20 minute read
motivational
I n E v E ry
Season
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by Omokorede Fasoro
The delight of every young married lady, is to get the good news that she is going to be a mother one day. Day after day, month after month, she watches with great expectation, the bundle of joy growing on the inside of her until the time for delivery comes.I remember clearly the way I felt the very first time I carried my baby in my arms over twelve years ago. The feeling was indescribable! I looked with wonder at the small human being in my arms, who seemed so helpless and was ready to suck right away! Before then, I had heard that a miracle happens when a woman carries her baby for the first time. She completely forgets every pain she went through before and during the delivery. No wonder she is back in the same delivery room after a short while to go through the process allover again! Yours sincerely went in and out of the room five times over! Don’t ask me how come or why?!
A pregnancy usually goes through different stages and seasons. There is the time of conception, the time the baby grows and develops in the womb, and the time when the baby is ready to be delivered. However, the delivery of the baby does not just come unannounced, certain signs would point to the woman that her baby is ready to be delivered. The birth pains come and gradually increase in intensity until it becomes unbearable for the woman to sit still, except the baby is born. Whatever the stage of the pregnancy however, it is expected of the woman to put certain precautions in place, to ensure that the baby grows well and is healthy and sound at the time of delivery.
A man of God Rev Sam Adeyemi once said in one of his books........ideas rule the world. In essence, movements, discoveries and technologies that have had a great impact on the world, started as an idea in someone’s mind. This is the main reason why the womb of your mind is the greatest asset you have as a person. Whatever you conceive in your mind, and nurture in your mind is what you will one day deliver. Therefore, for any great idea or invention to be delivered into the world, it must go through different seasons (like a pregnancy), until it is finally manifested for the whole world to see. There is a time to conceive the idea, a time to nuture and a time to deliver it.
Let us look at each of the stages one after the other.
Conception: This is the time an idea is formed in the womb of one’s mind. They come as thoughts that fill one’s mind repeatedly and fail to go away. They could be dreams or visions of things you would one day love to do or become. They could be the thoughts of an invention you would love to create, or a business you would love to begin. They could even be things that seem too much for you to accomplish, considering your present position. I heard it said once, that your dream or vision in life must be so big for you, that it can only take the help of God to bring its fulfillment.........
However, if you find it difficult to conceive an idea, think about this...... Just like the woman needs to receive seed from a man to conceive a child, your mind also needs to receive the right seed inorder to conceive an idea. Are you in this season of your life, where you are looking for ideas to conceive? Then, look for the right seed to feed your mind with. Read the right stuff, listen to the right stuff and look out for the right stuff. What you see and hear will determine the kind of baby you conceive and ultimately what you will deliver. Read wide, read about great achievers, find out how they conceived what they were able to deliver into the world, read about their challenges, and how they handled them. Most of all, read the word of God (the Bible). There you will find out about God’s divine purpose and plan for His children.
Nurturing: This is the season during which the woman takes extra care to eat right, drink right and exercise right, so that the baby can grow strong and healthy, free of any kind of complications. Where she goes also matters, so that she is not exposed to toxic substances that can harm her baby. As soon as Mary the mother of Jesus received the message of her conception, she left her comfort zone to be with another pregnant woman like herself, her cousin Elizabeth. Her cousin declared that the moment Mary entered the room and greeted her, the baby in her womb leapt for joy! In essence, babies can hear and will respond to what they hear whether negatively or postively.
During this period of nurturing,
watch who you move with and what you listen to. Avoid people who will abort your dreams with negative words and toxic confessions. Move with people who are pregnant with ideas like you are, so you can have common things to talk about. Relate to people that are already where you are aspiring to be, people that will encourage you, counsel you aright, motivate you and cheer you all the way to the delivery room.
Mary stayed back with Elizabeth her cousin for another three months, until her baby John was born. She waited to be a part of the delivery of Elizabeth’s miracle baby. She stayed back to help Elizabeth in the delivery of her own dream and miracle. She invested into the life of a fellow dreamer and reaped the reward when her time came. With this, Mary also received strength to hold on to her pregnancy and the vision she had been given. She was able to nurture it, watch it grow until it was safely delivered.
Likewise dear friend, in this period of nurturing, look for others around you that are pregnant and those you can help in the delivery of their own dreams. Mike Murdoch said once.... What you make happen for others, God will make happen for you........
Delivery: It is the desire of every woman that her baby reaches full term before its delivery. No woman wishes for the preterm delivery of her baby. It is always a stressful experience for any family.
