The Purpose Driven Lady Magazine Issue 6

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THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LADY MAGAZINE

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THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LADY MAGAZINE

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Purpose Driven Lady

is a movement where women are encouraged to take action to find their purpose, position and purpose so that they create their reality and live their best life.

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John 3:16 (KJV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life

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PURPLE PATCH CEREALS –

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Flavours Granola and Muesli Granola – Honey, Nuts & Fruit Granola – Honey & Nuts Muesli – Fruit & Nut Muesli – Fruity Snack pots Green – Honey Baked Oat, Nut, Fruit & Seed Yellow – Honey Baked Oat, Nut & Seed Blue – Honey Baked Oat & Seed Orange – Chocolate Baked Oat & Tangy Cranberry How to Order Direct from the website: http:// purplepatchcereals.co.uk/ For Snack pot order please send an email to order@purplepatchcereals.co.uk Our Contact Details If you have any queries, just get in touch via email at toks@purplepatchcereals.co.uk for a prompt response.

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Create Your Reality Is a brand-new coaching program. It is special session for busy working women just like you that want to create their reality so that they can live their best life.

I will be sharing with you everything I’ve learnt in manifesting the life that I currently live in and so much more.

You will get clear on where you are now and what is standing in your way and along your way. I will share powerful tips that will help you clarify your vision, cut through the confusion and frustration and give you power to make choices with confidences and certainty.

Register Now at omotokin@yahoo.com with the title “I am ready to Create My Reality” and we will send all necessary information to you Some of the benefits include: 1. Get clear on your big why 2. Written positive outcome for your life 3. Get support to live your best life ever 4. Becoming good in the areas you most enjoy 5. A renewed sense of energy and transformation

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What Does It Entail?

1. Bi weekly accountability calls 2. Create Your Reality Workbook 3. Monthly Q&A session 4. Unlimited Email access during coaching life cycle 5. Relevant Resources/Template & much more Bonuses 1. Join like-minded women in the Facebook Group 2. Introduction to Vision Book 3. E copy of My Daily Confession 4. 15% discount off Create Your Reality Retreats/Events Register here to start at omotokin@yahoo.com Have any other questions not covered here; please email us at omotokin@yahoo.com To creating your reality in 2018, Toks

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A FOOD BUSINESS START

Do you know anyone who likes cooking, is good at it and wants to build a profitable and successful good business?

I’m running an online class where I will draw from my 12years+ of helping businesses succeed in the food sector.

The class is titled - How To Start & Grow Your Own Successful Food Business for Fun & Profit without Stress.

Can you please connect me with anyone who you know would be interested in this course as spaces are very limited.

Click on the link below for more information: www.omowunmiolunloyo.com

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to the 6th issue of The Purpose Driven Lady, it’s being a year since the last issue because the team and I had to go back to the drawing board and choose a more achievable way to continue producing this amazing magazine for you and it has been decided it will be a bi annual magazine featuring in July and December.

A lot has happened over the year, let me share some highlights with you: July 2017 – Launched my first anthology book on my birthday with 15 Amazing Busy Working Mothers titled “Step Out – Release Your Inner Greatness” and it made it to International BestSelling Status August 2017 - Rest, Rest and more Rest September 2017 – Co-authored with the

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amazing Holly Porter in her anthology book titled “The 30/30 Rules: What I wish I knew in My 20’s By 30 Women in Their 30’s (The Rules Books)” and it made it to International Best-Selling Status. It was my 12 years wedding anniversary.

October 2017 – Received an Amazing Thank You for “Coming to America” message from the Fabulous Elena Rahrig of Transform. I was featured in her closed group.

November 2017 – Was invited to Vivian Talks Show at Reconciler Radio where I talked about Finding Your Voice. Received a Courageous Award from Wholelife Activation for having the courage to share my story December 2017 – Resigned from my 9to5 job to create my reality and live life on my terms January 2018 – Rest, Rest and more Rest, Graduated from KingsWord Training Institute (KTI), KTI is the training arm of KingsWord Ministries International. Nominee Most Outstanding Worker of the Year 2017 at KingsWord International Church London February 2018 – A keynote speaker for the amazing Ruth Zubairu’s Valentine Reset Voices 2018 tagged “Finding You in Love”. Joined 2 Modelling Agency, one of my many goals.

March 2018 – Had the pleasure to invite Helen IN THIS ISSUE

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Paul to The Graceland for the Empowerment Series at my church April 2018 – Saved from what would have been a ghastly motor accident with a trailer May 2018 – Saw Teri Savelle Foy again at Tobi Awoyemi’s Excel Woman Conference.

Spoke on Women with Ambition Facebook group managed by Julia Fearon on the topic Find Your Place, Position & Purpose June 2018 – Had my 1st online class training on How to Start and Grow A Successful Food Business for Fun & Profit without Stress.

Received a Star & Meghan Award from Lifts Effects for my contribution to humanity July 2018 – I am a year older, officially introducing my new food business Purple Patch Cereal with everyone It has been a Totally Amazing Year for me and more is sure to come as well. I share this with you to encourage and inspire you that you can be, do and have whatever you set in your heart.

I also share my highlights with you because I am a grateful person and I want to steer you to Count your Blessing naming them one by one.

Like the popular quotes says” A grateful heart is a magnet for Miracles” Remember your motives Matter, Your Attitude is Key. Be Patient, Wait for it and most importantly Believe in Yourself and please Take Heed to Yourself.

THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LADY MAGAZINE

short stories, poems, products, services and interviews with purpose driven ladies making impact in the world.

A magazine to motivate, encourage and educate you to create your reality by finding your place, position & purpose so that you can live your best life ever.

I will not finish my note without saying a Massive Thank You to the Purpose Driven Lady Magazine Contributors. God has blessed me with a beautiful relationship with you. I appreciate you so much.

The journey continues for The Purpose Driven Lady Magazine, here is to Better, Bolder & Beautiful.

SO UNTIL NEXT ISSUE REMAIN AMAZING, BOLD & COURAGEOUS & REMEMBER YOU CAN BE ALL THAT YOU WERE CREATED TO BE. DON’T BELIEVE THE LIES. Should you have any questions and suggestions, or perhaps you will like to share a piece in the next magazine please send them to omowunmiolunloyo@gmail.com.

Connect with me@ FB: Omowunmi Olunloyo (Toks) IG: Omowunmi_Toks FB Group: Busy Working Mother Create Your Reality

As I shared with you in the maiden edition my goal is to remind you that you are valuable and can live a fulfilled well-blended life in the busy world you live in. I want to give you information that will help you realise your inner strength and guide you towards your purpose.

To Living In Purpose,

Omowunmi aka Toks P.S: Share this magazine to your lady friends and family so that together we are creating our reality and living our best life.

As a Purpose Driven Magazine for Women, we will provide you with articles, stories, IN THIS ISSUE

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52 The dictionary defines perimeter as the continuous line forming the boundary of a closed geometric figure. This boundary can be very uncomfortable and restricting, it can come with a feeling of imprisonment and slavery.

Be Encouraged: You Are Never Alone – Olajumoke Badmus 14-15 Importance of Spending Time With God Judy Toorie 16-18 Stay in your lane, you have a distinguished glory - Oluseyi Oyedeji 19 No Other Name - Tomike Ogunleye 20 Avoiding Burnout In Ministry – Margaret

C O N T E N T S

Akanni 22-24 Thankful in All Seasons - Adebimpe Adeniyi Fashina 25 Bad Mom - Adebisi Oluyele Adebiyi 26-28 Exit Plan – Jummy Poku 29-31 BEAUTIFUL IN ITS TIME – Episode 2 Deby Okoh 33-35 Is There Anything Too Hard For God Tayo Olumakin 36-37 INTERVIEW with a Purpose Driven Lady 38-42 Capacity is a Muscle! Ibiyemi Ifederu 43-44 Freedom from Lies Ifeyinwa Maureen Okafor 45-46 Friend by Victoria Wya 47 Woman of Purpose – The Merging of Fun

nterview

and Faith – Nekita Okafor 48-50

Purpose Driven Lady

Self-Forgiveness: Your pathway to Being

with a

Shola Ezeokoli

Forgiveness after Separation & Divorce

by Ngozi Ojiako 51-52 Free! – Tiwatope Tunde -OlowoAke 53-55 Bad Things Happen to Good People Too Orchidaceae Asteraceae 56 Setting Boundaries with your Teens – Oluwaseun Afilaka 57-60 Brand personality – Kite Uhomoibhi 61-62

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Featured Contributors

OLAJUMOKE BADMUS

JUDY TOORIE

OLUSEYI OYEDEJI

TOMIKE OGUNLEYE

JUMMY POKU

DEBY OKOH

ADEBIMPE ADENIYI FASHINA

OLUYELE ADEBIYI

TAYO OLUMAKIN

VICTORIA WYA

IBIYEMI IFEDERU

MARGARET AKANNI

OLUWASEUN AFILAKA

KITE UHOMOIBHI

NEKITA OKAFOR

IFEYINWA MAUREEN OKAFOR

NGOZI OJIAKO

TIWATOPE TUNDE -OLOWOAKE

ORCHIDACEAE ASTERACEAE

SHOLA EZEOKOLI

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Be Encouraged

YOU ARE NEVER ALONE OLAJUMOKE BADMUS

Why did Jesus weep when he met Lazarus’

Jesus showed Himself off:

sisters (John 11:35)?

Why ask His disciples to feed the 5,000+ multitude (Luke 9:13)?

Why ask the Samaritan woman at the well to give Him a drink (John 4:7)?

Was it because He did not know that in a few minutes He would raise Lazarus from the dead or multiply the 5 loaves and 2 fishes to feed the multitude or answer the Samaritan woman’s questions?

