What has Blogville Naija done?

If I never said thank you to my Readers and Naija Bloggers, today I am saying thank you. This is not a parting message, fear not. This is a renewed commitment to blogging, by the Grace of God.


I was introduced to blogging by a Naija blogger. From here, my story begins:

In this blogville, I have made great friends
In this blogville, I have been inspired
In this blogville, I have been encouraged
In this blogville, I have been consoled
In this blogville, I have rolled on the floor laughing, even when circumstances around did not call for happiness
In this blogville, I have known talent
In this blogville, I have learnt new words
In this blogville, I have read words of wisdom
In this blogville, I have learned to improve my relationships
In this blogville, I have realized I am not alone in my pain and fears
In this blogville, I have learnt to be optimistic about life
In this blogville, I have had a virtual loving family
In this blogville, I have learnt that the time to show love is now
In this blogville, I have known more about God.

Many of you do not know how positively your posts and comments have impacted my life. Words are not enough to describe it.

I do not know what blogville has done for you but it has done so much for me.

If you think blogville has done anything for you, now is an opportunity to appreciate those bloggers who have made your day, those bloggers who have inspired you, those bloggers who contributed to your knowledge…the list is endless.

Simply click HERE to start the process of nominating the bloggers of your choice.

Are you eligible to nominate? Yes you are as long as you are
1. A Blogger
2. A Reader
3. Family
4. A Friend
5. Anonymous
6. A Fan

The preacher said, after his long talk on A Time For Everything, “What do people really get for all their hard work?” [Ecclesiastics 3:9].

May we not respond to the above question with “Nothing”. Let us appreciate our bloggers. Let them get our support, love and nominations for all their hard work.

Have a blessed week ahead.

POST WILL NO LONGER BE REMOVED 24 HRS FROM WHEN IT WAS POSTED :-) Thanks to Blogville...

Blogville Award+Joy+Happiness

Guess what!?!

I received a blogville award from Aloted. Certified Honest Blogger?!? I'm so lost for words.

If I’ve been dishonest, this has humbled me and made me repentant.

Now I am filled with joy..no happy...no cheerful...ooops!

Please what is the difference between joy, happiness and cheerfulness? A friend and I have talked about it for over 1 hour and we still did not come to a conclusion. Dictionary calls them synonyms. Please help. Thank you.

My EROLyrics : Thank You

You’ve touched my heart
In so many ways:
With words
With consistency
With your virtual presence
And by speaking my love language to me;

Just to let you know
I appreciate your gift
That teaches me more about God
That He is Love and He is in us…

Thank You.

EROLyrics To Aloted, to Blogville...

To all My Blogs Readers, I want to say thank you. You have been my motivation.

I pass on the award to the following…
Emilia
Fantasy Queen

Jaycee
Oluwadee
Parakeet
Red Sapphire
Standtall

I find your blog special in content… Oluwadee, you can have the award a million times over.

The Rules:
1. When you receive the prize you must write a post showing it, together with the name of who has given it to you, and link them back.
2. Choose a minimum of 7 blogs (or even more) that you find brilliant in their content or design.
3. Show their names and links and leave them a comment informing that they have received an award
4. Show a picture of those who awarded you and those you give the prize (optional).
5. And then pass it on!

All the best…

Dream to Reality

It was 08-08-08. Like always, you called me the nickname unique to you alone. I was thrilled with joy, for what follows was usually a birthday gift.

I cherished those gifts not because of the worth but because of the thoughts and love behind them. Like the "OK" pant and socks (I can't forget the ones that were torn from day one, LOL) and the drinks that made everyone think you favoured me above everyone else. I never remembered to say thank you, yet again.

You told me to close my eyes while you lead me to my birthday gift. As always, I trusted you. My excitement kept rising. And then you said, "Open your eyes!"

I opened my eyes to be awakened from a dream. Looking at me with great love was the great, wonderful man we used to joke about.

Though it's been many years (I've almost lost count), I really miss your thoughtfulness on that day. Maybe I haven't got used to your absence. Your departure did one great thing for me - it made me realize I should never depend on any man but solely on God.

Yeah! God is the Father who has never left me nor forsaken me. He has never disappointed me. He has never broken my heart. With Him, every other thing falls into place. On 08-08-08, I took out time to reflect on how faithful He is, how awesome He is, how good He is, and how gracious He is. I realized it has been years of grace and goodness.

I thank God that He is not a dream.

Right on Time

Right on Time

How could I
Forget who You are
A God that shows up right on time
And has never missed a deadline?

How could I
Forget all you’ve shown me
Especially when it comes to
Satisfying my every need?

How could I
Forget who brought me here
Forget who built my faith
And made me expect a new day?

