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

Thankful Post Resumed

So my regular readers know I started a ten things thankful series in 2008 then I stopped. Well Thankful Post is back. There is something about being thankful even in the midst of difficulties and challenges. I think it is an attitude thing that no matter what you are going through you still find something to be thankful about.

So one key change: It will not necessarily be ten things I am thankful about. It could be more, it could be less. Also instead of Tuesday, I'll do them on Thursdays.

Here goes!

I am thankful for a wonderful family- both nuclear and extended. You hear of so much drama in families but I am grateful that it is mostly love than drama in my families- both my side and Baale's side

My mum turned 60 last week. My siblings and I went home to celebrate with her. It was a big celebration and a glorious time.  Going home made me appreciate the love and care I could see in the family. All her close friends and family were around. She also launched her second book called "The Ultimate Desire". My mum is just an amazing woman, gentle yet strong, principled, loving, prayerful, calm in the midst of chaos, a mentor and an example of what a mother should be. I love my mummy and I am grateful for her life. May she live long to eat the rewards of her labor in Jesus name.

I am thankful for my marriage to Baale, I know sometimes I whine when things don't go "my way" but I am learning not to focus on the negative but thank God for the man he gave me and my marriage. The devil is attacking marriages all around and I keep telling myself if not for God that was on our side, where would we be? It is only God! I ask him to make me the best wife I can be to Baale and I am getting there because I know I am not there yet...

I am thankful for constant provision....hmmmm...God has been faithful....

I am thankful for God's care over Bionic (aka Princess). Even when I can't be there to watch over her, her angels are there 24/7. The nanny we got for her who had been with us for 2 months and who I trusted was catch by Baale smoking in the garden. To say I was shocked is an understatement. This incident happened just a day before we were travelling so we promptly asked her to leave. She was apologetic and I felt sorry to let her go but Bionic safety and care comes first. Smoking is not my issue but my child inhaling second hand smoke is a BIG issue. Coincidentally Chichi just opened shop as a childminder so Bionic as been under her care. Talk about perfect timing. God always works things out for our good.


Still speaking about Bionic, I bless God for her life. She is growing up to be very smart and healthy. In the car I have been playing Hillsong's Shout to the Lord. The past few days I notice when a particular song  plays Bionic sings along so I play it continually. I am not sure what about this song is special to Bionic but the lyrics comforts me  and reassures me God is always with me every step of the way and I should trust him. Here's the lyrics and you can listen to the song here (I can't find the exact one we play in the car, but this works!). I have also highlighted the part Bionic loves to sing:

My heart will trust in You.

I'll walk closer now on the higher way

Through the darkest night will you hold my hand

Jesus guide my way

O you mourn with me and you dance with me

For my heart of hearts is bound to you

Though I walk through valleys low

I'll fear no evil

By the waters still my soul,

My heart will trust in You

O You counsel me and You comfort me

When I cannot see,

You light my path

My heart will trust in you



So what are you thankful for?

My Blog is 6 Years Old today!!!!!

Source

So today 6 years ago I started blogging. It has been an amazing ride. I have grown as a person and as a blogger. I have met remarkable people. In my 6 years of blogging I would like to summarise my observations and experiences:

- Everyone has a story. Isn’t that amazing, every single person has a story to share.

- I choose whose story to follow. There are a million and 1 bloggers out there, everyone with their agenda on why they blog. I choose to follow bloggers that I think will edify me. I say no to junk.

- I choose to be a blessing rather than a whiner on my blog. When I started blogging I determined not to become one of those people who whine and rant on their blog (nothing wrong with that as I know some people use their blog as an outlet). I knew that wasn’t God’s purpose for my blog. I have slipped and probably ranted once or twice but I can gladly say that is in the past.

- In order to focus on God’s goodness in my life I joined the 10 things thankful series and I know I haven’t been faithful with the series but all that is going to change cuz the thankful series is coming back!!!! I won’t say I have had it all rosy because I haven’t but God has been my sustainer.