I believe it is to pass this message across:

1.

When He raised Lazarus from the dead as the Resurrection and the Life 2. Fed the multitude as the Bread of Life and 3. To the Samaritan woman as the Living Water Today, Jesus remains, THE UNLIMITED ANSWER TO ALL NEEDS! He is able to enter any situation, feel what you feel, and churn a testimony from it!

HE IS WITH YOU ALL THE TIME, EVEN IN THAT UNFAVORABLE SITUATION OR WEAKNESS. 14

So whatever situation you are going through, He is with you, touched by IN THIS ISSUE

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the feeling of your weakness and His deliverance is with Him: salvation/ provision/ protection/ safety/ preservation/ wisdom/ promotion/ favor/ whatever you need Him for. FOR YOU, BECAUSE HE LOVES YOU SO MUCH.

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THEREFORE,

LET

US

[WITH

PRIVILEGE] APPROACH THE THRONE OF GRACE [THAT IS, THE THRONE OF GOD’S GRACIOUS FAVOR] WITH CONFIDENCE AND WITHOUT FEAR, SO THAT WE MAY RECEIVE MERCY

Heb 4:14-16 (AMP) – Inasmuch then as we [believers] have a great High Priest who has [already ascended and] passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, LET US HOLD FAST OUR

[FOR

OUR

FAILURES]

AND

FIND

[HIS AMAZING] GRACE TO HELP IN TIME OF NEED [AN APPROPRIATE BLESSING, COMING JUST AT THE RIGHT MOMENT].

CONFESSION [OF FAITH AND CLING TENACIOUSLY TO OUR ABSOLUTE TRUST IN HIM AS SAVIOR]. For we do not have a

So, in closing I say to you reading this

High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin.

that God love you and has made a way for you to be connected back with Him through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. All you have to do now is to accept this sacrifice and declare boldly that Jesus is Lord over your affairs. Be Encouraged – You are never alone

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ere I am, I took one day out of my 8 days annual leave to rest and reflect. I decided enough is enough, I am coming out of the treadmill of work, gym, home, church, family, sleep, work, gym, home.

I reminded myself that there is more to life than these things and if I do not press STOP on this treadmill I am currently on and spend time with God, I will just keep going on and not live my desired lifestyle.

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It feels like I have been on a continuous roller coaster ride that doesn’t seem to stop!

Let me explain it to you, if I’m not at work, I’m usually researching or organising events and by the time I switch off the laptop late at night to relax and unwind in preparation for sleep time, I struggle.

I will not be able to relax. I lie down to sleep and things that I need to do the next day starts popping up in my mind and before I know it, the alarm goes off and I am back on the treadmill again.

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When does this end? If you are like me, you begin to think to yourself when will I

THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LADY MAGAZINE

the purpose of your existence, David said “Show me your ways O Lord; teach me Your paths” Psalm 25 v 4.

get the time to write the book, start the business, develop and grow my ministry, build relationships when exactly…

Let’s start from the very beginning, it starts with going back to the basics.

After careful examination of my day I realised that somewhere in my daily activities, I lost control of my time and the plan is to take back the control of my time and not allow the busyness of life to take over.

Time is invaluable. Once gone it cannot be reclaimed back. Now let’s talk about how to take control of the day; Firstly, you need to know it’s never too late to start taking control of your day Decide to slow down, place both your feet firmly on the brakes, park the car and STOP.

Jesus said “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” Matthew 11 v 28.

To fulfill purpose and the call of God on your life you need the blueprint. You will need to connect daily with the one who created you, as it is only Him who knows IN THIS ISSUE

Schedule time to hear from God, He wants to speak with you.

Start off where you are, If you are a working mother with young children, try getting up 15 minutes earlier (if this works for you) to read the word of God and pray before the rest of the house gets up. If you are single you can also do this. Whatever your circumstances, try this for 21 days and you would have created a new habit and remember to write down what you God is saying to you.

Take 10 minutes out of your lunch break to meditate on a scripture for that week.

Evening time try cutting out 15 minutes of TV time and meditate on the Word.

Travel time to and from work can also be a time of listening to a message, you can listen to the message for the week until you have digested everything you need from that message. Make notes and refer to them regularly.

In addition to your daily devotion with God, if you take some annual leave plan to take an afternoon off or one day out and spend time with God. 17

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You could start off by worshipping, praying and reading the word. You can also use a daily devotional to help you with spending time with God.

I have found with just spending this one day with God, outside my normal daily time before work has refreshed me, given me new vision and the things I needed to do that day. I was able to get them done in a shorter space of time!

“The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him” Lam 3 v 25.

It has been said, if you really want to do something, you will find the time to do it, if not you will find an excuse. I often realise that somethings we get our priorities mixed up, or the wrong way around. There will always be something to do as long as we are in the land of the living.

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Remember, there’s no quick fix to spending time with God, just stay committed to the time you said you would, don’t get distracted by things or what others are doing. “Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart” Jeremiah 29 v 12 & 13.

Make the commitment whether you feel like it or not and you will reap the benefit of spending time with God.

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STAY IN YOUR You have a LANE,distinguished glory - Oluseyi Oyedeji

There is a glory and beauty of the sun, another glory of the moon, and yet another [distinctive] glory of the stars; and one star differs from another in glory and brilliance – 1 Corinthians 15:41 AMP

Most ladies often wish secretly to be like another lady, wanting to be as slim as that lady (yet still drinking liquids that will not support looking as slim as that lady), you wish you could pray, sing, drive that car, or perhaps have that house with the lovely view by the window like the other lady.

You can even take it further by even wishing you had a wonderful home like that sister, wished oyur children were as well behaved as sister B, wished for sister B husband because you believe she does not appreciate what she has.

That is the extent you allow your mind to travel because you did not take heed to your self.

sun isn’t like the moon, the moon isn’t like the stars, and each star is different”. Do you get it now, I hope you do.

Stay in your lane, your glory is different and unique to you, there is no need for comparison and competition everything you have been through is part of what makes you, you. It’s your story.

Don’t wish you are someone else, don’t participate in eye service, you don’t have the time to be wasting on such; That smile in tribulation is a glory, that gift of cooking, baking or whatever it is that you is your glory. It’s your shine factor. Its your unique selling point. It makes you stand out from the crowd.

I want to encourage you to spend quality time this week, this month to discover your glory, your unique identity and make your glory distinguish you from everyone.

Shalom!

From the scripture above, there is a glory and the beauty of the Sun and the glory of the Moon and even between the Stars there are different levels of glory. I like the way the Contemporary English Version puts it - “The

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No Other Name - Tomike Ogunleye

His awesomeness on my mind Can’t get it out of my mind

Your goodness & mercy hunting me down Overwhelmed by your love Jesus I don’t mind the way you express yourself my Lord & Saviour I don’t mind at all...not at all I will bless the Lord at all times His praise shall continually be on my mouth He has put a new song in me, a six-course meal before me, There is an overflow of abundance around me Ears hear, and tingles, men and women run to the shine of my glory, bulging eyes questioning Hearts pondering, wondering so much It leads to dancing, singing so much, It leads to much praise, oh yes!

Resounding, complete, impressively thorough, praises to my Jesus He frees from anxious fear He gets His own out of tight spots Oh yes! I’m talking about God, the one that sets up a circle of protection around us when we pray, I dare u to open your mouth & taste, open your eyes & see There’s no other name but JESUS YAWEH YESHUA

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Proverbs 18:21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits

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AVOIDING IN MINISTRY – Margaret Akanni

f you’re leading a ministry, you not only have to guard your own life from burnout, but you need to be able to recognise burnout in the lives of your team. When team members are overloaded they’re more likely to quit, cave in, give up and even lose motivation. I will like to share with you a few reasons women burn out in ministry— and what you can do about it:

LACK OF COMMUNICATION

Keep in touch often with emails or sending copies of meeting minutes.

Several churches I’ve talked to have started a closed Facebook group for just the leaders on their team and they communicate with everyone there, or text the team via a group message. Avoid the work of calling everyone individually (you don’t have time for that!), but make sure everyone is kept in the loop.

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NOT ENOUGH DELEGATION Get organized and get the right people doing the right job. Don’t fall into the trap of trying to do everything by yourself, get the team involved. if you need extra help outside your team, ask for it. Team works make the dream works. Delegate and let it go.

UNCLEAR VISION Make sure everyone on your team knows the vision, mission and purpose of the ministry. Keep your vision statement simple and talk about it often to fan the flames of enthusiasm. If you need help knowing your vision seek God’s face and He will reveal it to you.

MIXED UP PRIORITIES Several women’s ministry leaders I know are retired, and their children are grown ups, they have lots of free time to volunteer, they get annoyed with those on the team who can’t show up for IN THIS ISSUE

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meetings because of family commitment with the children for example football practice. It is very important that bitterness and resentment does not grow in the team, all team members should be compassionate and understanding towards each other. All meetings should be carefully planned and agreed by all team members.

LACK OF ENCOURAGEMENT This is so critical! I can’t think of how many times I’ve been ready to quit, and have received a kind note thanking me for my work on the team. “Well…I guess I can stay involved for a few more months,” I say to myself. So the moral of the story say thank you often. Celebrate successes. Write notes affirming the contributions and talents of your team.

It’s hard to quit when you know how valuable you are to a team!

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SYMPTOMS OF BURNOUT • Frustration • Lack of enthusiasm • Consistently negative attitude • Deflated self-esteem or feelings of failure • Becoming less involved; missing meetings EXHAUSTION AND OTHER PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS OF STRESS Ignoring these symptoms won’t make them go away. Talk about them and find out what’s underneath. When you’re on the verge of burning out, try one of these Ideas: • • •

Take a hot bath Bring a magazine Stare at the clouds

•

Eat lunch by yourself.

