Do Boats go to Warri?

It was the end of the “convention” and the time we all went home, not too far now as the clocks ticked away. I was given a few options by the event organizers (one before the nightfall and another first thing day break), and as I contemplated the best, I was convinced that the former was the better and soon I will be home. But, as the time drew nearer, I realized I was unprepared. Convinced as I was, “sade’s man” (I called him so, as I never once thought to ask for a name) would help in such matters with the times and hours. Quickly, I darted out from my block (block D, room 1) in search of he, he who would be my greatest help. As I left, on my way there I met a few all set, and making their way to the set place in good time. I called out to them asking if they knew where I could find such a man, without hesitation they informed me I was on the wrong floor (on the 2^nd floor standing in front of 202) in the wrong place and I ought to make my way to the third floor to 332. As I hastily made my way to 332, I met an already hurried man, indeed he confirmed what I already knew, that the boat was due to leave in 7minutes. However, he did mention that the final stop was “Warri”. “Warri” I said to him, are you sure this boat is going to Warri? (albeit this part had been conveniently concealed previously – but for what purpose?).

In spite of this new revelation, I was still determined to get on board; and even though I had no business in Warri, and it was never the intended stop, I would board all the same and thereafter make plans on how to get to my final destination.

As I tried to make a dash back from the block that housed 202 and 332, back to 1D I wondered if I was ever going to be able to make it back to the boat on time, this very boat that everyone appears to be boarding. And even though I had no business in Warri and knew that home was still a long way from the boat’s final stop, I did however question why it was so important for me to board this boat before nightfall, instead of sitting out the night till the day breaks for the non-stop morning ride home. And although a part of me tried to reason with me, the other was more persuasive and quick to point out just how I could be the only one left behind, and how important it was to join in and be part of it all. And though this journey was not suitable and would undoubtedly create difficulties later, I couldn’t help but wonder why I was driven to make the nightfall journey. After weighing my options, I threw caution to wind, proceeded back to 1D, hurriedly picked up my things, and speedily made my way to the port.

As I got closer, the boat had started to pull away, instantly I started to call out to the men on the harbor, please don’t leave me behind, please wait for me. My baggage a little heavier than I had expected, breathless, fatigued, unfit as I was, I continued, wait for me, don’t go, I have my tickets, but it appeared that my drowned out shout was falling on deaf ears. Still reluctant to give up, I gave a last push willing myself to get just that bit closer, maybe then they will see me and stop. But alas, they couldn’t hear or see me. And slowly they began to disappear from sight. As I sat on the pier, wondering how silly it was of me to have pressed on, I couldn’t help but to think, maybe just maybe being left on the waterfront might have been a blessing after all.

After resting a little while on the bay, I picked up the pieces of my broken self, and slowly started to head back to block 1D where I had the only option of waiting patiently for the morning boat, the non-stop express that would take me home. And even though the nightfall journey from a distance might have appeared closer to home, in reality it would have left me stranded, as I tried to console myself.

Lord I thank You for your WORD (Isaiah 40:8) and how You take the promises (Jeremiah 33:14) You made to us seriously. When You said the steps of the righteous are ordered of the Lord (Psalm 37:23), You meant it in its entirety and because of that promise I know it is well with me (Isaiah 3:10).

No matter how hard I tried to board the wrong journey, to set foot on the wrong path, even though it appeared that I was missing out, since everyone was “missing in”; praise God that His very own perfect undeniable, unstoppable “WILL” was what He intended for me, and even though it came in the morning after a long eventful night, it did come, and I made it to my final destination. For what He had purposed for me He used His hands to bring to pass (Isaiah 14:24; 27). For what He planned Long ago in my day break he brought to pass (Isaiah 37:26). Thank you Lord for helping me to wait (Hab. 2:3), and though I tried to create my own visions, thank you Lord for taking away the punishment my disobedient incurred (Zephaniah 3:15) and reinstated your Vision by bringing me to my resting place(Zephaniah 3:20).

I try not to imagine what could have happened if I had made it onto the wrong path. But for God, I am here to thank Him for His love, His dedication, His goodness and faithfulness. For He dared me to Hope, even after all my hopes had died. He dared me to believe even when all was lost. He pushed me to hold on, even though the lines were blurry. He urged me to take a bold step, even when fear had crippled me. He chose me even after all had rejected me (Isaiah 41:9), He loved me even after one had hated me. He honoured me even after one had dishonoured me (Zephaniah 3:20; Isaiah 43:4); He crowned me with glory in place of the shame and disgrace lying in wait for me (Isaiah 50:7). He turned my mourning into gladness and joy in place of sorrow (Jeremiah 31:13; Isaiah 61:3). And though I stumbled on countless times, I did not fall, for He steadied me and made my ways firm (Psalm 37:23-24). And though thick darkness surrounded me, He guided me still through unfamiliar paths and turned the deep darkness into light (Isaiah 42:16). And because of the finished work of Christ on the cross, I can rejoice and have His peace upon me (Isaiah 53:3-5).

So today dear Lord I ask you to help me to be patient at all times, to be driven by YOU and not by the world. To correct me Lord with your unending Love and Justice (Jeremiah 10:23-24); because now I know that only You Lord directs the steps of a man. To know when to move and when to stop, and to humbly follow your lead and not be strong willed and be disobedient. Today Lord I thank you because you have shown to me that your promises supersede all and even though they tarry they will never prove false, for indeed each of them have and will indeed come to pass. Thank you Lord for exposing my ignorance, for indeed all boats that go to Warri, do not go to Nkwerre, Oron or Ekpoma (you can add your own place here).

How conditional is your Love?

Recently I heard Him ask, Is His Love not enough? Is His glory that acts as a shroud over me not enough (John 17:22)? Is His death on the cross not enough (Mark 8:31; Philipians 2:8)?

As I stood there drenched in tears, just for one moment, I wondered if it really was. For that one moment I couldn’t help but wonder, after everything I have seen Him do in my life, that even I, could be counted among those whose love for God could be classed as conditional. That I would deny Him, just because I had chosen to walk by sight and not by faith. Because if my love was unconditional I wouldn’t have to throw tantrums or disbelief just because everything is not what it appears. Because if my love was unconditional, I would not have been so quick to look for an alternative instead of sticking with God, all the way.

