He Is Intentional!

I just heard a song by Travis Greene titled ‘Intentional’ and it completely opened a new side to my knowledge of God that I had prior to this time not given much thought which is that God is intentional in everything he says and does.

To better get a grasp of this I looked up the meaning of the word ‘Intentional’ and it means to be deliberate and to act on purpose.

This should give a clearer picture of how God operates – he speaks and acts deliberately.

This means that careful consideration is given to every word he says and every action he takes. He doesn’t just act on a wimp, he doesn’t just say words for the sake of saying them – HE IS INTENTIONAL!

Most times we quote verses of scripture but rarely do we take time to ponder on the words. I mean really ponder.

I for one quote several Bible verses when I probably am faced with a challenge and I go oh well, God’s plans for me are of good and not evil.

A clear understanding of a thing though helps to put things in perspective and helps us better appreciate it as such, knowing and understanding that God is intentional with all he says or does can help us fully trust him and ‘surrender all’ to him.

So the next time you are reminded to just praise him through your storm, don’t fret or doubt. Just cooperate and praise him, hold on to every word he says because as he has promised all things are working for your good.

He who promised is a Father you can trust, a confidante you can rely on and a friend for all times. He isn’t just faithful, HE  ACTS ON PURPOSE AND IS INTENTIONAL.

The Danger Of A Single Story

I have read the transcript of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Ted Talk on ‘The danger of a single story’ and I have been pondering on this phrase for a while now because of recent happenings.

First I will state that I am what most people have described as an introvert because I am not the most sociable person and because loyalty is important to me, I am ‘intentional’ in picking my friends as a result of which I have really few friends.

While I choose to not be boxed into any category of behavior – Introvert vs Extrovert, I understand that people will do what they will and that I have no control over.

I must say though that being who I am has oftentimes resulted in people forming opinions and drawing conclusions about me from afar. Some people however have opened up after several encounters with me about how they had seen that I wasn’t who they thought I was and how they were wrong to just ‘judge’ from afar, but some will never get the chance to know the real me and as such will have their opinions.

This is the crux of this article.

Oftentimes we hear stories about people and go on to talk about how they could have and should have acted differently, we go on to talk about how we could never do what they did or say what they said, we go on to talk about how they did wrong without getting to know the truth. But as has been said for every story there is ‘his side, her side and the truth’.

Most of us never bother with knowing the truth especially if the story seems to lend credence to our preconceived notion of the person in question. This however is dangerous as we tend to see people and relate to them based on the opinion we have of them and where our opinion is untrue or incomplete we may treat them unjustly. I say this because I too am guilty.

This is where empathy is required – ask yourself ‘what if people relate with me and treat me based on a story they heard about me which may be untrue or incomplete’?

As Chimamanda stated “the consequence of the single story is this: It robs people of dignity. It makes our recognition of our equal humanity difficult. It emphasizes how we are different, rather than how we are similar”.

This for me means that when we judge people based on what we have read or heard about them without seeking the other side to the story, we risk breaking their dignity, maligning their character and reputation as well as losing our sense of humanity.

We ought to therefore intentionally choose not to relate to people based on their appearance, colour, social class, level of education, religion, gender or whatever parameter we choose to judge people with.

We must do well to not just deal with people based on a single story.

This is the only way we can treat people justly, with equity and achieve true harmony as humans.

Always Be Gracious And Grateful

I read once that the hardest mathematics in the world is the one which enables us count our blessings and I must say it's true.

Oftentimes we get so engrossed with our needs and wants which by the way are insatiable, that we have no time to just be grateful for what we have.

Also oftentimes we compare ourselves with others and sometimes it's with the most mundane issues like your sister whose daughter has started walking at the age of one while yours is still crawling - funny but true.

We get caught up with counting the blessings of others which leaves us no time to count our own and this has resulted in most people being depressed and suicidal.

I am not saying those suffering depression are ungrateful, I'm simply saying that if we focus on the beauty in our lives, there will be no room for depression or suicidal thoughts. 'A merry heart does good like medicine' Proverbs 17:22.

We must therefore learn to always be gracious and grateful. It's easy to focus on all the things that are not going right but we must take time to focus on the positive and the things going right.

