Elev8 Magazine June 2016

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EDITOR’S NOTE

OUT OF THE REFRESHING WELL… OLABISI USIDAME Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.”

John 7:38 (NIV) These days, I seem to dread replenishing any exhausted grocery item in the house. Every item’s price has somehow tripled overnight; I know every single citizen feels my pain. It’s that season in Nigeria; you can get overwhelmed when expenditure outweighs your source of income. It is another time when you surely need God’s word for assurance and wading off anxiety.

also give us much more so that we can give to others in need. Don’t think that you don’t even have enough income to pay your bills; this is the time to give to others.

You should have realised by now all you have enjoyed freely from God has been as a result of Divine Provision. Believe His Word that says He will ‘supply all your need according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus’.

God doesn’t just want to supply our need, but

Be like some of the first Christians: “All the

TEAM Publisher Godman Akinlabi

Graphic Designer Opeyemi Araba

Editor-in-Chief Tunde Usidame

Contributors Godman Akinlabi Rita Ifidon Adeola Adewoye, Precious Imuwahen Ajoonu Nonso Ada-Anyadike Matthew Mancha Kayode Olayemi Seun Aregbesola

Communications Chinny Ugoji Chioma Enwereji Publications Lanre Babalola Editor ‘Bisi Usidame

believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales” Acts 4:32-34.

God will divinely provide your needs if you believe that He will.

When you believe, out of your belly shall flow the rivers of living water.

Water so pure, so rich and satisfying that it cleanses. This water that is alive and strong will drown fear and anxiety.

God did it in the scriptures and He will do it again at this time.

XO

Bisi TABLE OF CONTENTS

Health & Healing

The Soccer Puzzle

Tomato: the new gold

Di’s Diary: Moving on

Domestic Violence

Value: a lesson from my son

Managing finance in a recession

Daddy, can I?

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HEALTH & HEALING GODMAN AKINLABI

The Word of God is not food for the brain, but for the mind; the Word does not interact with our intellect but with our spirit. The Word of God is explicit about healing and those for whom God has made it available. We need to understand that healing is the children’s bread; meaning it has already been paid for. We do not expect children to go out and fend for themselves. Mark 7:27 (KJV) says, ‘But Jesus said unto her, Let the children first be filled: for it is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it unto the dogs.’

How was our healing paid for, you may ask? It was paid for on the cross when Jesus died for our sins. 1 Peter 2:24 (KJV) says, ‘Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.’ This means that

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healing is your birth right as a child of God.’ There are avenues with which we can access our healing. These include; Anointing with oil & prayer of faith James 5:13-16 (KJV), ‘Is any among you afflicted?

Let him pray. Is any merry? Let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.’

Laying of hands Mark 16:17-18 (KJV),

‘And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.’

Standing on the word of God Mark 11:22-23 (KJV), ‘And Jesus answering saith unto them, have faith in God. For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.’

You should have more faith in God’s Word about your health than the medication prescribed by the doctor.

God’s Word has the power to heal you and renew parts of your body. The gift of healing is instant because the Spirit of God comes into manifestation as soon as you release your faith to receive your healing.

A Scriptural example is the lame man who begged for alms at the gate of the temple. When he saw Peter and John, he was expecting to receive alms from them. What happened next in Acts 3:7-8 (KJV) is ‘and he (Peter) took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.’He received his healing instantly.

THE SOCCER PUZZLE A tale of love and sacrifice SEUN AREGBESOLA

HOW DO YOU POSITION YOURSELF TO RECEIVE HEALING?

1. Studying and meditating on the word of God – Proverbs 4:20-22 2. By walking in forgiveness – Ephesians 3:32 3. By walking in obedience to God 4. By becoming a Kingdom Addict – Matthew 6:33 5. By getting rid of a negative mind-set Isaiah 43:18 6. By being in the right environment -1 Corinthians 15:33 7. Remember that God desires above all things that we prosper and be in good health - Psalm 41:1-3

No one is sure how it all started, but many men like me grew up loving the game of football. A variety of factors may have contributed to that, it could have been boredom or an easy escape from economic realities, or just the love of the sportsmanship and skills at work. Perhaps, it’s the beauty in the fact that it is one of the things that unifies us as a country. In the game of football, in that one true moment, we see no tribe, all we see is team, and in solidarity, we cheer them on to victory!

