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ONYIRI NNAYA (FATHER'S IMAGE): Every time I beg grandmama to let me take a picture of her, she will say, 'No. I'm not fine enough. I'm old and wrinkled. My teeth are not uber white and I will not look beautiful in your photo'. I'll tell her, 'Well, you look beautiful to me" (and yes, she'll oblige her dearest grand daughter. I love "bullying" her. Ha!). I met my grand aunt at the village and she said the same thing too, "I'm too old and I may not look nice for your picture". I told her what I always tell mama, "You are beautiful mama, and I know so because God made you". Like Mama, Have you ever felt not so pretty though? I confess that I have. Yesterday, it dawned on me that old age isn't the only thing that can steal your self worth. The feeling of rejection, possibly after a heart break, can make you feel worthless and less than and maybe question your worth. God showed me a scripture that's changed my life (Proverbs 23:7), "As a man thinks, so he becomes", and it got me thinking, "could it be possible that the way we think about ourselves can actually be perceived outwardly? Do we really wear our inward thoughts?" ... How do you see yourself? My encouragement today is to please, see yourself as God sees you (that's my new prayer). Your heart may be shattered right now; you may have the love of your life in your arms; Your skin may be as smooth as a baby cheek; You may be wrinkled with crooked teeth..God sees you as a beautiful precious pearl (Proverbs 31; Isaiah 43:1b, 4)...He did not make a mistake with you. Don't let a change in circumstance define your worth or confidence (Hebrews 10:35). When I battled with self image, my dearest @issy_andrew was a vessel of wisdom to me, She said, "the one who made the beautiful cloud, the shining sun and humming bird made you...You bear His mark...Walk like it!" Wise girl! I carry those words around and everyday, I walk like it (God has done a major work on me). How we see matters, for it breaks crazy chains off us. So today and every year, find completeness and wholeness in God. Fear Papa God. Pls, pray for God's kind of eyes to see people and to see ourselves as God sees us all!!! Hugs, 💜 Art by @picsart #picsart

#picsart

...words can't describe how grateful I am to Jehovah!!! His grace and mercy is everything and it never ends! So so excited and confident about the new year! Heart is dancing! God is faithful! Happy new year beautiful family!!! 💛💛💛

IN THE SEASON OF "I DON'T KNOW": On January 1, 2017, I watched the fireworks sing songs in the sky... It was so beautiful..so so pretty...it was happy. I was happy. I am still happy. But this year, I confess that there were many things that broke my heart in crazy ways. I've watched friends and neighbors go through some crazy hard seasons, that they never imagined would happen to them in a million years. The news on terrorism is no help too, especially when you remember that the people (even though they are strangers) being hurt are fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters. I've also had those moments where my plans didn't fall through like I wanted them to, and then I had sit with God, with tears in my eyes, and beg Him to show me what tomorrow will be, because maybe, when I know, I can face today with strength and hope. Life is full of uncertainties. It's full of the 'I don't know' type of moments, but, this year, I've relearned that "God is ever faithful...Every morning, we get to taste of His faithfulness, love and wisdom". We may be going through a season of 'I don't know'. Our today may look 'sure', but no one knows tomorrow. What if tomorrow is hazy? We must latch on to the one who knows our future (Jeremiah 29:11). Life is easy when we surrender our fears to Him. It's also good to live grateful and rest on His word (Ps 119:49)...Papa God keeps His words and can be trusted...If He gave us the greatest gift ever- Jesus, "what do we need that He can't give us?" One of the things Jehovah God taught me to do this year was to learn to focus on the good.. So yeah, live a life of wonder and never lose focus on the good, the miracles and the God of miracles. In a few days time, we get to sing a Happy New year, I confess that even though I've planned and figured out what I want and need in the coming year (so excited and full of faith) , every part of me is literally latching on to God and His love, because when life's curve balls rears it's head and my heart shakes in fear, only God can keep me walking and joyful, and that's exciting too!! So your turn, with all its uncertainties, are you excited about the coming year? Remember, God has your back! Hugs, 💛

Thank you Papa Jehovah. Thank you King Jesus!!! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. (Romans 8: 35-39) #love

