On Santa and Christmas

Thank you to everyone who voted for my blog and the soulsistas blog in the Nigerian blog awards. We won we won we won…. Yay!!!! God bless you all! My excitement knows no bounds :)

So I have a dilemma…or I am a bit confused about an issue. Maybe you can help me.

source: google images

A little background, growing up my mum used to take us to see Santa who is commonly known as Father Christmas in Nigeria. We went a few Christmas till my mum got a “rev” that Santa wasn't biblical. So no more Father Christmas for us. By that time I was already bored with the ruler, eraser, biro and exercise book we got every year from Father Christmas anyway so I didn't think much of it.

We also put up a Christmas tree and Christmas decorations every year. It was always fun hanging Christmas decorations and lights as a family. In between it all, including the rice and chicken we ate on Christmas day my mum instilled in us the true meaning of Christmas.

Now fast forward to present day, Bionic’s godfather took her to go see Santa when she was 1 year old. I didn't think anything about it. She had fun and took a picture with Santa. Last year for some reason I felt uneasy in my spirit about the whole Santa thing, who knows maybe I was getting a rev like my mum. Anyway she didn't get to see Santa.

Now this year, the talk of going to see Santa is back and so is the uneasiness. I really can’t place it. 

I make it a conscious effort not to get religious about things but at the same time I can see how easy it is for Santa to replace Jesus Christ in the Christmas story.

Bionic is three now and more aware of Christmas especially in terms of decorations and lights and what have you. I want Bionic to know that:

• Whether she is well behaved or naughty Jesus still loves her
• Christmas is about Jesus coming to the world to save us from sin
• Christmas like any other time is the time to show love to others
• Christmas is not about collecting presents but sharing
• Christmas is so not about SANTA but JESUS

Sugarspring wrote in her last post- "The fact that people replace Santa with Jesus on Christmas day and forget the real representation of what that day symbolizes doesn’t mean it is OKAY". I totally agree with her. Her post partially inspired my question.

It's bad enough that Christmas has been commercialized.

Ok so what do you think…? What are your thoughts on Santa? Parents, are your children going to see santa? What Christmas values are you instilling in your children? 

Uncles and Aunties would love to hear from you too. I would love to learn from y'all.

One more thing what do you think about writing or saying Merry X-mas instead of Merry Christ-mas. Where did X come from sef?

Thanks

Aloted

I was nominated!!!- Nigerian Blog awards!

I am so so excited!!! This blog and The SoulSistas Blog got nominated in the Nigerian Blog Awards... Woooo hoooo!!!!!

This blog was nominated the last two times the awards ran but I didn't win on either occassion (sob sob) so I am really hoping I win this time.

Please will you help me win? 

All you need to do is go here and vote. You don't have to be Nigerian to vote so please don't let that stop you.

Please vote for my blogs in the following categories

1. Best Collaborative or Group Blog- From the heart of soulsistas
2. Best Faith Based Blog- Purpose driven blog
3. Best Relationship Blog- From the heart of soulsistas

I will be extremely grateful if you do this for me.

Voting ends Nov 11 but please do it now so you don't forget. :)

Thanks and see you around
God bless!
Aloted

For one day only- A short movie starring Bionic

Today 17-10-12 is was Bionic's 3rd birthday. Yay!!!!

And mummy is was in a very happy and spontaneous mood. So for one day only I am putting up put up a video clip Baale and I made together of her three years on planet earth.

Words cannot express how I feel today but I am grateful for Bionic's life. Three years ago I know what my eyes saw in the labour ward but she is my miracle and a constant reminder of God's faithfulness.

A number of people ask why I call her Bionic. Well, one of my very good friends gave her the name as a baby cuz she has super adorable charming powers which you might observe in the video. The name stuck!

Enjoy this short clip- our very first attempt at putting a video together so just manage it like that. :)

I will be pulling this video down tonight. 

Video gone now. Thanks for all your lovely comments. God bless you all.

Juggling Work, Pregnancy and a Toddler

Check out Wrifreak experience on juggling work, pregnancy and a toddler on the Super Working mum website.

source: Super Working Mum

Now we know why she hasn't updated her blog in AGES :)

And no that is not Writefreak in the photo ;)


Please leave a comment on Super Working Mum. Thanks

Cheers

Thankful Thursday- God Cares

1 Peter 5:7

Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Thank you all for your comments on my last thankful Thursday / testimony. If you haven’t read it please do so by clicking here. 

 

My second testimony is more of an encouragement to others and also talks about the fact that God cares about even the simplest things. 

source: google images

So a few months ago I had to go abroad. I usually check in online anytime I travel and I usually aim for the aisle or window seat. I stay clear of the middle seats. Just not my style especially when travelling alone.

So I was able to choose my seats for my outbound and inbound trips. Outbound trip was totally fine, got my window seat. Inbound flight, I could only find a middle seat bang in the middle. Not aisle but middle middle so this will be me sitting inbetween two people for a 6 hour flight. Phew. It was one of those flights where you had to pay extra if you wanted a different type of seat…I didn’t quite understand that. Anyway….

I decided to worry more about it when I had to return, hoping some window and aisle seats would have turned up available. Day before my flight I checked but still no seats. I got to the airport and when I was going to drop my bag I asked the attendant- very nice lady- if there were any seats. She checked but said no. I said thank you and left.

At this point I just told myself I will be ok, I had bigger fishes to fry. Baale had just called me the day before with some worrying news. That took my mind away from my seat issues.

I went through the security gates and found my way to the boarding area. I realized there was free wifi so I quickly connected myself to continue chatting with Baale.

