose shoes you wish to be
in. With God, no situation is hopeless. With Him, things can only get better.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks be to God who will not give us more than we can bear,
who is always with us, and knows how to make every situation work together for
our good. He is faithful and more than able to turn around anyone’s “captivity”.
The when and how all depends on Him. That is why we need to trust and have
faith in Him.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a blessed and fruitful week ahead. It is well with you and yours.</span></div>
Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202972020876371306noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161189856512208626.post-60580636782909744572012-10-20T13:08:00.001+01:002012-10-20T13:10:53.187+01:00On A Path To Healing<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It has been a while since I came here, that I almost forgot what to do with blogger. I am currently picking myself up from the floor of spiritual emptiness and emotional pain. And I am on a path to "healing", some details I will share below. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let me start with a story. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The work day was over so I set my laptop to hibernate. The moment I had clicked on that option, I shut the laptop and put it in my laptop bag. My colleague asked why I did that.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Why didn't you wait for the laptop to hibernate completely before putting it in your bag?" she asked.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This was a long time habit which I had started when I was always "rushing" to meet Mr. Rita at the end of a work day. But from experience, the laptop always hibernated after I had sent the command.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"There was no need to wait," I replied, "once the command has been sent, the laptop has to respond. It has always hibernated."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">As I carried my laptop and walked away, I realized that so is the word that comes from the Lord. When He speaks, He does not have to worry about whether or not it will happen as He has spoken. <span class="text Isa-55-11">Once He sends it out, it always produces results. It always accomplishes what He wants to do. Not only that, it always prospers everywhere He sends it to.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text Isa-55-11" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yes, whatever it is God has spoken concerning you, rest assured that it will come to pass. His word always produces results and all the time, the results exceeds our expectations. So to anyone who is still holding on to a promise of God, do not grow weary. As He has spoken so shall it be. In Jesus Name, Amen.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text Isa-55-11" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text Isa-55-11" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On the personal side, I am trying to recover emotionally from two consecutive pregnancy losses. It has been a very painful period (I did not know I would hurt emotionally so much, even after knowing how awesome my God is). Family, writing, work and personal projects were affected in different degrees. I tried to distance myself from God, because I kept asking myself why He allowed me go through such emotional pain. But understanding that God is ever-loving and ever-faithful, I cannot run from Him nor can I give room to think He does not have my best interest at heart. I know, that as always, I will still have testimonies.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text Isa-55-11" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text Isa-55-11" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So while I am trying to find myself back on the path to spiritual and emotional healing, I just list a few things I am thankful for:-</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text Isa-55-11" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. <strong>For life</strong>:- I know there is still hope, and I still have an opportunity to fulfill my God-given dreams.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text Isa-55-11" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. <strong>For Family</strong>:- The amazing love and support of Mr. Rita all through this, and the sensitivity of my 19 month old princess, have been sources of strenght for me. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text Isa-55-11" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. <strong>For Family (again)</strong>: - My mom and my sisters have been very encouraging. My mom has not failed to share encouraging words with me on a weekly basis.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text Isa-55-11" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. <strong>For friends</strong>:- I have amazing prayer partners, and amazing friends who make it feel as though I am sharing the "burden" with so many people that I have nothing to carry.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text Isa-55-11" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5. <strong>For favor and grace</strong>:- I have seen grace and favor in different areas of my life. These are gentle reminders that God is still there even if I was still wondering. I cannot list all of these instances.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text Isa-55-11" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="text Isa-55-11" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wishing you a blessed weekend. Thanks to all of you who checked up on me. God remains faithful.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-55-11" style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span><br /></div>
Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202972020876371306noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161189856512208626.post-5330544482246255592012-09-03T12:24:00.002+01:002012-09-03T12:24:46.434+01:00Updates<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Just wanted to post an update on the book reading that took place at Patabah Books, Surulere, 25th of August. I should have uploaded a video but I have none :-( Pictures will come later :-)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">It was my first book reading so I did not know what to expect. What thrilled me was the turnout of teenagers - who are actually the target audience of <strong>Against The Perfect Will</strong>. I read from 3 parts of the book after getting suggestions from trusted friends, and I actually enjoyed reading those parts. For more information on how to purchase the book, please visit </span><a href="http://www.erosinspirations.com/p/writing-projects.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">HERE</span></a><span style="color: black;">.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The questions I was asked ranged from how my personal life is related to the story, to my vision for writing. I thoroughly enjoyed the Q&A sessions, especially with the teenagers.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am very thankful for such opportunity and I look forward to doing more of this, as time permits.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Meanwhile, I have come to a personal conclusion that non-fiction is not as easy to write as fiction. I can't wait to finish the book I am working on to get back to fiction. My fiction babies are begging to be born.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It may be a while before I update this blog, especially as I round up a couple of projects. For now, I will leave you with this message which I culled from </span><a href="http://www.laughandlift.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Laugh & Lift</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> for September 2, 2012.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><em><strong><u>Tangled Hair </u></strong> (Author Unknown) <br /> (Based on a story told by Beth Moore, Houston, TX)</em> </span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Beth was sitting at an airport terminal, waiting to board a plane. She was sitting there with several other people who were also waiting, whom she did not know. As she waited, she pulled out her Bible and started reading. All of a sudden she felt as if the people sitting there around her, were looking at her. </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"> <em>She looked up, but realized that they were looking just over her head, in the direction right behind her. She turned around to see what everyone was looking at, and when she did, she saw a stewardess pushing a wheelchair, with the ugliest old man sitting in it, that she had ever seen before. She said he had this long white hair that was all tangled and such a mess. His face was really, really wrinkled, and he didn't look friendly at all. She said she didn't know why, but she felt drawn to the man, and thought at first that God wanted her to witness to him. In her mind she said she was thinking, "Oh, God, please, not now, not here." </em></span></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em> </em></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em> No matter what she did, she couldn't get the man off of her mind, and all of a sudden she knew what God wanted her to do. She was supposed to brush this old man's hair. She went and knelt down in front of the old man, and said "Sir may I have the honor of brushing your hair for you?" He said "What?" She thought, "Oh great, he's hard of hearing." Again, a little louder, she said, "Sir, may I have the honor of brushing your hair for you?" He answered, "If you are going to talk to me, you are going to have to speak up, I am practically deaf." So this time, she was almost yelling, "Sir may I please have the honor of brushing your hair for you?" Everyone was watching to see what his response would be. The old man just looked at her confused, and said "Well, I guess if you really want to." She said, "I don't even have a brush, but I thought I would ask anyway." He said, "Look in the bag hanging on the back of my chair, there is a brush in there." So she got the brush out and started brushing his hair. (She has a little girl with long hair, so she has had lots of practice getting tangles out, and knew how to be gentle with him.) She worked for a long time, until every last tangle was out. </em></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em> </em></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em> Just as she was finishing up, she heard the old man crying, and she went and put her hands on his knees, kneeling in front of him again looking directly into his eyes, and said "Sir, do you know Jesus?" He answered, "Yes, of course I know Jesus. You see, my bride told me she couldn't marry me unless I knew Jesus, so I learned all about Jesus, and asked Him to come into my heart many years ago, before I married my bride." He continued, "You know, I am on my way home to go and see my wife. I have been in the hospital for a long time, and had to have a special surgery in this town far from my home. My wife couldn't come with me, because she is so frail herself." He said, "I was so worried about how terrible my hair looked, and I didn't want her to see me looking so awful, but I couldn't brush my hair, all by myself." Tears were rolling down his cheeks, as he thanked Beth for brushing his hair. He thanked her over and over again. </em></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em> </em></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><em> She was crying, people all around witnessing this were crying, and as they were all boarding the plane, the stewardess, who was also crying, stopped her, and asked, "Why did you do that?" And right there was the opportunity, the door that had been opened to share with someone else, the love of God. We don't always understand God's ways, but be ready, He may use us to meet the need of someone else, like He met the need of this old man, and in that moment, also calling out to a lost soul who needed to know about His love.</em> </span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;"></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Remain Blessed.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"></span></span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202972020876371306noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161189856512208626.post-4755126262654247472012-08-20T13:52:00.002+01:002012-08-20T13:52:49.799+01:00Like When A Baby Cries<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">While the ladies awaited the call of their babies for
immunization, the babies and the nannies were at the nursery in the clinic.