I have experienced You
Beheld your power and glory
Living today as infallible proof
That You are Love and You are faithful;

No matter what I go through
May I never forget You
A God who is all sufficient
Who will always arrive
Right on Time.

The Inspiration

Today I recalled one experience that made me remember that God is always right on time. Let me share it with you.

During my university days, I was on scholarship. The money was always expected – by me and the family. Once I heard the money was paid into my account, I go the very next day to withdraw all of it. We needed it.

There was this period when the money did not seem forthcoming. I called the organization and they said they were having some restructuring hence the money will be delayed. Months went by and they had not paid the money. I desperately needed to pay my school fees and buy my books. We had no where to turn to.

I explained to God my dire need (like He did not know) and kept hoping that somehow He will send an uncle to my rescue. No uncle came. I also hoped the deadlines for school fees payment and paying for the books will be moved. Instead the deadline was brought forward. With my last shred of hope, I prayed for a miracle.

One day I was in town with my mother. She asked me to check the bank again. I obeyed (who won’t in my position?). When I checked my balance, it had increased by the amount I needed to pay my school fees, buy my books, and with a little extra for transportation. I quickly withdrew all of it (I always had my cheque book with me expecting some money). Joyfully I said to my mom, “maybe the company just sent something for us to hold on to while they continue their restructuring. This money is more than enough for my current need.” God was right on time.

My excitement is in knowing how God did it. When I went to the bank 2 months later (this time, I was not in dire need of any money), my full scholarship amount had been paid. One of the cashiers then explained to me that they plan to withdraw a certain amount of money from my account (equivalent to that additional amount I saw in my account previously). There had been a miscomputation in all savings accounts. They paid 1000% interest instead of 10% interest! “What!” I exclaimed to myself. “They made a mistake just when I needed the money? That provision was truly a miracle from God!” I told the cashier to go ahead with the withdrawal. I knew without a shadow of doubt that if my money finishes, God will surely provide for me His own way.

That happened about eight years ago. Today, why then will I wonder if God can provide me with what I need? What makes me want to place a deadline on God when He knows what time is best for me? How could I easily forget that His ways are not my ways? How could I forget that He always shows up right on time?

I look at how far He has taken me. That money I always looked forward to then is not as much as my tithes today. Why then should I put my trust in the work I do rather than in Him, my provider? And what would stop me from sharing His blessings with others?

God is a God that knows how to do His thing. There is no problem He cannot solve. He does not need my suggestions, strategies, or help. Even before I call on Him, He has answered [Isaiah 65:24]. In the light of any challenge I may go through, He still remains God – faithful, love, unchangeable and worthy of my worship and praise.

There is nothing else I would rather do, than worship Him and give Him praise, through the sunny days and the stormy days, and for all the days of my life. For I know He is a God that shows up right on time!

The Angels, The Branches

The Angels, The Branches

Getting to the top of the tree
Was preceded by holding on to branches
Some from where I rested to take fruit
Some of which I broke off along the way;

I find myself here today
Able to look back at how far I’ve come
Enjoying the blessings that come with the position
Forgetting that I would not be here
‘Cept for the branches that aided along the way;

Bring to my remembrance, Oh Lord
The angels you sent to lift me up
Your instruments to fulfill your promises to me
And may I never cut off branches
As I move to the next step.

The Inspiration
You are about to be lifted up, above your current situation and above your current status. Did I hear a loud Amen? But before you move, please take a pause.

God has been wonderful. HE has been true to HIS promises. HIS words have accomplished what HE pleases. I have listened to many testimonies of people concerning jobs, finances, healing, relationships, fruit of the womb, saving from danger, etc. God has done it again, I say to myself. HE is unchangeable. To God be the Glory. But one thing has been consistent in all those testimonies – God used people to realize HIS promises.

You might argue with me that you prayed night and day for your healing, you stood on the word alone, and because of your faith your prayers were answered. Try to get to the root of this. Don’t be surprised if you find out that you stood on a word someone once shared with you, or a message your pastor preached, or your faith grew by the testimony of someone else. Even if you had to go to a doctor to get treatment, God used the doctor to bring about your healing. Haven’t you heard of cases where doctors made mistakes?

What of you who got a job? You say you were praying in tongues hence you got the job. But was it not someone that told you about the advert? Or was it not someone that gave you money to buy the paper? Or was it not a friend that agreed with you in prayer concerning it? What of when you were stranded and you called on the name of the Lord? Was it not someone that came to your rescue?

Today’s message is to remind us that when we pray according to HIS will, HE answers. The physical manifestation of these prayers answered come through physical means – in most cases human beings. I liken this situation to HIS Word, “Behold, I send an Angel before you, to keep you in the way, and to bring you into the place which I have prepared” [Exodus 23:20]. When HE takes you to a different level (in form of answering your prayers or performing a miracle in your life), HE sends an “angel”.