Football is a very sensitive sport that has the ability to stir emotions on any spectrum of the scale.

It can bring happiness, friendship, national unity, depression, violence and in some unfortunate cases, death. When one is dedicated to the sport, one is bound to enjoy a very tumultuous year as victory is not assured for ones team at every outing.

Bringing it home to the family, there is a very high likelihood that in your family, not everyone is a fan of the game of football. Then again, you could be lucky, yes lucky to be in a family with undying love for the game. So if your current reality is the former, therein lies the dilemma.

You see, an average football calendar has about 27 tournaments & Championships, then there are the special analysis shows and reviews. It is just so much to keep up with, even for a dedicated fan.

So, my question to us football lovers is, ‘where is the place of love and empathy when you have a spouse who does not enjoy the sport as much as you do?’ ‘How can you share moments when you seem married to football?’ You may argue that your partner should also develop an interest in football but seriously, think about the very many football teams and tournaments out there, how much can a football fan consume, much less a newbie who is trying to ease into the dynamics of the sport.

We need to be considerate and sensitive to the fact that it is very possible that our love for a hobby may be starving our partner of attention and a sense of belonging. It reminds me of a time when my fiancée was looking forlorn as she watched me get gingerly as I looked at the screen with all my attention and wondering to myself why Eden Hazard – a Chelsea team player –

had suddenly become lethargic. I could imagine she was thinking, ‘This dude seems to love Eden Hazard passionately’. It may have looked that way at the time. I blame the sports, and I love my fiancée even more passionately. Ephesians 5:25 says, ‘Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her’. So, if giving yourself up for her is the litmus test for love, then surely, you should be able and willing to give up some football time for your partner. After all, of what profit is it to you if your team wins but you end up losing your loved ones for the sake of football?

As the Euro 2016 is ongoing in France, by all means, enjoy the sport, and the adrenaline rush from the competition but please do not forsake your spouses and loved ones.

Bring them in! Let them experience the unique emotions that football can stir. If they do not like it, cut down on the football and spend more time with them. After all, there is always going to be another championship next year and the years after.

Love and sacrifice!

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TOMATO: the new gold RITA IFIDON

Tomatoes are delightful fruits that add colour and texture to meals. They are low in calories and fat and have no cholesterol. They are high in vitamins, potassium, manganese and iron. Tomatoes are rich in antioxidants especially lycopene, which nutritionists believe help fight cancer and heart disease. Unlike many fruits, cooking tomatoes does not destroy all of its health benefits. In fact, stewed tomatoes have even higher concentrations of lycopene.

Tomato is a popular vegetable which can be found in about 90% of our meals and accounts for about 18% of daily vegetable consumption in Nigeria. Recently, the tomato producing states in Northern Nigeria were ravaged with Tomato tuta absoluta aka Tomato-Ebola causing reduced production and distribution, thereby leading to a surge in the price of tomatoes.

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Whilst the government and relevant agencies are working towards salvaging the situation, the internet is trending with nontomato recipes we can adopt.

Here a few you might find useful; Make a tomato garden If you have some space at home, prepare a nursery to plant tomato.

It germinates in 5-7 days and can be harvested within 3 months of planting. It is a good feeling plucking fresh tomatoes from your backyard to prepare a meal. Apart from its availability, this is even a lot more hygienic.

No transportation pollution, manhandling or pesticides abuse.

Be more creative with meals • Just fresh pepper and a lot of onions can produce a pot of

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stew. When cooking for kids, tomatoes can be substituted with carrots which are also rich in vitamins.

For Pottages, Red bell pepper (tatashe) can give the same beautiful colour.

Instead of tomato stew, prepare a nontomato sauce.

