real issues

by Bola Olawale Time to Count

Driving down the Lagos third mainland bridge in the early morning traffic that seems to go on forever, Bimpe already drenched in her own sweat, was caught up in one of those usual moods that left her wishing for a different kind of life.

A white sleek Benz pulled up beside her and kept pace with her old Datsun for a few minutes and soon she caught herself admiring the middle aged woman sitting lazily at the corner of the chauffer ridden car trying to catch a quick nap before the early morning meetings.

There was something familiar about her and taking a closer look she realised it was her room mate in the University, Rita. Cringing into the car seat, Bimpe prayed she would not be seen in her old Datsun whose exhaust left a trail of smoke.

As the car gained speed and sped past her, she heaved a sigh of relief. Yet, the experience aroused in her a metaphor on the imbalances of life so vividly captured by the several cars that now raced past her which appeared to relish the extra distance they gained over her rickety Datsun.

How come everyone seems to be passing her by why her life crawled slowly behind? She couldn’t shake the feeling off her all day and she had barely walked into her apartment when she burst into tears, sobbing profusely against her husband’s comforting chest as he cradled her closely, unsure of what may have caused her such great pain.

She told him about her former room mate whom she saw in traffic that morning and another friend who sent her a text the day before to share the news of her new appointment as company secretary in to a leading bank, while she has remained on the same job for years without promotion for no particular reason.

Two promotions have passed her by that placed younger staff above her and going to work has become an unpleasant experience. Her husband in his gentle manner began to recount the number of years they have been married - very happily - with 3 beautiful children, two of which were now in the university on scholarship and never a case of admission in hospital. Yes, they lived in a moderate 2 bedroom apartment in the suburbs of Lagos; Yes, they had to jump start their cars at times when setting out in the morning, but she had a very healthy life, with friends and families that loved her dearly. What more, she had the joy of knowing Christ with the peace that comes with it.

He made her count the good things of life and by the time she noted a considerable number, she added rather vibrantly, ‘you forgot to add, a fantastic and caring husband’.

So when next you feel that life is passing you by, know it’s time to count.

Someone to talk to

As an only child, Eileen grew up to see in her parents all that she could ever need in life. They were her role models, and an example of what every parent should be. With a fast start and great opportunities she had attended some of the best schools in town where she court the friendship of the privilege few.

She was married to a prince charming, and had two brilliant kids. Being so bright and beautiful herself, she felt accomplished, deciding she could not have asked for a better life. Having learnt from her parents that hard work pays, she cared very little for those who were not doing well, concluding that they were simply lazy.

After returning from work one raining evening, she got a phone call and the news, which all but shattered her life. Her father and mother had been involved in an accident along the Lagos-Ibadan Express way, on their way from a business trip. They both died in the accident. This couldn’t be happening she thought. She lived a fairy-tale life and never had any reason to think something so terrible could happen to threaten her fragile world, without giving her enough notice to prepare.

Upon the death of her parents, she realised they left her virtually nothing having spent all they had to give her the best of life.

As if that was not enough, the bank where she had substantial amount, was closed down two weeks later, while her husband called with the news that the house in which they lived had been on mortgage and they had to move out in a few months. They could only keep one car and now her regular trips to the UK will have to stop.

It was then she remembered the Anns and Topes she had snubbed when they called on her for help. Now the tables were turned, to whom could she turn? She felt so sapped and alone. That evening as she sat alone in the sitting room pondering on the life that lay ahead, her eyes caught a tract her cousin dropped for her a few days back. Written in bold were the words, SOMEONE TO TALK TO!

She read through the tract and had an encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ.

A few months after, as she stood at the entrance of the church welcoming ushering men and women to their seats, she felt a new sense of purpose, living to affect others.

Feeling frustrated in your Christian work and considering the option of backsliding? Get a grip with The Mark Unleashed! SIX: The Mark

Unleashed A friend told me once that she visits the grave-side to be reminded of where her final assignment is when she is through with her life assignments. Sounds eerie, but it sure helps her keep herself in tune. The Mark Unleashed brings to you the reality of the end time. The thriller film directed by Kevin Downes starring Steven Baldwin, Sung Hi Lee and Eric Roberts among others is a prelude to Armageddon; in it rules a vicious dictator who makes the “holy implant (mark of the beast)”, the access card to everyday need and supply. Feeling frustrated in your Christian work and considering the option of backsliding? Get a grip with The Mark Unleashed!

What will you do if you were to have a date with Jesus? This film provides interesting answers to life questions especially in the area of faith. The Perfect

Stranger Do you really mean a date with Jesus? My, oh my! I’ll surely be in my Oscar de Larenta dress, Fendi shoes ‘n’ bag, leaving a scent of Elizabeth Arden’s “white diamond” on my trail. No point proving hard to get! It’s His Majesty Jesus, we are talking about here. What will you do if you were to have a date with Jesus? This film provides interesting answers to life questions especially in the area of faith. It features Pamela Brumley, who acts as Nikki Cominsky, a successful Attorney flustered by her imperfections. She gets invited on an outing with Jefferson Moore (Jesus) which turns out to be an unforgettable experience. It is mind buzzing.