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• Watch people passing by • Play some music and enjoy it • Go online and watch funny videos on YouTube Go to the gym or go for a brisk walk; even if it seems like you don’t have time, force yourself to exercise. Your body will thank you—and you feel much better.

Get in the car, crank up your favourite worship song, and sing at the top of your lungs. It’s amazingly refreshing for your heart.

Ask yourself this question, “Will this thing that’s stressing me out right now matter in a week, a month, a year?” If not, let go of it.

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PRACTICAL TIPS TO AVOID MINISTRY BURNOUT FOR YOU AND YOUR TEAM • Pray. Yes, this sounds cliché, but it’s important. Take the situation to God first and ask Him for direction. Then, listen.

• Talk to someone wiser. Ask for insight from a different perspective.

• Look for opportunities for training. This can help you get reenergized, re-inspired, and refocused • Take responsibility for your part.

Did you over-commit, experience a communication breakdown, not ask for clear directions or enough support?

• Identify elements that can be improved. What’s working and what’s not working • Acknowledge what symptoms of burnout are you experiencing and seek solution to it

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Thankful

IN ALL SEASONS ADEBIMPE ADENIYI FASHINA

So, I woke up on this great warm day and

a smile. You know how because as the split

I pondered ah ha! Summer is here (31

image of my Father, I smiled myself, so I am

degrees), and I was thankful for many things

so sure He did. Selah. He then told me what

one I wasn’t pregnant this year because

to do…

last year I was and oh dear! It was grace multiplied for me lol. Well I didn’t forget

God: 1. Dress the kids light

the pregnant people I see or run into at

2. Keep them hydrated (water)

children’s school, so I asked God to give

3. Keep their skin moisturised

them grace Amen.

He also said “Make sure you do the same

Ok did I say I was also chatting with God? Oh, I didn’t; well I will tell you the gist.

for yourself you are my child too” I laughed and thanked him.

Gen 8:22. As long as the earth remains

Adebimpe: Happy Father’s Day Lord, thank

seedtime and harvest, cold and heat,

you for everything, for loving me and been

winter and Summer, and day and night

patient with me.

shall not cease

I am sure God was happy with me. I thanked him for the day specially because it’s summer- a season I look forward to it in this part of the world I live in. The excitement is

2 Peter 1: 3a-b: And by his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life

go through the season, so I can enjoy it, I’m

What God is saying is no matter the season grace is available. Enjoy summer people.

sure my speech pleased him again, I sensed

Sending love and kisses.

real people. I also asked God for Grace to

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BAD MOM - ADEBISI OLUYELE ADEBIYI

I was at the market the other day and I saw a woman haggling a price for something she wanted to buy. Her toddler son was right there at her feet playing and the next minute, he was gone. She was practically running crazy, shouting his name and looking for him all over the place. A lot of people called her names, she didn’t respond, they shouted at her, she didn’t answer them either. All she wanted was her baby.

It took her about 30minutes with very few people helping her in the search of her son to find him.

When she found him, her countenance was angelic!

She cradled him close and just kept kissing his face and stroking his hair. She checked his body for signs that anything might have gone

He was just giggling and laughing and enjoying the attention.

Then she turned around smiled, not minding the insults, she had received.

She did not say anything to the people who called her names. Then it occurred to me that a lot of women are being called different names for occurrences just like this and even unrelated events while caring for their little ones.

I need you to know this “You are the best mother for your child”. If not, your

wrong while he was missing.

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child would have been hurt a long time ago due to negligence. People say a lot of things because they have the free will to, it doesn’t make them right; neither does it make them fair, it only makes them human.

I am sure that mother (who lost and found her son) at the market would have thought about the nasty things said to her much

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1.

GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK:

God has given us the innate ability to multitask while still trying to look beautiful and all together. But sometimes, you need to shut them all out and have some “ME” time. Fight for that time mother or else you would find yourself snapping at everything and everyone in your life for trivial reasons.

later. She probably would have thought about the events that led up to her child

2.

STOP COMPARING YOURSELF:

being missing for 30minutes. Like every mother, she would fawn over her child till he gets tired of it. She would try to be more careful about every single detail of the child. She would always look with one eye looking around for any mischief the child might be itching to get into.

Would super extra measures on handling her child help in any way? It possibly would. Would it make her a better mother? I do not know for sure. What I am sure of is, the added stress it would give the mother.

So, allow me say this to you amazing mothers, do not let anyone make you feel inadequate. You probably feel that way sometimes, you don’t need the extra stress.

I ALSO HAVE THESE TO SAY:

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Honestly, women do this all the time, comparing facial structure, makeup skills, fashion styles and the list is endless. You not only take the joy of being uniquely original away from yourself, but you also allow for pessimistic thoughts that would hurt you and possibly take control over your life if not handled correctly.

3.

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT GOD LOVES YOU: So, you made a mistake.

Tell me one human who hasn’t. Let the love of God keep you and make you daily into the image and the likeness of God that you were created to be. Maximize your relationship with the Holy Spirit in raising your children. The Bible calls Him in John 14:26 (AMP) But the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor— Counselor, Strengthener, Standby), the 27

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Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name [in My place, to represent Me and act on My behalf], He will teach you all things. And He will help you remember everything that I have told you.

You do not have to carry the weight of being an effective mother all on your own.

4.

LEAN ON PEOPLE WHO HAVE DONE IT BEFORE: The bible says in Hebrews 6:12 “so that you will not be [spiritually] sluggish, but [will instead be] imitators of those who through faith [lean on God with absolute trust and confidence in Him and in His power] and by patient endurance [even when suffering] are [now] inheriting the

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promises.” It is not possible for you to be the only mother going through what you’re going through. There are people who can help you and yes it’s risky putting your business in the face of another woman, but sometimes risk is the only action needed to take to receive the much needed help. Pray for Godly relationships that would strengthen you and make you’re a better mother. Pray to be someone like that to someone else too.

In everything, remember to rejoice and be happy in all things and give thanks all the time.

Shalom!

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EXIT PLAN – Jummy Poku

ire safety training can be wearisome especially if it is a mandatory training; a refresher training is often required within three years depending on your job role. It is a mandatory training for me, so I have it annually. However, when I leave the training room I hardly retain any of the information in my memory. I am of the opinion that the information given during the training is too much for an incident that may never happen.

Recently, my daughter’s school had a fire safety awareness day; they had the fire engine and safety gears displayed on the school ground. The children looked so excited during pick up time with flyers and stickers to bring home. I had my ears full of how important it is to test the smoke alarm weekly, actions to take when fire is caught on clothing; the stop drop roll moves and lots more. I have never retained that much information about fire safety awareness. My eightIN THIS ISSUE

year-old sure enjoyed the fire safety awareness program and she took it all in unlike me during my training.

Next was the homework, it was meant to be completed by the entire family, develop an exit plan. I was not quite interested in this homework, this is an event or incident that may never happen, but for the sake of my child’s learning and interest It had to be done. We were to develop an exit plan for the family in an event of a fire outbreak. During this process, I started to reflect on life on earth and life as a child of God. As children of God we are created to last forever; for God is Spirit (John 4:24a), immortal and eternal (1 Tim 1:17) and we are created in His image. Mans’ journey started from the mind of God, until the appointed time to be on earth, then the location changes to the womb of a woman; followed by an entry into the physical earth we live in. Isn’t God amazing! The time on earth expires at 29

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some point (after Adam’s fall) then man exit earth to another destination which is timeless and eternal. For we are only sojourners and tenants on earth and just like a vapour that appears for a little while and then vanishes so is the brevity of man’s life (1 Chron 29: 15; James 4: 14).

It is common knowledge that the inevitable death happens to the human body at a time when nobody knows, but man – the spirit being lives on eternally.

Man (Spirit) pre-existed before time, existed in time and will continue to exist in timelessness; the difference is the location at each point.

This brings me to reflect on man’s preparedness for the exit from our present earthly location. Our previous locations had been decided for us meaning it is not within our control but the next destination from earth is up to us to determine and prepare for based 30

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on our journey with God. Have you ever stopped to design an exit plan for your life? Are you certain where your eternal destination is?

As a purpose driven woman, we plan endlessly, from the shopping list to the school trips, homework, house chores, social activities, work and business events. We can multi task and plan ahead even before the need arise. I am sure before winter sets in, as a mother you would have sorted out winter clothing for your children. God honours our plans and the bible encourages us to make plans before we set out on any activity; Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established (Prov. 16:13).

In all our planning, do we reflect on our plans towards our exit from earth?

We go ahead with our daily life with plans for the future, our career, finances, health, our children’s education and IN THIS ISSUE

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future; relationships, assets including retirement plan. In our modern-day society there are several plans that are sold by several organisations for future convenience such as mobile phone plans, car insurance cover plan in case of accidents, funeral plan and lots more.

Nevertheless, many carry on without the mindfulness of the brevity of life; our days on earth are as fleeting as a shadow (Job 8:9b) yet we make endless plans like tomorrow will never end without the most important plan in mind – an Exit Plan from earth.

A purpose driven woman lives a life with

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Like the lessons from the fire safety awareness, we need to test the fire alarm of our life daily through fellowship with the Holy Spirit whose grace can equip to navigate the course of life. And like the homework I had to do with my daughter about the fire exit plan, reflect on your exit from this temporary earth and be certain about the destination your spirit will return to. Expiration of the physical body and exit of our spirit man from the earth might seem like an event that is afar off but like the return of Christ it might seem like it will never happen, however be ready like the servant who is waiting for his master to return.

the consciousness that life is much more than what we see, for the things we see are temporary but what is unseen is eternal 2 Cor 4:18. Focussing on our eternal purpose is paramount as we run the race that is set before us, living life through the lens of eternal purpose, letting it

God has put eternity in the heart of man (Eccl. 3:11b) hence our eternal destination is too important to leave to chance, be certain about where your eternal destination is, putting it off to later is not wise.

influence thoughts actions and deed. With an eternal mindfulness, you share the love of God with others, you don’t acquire wealth for your selfish gain and you don’t do good deeds for recognition. Then your work and actions become a worship unto God.