Canned tomato plums or tomato paste can be picked off the shelf at a lot more reasonable cost.

Leafy vegetables can be prepared without tomatoes and served with both swallows and rice.

Onions is a great booster that is highly nutritious, so incorporate as much as possible into meals.

Substitute the regular Jollof rice with Grandma Rice (Palm oil rice). If prepared right, it is delicious.

Coconut Rice is easier to prepare with freshly grated coconut.

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Pepper Soup is not just a starter; it can be served with rice or tubers.

Explore Options Oh yes! This is an opportunity to ‘diversify’ and try new meals. This would help us appreciate the diversity of our rich heritage even more.

• Palm fruit can be prepared as stew (Ofe Akwu) to serve with rice or as soup (Banga) for swallows • Ukodo is a delicious yam, unriped plantain and peppersoup porridge delicacy • Garden Egg Stew is great as side sauce with tubers • Ayamase (Ofada stew) can serve on regular rice and can be used with steamed okro for swallows Tomato is a treat Finally, it has become clear that it is a treat.

So, if you have to pay a lot for it, ensure you maximize its nutritional benefits.

16 soups you can cook without tomatoes: Banga soup White soup Melon soup Ila Asepo (okro soup) Apon soup Ofe Onugbu Ofe Owere Owho soup Nsala soup

Di’s Diary

...Moving On

Dear Diary, I finally moved house today… I finally moved out of Ethan’s apartment. It has been a dehumanizing and agonising twelve months.

How can something so good and perfect become bad? At what point did my prince charming become my worst nightmare. I know now its good riddance to bad rubbish, but why do I feel so empty, hurt and broken inside. When did our relationship reach the breaking point? Was it when I started using his toothbrush or wearing his boxers? Everything felt absolutely right in our three year relationship, until the in-laws came knocking at the door. My sister in law, the wicked witch from the West just had to sow thoughts in Ethan’s mind. Yeah, I know I said sister in law. What is the difference? She was almost my sister in law. She told him it was ‘unlawful’ for a man and woman to live together before they ‘consummate’ their marriage. Yada, yada, yada.. Who still uses such words in this century? My grandma would say that if she was still alive, God bless her soul. Although she was a Christian, she was the closest thing I had to a mother. She exuded such love and grace.

Perhaps, there is a truth in this principle of relationship: Never live with one who isn’t your spouse. The effect of not following the rule is ‘See

Groundnut soup Efo riro Edikan ikong Miya kuka Uziza soup Afang soup Curry chicken soup

Finish’! And maybe, I annoyed the Man up there.. but I still don’t think that I am a source of concern because we parted ways years ago.

Or am I? Enough about Ethan, Di! This Boys Quarters is not bad. I mean it could have been better, but hey! At least I have my own space; I can place my things anywhere and not have a man breathing down my neck. This place cost an arm and a leg, thank God for a good job. I do hope I can pick up the broken pieces of my life here and start my life as a single, or almost married, late twenties PR consultant.

It is amazing how much one’s childhood distorts one’s future. I never taught being raised by a single mom would be detrimental.

Now hang on, I love my mum to death, but the independent and fighting spirit in me is costing me friendships, relationships, and my dreams to start a family. If only Dad stayed.

Daddy, that’s a story for another day.

I got to go now, diary! It’s Monday in the morning and we cannot afford to be late.

I haven’t filled you in 6 months, but I have a feeling you have just become my constant companion.

XO, Di. To be continued.

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Domestic violence is a pattern of physical and emotional abusive behaviour, through which a person seeks to control and dominate another person.

Domestic violence can be carried out on one’s spouse, child, relatives or domestic staff. It is usually an on-going behavioural pattern that gradually undermines the victim’s sense of self, making it near impossible for the victim to leave the abusive relationship. The severity and frequency of the violence is determined by the abuser and would typically escalate over time.

Domestic abuse is also, commonly referred to as spousal abuse.

This type of abuse

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can happen to anyone regardless of educational background, social class or religious leanings.