Next thing I hear my name been called from a distance “Mrs Aloted Omoba please come to the boarding gate for check in”. My name has never been called at the airport before so you can imagine my surprise. I was like “huh, check in? but no one else is checking in. Even first and business class, what’s going on?!.” I heard my name been called again.

I hurriedly packed all my stuff and walked to the gate. The lady asked for my passport and the conversation went something like this:

Lady: “hello Mrs Aloted, I see you have a middle seat”

Me with a sad look: “ya, I tried to find another seat but wasn’t happening and I wasn’t willing to pay extra for one”

Lady: “Well we just found you a window seat, will you be interested”

Me with a surprised look: “Really?! Of course I would!, this is fab”

Lady: “Yea, we are trying to seat a family together blah blah”

She changed my seat and I was thoroughly surprised. I was so not expecting that.  I know some of you may see it as coincidence but that is what I call God-incidence (my last testimony was also a classic God-incidence). How come out of everyone on that flight, I was called to change my seat before the flight.

At that very instance God brought to my mind the other thing Baale told me, that I was worried about. He reminded me to cast all my cares on him, because he's got me and the situation. I don’t even think I prayed about my seat getting changed…maybe once. I thought about how nice it would be but didn’t say any elaborate prayers or dwell on it. That made me realize God knows and cares about every single thing that concerns me.

Do you think God has forgotten you? Do you think he doesn’t care? Wrong! God cares much more than you can imagine. If he cared about me being comfortable on a 6-hour flight then I know he cares about the bigger stuff and will sort it out. He shows up right on time.

All you have to do is believe and humble yourself. You cannot do anything in your power.

What has God done for you recently to remind you he is your father and that HE cares? Please share in the comment box below.

Till next time stay blessed

Aloted

Thankful Thursday- God came to my RESCUE

 I called You Answered

And You came to my Rescue!

Today I have two testimonies. Testimonies are meant to be shared to encourage each other and also to share the awesomeness of God. I want to give all thanks to him! You all know how I love God and if I had a chance I would talk and blog about him all day long! Hehe!

So I hope this doesnt turn out to be a long post as I am not a fan of long posts but here goes:

Testimony 1- A few months ago I went in to my GP to get a simple procedure done ( I won't bore you with the details). As in simple go in and go out type procedure but the devil thought otherwise. The GP (general practitioner) tried to do it and said it was looking complicated and didn't want to risk any more complications. He said he would have to refer me to the main hospital for a scan and I may need general anesthesia (GA) and surgery. Gene what? Surg- what? I have never been put to sleep before or had surgery so I was like "huh, you kidding right".

Anyway I had to go on a waiting list for about a month and a half. I got a letter to come in October but I called them to move it forward, as I was some time in pain and wasn't even sure what it was. I wanted to get this whole thing over and done with. Thankfully, I was called in to come in Sept 27th.

I went in to the hospital, and waited for like 2 hours. Gosh see loads of women waiting to be seen. Anyway, the registrar I saw did some checks and also confirmed I would need the GA/surgery and depending on what they find I may have to come back for another surgery and what not. He got me to sign a form after telling me all the risks of infection and things getting ruptured inside of me. He told me I would be sent a letter for surgery date which would be in late Nov. I was just dazed, confused and upset.

Now during the time I was on the waiting list, I called in to another clinic to see if they could get the procedure done. My appointment for the second clinic was Oct 1, this Monday that just passed. So Thursday when I got the news, I told Baale and my SIL (sister in law) who is my sister from another mother. They were both like wow! are you serious? nawa o! but why? and what not.

Anyway SIL who is in Nigeria suggested we fast and pray about it all on Monday before I go in. So that was what we did, I told God my heart desire- I didn't want to do a surgery for something that was suppose to be simple. I told 2 other friends and they agreed to pray along.

Monday came and a lot of drama happened just a few hours before I had to go to the clinc in the evening. Work was hectic. Baale was getting on my nerves. Also our car which I took in for repairs during the weekend wasn't ready.  So I decided to walk to the clinic , I didnt realise it was that far. 45 mins walk! Phew. All the way I kept telling myself not to allow my fasting and praying be a waste because of all the drama.

Anyway I got there and saw the nurse, I didnt mention anything about the surgery and all so as not to get her worked up. She tried to do the procedure but found it difficult. All this time I was just praying it will be done and that I am not leaving here without getting this thing done. She then said she needed to call the doctor on duty to do it. I said no problem.

She went out to get the doctor from the other room. People, guess who turned up? The first doctor who tried and sent me off for the scan! Immediately I saw him I hid my face (I was lying down). He came in and got to work. Before I knew it procedure was over! Done and dusted.

OMG (that means Oh my goodness btw) I started to laugh! I was laughing!!!! I was given the clear- no GA, No surgery, no nothing! I laughed and danced all the way to the train station (ok I was dancing in my mind) but laughing out loud like a crazy chic.

GOD IS AWESOME!!! and he has a sense of humor! I called SOS style and he came to my rescue! He used the same doctor to get this simply stuff done.

I have heard stories of women going in for this same procedure and end up with all sorts of complications. I was and still humbled because God decided to be merciful towards me. My people, please bless God with me!!!

A friend said to me recently in light of all these and also her own trial- "Do not let your reality question the might and power of God Almighty".

I challenge you with these words. Your reality has nothing on God's awesomeness. 

God hears us, and I want to encourage anyone who is believing God for something- healing, financial breakthrough, a child, a husband, a job, whatever. He hears and he will answer you just in time! JUST IN TIME! If you just believe and hold on to him. Tell him as it is, He will answer. His name will be lifted high in your life.