Most of the mothers were lost in endless chatter until the shrill cry of a baby
rang in the room. For a split second, the mothers were quiet. Then one of them
jumped up, left all she was doing and ran towards the nursery. Once she picked
up her baby, the ladies resumed their discussions. And yes, that's all it takes
– just the cry of a baby, and the mother responds displaying her love, her
compassion, tenderness, and providing the appropriate solution in response to
that cry. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvHsHIaJfWZev7CHJ_456egSrw_XfQVMKZNf61NfZUAbVoPtYFD33BetRWlu_ZgBMCrC9ZpeFqRdnP6U3nbFE-m-gypJInazs5K2nqlw3JysdJO5KNNrh7bKLQK7Mda5u3fmgx6e2epvI/s1600/crying+baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvHsHIaJfWZev7CHJ_456egSrw_XfQVMKZNf61NfZUAbVoPtYFD33BetRWlu_ZgBMCrC9ZpeFqRdnP6U3nbFE-m-gypJInazs5K2nqlw3JysdJO5KNNrh7bKLQK7Mda5u3fmgx6e2epvI/s1600/crying+baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOvHsHIaJfWZev7CHJ_456egSrw_XfQVMKZNf61NfZUAbVoPtYFD33BetRWlu_ZgBMCrC9ZpeFqRdnP6U3nbFE-m-gypJInazs5K2nqlw3JysdJO5KNNrh7bKLQK7Mda5u3fmgx6e2epvI/s320/crying+baby.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To the ordinary ear, all babies cry alike. But to the “trained”
ear, the ear of a mother, every baby’s cry is distinct. Not only does the
mother differentiate between her baby’s cry from another’s, she can also differentiate
what each cry represents.</span><br />
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</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If mothers are so apt in identifying the cry of their
babies, how much more does God hear, understand and respond to the cry of His
children? Do you think He doesn’t see your tears (both the ones shed and the
ones you could not shed)? He is a Father who loves you deeply and
unconditionally. He is the one who hears your voice and your cries [Psalm
116:1]. He does respond quickly - even though it may seem like a long time to you.
He works out His best for you according to His sovereign plan and impeccable timing.
His work is accomplished even when it does not seem like anything happening.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I remember crying to God to make my relationship with a widower work
out. Looking back, I am glad that though He heard my cry, He did not give me
what I requested for in my limited sight. So though it seems that He has not
responded to your cry as you desire, it may just be because He has a better
plan for you.</span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks be to God, a Father who keeps track of all your
sorrows. He has collected all your tears in His bottle. None of them have
fallen to the ground to be forgotten. He has recorded each one in His book that
they may be brought to His remembrance at the appropriate time [Psalms 56:8].</span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Beloved, all the tears that you shed "are" remembered
by God. If "properly" shed - shed in sorrow, in grief, or in pain, without
murmuring or complaining, they will be remembered for your good. And yes,
that's all it takes – just your sincere cry, whether voiced out or in your
heart, your loving Father will respond, displaying His love, and providing the
appropriate solution in response to that cry. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Remain Blessed.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">NB: I will be reading and signing "Against The Perfect Will" on Saturday, 25th of August. Details are as follows:-</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><div class="yiv1745438744MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Details of the reading are:</span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"><div class="yiv1745438744MsoNormal" style="background: white; text-align: justify;">
<br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Date:</b> Saturday, August 25 2012<br /><b>Time:</b> 3 – 5 PM<br /><b>Venue:</b> Patabah Books, Adeniran Ogunsanya (Shoprite) Shopping Mall (Ground Floor), Surulere, Lagos.<br /><br />I look forward to seeing you there. Please share this invitation with book-loving friends and family. If you already have a book and would like it to be signed, this will be a great opportunity.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></span></span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202972020876371306noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161189856512208626.post-17363632485537099562012-08-07T18:28:00.001+01:002012-08-07T18:28:09.491+01:00The Bigger Miracle<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>His daughter’s illness had persisted and it seemed there was
