You are just the Carrier, the baby is Mine - Emma and Obi's Story

Hi beautiful people!

I am excited whenever I have the opportunity to watch, hear or read about God's Awesomeness!

Everyday, we get the opportunity to have a glimpse of just how GREAT God is - From the break of dawn, to the rising of the sun, to the clouds that fill up with rain that drops on the ground to produce a bountiful harvest and nurture life.

From the details of creation - the unique lines imprinted on the palms of every human being, to the beautiful crinkle that forms when you smile. From the numerous strands of hair on our head that differs in texture, strength, length and colour to the next person just as our DNA, as intricate, complex and detailed as it is, differs from the next.

God is great and there is NOTHING He cannot do.

Emma and Obi Anyadike

If you followed the Waiting and Loving It series, you would remember Emma and Obi who were one of the first couples we featured. You can read their story HERE.. What they might not have touched on at the time was the miracle of conception and birth of their first and only son at the time Noah.

Emma and Obi are now blessed with 2 very handsome sons and Emma recently shared her story of faith, belief (and moments of unbelief), hope and miracle of God's faithfulness. Please watch the video below, you would certainly be blessed:



Also, very recently, Emma and Obi dedicated their second son Zac at their church, the City Temple (Elim) in Swansea and they made this beautiful video to celebrate. It's a bit of a 'Music and Me' as well, as I would encourage you to please pay attention to the background song (words on screen). It's also one of Emma's favourite songs..



How beautiful indeed. I had tears in my eyes as I watched. May God continue to bless and keep Emma, Obi and their gorgeous boys in Jesus name.

My prayer for you is that if there is anything at all you are trusting and holding on to God for, He would do it for you. No matter what the facts and proof are pointing to. No matter what the doctors have said, no matter what society has said, no matter what precedent has been or history has proven, may God answer your prayers and grant you the desires of your heart as you trust in Him in Jesus name.

"For with God, nothing shall be impossible" - Luke 1:37

Lots of love xxxx

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Do you have a story you'd like to share as well? Please do not hesitate to send us an email oneplustheone@gmail.com

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SpotLIGHT - Hi Salt!

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Last week, we introduced the new series SpotLIGHT and I would be talking about making that decision to work in an industry that many people see as 'indecent' or simply difficult for a Christian to thrive in.... By thrive, I mean being able to remain true to your faith while publicly and freely expressing it.

For many people reading this, you are probably in that similar situation, because guess what? Irrespective of the industry you're in or what career path you choose, just being in the world today is enough to be termed 'indecent' and simply difficult to thrive as a Christian. (Yes? Yes! :-D)

How do you then survive? How do you shine the LIGHT bright enough to stand out for Jesus and influence others as well? 

According to the Bible, you and I are the salt of the earth. This doesn't change depending on location, status or position. 

The first thing you must ask yourself is who am I and what do I represent? How do people see me and what kind of image do I project and/or hope to project?

To be honest, it is not easy at all.. But very possible by His grace.

Think about these questions and next week, we continue.... 

Don't forget, the SpotLIGHT is on YOU....

"You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men." - Matthew 5:13

Converstations with One: Who Should Pay on Dates?

Hello everyone!

We are back with another edition of Conversations with One!! Here's the question for this week:

When dating/courting, is it alright to split expenses in half?

So, when we go out to eat or go on a date, should the man be expected to pay solely or should it be equal contribution from both man and woman?

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Nike: Please, why do we have to share the bills? God forbid I take up a man's responsibilities. I know a lot of dating rules have changed especially the women fighting for equality with men. I was surprised to find out that some women find it insulting for a man to pay the bills on the first date. They would rather spilt the bills.

Yes we can!

Ayo: It's the 21st century Nikkysho :-)

Bodam: To be honest, I don't really understand this 21st Century style of dating... I'm a 1980's kinda gal! Loool!

Nike: My culture and religion forbid such act. The man is head of the family and should always take the lead.
The only reason I'll take up the bills when on a date is if I asked him out or I want to give him a special treat. A cultured man will even insist to pay.
Although, there might be a few exceptions when in courtship especially if it involves a large sum of money and you know he might not be able to afford it, then it's wise to make a contribution.

I got you baby...

One: Ok, so I get what you're saying - The man should pay but on some occasion when you know his financial limitations, you can contribute...

Bodam: Nikkysho... I think you've said it all!

Seriously though, if we're going on a date, then I believe Le Boo should pay... Once in a while (or maybe even more often), I will treat him out and then pay or after the date, take him to a movie and pay or do something and pay, but I don't believe it should be a 'requirement' for the date. Infact, if we do go out and the Bobo says can you pick up half the tab, I run..

I'm outta there in a flash!

One: Lol.. Miss B!

Bodam: And before my modern ladies and gentlemen jump down my throat... Loool! I don't 'need' Le Boo to feed me - truth be told, I can afford whatever occasion out myself.

One: See disclaimer - "I'm not a leech!" Lol

Bodam: ... But there is something so cultured and proper about a gentleman taking me out, opening my door, and treating me like a lady... And at the end of the date, that includes footing the bill.