I leave you with this song I love so much. Stay encouraged




 Oh I said two testimonies ya? I'll share the second one next time. Another mind blowing one - well for me! I am one special child of God ;)

God bless you all

Aloted

Prayer challenge - IPray4U - Testimonies

So remember the IPray4U prayer challenge we did in July? Someone sent me some testimonies relating to the challenge and I have her permission to share them.

God is awesome and he is still in the business of surprising us.

1. My bestie is in the UK now & will be affected with the Jan 2013 visa ish..

Her office has agreed to sponsor her and she needed £1,000 to be in her account for 3 months.  A week or two after the iPray4u challenge someone sent her the money. With that she's good to go and we are trusting God for £1,500 for the visa process. God be praised.

2. One of my friends was feeling down, so she decided to join the challenge. So here's her testimony in her words:

"So I wrote out the names of people I felt needed my prayers. One of the names was that of my cousin that lives with me. He's been out of school for about 4/5yrs and believing God for a good job. Fortunately, my 1st day of iPray4u was his birthday (13th July). So I prayed that God should give him a special birthday gift."

And exactly 8day after, he got a job. He resumed work today. Funny thing abt the job is he didn't have to write a test. Just a chat & presentation with the MD. Halleluyah!"

***I still do the iPray4u challenge and I know God surprises us with more testimonies. Thanks dear, for allowing God to use you.

Isn't God amazing!!! He listens to our prayers. 

The Prayer challenge is still on,you can do it whenever you like. Also if you need support in prayer I will be glad to pray with you. Do contact me.

God wants to do something in YOUR life. 

Boosting Your Confidence ebook

I am so excited to announce to you the launch of my very first ebook. Woo hoo!


The ebook, Boosting Your Confidence, 15 Steps to Success In The WorkPlace shares simple effective tips and strategies, based on my own experience and research that everyone especially mums & women could use to boost their confidence at work.

I shared my own story in the book. Losing your confidence happens but the key thing is acknowledging and doing something about it. This ebook shows you how.

It is a short easy to read book and you can find out how to get your copy on the super working mum website.

I have made it free for a limited time so I’ll advice you to grab your copy NOW :)

Please let me know what you think of the book- did you like it? Was it useful? Was it rubbish? (I hope not..lol). I will add a few reviews here and on SWM ASAP.

I will also be delighted if you can share the link with your friends and contacts. More details are on the SWM site on how to share.

Thanks all!

Living With Less - My Thoughts

I can’t exactly remember the first time I heard the word “minimalist” but I was intrigued when I found Joshua Becker’s Blog a while ago- Becoming Minimalist. Maybe because being minimalist is a value my mum instilled in us as kids.

My siblings and I were brought up to know it as “making do with what you had and differentiating between wants and needs”. It didn’t matter if everyone at school was wearing it or using it, if it wasn’t a need, you were not getting it, period.

It was easier in those days, but now it seems the message of having it all is being ingrained in our subconscious and in the minds of our children.  People are caught up in measuring each other by what they wear, where they live, the car they drive etc. People are busy acquiring and storing treasures on earth rather than in heaven. I once blogged about this, as it is a topic that gets me thinking from time to time.

Ok back to the subject of today’s blog. I have just finished reading Joshua’s new book “Living with Less” and I was blown away.  It is 62 pages, very easy to read and follow. I could feel Joshua’s passion on this topic as I read.

 The book is geared towards teenagers and young adults- it is better to catch them young after all. I rediscovered truths I knew before and a few I was confused about became clearer.

For example, even though I am not a spender, I am a hoarder (covers face). I keep thinking I will need this or that, so I hardly get rid of stuff. However since following the becoming minimalist blog, I have realised clutter can actually have an effect on my well being. 

Do this simple test- which room do you feel peaceful in; one that is cluttered and filled with junk or one that is airy with no clutter.  Go on, think about it!

I have therefore made a commitment to live a clutter free life. Then reading Living with Less confirmed to me that I am on the right path.

The decluttering process seems overwhelming I won’t lie but I am taking it one drawer at a time, one room at a time (no pressure!).  I am well on my way to becoming clutter free! Woo hoo!!!

Also becoming minimalist has helped me stop thinking about myself but to focus on being a blessing to others.

My desire is to raise up my children the way my mother brought me up- to be content, to live a life of giving, not to measure success by the things people have or compare their lives with others. Joshua talks about it all in his book.

Thank you Joshua for writing this book, a subject that is highly needed in this generation. Anyone who wants to live a life of abundance and purpose MUST read this book. This book will cause a paradigm shift in your thinking.

If you are in the States you can get your paperback copy here and kindle version here (you don't need a kindle to download, just download the kindle app on your phone or ipad). 

The paperback version isn't available in the UK yet but you can get the kindle version here.

I encourage you to get your copy now, I am sure it will bless you like it blessed me.  I am definitely keeping my copy so Bionic can read it when she is older.

Thankful Post and Femme Lounge Interview



google images

The month of July has just flown by, in fact 2012 is just racing by...and in the midst of it all God has been faithful.

I am thankful and excited for August, my breakthrough is here!

I am thankful for God's love, protection, care and goodness in my life and in the life of my family.

I am thankful for my marriage, that even when things get tough sometimes, Baale and I still have each other. I appreciate that man o! I do!

I am thankful for Bionic, her super charms still amazes me.

I am thankful for true friends, who support, encourage and pray for me.

I am thankful for my new blogger friend sugarspring. She has been a blessing to me in the short period I have known her. I can only say this is a God ordained connection ;)

I am thankful for everyone who took part in the prayer challenge and for everyone who prayed for me and for those I prayed for. God bless you. Your expectation shall not be cut short in Jesus name.

