STOP COMPARING YOURSELF AND JUST BE YOU

 

This is for everyone out there. You know who you are. You try so hard to be a good person, friend, spouse, sister, brother, neighbour, colleague but you feel someone else always has you beat. So you berate and compare yourself to the perfect person around you or in your environment. Comparing is just a slippery slope to misery. Especially when it comes to what we see on social networking sites and in our daily life. I'm reminded of the quote by Lead Pastor Steven Furtick, "The reason we struggle with insecurity is because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel."

 Most of us tend to hide our insecurities — the most vulnerable part of ourselves. Insecurities don't make you less of a person. Rather, it makes you a person. How many of us inwardly groan when we are around someone who seems to have it all? We like being around people who are real, relatable and not afraid to say, "I'm scared but am capable."

Knowing how to stop comparing yourself to others can feel impossible in this social media saturated world. You turn on Facebook, instagram and see the “life mile markers” of friends new and old. You hear where others are in their lives, what they are doing, achieving, believing, pursuing, creating. Plus, with the motivation from every direction to “live the life you’ve always imagined,” when you see something that someone else has which “you want,” you feel like you’re not doing enough in your life to have it. As if you were being lazy or just didn’t have “what it takes” to “have it all.”

Dear friends, always remind yourself: I have what I have, I am who I am, and I know what I know and it doesn't matter what people see now. Staying in a place of feeling good, ultimately, will allow even more of you, more information, more business ideas and fulfillment.

 Comparison can be inspiring when we see what someone else has created and witness it as an example of the abundance and prosperity that is available for all. In other words, just because they have it doesn’t mean there’s “less of it” for you.

Own your quirks, your passions, your flaws and your interests because in the end those are what make you — you. In moments of self-doubt, Try to remember this quote, "Be who you are, say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

May today be the day you start focusing on you and what is absolutely fantastic about YOU. May today appreciate life and not compare your life to others. May today be the day you ban insecurity, self pity and let in self-love!

 

 

 

 

 

THINK BIG, THINK IMPOSSIBLE

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him” 1Co 2:9

Dear Readers,

This is July,2014. We Thank God for how far he has brought us safely and triumphantly  all through  this year .

Now that you are in the midst of the year, what are your plans for the remaining  months of the year?

I’m talking about goals, plans, aspirations, desires, dreams, call it what you want, those things you wish you can achieve, realize, experience and live before this year runs out.

You know those yearnings in your heart that you daydream about, those are the exact yearnings I want you to feed on.

No matter how ludicrous, no matter how impossible, no matter how unachievable those yearnings might seem, don’t stop thinking about them. Do you know why? Because you become your thoughts – “As a man thinketh in his heart, so he is” Prov 23:7. You can never grow bigger than your thoughts!

And the fact of the matter is, no matter how big or new or impossible your dreams are, they are nowhere near what God has planned for you - “ For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”-Jeremiah 29:10

And you know what else? -  “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert” Isa 43:19

Isn’t that amazing? Not only is God willing, and eager to do that big, new, impossible thing in your life, He will also be the one to make a way for it to be realized and flourish. And remember, He is the one who says a thing and does it.

In fact, do you know that desire to achieve is from God and He is just waiting for you to ask so He can fulfill it? – “At the sound of your voice I would give an answer, and you would have a desire for the work of your hands” Job 14:15

Feed on that desire, think on it, dwell on it, dream it, imagine it, and believe it until it becomes your reality. It definitely will be realized because the Bible says – “. . . He bringeth them unto their desired haven” Ps 107:30

Hey Friends, dare to trust Him for the miraculous this year. Then you can afford to Think Big and Think Impossible!



GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

ENJOYING SWEET HOME DURING CHRISTMAS

 





JESUS CHRIST IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON



 

Christmas means a joyful time of the year. It is a time of giving and sharing. There is so much joy going on in the atmosphere. Christmas is all about Jesus. You know it’s easier to celebrate Christmas if you know Jesus because He is the reason for the season!

I want you all to know that Christmas season is a time to receive and share God’s love.