#love

YOUR LAWN: If I scribbled a poem to this, it will be: "Don't be fixed on other people's grass, that you forget to water your own. Water yours, it'll become beautiful too, uniquely grown, joys habitation, full of health, brimming with life. Water your soul and give it as gift, it'll return to you...a million fold harvest, your barn can't contain. Don't be fixed on your neighbors lovely lawn, that you let yours be full of all things ugly. Water your soul and watch it become...a joy to behold. " Those were the thoughts Papa God reminded me of this morning...Never stop watering your soul and life. God is so so good... He's given us a million ways by which we can enrich our hearts and life. We have Holy Spirit, the Bible, several amazing books. We have family (was thinking of something this morning. I wonder how my mama knew and her words were exactly what I needed). Great friends are great for the soul too (1 Thes 5:14). On friendship, Stormie Omartian says, "there's great strength in small numbers when the people involved are strong in the Lord. The quality of your relationship is more important than the quantity. The right relationship will enrich you and rub off on you in a good way. Pray for the right kind of friends, role models and mentors. Pray for your friends". It's our responsibility to take care of what God has given us..Keep watering in God's wisdom...Keep trusting God for strength and the right relationships. Please, keep watering your soul. Make it a joy to behold. Hugs, 💛 #roadtriplessons #life #learning 💛

#roadtriplessons #life #learning

This I know, God's promises are yes and Amen!!! No matter what it looks like now, as you grind and grind, stay laser focused on God's reality and those beautiful realities you've always dreamed of!!! #faith (Philipians 4: 4- 8) Hugs, 💛

#faith

The pig sty and other lessons: "Once upon a time, I dreaded Saturday's. I didn't mind going to thrash our waste at the neighborhood waste site, but Saturday meant seeing "the pig clan" (literally). I was afraid of these ones... Was afraid that they will smell my fear and chase me. Thank God they never did. Thank God that place no longer exist (still saw a pig the other day though), but those were some of the funny memories that colored my childhood. Another funny memory was fetching water from the well. It was my least favorite chore. It caused so much fights between neighbors and I (grateful for peace today), and it made me appreciate daddy, because the days he fetched the water himself, spelt rest for us, and I love rest. It also made us love Uncle 'U', because on the day he came into our lives, we said goodbye to our dear old well...I'm so grateful for running water now.. I can turn on the the tap and behold, there's water flowing out of every pipe.. I'm thankful for that. Life is colored with many seasons... These days, I act like the "Queen of London", but back in the days, we carried water on our head like no man's business. Years ago, the last thing on my heart was Jesus. But now, I can't imagine life without God's love. I'm thankful for every experience God has let me live, cos it turned me to diamond (isn't that what God does?). My encouragement today is to remind us that seasons do change. One day, in the blink of an eye, you will move from "what was, to what is". But that blink is a collision of many choices that is being planted. So, where ever you are, make wise choices- worry less, be a student, work hard and lean on Jehovah (Ecc 3:11)...and when you get to promise land, never forget that King, who carried you and gave you the wisdom and strength to overcome (Deu 8:17,18)." That's what I'll tell the dear old man who caught me laughing out loud and miming to @amandalindseycook 'city of hope'...No, I'm not crazy...Some old memories simply came over, after I had read that book, rebirth, that Khadija gave me.... It reminded me of the girl I used to be and I thank God for how he's shaping me to be His pearl & His Diamond. Hugs, 💛

HIS POEM: "I know His poem is an oasis in the desert, reminding dear heart, that love gives life and it will live" *** I love love God's word. In this sometimes desert world, it's unbroken promises and covenant of 'shalom' or peace, is literally the drink we need to get going again and again. I love love God's word, it's a breathing, living, powerful poem that can mend hearts and soften the hardest of hearts...It can redeem stories and change mindsets...It's a powerful sword and a soul food that needs to be part of our diet. It's a book of wisdom. It's not just a bunch of paper, but words spoken by the creator of the Universe..the creator of You and I. And when I think of that, it blows my mind. This week, let God's word, the bible, be a part of our souls diet. Let it be an important part of our week. Trust me, the confusion and sadness will flee. Slowly, yet surely, you will have a heart full of peace, love, joy, wisdom and hope. I know because it works for me every time. It helped me last night and this morning too. ...and remember, don't just read it.. but, live it out and believe it. Remember, God's love is an everyday, every moment kind of love...always run to Him!!! Have a beautiful week! Hugs, 💜 Poem illustrated by @picsart 💛