- I am no longer hung up on comments. It really used to get to me that I would write a post I consider excellent and only 1 or two people comment.. grrhh.. But now it doesn’t bother me as such anymore. From my stats I know people read my blog, so whether they comment or not isn’t the point. As long as they are blessed , #thatisall

- I have become more aware of things around me now... I see something random and it inspires the next blog post

- My writing has improved and this was what gave me the confidence to launch Super Working Mum. This time next year Super Working Mum will be mega in Jesus name.

- I have seen bloggers come and go but I intend to keep blogging until God says otherwise

About from the people I mentioned in my blogger inspiration series, I am indeed blessed and privileged to have met so many amazing people on blogville. If I continue the series I would not stop so this is also special shout out to the following people (some ex bloggers) for making my blogging experience awesome

ilola, Lady Guide, Standtall, dollchic, downtheaisle, favoured girl, afronuts, Myne Whitman, Tyger, Writefreak, olufunke, Madame sting, Hazel, jaycee, jhamzyn, oluwakemi, dosh, Nefertiti, Sugarking, CaramelID, shubbydoo, 1 + the one, Natural Nigerian, rethots, bacuggi, solomondyelle, issueetal, uzezi, okeoghene, rethots, Tonilicious, sugarspring, 'Lara, sugarcoated,

Please if I didn’t mention your name it is not because you are not important, it just skipped my mind. I will keep adding names as I remember.

I love you all. Thanks for being part of my blogger journey.

Ok I’mma cry now.

source

[Blogger Inspiration]- Rita, Gbemisoke and Chichi

Rita… This amazing woman has blessed my life through her blog posts. Like Geebee, she shares about her life on blogsville which I find very very courageous. I think she left an encouraging comment on my blog once and as usual I checked out her posts. I noticed we shared similar views on a lot of things especially relationship wise. We became Facebook friends and email friends at some point. I met her once when I went to Naija in 2010. She was really reserved yet nice and pleasant. I am quite the opposite (restless soul!) and I must say reserved people unnerve me cuz you can’t tell what is going through their mind. However with Rita I didn’t feel awkward around her, we got along well. We don’t talk as much but I am glad to say I know Rita.

Gbemisoke, now when it comes to personalities this is one madam that I flow with easily. She is so funny and down to earth. Funny enough I knew her on twitter rather than through her blog. One time she said she was coming to the UK for vacation and I DM-ed her to find out where she will be staying. Lo and behold she was going to be near where I lived. We arranged to meet and despite a busy schedule I made sure I went to see her. I wanted to meet the jovial Gbemisoke and she did not disappoint! We flowed like bread and butter (lol)….I met Alexis as well. Such a cutie. Gbemisoke tells you as it is. We have skyped a few times and it was always filled with laughter. 

This madam has also abandoned her blog, though I think she is trying to dust off the cobwebs from her blog. You can catch her on twitter as that’s where she is these days conveying words of wisdom.

 

I met Chichi randomly but I think it was meant to be. I used to visit her blog sporadically and enjoyed reading about her relationship and her wedding planning. I am not sure I ever left a comment, I was a silent reader basically. I did follow her on twitter though. I noticed she was very pretty in the pictures she put on her blog. One time I went to the local church in my area as I couldn’t go to my church. I stood up to join praise and worship. Next thing I hear this beautiful melodious voice from someone standing behind me…I was so tempted to look back to see who was singing so stunningly. I succumbed and used style to look back and I saw her. Now I am very good with faces, and I knew I had seen that face somewhere but couldn’t place it…Her voice haunted me (in a good way) and then it hit me…this is chichi the blogger from "From Now till I do!" I was like wow OMG, I have just met a blogger and she doesn't even know it yet. I didn’t know if to walk up to introduce myself or what. I didn’t have the nerve as I didn’t think she knew me or my blog anyways and didn't want to start long stories...so I went home. Later that day I asked her on twitter if she attended xxx church and she said yes and how did I know. Hehe. I told her I saw her and that’s how we became friends.

Chichi has a gentle spirit and is as beautiful in person as she is in her pictures. She has been an inspiration to me and is a big fan of Super Working Mum :). She seems pretty organised to me from reading her blog posts. I can proudly call this lady my friend. I hope she feels the same way too.

Ladies, it has been a great pleasure knowing you. You make blogging worthwhile.