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Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

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Beautiful Read episode 1 by clicking the link below, episode 1 is from page 46 https://issuu.com/toks7/docs/pdl_issue_5

Izzy had the strangest feeling since she came back from church. Those eyes owned by the lady who sat beside her in church seemed to be haunting her.

They seemed eerily familiar and unsettling, she mused Izzy sighed. She was thinking too much of it and she knew it but she couldn’t shake it off.

“Hey, you’ve been lost in thought since we got back from church. Did the Pastor say something that touched a nerve”, Tola asked “Oh no darling. I was just reflecting on the message”, Izzy replied “You know, I’ve been thinking I need to be more active in church. I’m thinking of joining the workforce. It would help IN THIS ISSUE

IN ITS TIME –

Episode 2 Deby Okoh

me get to church early and also take my mind off things” “Things like what?”, Tola frowned “I really don’t like too much church involvement. It sometimes causes friction in the home” “I was just thinking that if I volunteered in the children’s department, I would be sowing seeds for my own”, Izzy said Tola was silent. He knew his wife hurt from not having her own children but she has been very calm about it most times. She tries to stay happy and not complain, even though they both knew it was his fault. Low sperm count was what the doctor diagnosed and there wasn’t much he could do about it. Izzy took it all in her stride and had been praying for him for the past 2years since they found out. The least he could do was make her happy. But he was scared.

Women have a way of brainwashing 33

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themselves. If she makes friends with the wrong women in the children’s department, my matter would become public prayer point.

He sighed “If it makes you happy, then go ahead”, he smiled.

It’s been 3 weeks. 3 weeks of hell, stress and pain. If anyone had told Simi her life would change so drastically in 2 weeks, she would have laughed them to derision. Unfortunately, it has. Mike had been in a coma for 3 weeks and nothing seemed to be working. The doctors keep calming her down and give assurances but deep in her heart, she felt it was all a lie.

Sitting in the kitchen, Simi looked through teary eyes at the spot when found Mike that dreadful night. According to the doctors, he had had a seizure and fallen very hard on the kitchen floor. Cause of the seizure was unknown but the fall was so hard, he cut his head and bled. He passed out immediately and was on the floor for almost 20 minutes before Simi found him. Now she felt so guilty, wishing she hadn’t gone to have her 34

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bath instead of going downstairs when she heard that clatter from the kitchen It’s not your fault, the voice in her head told her Unable to keep up with the barrage of emotions she was feeling, Simi slipped off the kitchen stool and burst into tears.

She recalled how she had been difficult in the few weeks leading to Mike’s accident. Actually she’s been difficult for months. She was always talking about her feelings and how Mike should think of her first. In hindsight, she realised she was demanding what she didn’t offer. And it was Tonia’s fault. Ever since she became close to her colleague who joined the company recently, she became dissatisfied with Mike Tonia was always going on and on about how a true husband should act, how her own husband does a lot, insinuating that Simi’s husband wasn’t man enough.

Tonia claimed her husband wouldn’t let her work and she had to literally force her way through because she was tired of staying at home.

She was always missing work, giving one excuse or the other and making it seem like she didn’t care about her job.

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You think so? The Holy Spirit whispered in Simi’s heart, Or could it be she was having challenges?

A light bulb went off Simi’s head as she began to recount several incidences and piece them together. As realisation hit her, she burst into fresh tears. There was no way Tonia could have had the kind of life she portrayed. It became obvious that she was bitter and passing her bitter vile around to whoever would partake of it, and she Simi, fell a victim.

Weeping, Simi repented in tears and asked God for forgiveness.

Mike stirred. He wondered why he was lying in bed in a strange room. His vision was blurry and his head hurt. He tried to sit up but felt a sharp pain. He groaned.

The nurse, who was already by the door on her way out, turned and on seeing him awake, gave a whooping sound of gratitude Yes, he’s awake. Thank you, Jesus,”

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and smiling to herself a lot these days, not to talk of the stories she comes home recounting every Sunday. Tola could see that he had just been apprehensive for nothing.

It was Monday morning and they were getting ready to go to work. Izzy was brushing her teeth when she suddenly began to heave and next thing you know, she was throwing up.

“Take it easy dear”, Tola said. You must have pushed the toothbrush too deep into your throat when you were trying to brush your tongue.

But the heaving continued and Tola got alarmed. He dashed into the bathroom, got water and poured it over his wife’s head. Eventually she calmed down.

“I’m fine now” Izzy said. “I’ll like to lie down for a while” As Tola led her from the room and tried to steady her, Izzy slumped.

It’s been 8 weeks since Izzy joined the Children’s department of her church and she had found it fulfilling. She had no idea she had a natural affinity to teaching! She was always excited to go to church to teach those little angels.

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IS THERE ANYTHING

TOO HARD

FOR GOD We all h a v e something that we are believing God for and expecting to see it manifest, and sometimes unbelief’s sets in.

Perhaps, like Abraham and Sarah, you have prayed for something for years, and you think God has not answered your request and life is passing you by while you wait. You struggle with doubt as you wonder, you wonder why God hasn’t done something yet? Why has He not answered? Why is He quiet about my prayer request?

God’s word to Sarah in Genesis 18:14 speaks concerning this when struggling 36

with unbelief “Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, at this time next year, and Sarah will have a son.”

The solution is simple: TRUST IN GOD Our trust should be in God and not in ourselves. When you have gotten to the point that is the end of your strength and you seek God, He shows up. God wants you and I to have faith in His ability to do the impossible.

God’s word in Jeremiah 32:27 says “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?” Luke 18:27 says “But He said, “The things that are impossible with people are possible with God.” IN THIS ISSUE

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There is no prayer too hard for God to hear and answer. In 1 Kings 18:17-41; by nature, and human understanding, it was not possible for fire to fall upon the altar, but it was possible with God and Elijah’s prayer was answered.

There is no place or situation in life that is too hard for God to revive. God is able to revive and restore any dead situation in your life, He is able to revive your marriage, career, business, work and ministry. Let your focus be on what He can do. God’s word says in Isaiah 43:19 “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”.

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There is no problem too hard for God to solve. God is still in the business of performing miracles. He gave His people water out of the rock (Exodus 17:5-7), He is able to feed you and provide for you and your family. He turned water into wine (John 2), He commanded the storm to be still in Mark 4 and raised the dead (John 11). He is still the same God, He never changes so your problems or challenges are not too hard for Him to solve.

Focus on the God who can do all things, a God with whom there is no impossibility. Trust Him, Keep the faith.

There is no promise too hard for God to fulfil. In the book of Joshua, God promised that the wall of Jericho was going to fall, and it fell. God promised that Mary was going to have a son, though she was a virgin and she did, even though it was a hard thing naturally but God being supernatural did and kept His word. He is the promise keeper.

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nterview with a

Purpose Driven Lady

Shola Ezeokoli Please tell us a bit about yourself? Who are you? What do you do?

I am many things to many people. I am a life and lifestyle coach, a doctor, a bestselling author, and a public speaker. I am also a marriage minister, a blogger, a wife, a mother, sister, a friend, and a mentor.

Over the years, I have managed to use and leverage multiple talents, careers, and abilities in order to live and work in the purpose to which I believe I’m called. As

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a doctor, I work in physician consulting, in order to improve patient care and help hospitals get paid by the insurance companies. As a life and lifestyle coach, I work with high achieving purpose for women to help them balance their lives, so that they in turn can pursue purpose with passion. As a speaker, I speak and teach primarily on the topic of balanced living. As an author I have written four books on different topics, including a book on marriage that I co-wrote with my husband. As a marriage minister, we cofounded a charity to provide faithbased marriage counseling to couples depending on their marital needs.

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

Wow! That is an easy one. I love to watch superhero cartoons: Avengers, Spiderman, Ben 10, Voltron, and Trollhunters, are just a few. Even though, I am not an avid watcher of TV, whenever I get the chance, I will always watch superhero cartoons.

What is a typical day like for you?

On a typical weekday, I get up at about 4:45 and I go to the gym. I then come back home, by about 6, do my prayers and confession of the Word and affirmations, before I take my kids to their school bus IN THIS ISSUE

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stop at 6:30. Between 7 AM and 8 AM, I go for a power walk. I then have my breakfast between 830 and 9 AM after which I get ready for work. I typically do consulting work between the hours of 10 AM and 2 PM, after which I catch up on phone calls, some writing, updating my social media, before it is time to pick up the kids at 3:30 PM. Once I pick them up, it is then time for homework, dinner, and just generally letting our hair down. While they do their homework, I typically work on content for my books, blog, or programs. On Wednesdays and Thursday evenings, is when I typically coach my clients. That’s gone go from about 7 to 9:30 PM. I try my best to be in bed by 10 PM. My day is typically not rushed. If I have had a particularly strenuous workout, I take a nap from about 2 PM to 3 PM. What does purpose mean to you?

This is an easy one. I typically use the words “purpose” and “calling” interchangeably.

Purpose/calling is where passion meets competency needs value. So, what do you have passion for?

What are you good at? What do people need/or will pay for? The intersection of these three things is where you find your purpose or your calling.

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Do you know your purpose?

By the grace of God, I have found my purpose.

What is your purpose?