Time and Time again He has asked, keeps asking, and is asking still, is His payment on the cross not enough?

Lord your payment was far too much for an unworthy, pitiful, not fit for any good like me, but thank you Lord for qualifying me (Romans 8:33), and counting me as one of yours, even though by all counts, it makes bad business sense to stick with me. Lord help me to be counted when it matters. Help me Lord to be among those whose love for you is unconditional, no matter what the cost.

Which Hijacker?

I just came back from a workshop meeting solely dedicated to my subject of expertise, and the question I had tried to answer in my seminar and which I had posed to the audience was “how can changes in the concentration of a single protein in the nucleus be involved in the increase of cells (in cancer) and yet at the same time cause immediate cell death” – two characteristics pretty opposite in character.

As I tried to make sense of it all, I came to a realization that we as people created of God face this same dilemma in our day to day life. How can a single decision either lead to a relationship with God or cause one to wonder away from His saving grace.

Just as the protein receives a signal that hijacks its highway of decision to either cause cells to proliferate or cease to live depending on its signal input, we too are capable of receiving a signal that hijacks our highway of decision making fate that inevitable will cause us to act in such a way that the phenotype is a decision to follow the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ and to life, or to abandon His teachings and Laws for the way of the world.

It’s funny how I’ve spent most my post doc years trying to decipher this specific question, to find out “what that decision making mechanism is”. As complex as it in the biological sense, it is not at all the case in our lives as that mechanism simply is our mindset and the signal what we feed to it. In Prov. 4:4 - His word reminds us to – Lay Hold of God’s words with all your heart and not to forget God’s words or swerve from them (Prov.4:5). For His word is a lamp to our feet and a light for our path (Psalm 119:105); and life to those that finds it and health to a man’s whole being (Prov.4:20-23). If His Word is the dominating signal that is transmitted to the decision mechanism, then a healthy life can only be the resulting factor.

The problem in lie that if we are not laying hold of God’s words, then the reverse can only be the prevailing factor. A highway unused by God and solely used for the transfer of worthless and hollow messages can only lead to a decision that leads one away from life everlasting surely.

Surely this can only result in a lifeless, thirsty, empty and dry existence. It doesn’t take a genius to figure that if one had to choose between Life and Death, I wouldn’t mind having to pay for the former, just so that I made it onto the VIP list. But unlike many things in this world, to get onto this VIP list is so free (Ephesians 5:1-7). For the Lord Jesus Christ already paid the price (Matthew 20:28; 1John 2:2), just so that we can be set free. And through this we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that He may help us to understand the things that have been freely given to us by God (1Corinth. 2:12).

Choose life, choose His word, and choose God. Let Him awaken, revive, fill and activate you. Let Him lead you to Life everlasting. Why don’t you allow God to hijack your decision making fate, and lead you to a Life filled with His wonders, favours and overwhelming love. Trust me, I know Him to be a great commander, the Lord of Host, the King of Glory, God Almighty; and He is more than able to bring you through to a restful end.

Walking with Limitations

Look around you he said, what do you see? Really, take your time in replying:

Today was no different to the others, I had woken up excited, looking forward to hearing that beautiful sound made by birds I think, not that I’ve seen one around here, but I suppose could be coming maybe from a nearby forest; what lovely sounds, like music to my ears. My! I would exclaim, what a place, such dry beautiful surrounding, as I tried to grasp the beauty of it all. I thought I heard the guard whisper, he’s always mumbling something or the other but today I think I heard him. Yes I heard Him clearly. Slightly rotating towards his direction, I asked him saying, did you say something? Did you try to talk to me? He smiled. Technically today was the first time I heard him speak, audibly and coherently that is. Look around you he said, what do you see? Really take your time in replying:

As if in a trance, could it be a vision, whatever this state of memory intervention could be called – I saw it all, I think.

My life couldn’t get any better than it is right now. I saw myself, just the way I had always wanted my life to be. Free to go where ever I please, ate a variety of meals (mind you, I’m quite fussy, so the variety was only limited to a few dishes). Wore the latest garments, come to think of it, trends were determined by what others around were wearing, so even though garment diversity may not have changed so much among the people around me, I still wore the latest. Different shades of grey I think, and because I was so comfortable where I was I was just simply satisfied. Then I saw him, yes him the guard, always following me, what I would do just to be rid of him; always causing me to experience a feeling totally unfamiliar to me. …….. reluctantly I said to him, you are always there, ever present around me. Are you supposed to guard me or something? Are you some sort of a body guard, watching my every move? Then a thought came to my mind, I’ve never once asked him, like really asked him what he was doing, steadfast, watching and at such a close distance. As I looked at him intently, I could see him smiling to himself. As if I was standing before a judge, I continued saying, I knew the times when I had to wake up and go to sleep, lights out and all, always knew the hot spots to go and show off my skills, this had subconsciously been planted into my mind, but for some reason or the other, I’ve been unable to place my finger on how it came about.

He smiled again, and said a second time, what is it you see before you? This time using your sight not just for seeing but for understanding (Hosea 4:14b). I see steel bars I exclaimed, a walled gate as high as my eyes can see. It follows in a circular motion, all around me. The people around me are just like me, Inmates. The garments are prison wears, and the food, only fit for beggars. The hotspots, places where I had previously thought I could show off what I’m made of, my breakthroughs and successes, my favours that comes from being loved by others, were merely random exercise breaks to stretch out my legs from constantly being restricted in a single place. You mean it has always been like this, you mean I’ve been living the life of a prisoner, a life filled with limitations, restriction; and here I was bolding stepping as one who had it all. Why didn’t you tell me all this, why have you allowed me to live a life of ignorance (Hosea 4:6), and for so long.

Lovingly He replied saying, because you had freely entered into this place, I had to wait until the time when you freely chose to leave. Look again he said: Your gates have always stood open (Isaiah 60:11), I had already gone ahead of you to break down and cut through the barricades (Isaiah 45:2-3) that is why your gates have never been shut. From the day you walked in to this place, I had already posted watchmen on the wall (Isaiah 62:6), that is why up until now you have come to no harm. I had believed today will come, a day when you will finally hear my voice, steadfastly waiting, unwavering, because I knew one day will be today. I was eagerly awaiting the day when you will know the truth, and be set free (John 8:32).