[Blogger Inspiration]- Simeone Omobaba and Geebee

I can’t remember the first time I met simeon omobaba on blogsville, it was probably through commenting and checking out his blog. I knew lots of female bloggers but very few male bloggers so it was refreshing to read the perspective of a male blogger especially one who loved God. Simeon’s posts were very thought provoking and wise. I think he has stopped blogging. He is more on twitter these days.


We used to chat online once in a while but in 2011, we finally met in person. He seemed reserved and quiet yet witty and jovial, pretends like he can’t speak Yoruba (RME) lol. He has since visited my home when writefreak came to the UK and met Princess aka Bionic and Baale.

Simeon is an amazing guy, that I see going places. He is also such a healthy eater, I even tried to follow him to start eating brown bread and rice but um that didn’t quite work out. I have since returned to white bread and rice. Sorry dude!

*********************************************************************
 
Geebee! Where do I start? I knew Geebee first when he started his chronicles series and his story captivated me. I found it amazing that a young man of 22 (at that time) had already seen life in different dimensions and was willing to share about it. That thoroughly impressed me. I quickly became an avid follower and fan. Before I knew it I became his blog aunty (can’t even remember how that happened). Then he will take forever to update the story after leaving us hanging and then he disappeared off blogsville for a LONG time and I wondered what happened to him. Thank God he is back.


We have spoken on the phone a few times and he has the same jovial, playful tone he portrays on his blog.

Geebee is someone who has experienced his fair share of life but has not let that put him down. He strikes me as someone who wants to learn and who wants to be a better person, man, husband and father. He is an entrepreneur who enjoys taking risks. He has challenged me in different ways.

One of these days I will get to meet my blogsville aburo in flesh and blood by God's grace. :)


I am grateful and privileged to have met these two remarkable young men.

[Blogger Inspiration]- Nolimit

This is the second part of my Blogger Inspiration series. You can check part 1 here

It’s a very funny story how Nolimit and I met in real life which I think she mentioned once on her blog but i can't find the story. So, I knew her first as a commenter on my blog and I used to visit her blog as well. You know nothing special at that time. One time, in 2008, I blogged about my driving experience and passing my test here.  Nolimit commented and asked what driving school I used and costs etc. I emailed her with the details and we chatted a bit. I think at some point I asked for her real name but she said she couldn’t tell me cuz she was anonymous (right!). So I left it at that and didn’t push it. Till “God caught her”! lol

Source

One day around last quarter of 2008, she buzzed me on yahoo messenger (we were already chat buddies at this point) and asked me if Baale was my husband and I asked how she knew… she started screaming and feeling like a detective. Apparently my post on my belated honeymoon triggered her investigation. Baale had posted a similar picture I put on my blog on Facebook and madam detective noticed the similarity. Note, I still didn’t know her real name at this point. Anyway I also did some detective work and found out she and Baale went to Uni together! I got her FULL name from Baale and asked her- is your name not so so so…there goes your anonymity. I am sure she wanted to faint at this point. It was hilarious I tell you.

Fast forward to 2009 we still hadn’t met but we were still friends on yahoo messenger. I was pregnant and towards the end of my first trimester. I wasn’t eating well due to morning sickness. Nolimit and I were chatting as usual and she mistakenly mentioned to me (or did she blog about it, I can’t remember) that she had a pestle and mortal from Nigeria which she used in pounding yam. She proudly said she didn’t make poundo yam but had to pound it and even said she was going to be pounding some yam soon. Guess what pregnant Aloted did, I invited myself to her house! Told her you can’t deny a pregnant woman proper pounded yam o. Somehow we arranged a visit and I cajoled Baale to take me to her house. For those of you that know London well, I was living in West London and she in North London. That distance is far but we went, lol, I wonder what was going through Nolimit’s head, she probably thought I was insane. We got there past 8 at night and it was as if Nolimit and I had known each other for ages even though that was the first time we were actually meeting. There was no awkward moment. Long story short I ate pounded yam with efo riro in Nolimit’s house and it was t’oh quality!

Nolimit and I have remained very good friends. She is so REAL which I think is one of her best qualities. She is a child of God, jovial, confident, funny, friendly, a good dancer, not shy at all at all and very down to earth. There are no airs about her and she tells you as it is. She is also an entrepreneur…a quality I greatly admire.