no cure. The physicians said there was no hope, and that in a few hours, she
will be gone. But he was not ready to give up on his only beloved daughter. If
there was anything else that could save her life, he was ready to try it.</em></span></div>
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</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Then he remembered the Man of God, the man who did
miraculous things, including healing the sick. Perhaps he could ask the Man of
God to heal his daughter. Putting aside any ego, he set off to find the Man of
God. As he left his home, all he hoped for was to meet the Man of God on time.</em></span></div>
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</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>He finally found the man of God, in the midst of an almost suffocating
crowd. He reached to the man of God, fell at his feet and begged Him to come to
his house. To this the Man of God agreed. Yet, His journey was delayed because
He had to address a woman who declared that she was instantly cured the moment she
touched Him. His heart was full of joy that indeed this Man of God was
powerful. He thought that if a woman could be healed by simply touching Him,
how much more will his daughter be healed when the Man of God touches her?</em></span></div>
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</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>He was still in his train of thoughts when a man from his
house came and said to him, “Your daughter is dead; do not worry the man of
God!”</em></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Have you ever found yourself in the situation where you were
almost sure you had the solution? Your GPA was at its all-time high. You were
almost sure you had met ‘the one’. You were called to the final stage of the
interview. The treatment has yielded the right quality of eggs and sperm for
the first time. And then, you face the greatest disappointment. An ‘F’ follows
the all-time high GPA. ‘The One’ leaves you for someone else. The recruiter
tells you they could only make space for one person, and that was not you. The
right quality of eggs and sperm did not result in the babies. Then you wonder, “Is
there still need to trust God?”</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<em>He asked himself, “Is it not over? Is there still need to
trust this Man of God? Let me go home and mourn with my wife!”</em></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>
But the Man of God answered him, “do not be seized with
alarm or struck with fear; simply believe in Me as able to do this, and she
shall be made well…”</em></span></div>
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</em></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>And as the story goes, the girl was raised from the dead. What a miracle! No, he was not expecting this.</em></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>I do not know where you are in the miracle you have been
waiting for, but this story I have shared is to resound the words of Jesus, “<em>Simply
believe in Me as able to do this!</em>” The situation may have got to the point
where it seems there is no more hope. You may have tried all you felt you
could, and thought this time around the challenge will be over, only to be
faced with a more daunting challenge. I just want to assure you that God is
about to do a bigger miracle. He is about to do a miracle that exceeds your
imagination and expectation. It is not over. God is not done with you. If
there is any shred of faith left in you, trust Him.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>
</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>I know it is not easy to overcome the disappointment or the
overwhelming uncertainties. But you are just a step away from 'the bigger miracle'.