My purpose is to teach people to live balanced lives. First of all, in teaching what exactly the balanced life is, and teaching people how to live that way. I do this primarily through my coaching, and also through speaking engagements, my books, and my blog Could you please share how you are using your purpose? Do you have any regrets?

Your purpose is primarily to serve others, and not you. Although in serving others you will also benefit. As described before, my purpose is to teach people to live balanced lives, through my coaching, speaking engagements, books, and my blog. Do you have any regrets? A few months ago, I was asked this question and when I said that I had no regrets, I was called a narcissist! I truly believe that regret is a choice. There is always an opportunity to look back and learn from one’s mistakes. However, I do not have any regrets because of my prevailing belief that life doesn’t happen to me, life happens for me. Everything in my life has led me up to this moment. Without the trials that one goes through, one 40

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would not be the same person that one is today.

How has your relationship with God played a role in your success so far?

My relationship with God is everything!

I believe that God gave me my calling and my purpose. Without God, I would be completely adrift. God has given me direction, lead me and showing me where to go and what steps to take.

Every single day, is a day of humility, totally relying on God, and trusting him for the next steps. I walked away, from a very high-paying job to pursue purpose, and I have not looked back since. I see that it is all due to the grace of God. What quote do you live by?

I live by many of them. The Bible verse God gave me concerning my purpose can be found in 1st Thessalonians 5:23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. This verse is the balanced life in a nutshell. Another quote that has been my companion lately is the very common, “nothing ventured, nothing gained”. It is a clarion call from me to myself, not to sit on the sidelines.

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Who are your heroes?

I have “real life heroes” and “celebrity heroes”.

My real life heroes: My mother, talk to me that I can survive practically anything. My husband has very high expectations of me and he believes in me. He is also very supportive and encouraging as well as being a wellspring of ideas. My pastor Kayode Ijisesan taught me to be fearless, and not to listen to naysayers. My mentor, Nolan McCants keeps me grounded in spiritual matters and has helped me tremendously because he has a background in PR. My celebrity heroes: Lin-Manuel Miranda Tim Ferris Luvvie Ajayi Oprah Winfrey I admire their creativity, perseverance and work ethics.

What is the ultimate dream/goal for you?

Hmmm, that is a tough one. I would say, to see the concept of balanced living become a movement I’m not just something on the fringes or just something Dr. Shola does. I want to see IN THIS ISSUE

balance the living become a prescribed lifestyle from churches, to doctors’ offices; from North America to Australia; in parenting and marriages; and in every sphere of life. Of course, I would like to reach a point where I am no longer dependent on an employer for wages.

How did you get started with wanting to help others?

In 1992, at the age of 15, someone introduced me to Robert Schuller’s book: Tough Times never last but tough people do. When I read that book, I knew that I was going to be very involved in self help. The rest as they say, is history.

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Please tell us about your programme (if you have any). What do women gain from it?

In closing what 3 things would you encourage women to do more than of?

My coaching program is tailor-made to each client. Through balanced living, I liberate high achieving professional women from being stuck in survival mode, so that they can pursue their purpose with passion. I also from we believe, that everybody has a story. To this end, I have produced my author coaching program which takes people from scribbler to best-selling author in six months or less.

Only 3? Ok I will try: 0. Put God first: I don’t just mean go to church. I mean put God first in your life. Make obedience to God your priority. If you do this, you will find clarity even in the most impossible situations. 0. Take care of your health: health is the greatest wealth that you have. Being a busy woman does not give you the excuse to eat unhealthy junk food, or not to go to the doctor, or not get your routine checkups. Life is a marathon not a sprint, and you need to be in the best health that you possibly can be. 0. Avoid toxic relationships: toxic relationships can completely drain you and kill your dreams.

What should we expect to see from you in the future?

I just created an audiobook titled: 50 Tips for Life Mastery, Balance and Success.

We just launched on cdbaby and it can be found on bit.do/drsholalifemastery In the coming months we are going to launch it on Amazon, audible, iTunes and various audiobook downloading programs. I also have my yearly seminar called The Balanced Life Total Makeover coming up in September. This year’s tagline is Life Mastery, Balance and Success. Between now and next year, I also plan to launch a sequel to my children’s book.

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Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers?

Yes. I would like to share about balanced living. Living a balanced life is simply this taken care of your spirit, soul, body, and community. In the “balanced living” language, this is the five pillars of balance: physical, emotional, mental, relational, and spiritual. Make balanced living a priority, and everything else will fall into place.

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CAPACITY IS A

MUSCLE! IBIYEMI IFEDERU

ave you ever wished that you were the CEO of a prominent organisation, knowing that you can do a better job than the incumbent? Have you told yourself how wonderful it must feel to be in such a powerful position and wishing you could start leading at the top tomorrow? Well, it’s easier said than done. The reality is that you may never lead successfully from the top if you have not mastered leading from the bottom and effectively managing the resources that you presently have.

I call it the law of capacity and the principle is from one of the oldest and wisest book I know. It suggests that capacity is developed and not acquired.

It can be likened to developing physical muscles or mental strength.

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A lot of times, we dream big and desire greatness, but we expect a transformational transition to greatness without paying the price or making significant effort. To think that you can become great or achieve prominence overnight without going through the process is self-delusory at its best.

Those who have made a difference in their fields and achieved greatness devoted quality time, energy and other resources into it. They formed habits over the years that helped shaped them and prepared them for greatness. They denied themselves of certain pleasures but most importantly, they started small!

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Do you genuinely desire to make a difference in our world, start from where you are! No one is going to give you bigger responsibilities if you are struggling to excel with the present ones that you have. Most times, people readily criticise decisions or policies created by their leaders, boasting of their capability to make better decisions given the same circumstances. Yet these same people cannot manage their teams at work or their personal lives or finances.

You will probably not perform any better than the person you are criticising. The skills required to lead a nation are similar to the skills required to lead a team, your personal life or finances; and even if you are not a team leader yet you can still lead from beneath.

So in closing the salient point to note is that the capacity to lead a nation is developed from leading where you are for example, in your workplace, family, small projects and so on. In order to achieve expertise, proficiency is developed by deliberate practice. Â

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forming habits necessary to achieve your desired outcome.

A simplified way of evaluating the situation is by extrapolation. Simply raise your current performance level to the power of your aspiring level, and this gives a strong indication of your future performance.

Having spoken with several high achievers, some of the values that they share in common includes; hard work and quality time invested in attaining their current levels.

They also developed habits that eased them into their current levels over time. Waiting till you are prominent before you start exhibiting the required skills could be consequential and even guarantee your never getting there.

Start preparing for the great things you desire by developing your capacity muscles from your current position!

An aspiring prominent international speaker who cannot effectively address a group of ten or relate with people will probably not be in a position to address hundreds or thousands of people. It is critical to understand the importance of 44

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Freedom from Lies

Ifeyinwa Maureen Okafor 2 Corinthians 3: 16-18.MSG…whenever though they turned to face God, as Moses did, If

God removes the veil and there they are face

you

to face. They suddenly recognize that God is

a r e

a living, personal presence and not a piece of

like me

chiseled stone, and when God is personally

as a child

present, a living spirit, that old, constricting

believed

legislation is recognized as obsolete. We are free

in Santa Claus

of it! All of us! Nothing between us and God, our

or as he is called

faces shining with the brightness of his face. And

in some regions; Father

so we are transfigured much like the Messiah,

Christmas. He was used to keep us in check

our lives gradually becoming brighter and more

according to the naughty or nice list. But at some

beautiful as God enters our lives and we become

point, we stopped believing. Why?

like him.

I

and

The King James translation; paraphrasing

discovered for ourselves the truth. John

from verse 14 …But their minds were blinded,

8:32 says ‘and you shall know the truth,

for until this day remaineth the same veil untaken

and the truth shall make you free’

away in the reading of the old testament which

Why then have you believed the lies of

veil is done away in Christ verse 18 But we all,

the enemy? The lies handed down from

with open face beholding as in a glass the glory

generations on tradition, religion, and

of the Lord.

gender, racial and ethnic profiling?

Women generally love to look at glass mirrors

What

happened?

We

grew

up

when they walk by. When you see what you don’t Believing the lies could be because of not

like in the mirror, you adjust. Similarly if you take

growing up. Yes, you could have physically

time to search for God through the scripture as

achieved your maximum height, perfect weight

often as you look in the glass mirror, you will

and size thanks goodness we don’t stop growing

discover more of who He is and your life will be

spiritually.

transformed with right believing.

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word of God. Waiting on God for answer before taking action

Spiritual growth requires that you seek God daily, that you hunger and thirst for His presence so that you can grow to your full potential. Imagine a teenager crawling, it would be a concern, you will not be boasting about it of? So I ask you, can God boast of you, the way you are living your life?

Think about it.

is very good practice,1 Sam 30: 1-10; when the Amalekites had raided the camp of the Israelites in Ziklag and burnt it to the ground there was a threat to David’s life; David needed guidance.

He had severely disgruntled men going against a great army. What were the odds, David inquired of the Lord, shall I pursue and overtake and the Lord answered, pursue! The story ends with

Our freedom comes with attaining spiritual

David and his men recovering all that the enemy

maturity. As we mature we begin to exhibit

had stolen from them. Communication with God

fruits of the Spirit; Galatians 5: 22 But the fruit

is key for us to enjoy everyday and live freely.

of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness,

goodness,

faith,

meekness,

temperance against such there is no law.