Commit to getting better and improving your life, set goals, never settle, do not be content with mediocrity but make sure to enjoy the journey.

Everyday won't be perfect but everyday has its purpose.

We must teach our children to be thankful. Encourage your child to succeed but do not forget to celebrate their small successes.

Be intentional in giving thanks and do not wait for a special day to give thanks instead make thanksgiving a habit and thanksliving a lifestyle.

Remember that someone somewhere may be praying to have what you take for granted.

Spread joy wherever you go because the truth is that life won't be perfect but a grateful heart and thankful lips will make the journey worthwhile.

Who's Your Daddy?

Oftentimes in life, we may get overwhelmed with the challenges of living that we forget that all we have to do is cast our cares on the one who cares for us. 

Sometimes we get sunk in the mire of our sins and mistakes and we feel cut off from God, but we must remember that ours is a Father whose love is unconditional and everlasting. 

When doubts arise and the storm rages, remind yourself whose you are. 

He is Everything To Me:

He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation, Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and the Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is, and He always will be
Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and Never undone!

He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!

The world can’t understand him, armies can’t defeat Him, Schools can’t explain Him, and the leaders can’t ignore Him.

Herod couldn’t kill Him,
The Pharisees couldn’t confuse Him, and
The people couldn’t hold Him!
Nero couldn’t crush Him,
Hitler couldn’t silence Him,
The New Age can’t replace Him, and
The intellectuals and rationalists can’t explain Him away!

He is Light, Love, Longevity, and Lord.
He is Goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, Mighty, Powerful, and Pure.
His ways are right, His Word is eternal,
His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me!

He is my Redeemer,
He is my Savior,
He is my Guide, and
He is my Peace!
He is my Joy,
He is my Comfort,
He is my Lord, and
He rules my life!

I serve Him because His bond is love,
His burden is light, and His goal for me is abundant life.

I’m bought by blood and bound by love.
I love Him because He first loved me.

I follow Him because
He is the wisdom of the wise,
The power of the powerful,
The ancient of days,
The ruler of rulers,
The leader of leaders,
The First of the overcomers, and
The sovereign Lord of all that was and is to come.

And wonders of wonders- 
His goal is a relationship with ME!

He will never leave me, or forsake me,
Never mislead me, or forget me,
Never overlook me, and
Never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!

When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!

He is my everything
He is God,
He is faithful.

I am His, and He is mine!
Our Father in heaven has defeated the god of this world.
Greater is He that is in me!

So, if you’re wondering why I feel so secure, understand this...
He said it and that settles it.
God is in control, I am on His side, and that means all is well with my soul.

Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is!

Adopted. 

When I Look At You, Who Will I See?

I came across this post this fine morning and thought to share.

It's profound...read on,

A few years ago a group of salesmen went to a regional sales convention in Chicago .. They had assured their wives that they would be home in plenty of time for Friday night's dinner. In their rush, with tickets and briefcases, one of these salesmen inadvertently kicked over a table which held a display of apples. Apples flew everywhere. Without stopping or looking back, they all managed to reach the plane in time for their nearly-missed boarding...
ALL BUT ONE!!! He paused, took a deep breath, got in touch with his feelings and experienced a twinge of compassion for the girl whose apple stand had been overturned.
He told his buddies to go on without him, waved good-bye, told one of them to call his wife when they arrived at their home destination and explain his taking a later flight. Then he returned to the terminal where the apples were all over the terminal floor.

He was glad he did. The 16-year-old girl was totally blind! She was softly crying, tears running down her cheeks in frustration, and at the same time helplessly groping for her spilled produce as the crowd swirled about her; no one stopping and no one to care for her plight.
The salesman knelt on the floor with her, gathered up the apples, put them back on the table and helped organize her display. As he did this, he noticed that many of them had become battered and bruised; these he set aside in another basket.
When he had finished, he pulled out his wallet and said to the girl, "Here, please take this $40 for the damage we did. Are you okay?"She nodded through her tears. He continued on with, "I hope we didn't spoil your day too badly."
As the salesman started to walk away, the bewildered blind girl called out to him, "Mister...." He paused and turned to look back into those blind eyes. She continued, "Are you Jesus?"
He stopped in mid-stride .... and he wondered. He gently went back and said, "No, I am nothing like Jesus - He is good, kind, caring, loving, and would never have bumped into your display in the first place.
"The girl gently nodded: "I only asked because I prayed for Jesus to help me gather the apples. He sent you to help me, so you are like Him - only He knows who will do His will. Thank you for hearing His call, Mister."
Then slowly he made his way to catch the later flight with that question burning and bouncing about in his soul: "Are you Jesus?"