This is especially true when the abuse is psychological, rather than physical which is easier to detect. There are five main forms of domestic violence. They are physical, emotional, psychological, sexual and financial abuse.

The purpose of domestic abuse is to gain and maintain control over the victim. Abusers will typically use fear, guilt and intimidation to subject their sometimes unsuspecting victims to a lifetime of misery. It seeks to put the victim in a paralysing state of fear and self-doubt.

No one should live in fear of the person they

love and adore. Domestic violence often escalates from threats, harsh criticisms, to verbal abuse and violence. Whilst physical injuries are the most obvious signs of abuse, psychological and emotional scars are harder to detect. Below are some of the signs of an abusive relationship: Isolation Abusers can be charming narcissists who seek to dominate their victims by giving them a false sense of love. They gradually deny their partners access to loved ones such as family members, close friends or anyone who cares enough for the victim.

To increase control and dominance they would over time separate the victim from meaningful

human connections.

Dominance and Mind Control Abusive partners need to always be in charge of every aspect of the relationship. They will seek to make decisions for their victims, regardless of how it makes them feel. In the mind of the abuser there is no such thing as partnership. The abuser is there to dictate and the victim is perceived as a child rather than an equal partner.

Threats and Intimidation The abuser may adopt a series of intimidation tactics designed to scare the victim into submission. Such tactics including threatening utterance, destroying property during

d mestic VIOLENCE OLABISI USIDAME & RITA IFIDON

arguments, hurting pets or relating stories of other people they hurt in the past. Some creative abusers may even quote the Bible, ordering immediate submission instead of showing love.

Blame and Shame Abusive people are very skilled at blaming you for their own short comings. They make excuses and avoid taking responsibility for their actions. When they cheat, it is because you stopped making an effort to look good, so they strayed.

They also, blame their childhood, boss at work, financial challenges or waking up on the wrong side of the bed for their inexcusable behaviours.

They will sometimes seek to maximise or minimize their abusive behaviour

for personal gain.

Physical Violence For many people, this will be the abuser’s last resort. A weapon they use to inflict physical pain and injury on the victim. It could take the form of minor beatings and get progressively worse.

There are many other signs of

domestic violence only the victim can identify.

If you feel you are being abused in a relationship, more often than not you are right. You don’t have to endure a violent relationship especially when your life is at stake! You can only “love thy neighbour as yourself ”. It is impossible to give love to yourself and your partner when your

body, mind and spirit are broken. You are not alone as there are several people suffering in silence.

To break the cycle of abuse, you can start by acquainting yourself with the State laws prohibiting abuse and calling the help lines.

You can also talk to a professional therapist or counsellor. It is advisable to see a professional instead of sharing with family members who may sympathise but are unable to bring change your emotional state. If you decide to remain married after domestic abuse, insist on professional help for your spouse.

Continued on page 10

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Continued from page 9 In Nigeria, • It is perceived socially acceptable to chastise a wife violently.

• DV is a violation of fundamental human rights in the Constitution but there are provisions (Penal Code) that make it legal to engage in domestic violence against

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women.

There are very few convictions on DV; Amnesty International criticized Nigeria’s judicial system for a 10% conviction rate of rape prosecutions.

DV is mostly unreported because of social/cultural stigma, most victims keep quiet.

My ex-husband and I grew up in Christian homes; his father was a pastor. He started abusing me a few months into our marriage and never stopped till the marriage was over. He would beat me in front of my crying daughter until I was fractured and sometimes, the only escape was to run out of the house into the dark night. Even during pregnancy and early days of child birth, he would hit me over every small issue ; Sadly, his parents were in full support of his actions.

My own family forced me to remain in my marriage; they told me a virtuous woman remained against all odds.

PHC, May’16 On my wedding day, I was beaten to the altar because I was tired and refused to pick up plates – yet I said “I do” amidst cheers. My husband beats me and my siblings - He once beat me to coma & even kept beating my lifeless body until I was rushed to the hospital @stillkinkkygal

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The Nigerian Police have began to make arrests for sexual asault.