The Word of God says: For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

 

God is a God that delights in giving and sharing. The gift of His Son, Jesus Christ is an everyday addition to the world and humanity in general. His works of creation, like the trees, sun, moon, star, water, rain, plants, animals, fishes etc, are blessings to man. One way to keep joy in the family long after Christmas is for members of the family to express love by giving and sharing, not only among family members, but also extending hand to those outside your home and family. This is not something that should be done only on Christmas season also everyday even after Christmas is over.

 

Many people often find the heart to give only at Christmas but this should not be so. Giving and sharing should be an everyday practice. The volume of what you give is not what matters, but the heart behind your giving and sharing is what matters. Giving and sharing are not limited to gifts, but acts of love, helps and services you render to others. You may not have money or material things to give; but a word of compliment, a commendation, a helping hand or even a smile will go a long way

 

Jesus Christ, all through His life-time here, was a gift to mankind and was an everyday giver. He gave eyes to the blind, health to the sick, hope to the hopeless and helps to the helpless. The act of giving and sharing towards your family, the needy, the poor and helpless should be done all through the year and not just at Christmas only.

 

One of the secrets of giving is that when you give or share something with someone else, you make that person happy and you create room for someone else to make you happy. What you sow is what you reap (Genesis 8:22). When you give those who are not in position to give you back, like the less privileged, needy or poor, you create room for God to bless you. Usually, when God pays back, He pays back in ways that no man can ever pay you. Endeavour to put smiles on the faces of the needy during this month of Christmas, and God will reward you abundantly. Knowing Christ is the foundation for enjoying a sweet home.

 

Also as the Christmas season is on and the year 2013 comes to an end, I know some are already complaining and murmuring what a boring celebration and listing out some of their expectation for the year that never came to pass. My advice to all is if you tried fasting and praying and nothing happen; why not switch to praises and thanksgiving.  Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord (Psalm 150:6). Do you still have breath? You owe God thanks. The scriptures says: Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord. It didn’t say, “Let everything that has car, house, wife, good job, husband, etc” You owe God thanks for your breath. Why don’t you turn your request into thanksgiving?

 

Thanksgiving is a must, for you to keep the joy of the Lord flowing in your home and family. It opens up the gates of God and ushers you into His presence, thereby granting you audience. In the excitement of the season, time must be set aside to appreciate and thank Him for His faithfulness towards you and your family. You show appreciation for divine protection, divine provision, divine health, unity, security, safety, promotion, etc. These are the faithfulness of God.

 

You need to spend time to think deeply and you will see that you owe God thanks. Think of His mercies and loving-kindness towards you and your family; without Him things could have been worse. Many started the year with you, but not too many are alive to see the end of the year! Often times, a lot of us are so bothered about what God has not done, that we tend to forget what He has already done.

 

Have you enjoyed God’s benefit since the year began? Don’t take God for granted. Give Him quality thanks. The fact that you are still alive is worth thanking God for.

 

Let the woman who did not bare, thank God with joy in her heart for even making her a wife to a man. Let the unemployed thank God for the gift of life and health. Let the single persons thank God that they are qualified candidates to be married,  Let the businessman that is yet to break even at the end of the year, stop pointing an accusing finger at God, but thank Him for his unspeakable gifts.

 

There are a lot of things to give God thanks for. Has God done anything for you this year? If you think well, you will know that He has done so much. Thanksgiving is a commandment from God as instructed in I Thessalonians 5:18 and Ephesians 5:20. If you want Him to continue His blessings in your life and family, obey His commandment. When you obey the commandment of thanksgiving, you open the door for great blessings. A life of thanksgiving is a life of sweat less and tasteful Christian experience. If you settle down to acknowledge Him, He will acknowledge you too.

 

Give God thanks for what He did yesterday and you will compel Him to act today. You don’t have to wait for a reason to thank Him; just thank Him for who He is because what you call a challenge now is another person's prayer point. When you stop having a reason to thank God, then you have created a reason to be imprisoned. There is always a reason to thank God. The Word of God says:

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies (Psalm 103:1-4).

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!

ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

WELCOME TO 2014 OUR YEAR OF EXCEEDING GRACE!

Dear friends,If you are looking for ways to feel more happiness in your life in this new year, try being more grateful. Gratitude brings many blessings, including peace and contentment and strength during hard times.