Do people mistake you for Jesus?

That's our destiny, is it not? To be so much like Jesus that people cannot tell the difference as we live and interact with a world that is blind to His love, life and grace.
If we claim to know Him, we should live, walk and act as He would. Knowing Him is Great . It's actually living the Word as life unfolds day to day.
You are the apple of His eye even though you, too, have been bruised by a fall. He stopped what He was doing and picked up you and me on a hill called Calvary and paid in full for our damaged fruit . How AWESOME! How Great is Our LORD!

The Road Trip: The Little Things Count

Buy me a Rose, call me from work, open the door for me why would it hurt...these are the little things I need the most in my life'
These are lyrics from Luther Vandross' song  'Buy me a Rose' and they express a lover's plea to their partner to show them love in the littlest of ways.

I recently fell ill and had to stay home from work. Having completed the prescribed medication, I resumed work as I thought that I had fully recovered but I was wrong as I collapsed before the close of work and had to be rushed to the hospital.
The Doctor said I needed to rest so I stayed home today - hoping to recover.
Then a friend visited and suggested that I go on a ride around town with him, I felt weak but took up his offer and we hit the road.
We drove round, had lunch at a nice restaurant, chatted, laughed, sang to songs on the radio and took the longer route back home.
By the time I got home, I felt refreshed, rejuvenated and strong - the trip, the sights, the jokes did what the Doctor's prescription couldn't do.
I feel stronger and I owe it to the simple gesture of taking a trip round town.

Oftentimes in life it's the simple things that count.

As a parent just taking time to tuck your child in bed may mean more than a hundred toys.
Calling up a friend just to know how they are faring could make a difference in their day.
Making time for family will create memories that will last a lifetime.
Buy a Rose for your partner or do something nice for them just because you appreciate them.
The little things we do are often what add up to become the big things and create memories that last a lifetime.

Fiction: The Vow

Loving all I know about you and trusting what I do not yet know. In all that life brings us, I pledge...no I promise would be better, she thought.
She struck out the word Pledge and made to write promise instead, then she looked up as Kate her sister's giggle caught her attention, she smiled. Kate was trying on her dress and Cynthia teased her about trying to outshine the bride.
Then she looked in the mirror before her, Cynthia did a perfect job with her makeup as she looked every inch the perfect bride.

She looked down again at the note pad in her hand, she was reviewing her vows for the umpteenth time.

Today she would be one with the best man she ever met, they had both agreed to write their vows and she wanted hers to be perfect. She intended to paint her love with the best of words - Charles is worth more than words can describe.
She smiled again as she pictured his face, she imagined him stifling his laughter at some of the things she would say about him and their love.

Then her mind flashed back to the day they met - 12 months earlier.
She had gone to the bank to retrieve her ATM card which got stuck in the machine the day before but she was told the same thing she had heard the day before. The man in charge wasn't on seat and she had to wait or return again. She was angry and frustrated as she had deadlines to meet, besides she was to leave town the next day. She knew playing it cool would get her no where and before anyone could say anything she sat on the floor, surprising even herself.

She sat down and told the Customer Care lady that she would not get up until she got her card.

'In fact I'll post pictures of myself on Social media and let everyone know how incompetent and insensitive you are to customers plight' this was her reply when the lady insisted that a well dressed and pretty lady ought to not act in that manner. The lady threatened to call security but she didn't flinch.

Before long the HR manager came out to pacify her but she insisted that she would not move until she got her card. Shortly after, the man who was to give her the card came in and she was handed her card. She got up, dusted her dress and walked out. She didn't even wait to hear what the bank officials were saying to her - she felt a little embarrassed but her act of desperation paid off.