God wants you to live an optimal life, free from lies that have held you back in. So today I encourage you to commit to your spiritual development, the

Hearing God more clearly comes with spiritual

results of growing up is numerous for example

maturity. We are created to connect with God

you know better, you hear better and you exhibit

and man, He wants you to share your day with

fruits. God is bigger, mightier, greater than all,

Him from the moment you wake up till you lie

He wants you to be free.

down to sleep. He wants you to seek His counsel first, to call him in troubled times; He wants an

Woman! You are loosed to live free in Jesus

invitation to partner with you in your school,

name! God bless you.

work, marriage, business and every other aspect

Ifeyinwa Maureen Okafor

of your life.

Twitter:@IMOkafor

To be truly free of the wrong belief that have been handed down from generation to generation or by society, it is important to communicate with God effectively. Incorrect mindsets and knowledge can influence hearing, so it is very important to pay attention to what you are hearing; and renewing the mind with the

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Friend

by Victoria Wya

Someone who truly rejoices at your success And brings you to order at your weakness One who protects your name when you are not there So much love that even family hold you dear One to lift your spirit when the chips are down And always can be yourself when they are around And even when we fight True love test our relationship’s might Striving daily to know that our hope is in Christ The Almighty One who paid the price And with the love He has instilled in us Let us be a blessing to others one can trust

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W OMAN OF

PURPOSE THE MERGING OF FUN AND FAITH Nekita Okafor For a longtime I wondered, why am I here... on this planet?

What is the reason for my existence?

What do I have that can benefit the world?

What God given talent and gift do I possess and what have I done with them?

F

rom work, looking after the kids, church almost every Sunday and the odd invitation to a get together once in a blue moon; this is my life summed up. It sounds boring even as I write about it. As I reflected, I thought to myself there must more to life than this; life is for living, there is nothing wrong with living out my faith whilst having fun and impacting my 48

community.

As a Christian we are called to share the good news of the bible; this is usually done in a very formal way like on the street, in the church, bible study just to mention a few. I thought how about incorporating this message in fun activities so its seen more as a way of life.

Life feels mundane with the same tasks which can sometimes felt unsatisfying, my life was summed up somewhere between work and church and more work.

Whilst at church I felt lost in religiousness and the do’s and don’ts of church doctrines, the most holy attitude of the brethren and requirements of membership, I was not enjoying IN THIS ISSUE

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knowledge varied wildly, from struggling to find the books in the bible without going through the table of content to those who have read the bible repeatedly from childhood days while some just purchased their 1st bible in their thirties, however we grew together and realised our spiritual calling and walk on the earth with each of us resolving to fulfill it.

W OMAN After several months of group study, we grew in prayer and spiritual blessings, but the more physical aspects of our lives were not catered for. Our physical living such as work which is a 9 to5 for some, childcare and career choices were not addressed completely.

OF

PURPOSE

THE MERGING OF FUN AND FAITH

God’s presence, I was not building my relationship with Him (my master whose purpose I am here to fulfil). During one of those moments I was led to start a non-denominational group called Gazelle Women (symbol of elegance and courage). It started as a house fellowship of four members and has grown to 20 members plus and still counting.

At our monthly bible study, our bible IN THIS ISSUE

W OMAN The bible study renewed the mind and keep the Spirit above, but something was still missing; the social aspects.

So, I founded a group called the Empowered Women to cater for our social needs here on earth. It gave us companionship, shared values, goals and support like group therapy.

Nekita Okafor

OF

PURPOSE

THE MERGING OF FUN AND FAITH Looking back, I can see that, as the leader, we needed the two groups to be able to balance our spiritual life with our social fun filled life here on earth. In

Nekita Okafor

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one we fessed up to our failures, cried, encouraged one other and the other we prayed, and grew stronger spiritually. At both groups we discuss issues pertinent to faith and fun topics ranging from marriage to motherhood.

The plan now is to take on this new group Empowered Women to higher levels whilst still living and spreading the good news, expressing our faith and having fun. Empowered woman has since held a conference with various speakers and is looking to give back even more to our community through our charity initiatives.

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earth. We show his love by living the Word and being a blessing to all those in our sphere of contact, blessing and impacting them.

I have found what was missing in my life by discovering my purpose, I want to encourage you to do the same.

Women look for that which you are called to do and get on with it. God will direct you as you fulfill that which you are born to do!

Follow me: Twitter:@Nekky Facebook@4Nekita

We are all here for a reason to fulfill a purpose. Our God is love, He loves and looks after His people and he uses human beings to show His love here on

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Forgiveness AFTER SEPARATION & Divorce

by Ngozi Ojiako “Don’t mind her she’s just a bloody cashier

Psalm

Her Father is a poor man, he fixes shoe

91:11”

If I am alive you will never drive a brand-

For

new car”

will give His

He

angels Where did all this come from?

charge

concerning to

guard

you, you

in

From a place of total breakdown, hurt,

all your ways” was my

deceit, lies, cheating

reality. The prison sentence hanging over me because I was accused of

My response: anger, sadness, transferred

fraud in the bank, but I was vindicated. My

aggression, seeking love outside

son I took to Nigeria at 3 months old who

Living a life like Jekyll and Hyde

caught pneumonia was healed. The various

The world never saw my pain, I hid it very

people that had other plans for me in my life

well

and God revealed all to me. Yet I was not

The result: a very depressed soul, attempted

happy, and I had no peace. I questioned my

suicide, disillusioned, broken inside and a

relationship with God, I blamed Him for not

self-loathing young woman. 14 years of this

doing enough but He had done more than

took its toll.

enough.

Then I realised in all I was lacking a special

I had struggled to form that special

relationship. It wasn’t that I did not know

relationship with God which prevented me

God of course I did, I knew him well; He was

from freedom.

present through all my trials and directed me through them too.

It took several years of searching, reading and most importantly self realisation before

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transformation came. I started with myself,

Moving forward alone at this point in my life

looked at my flaws, checked my reactions to

was a good option; key learning I want to

situations, this was not a blame game; I was

share with you never be scared to separate

result oriented as I craved peace more than

yourself from the wrong things in your life.

anything in the world. I prayed throughout this season of my life. The process drained

Ladies this journey was mine. I can only

me, took its toll on my health at some point

talk from my perspective. Forgiveness after

but as I forgive myself of all my wrong

separation and divorce is really the only way

doings, I was able to see forgive others too.

to truly be at peace with yourself and the world at large.

For the first time I was able to smile through painful memories, laugh at some of the

You must learn to dig deep; it is okay to

nastiness and hateful comments about

discover certain things were just not meant

myself I have heard. I had discovered the

to be. There is no shame in this realisation, I

ability to forgive all wrongdoings in my

discovered the only truth I needed was the

marriage. I had found a place in my heart to

one I told myself.

cancel all memories of what was and learn to

Ultimately

focus on what is and what could be.

depression lies in your ability to truly forgive

freedom

from

hurt,

anger,

yourself and the offender too.

My kids motivated me too, but mostly the feeling inside was second to none. For the

You have just one life, live it well, make it

first time in 14 years from 2000 to 2014 I was

count.

finally at peace with myself and my life.Â

Thank you.

How did I get here? Many things come to mind; the scriptures gave me comfort, but the ability to genuinely forgive every bit of pain, hurt, deceit and humbly accept I too had contributed to the breakdown of my marriage gave me peace. I was able to forgive and move on.

I have never cried the way I cried during this period. It was a good cry, it made me realise I did not want to go back there.

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Self-Forgiveness: YOUR PATHWAY TO BEING FREE! – Tiwatope Tunde-OlowoAke

W OMAN W OMAN OF

PURPOSE PURPOSE Forgiveness from God’s perspective

What is Forgiveness Forgiveness is letting go of hurts and pains from past experiences. It could be pains brought upon by self or relationship with people. Forgiveness is also choosing to be happy and making your own happiness a higher priority than anger, resentment or vengeance.

If you do not forgive, you are blaming someone

else

for

the

pain

you

maintaining.

I will like to define forgiveness based on these perspectives: •

God

•

Man

•

Self

OF

are

THE MERGINGTHE OF MERGING OF FUN AND FAITH FUN Forgiveness is not first anAND act ofFAITH letting go Nekita Okafor

Nekita Okafor

of offences, it is simply an operation of the Spirit that causes you to align with the nature of Abba. The way God sees things has always been mysterious.

God has always forgiven us despite all that is done. We have been forgiven eternally.

As believers you shouldn’t be sin-conscious before God. Hebrews 10:18 ERV - And after everything is forgiven, there is no more need for a sacrifice to pay for sins.

It should be in our nature to forgive as a believer. It should be a fruit you bear by default.

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Waiting for people to beg you before you forgive is totally not necessary. When you truly understand the extent, Christ went to make you a joint heir with Him, you will appreciate forgiveness. He was bruised, beaten, convicted

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make you weak; it sets you free. *Forgive to win* The same way that God’s forgiveness is readily available, He expects us to forgive without conditions any offence that comes our way.

wrongly, so you can be reconciled back to Him and become a joint heir.

Bear with each other and forgive one another

God’s love and forgiveness is readily available,

if any of you has a grievance against someone.

all that man must do is accept and embrace it.

Forgive as the Lord forgave you Colossians 3:13 I strongly believe forgiveness doesn’t make you accept what they did, it simply means

“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. (Isaiah1:18)

what happened doesn’t control you anymore.

W OMAN W OMAN

each time. Oh yes! I get hurt, but I made it

OF

OF

PURPOSE PURPOSE Forgiveness from Man’s perspective

THE MERGING THE OFpeople.

MERGING OF Man forgiving other Man wasn’t FUN AND FAITH FUN AND FAITH

How about that? Selah!

I had to practice forgiving people ahead of time for so long. I realized how peaceful I felt a priority to stay peaceful and loving even to people that don’t deserve it. I figured I come first and that’s all that matters.

I remember making it a prayer point before I got married, I wanted to learn to love people

designed to be in solitary, he was designed to

no matter what they do. It worked for me.

live in fellowship with his fellow man. This can

*Grin*

Nekita Okafor

Nekita Okafor

sometimes lead to misunderstanding.