 

 

 

The season of Thanksgiving is upon us and we all should be sensitive in all our doings to reference God for how far he has brought us to see the new year. Bishop David Oyedepo of faith tabernacle says Thanksgiving is a lifestyle and acknowledging God for his faithfulness. Thanksgiving is must, for you to keep the joy of the Lord flowing in your home and family. It opens up the gates of God and ushers you into His presence, thereby granting you audience.

Gratitude is an attribute that can be developed. The following six ideas about gratitude will help you realize what a gift a thankful heart can be.

1. Contentment. “A grateful person is rich in contentment. An ungrateful person suffers in the poverty of endless discontentment.” Being thankful for what we have, whether it is a roof over our heads or a job that pays the bills, helps keep things in perspective.

Recently my kid sister was complaining that she is tired and angry over the Asuu strike that some of her friends in private university are already ahead of her. I reminded her of many other people that are still home waiting to pass their SSCE, Jamb and praying to be admitted to the university and some that died in the waiting. She immediately realized the opportunities she’s had and felt grateful. Recognizing blessings brings happiness and contentment.

2. The hand of God. True, we often turn to God in times of distress. When life’s challenges ambush and overwhelm us, we seek God for comfort, aid and blessings. But, remembering to seek him when life is rosy is just as important. Giving thanks for his tender mercies — a lovely day, a promotion at work, a new friend, a healthy baby — helps us to humbly acknowledge his presence during the ups of life. When I begin to think about all the things I have been blessed with, I am overwhelmed with a sense of humility and thankfulness for the unspeakable gifts God has given me and my family. Taking time to think about the good things and people in our lives helps us realize we are not alone. I know that God cares about us and wants to bless us.

3. Feel love. We should develop the habit of writing down things we are thankful for not always our prayer points. When we express gratitude, we feel love. Thanking a friend for a birthday card or well-timed phone call increases feelings of love for that person. Acknowledging the sacrifice of a spouse to provide for family needs helps partners grow closer. I feel my love for my family members increase as I thank them for the ways they help me and show me love daily.

4. See beauty and good. I am so thankful for a beautiful earth. Despite the challenges we are facing in Nigeria and each state has one remarkable beauty. As we are thankful for nature, good health, that peanut salary and the things surrounding us, we see more beauty and good in the world. When someone lets me take a parking spot or go first in line at an ATM  stand, I am thankful for their kindness and look for ways to return it. Thankfulness breeds kindness and helps us to see the beauty in life all around us.Technology and modern conveniences, medicine, family and friends, health, education, food and shelter are blessings that most people appreciate but forget to regularly acknowledge and thank God for.

5. Find peace and understanding in hard times. Recently, a friend pointed out to me a facet of gratitude she hadn’t considered much before. She said her life was enriched as she found things to be thankful for during difficult times in life, and even felt gratitude for her trials. This idea intrigues me because most time we focuses on the things we desire from God and forgetting the things we didn't ask that was given to us by God. Dear friends, lets all see the benefit of looking for the good when things seem bad; pessimism doesn’t bring happiness.

Many people have been inspired by those who endured the horrific conditions of life and kept alive by their own determination to stay positive and not give up. Expressing gratitude when times are difficult will help you endure and overcome.

6. Look outward. Thankful people express gratitude by helping others. A cycle of thankfulness and service can begin as we look outward to help others as an expression of our gratitude.

7. Our health is improved

A thankful heart can be a preventative measure against illness. The powers of positive thinking and gratitude play major roles in our emotional and physical health.

In conclusion,  life will never be perfect. We will always have worries and problems. Fortunately, we can be content with our lives and find peace during troubled times if we embrace the gift of gratitude. Don’t wait until Thanksgiving to start living a life full of gratitude. Even if we feel that we don’t have much, dwelling on the blessings God has bestowed helps us to shift our attitudes. We experience happier hearts, recognize God’s hand and enjoy improved health. Start today and begin to feel the blessings a thankful heart can bring.

 

 

GOD BLESS YOU AND I WISH YOU ALL A HAPPY & A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!!