Therefore, after nine months of carrying the baby sucessfully, the mother will begin to sense that her time of delivery is near. Thankfully there are signs that will let her know this. The water breaks, the birth pangs would begin, the cervix would enlarge and the baby would begin to make the descent down the birth canal.
As a person pregnant with ideas, dreams or visions, the moment you suddenly begin to feel uncomfortable with your present situation in life, and the ideas in you keep going round and round in your heart, and you feel like your heart is about to burst, your delivery season is about to come. When the thoughts of what you want to do or accomplish in life become so heavy in your heart that you cannot seem to have any rest, like the pregnant woman, it is time for you to check into the delivery room for the baby to be brought forth.
Note however, that before the delivery of the dream you need to experience some birth pains, so that you can push forth your baby. The good news however, is that it is only for a shortwhile. Birth pains at this stage could be painful experineces that will hurt you, your reputation, your dignity and your pride. Just hold on, it is just for a while. There could be a temporary need to lower your taste or your standard,
like getting a lower paying job inorder to pursue your dreams. It could be the need to drop certain luxuries and pleasures and so on. (Rememeber that when a woman is in the delivery room, she throws all restraint and caution aside, whether she is a Princess or a pauper, inorder for her to push). It could be the cutting off certain relationships or associations that do not glorify God. Just hold on and endure the labour pains, so the baby (your dreams) can be brought forth safely.
As the woman holds on and keeps on pushing, as she hears the encouraging words of the medical personnel and other people around her, she receives the strength to go through it all, until the baby is safely delivered and the cry of the baby is heard amidst much rejoicing.
Dear friend, are you at a point of your life where you are pregnant with ideas, dreams or visions? Whatever
the season you are in, pay attention to the following:
• Feed your mind with the right information • Associate with the right people that are preganant like you, avoid dream killers. • Look for ways to help others deliver their own dreams • Hold on to your dreams no matter the discouragments around you. • Keep your focus on the baby you are about to carry in your arms
“...And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her first born son...” (Luke 2:6-7)
My prayer for you dear friend is that every dream and vision God has placed on your inside will be nurtured, develop, and reach full term May you safely deliver at God’s appointed time for your life in Jesus name.
Enjoy the season you are at present on your way to the delivery room.
Interview by Kemi Ajumobi
- Femisola Jacobs Femisola Jacobs. A multitalented gospel artiste; who sings and also acts, the fifth child in a family of seven hails from Ile Ife in Osun state spoke with gem woman about his upcoming album amongst other issues.
Gem: When did you give your life to christ?
Femi: 1992
Gem: Tell us about your salvation experience.
Femi: My girlfriend in school took me to an off-school fellowship. They didn’t have a drummer so I was asked to drum for them By the end of the fellowship I gave my life to Christ.I got baptised in the Holy Ghost shortly after.
Gem: Tell us about “The Spirit & the Bride Entertainment company”
Femi: It started in 2005 and we are a total Gospel, and entertainment outfit. We do voice overs, jingle production, music production, we compere events and we consult for creative arts departments of Churches; training and setting up choirs and visual arts groups in churches. We just want to service the Church really. For me, It’s a ministry of worship. I believe that the worship of the Church will usher in the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Gem: can you define your type of gospel music?
Femi: Gospel soul but my main thrust is worship
Gem: What is your opinion of gospel music in nigeria?
Femi: We’ve got some amazing and Spirit filled music out there and I am into production so I can tell you that quite a lot more is on the way.
Gem: Who is your mentor in music and in general?
Femi: Pastor Taiwo stands shoulder high amongst the men that have influenced and mentored me in all areas, and of course Pastor Bimbo of blessed memory. Nothing better than seeing people model your aspirations so effectively. But vocally it is a relatively unknown guy from North Carolina called Pastor John P. Kee.
Gem: how challenging was your role in “choices” and how has it infuenced you?
Femi: It felt very strange. But, I rode on the confidence of the producers and the director (Don Pedro Obaseki). They just believed I was the best thing to happen to the Home video industry. That touched me deeply and brought out the best in me.
Gem: Are you married?
Femi: No.
Gem: Who is your ideal woman?
Femi: A mix of brains and beauty, visual grace and vision, confidence and comfort in her own skin, and one who just simply enjoys life.
Gem: Tell us about your album.