The 2008 Demographic and Health Survey showed over 30.5% of married women have experienced at least one or more forms of violence in their marriage The CLEEN

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Foundation reports a nationwide increase in DV from 21% in 2011 to 30% in 2013.

A report by consultant psychiatrist, Dr Maymunah Kadiri shows that one in every four Nigerian woman suffers domestic violence in her lifetime.

Lagos, May’16 I woke up at night to ease myself and saw a wide cut on mum’s neck, I fainted when I discovered she was dead – Daddy murdered his wife of 26yrs. Daddy had no job; she was the breadwinner of the house. I don’t know our fate now. The landlord of our former house sent us out because dad always quarreled with mum. We were also sent away from another house for the same reason 16Yrs old Richmond Imo State, May’16 In my 5 years of marriage, I have been punched, verbally & emotionally abused and physically mutilated. He attempted murder by pouring petrol around my kids & I but for the intervention of neighbors just when he tried to light a match. He has stripped me naked & beaten me before his workers/ my kids/neighbors/parents. He pushed my son & me off his moving car. That’s why I have been in hiding for a year now; I choose to say NO to DV. Chyzee (FB) For prayers and counselling, please call 08085754226, 08102678443, 07098733734 and 01-7617508.

Child abuse helplines: 08085753932, 08102678442 and 07098733732.

Email: protectachild@gmail.com or protectachild@ yahoo.com

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What if my spouse abuses me, what is the big deal?

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Your body is God’s temple – no abuse should thrive there, you deserve better.

No matter how often or irregular the abuse occurs, you may suffer constant terror and stress, living

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in fear of the next episode.

Victims may experience physical disabilities, chronic health problems, mental illness, psychological problems like posttraumatic stress

disorder.

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It has negative effect on children raised in abusive environment - Domestic violence is a behaviour that is learnt, it is not caused by genetics or disorder.

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It causes low self esteem and sometimes an inability to create healthy relationships.

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Domestic Violence, a lot of times lead to death.

Domestic Violence: What is the Christian thing to do?

There is no universal solution to resolving Domestic Violence.

No one relationship is the same as another.

The Bible does not say ‘Thou must stay in this relationship and pray it out’, neither does it say, ‘Thou shall not allow thy spouse to kill your spirit; once he gets verbal, get out. He will become physically abusive over time’. There is no where it is written in the Scriptures that you must persevere in the face of every trial. In fact, God says ‘No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.’ 1 Corinthians 10:13.

There are seasons in our lives that God knows

there will be suffering and deprivation in our immediate environment.

But there is no scripture where you will see God tell you to remain in a place you will get killed.

You will notice that God hates bondage, slavery and famine. God always provided a way of escape for His children.

Look at the story of His children during Queen Esther’s era and when the children of Israel were slaves in Egypt. He even sealed the lips of the lions when Daniel was thrown in the den. God always found a way to deliver His children from siege.

True, the tongues of men can be worse than death; they will stigmatise you.

God does not want you to remain in an abusive relationship for you or for your kids. Your children can see through the fake ‘togetherness’.

They will experience you

being abused and that is not even good for their psyche, as abuse can become a familial cycle.

God does not want us to live in a place where we breathe in fear every minute and don’t have peace. He wants us to be free from pain, fear and someone who undermines you and your ability to stand by yourself. Before He formed us, He knew us and ordained us prophets unto nations.

God created us to be useful and fulfil purpose.

He didn’t create us to be manipulated or controlled by our spouse.

In a God-ordained marriage, there may be a head (the man), but we have no tail. What we have is a neck; the woman supports her husband. Either spouse is not a tool to be used or abused. Proverbs 31.

When your spouse

begins to hit you, there is a mind battle. It may be an inculcated familial habit or underlying issues that, if not brought to the light and your husband consciously wants them solved, the physical abuse will only get worse, and may eventually be fatal. It is important that you separate from your abusive spouse until there is a stop to this dastardly habit. Whether you have been hit once or a hundred times, it leaves a psychological dent in your mind and how you see yourself. Don’t worry about ‘Where do I start from?’ So long as you are still alive, God will supply your needs.