 

 

 

BEFORE PREPARING FOR MARRIAGE

 

 

 
 

Here are some questions that must be answered as a single in the positive BEFORE marriage, or quickly thereafter:

1. Do you know yourself? It is important to find the right person. But do you consider yourself to be the right person? This includes knowing what you do and do not like, being psychologically healthy, trustworthy, empathetic and able to share and care for another person. The qualities you search for apply to you, too. The more you know yourself, the more you’ll know what to look for in another person and the consequences of what you did not expect will be felt less. If you do not know yourself, no relationship will complete you.

2. Have you acquired the necessary knowledge? Always go in search of books relating to marriage on how to make it work so as to equip yourself, like making marriage work, covenant marriage author by Pastor Faith Oyedepo,   Marriage is a journey you have never embarked on; you need to be prepared for it. As my father in the Lord ( Bishop David Oyedepo) will always say ‘’ you don’t prepare in marriage, you prepare for marriage’’. It takes knowledge to understand  marriage. Most  people tend to forget the different between wedding and marriage. Wedding is an initiation to marriage and a matter of few hours and marriage is a life time commitment, how elaborate your wedding is does not determine a happy home.''What you don’t know you suffer for it.''

3. Do you accept each other for who you really are? This means you realize no one is perfect. Everyone has faults, limits and certain attributes that may be detestable to you. Marital problems begin as one party tries to change the other. Change is difficult, and no one can force another to change. You are responsible only for the changes made in yourself.

4. While dating and engaged, has your life been tranquil? This includes getting along with others, knowing how to solve problems, conversing civilly and applying empathy, tolerance and good will. Arguing is normal within any intimate relationship, but you need to be sure that the arguments are constructive, resolve problems and provide solutions to questions. If conflicts are ugly and disrespectful, do not expect it to get better after marriage.

5. Do you have a good relationship with God? When you develop quality relationship with God you won’t be under pressure in your marriage or relationships and you will always celebrate God for every disappointment or broken relationship because some broken relationships are deliverance in disguise.

6. Do you like yourself or the feeling that comes when you are with your significant other? It is imperative that you know, and can be, yourself. There is harmony when you and the one you love connect through similar interests, attitudes and values. Be sure that you feel comfortable in each other’s presence. Similarities strengthen the relationship.

7. Do you feel spiritually comfortable around her? You do not need to be religious to know that how your spouse feels and acts about the divine will influence your relationship. Someone with an open heart; who is generous, charitable, humble and cultures faith and hope daily is better company than someone who repels correction, believes repentance and forgiveness to be "things of the believers" or mocks other religions.

8. Do you share compatible interests, attitudes and values? This is fundamental. If both focus on building a life and family together, with similar objectives, the power to overcome marital problems is strengthened. This includes self-esteem levels, physical appearance, education levels, family situations and other abilities used to build a successful relationship.

9. What do you expect from your husband after marriage? Today, male and female roles are ill-defined. It is essential, however, that you know exactly what you expect from each other. In a marriage, we are partners, parents, and companions responsible for sustaining a family as lovers, friends and confidants. We help each other, play, clean and collaborate.

10. Do you feel sufficiently sexually attracted to her? Far from being everything in a marriage, but is an important part where humour, sociability, affection and confidence nurture romanticism and contribute to the chemistry between man and wife. Remember, affection and being together does not mean that you need to have sex all the time.

11. Do you feel comfortable while you are around her family and friends? It is said that when you marry the individual, you marry the family. If this harmony does not develop, eventually, it will affect your relationship. This includes how your wife feels relative to the people who are close to you.

12. Are you interested in making him/her happy? This means letting him go after his dreams, supporting him and admiring his/her potential. While a successful marriage includes your happiness, you will still need to do your part, and not always putting yourself first.

13. Do you have a solid friendship? This means being loyal, honest, trustworthy, which are supports of a long-lasting marriage. Invest in communication. Humans enjoy talking to and being with their good friends. Ponder that.

14. Are your hygiene and habits compatible? Normally, people do not think of these as requirements for a good marriage, but it is essential to know how to take care of and present yourself, and how to contribute to the cleanliness of places you will live together. Some people are heavenly minded that they forget what is happening around them. There are so carried away by spirituality- 1 Corinthians 6:20. This improves the health of the couple and the children to come.