Come He said, I will show you (Jeremiah 33:3) all the wonderful things I have been storing up for you, you see all this years away has resulted in your inheritance, your property to be gathering dust. And because your lot has been made secure for you (Psalm 16:5), no one else could inherit your property.

As He stretched out His hands towards me, beaming with a smile, He asked me saying, Are you ready to leave now?

I don’t know about you fellow inmates, but I sure am ready to leave this horrible gates of bronze and rusty bars of iron, for the untold riches uniquely stored in hidden places for me, for He has always guarded me, and has refused to watch me continue to live this world wonder called limitation.

Lord I thank you for refusing to give up on me. And even though many times I had purposely ignored you, thank you Lord for not allowing my failings to come between me and YOUR love for me.

I love YOU my wonderful guard. You can guard me any time.

Are you an Analogue or a Digital Oscillator?

"An oscillator is a “device” that works on the principles of oscillation: a periodic fluctuation between two things based on changes in energy. Metal detectors are among the many devices that use oscillators, and the most accurate timepiece in the world, the atomic clock, keeps time according to the oscillation within atoms".

All oscillators operate according to the same basic principle - an oscillator (which invariably generates signals) always employs a sensitive amplifier whose output is fed back to the input in phase. Thus, the signal regenerates and sustains itself. The frequency at which an oscillator works is usually determined by a quartz crystal. When a direct current is applied to such a crystal, it vibrates at a frequency that depends on its thickness, and on the manner in which it is cut from the original mineral rock. And even though some oscillators have been known to employ combination of inductors, resistors, and/or capacitors to determine the frequency, the best is obtained in oscillators that use quartz crystals”. The output response can either be an analogue response - where the properties of the signal is manifested in the form of the amplitudes or the phases; or a digital response - when the stored physical property is able to be played back, and in so doing transforms the analogue stored property to a digital one.

Now, this is not a Science or Nature paper but in a way applies to our lives as men and women created of God. The way we respond as oscillators transmits a series of events which can either be an analogue response or a digital one. As human oscillators we fluctuate between completely different phases in our lives especially when it comes to our mindset - where we oscillate back and forth from one state to another. And because as oscillators we need amplifiers to amplify our response to the “external signal”, depending on what our response is, that output tends generally to be increased. Therefore, if our response is positive, then a positive signal is amplified and is fed back to our mind, creating a positive feedback loop. However if a negative response is activated, a negative feedback loop is created, which invariably modulates our perception, and thus leaves one feeling either like a conqueror or defeated.

We can’t always respond positively to a situation, and even though as oscillators we may contribute to the amplification of the response to the problem (i.e. the external signal), the frequency of our amplified response is still dependent on a rock, the quality and tensile strength of the rock within, which acts as a checkpoint control – (Tensile strength is defined as the stress at which a material breaks or permanently deforms. Tensile strength is an intensive property and, consequently, does not depend on the size of the test specimen. However, it is dependent on the preparation of the specimen and the temperature of the test environment and material).

Therefore the thicker and stronger the rock, the stronger the response with which we respond to the situation. And so if our rock is the Rock of Ages (our GREAT and awesome God), who turns every “external signal” input for our good, then the amplified response can only be positively reinforced amplitudes. However, if your rock was to be substituted, the generated output frequency displays a damped oscillation, because the checkpoint control is of a poor quality.

So I ask you this question, what stuff are you made of? What rock are you standing on? Is your REINFORCER, your check point control the Rock of Ages, our Strong and Mighty God, that cannot break, that is a consuming fire, and reigns from Ages to ages. Whom In Gen. 49:24, is known as the Rock of Israel; in Deut. 34:4, is known as simply the ROCK; in Deut. 32:15, is known as the Rock our Saviour. Of whom the people of Israel boasted of in Deut. 32:31, saying there was no rock like their Rock, for the Lord God is indeed a Rock that can never be moved.

So even though in the past my behaviour could be interpreted as an oscillatory dynamics with respect to the yo-yoing effect of my attitude when it comes to how I respond to any situation I encounter in life, whether it be biphasic, or increased amplitude with regards to the amplified negative feedback loop, I have asked the Lord to forgive me. And to teach me how to become a “digital Christian” so that every knowledge of Him that is already stored up in me that will increase my understanding of Him be transformed; Not to just remain as an analogue Christian where the confused state seem to be the observed behaviour, but rather to have the transformation and renewing of my mind that terms a digital Christian.

I may oscillate, in response to a signal transmitted by a difficulty, but because I have the Rock of Ages as my rock that can never be moved, my sensor that is quick to amplify my response signal will only pass through the check point that is my God, so that the observed physical analogue response can be converted to a digital response that has an increased positive frequency to keep my mind firmly as that of a conqueror.

What story will your signal response tell?

One Thing I ask

I wondered,
Started to ponder
I digress
But
Did YOU make any promises to me
I know the Promises of Abraham's decendants are mine
Through the reason of the new convenant
Through the blood of Jesus
So I figured
Since God's spirit testifies with mine
That I'm His child
Then all His promises in the bible are mine

But I figured
Surely not all of them
Surely some are blessed more than others
Surely some are destined for greatness
And others
well, go figure
But I'm reminded today

Whose report will I believe
Will I follow the multitude and conclude I am less
That good things only happen to others
That good things are what you hear for others
That the Lord has brought you into this world
To complain and know pain
Or will you be among the few
The Joshua's and Caleb

You are a child of destiny Im told
A light to the world
And the salt of the earth
You have been purposely
And Uniquely placed
And the Lord has always been with you
You must be made uncomfortable
That is why your testimony
And landmarks of progress cannnot be equivalent to others

You will see what your Life will be used for
And eyes have yet to see what I have instore for you
The enemy may be battling against your destiny
But its a battle destined for failure
Because I already know the end from the begining
I will not appologise for the struggles
Because you can only learn from sink swim situation

Though you didn't listen when I spoke to you
Have wondered constantly in Disobedience
Had no interest in the things that pleases me
Even then I refused to love you any less
And now still
The promises are there for you for the taking
But you must want it enough
Not to give up at every chance of struggle

You are already Victorious

But know this
Be aware
Be on alert
Always be on your guard
Lest the enemy might come and steal your joy
And convince you it is I who have refused to bless you

The Track of no Return.......