CECE WINANS

The gospel music maestro exhibits her great potentials yet again in lyrical verses that reveal eternal relevance. In this 13 track album, “Purified” the latest till date, CeCe Winans with a blend of contemporary songs and slow ballads, in creating essence for your moments and purity to your soul. Simply move to the groove and soothe your heart. Go Cece! Go Cece!!

Even babies in the womb would leap for joy, be sure at the praise of Jehovah.

DORINDA CLARKE-COLE

Best Gospel Grammy award winner, DCC is a woman with a passion for the Master- Jesus! She is just as beautiful as she sings. The 12 track album is timeless and gives you that godly feeling with tracks like, ‘If it had not been for the Lord’, ‘I’m coming out’, ‘You can’t take my joy’, ‘Show me the way’, to make your day!

Praise Team High praise 1, a praise album by the Praise team of R.C.C.G is an array of Nigerian tongues in a mix of traditional and contemporary tune. Fantastic instrumentation and quality voices that make you move your body. Even babies in the womb would leap for joy, be sure at the praise of Jehovah. Hallelujah!!!

AUThOR: Max Lucado TITLE: hE STILL MOVES STONES PUBLIShER: Thomas Nelson (1999) PAGES: 240 REVIEWER: Bisi Ibitayo

About the Author

Max Lucado is an accomplished storyteller; a master of poetic prose. He is a thoughtful and insightful observer and with a string of best-selling classics to his name, which include ‘Just Like Jesus,’ ‘The Great House Of God,’ ‘A Gentle Thunder,’ ‘When God Whispers Your Name’, and ‘In The Grip Of His Grace’. The last two were recently named, Gold Medallion Book of the Year.

Lucado is the Senior minister at the Oak Hills Church. He lives in San Antonio, Texas, with his wife and three daughters.

The Book

He Still Moves Stones,was my first Max Lucado book. To tell you the truth, I couldn’t put it down until I was through. It took me a day and the entire night.

He Still Moves Stones, brings to life Bible stories, so powerfully that you are made to relate with the characters as if they are ordinary folks you know. It also calls to mind the similarities of Biblical times and our present situation today, with answers to nagging questions and an assurance of hope for life’s despair.

‘The same God who spoke to Moses in the burning bush is still speaking to you; God who forgave David still offers us forgiveness; God who delivered

Joseph from adversity is there to deliver you.’

Lucado, in this book, lives up to his reputation as the master story teller guided by the Holy Spirit because you feel God’s hands very strongly.

Writing in simple language that makes for easy reading, Max Lucado provides insight through his narration by the leading of the Holy Spirit. The beauty of chosen words and clarity of thought makes it a wonderful read.

Not only do we see a magnificent God who offers hope to the despondent, and succour for broken hearts, there is an assurance that everything about you is important to God.

The author, through the book opens your mind to the fact that God is not silent He still works in the lives of men.

When the stones of life are too big for you, God steps in to move the Stones.

The book covers the following; overcoming shame for past behavior, rising above disappointments and discouragement, dealing with bad attitude, building bridges with difficult relatives, genuine gestures of faith, how to love growing old…

Lucado writes, “Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. Faith is the belief that God will do what is right.”

On ageing, a subject many would rather not talk about, Lucado says, “Try as we might, the calendar pages will still turn, the clocks tick and the bodies grow older”.

He notes that, “Just because you’re near the top of the hill doesn’t mean you’ve passed you peak”

“Your last chapters can be your best”, he says.

Trust me, this is a book for you, those you love and those you should love.

‘The same God who spoke to Moses in the burning bush is still speaking to you; God who forgave David still offers us forgiveness; God who delivered Joseph from adversity is there to deliver you.’

Wisdom Quote on Reading

The Christian who is not growing intellectually is like a book whose many pages remain unopened and unread like the book, he may be of some value, but not nearly as much as if he had chosen to sharpen and develop his mind.

Top 5 Must Read

1. My Spiritual Inheritance by Juanita Bynum

2. Why we want you to be Rich by Donald J. Trump &

Robert T. Kiyosaki

3. The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers

4. Seven things that steal your joy by Joyce Meyer

5. Ordering your private world by Gordon Macdonald

AUThOR: Karen Kingsbury TITLE: EVEN NOW PUBLIShER: Zondervan (2005) PAGES: 356 REVIEWER: Bisi Ibitayo

About The Author

Karen Kingsbury has written over thirty books, including ‘One Tuesday Morning,’ ‘Beyond Tuesday Morning’, and other bestsellers, one of which was adapted for a CBS Movie-of-theWeek.