Blogsville, thanks for bringing Nolimit into my life.

[Blogger Inspiration]- Good Naija Girl

From my recollection, the first time I knew about Good Naija Girl was when she contested in bloggers idols I think in 2008. I was rooting for her and the person who eventually won Abbie. During and after the contest I checked out GNG’s blog and I was hooked. Her slogan caught my eye- "Murdering the Yourba language since 1979. That totally cracked me up. I was curious to know more about this oyinbo girl in a Nigerian body and how she was adjusting to both cultures.

I left a few comments on her blog here and there and then one time she emailed me. I replied and it was as if we had known each other for ages! We found out we had a bit in common, blogging, reading, borrowing books from the library, living in cluttered space, joking a lot and chatting. It wasn’t long before we added each other on gtalk and we have been friends ever since. We have also spoken on the phone. She has such a cute and lovely voice.

If you ask me one blogger I would love to meet in person, GNG will be right on the top of the list. Even though we have never met in person, she has been a great inspiration to my life. GNG is such a sweet, funny, cheeky person and I love her spirit. One other thing we have in common is that we are both entrepreneurs and we share our fears of leaving the corporate world and doing our own thing. We also encourage each other knowing one day we will finally leave!

I call her my blogger consultant…she is so passionate about blogging and anytime I have a blog type question GNG is the lady to ask. She is ever so willing to help.  Very soon I fear she will start charging me sef. lol

Anytime we catch up online, we are busy sharing & strategizing business ideas or brainstorming. We also share blogville gossip sometimes cough cough. I always leave energised after I have had a chat with GNG. I feel like ya lets go do this! I hope you feel the same way girl.

This is one blogger I am thankful to know and who has impacted my life positively. I look forward to meeting her in person someday. I have been begging her to come to the UK but she is playing hard so a'mma just pack my bags and head to Canada.

GNG, thank you for being you and for inspiring me. You rock, totally!

6th Year Blog Anniversary (to come) and Project 2 update

Happy new month every one! I see this as another opportunity to be a better person, a better wife and a better mum so help me God.

On May 26th 2006 I started blogging! I have been blogging for 6 years, isn’t that amazing?? During that time my blog has evolved. I even took a long break after Princess was born but I am still here by God's grace

• I achieved a milestone I never dreamt I could.
• I learnt not to take things personal
• I got married
• I joined the Thankful Ten things Tuesday initiative
• I was nominated for inspirational blog award twice!
• I passed my driving test
• My dad was shot by armed robbers! 
• I had a baby

Etc…

Apart from the above, I am grateful for the amazing friendships I have made on this platform and in the month of May, I will be sharing a few of these blogsville friends with you and the impact they have made on my life.

Now I mentioned 2 projects I was working on here and I am excited to tell you about project 2. Drum roll!  I present to you my new baby called Super Working Mum. Ok about half of you are already going- “Ohhh No! Mummy stuff”…and the other half is like “Yay! Mummy stuff.” LOL. Whichever half you belong to, please I need your support.  You may not be a mummy but I know you know mums out there, or you may soon be a mum, or you are a new mum or a veteran mum. Everyone male or female your support is welcome.

So please check out the website. All the juicy info of the inspiration behind this initiative can be found there. Even a picture of myself and Princess! It is still fairly new and needs a design overhaul which I shall get to soon. I am focusing on the content for now. For mums and mums to be who may work in an office or are self-employed or are housewives there is something in store for you. I have so much to share, I am so excited!

We all know every mum is a working mum no matter what you do. Please send me your thoughts and comments here (or simply leave your comments in the comment section below) on topics you would like to see, if I don’t already have it on my list, I’ll consider adding it in.

Super Working Mum is also on facebook and twitter as well so please take just 1 minute of your time to follow and like us. Our daddies and brothers as well please feel free to follow us. Also please tell your friends and family about SWM.

God bless!

Antonyms of a Mirage By Atilola Moronfolu

I am so excited and proud of Atilola and her new book. I am yet to read it (added to my to read list) but from the teaser below I know she did a great job. Well done girl!







Here is the trailer of her book





This is a teaser from her book.