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away.”

LESSONS FROM MY SON KAYODE OLAYEMI

On my way to the laundry room, I noticed my son’s school bag lying carelessly on the floor. I thought to myself, ‘When will David stop dropping his bag carelessly?’ A few seconds later, I called for him.

‘David!!’, ‘Yes, Mum’, he answered. ‘Look at your bag, David! It’s on the floor again. The way you throw your bag around shows me you don’t value it at all’, I lectured.

As I entered the laundry room to load the washing machine, the weight of my mini-lecture hit me.

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When you don’t value an object, you certainly mistreat it.

‘Hmm, that’s true ‘, I muttered to myself, thinking about something I treat in the manner David handles his school bag. Aha! MONEY! That’s one of the things I handle carelessly. ‘But I’m not supposed to idolize it’, I said to myself in an attempt to defend my careless financial habit.

That was when the Holy Spirit spoke to me saying I needed to start seeing

money as seeds. When I throw money around carelessly, not minding the soil on which it falls, it is what puts me under financial pressure. He told me not to idolize money, but to accord it the value it deserves. To invest it, save it and spend it wisely.

Now, let’s consider the parable of the ten servants as recorded in Luke 19:11-26. “To those who use well what they are given, even more will be given. But from those who do nothing, even the little they have will be taken

What is that thing you handle carelessly? Who is that person you mistreat?

Is it your nation, marriage, spouse, children, house help, prayer life, health, or even your job? It could even be that you are under utilising your natural talent. Do you know that the moment you don’t maximize a relationship, a gift or person, it loses value to you and either you or that object disappears? Make an intentional decision to value God and your walk with Him. Value the relationships God has placed in and around your life. Your kids, with all their eccentricities, value them. God will increase your capacity to manage all that you have been blessed with.

MANAGING YOUR FINANCES DURING A RECESSION Economists have defined a recession as two consecutive quarters of negative growth. It can be argued that as a nation, our economy is not technically in a recession, the facts are glaring nonetheless.

Citizens are having to deal with increase in the cost of basic amenities, from electricity to food stock, the constant devaluation of the Naira and wages of public servants going unpaid for months or worse still cut to barely enough.

While economists continue their debate on the technicalities of an economic downturn, unpaid salaries, layoffs and rising inflation speak volumes of the true state of the average Nigerian’s wallet.

expended on.

Eliminate the nonessentials You have to ensure that you are not spending money you don’t absolutely, positively need to. Understand the difference between needs and wants.

Save more Ensure that you are building up sufficient cash reserves. The standard expectation is that savings account should have cash value equal to 6months of income or at least 6 – 12months of expenses.

Whilst the dynamics of the economy are well beyond our immediate control, there are a few steps we can take to help stay afloat through these stormy times:

Shop smarter More than ever, now is the time to target sales promos and keep an eye out for bargains. It is also a good time to consider stockpiling on basics and bulk buying as it is considerably cheaper. A useful tip is to include some friends and neighbours, pull resources and do a bulk purchase.

Budgeting Drawing up and implementing a budget has never been more important. You must make sure you know the various sources of the money and what it is

Play down your debt Try to live within your means. Where you can, play down on incurring debts and avoid taking on additional loans. Also where possible, consider refinancing your debts

at a lower interest rate. If you can’t afford it, don’t buy it.

Do more for yourself It is a great time to learn new skills and do a bit more of DIY (Do–It– Yourself). This way you don’t have to pay others to do things you can do yourself. Consider doing your own laundry and even growing a mini garden in your backyard.

Examine your insurance You don’t want to be underinsured. Do ensure you have adequate life insurance, both for you and your dependants.

Extra income Without causing your main job to suffer (don’t be a victim of cost cutting), now is a good time to look at your skills and embrace that side hustle. Bills are going up, therefore income should.