 

15. Are you willing to accept the responsibility of making the marriage work? This means you will not give up when problems arise. Personality attributes such as narcissism can pick away at a loving relationship and destroy the family. Ask her to do the same. Ponder and analyse each question. It is not much. You do not need to be perfect in every requirement to be happy during marriage. However, good intentions, unity and the desire to better yourselves in each of these points are important for a successful marriage. Without good intentions,good any one of these points will snowball and destroy the relationship. Here are some hidden truths about marriage that may help you make a decision. Love can conquer all. But a matured love, one that has grown together, that is interesting, strong and unified can do so much more.
 
 
 
 
 

BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR OWN ACTIONS

 

 

If you are in the habit of blaming others for your attitude, behaviour, thoughts or words, make a conscious attempt to stop. We are in control of our own actions. Learn how humility, guts and a willingness to improve can change your life.

I read a story of a student who sat in her class and had trouble controlling her amusement with the class clown. After several demands from her teacher to cease her laughter, she later explained that her friend was making her laugh. The teacher quickly responded with an inquiry “does your friend push a button on a remote control that says ‘you should laugh?’”

We can rephrase the teacher’s question to fit any of our circumstances. Does someone else have a remote control that makes us say unkind things, abuse a spouse or a child, prostitute, fornicate, sleep too much, to be arrogant, abusive, think about something that we shouldn’t, waste our time, lie, steal, cheat or be dishonest? We are free to choose as we wish and, as such are responsible for the choices that we make. With that in mind, when someone in your family makes unwise choices, it is not your fault. You can be there to offer love and encouragement as she deals with the consequences of her actions, but you should not blame yourself for the choices of others.

Each and every one of us holds our own remote control that enables us to choose our behaviour. We can use it to make people smile, encourage others, serve those in need and take care of our family. Accepting responsibility for our own actions requires humility, guts and a willingness to improve ourselves.

Humility

it is OK not to be the best, the smartest or the most talented. Humility is a powerful characteristic which allows you to grow. It is accepting responsibility for your actions and their consequences. We should never blame others for our circumstances. As we develop the ability to be humble, we will be able to submit ourselves to whatever circumstances we find ourselves. We will have the strength necessary to overcome any obstacle.

Guts
Admitting that we have made a mistake, that we are not all knowing and that we are imperfect takes guts and courage. Taking the blame for mistakes you have made or of your personal failures will allow you to become successful. Michael Jordan has become one of the most well-known basketball players in history. He explains "I have missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I have lost almost 300 games. On 26 occasions, I have been entrusted to take the game winning shot, and I missed. I have failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." Instead of trying to be better than your neighbour, compete with yourself. Have the guts necessary to keep on improving.

Willingness to improve

Once you accept the way things are you are on the road to greater success and happiness. Set realistic expectations for yourself and be willing to set goals that will stretch you and help you to become a better person. If you are too busy blaming others for your misfortunes, you will not have time to improve on your attitude or your circumstances.

This knowledge should dispel any temptation to blame someone else for our adversity, trials, luck or success. We are responsible to take action with the resources at our disposal. We can choose to learn from the encouragement and disappointments others offer along the path of life. May God give us the grace to  work on our weaknesses.

YOU ARE UNIQUE

Have you ever looked at someone, wishing you were them? Most of us have, some do it once in a while some others do it so excessively that it affects their self image.

 

You have to understand that you are special and unique. There is only one of YOU in the entire world, because God did not do mass production like most manufacturers do, but he set out time out of his busy schedule of overseeing the world, to create YOU specially. Even though you are an identical twin, there is still only one of each of you in the entire world!

Above all, the lord sent his ONLY beloved son to die for you, and don’t think that he did that because there were many sinners, if you were the only one he would still have died for you. Your course in life is unique to YOU alone, so stop comparing yourself to people.

If you think your birth was a mistake , you should have a rethought. People have miscarriages and people die everyday but for crying out loud, you are on earth! And still living till now! No matter your situation, your background, what your past was, what your present is or whatever excuse you have that makes you look down on yourself, YOU are still very SPECIAL! The bible says everything works together for the good of those that believe in God, so whatever has happened to you or is happening to you either good or bad does not make you any less special but instead makes you stronger and shapes you into the person God wants you to be.

 

Embrace your identity and all the uniqueness it comes with dear, you are YOU and there will never be another YOU either living or yet to come.

Remain bless.