'RAIN, RAIN, COME AGAIN': Old Papa Benson must have thought I was strange. You should have seen his face...'You will have a cold, leave that place now', he screamed. It was a good laugh, but thank God for Bowii of @houseofpictures (super photographer). I'm glad I stayed. It's been a couple of days, and there's still no cold, just joy and a heart full of life, memories, rest & gratitude...Truth is, there are some things too beautiful to ignore and last week I found Beauty in: 1. The Rain. So grateful to God that the rain fell at the time it did, for there was enough space to dance with my Chiaka in the rain. Yimika is right then. I remember that 'Ashante' afternoon, as we watched that little kid dance irrespective of the adults around, Yimika said, 'See how that child is dancing without concern for who is watching or who approves... Let's be like children..and dance wherever and whenever we want to. Kids are free. It's OK to be free and be courageous too'. So yeah, dance in the rain and don't run from hard things. 2. Mama Matilda, Papa Benson and my new St. Paul's family. The question that remained in my heart after time with them was, 'what kind of grandparent will I be?, As a young lady praying for a long life filled with many good things, hanging out with the elderly that day, reminded me that one day I will be old. So, I pray to be the kind of grandma that my grandkids will be proud of. PS: St. Paul Senior citizen Foundation ( stpaulseniorcitizens.com ) needs your love and support. Pls!!! Thanks a lot! 💜 3. Friends and great conversations. Good friends are a gift. There's beauty in uplifting conversations and there's a great side to social media. So grateful for amazing new friends. 4. Dreaming. Like the rain, sometimes, God pours a great dream in your heart. It's easy to run and hide because you are limited and the dream is too big for you to carry. But this I know, Jehovah God always makes a way.. Our job is to obey, stay courageous, trust and dance even when it's hard (and raining). Dreams do come true. It does. You know, in the midst of the chaos around, life is still full of beauty, hope and grace. Jesus is still alive. May we never forget. Hugs, 💜

GIVING UP? : 'Don't give up', that's probably one of the most cliché phrases i've ever heard...it was the message on some of those 'cardbury breakfast' cartoons when I was 8 and had nothing to give up on...it was my fave message from that Aliyah song, 'try again', and now, I understand it better as an adult, when I read of another suicide headline or have to comfort that hurting friend who is so discouraged right now and can't see the promised light. 'Dont give up!'- it's stale but oh so tasty, It's overused but it's a hot balm that never looses its power, its a cliche that may never lose its relevance and it's a choice we have to make everyday. And so again, I'll whisper to my friends and to my heart, "Be strong and be courageous, stay on hopes path and you will see a million miracles still.. God has promised a sudden good break (Proverbs 13:12). God keeps His word. Tell Him your worries and His peace will find you. God has given us the best gift ever- Jesus, and we have no need to fear for today or tomorrow and the next. Our hope lives. Breath, stand, wipe tears again and take that walk again. You can do it!...Don't give up, for the Lord God can restore, rewrite and save us all. He's done it before...Don't give up. You will find a million and one miracles, when you walk again". We may have heard those words before, but I'm so grateful to Jehovah for little reminders! I won't lie, I forget sometimes. Have a joyful day!! Massive Hugs! 💛 Art illustration from @picsart 💛

WHO ARE YOU FOLLOWING?: 'Who are you following?' That's the one question that burned in my heart after that funny cab incident many Thursdays ago. I wonder how the cab man missed it? I wonder how the passengers missed it? But all I knew was, we were at the back of a bus for 30 minutes, whining about the traffic, only for the driver to veer off the road to take an alternative route, and then, we realised that the road had been free all along, we were just stuck behind an unmoving bus (no one was in the bus). How did we miss it? It was a good laugh though. The driver kept beating himself up. But it got me thinking, 'who am I following?' 'who is leading me? ' who or what are we feeding from?' because it can literally direct our life course. So, who are you following? Emotions or God? Truth or lies? Remember, please, center your all around King Jesus!! It's not so easy, but its worth it! He's the way, truth and life, every time! Huge hugs, 💛