I am thankful for where God is taking me too. My future is too bright, in fact, I have to wear sunshades :D

What are you thankful for?

In other exciting news, Shola Okubote of Femme lounge interviewed me in her WomenWhoBlog series. I was so touched and humbled when she asked me to be part of the series. The interview is up today I believe so go on over to Femme Lounge and show some love ;) For those of you who don't know what I look like I guess here's your chance to put a face to the name...lol.

Much love!

Aloted

Make Me A Blessing



Source: Google Images

 Every one wants to be blessed, ya? So how do you get blessed? Very simple- by being a blessing to others.

Just recently we had the prayer challenge. You can go ahead and do it if you haven’t and feel led to. One key thing the challenge taught me was selflessness and thinking of others instead of myself.

As I prayed for others God has come through for me in ways I did not expect. Even before a problem I am currently dealing with occurred, he had provided the solution!

A friend also shared his testimony with me. He told me he had applied for a new job. Then during the prayer challenge he prayed for someone else who was job hunting and even sent her a job ad in her field. She got the job! She then simply prayed and said “God bless you” to my friend. That same week of the prayer challenge, my friend got that job he applied for. If you hear the perks of this job….in fact, you will join my friend in thanking God.

It's God’s mathematics, what you sow you reap. Simple!

The thing is every single person has problems; big, small, medium size. It doesn’t matter. So instead of protecting our corner and thinking our problem is bigger than others' and that we deserve special attention from God, we should reach out to others instead. This definitely opens doors.

The typical prayer you hear is God bless me…Oh Lord bleeesssss meeee! I think it is high time we changed that prayer to "Lord make me a blessing to others".

So what are practical ways we can be a blessing to others?

Here are a few examples:

Do you want a promotion at work? Mentor someone in your office that needs help


Do you want a new job? As you find job ads that you know someone might be interested in, send it to them.


Do you want healing?- Pray for someone who is sick


Do you want a baby?- Rejoice with those who have children, Attend your friend's baby dedication with a gift, offer to baby sit


 Do you want a life partner?- Rejoice with those who are engaged and getting married. Don’t shy away from attending your friend’s wedding.


Do you want financial breakthrough?- Give to someone who is in need


Do you want to buy a house?- Pay towards someone’s mortgage

How did God show us that he loved us, he GAVE! He gave his ONLY son to die for us. So if you say you love, then you must GIVE.

Luke 6: 38 Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”

This verse just proves to me that givers NEVER lack…when we GIVE we are sowing seeds of abundance

Now please note I am in no way suggesting that you give what you do not have. Duet 16. 17 says "Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you."

You read that ya? Now please read it again carefully especially the parts highlighted. When some pastors preach and tell you to borrow to give the church and what not, if you didn't hear God tell you same, I will advise you to borrow yourself brain and keep your money. That type of preaching is heresy! (Mini rant over! Lol)

Start with the little you have, NOT what you DON’T have. See God’s promise to Abraham

Genesis 12:2 I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing.

God will make you great SO THAT you can be a blessing to others. Did I hear an amen…AMEN!

So do you want to be blessed? Then change your prayer to “Lord make me a blessing” You will be surprised at the different opportunities life will present to you to be a blessing to others. And then the reward that comes with being a blessing to others.


I will be the first to raise up my hand to say I don’t give as much as I should but by God’s grace all that is changing. Me, I know what I am looking for so I know what I need to give…;)

Lord help me to be a blessing!

So in what ways can we be a blessing to others? Please share in the comments section below.

End of Prayer Challenge #IPray4U - Day 7

Wow we made it!!! Woo hoo! Thank you Jesus.

The devil tried to knock us out but we prevailed.

Thanks for all your encouragement, the emails, the calls, twitter messages. Thank you for sticking this out. I am sure it wasn't easy...God bless you for obeying the call.

I hope we all learnt something from the prayer challenge. I sure did.

For those just starting welcome! The Lord will surely reward the labour of love and prayers.

Someone sent me a lovely song on praying for others which I was going to add. But for the life of me I can't find where to attach an audio. I tried blogger help but the grammar was plenty so I left it.. If anyone knows how I can do this please tell me ...thanks.

Before I forget to mention- Someone asked P when she shared her testimony, if she doubted she was going to be healed from cancer. Her answer was that she KNEW that she was going to be healed one way or the other. Whether on this earth or if she died in heaven as there is no sickness in heaven. So she did not worry about that.

She reminded me of the three Hebrew boys- Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego that didn't bow to King Nebuchadnezzar. 

They said, "Our God will deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and even if He doesn't deliver us, O king, we will not serve your gods, nor will we worship the golden image which you have set up."
 
See bravery and faith. Chei!

One day my faith will reach that level in Jesus name. Amen.

My point though is God is good no matter what and he will NEVER forsake the righteous.

God makes all things beautiful in his time, so stay rooted in him and let HIM do only what HE can do in his time. All glory MUST go to HIM.

Ok back to what I was saying on the song. Since I can't add the song yet, I leave you with this Matt Redman song- Blessed by your Name. Reminds us that even in good and bad times we should bless the Lord. I hope this song ministers to you as it did to me.

Blessed be Your name
In the land that is plentiful
Where Your streams of abundance flow
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be Your name

Every blessing You pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say:

Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be Your glorious name

Blessed be Your name
When the sun's shining down on me
When the world's all as it should be
Blessed be Your name

Blessed be Your name
On the road marked with suffering
Though there's pain in the offering
Blessed be Your name

You give and take away
You give and take away
My heart will choose to say:
Lord, blessed be Your name

Love you all!