Femi: It will be released soon and it will be my 3rd. Quite inspirational, and full of worship. The theme is “NO LIMITS”. When a man gets into the Spirit, his gifts come alive and he really enters into the height of his potentials. The worshipers of God in spirit and in truth will rule in this last days in all spheres. I really believe that. We really don’t need motivation, we need inspiration and that can only comes from God.
Gem: how do you relax?
Femi: I watch a lot of movies, I read everything I see, I watch people a lot and I think so much about everything good and I love to create and exercise with words. strange huh? I want to take an interest in salsa dance soon.
Gem: What would you love to be remembered for?
Femi: A man who inspired his generation to seek the highest and the best, Jesus.
Saving Sarah cain
Based on the beloved best-selling novel The Redemption of Sarah Cain by award-winning novelist Beverly Lewis, Saving Sarah Cain takes business woman Sarah Cain on a journey from her single life as an accomplished, big-city professional to a new life as the caretaker of five Amish orphans. Now she must determine whether to make a new life for them in Portland or to sacrifice her successful career and raise her newfound family in the heartland of Amish Country. Directed by Michael Landon, Jr. (The Last Sin Eater, Love’s Abiding Joy) and featuring triumphant performances from Academy Award and Golden Globe nominees Elliott Gould (M*A*S*H, Ocean’s Eleven) and Tess Harper (Tender Mercies, Crimes of the Heart), Saving Sarah Cain is a touching and uplifting story of love, sorrow and redemption that unites a family together.
The christmas card
Two strangers brought together by the words of love. Once in a while, a movie comes along that reminds us how powerful love can be. In the midst of war in Afghanistan, Captain Cody Cullen (John Newton, Desperate Housewives) is touched by a lovely card sent by Faith Spelman (Alice Evans, The Chris Isaak Show) from the small picturesque town of Nevada City, California. As months pass, the card never leaves his side, giving him the strength to survive and setting him on a mission to find her. Starring Ed Asner (2007 Emmy Award nominee - Best Supporting Actor in a TV Movie or Miniseries), John Newton, & Faith Spelman. The Christmas Card has received massive critical acclaim and audiences are raving so go get your copy now!
Joan Rosario
Stellar Award-winning Joann Rosario wishes to exemplify and embody the joy that is synonymous with salvation. Adamant that her music must always be reflective of her life’s experiences and her relationship with God as they currently stand, Rosario offers Joyous Salvation. “With this record, it was important for me to show that walking with Christ isn’t always a tedious, obstaclefilled journey. There are definitely those moments, but there are also many moments of happiness, victory, triumph, and peace, and it’s from that perspective that I approached this CD, because it’s exactly where I am in my life right now. God is good and we have to represent that to the masses!” Joyous Salvation is a remarkably well-rounded and astonishing cohesive body of work. Some of the tracks include: ‘restore me’, ‘glory to you’, ‘Holy God’, e.t.c.
Mannheim Steamroller
It’s been 6 years since we have been given an entirely new album of Mannheim Steamroller’s Christmas music. The album is definitely worth the wait. It includes guest vocals from Johnny Mathis and Olivia NewtonJohn. A beautiful Christmas selection!
Trinitee
The project flaunts the style and musical edginess that first made Trin-i-tee 5:7 a hit in the late 90s. T57 finds Chanelle, Angel and Adrian providing twelve memorable tracks dealing with everyday situations wrapped in musical elements of R&B, soul, hip hop and gospel. The three women take much of the songwriting credits on the project - a definite sign that T57 is the personal reflection of the group – and hit producer Walter Milsap (Yolanda Adams, Alicia Keys, Usher & Dave Hollister) delivers the 1st single “Listen,” and two other unforgettable songs “I Need You” and an uplifting anthem titled “Beautiful Girl.” To mention a few. Go get a copy now!!
New Life community choir
This album is another beautiful piece from John P. Kee. He just keeps getting better and better. He is a good producer, arranger, song writer and a fantastic SINGER to work with. You can’t escape the unforgettable experience that will leave you wanting more and more and more ...(did I hear u say Oliver twist?). Praising God while listening to this album IS NOT an option, you find yourself flowing and enjoying God’s presence naturally. Some of the tracks include: “forgiven”, “I know it”, “sanctuary”, “I’m waiting”, to mention a few. This album is hot and new so go get yours NOW!