Man, views forgiveness differently. The ego in everyone always stands in the way of their rational. Quick to react, in most cases, forgiveness is the last thing you want to think of, all you want to do is split ways. Well, that’s not the best decision. Holding a grudge doesn’t make you strong. It makes you bitter.

Another thing to note is forgiving doesn’t 54

Forgive others not because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace.

W OMAN W OMAN -Jonathan Lockwood

OF

OF

Forgiveness from Self’s perspective PURPOSE PURPOSE

THE THE OFforgiving MERGING OF Most Lastly,MERGING let’s talk about yourself!

FUN AND FAITH FUN AND FAITH times low self-esteem makes it difficult to forgive

Nekita Okafor

Nekita Okafor

yourself; because you feel you are not good IN THIS ISSUE

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enough, you tend to take the blame or feel you

believe my ears. I didn’t see myself losing him so

are responsible for it. When you forgive yourself,

soon and for the second time.

you get healing from within and this brings about

I blamed myself for weeks...I felt sick. I felt

freedom. When you have a free mindset, you

responsible. He tried to make up, but I didn’t

can achieve great exploits, you become effective

give him a chance. I learnt the hard way ladies,

at everything you do. The best in you will be

oh yes! I never forgot that lesson.

unlocked if you learn to love yourself enough to forgive yourself and move on.

When I grew to know God, I realised he had forgiven me long time ago. I realised I should

I have realized that every bit of energy I give to

have forgiven my dad ahead of time too as this

negative activities and dwelling on regrets robs

will help me in future should he want to come

me of the energy I need to become the person

back.

God wants me to be.

Forgiveness is a choice that takes courage and

I had to acknowledge I was wrong and that

strength, and it gives you the opportunity to

was not the end of life, I searched deeply and

become an overcomer rather than remaining a

realised I didn’t mean to see him die, I loved

victim.

him still, even though I was hurt. I fought so hard to forgive myself and move on. It was a

God has forgiven you, it’s left for you to accept

gradual healing process and I needed it. Much

the forgiveness and forgive yourself.

more, what I needed the most was self-love and learning to trust myself again.

In conclusion, let me drive home my point with my personal story; for many years I dealt with

To enjoy freedom, you need to acknowledge

low self-esteem, my dad tried to come back into

God’s love and expect that you should forgive to

our lives after leaving. I was a teenager at that

have an ultimate peace of mind in good health

time, my mum had remarried. I was supposed to

and to help you unlock the treasures in you.

be happy that I would meet my dad, but I was

Thank you!

too hurt. My dad tried severally to talk with me over the phone, but I just wasn’t friendly at all. I stared at the phone number I was given and the thoughts of all he made us go through wouldn’t allow me to forgive him. I concluded he deserved the cold treatment I gave him.

Shortly, we got news from his family that he died.

He died of depression. Oh, my word! I couldn’t IN THIS ISSUE

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right at the moment you put on the speakers, a few words caught from a conversation, or any

BAD THINGS

other way that would catch your attention and

PEOPLE TOO

I had to ease the pain of loss first, in order to

HAPPEN TO

GOOD

Orchidaceae Asteraceae

make a strong impression or sense onto you.

start noticing the messages. I also had to agree with the new flavour of life, the one of carrying on without my sister, my buddy, my loved one, and ask the questions, “How”, “Why”, “What

One day, we’ll know why. One day, we’ll know

does this mean”, “What for”, in order to start

what our challenges were there to teach us.

noticing the answers through multiple forms

We will know what we were meant to learn

of messages.

from them and we will know what their ultimate purpose were for.

Then, we will feel a great sense of release.

Life without my sister has a new flavour.

The old one is gone. It went with her. I have to accept it and let it go. I now agree to do so.

We will feel a great sense of achievement in knowing that the suffering wasn’t in vain, that

Trust your journey. You may be going through

it has brought us great realisations. We will

hell. Though, I promise, accomplishment and

feel at peace and relieved that this is done;

growth are on the other side should you wish

that this suffering is over. There may be others

it, they are available to you. So, keep pushing

to come, but at least this one is done! Trust

through the density of hell. Follow your

me; it will come, should you be willing and

intuitions; they will get you there, a little closer

open to the idea.

with every action.

Extract from “Recovery from Grief, Seek, and you should find. I now know. I sought

Accepting to Carry on without Her.”

and found. So, you can and will get the answer should you ask and persist until you get the answers. Do not expect one particular way for the answer to come. Just pay attention to the meanings of what catches your attention.

It may be a sentence in a movie, a word, a phrase or section of a phrase on a poster, a song singing specific words you need to hear 56

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SETTING BOUNDARIES with YOUR TEENS

Oluwaseun Afilaka

The dictionary defines perimeter as the continuous line forming the boundary of a closed geometric figure. This boundary can be very uncomfortable and restricting, it can come with a feeling of imprisonment and slavery. I was once a child and I could remember how I felt whenever I was told not to do what I wanted to do. Now that I am grown up with many children, I understand better.

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My aim today is to equip you as a parent, to support your teenager with setting boundaries for challenging areas in their life and to help your teenager understand the importance of having expectations and setting personal boundaries.

Boundaries are guidelines, rules or limits that a person creates to identify reasonable, safe and permissible ways of behaving.

I want to steer every parent is to keep their teen on the right path. When you set boundaries, you are preparing your teen to say NO to wrong influences. As you may be aware, humans like to push boundaries and that includes your child.

Boundaries are meaningless without consequences, so there needs to be a balance.

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One of my favourite quotes is ‘wisdom is profitable to direct, in all your getting get it’.

It is wisdom not to overwhelm your teen with boundaries, however you must choose to work with them on the important one (Have a priority list).

3

WAYS YOU CAN WORK WITH YOUR TEENS ON BOUNDARIES

1. Set boundaries for areas on your priority list

Set boundaries on areas that you want to deal with, pick 3 areas per season (you determine what ‘season’ mean to you), so that it will not be too chocking for your teen. Work with your teen until it sinks in and they are abiding by the rule then move on. For example, when I noticed that my daughter was becoming addicted to watching TV, we came to an agreement that there will be no watching of TV during the week only during the weekend and during our family time in 58

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the week and this has been successful.

I also need to say that sometimes they slip back into bad habits and it’s your responsibility to bring them back on track.

For example, you can pick from this list below to establish expectations:

 Behaviour  Academic  Ethical  Social  Spiritual Encourage your teens to set personal boundaries and it is also a good idea to set your expectation as a family too.

So you are not being impassive, bring them to the understanding that it is a mutual agreement and they need to take responsibilities for their actions.

Rules are broken because there is no respect or value for boundary or the other party. This may also imply a big character issue from your teenager. The underlying factors could be that your teen is not willing to follow instructions, obey authorities, your child could be comparing your family with friends’ family where they can do anything and get away with it.

On the flip side, it might be that your teens’ underperformance is as a result IN THIS ISSUE

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of your lack of integrity: not walking the walk for example, you’ve agreed not to swear then your teen found out that though you never swear at home, you swear while on the phone. Another classic example, you’ve agreed not to pick any call during dinner time and you picked a call without any apology, explanation or prior notice, all because it is very important. It will appear that you’ve removed yourself from the boundary being set and this is not right.

The challenge could be a character or integrity-based issue, you as a parent have a responsibility to sort out the root of disobedience.

2. Voice it and make it plain on paper Communicate it: Once clear boundaries are established, give your teen the opportunity to express their view. All parties must understand and agree to the rules set, in so doing you are encouraging your teen to be independent, take ownership and accept responsibility. Your role in this matter is to make sure that the rules are followed and the consequences are employed. If not, the rules are meaningless.

Put it on paper: Let your teen write out these expectations and paste it around his/her room. It allows for more consciousness and will aid discipline.

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3. Review it a. Ask Questions: Part of the review process is to ask how your teen feels about the boundaries set. Have they been disciplined unreasonably, has it worked, lesson learnt and talk about any misunderstanding.

‘Questions are like keys that unlock the human mind. The art of questioning is finding the right key for the right learner (teen) at the right time. Some of these keys will ultimately prove unsuccessful, but a good teacher (parent) never give up’ - Tully 2012 The FE Animal, unpublished

b. Review and Upgrade: Just as you review other areas of your life, e.g. appraisal at work and set action plan for the new phase. It should be same with your teen. As teens get matured boundaries should be reviewed and upgraded. The goal post needs to be moved to give them more room for expression, praises here and there will also help to keep your teen on track.

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discipline as too harsh so they pamper instead of addressing issues with their teen. They sometimes hope that they will outgrow the bad habit/issue without any constructive discipline. Unfortunately, this does not happen most of the time, teenagers get use to the bad habit and it becomes part of them. The best cause of action is to deal with it, the earlier you deal with these issues the better.

These life experiences and how they are handled forms your teens character and lifestyle.

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Food for Thought If your teens’ FUTURE means that YOU were ABSENT, what will your teen achieve independently of you?

And in all of these, remember that with God at the center of it all, you can never go wrong.

Thank you.

Boundaries help your child develop a sense of self-control (they need to be able to control themselves) and navigate to leading a successful life.

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B R A N D

P E R S O N A L I T Y

KITE UHOMOIBHI

hat is the first thought that comes to mind when you buy a dress from your favorite brand?

F o r most women it is how it will make them look, personify their outlook and how it will enhance their personality.

Every consumer can relate to this statements when buying a dress.

If you are like me you would have noticed that different clothing brands sell look alike apparels, yet you choose a IN THIS ISSUE

particular brand every time you want to shop. This is called consumer loyalty and the fact that you can relate to the brand.