P.S you can still send me your prayer request anytime you read about the prayer challenge through the contact page.. I would be happy to pray with/for you.

Prayer Challenge #IPray4U - Day 3

Yesterday, Day 2 was going well till the devil try to steal my joy and divert me back to my issues. But my God, merciful God is ever faithful. Even though I felt weak I continued to pray for the people on my list.

Today, people have smsed and called just to pray with and for me. I am overwhelmed by the love I won't lie. I didn't think anyone would even consider praying for me as that wasn't even the aim of this challenge but I am grateful.


A few people have also emailed to share their testimonies with me. I just keep getting words of encouragement from people. The comments from my main post are also blowing me away. It's as if my post was just a confirmation of what people were already hearing in their Spirit. God is awesome.

Please let us keep praying. We have 4 more days to go. Our testimonies will start rolling in. God is doing wonders.

Remember, if you want me to pray with you, send me a message through the contact form.

God bless you as you obey.

Prayer Challenge #IPray4U - DAY 1

Thanks to everyone who left a comment, who emailed, who tweeted, who bbm-ed me to indicate their commitment to join the prayer challenge. God bless you all...As you have started strong you will complete this challenge by God's special grace. Amen.

Thank you to those who also asked to pray for me. Funny I wasn't expecting that at all, it didn't even cross my mind, and I was truly touched when people, even those I don't know, asked to pray for me. God bless you.

For those who sent me their prayer requests, I am praying. Be expectant.

So my experience so far. By praying for others, I didn't even think about my issues. I actually didn't worry today! Wow. This interceding for others seem to have benefits. I am liking it :)

Please pray for Ayobami. He/She left a comment in my earlier post. Ayobami's mum has breast cancer which is spreading and the doctors are giving her till Christmas to live.

P mentioned in her testimony that they told her she had 9 months to live but she rejected it because they did not give her life, God did, so there was no way they could determine when she dies. 4 years later she is alive and cancer free sharing her testimony with others.

Our God who healed P and took away her cancer, will heal Ayobami's mum. She shall not die but live, cancer free, to declare the glory of God. Ayobami, it is well with your mum in Jesus name. May he strengthen you during this time.

Day 2 is nearly here, please set your reminders for people you want to pray for and tell your friends about this challenge. It is not to late to join. Share on facebook, twitter, email.

Anytime you see yourself praying for yourself, just call the person's name you want to pray for. I nearly got carried away today. 

So how was your experience on the first day of the challenge? Pls share in the comments section. Thanks

God bless you all.

Good night!

Prayer challenge- IPray4U

1 Timothy 2:1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.”

source: google images

On Saturday 7th July, I attended a women’s conference called Real Women, Real Issues and it was phenomenal to say the least. We had a choice of attending any of the small sessions after the main session and I read through the list.

There was a session on yummy mummies and coping with work, family and spiritual life. I thought to myself yes perfect, what I learn in this session would help me with my Super Working Mum website. So I went to the designated room for this session and waited. As the session was just about to start I skimmed through the other sessions and I read the last one “What cancer taught me about prayer and interceding for others”. I was like hmm. Then I felt the prompting of the Holy Spirit to attend that session. I hurriedly went to the room for this session.

Ok I must admit when the lady (lets call her P) started talking I was bored initially. The previous speaker was more vibrant, funny and engaging…so one part of me was like maybe you should sneak out and go back to where the yummy mummies are but I didn’t and I am so glad I stayed.

P’s testimony was beyond awesome- she had stage 4 cancer of the womb for 4 years. It had spread all over her insides and she went through HELL. In the end she was completely healed (Praise Jesus!) after they tried about 3 times to remove her womb. I don’t want to go into her main testimony as I need to get to what my post is about.

P mentioned how during her trying times, God led her to pray and intercede for other sick people in the hospital and many of them got their healing long before she got healed. And that just blew my mind away. The fact that this lady who was completely sick, in utter pain, hair falling out, couldn’t bath herself etc could overlook her pain and pray for others; IT COMPLETELY BLEW ME AWAY. I was in awe.

For some months now Baale and I have been going through a challenge that I considered a big issue but suddenly my issues looked minute compared to what P went through.

Coincidentally, I have been learning about trusting and obeying God more and seeking his Will in all I do and P’s testimony just took it to another level for me. Interceding for others. Hmm I knew about interceding and yes I pray for others but umm not often and usually after praying for myself.

Listening to P, I knew in my deepest of heart, it was time to take my prayer life to the next level. Forget about my issues and pray for other people. For a few months now, a few people have told me about their issues and I believe God is calling me to pray specifically for these people.

To further confirm what I heard, I visited a friend’s church yesterday and the preaching was also about prayer and we were even asked to hold hands and pray for/with the person sitting next to us. I was like God ok I have heard you, I cannot deny this anymore. I know you are calling me to pray for others and forget about my issues for once.

***Side Bar****
I remember Geeconnect on twitter did something called Prayer Thursday (I think). She offered to pray for you if you send her your prayer requests. I have respect for this sister.

I think I DM-ed her twice to pray for me and on both occasions God answered. Whether it was Geeconnect’s prayers or a collection of all the prayers all I know is God ANSWERED. In fact I should share one of the testimonies with you...some day... 

So my dear friends, there is POWER in praying for others. Sometimes we are too weak to pray for ourselves so the prayers of others lift us to God and he hears their cry for us. Just like the Holyspirit intercedes for us
***end Side bar***

So I want to invite you to join me in a prayer challenge called IPray4U. This challenge may not be for everyone, but I have an inclination that a number of people (or maybe it is just 1 person) reading this already felt a nudge in their spirit to pray for someone else. It could be a friend, your husband, your child, your pastor, anybody else apart from yourself.