AUThOR: Michelle McKinney Hammond
TITLE: Get Over It and On With It
PUBLIShER: Waterbrook Press PAGES: 222 REVIEWER: Ishola Oluwayemisi
About the Author
Michelle McKinney Hammond, founder of Heart wing Ministries, is a vibrant author and speaker. She is a regular featured speaker at the Woman of virtue conferences, and is a prominent figure in other women conferences, retreats, and church services. Michelle is also the co-host of the Emmy- nominated TV talk show, Aspiring Woman, and the author of numerous Christian literatures which includes, How to be blessed and highly favoured, sassy, single and satisfied, and Secrets of an irresistible woman.
The Book
• ‘Explicit’ does not express enough, the way Get over it and on with it explains life. • Life, Hammond states, is something everyone will have to go through, whether you and I like it or not. • She states further that individuals handle life situations differently. Michelle takes us on a roundtrip, giving us different scenarios of how life can get one down. She brings to life, in a real and practical way, characters from the scriptures. She stresses the importance of a solid foundation in God - spiritually speaking, the need to rest, eat, and drink.
The flood of life will threaten the very foundation of what we believe, even if we’ve built our house on solid rock. You will only be resolute in clinging to God and his promises if your faith in Him is strong.
Every chapter is laced with heart touching scriptures that will change your life horizon for better. You will realise that beyond personal experiences, God’s promises are real. When faced with life problems, there are two ways we are likely to react: either to live in denial, or blame the next person available. God, who is always close by, often gets the blame. Michelle however gives an insightful exposition about God and the truth embedded in His Word - the Bible. Get over it and on with it encourages us to push out of our fog, and buck up when badly treated by life. We should endeavour to fortify ourselves with faith in God and His Word.
When we take stock of our life at faith-level, we will always find something good to work with. The book helps us see that though we may not feel like we can, we can live above our circumstances, provided we can trust God, knowing that so far, He’s been faithful. It could get worse, but it hasn’t. In our life journey, if we depend on God always, we will go beyond all limits and boundaries. Myths and truths are spelt out at the beginning of each chapter; guidelines to looking inward and upward, are at the end of each chapter. Has life had you in its grip for so long that you don’t know the way out? Get a copy of Get over it and on with it, for solution.
Top Must Read
1. Mothers of Influence by Honor Books
2. The Penny by Joyce Meyer
3. The Best Is Yet To Come by Ann Platz
4. Cure For The Common Life by Max Lucado
AUThOR: Karen Hardin
TITLE: Seasons of love
PUBLIShER: White of stone books PAGES: 249 REVIEWER: Ishola Oluwayemisi
About the Author
Karen Hardin is a seasoned missionary who, along with her husband and three children, have ministered in Asia for more than 15 years. She is a highly sought-after publicist and marketing specialist in the Christian publishing industry with a long list of reputable clients. As a freelance writer, her work has appeared in USA today, Stories for the spirit filled believer, Blood and thunder, Charisma magazine and many other publications. Still actively involved in ministry, Karen and her family make their home in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The Book
Seasons of love sheds light on the different facets of love, creating insight into the much used word. The book starts off with the definition of love from various perspectives.
Love, according to Karen, can be divided into four Greek words: • Eros, coined from the word, ‘erotic’, is the lowest, but highly recognized form of love. • Storgos is a form of devotion shared among siblings, or expressed to a pet. • Phileo is an affectionate love shared among friends, or between lovers.
This kind of love grows as a relationship develops. • Agape is the highest form of love.
It is a perfect sacrificial and selfless love, as demonstrated by God, our creator, who gave His only begotten son as atonement for our sins.
She went all out to put together different people’s life stories that one can relate to; people who go through life like we do; get on the same bus and take the same route with us. The book is divided into four captivating sub-headings- ‘Friendship’, ‘Romantic love’, ‘Uncommon love’ and ‘Agape love’. Each sub-heading is further divided into different topical sections that will keep you glued to the book. Flipping through the pages, you’ll find yourself in the ‘love world’ of different people, and ride with them as they re-live their experiences.
These experiences comprise ‘puppy love’, ‘cockroach-inspired friendship’, ‘the love of a lifetime’, ‘left for dead’ and ‘unto the father’s love’. Karen has a way of narrowing it all down to profound truths and experiences that are biblical. This drives home her point with precision. At the end of each chapter are prayer requests; prayers so catchy and captivating that you will ‘Selah’ (pause to ponder).
She weaves her stories around people’s experiences moving you from chapter to chapter, sweeping you into her world and taking you on the journey with her. Pure love becomes real to you when you open the first page of the book. The most interesting part of Seasons of love is the urge it leaves you with; the urge to show love to someone. The most interesting part of Seasons of love is the urge it leaves you with; the urge to show love to someone.