This week work wise has been quite challenging as well as demanding and for the first time in years I can safely say I have been very busy, and most definitely back on track, the track that can only lead me all the way to a successful finish.

Some years back, after the end of my studies, a plan was drafted, the directions that would lead into my future was visible, and all the roads that led to it was clearly mapped out, with all the refresher points all clearly highlighted. Not too long after submitting my thesis, I was given an alternative route, a road completely unknown to me, a route that had nothing to do with what I had spent the last three years studying, a challenge, my highest achievement and at the time was a boast to my ego. No sooner had I embarked on the journey did I realize that the road had deviated exceeding from the original plan, at which point it had become impossible for me to see what was now ahead of me, a future which had all but erased, where I was headed unknown.

After a while in the unknown, I had started to feel the way Peter felt during Jesus’ transfiguration – Matt. 17:4 - Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah." - and started to believe the deviation was a good idea, and it was best I started making plans for settling. As if to say it was pointless trying to find my way back to the original plan, I might as well start getting used to the idea that there were indeed no roads that could ever lead me back.

Many times I couldn’t help but wonder how it is that such a Blessing could lead me away from my well drafted plans. I found that with each passing moment, that the motivation to keep going was ebbing away, and I was slowing giving up on my dreams. Interestingly enough, looking back now, even from the onset of the journey the road that would lead me back to the dream, was always available to me, but for some reason it was a road, I would never have considered. Finally after getting to the end of the diversion, I found that the deviation led onto the path that I had previously (on many occasions) refused to consider, and if I had known would have alighted on it, miles and miles ahead. As I continued into this new road, the road I never once considered, I found it was indeed the right path back to the original plan, but this revelation wasn’t immediate.

I have since spent some time wondering why I took a longer route in trying to get to the end goal, even though the path was never supposed to be a complicated one. Why it took so long for me to realize that the “weird” road that continued on from the detour was indeed the right road; the road that follows onto the main road, the highway that was originally laid out. I have since learned the many lessons and have come to the realization that the alternative route was just as important to the highway. I am now back on track, back to my original field of study, back to where I belong.

Is there anyone who knows that they are in someplace they ought not to be, find out what the Lord wants to teach you through it; because only He knows everything about us, and has ordained every single day of our lives. Only He knows what will happen second by second, minute by minute. Suffice to say He has already ordained your path, and the place you should be, he already knows – Psalm 139:16 - your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. So wherever you are, is not a mistake, the Lord has an important lesson that He wants you to learn from it all.

Not to become complacent and prefer the alternative to the original - like I almost did. The original is by far the best, but through the alternative, the lesson learned will be important for your survival in the original plan.

Even though I had somewhat lost my momentum during the break from the plan, the break was most needed if I was ever to get to the end. Thank God for bringing me back, thank God that even though I had hesitated on countless occasions to get back on track, He still made a way that was impossible for me to stay away. He still made me an offer I could never have refused.

My New Swagger, what a walk!!……..

Going to bed at night have always been the best time of the day for me even though sometimes the hour varies depending on what I choose to do with my evening (surf the net, maybe listen to my iPod, have some fruits then brush my teeth) boring I know but for a while now, I have lived like this, as if to say I was waiting for something to happen. Life on hold while I wait. I’ve always felt that my life was missing something, was never quite sure what it was, except that I was living in moments of transition, that tomorrow would be a better day, maybe then I can start living. Even though I had already asked the Lord Jesus to be my Lord and Saviour for some time now, living like this was still the norm, a life that could be termed half-fulfilled.

I hadn’t realised that what was missing in my life was the fact that I wasn’t exercising the Power I had received through Christ Jesus. - Romans 8:16 – The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children - Luke 24: 49 - I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high. And it is this power which is THE KEY that unlocks every inactive area of my life; which enables me to move forward into the other part of the promise. Because of this power that is now resident in me, I am entitled to a life filled with victory, dominion over every situation and circumstance I encounter and have the right to speak things that are not into existence, and life into every dormant area of my life. That I am a powerful individual.

I had forgotten that since the creator of the world is my Father, of whom all authority in heaven and on earth belongs to, that I had the power never again to suffer any form of defeat. I had albeit mechanically memorised some key verses – 1John 4:4 - You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world – Philippians 4:13 - I can do everything through him who gives me strength - but never fully understood it in its entirety. And because I was too busy asking God to give me, give me, give me, I had forgotten to ask for His wisdom, to help me understand what was going on in and around my life.

So what gives you may ask? What happened? Well one day I had had enough of looking forward to my bed, and wanted to know how it felt to have the morning become the best part of my day. I like Jacob decided to wrestle with God until He changed my walk (Gen.32:26), believed James 5:16 – until I was able to cross over to the other side of my promise. And with it I received a new name; through it I received a new walk.

Then I asked the Lord, all these years in waiting, why did it take so long for the promise to be fulfilled, He replied, you did not receive because you did not ask (James 4:2). Then I said Lord, I did ask, but He replied saying, you asked with the wrong motive (James 4:3); and was not willing to pray. I needed you to come to the point that Hannah (1 Sam. 1:10-11) and Jacob did. You were comfortable waiting and I thought what better way than to wait with you. And I thought, You Lord was waiting for me, BUT I was waiting for YOU; at which He replied, I have made everything for your disposal, but I needed you to come into agreement with me, for it to be fulfilled. Can two walk together unless they are in agreement (Amos 3:3). If you had taken action before now, you could have crossed over a long time ago. But you are never late with ME. I thought to myself, what wasted opportunities, but in gratitude thanked God. As I walked away mumbling, the Lord was waiting with me, and for me to act, and here I was waiting for Him, I could have been waiting forever for nothing, at which the Lord replied, faith by itself if not accompanied by action is dead (James 2:17) but because you are precious and honoured in my sight, and because I love you (Isaiah 43:4), I would have allowed a storm to come to cause you to take action. You could never have waited for nothing with ME. So you see why everything (whether positive or negative) works out for your good. At this I stopped my mumbling and walked away beaming and deliriously happy.

The Lord is waiting on you to speak to Him like you’ve never done before and has given you the power to exercise your right; He says He’s coming and with Him your reward (Isaiah 62:11). Why don’t you “wake up” and receive it. Why don’t you open your mouth and speak command and decree and see if He is not able to honour His words and come through for you. Don’t be like those who suffer for lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6). Remember John 10:10 - The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. And - Isaiah 3:10 - Tell the righteous it will be well with them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their deeds.