The IPray4U challenge:

Write down the name of at least seven people you know needs your prayers.

Now for a week starting from tomorrow 10th July or the day you read this, pray for at least one of the people you have listed above per day. So this should mean you will be praying for at least seven people this week. The challenge will end on 16th July if you start tomorrow.

It could be someone who has come to you in recent times with their issues, it could be a friend seeking the fruit of the womb, it could be your pastor, it could be a friend in financial crisis, or one seeking to marry, someone in a troubled marriage, someone who is sick, it could be someone who needs salvation, it could be your wife or husband or children.

Now here comes the hard part- During this week you will not be praying for yourself. Yes you heard me right. Yes forget about your pain, sickness, needs, wants! Put them aside for one week and concentrate on praying and giving thanks for others.

(Of cuz God wont strike you down if you pray for yourself during this time, this is simply just a sacrifice you are offering on behalf of your loved ones and maybe enemies!)

To help you stay committed, set a reminder to pray at specific times of each day on your phone for a week. Once you compile the list of people you are praying for, put their names in each reminder. This will only take a few minutes of your time so do that now or sometime today.

I believe testimonies will come out as a result of your prayers. Breakthrough upon breakthrough. People you pray for will share their testimonies with you. And to top it up your own breakthrough will come as a result of your prayers and sacrifice. People will rise up to pray for you and God will listen to them.

Galatians 6:7 “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”

On another note, if you want me to pray for you, please send me your prayer request here and by the grace of God I promise I will pray for you this week.

I have never done anything like this before i.e. decide to go on a marathon prayer session for others and not even pray for myself. How terrifying! In fact I was hesitant about writing this post (I still am) but I know God wants me to share this with you as he would love to perform a revival in our lives if we OBEY. He wants people to rise up and PRAY. It is not about us, it is about HIM.

I know after our week of praying, testimonies will abound in our lives and in the lives of people we pray for. It may not be immediate but I hope when the testimonies start rolling in you will come back and share with us here.

Let’s do this challenge for a week (or as long as God leads you to) and then let us make it a habit to pray for others and not just ourselves.


Please share this post with your contacts, so they can join this prayer challenge if they wish too. If you are on twitter you can click here to tweet about the challenge.

Jude 1:20 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit

So is anyone with me on this IPray4U challenge?? Let me know in the comment section. If you choose to do this anonymously that's totally cool as well.

I hope you will join me to pray. Let God surprise you!

I am so excited!

God bless

Aloted

Thankful despite...

Google images

Today

I am thankful despite all the plans of the enemy to make me sad, anxious and depressed

I am thankful even when things around me don't make sense

I am thankful even when I don't understand why

I am thankful because I know my family's breakthrough is just around the corner

I am thankful because my family's steps are ordered by God and he is taking us to the next level

 

Ohhhh I am thankful! I am!!!

I am thankful for God given ideas and the grace and strength to execute them.

I am thankful for friends that encourage, inspire, challenge, pray for and with me.

I am thankful for Baale, he's got my back and I have got his.

I am thankful for Bionic

I am thankful because God is not man and what he said he will do, he will surely bring to pass.

What are you thankful for?

Fathers are just WONDERFUL

I dedicate this poem to the two men in my life:

My super daddy who raised me up in the way of the Lord.

My super hubby, the best dad for Bionic.  

Happy Father's day!!!

source: google images

Fathers are wonderful people
Too little understood,
And we do not sing their praises
As often as we should...

For, somehow, Father seems to be
The man who pays the bills,
While Mother binds up little hurts
And nurses all our ills...

And Father struggles daily
To live up to "HIS IMAGE"
As protector and provider
And "hero or the scrimmage"...

And perhaps that is the reason
We sometimes get the notion,
That Fathers are not subject
To the thing we call emotion,

But if you look inside Dad's heart,
Where no one else can see
You'll find he's sentimental
And as "soft" as he can be...

But he's so busy every day
In the grueling race of life,
He leaves the sentimental stuff
To his partner and his wife...

But Fathers are just WONDERFUL
In a million different ways,
And they merit loving compliments
And accolade of praise,

For the only reason Dad aspires
To fortune and success
Is to make the family proud of him
And to bring them happiness...

And like OUR HEAVENLY FATHER,
He's a guardian and a guide,
Someone that we can count on
To be ALWAYS ON OUR SIDE. 

Helen Steiner Rice

 

5 Tips to Saying No

Do you find it hard to say no when friends, family, colleagues make all sorts of demand on your time? Are you a people pleaser?

Do you want to be in control of your time? Do you want to be able to say NO without feeling bad about it?

Then check this link for 5 effective tips to saying No.

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Thankful Thursday- Reflections

So today is Thankful Thursday, sigh.

Since the dana plane crash, I have not been myself, like I am sure many of you haven't been. I feel demotivated and lethargic. I am in a reflective mood. An ex colleague of mine died on the plane crash. We were not really close but we had a good rapport when we worked together. His death shook me bad so I can't even imagine how his family, close friends and other families affected feel right now.

I guess another thing adding to my mood is the fact that Baale flew that Dana plane the Wednesday before the incident happened. My sister also flew out of Abuja (not sure what airline) that week. It was like someone poured cold water on me when I first heard of the plane crash..They could have been on that flight! One part of me is very grateful they were not on board. Another part is sad for those who lost someone on that flight.


So yes...today is thankful thursday. Even though I am not happy right now, I thank God for his infinite mercies. Even in dark time, even when things don't make sense, I will trust in you Lord. Who else can I trust in- You ALONE are all knowing, You are sovereign and all sufficient.