Two weeks later, she had gone to get grocery from the City mall and as she made to hand her card to the cashier for payment she heard a voice 'you still have your card huh'?
She turned and it was the HR Manager from the bank, she was too embarrassed to say anything.

He extended his hand for a handshake 'My name is Charles' he said.

She nodded and smiled as she took his hand 'I'm Grace, nice shirt you have on', she replied.
He muttered his thanks and offered to take her wherever she was headed to make up for the embarrassment his bank had caused her. But she politely declined as she had driven to the mall. He insisted then that he would make up in anyway possible. They agreed to have dinner that weekend and exchanged cards.
He took the bags from her, walked her down to her car, helped her put them in the boot and watched her drive off.

That weekend they had dinner and the dinner dates continued for four weeks before he asked her out officially. Then they had formed a bond.
Charles was the quintessential gentleman and though he had his flaws, he was a good man.

He gave her the best time of her life.

They navigated through the tough times, shared each other's pains, celebrated successes and just grew together. He proposed eight months after.

Two months ago today she thought, as Kate's voice jolted her back to reality, 'Grace, your phone is ringing'. She picked up her phone, it was Charles.

'Hello, My best man' she said.
'My pearl' he responded, 'My favorite girl, how are you'?
'I'm good, getting ready to be your wife'.
He chuckled.
'I have a confession', he said.
'I'm listening' she responded.
He went on 'My darling, did you know I have dreamt of this day from the day I saw you sitting on the floor at the bank? I knew I wanted you from that day'. She smiled and he continued.

'Meeting you at the mall was God's answer to my prayers and I knew I would never let you go. Sometimes I wonder if I can love you the way you deserve to be loved. I wonder why a woman with such a beautiful soul would choose me in spite of my imperfections. I just love you'.

I love you too, she replied

He continued, 'Remember the day you canceled your trip to take care of me when I fell ill? I overheard you telling your mum on the phone to pray for me and that you would give your blood if you had to. That day I knew I would give anything to make you happy.
So babe, I can't promise you a perfect life but I'll do all I can to protect, defend, honor and love you. If I err as I'm wont to do, if you feel overwhelmed and are tempted to leave me, remember I fell for you.

When life's storm rages and we can't stand any longer, we will go on our knees to the God who brought us together - our king.
I choose you today, my favorite girl, prayer partner, cheerleader, teammate, sister, lover and Wife. Don't you ever doubt my love for you cos I will love you faithfully and no matter where life takes us Grace will lead us home - to each other.
Thank you for accepting to be the mother of my children. You have brought me happiness and I will do right by you, God bless you my pearl'.
She felt a tear trickle down her face.

God bless you too my love, she muttered.

'I imagine how beautiful you look right now. Now let's go do this' he replied

She dropped the call and looked down at the Note pad in her hand, she reviewed her Vow and beckoned on Kate and Cynthia, 'let us pray' she said.

They came over, held each other's hands and bowed their heads to pray.

The Art Of Marriage

What does it take to have a great marriage?

I have never been married and so I have absolutely no idea what married life is like but I do know that as with everything in life married life has it’s challenges. I also know that no two marriages are the same as each individual is unique.

I have heard and read a lot of articles on marriage and while heeding such may not guarantee a healthy marriage, I do know that the best person to take advice from is one who have walked the walk.

So I came across a Poem titled “The Art of Marriage,” by Wilferd A. Peterson who was married to his wife for 58 years and you will agree with me that if he was married for 58 years then he has advice that should be heeded. 

I thought to share his poem, read on.

The Art Of Marriage

Happiness in marriage is not something that just happens.

A good marriage must be created.

In the art of marriage the little things are the big things…

It is never being too old to hold hands.

It is remembering to say “I love you” at least once a day.

It is never going to sleep angry.

It is at no time taking the other for granted;the courtship should not end with the honeymoon,
it should continue through all the years.

It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.


It is standing together facing the world.

It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.

It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude
of duty or sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy.

It is speaking words of appreciation
and demonstrating gratitude in thoughtful ways.

It is not looking for perfection in each other.


It is cultivating flexibility, patience,
understanding and a sense of humor.

It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.

It is giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.

It is finding room for the things of the spirit.