People may ask me, of whom do I base my confidence in, why do I walk with a swagger, what does all this mean, I tell them, it is because of the Lord Jesus, indeed He is the Son of the living God. I have tried Him and KNOW that the Lord is good. What will your decision be today? The Choice is up to you.

Who are you listening to?

Growing up in the “Mrs. Life of a stranger’s mum’s” house was chaotic to say the least, 3boys and 4girls, all within the same age range, but mother made sure that not one of us would say we didn’t have our fair share of her “undivided extreme attention”, especially when it came to our education. “Have you studied today……… go and read your books……….hmm, don’t come crying if you fail your exams, which will NEVER happen in this house..; and if we ever tried to rebel against such “harsh conditions”, she had this athletic build where she could chase you down, catch up with you, and drag you to your books. Funny thing was if you were sharp, you would realize studying meant that you were excused from ALL the house chores. I figured this out later on, but I’m sure my younger ones, caught on quite quickly. Could you imagine breakfast, lunch and dinner wherever you were sited as long as you were “pretending to be” working hard. That was indeed the life. As blessed as my parents were, they raised children who listened to and took on board their advice. Even though looking back now, the countless times when I was in some bother or the other, was always as a result of me going against them. Which obviously meant sticking with them was by far the better option.

The bibles tells us about the Importance of seeking good counsel, advice, guidance, direction – [Prov. 20:18; 24:6 (Make plans by seeking advice; if you wage war, obtain guidance; for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers)]; and if we can take the advice of our parents whom the Lord has placed us under their authority, how much more our Lord Jesus, who has authority over them, and who to us is our Wonderful Counsellor, our Mighty God, our Everlasting Father, our very own Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). We are also told of the importance of accepting and acting upon them. For what we do after we hear them determines the kind of people we are. Are we likened to a fool who shows his annoyance at once, or the sensible one who receives the good counsel (Prov. 12:16; 9:9; 1:8).

I for one know that I am truly blessed to have the Ancient of Days (Dan. 7:9), the King of the whole world, stoop so low as to desire to instruct me in the way I should go. My mum and dad did good with the little they had, how much more if I was to allow God who has been there from the beginning of time guide me – Because I know He will never fail me.

I want to be an observant of His laws, because I know that when I do what He tells me to do, the benefits outweighs the “reimbursement” of disobeying Him (James 1:22; Joshua 1:8; Deut. 28:1-2). I have known the Lord to be faithful, and by trying out His good counsel I have seen for myself where it has led me; which has always been straight to His Heart, which truly is the best place there ever could be.

Dear Lord Let us be people who seek after your Godly counsel, and be doers of them not just hearers in Jesus name. Amen.

UPDATE....
I just LOVE LOVE God. Just wanted to shout that out LOUD. Just incase......lol....

Deut. 30:19-

19 - This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live 20- and that you may love the LORD your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the LORD is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

A curse that sticks on you, was provoked….. prov. 26:2

where Jesus is... prophesies will come to pass. I receive that.

Living on the other side of the promise

The Oxford dictionary defines promise as: 1 an assurance that one will do something or that something will happen. 2 potential excellence.

Have you been in a situation when someone makes a big promise to you, have you experienced the turmoil of emotions that ensues - the waiting, the anticipations, the badgering, the disturbance, the helplessness that comes in the waiting for the promise to be fulfilled. For some it may take a while for the person to make good on the promise, that’s if they come through that is.

I remember when I was younger than I am now, an award was literally handed over to me on a platter, but I hadn’t really been given it yet, because there were some formality, a process, a series of events that needed to take place prior to it “being officially” given to me. I remember giving a testimony in church, praising and glorifying God, and receiving and claiming it. After all it was mine; it’s just a matter of the bureaucratic process that needed to take place. When the time came for the process to commence, I was told that even though it’s practically mine, I still had to submit an application, a grant proposal, and will have to get it reviewed by the reviewer board and advisory board, and then after it all, only a couple of people “may” be awarded. I asked the organiser to explain to me again, what she meant. She told me, that all the Universities in the UK were participating, and nine have been chosen to submit an application, and only three may be awarded in the end. At which I replied, “I thought this award was practically stamped and delivered to me”. She told me, in principle yes, but it could go either way. I guess that week was probably the worst week of my entire life, and I wondered how I could go back and tell the people that “technically” the testimony wasn’t really complete, and that the award wasn’t really mine yet. You see I had declined all offers, because this award was the mother of all, it gave me access to ANY university in the world to work with, and the world was my playing field - or so I thought!

In reality many of us are in one way or the other waiting on a promise to be fulfilled. A promise made by a fellow man may not come good, but a Promise made by God, is FOR SURE to come to pass. Many of us claim the promises of Abraham to be theirs, yet they forget that Abraham had to go through a process to become the Father of a Great Nation. Even though Abraham was significantly wealthy, could you imagine having to wait for 25 years for God’s promise concerning a Son to come to pass (Gen. 12:2-3; 13:14-16; 17:17; 18:10). That doesn’t even include the waiting before the promise was given. I know, there’s no way I could wait that Long, but He did, and God called him His friend.

……………….. Many of us would have resided to say “ hmm, yeah God promised, but you know maybe we should try and help ourselves (which they did with Hagar), or like the Shunammite woman who didn’t want the prophet Elisha to make her any promises, no point getting her hopes up you know (2 Kings 4:16). Yes we know God is able, but erm, there are levels, maybe He didn’t mean it physically, maybe spiritually ehen the promise will come to pass………lol………………

Hannah was another tormented by her inability to give her husband children, but she had no idea that the Son the Lord was preparing for her was to be the very first prophet that Israel would ever have (1 Sam. 1:6; 3:20). Waiting for the promise of God to be fulfilled is never going to be an easy process. What is it that you are waiting on God for? What promise has the Lord been repeating to you that He will do for you? What is it that Lord been reminding you that is an easy task for Him to do? His word’s reassures us that no matter how long it takes we should wait (Hab. 2:3).