I am thankful for small mercies and big mercies

I am thankful that I woke up this morning

I am thankful for accident free journeys

I am thankful for friends and family- for your protection over them

I am thankful for provision

I am thankful for sound mind

I am thankful that Baale and my sis are safe

Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me?

Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.

Psalm 42:11

Life and Warfare (2)

If you have not read Part 1, please do so here

Friends, without a shadow of doubt, our warfare are not carnal but spiritual. We need to understand that every one of us has a God given purpose in life and the enemy will seek out ways at destroying our destiny. But these are some four things I have practiced and for which I am confident to let you know worked so well for me at overcoming life’s warfare. I am happy to share these with you and you may apply them as well;
 
1.      Do Not Be Afraid: When life troubles come your way do not be afraid or disoriented. 2 Timothy 1:7 says “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” KJV. Remember that Jesus already took your pain and shame away on the cross of Calvary and so all you need to do is stay strong and focused on His promises (the word of God). Satan prides himself in making you feel sad, dejected and low. If only you could remind yourself that you are precious to God in every way and so the enemy has no audacity to touch you. Zechariah 2:8 says “For thus saith the LORD of hosts; after the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you: for he that toucheth you, toucheth the apple of his eye” KJV. So stay strong always. Ephesians 6:13 exhorts “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” KJV.
 
2.      Pray to God: Ephesians 6: 8 reminds us that what we wrestle against is not physical to the naked eyes. There are powers of darkness constantly surrounding us and though we are often oblivious to this, it is a constant fact that will remain till Jesus returns. We however have an effective weapon as children of God. It is called PRAYER. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 says “Pray without ceasing” KJV. James 5:16b also reminds us that “….The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” KJV. You will notice I underlined the word fervent; this is because you cannot overcome without a consistent prayer life. Prayer is a spiritual weapon and when done with reverence to God, the devil will flee. Jesus never promised us trying moments would not come, but he promised to be with us through it all.  Psalm 91: 15 confirms this “He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.”KJV.

Google Images

 
The topic on prayer is a very extensive one and will not be dealt with in this text. I will however advise that prayer should not be done based on pressure from any persons as it can sometimes be of little or no meaning to the person in the picture when coercion is applied. I have been to places where certain modes of prayer are challenged and seen as weak, non-aggressive and baseless purely because you would not shout out. Well, based on Gods’ word in Matthew 6:6, you are permitted to pray quietly and behind closed doors; some term this “the simple and earnest prayer”. The bible makes reference to inward silent groaning which can be a form of prayer. This does not undermine other forms of prayer but none should be regarded as more effective than the other so far it is done in sincerity of heart and with pure undiluted reverence to God.
 


 
3.      Praise God: I love the song that says “overcoming every trial begins with a thankful heart”. I learnt this song when I was in my secondary school but it only made more meaning to me in very recent times. The bible tells us in Philippians 4:4 “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, rejoice.” KJV.  Rejoicing always will mean always. In the good times and the bad times. He is God of all times and would take control where His praises are rung. You are more inclined to helping a child who is always thankful for everything you do for him or her, than for a child who stays mute every time you go out of your way to do something special for him or her. So is our relationship with God. He knows when things are not right in our lives but still appreciates it when we value His awesomeness in every situation. Horatio Spafford the writer of the song, “It is well with my soul”  (You can check Aloted's post on this by clicking the link) had only just lost his only son, four daughters and entire estate and empire to the great Chicago fire. Despite all of these traumas, he still found strength within to sing his heart out to God. With God, it is not about doom and gloom. He works wonders when we praise him. Take time to worship God and sing his praises. Remember, when the children of Israel praised God, the walls of Jericho fell. It still can if you believe.
 
4.      Relax, The Battle is the Lord's: Every time the enemy comes to make waste of everything you hold so dearly, think of it this way….he is trespassing unto Gods property. You are God's own and all that are yours are God's. God will fight anything and anyone who comes to make a ridicule of his very own. Malachi 3: 11 reminds us “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the LORD of hosts.” KJV. I have applied this passage in the scriptures not only to my finances and my career, but to every single aspect of my life; my marriage, my wife and daughter, my health, my family and friends and my church. He holds all these things in my life so dearly to him. Exodus 14:14 admonishes us “The Lord shall fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” KJV. So I entirely leave the battle to God to fight and I relax in His unfailing love and presence for evermore.
 
Can I implore you that if you have not given your life to Jesus, you still can. He loves you just the way you are. Regardless of where you have been, what you have done and who you are…Jesus simply loves you unconditionally. The only way to fight the enemy and have more meaning to life is by knowing what Gods’ purpose for your life is and what he expects from you when its spiritual warfare time. It’s a relationship. He so much longs for you and He can’t wait for you to turn a hundred percent to Him. Honestly, if you ask me, there are no short cuts anywhere. I have tried so many and yet failed to find an effective one. Jesus is the Way, The Truth and The Life and no one comes to the Father (of Life) except through him. 

All you need say is this ;
“Lord Jesus, I know that despite all you have done for me, I have turned my back on you every time. I have not lived the kind of life you want me to live for you and I am deeply sorry. I recognise that you are my Saviour, the Lover of my soul and the Lord of my life. Forgive me of my sins and come into my heart today. Give me a brand new life and the joy of  your salvation. In Jesus Name I pray, Amen.”

Source

 Perfect, this is first grand step you have taken into a purpose driven life. I admonish you to find a good bible believing based church where you can be part of a living Christian family and grow to be the man or woman God intended you to be. On my part I want to say, welcome to the fold and I love you.
 