Consider offering your skills as a freelancer, do some selling on the side or even put that extra car on Uber.

Having done all these, you must remember these verses of scripture, Proverbs 28:27 “Those who give to the poor will lack nothing”. Don’t let the fear of a recession scare you into the knee– jerk reaction. Remain consistent at your giving commitments, such as paying your tithes and sowing your seeds.

Malachi 3:10. Above all these, keep trusting your father who provides for all your needs. ‘Since I was born and now that I continue to age, I have never seen the righteous forsaken.’ Psalm 37:25

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Daddy, can I ?

Nonso Ada-Anyadike OLU: “Daddy, may I ask you a question?”

DAD: “Yeah sure, what is it?”

OLU: “How much do you make an hour?”

DAD: “That’s none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?”

OLU: “I just want to know. Please can you tell me?”

DAD: “If you must know, I make N500 an hour.”

OLU: “Oh!” (he said, looking down).

OLU: “Daddy, may I please borrow N250?”

The father was furious.

DAD: “If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy some toy, I think you have enough of them already. How about you go straight to your room and rest a bit?”

The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door.

After about an hour or so, daddy had calmed down, and started to think: “Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that N250, as he doesn’t ask for money very often. He went to Olu’s room and opened the door.”

DAD: “Are you asleep,

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son?”

OLU: “No daddy, I’m awake”.

DAD: “I’ve been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier.

It’s been a long day and I was really impatient with you. Here’s the N250 you asked for.”

life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to us, those close to our hearts. Do remember to share that N500 worth of your time with someone you love.

The little boy sat straight up, smiling.

‘Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate’ Psalms 127:3-5.

OLU: “Oh, thank you daddy!”

Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled notes.

The man saw that the boy already had money, and started to get angry again.

DAD: “Why do you want more money if you already have some?”

OLU: “Because I didn’t have enough, but now I do.

“Daddy, I have N500 now. Can I buy an hour of your time?

Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner and play my favourite game with you.”

Olu’s father was crushed.

He put his arms around his little son, and begged for his forgiveness.

This is a reminder to all of us working so hard in

Time is really of the essence in building relationships with our children. We must appreciate that they are gifts from God. There are numerous questions as to how parents can have that fantastic, godly

relationship with their children in the ever so busy city of Lagos without being pushed to scold or flog them to ‘straighten them up’.

Do we really appreciate them and become the parents we set out to be? Or do we get sidetracked by society, friends, family members or life in general? Don’t forget that the time we spend with our children shape them into who they are supposed to be and help nurture what God has already deposited into them. It’s also important to portray good examples because they watch our every move and pick up a lot from our actions and this shapes who they become.

As the saying goes “The apple does not fall far from the tree”.

JOKES FROM THE CLERGIES MATTHEW MANCHA

The Bathtub Senility Test

When God Answers Prayer

After starting a new diet, I altered my drive to work to avoid passing my favorite bakery. I accidentally drove by the bakery this morning and as I approached, there in the window were a host of chocolates, donuts, and cheesecakes.

I felt this was no accident, so I prayed … “Lord, it’s up to You. If you want me to have any of those delicious goodies, create a parking place for me directly in front of the bakery.”

During a visit to a hospital for the mentally infirm, a visitor asked the Director what the criterion was that defined whether or not a patient should be institutionalized.

“Well,” said the Director, “we fill up a bathtub; then we offer a teaspoon, a teacup and a bucket to the patient and ask him or her to empty the bathtub.”

“Oh, I understand,” said the visitor. “A normal person would use the bucket because it’s bigger than the spoon or the teacup.

“No,” said the Director, “a normal person would And sure enough, on the eighth time around pull the plug. Do you want a bed by the the block, there it was! God is so Pancakes wall or near the window?”

A mother was preparing good! pancakes for her sons, Kevin, 5, Ryan, 3.

The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson. “If Jesus were sitting here, He would say, ‘Let my brother have the first pancake. I can wait.’ Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, “Ryan, you be Jesus!”

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