I was so favoured with regards to my award, I only had to wait Six months (without a Job), and even though many proposals were declined, and in reality only three universities out of the whole in the UK was chosen, the reviewers accepted my grant proposal and awarded me the money. It could have gone either way, but because of the Favour of the Lord that was upon me, He brought this promise to pass. God does not show favouritism (Acts 10:34-35), when you see Him coming through on His promises for others, you better rest assured that the promises He made to you will surely come to pass. God is more than able to do exceeding and above that which He says He will do, He is good for it. I have known Him to be faithful and true. The promise may be taking a little while to come on over, but that doesn’t mean its not coming at all.

As for me I have crossed over and have started to live life the way the Lord purposed me to live. The waiting process will never be a pity party occurrence, or a time to dabble in doubt and unbelief. I believe God and that settles it. I choose to live life expectant, knowing fully well that He has done what He says He will do. It’s just a matter of filling the paper work, and presto I’m “outer” here.

Discount on the Treno Express

Hey guys... just wanted to give a just in UPDATE..hehe.. Im off tommorrow evening to the south of Italy for a friend's wedding. I had booked my flight originally which got cancelled and redirected to a different place. The notification was in Italian and English but I couldn't get past the Italian section, so asked for a refund only to find that everyone else I was travelling with took the redirected flight and the airline have now refunded me my money. This all happened when I was taking my much needed trips in August. when I decided to rebook again the price had "quardribbled", and we still had another 300 km left to go (which means cost of hiring a car). In the end, I opted to catch a 12hrs train there and another back. Either way the cost of the journey would still be the same for the origianl flight (which when I booked in July was 160 euros)

Anywho, to cut the long story short, I went to purchase my ticket, not only did they give me the most afordable option, they also gave me 20% discount on top of it all, leaving my collegues green with envy (as another one decided to go last minute). So here I am, paying 84 euros, for a 170 euro minimum train ticket. I am really so fantastically elated overjoyous, dazzled, beside myself happyness...lol.. FAVOUR. When my collegues read the options on the ticket, says that the dicount is only limited to a few people a year, and here I was one of them. Thank you Jesus. I know I know 80 odd euros may not amount to much, but its the principle. Everywhere I go, God is just blowing up the spot. Can't wait. I LOVE YOU JESUS. You make my heart go paulina paulina..lol.. muah.. God I'm just rubbing kisses all over your face.. You are my papa..

Oya I'll post something up tomorrow God willing before I go. Ciao my people.

The Favour Factor: Transform Lives and Make a change

…..it pains me to see someone who has been blessed so, still unable to acknowledge the blessing or see her path laid with so much light… (Sisbee)

I knew a young lady once, who moved on from one blessing to another never recognizing it or being thankful for it. She moved up from being in the shadows to fame in three divine steps, whilst leaving her contemporaries to struggle with jealousy, despair, worry, and other fruitless emotions. It was as if a normal occurrence in her life, which translated to a miracle in the life of others, was always treated with such indifference.

Her Complain:

Every now and then she would ask God, “Why have you created me to only know pain, to question my life's turn of events and in the midst of it all, loose sight of YOUR path for my life. To seek refuge in all the wrong places compounded again with the already fragile state of mind. She would continue with, “What is the point of all the excellence and promotions. I did not ask for wisdom or wealth, but you gave me those in abundance. Still the one I desire the most, “You” have in all these years yet to give me”. Grumbling had become a normal way of life for her, but this did not stop God from making her life a shinning example. A blessing she neither welcomed but rather saw as a cross to bear. A load too heavy to carry. Can you imagine pretending to be happy, when I’m slowly crumbling inside? How can my life be envy to so many people?

God’s answer:

Then one morning as she woke up, like the days previous, ready again to read out her questions, before she spoke, she heard, it was now her turn to be questioned concerning what she’s been doing with her gifts. The Lord asked her: why do my blessings not please you? I gave you life, so that your life is filled with hope and joy and all manner of praise worthy things. I gave you health, so you could enjoy the abundant Life I have stored up for you. I gave you wealth, so that you will know no lack and wisdom so that you will continue to be the head and above in everything your hands find to do. I fearfully and wonderfully made you, which is why when you step out, people take notice of you. You see, it’s not your fault that they have to take notice, it’s just the way I planned it. Before you had need of anything, I had already made provision for them. I realise that sometimes it may take a while to get to the one you desire the most, but you see it’s a process. A conveyer belt system, an ordered series of events to prepare you for that destination. Everything you’ve been given up until now, is a build up to the ones to come. Including “That one” you’ve so vehemently accused me of withholding from you. I don’t think you realise how much I love you, how important you are to me, and how it pains me of your lack of appreciation. I understand that some negative things have and will continue to happen in your life, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t factored it in my plan. Every gift I’ve given you was never for you and you alone, but to be used to transform lives and bring a much needed change in the lives of the people I’m sending to you. The Life I created you for is greater than the life you are living, but it was good for you to ask. It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that “you” are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is your stability and faithfulness - Lam 3:22 - 23. In these days he has shown his favour and taken away “your” disgrace among the people - Luke 1:25. He is watching to see that “His” word is fulfilled (Jer. 1:12), and "You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you." - Numbers 11:23. He continued on to say “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” (Jer. 1:5).

Each one us have one complaint or the other which we’ve already spent a considerable amount of time presenting to God, forgetting there are people whose lives are dependent on the trials we've overcome, none too small in the eyes of God. It is time to go to ‘Galilee”. What are we doing wrong in our lives? Have we in the waiting for “that answered prayer” forgotten to give thanks to God for the others? Are we struggling with the glass is half empty concept. If we are truly honest with ourselves, we can see how good the Lord has been to us. Not just the small things even the great ones. To always count our blessings, because in doing this we see that the positives outnumber the so called negatives. Today I am alive to testify of God’s goodness and greatness in my life - They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death – Rev. 12:1. My future greater than I can ever imagine. I think when we magnify God, and remember how great our God is then living for ourselves will be easier to let go. Living for God, trust me is so much hassle free. We don’t have to worry about the things He’s done or not done for us, but the things we can do for Him. Like the Psalmist says I’ve never seen the righteous forsaken. I too have that testimony to tell. There are people waiting for their lives to be transformed through your testimony. This is the time to Transform Lives and Make a change. Let us never be found wanting.

So I think I can Fool God

So I was querying God recently, trying to ask Him why others seem to get away with certain things, and the moment I do it, my own lands me into great difficulty.