She is one of America’s favorite inspirational authors, with more than two million copies of her books in print.

Karen lives in Washington State with her husband, Don, and six children, three of whom are adopted from Haiti.

The Book

If you were a lover of romantic novels like Mills and Boon, Daniel Steel, Barbara Cartland, before you became a Christian, Kingsbury’s title will help you relax after a hard day’s work.

It would also provide great appeal to younger readers.

‘Even Now,’ is an excellent read on a day you want to curl up with a good book. It is full of suspense.

The novel teaches us that God can work in spite of human errors and interferences and that even in very bad situations, God is still at work. He is always waiting to forgive and bestow ultimately a peace that passes all understanding.

Jesus shines through Kingsbury’s book to her readers as it deals with the realities of life, and helps us to see ourselves and how our actions can affect the rest of our lives.

As parents, we see the consequences of our endless plots, and efforts to manipulate the lives of our children and also the consequences of sex outside marriage. As youths, friends and relatives, we are made to see that the love and friendship we profess is not tested and proved until such relationships are faced with challenges.

The emotional undercurrent is overwhelming, as my heart ached for the characters, who like you and I, struggled with their faith.

Their stories tug at your heartstrings.

While it is common to be given an assurance that “God will work out your situation,” ‘Even Now’ emphasizes that it may not necessarily be on your terms or in your time- God makes all things beautiful in His time. The writer assures that even when events spin out of control, a life saving relationship with Christ is our only guarantee to a lasting peace.

‘Even Now,’ is an excellent read on a day you want to curl up with a good book. It is full of suspense.

success of my marriage and though we have some challenges along the way, the enemy never succeeded in penetrating my home.”

Mrs. I

“Initially, my husband felt shy about sharing very personal issues with me. It put me at a distance and that hurt. I kept putting my best into the relationship, praying and waiting patiently for a change just as my mother had taught me. At last! My story changed. The success of our marriage, my happiness and well-being suddenly became important to him.”

Mrs. J

“I did whatever I could to make life more enjoyable for my spouse. I think it is pertinent to be concerned about your spouse’s self –confidence. Respond to him physically in love making and by helping to establish or maintain the home, which sometimes may include financial assistance. I believe I got extra love from my husband for taking good care of the home front.

Mrs. K

“Every man would love to be encouraged in all activities he gets involved in. A lot of women now watch football because of their spouses. By sharing common interests, you can easily win his heart on a matter, get his attention and spend quality time together. Many great men attribute their success to the support or significant role played by their wives and this strengthens their relationships.”

Mrs. L

“Going out together and taking regular vacations can help make marriages become more interesting. My husband and I enjoy each other’s company greatly. We never slept in different rooms except when one of us was away and we have made Christ the centre of our marriage and lives.”

“How do you catch fun as a couple? For many couples the idea of catching fun is zero and their lives are purely a matter of daily routine.

Find things you can do together to create fun. Variety they say, is the spice of life, be creative and ready to spring up wonderful surprises from time to time.

Special events such as birthdays, promotions, Christmas anniversary and so on should be celebrated. The plans should not be left to an individual; take turns choosing where and how you would like to spend your time together. Do nothing out of selfishness and or personal interest, but for the good of all.”

Mrs. M

“In proverbs 17:22, the Bible says, a joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. Taking life too seriously can suck the air out of you. So, lighten up your marital relationship with humor, laughter and smiles.”

Mrs. N

“Despite the challenges we faced at some point in our marriage, divorce or separation was never an option for consideration. Our minds were set on the fact that marriage is meant to last forever and so, we weathered the storm with prayers and patience. Sadly, many young couples now opt for separation or divorce when faced with marital challenges. The incidence of unfaithfulness in marriages today is alarming, as couples work far from each other all day, and begin to get attached to co-workers. In many cases this has resulted in marital disaster. We must invest time into our relationship, if it is to survive.”

Young couples are facing numerous challenges today. While many try to catch up with their daily schedules at neck-braking speed, they get very little or no time to sort out the home front, which remains crucial to mental and physical health. Sometimes, the only way couples get to know what is happening to their spouse is when there is a problem and it’s almost too late. This is why it is necessary to emphasis the need for couples to spend quality time together, and time management is of essence. Very few families ever get to eat dinner together these days. Couples make

plans that they hardly get to execute properly because daddy and mummy are never around to see to them. Given these pressures, how do marriages survive the test of time? You can decide to do something about yours now, so that you will not have to entertain any regret in the years ahead.

The wisdom and the counsel of older couples are worth pondering upon. Their counsel is a sure and sufficient guide to a love affair of a lifetime.

it is necessary to emphasis the need for couples to spend quality time together, and time management is of essence.