I know this has been another lengthy write up from me but I appreciate your reading and I don’t take it for granted. More importantly, I hope you have been blessed just as I have.
 
Love you. 
Zing

Life & Warfare

With the recent unfortunate event in Lagos, Nigeria- dana plane crash, I have not really been myself. A former colleague of mine died in the plane crash and I know many people that know or worked with others who lost their lives. I pray the Sovereign Lord heals and comforts the families and friends of the departed. I am speechless indeed...

I don't want to rant about the incident or how "corrupt Nigeria" is or anything political. A number of bloggers are already doing that. I just want to use this time to reflect on my life. Will I be ready when my Savior comes or death comes....

A very good friend of mine, Zing, sent me a note he wrote and with his permission I am sharing with you guys. I was going to post it up last week but it is even more apt than ever with this recent plane crash. It is a bit long so I will break it into two parts. I pray you are blessed as you read.
************************************************************************

My Dear Friends,
 
I often remember the sad and painful moment of my life in July 1995 when I lost my dad whom I dearly loved to a car accident in the Nigerian capital, Abuja . Two of my hostel mates at the university had come to give their condolences to my family and I. Very sadly, on their way back to the university that Sunday; they had an accident and were confirmed dead by the time the paramedic reached the spot of the accident. I was just in my first year, and though quite young, been an adult so quickly was not in my plan as I was only learning to shed my juvenile ways by learning more of God. It was the worst moment ever I can readily remember and an experience of my life which was difficult to push aside. I felt like fading away into thin air, sometimes acting suicidal. Every word of solace and kindness just seemed to go in through one ear and then exit the other. My dad was my best friend and one of the boys that had died was a namesake and close confidant as well. Life did not just make any sense at all and I felt my faith in God had betrayed me. Some friends and family, I always had faith in were suddenly no where to be found. “…is this life?” I’d often ask myself. Yes, indeed it was life. It was my Life and Warfare!
 
Have you ever wondered like I sometimes do, asking the question “why is life sometimes so hard, that it makes it almost impossible to find a way around its challenges even when the will power to do so has been completely exhausted from inside you”. Many times situations arise in the life of an individual, some for which he or she may never have seen coming or neither comprehended its severity. Indeed, some of us may be experiencing long dragging health issues, some a difficulty in sorting out finances and neck ridden debts, for some it’s the loss of a darling close relative or friend at a very prime age for which others would loathe about cruelly, for some it is prevailing unpleasant circumstances at work, while for others it may be relationship or violent marital situation they just cant figure out. The list is unending and only you as an individual can tell what end of the spectrum your unpalatable challenge lies.
 

What makes this experience even more challenging for a number of us is the fact that we may have given our lives over to Christ with the expectation of having a more meaningful life in exchange; a life filled with limitless blessings and peace of mind that the world can never comprehend from a distance. Hmm…I know that feeling and you are not alone! Time and time again, the harshness of life is a burden we all have had to bare and at such crucial moments, the test of our faith in God's love can never be underestimated. Weird sad pictures roam our minds, and mind probing questions flood our thoughts as we begin to question the value of what it really is being Christians in the first place.
 
The words of solace and exhortation from Christian brethren may sometimes not suffice in the bid of getting us encouraged; rather there are situations where it may have even done more damage to the state of the mind, however innocently it may have been done. I recall that when I returned back to my room at the hostel off-campus, a number of fellowship and church members came visiting me in a bid of encouraging me. Shortly after they left, I heard several conversations going on behind my door, one of which I particularly found distasteful and unpleasant. One of the brothers who popped in to say hello way saying to another that he was very thankful that he had not embarked on a journey to visit my family when I lost my father, otherwise he would have also died. At that moment, every message of kindness and words of encouragement passed to me seemed like water in a basket. It weakened my love for God and the fellowship. Little did I know, this was Satan and he was waging a war and he meant to finish it and finish me at all cost.
 
With no pretense and staying factual, moments as this can be very overwhelming; sometimes finding yourself loose taste of keeping the faith and keeping track of who you truly are in God. After all, we are still human.
 
But years later, there was a twist to these events in my life when I took to reading what Gods’ word concerning my situation and the unbearable and emotional wreckage I had become. From the bible’s perspective, I had come to a better understanding of the fact that though I am human and a physical being, I may not have been vigilant in the spirit.1 Peter 5:8 says “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” KJV.  Satan was out to destroy me and would pursue it to any level and anywhere, no matter what it cost and no matter whom he had to take away from me to achieve this. 2 Corinthians 10:4 says - “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.” KJV. The battle in my life was now a notch higher than the physical as I could comprehend from bible. This was a spiritual warfare and there was no way I could let the enemy take all that meant so much to me in Jesus Christ away.
 
Satan would do anything to make a mockery of your relationship with God. He did it with Job despite his consistent perseverance in the God’s presence. He said in Job 3: 25 “For the thing which I greatly feared has come upon me and that which I was afraid of has come unto me.” Praying for his family and himself would not deter the devil from levelling accusations against him and attempting to wreck every good thing in his life, even his health. Remember, he was a noble man and the bible did not record any wrong doing of Job prior to his horrible travail. I know what you are thinking….”yes I have been here before, just like Job was”, and that can be very true.
 
Friends, without a shadow of doubt, our warfare are not carnal but spiritual. We need to understand that every one of us has a God given purpose in life and the enemy will seek out ways at destroying our destiny. But these are four things I have practiced and for which I am confident to let you know worked so well for me at overcoming life’s’ warfare. I am happy to share these with you and you may apply them as well;


To be continued.......

image from google images