‘Goshe – A short form of Shokolokobangoshe

Scenario 2

Mummy Bobo: Olowo ori mi (owner of my head), how was that favourite food of yours that I made for you? I am sure you enjoyed it. I have come to tell you about Bobo, your son. He is about to write his SSCE exams. The other day, I heard my senior wife bragging to her cousin that kola, her son, made all his papers two years ago because he is hardworking and brilliant. She then said she is sure Bobo will do the opposite and fail woefully. Olowo ori mi, please, don't let my enemies laugh at me. I know you can help me get the exam questions on the eve of every exam paper. This is the only way Bobo will be able to prove her wrong and shut her mouth forever. Daddy Bobo, you always say you love me more than my senior wife and if you really mean that, you will not let her have the last laugh over me.

Chief Goshe: Woman! Woman!! Woman!!! I have always warned you about this Bobo of a boy, but you will never listen to me. You spoil him too much, I hope he won't be the source of your downfall in future. Anyway, I will give you what you request, after which he will go to the UK to start his foundation course. You better warn your son to buckle up now, because there is no way I will fly over to meet David Cameron to organize exam papers by the time he gets to the UK. A word is enough for the wise. For now, the exam questions are not a problem. I have the education sector IN MY POCKET!

Scenario 3

Oloyinbo: (Getting up from his two minutes prostration, which Chief Goshe acknowledged by massaging his head with the sole of his left foot, he then starts hailing loudly) Baba Goshe, Baba mi, you will live long, your enemies will not see their children. Anyone that says it will not be well with you, it won't be well with them too.
Baba mi, the time has come. I need your help seriously. It’s time for the councillor election for the local constituencies. As I told you last year, I intend to contest and since I have adopted you as my political father, who else will I run to but you? Baba Goshe, don't worry about my credentials. The minimum requirement is the SSCE result and I have already sorted that out with some boys and now have my results. All I need now is your backing and support. Baba mi, I am in your hand now o.

Chief Goshe: Oloyinbo, my nephew, see your mango head like that of my father. You want to run for councillor, hmm? I thought you were joking when you mentioned it last year. I hope you know the implications of what you are doing? The politics of our time is not for the lily-livered at all. You have to be on your toes at all times. Be ready to make friends and enemies, be ready to do anything to protect your political career and even your life from political detractors. It’s a dog eat dog world and make sure you are ready for all the consequences. You should have just accepted the business I offered to set up for you, but you youths of nowadays have been bitten by the get-rich-quick bug. Since you insist, I will help you. I will take you to a meeting tomorrow, where you will meet some powerful people. But know this one thing, you must not, in turn, bite the fingers of these powerful people, including mine, when you win. You will have to dance to their tunes. Otherwise, the ground will have no choice but to reject you.
After tomorrow, your victory is a done deal. Even if you don't contest, you have won! It’s a done deal, I have the electoral system IN MY POCKET!

Scenario 4
Sisi Peperempe: (After a steamy sex session) Honey boy, cookie crumble, sweetie, darling, sugar! I need your assistance o. You remember my youngest brother, Dodoyo, he's in Anti-graft commission’s custody. He was arrested last week
(Kissing his fat filled pot belly). They said he posed as a minister and defrauded some companies. You know the story of my family and how Dodoyo and I had to see ourselves through life by all means possible. He's the only family I have. We have gone through so much and he doesn't deserve jail time or to lose all he has worked for. (Pouting her lips, with permanent red lipstick on) Baby boo, you must help Dodoyo or else ehn...

Chief Goshe: Sisi Peperempe! C'mon, rest your little head. Why are you worrying yourself over nothing? I am disappointed in the way you keep worrying and emphasizing on this issue. After the three years of us playing this 'love game', you still worry about these little things. Before you start your rants again, don't worry I forgive you. I guarantee you that it is settled. Give me a maximum of two days, Dodoyo will get out of custody and all his frozen assets will be returned. Plus the anti-graft commission, plus the person that created the anti-graft commission, I have them all IN MY POCKET!