As you take the pause, have you acknowledged the “Angels” HE sent to ensure you get to what HE has prepared for you? Have you appreciated that parent that gave you the right advice, that guardian that sowed seeds of Tuesday Guardian into your life, that friend that prayed with and for you through the trying situation, that Pastor who preached the Word that collided with your spirit and the word became flesh?

Acknowledging and appreciating such people does not require much. You could sow a seed into their lives even if you think they have everything. You could pray for them especially the ones you may never come across again. You could call them up and remind them of the wonderful thing they did in your life. They may not know how much they impacted on your life and your call might be all they need to assure them that they have worth in this life. Don’t be selective. Even the person that denied you entrance for the visa was only a person God was using to tell you that was not what HE prepared for you. Or the man that asked you to sleep with him before you get a job? Thank God for him for if you had taken that job probably you won’t be where you are today. And what about the doctor that said your case is hopeless? Thank God for him for it was through HIS words that God showed Himself through and proved that HE is not a man, that HE should lie; or the son of man, that HE should change HIS mind; That which HE has spoken HE did and that which HE promised HE fulfilled [Numbers 23:19].

And as you move to the next level, be thankful to God for everyone that comes your way for it is for a reason. Do not judge by the outward appearance, for you do not know who is the next angel HE is sending to prepare the way for you.

Have a blessed week and month ahead.

Taking You for Granted

Taking you for Granted

I am sure of your grace
New everyday
I am sure of your mercies
Never changing
I am sure of your faithfulness
More than knowing myself
But because I am human
I’m prone to taking you for granted;
May my meditations
Remind me of your goodness
May my thoughts not stray
So far as to downplay you;
As my heart aligns with yours
May my memory be fresh of the love you are
May my heartbeat be your love song
May I never take you for granted
Or forget to tell you how much I love you.

The Inspiration
My sister had spotted him yards away. “He’s coming,” she informed me. “Not again,” I muttered under my breath. I left their company to hide in the kitchen. Some ten minutes later, he found me in the kitchen. “I brought you something today,” he announced after we exchanged some greetings. “Get yourself busy, cut the plantains,” I replied curtly, “It should be the same things like before – paintings of me, cards with love notes, can’t you be ingenious for once and surprise me?” He ignored me and showed me his work of art. This time, he had the painting of a princess on the foreground of riches and wealth. “This is who you are to me. A priceless princess who owns the world. I have some good news for you. My dad will soon be a governor. Once he is sworn in, I’d buy you everything you ever dreamed of. I’d make you the happiest girl on earth. I hope then you’d tell me you love me.” “I hope so too,” I replied, “I’d say so when I really feel it and mean it.” That evening I told myself that when next I see him, I’d treat him nicer and maybe tell him I liked him (not love yet, I didn’t know what it meant then).

That was the dialogue of two young innocent children. 2 weeks later, I learnt my friend was dead. May his soul rest in peace. I never got the chance to tell him I appreciated him.

How many times have we been appreciative, loved someone or received a touch of love from someone yet we had our tongues tied? Because of pride? Because of greater expectations? Because of fear? Treat each person for who he is. Funny enough, it is the people who love us the most, who are dearest to our hearts, that we treat the least. It used to hurt me so much when my cousin and I will do something naughty but my mother will spank only me. Until I saw it happen in many other homes. Though that is an act of correction (and I do not hold anything against it) but it goes to show that subconsciously we are inclined to treating those closer to us differently from those far off. My siblings can attest to this (sorry folks!) The word that summarized it is “Taking people for granted”.

I know someone that we take for granted a lot. How many times has HE said HE loves us? How many times has HE shown us that HE loves us? It is very reassuring to hear a confirmation of love. “I have loved you,” SAYS the Lord [Malachi 1:2]. He says it not thinks or writes or planning to say. These four words mean a lot. They mean that HE loved you before you were, for who you are, who you will be and HE is still loving you. Nothing and no one can separate you from this everlasting continuous love HE has for you [Romans 8:35, 39]. Deep down in our spirit we know this. So we say, “Today I won’t talk to YOU, am busy with important things!” or “Even if I sin, YOU will still forgive me and have mercy on me!” If only you knew how often and how much you break HIS heart. What about when you say, “I don’t need YOU! I can make it on my own now! YOU’d always be there when I want you!” This is real.

If you are brooding over heartbreak, over someone that takes/took you for granted, missing someone you love so much, spare a moment to acknowledge HIM. HE loved you while you broke HIS heart. HE loved you while you took HIM for granted. HE missed you when you walked away. And HE’s just waiting to hear you say, “I Love YOU!” from the depths of your heart.