IFE: They said I should be at church early, and 'Please, invite someone too', the announcer said. And so, by 6:30 am, I was out of my house and in the 'Keke'. Ife jumped in too. But she didn't look like 'church'. She was different. Her dress was ripped. Her false lashes were the longest I've ever seen. Both arms were tattooed. Her mouth, nose, jaw and eye brows were pierced with silver rings. And the only body part I have pierced is my ear. We were different. "She didn't look like she belonged to church. What if people look at her in a funny way at church? What if she lashes out at me, when I say, 'Jesus'? God, it's hard", I thought to myself. But, isn't that why Jesus came...for me, for Ife, for the local tout, and even my pastor. Glad I talked to Ife. Was scared. But I'm glad. She had the sweetest smile, and she was so welcoming. She was out early to see her sick mama. And I realised, 'who we are today, is based on our past experiences and environment, but God's love changes every gory past and makes us better..God's love is inclusive and not based on social class, tribe or race...it invites the uninvited, and like the morning sun, with God, our life journey is one that keeps getting better and better (Proverbs 4:18). Jesus met a murderer and gave Him a new name- Paul. The prostitute, Rahab, met God, and she became an ancestress of Christ. With Ife, I've learned that, there's beauty in empathy...I've learned that love should always be the motive, and to always pray for people...that they taste real love. God knows how to reach the hardest heart. I wonder what Ife is up to now, but talking to her made my day. If God can call me His princess...then I know he can do same for Ife. So today, as you go about your day, talk to the beggar, the prostitute down the road, the local drunk or gate man..pray for and love everyone. Invite everyone, even those outside of your circle to Christ. He is the best gift every time. Got down from the Keke and took this picture. May we always be a reflection of what real love looks like. It shines everywhere. Everyone has a chance...So, will you go, if God sends you, to that person that is different from you? Hugs!!! Much joy, 💛

MAMA'S PROJECT: Me: Grandma, good evening Mama: Welcome. How was work? What did you buy today? Me: Love. Mama, I brought back love. Mama: Thats great. But will I eat love? At least buy oranges when you are returning. Me: what! She just 'yabbed' me. ....And we all laughed. I got oranges the next day. I'll never forget conversations like those with mama. Too many beautiful memories with her. She gave me many gifts.. She was too truthful, too kind, a giver and prayerful. She was my fave model. She was mama. She was my friend. On the day she left us, I didn't cry. I was shocked. She had suffered a stroke and my strong grandma needed our help to do the simplest things (huge hugs to the #caregivers all over). I was just shocked. She looked so peaceful even in death. I called a few best friends and we all prayed. Life went on. But 2 days later, the tears fell freely. She was not on her favorite seat anymore, and there was no cheek to kiss when I get home. I know one day, I'll get to see her again God's willing (thank you King Jesus), but you know, on this side of heaven, I really miss her. Even now, a year after, the tears still fall. I miss mama. This is what I've learned, tomorrow is a gift and we may not see it, but today is an opportunity we have, don't waste it. Love the people in your life like crazy. Don't wait till they are gone to say kind words or throw a big party, but now, gift time, forgiveness, love, mercy, parties and respect. Have an eternity point of view. Also, living with my grandma made me conscious of what being old looks like. It is sometimes hard. When I see an elderly person, I think of mama. Please respect the elderly...they may be too slow for you, but be patient, one day, you too will need a younger person to be patient with you too. I'm so grateful to Jehovah God for the beautiful privilege he gave me to know my grandmother. Her life helped inspire many of my poem. I'll never forget Mama! I'll never forget her...(Proverbs 31:30). What's your fondest memory of your grandparents or an elderly person in your life? What did you learn from them? Hugs 💛

#caregivers

Thank you God! 💜

Hi hi friends, Please read post below...God bless!!! Hugs 💛 #Repost @oneadviceworld (@get_repost) ・・・ Hi friends, What comes to your heart when you think of your grandparents? Ours is love, food, dance, laughter and God. Our grandma, who passed away a year ago, gave us that. Even though she's gone, the memories and lessons grandma taught us, will always be a treasure in our hearts. The Mama's project serves as a memoir, in honor of the senior citizens around us. The goal is to make the elderly around us happy and to create beautiful memories with them. Here's how you can participate in the mama's project: 1. Gift your time, money and help the elderly in your local community. 2. Write thank you notes and send flowers to the elderly around you. 3. Pay them compliments. 4. Think of more positive and creative ways you can make beautiful memories with the elderly around you and act on them. 5. Please, send fond memories of your time with your grandparents or an elderly mentor who has shaped your life and the lessons you learned from them. We absolutely want to feature your story! You can DM us or tag us on @oneadviceworld Much joy, 💛 #mamasproject #grannytaughtme #grandpataughtme #oneadviceworld #oneadvice