So the Lord replied saying to me in - Galatians 6:5-8 - for each one should carry his own load. Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. Do not be deceived and deluded and misled; God will not allow Himself to be sneered at (scorned, disdained, or mocked by mere pretensions or professions, or by His precepts being set aside.) [He inevitably deludes himself who attempts to delude God.] For whatever a man sows that and that only is what he will reap. For he who sows to his own flesh (lower nature, sensuality) will from the flesh reap decay and ruin and destruction, but he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. – Luke 16:15; 1John 2:15-17 –

Romans 6:1 - What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?

As in, next time Life of a Stranger, query other things, not when you are DEAD wrong.

So because there is grace we have used it as a licence to do however we please. Yet this is wrong. Yes we may be in a dispensation of grace, but does that mean we should use it to sneer at God, mock God, and disrespect Him however we please just because He is quick to forgive. So, because we know there is Grace we have forgotten God is the same yesterday today and forever, and have forgotten so quickly, He is the same God of the Old Testament. Just because He is merciful and gracious and slow to anger (Ex. 34:6). But it doesn't say that our actions will in the end not bring God to wrath. Forgetting we can experience the judgement of God if we continue in our ways. That even though He is a God who wants to bless me, and protect me, if I deliberately continue in my sin, as in the sin is now premeditated (i.e. planning my repentance after the sin, intentional sinning), when the outbreak comes I shouldn’t complain why stuff is happening to my life.

Is as if, we are not afraid of God, when we ought to be working out our salvation in fear and trembling. Can you imagine, after you received the knowledge of truth, and continued to sin deliberately, why shouldn’t we expect dreadful judgement. Let’s just say, Fear almost caught me. I quit my whining on the spot, and started singing awesome God, mighty God, I give you praise… you will not hear any more moaning on this blog again biko..

Thank God for Grace. It’s so funny how quickly we have forgotten how way back in the day when it was only the high priest that were allowed to go to the holy place, they would tie rope to their waist just so that if the bell was still jingling, they knew the high priest was still alive and when the bell stopped they knew he must have died, and would pull the rope to get him out. We forget this is the same God, fearful God. So now because Jesus has died for our sins and we have grace we just do as we please.. omo.. carried along or not, we better have this in the back of our mind. Wow, Insulting God, insulting the Spirit of Grace. Trampling the Son of God, and treating God, like someone we couldn’t care less about. We need to start asking God for forgiveness. As in my eyes opened even wider.

Grace is a restraint a reason for us not to sin, and not a reason for us to sin - Lam 3:22 - 23 - It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.

I know this post is like all over the place, it’s just that I had forgotten, and needed a reminder. I really thank God for loving me to enlighten me so.

Today Lord, I ask you to forgive me, in everyway I have sinned against You. Heavenly Father, today I start again, I rededicate my whole life and being back to you. You and you only have I sinned against. Blot out my transgressions before me, and remember them no more. Help me Lord to treat the blood of Jesus with Reverence and Holiness. Be merciful unto me, and continue to be a light to my Feet, so that I may know the way I ought to go. I know the truth Lord, and I pray that you help me NEVER to continue to sin deliberately. In Jesus Name. Amen

Amazing God, Amazing King

I woke up this morning with this song in my spirit and kept singing it all the way to work. It really got me thinking what really qualifies God as amazing in ones life. Let me give an example, I returned to Goteborg again this week even though some time ago during the early years of my study I had the opportunity to visit it with my cuz and her colleagues from Harvard. For me it was one of the best cities I had been to, and the roads appeared to be never ending (we were always walking). We stayed in the Hotel Gothia Towers, and on the west end 20^th floor having breakfast on the 23^rd which was only allowed depending on the floor level you were staying. I spent a little money on an outfit which I wore when I went to pick my sister’s things when she was finally leaving university for the great big wide world. Her friends thought the outfit was amazing and my sister never forgot it.

Fast forward to the present time. The experience was no different with the previous (or so I thought), only that I went with colleagues of mine, who were experts in their field of science and already had a preconceived idea of what they felt was beautiful and what was not. The city is not an old one, so no buildings that date back to the middle ages, and no significant art work that might inspire them. Nevertheless, they were not overly impressed with the city and didn’t think it was a place for them to come back to. When they asked me what my view of the city was, it took me more than a second to answer them. The fact may have been, since the five years I last visited the city, I may have been to other cities each of which I felt may have been more amazing than the other. In any case as disappointed as I was, it got me thinking. I wondered what made this visit any different to the first.

Going back to my topic today, as irrelevant as the example I’ve given may be, it really got me thinking. For some of us, our view of God is the amazing things He’s done or does for us, the memories of the significant breakthroughs that have brought us to where we are today. But, when the opportunity arises for us to face those same situations again which we once overcame in our past, the fact that we didn’t do as well as we did before or did terribly, automatically translates that God is no longer amazing to us. We begin to allow the insignificant become significant. We begin to grumble at God, saying “after all, if He knew we weren’t going to overcome it, then why put us through the whole emotion of being hopeful. Better still, He has the power of taking the situation away completely, so why allow us to face it a second time; why allow us to go through it, when He knew we were going to fail anyway…. Wouldn’t it have been better for us to be of good cheer, while reminiscing about the old memories, instead of allowing our minds to become defiled with the new ones that “kinda ruins” the old.

I remembered telling my colleagues, it would have been better with the old memories, but now I know better. I am not disappointed because this visit was nothing compared to the old visit. I am glad that I had the opportunity to go through this experience again, and know that the city wasn’t beautiful because of what it had to offer, it was beautiful because I choose to believe it was. I choose to believe that whatever comes my way that God is still amazing. I think that ought to be the stance we take in life. God is not just amazing for the things He does for us, He is simply amazing because of who He is. He is God. He was, is and will be forever God. I think that pretty amazing don’t you think?

BREAKING NEWS:

I'm falling inlove with me all over again. He reminded me again what He told me three years ago, that the Life He created me for is larger than the life I'm living. And He also said - "You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you." - Numbers 11:23 - I feel like it's my birthday already.

I don't know what to make of all this, I'm wondering, Is there a "Bently" waiting for me, or am I about to be transformed to a billionaire. I feel like something is about to be birthed in my soul - Transform lives and make a change, He said. Ok here I am. Ready for action. Oh and I'm wearing my purple chequerd top, with silver line and brown tint. Yay.. Loves it.