Scenario 5

Mr. Sinwonje: (Smacking his stomach during a meal of Suya and bottles of Lager beer at a popular elite club in Abuja) Chief Goshe, what are you going to do about this latest development now? I think Mr. President is serious about this power thing this time around o. If those Japanese people dare sign that contract of the electricity overhaul in this country, that line of business is over for me o, and you know that means you will also lose your regular cut. Hmm, Goshe, this is not good news at all. That is my major income-generating business and I use it to keep body and soul, Princess and Priscilla together. Imagine that this whole country, Nigeria, will not need generators or diesels to make their life easier. This is serious disaster. I will do anything to make it fail….

Read the rest of this and a lot more in your copy of Antonyms of a Mirage here

 

Oprah's lifeclass The Tour

I wasn't really a follower of the Oprah Winfrey's show when it was on but I watched a few episodes here and there.  The first time I heard about Oprah's Lifeclass was from Good Nigerian Girl during one of our conversations online. Then she blogged about the classes here and then the Tour which she is attending LIVE in Toronto (well done girl!). I decided to check it out as one of my goals for 2012 is to invest my time in things that will edify me all round- body, spirit and soul. Anyway I have watched two episodes so far and all I can say is WOWOWOWOW!!! Some mind blowing deep stuff, I mean this is not just some fluffy stuff but practical ways of dealing with life issues.

The first episode I watched was the one with Tony Robbins Living Fearlessly. I  am a fan of Tony Robbins (by the way I wonder why he uses Tony now instead of Anthony..I prefer Anthony..lol). He is such an amazing inspirational speaker. He shares some powerful stuff on how to embrace your fear and change the story you tell yourself. Amongst his many books he is well known for his international bestselling book- Awaken the giant within.

I then watched the one with Bishop T.D Jakes- Living with Purpose. This one was just on another level. I was totally blessed by this episode. In fact I recommend you watch this one if you have time to watch just one episode. Two things the Bishop said that stood out for me (which I also tweeted about) were:

The "Yes Yes Yes, was from Tony Robbins- so I was mixing and matching there...lol

I have realised that there are some things I want to do which I either don't do or end up doing "conventionally" because of what friends or family or people I don't even know would say..but Nooo! all that is changing now. By God's grace I am stepping out! I do not need ANYONE's validation. All I need is God's permission.

From both classes I got one key message - My purpose has to be greater than me and cannot benefit just me but people around me. When I look beyond myself & my need and reach out to help other people I can do fearless amazing things.

I enjoyed the classes so much I am going to look for the ones she ran last year.  I encourage you to look for those videos (maybe starting from the two above) and watch. I know not everyone is a fan of Oprah (I am indifferent about her) but please don't let that hold you back from watching the videos...the guest speakers she brings to the show is what does it for me and the message of TRUTH they pass on.

God bless!

Time for a Transformation

Did anybody miss me??? I know I have been away for so long! I have been B-U-S-Y working on two exciting projects that are dear to me. One I will share with you briefly today and the other very very soon.

As a result of concentrating on these two projects, I have had less and less time for my blogs- this and the soulsistas blog (owned with writefreak).  In fact, I have been thinking a lot about what to do with this blog in particular. I have never thought there will be a time I would consider closing it down. The idea seems appealing right now as I don't want to just leave the blog unattended to but at the same time I feel like I have had this blog since May 2006 (wow 6 years, I must throw a party) and it has become a great part of my life. The thought of actually closing it down for good makes me feel like I am about to kill my baby!... I still have a lot of posts to write but time oh timee... Please if you guys have any suggestions for me on what to do about this blog, I would love to hear it as I know I might not have explored all options.

Now to the first project. Hmm, can I really call it a project? Not sure what to call for now so lets stick to "project".  It relates to the video below. Please watch it all the way to the end. The video is self explanatory and mind blowing. This is definitely not for everyone but I know someone reading this needs this information.  I am not here to market or preach at anybody neither am I here to waste anybody's time (and won't expect anyone to waste my time as well).  I am simply sharing something I confidently believe in and know works (backed with evidence). All I can say is if you are absolutely interested and you want a transformation in your life contact me here wherever you may be. I will be more than happy to introduce you to Bios Life Slim.

OK! So that's project 1 covered. Stay tuned for more information about project 2....it is all coming together ba-by! Can anyone feel my excitement yet?? tee hee!