Allow me to share some examples, Porsche is known for its classiness and it has become a symbol of choice for working class women, Mango is known for its chic clothing and for stylizing teens and tweens.

This is what brand personality is all about, how a brand is perceived by its consumers.

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There are five traits that determine a brand personality, they are: Excitement Desirability Sophistication Competence Ruggedness These five traits matter in ways that you can’t possibly imagine, women are more likely to buy something from a brand if they feel that the brand’s personality is similar to theirs.

In closing let’s me illustrate these traits using Kited Fashion;

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WHAT DOES KITED FASHION OFFER It is a clothing line that inspires sophistication, excitement and desirability all at the same time. Whether it’s bridal shower, or you have been invited to an evening Gala in the evening, it does not matter the attire you want, it can be attained at Kited Fashion.

That is what brand personality is all about, it talks about suiting to your own feasibility and how the clothes you wear enhances your own perception about yourself. This is where brand loyalty and suiting to your own needs come in and the traits we mentioned are the quotients that determine it.

Kited Fashion is The new face of all the glitz and glam you want in your life A brand that dignifies elegance, class and sophistication in an orderly manner.

Yes, you heard us right. Kited fashion belongs to a side of fashion that you haven’t seen before. A clothing line that is suited to all brand personalities.

From couture to rocking the runway in a chic yet classy attire, Kited fashion is the answer.

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PURPOSE DRIVEN LADY 3MS

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Movie

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I was just sitting on my couch deflating like a balloon as this movie came to an end. Sometime in the middle of this 2 hour endeavor I had reminded myself that this is a Biodun Stephen movie so expect the unexpected, but by the time the end was rolling around I had forgotten how to expect anything. In many other movies, this end would have felt like a ‘cop out’ but, in glimpse (just like the name connotes), it definitely felt like it belonged.

Glimpse is the story of a struggling family. The husband and wife, played

by Bisola Aiyeola and Okey Uzoeshi, are struggling for basic needs – they are struggling to feed, struggling for transport fare but most of all they are struggling to afford their rent which is due in 2 months. This rent deadline forms the fuel that drives this movie.

Our husband, Terfa, is strong in his faith that the Lord will do it. Or should I say, he ‘wants’ to be strong in his faith. Yes, we’ll go over the chemistry between Bisola and Okey, but one scene deserves special mention. It’s a scene in the middle of the movie after Terfa mentioned to his wife a few nights before that he is waiting on a sale with a high commission. Then after prayer one night he slumps on the couch 66

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and his wife sits by his foot rubbing it and says “you haven’t said anything about this deal o” (or something like that) and he looks at her and says “look I’m just trying to stay positive, does that answer your question?” And then you see his eyes. In that moment as you see the tears forming, you truly realize the gravity of the situation he is in. You see his weakness while trying to remain strong in his faith and knowing that his entire family is depending on him but he has nothing.

The movie as a whole is a great moral lesson but let’s take a moment to tackle some truths. To be fair, the first quarter to the first half of this movie was a bit more tedious to watch than the latter parts. It takes more to make it through this portion of the movie, not for lack of content or quality but just by the nature of the sort of movie this is. It’s no Ovy’s Voice or Tiwa’s Baggage: there’s no one falling in love at the end of this movie.

Then there was the landlady, even though the character’s annoyance was necessary to send the message across there were many parts where we could have done without her prolonged rantings. When you think she’s done speaking, it’s a lie, she’s still going off.

Biodun does a good job of showing the struggle through the micro unit IN THIS ISSUE

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– such as in the living room, in their discussions, in their prayer, and in their many harassments from the landlady.

However, I can’t escape the feeling that the movie would have done better to capture our attention if we’d reduced the landlady’s visits to two and used the extra space to show the struggle in real life.

You can see her struggle between loving her husband and wanting to believe in him versus being logical and realizing that a deadline is on their neck.

One of my favorite parts of this movie though was Emem Ufot. It was not so much anything that he did, but mind you he did do his character justice, it was in the casting of him in a position of power

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and then turning him into a villainous character. We are excited to watch his growth in the industry.

By the time the end rolls around, you forget that Glimpse was actually a two hour movie and the message of the movie is definitely not lost on you.

However, you still get to appreciate the great music, the beautiful picture and the poignant performances.

Source: https://www.google.co.uk/

url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja& uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjevaWiiYPcAhXMQBQKHd4lC_0QjR x6BAgBEAU&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2F watch%3Fv%3DnAmblsEZXOI&psig=AOvVaw0yRWH86416 EWIqflG7Us_i&ust=1530712149093529 http://www.nollywoodreinvented.com/2017/11/glimpse. html

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Music

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Joy Release your sound in here Release it There’s beauty in my brokenness I’ve got true love instead of pain There’s freedom though you’ve captured me I’ve got joy instead of mourning There’s beauty in my brokenness I’ve got true love instead of pain There’s freedom though you’ve captured me (There’s freedom though you’ve captured me) I’ve got joy (I’ve got joy instead of mourning)

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You give me joy Down deep in my soul Down deep in my soul Down deep in my soul Yes, you give me joy Down deep in my soul Down deep in my soul Down deep in my soul (can we all sing it together? Come on, there’s beauty) There’s beauty in my brokenness I’ve got true love instead of pain (I’ve got true love instead of pain) There’s freedom though you’ve captured me, yeah I’ve got joy instead of mourning

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And you give me joy Down deep in my soul (down deep) Down deep in my soul Down deep in my soul I feel your joy, ‘cause you give me joy Down deep in my soul (in my soul) Down deep in my soul (yeah) Down deep in my soul (come on) I’ve never been so free Caught in your love for me (you love me) I never been more secure Knowing your heart, Lord (so glad He loves me) Never been so free Caught in your love for me I never been more secure Knowing your heart, Lord (so glad He loves me) ‘Cause you give me joy Down deep in my soul (down deep) Down deep in my soul (hey) Down deep in my soul (come on) Say, you give me joy Down deep in my soul Down deep in my soul (in my soul) Down deep in my soul Joy unspeakable

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Your glory What a glory Release your joy in here In my soul In my soul Say you give me joy Down deep in my soul (in my soul) Down deep in my soul Down deep in my soul You give me joy Down deep in my soul (yeah) Down deep in my soul Down deep in my soul You give me joy Down deep in my soul Down deep in my soul Down deep in my soul You give me joy Down deep in my soul Down deep in my soul Down deep in my soul Songwriters: Anthony Brown / Pat Barrett Joy (Reprise/Live) lyrics © Capitol Christian Music Group, Bethel Music Dba Bethel Music Publishing

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Meditation

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Meditation With God In Mind “My doctor recommended meditation to reduce stress. I also wanted a meditation with God in mind.” That is a typical email I receive from people that have been diagnosed with a serious health condition.

They weren’t just seeking meditation to relax and relieve stress, they were seeking a meditation to connect with God’s peaceful, healing, loving presence.

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who we turn to. That turning is typically through prayer. In prayer, however, we are doing all of the talking. Meditation allows us to listen to God. In silence and stillness we give the gift of our presence to God. The Psalms provide a lot of guidance in regard to meditation with God in mind, silence, and being still: “For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.” Psalm 62:1

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Meditation was popularized by the Transcendental Meditation movement, IN THIS ISSUE

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Buddhism, Hinduism and other Eastern religions. It has not been as popular within many Christian religions. I’d like to believe that is changing.

The Need for Silence and Stillness Our world is drastically changing.

Technology is advancing at an alarming rate. The world has become very noisy.

We are constantly connected through electronic devices and inundated with information. More than ever we need to heed the Psalmist’s words.

“Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10 Meditation with God in mind means emptying the mind of fear, worry, and doubt. In return, it means then filling the mind with God’s peace, love, and power. It’s recharging the mind, body, and soul.

Through this type of meditation, we become mindful – mind full : ) – that God is with us and within us, not separate from us.

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In a beautiful prayer that Jesus prayed for his disciples in John Chapter 17, he asked God for them to feel the oneness with God. He said, “The glory that you have given me I have given them, so they may be one, I in them and you and me, that they may become completely one.”

Keeping up the frantic pace of life’s demands makes us lose sight of our connection with God, our oneness with God. Again, the Psalmist begins the first words of wisdom in regard to meditation in the first chapter of the 150 chapters of Psalms. “Their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night.” Psalm 1:2.

While almost any form of meditation is helpful to calm the mind and reduce stress, meditation with God in mind will enrich your mind, body, soul and faith. http://guidedchristianmeditation.com/3329/ meditation/meditation-with-god-in-mind/

Christ Reminds Us of Our Oneness with God

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1.

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My Daily Confession

SAY THIS WITH ME EVERY DAY AS YOU START YOUR DAY TO CREATE YOUR REALITY. Father, I thank you for another opportunity to come boldly before your throne to give thanks and praise to your holy name. I am a new creation in Christ Jesus, full of divine nature and supernatural abilities. I am born of God and I am the temple of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God lives in me. I am redeemed from every curse by the blood of Jesus. I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Jesus paid the price for my redemption, so I stand fast in the liberty I have received as a child of God. I am no longer bound with the yoke of slavery. I am free because he who the Son sets free is free indeed. I have abundant life. Greater is He that lives in me than he that lives in the world. I am not confused in life because the Spirit of God directs my path. I have an anointing from the Holy One and I know all things. Today is my receiving day. I expect the favour of God everywhere I go. Every land I tread upon I possess. All things are working together for my good today. I have the blessing. Lines are falling to me in pleasant places. I bind every demon that wants to harass me today. I saturate every atmosphere I am in with the presence of God. This is the day that the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it. I am the redeemed of the Lord whatever I say is so, I have said it and it is so Now in Jesus Name.

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