#oneadviceworld #repost #mamasproject #oneadvice #grandpataughtme #grannytaughtme

THE PIRATE SHIP & OTHER LESSONS: If you ask my beautiful Chinasa, she will tell you that the pirate ship ride is fun and no fun. She cried. I cried. The kids cried. We screamed. We laughed. We sang. We survived. We vomited. We laughed again. And I loved it. I loved the ride. I loved it so much that I had to go for a second ride... and the second time I sat on the swaying ship, there was no fear, just laughter...lots and lots of it...and when I got home, these 4 lessons burned in my heart: 1. Joy is food itself. A heart full of joy is my prayer each day. Seek God's joy, it's always there. 2. I love being an adult. It's nice to be serious and responsible....but I'm also learning to not let the child within die. I'm learning that it's OK to laugh, dream, dance, be curious, be innocent and pure hearted again. Have a balanced attitude to life. I'm also learning to be humble enough to learn from a child. They are wise, you know? 3. Gift fond memories. Be present. Be giving. Not in a selfish way. Love may cost you everything. Sometimes, money may never pay for it. But give love in a way that will point everyone to the best Lover ever- Jehovah and Jesus. 4. Ps 66:10 is one my fave. And after the second ride on the pirate ship, Ephraim painted a powerful picture of that verse for me, he said, "Everything we go through in life is for our good. In His wisdom, God may allow certain things to happen. It may not be pleasant the first time we go through it, but as refined silver, when we go through that similar situation again, we will have enough wisdom, strength, lesson and character to bear it and overcome. The ride will be easy the second time, because you've ridden it before. And because you've learnt, you will encourage and help others along the way". There's nothing like a great community. I'm so grateful to God for the people I get to do life with. Imperfect, yet so perfect. Ahhhhh!! I miss my kids...and family! Today, Have a fun..laughter filled day!!! Taste life. Taste God...a life lived for Jehovah God is the best choice ever..and also, "Genuine Joy" is food too. Much grace! 💛

LESSON FROM 'E': My friend, 'E', is a fierce warrior princess. In her universe, she’s the most prettiest, and the last thing she seeks is the affirmation of others. She doesn’t need another voice to remind her of her relevance. She’s so secure in how God made her and in her gifting’s. Social media likes and followers don’t intimidate her and she’s never insecure about the varying times and seasons in her life. It’s like she’s cradled in God’s loving arm, and His business is what trends in her heart. She’s modest, she’s classy, she's funny, she loves, she’s old school, still modern, she's awesome and kind. She's imperfect and her past wasn't the cleanest. She struggled and struggled, yet, she found her wings and soared high. She's better than the woman she was yesterday. She never wallows in self pity. She says the land of comparison is the one that can kill you because in it, you never win. She says, "If tomorrow sends me to the grave, the envy, bitterness and jealousy will matter there in eternity...as much as it matters much here on earth". She's confident and she laughs when she thinks of tomorrow. She reminds me often to take life one day at a time, and to grow and learn. ‘Echidime’, she would say, ‘Tomorrow is pregnant’, be full of hope and be grateful for the good things, little or small, that happens each day. I love learning from her. 'E' is fictional. She's a combination of the powerful biblical characters I so love- the proverbs31woman, the Ruth's, Esther's, Rahabs, Deborah's and Mary's of the Bible. She's the 21st century business woman who is powerful yet humble and kind. She's that friend and sister who is never lacking with healing words. She's my mom, who is a super hero. Her faded scars shows growth. But can we ever be perfect? I'm so grateful to Jehovah God for the many chances he gives to be better each day. And as a lady, I pray that each day I grow in wisdom and I be that strong girl who knows what she’s about- Another beautiful unique piece of art who’s not envious of the other beautiful unique pieces of art hung next to me in this gallery called- earth. May we all be a reflection of the song God is writing in our lives. Much joy, 💛

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