"It is imperative
That Love is shown
To those worthy of it
More if your own
Do not say
That one day you will
For it will be too late
When you lose him".

Wishing you God’s Love.

The Art of Contentedness

The Art of Contentedness

Again I seek
My wish-list has increased
More of things I sought yesterday
Yet satisfaction I have not gained;
So many friends have I lost
‘Cos I could not value their worth
So many opportunities missed
‘Cos my expectations were big;
Loved ones and valuables gone
Yet I did not sense the loss
All because I failed to learn
The art of contentedness;
If I cannot appreciate
Simple things that stare me in the face
If I cannot be in glee
That HE has supplied all my needs
If I cannot be content
That HE has given all that pertains to life and godliness
I may never know peace
And the pleasure of being fulfilled;
My wants and my desires
Will definitely soar high
Lest I learn the art of contentedness,
Having all my wants may not bring joyfulness.

The Inspiration
Two friends were having a deep discussion. Let me lay a background on the two people. Friend A has no job, sells ice blocks whenever she is in need of money, and is single. Friend B has a good paying job (the kind where she says “I have bought only 2 properties in Abuja”) lives in a well furnished 2-bedroom apartment and has a man who appears to be all over her. What is the deep discussion about? Friend B does not like her job. It takes so much of her time and her coworkers are not friendly. Her boyfriend is giving her stress – he calls only once a day unlike before when he used to call 3 times a day. Friend A is listening, offering advice and encouragement. Most of her words were tailored towards “You should be grateful for what you have because some other person out there desires what you have.” But there is something she said that really is true: “In another job, you’d have some other issues, maybe not time but probably personal development or even sexual harassment. You meet another guy, he calls you three times a day but probably he does all the talking that you do not get to communicate leaving you to crave for one call from someone you could talk to”. Human beings, systems, etc are not perfect. Learn to live.

One thing I learnt from Economics (and I always got the answer right in objective and subjective questions) was “Human wants are Insatiable”. We always want more. Having one want satisfied leads to another want. That is why we often hear, “Money is not enough!” As a child, when I draw up my list of gifts for Christmas, I realized that the money I had saved up was never enough for the things on my list. I would do a lot of cost-cutting (until I had nothing for myself) and promise myself that when I have more money, I’d buy everything on my list. If I should do that today, I’d go bankrupt. I thought someday I could fault the Economists.

I thank GOD that HIS beloved Son who walked this earth is a great example for us. HE was content. The humble way HE lived on earth did not match the King that HE is (Be sincere, if you were Jesus Christ who owned everything, would you have lived on this earth having no place to sleep?). All HE was focused on was doing HIS Father’s Will rather than complaining and regretting. And Oh! I just love the words of Paul who said “…for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have” [Philippians 4:11]. It means it is possible to be content with what we have (who we are and where we are).

I entitled the poem “The Art of Contentedness” because learning to be content is an art (a dictionary definition of art is: a SUPERIOR SKILL that you can learn by STUDY and PRACTICE and OBSERVATION). I am learning to be content by studying the Word of GOD, by practicing (what else can I do when my money is always less than my wants) and more importantly by observation. I have a most beloved friend who is thankful with a plate of meal. “Don’t you want more?” I ask. “No thank you, this is enough and I really appreciate it,” he replies. “Why are you not complaining about the traffic?” I ask. “Because there is nothing I can do about it. I can use this time to listen to the Word of God or music on my ipod,” he replies. “Why do you love your mother so much?” I ask. "Because she is the best mother anyone could have. She is wonderful, prudent, selfless, (the list is endless) and I am who I am today because of her,” he replies. I am amazed at his level of contentedness and it shows in many areas of his life. One would think that because he is very content that he takes “anything”. No, he has very good taste and does not joke with the quality of his things. He just knows he should be content with what he has and be grateful to God for HIS provision. Tell me, if you are God and you see someone who is so grateful for the little you’ve given him, won’t you want to give him more?

Rather than spending time complaining about the things you have and worrying about the things you do not have, use the time to learn the art of contentedness. Take the time to appreciate the people (especially your parents and guardians) whom God has caused to come into your life. Take the time to value the simple things around you that make life worth living. Take the time to thank HIM for providing all your needs [Philippians 4:19], and not all your wants. Take the time to praise HIM for keeping you till this day with great plans for you - plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future [Jeremiah 29:11].

While you are mastering the art of contentedness, please do not go the extreme of not desiring better things in life and not aspiring to see your God-given dreams realized. Do not say “I’m content with this relationship that robs me of my spiritual growth” or “I am content with this house that is in the centre of three night clubs!” Paul, who had learnt to be content in all circumstances, was zealous about winning souls for God. He was not content with winning only one soul.

Have a blessed day and be filled with joy.