It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.

It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal,
dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal.

It is not only marrying the right partner, it is being the right partner.

It is discovering what marriage can be, at its best.

– by Wilferd Arlan Peterson.

                    

Cinderella: A Different View

The Cinderella story created by Disney is one of the most popular stories and has been reenacted severally in movies and books. 

I think though that it is not a story I will tell my daughter(s) for reasons I will highlight below. 

1.Cinderella's Step-Mother was depicted as evil but Step-Mothers are not always evil. When one hears the word stepmother they usually think evil and wicked first and it is the idea sold to us from such fairy tales. As a result when we see children living with Step-Mothers we tend to see them as victims, it's wrong.

2. Prince Charming is not real. Abeg no need to create the picture of the 'perfect and handsome' man that would come to save your little girl. Instead of emphasizing on his looks, tell her about traits such as resourcefulness, tact, thoughtfulness, kindness, discipline and decency. Innate qualities are more important than a man's appearance.

3. Girls do not need to be pretty to be accepted. We are told that Cinderella was pretty and good while her stepsisters were ugly and wicked which is why she got the Prince's attention. This makes us judge people most times based on their appearance and may lead girls to desire perfection - which is unattainable.

4. Girls are active participants in relationships. Cinderella is painted as a passive female whose only role was to look good for the ball and even when she fled at midnight (which is akin to trying times in a relationship), the Prince went all out and all she had to do was fit into glass slippers. In the real world, a woman is a partner and an active participant in a relationship.

5. A girl doesn't need a man to save her.  Cinderella is depicted as the poor maid who waits for Prince Charming to give her life a meaning. This may lead to girls fantasizing about a man who would come to save them from their 'hard' life instead of seeking success on their own. I do not deny that a good man sometimes encourages and supports you to succeed but you must first have the drive on your own. Christ already saved us and that is enough.

I would teach her instead about Queen Esther. 

Esther was an orphan that became a queen but she didn't just live happily ever after, she fought battles on her knees and physically to save her people and was even willing to die for them. She didn't just sit pretty like her predecessor, I think that's a better story to tell my daughter.

An Unending Love Affair.

I would like to think that most relationships start out this way:

Boy meets girl, girl catches his attention, he goes all out to get her attention and does everything in the books to win her heart. 

Girl may not be interested at first but may become deeply moved by the length he goes just to get her attention and girl may decide to have a relationship with boy.

Overtime they both form a bond through communication and fellowship. 

They learn about each other's likes and dislikes, hopes and aspirations, fears and pet peeves, past mistakes and failure and this knowledge helps the relationship to just grow. Then they may decide to seal it forever and continue in fellowship.

This is akin to God's motive of sending his son to die for us - John  3:16.

No human love can compare to his kind of love for us but I used that illustration to buttress the fact that Christ died and rose not just to save us from sin but to draw us to the Father.

The highest purpose of his birth, death and resurrection is not to save us from sin. It is to call us into fellowship.

'God is faithful, by whom ye were called into the fellowship of his son Jesus Christ our Lord' - 1 Corinthians 1:9.

As such believing in him and being saved is only a first step, communing with and knowing the Father is the ultimate goal.

We see then that Salvation from sin is a means to an end, the end here being 'Fellowship with God'.

Christ came to call us to oneness with God and to make us part of his family.

This is why John the beloved exclaimed 'behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God' - 1 John 3:1.

In time past the Israelites had to rely on the Priest to communicate with God as only he could enter the holy of holies but when the Temple Veil was torn in two upon Christ's death, we too got access to God and for the first time man could boldly stand before God. 

Now we can reach out to him from the confines of our closets needing no ceremonial garb and can also learn of him through his word.

The Christian life is an unending love affair with the Father. A relationship that only gets better with time, guiding all other relationships we have and producing fruits of souls.

Apostle Paul put it aptly when he proclaimed that 'nothing can separate us from the love of God' - Romans 8:38-39.

The Father's dream beyond redemption for you is that you 'know' him, experience him and understand his nature. 

Above all else he wants a relationship that no force can sever - what an honour to not just be loved but to be called into fellowship with God.

There is no higher calling than to have a relationship with God, this is the Father's dream.