May God give you the grace and strength to trust and wait on Him.</strong></span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Remain blessed.</span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">[Bible story culled from Luke 8: 40-56, AMP].</span></div>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202972020876371306noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9161189856512208626.post-63170031407670196692012-07-23T09:36:00.002+01:002012-07-23T09:36:47.547+01:00The Pine Wood Derby<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I read this story this morning, and it touched a special place in my heart. I just decided to share here...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><em>My son Gilbert was eight years old and had been in Cub Scouts only a short time. During one of his meetings he was handed a sheet of paper, a block of wood and four tires and told to return home and give all to "dad." <br /> <br /> That was not an easy task for Gilbert to do. See, I'm the only one really raising Gilbert. His dad was not receptive to doing things with his son. But Gilbert tried. Dad read the paper and scoffed at the idea of making a pine wood derby car with his young, eager son. The block of wood remained untouched as the weeks passed. <br /> <br /> Finally, I stepped in to see if I could figure this all out. The project began. Having no carpentry skills, I decided it would be best if I simply read the directions and let Gilbert do the work. And he did. I read aloud the measurements and the rules of what we could and couldn't do. <br /> <br /> Within days his block of wood was turning into a pinewood derby car. A little lopsided, but looking great (at least through my eyes). <br /> <br /> Gilbert had not seen any of the other kids cars and was feeling pretty proud of his "Blue Lightning," the pride that comes with knowing you did something on your own. <br /> <br /> Then the big night came. With his blue pinewood derby in his hand and pride in his heart we headed to the big race. Once there my little one's pride turned to humility. Gilbert's car was obviously the only car made entirely on his own. All the other cars were a father-son partnership, with cool paint jobs and sleek body styles made for speed. A few of the boys giggled as they looked at Gilbert's, lopsided, wobbly, unattractive vehicle. To add to the humility Gilbert was the only boy without a man at his side. A couple of the boys who were from single parent homes at least had an uncle or grandfather by their side. Gilbert had "mom." <br /> <br /> As the race began it was done in elimination fashion. You kept racing as long as you were the winner. One by one the cars raced down the finely sanded ramp. Finally it was between Gilbert and the sleekest, fastest looking car there. As the last race was about to begin, my wide-eyed, shy eight year old ask if they could stop the race for a minute, because he wanted to pray. <br /> <br /> The race stopped. Gilbert hit his knees clutching his funny looking block of wood between his hands. With a wrinkled brow he set to converse with his Father. He prayed in earnest for a very long minute and a half. Then he stood, smile on his face and announced, "Okay, I am ready." <br /> <br /> As the crowd cheered, a boy named Tommy stood with his father as their car sped down the ramp. Gilbert stood with his Father within his heart and watched his block of wood wobble down the ramp with surprisingly great speed and rushed over the finish line a fraction of a second before Tommy's car. <br /> </em> </span><span style="color: black;"><em>Gilbert leaped into the air with a loud "Thank you" as the crowd roared in approval. The Scout Master came up to Gilbert with microphone in hand and asked the obvious question, "So you prayed to win, huh, Gilbert?" <br /> <br /> To which my young son answered, "Oh, no sir. That wouldn't be fair to ask God to help you beat someone else. I just asked Him to make it so I don't cry when I lose." <br /> <br /> Children seem to have a wisdom far beyond us. Gilbert didn't ask God to win the race. He didn't ask God to fix the outcome. Gilbert asked God to give him strength in the outcome. When Gilbert first saw the other cars, he didn't cry out to God, "No fair, they had a father's help." No, he went to his Father for strength. <br /> <br /> Perhaps we spend too much of our prayer time asking God to rig the race, to make us number one, or too much time asking God to remove us from the struggle, when we should be seeking God's strength to get through the struggle. <br /> <br /> "I can do everything through Him who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13 <br /> </em> Gilbert's simple prayer spoke volumes to those present that night. He never doubted that God would indeed answer his request. He didn't pray to win, thus hurt someone else, he prayed that God supply the grace to lose with dignity. <br /> <br /> Gilbert, by his stopping the race to speak to his Father also showed the crowd that he wasn't there without a "dad," but his Father was most definitely there with him. Yes, Gilbert walked away a winner that night, with his Father at his side. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">(Taken from </span><a href="http://www.laughandlift.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Laugh and Lift</span></a><span style="color: black;"> for July 23, 2012. For more Christian Inspirational articles and clean humor, visit Laugh & Lift at </span><a href="http://www.laughandlift.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">http://www.laughandlift.com</span></a><span style="color: black;">).</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Remain Blessed.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>Ritahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13202972020876371306noreply@blogger.com4