Jeremiah 1:12

What word has God spoken to you lately that the enemy been contending with. Yesterday the favour of Lord was so magnificent that I went home and woke up feeling too wonderful.

I will be away again for a week on a meeting in Sweden. I'm really looking forward to this trip. Can't wait to visit another country, after my three weeks break.

Remember Jer. 1:12 - The LORD said to me, "You have seen correctly, for I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled."

Once He has spoken, twice have I heard.. it is indeed well with my soul.. Yay.. God has been moving me unto new levels and relms in my relationship with Him. He really has been showing Himself victorous. In not too far, I have a testimony to share. And indeed the Lord has been so good to me.

What the Lord Has done

Luke 1:25 -

The Lord has done this for me," she said. "In these days he has shown his favour and taken away my disgrace among the people."

About love, commitment, feelings, relationship, maturity e.t.c.

Love is not just a feeling, it comprises of it. Feelings aren’t the evidence of love. Love is an exercise of ones will—a decision you deliberately and consciously take based on knowledge and understanding to stick with the object of your love (a woman or man) no matter what happens; this decision will eventually open up a flood-gate of strong feelings.

Because of your commitment to someone, when feelings disappear momentarily, you can stay in there till the feelings return. So if someone tells you I don’t have feelings for you again, lets take a break, then he either doesn’t understand what love is or never loved you in the first place or probably thought he really loved you and mistook a fleeting passion for a strong deep undeniable love— one that should come with the strength to stick it out in moments of dryness of feelings.

There is something I always say, Love is the most used word but the scarcest of true experience; most people say I love you or think they love, but in actual fact what they mean by “I love you” is actually, “I love the way you make me feel”, so in other words if you stop making me feel this way, then I will stop being there for you—which is lack of commitment. Now think about it, If your ex has walked out of your life, and tells you he can’t be committed now, really though not deliberately, he causes you pain yet in your heart of heart you still love him. Now! That is true love, commitment no matter what, but sadly Men have a problem acting this way, they are usually “Wonderful Committed Beginners” but never can sustain, so they say I’m afraid of commitment; such men need to Grow up.

Feelings are fickle; they are like fire, if you don’t keep putting wood (fuel) it will go out. What is wood in this case? Doing for the other what he likes and not quarrelling too frequently.
If the feelings are not there or dies, it’s because you have made up your mind not to be committed; you must tell yourself I may not feel like it now but I’ve made a commitment, so we are going to work this out, now my African queens this is very hard work and it takes being unselfishness in the relationship to achieve this. Then you’ll find the feelings will come back, so instead of a crisis breaking you up, it makes you stronger; you work out your issues and in so doing you understand each other better. Love now grows because you now understand your partners sensitivities, you are more like a team, you deal with issues together, not take off when you encounter challenges, BECAUSE YOU HAVE BOTH MADE A COMMITMENT TO STICK TO EACH OTHER, PERIOD!

Love takes a lot of perseverance and patience to grow and be sustained. So when you see couples in-love, understand it wasn’t always like that in the beginning they worked together through the challenges and storms and made it to the other side of a now enviable relationship. So really the key is finding som1 who loves you enough and who you believe in enough to weather the storm together and get to the other side of the storm, which is a Beautiful Enviable Relationship because—once again—of commitment.

Love is not just about feelings; it is actually, about a decision to be committed. It gives the strength to stick with that one person. Love mixed with maturity, which is actually a proper view point of what life or love is makes you have the ability to see the quality and heart of the one you love, beyond their physical appearance. Because even the bible says for this reason a MAN (not a boy) will leave (not a mama’s boy still hanging unto mummy’s apron)—these are two prerequisite for a good husband.

Boys not men chase you out of an initial excitement, but when you as the lady returns that feeling, they get scared because they aren’t ready for a lifelong commitment relationship. They want to keep humping around, living the single life or whatever their individual reasons may be. It means in the beginning he didn’t really think about what he was feeling or wanted before leading the woman on and this a marked trait of Immaturity— a real mature man should think before he jumps.

A relationship where each persons needs are not being met, will die. Also, a relationship where there is constant bickering and quarrelling will kill feelings and may eventually end the relationship, so avoid Quarrelling but by all wisdom please let your feelings be known and agree on the best way to resolve conflicts.

Commitment means I can no longer have space. My life is now shared with another. I’m now accountable to someone else and can’t really make decisions, especially ones that will seriously impact on the relationship e.t.c changing location.

ADVICE: Women, hold your excitements about a man till you’re sure about him, and then let go. (For the Immature man who hasn't grown up, i mean)

ADVICE: Women, if you use the behavior you should have during marriage on a relationship, you’d ruin things. If you act like you’re married to a man while in a relationship, he gets scared and runs away. To know how your partner wants to be loved, watch how he shows you love. (For the Immature man who hasn't grown up, i mean)

A good man will welcome a woman's sincere love, embrace her when she returns affection and holds onto her no matter what; even when the fear (that most men feel when they meet a potential) arises. We men all feel that fear to whatever degree, I did, even couple months to my wedding. One just has to hold on long enough, and let go of the fear of commitment.

So my African queens if a guy doesn’t want you—however he tells you, or makes you know he isn’t ready to commit to you—Let the guy go. He isn’t worth your time and it's most of the time HIS LOSS (which he usually realizes late). If he really wants you, he will come for you when he gets his act together and realizes the mistake he has made.

So say to yourself, NOTHING IS WRONG WITH ME. I’M BEAUTIFUL BY ALL STANDARDS, because what break-ups tend to do is mess up our self-esteem, but refuse to give in to that, get up, pick up the mistakes made, make corrections, move on, because there is someone out looking for you just the way you are.

Above all, Let GOD lead the way. A man without the fear of God in him isn't right for any woman; For he will surely hurt you.

By An Anonymous Ibo Guy (a great friend of nma - my adopted cali chicka friend..)

(Ladies he's married- ain't that something...)

side note
Where there is the Love of God, there is no fear. God is Love, so a man born of God, born of His Spirit has His likeness within him. He has the ability to Forbear, be Kind, forgive, shares the burden of others, thinks less of self but of others, regardless of how difficult it may appear. However, a man who displays none of this, is born of self not of God. Flee from such a man...