One: Hmmm, I get what you mean. I used to think it didn't matter so much until I met some guys who haven't murdered chivalry and I have to say it was..... nice and refreshing. I felt like a lady (I didn't even know I wanted to feel like one lol) 

No, not in any way like this :-D (and it's 'off')

Bodam: If you cannot afford Intercontinental Hotel, please let us go to Mr. Biggs... It's not a status thing... You're not a man by how much money you have in your pocket... You're a man by how you lead... You're a man by the vision you have for your future and how you're working towards it... And you're a man by how you treat your lady! :-)

One: *standing ovation*.. Loveeeet! It's not really about the money you're able to spend but the idea that you are mindful of treating me well and with courtesy.. That's not asking for too much right?.. But let's see what others have to say...

True or False?

Isioma: I like Nikkysho's response - matter of fact. I Lol-ed at #Godforbid

Ok in my opinion I think it depends on who you're dating and your background.
My sisters from the West side may say yea sure, it's an equal world why not? Although I have a few West side sisters who are still very traditional. Then my sisters from downtown (youknowwahamsaying) will say nah nah nah! 'He the man, he gotta pay the bills.' 

One: Lol.. Alright, go ahead, give us the West side / Downtown analogy!

Isioma: Speaking as a downtown sister, I won't split the bills. The men I know are raised to be caretakers, they know how to handle their business and matter of fact, they take pleasure in taking care of their women. It may even hurt their ego if you attempt to or suggest a split the bills.
'Christianly' speaking, men have a large responsibility as 'caretakers' and God didn't make a mistake when He brought Eve to be the 'helpmeet', so I quite like to help only where necessary.....lol! I mean the occasional surprises and gift buying are most definitely recommended but not a conscious bill split. Call me traditional but I'm sticking with it. 

Traditional and proud!

One: Lol @ where necessary. But I get what you mean about men's egos being hurt, I have met one or two like that. The truth is that I have found that many men in Nigeria are still quite 'traditional' when it comes to that. However, it comes with a price..  They are traditional in ALL aspects.. So if you want him to pay all the bills, be ready to spend quality time in the kitchen :-) (not in all cases though).

Isioma: From what I've sometimes seen and heard, two things happen when she splits the bills. 

1. He feels slighted and thinks she's proud/pompous

2. He becomes lazy and sees you as his ATM 

One: *let me cut in for a second* - Really? He thinks you're proud/pompous?! Guys, I need your take on this - true or false?? - Alright, kwantinu please..

Isioma: You don't want either of the two options so I'll say, know who you're dating - is he from the West side with a 'modern' ideology (in which case- sorry oh) or does he like to take care of his woman like my downtown brothers? Also, is he genuinely broke and really needs your support? In this case you gotta be very careful too so you don't hurt his ego in doing good. Maybe that dinner can turn into a chill-out movie night on the couch to save cost #justsaying.

Bodam: Baby girl... I agree with you 100%... Only thing I'd say is wisdom must prevail in the cost-cutting....

If they're a Christian couple, then let's be frank: too many chill-out movie nights on the couch to cut costs may lead to some other extra curricular activities to "save on heating".. Loool!

Isioma: LOL.. I have to say though that when you're courting, the ball changes. You can help with some things especially in planning your wedding or investing into your future home but then again, be wise!

Bodam: Bottom line, as you've said - in all things there should be a balance. Be creative! If money is an issue, then learn to date on a budget! Thank God for the Internet, there are so many creative things one can do that don't cost so much...

A friend told me a story... She went on a date... At the end of the meal, bobo took the bill and placed some money into it, then pushed it to her side of the table for her to cover the rest! Haaaa... After all the pleas of "can I take you out"?! Loolll

Wisdom is profitable to direct... :-)

One: Hahaha.. That's classic! 

Alright ladies and gentlemen.. Over to you. We'd love to get your thoughts on this one.. Do you agree or vehemently disagree? It would be great to hear from the men as well! Do you think it's ridiculous to be expected to pay for most of your dates or that it's only wise to split things in half?

Let's talk....

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You can read the profile of the Conversations with One panel HERE

Spot-LIGHT *New Series*

Hello everyone *shock gasp* - A new post in only a matter of days! (Don't worry, I surprise myself too) lol.

Welcome to a new month beautiful people! I am glad that August is starting on such a fantastic note. I thank God for bringing us into a new month and for the blessing of life and love. All glory to Him always and always.

So what's the plan for this month? Perhaps I should start by asking - do you have a plan for the month?

Well, here on the blog, the plan is to start a new series. Yayyyyyy!

As some of you might know (If you follow @1plustheone on Instagram), I started working in the media and entertainment industry in November last year.

To be honest, it's been a great and interesting journey thus far, however just like many jobs, it comes with its challenges. I have experienced a number of changes and one of that is that I do not have the luxury of time as I previously did hence why it has become really difficult to sustain blogging frequently (and oh how I miss it sooo!) - I miss blogging regularly, I miss reading my favourite blogs regularly too!

But by God's grace, I'm hoping that things will settle and I would be able to manage my time better.

Changes will come, but one thing I pray for is that by God's grace, 1 + The One will not just continue, but will also thrive and flourish, fulfilling God's purpose to the glory of His name.

We will have more Vlogs and possibly new series.

Anyway, back to the new series I was talking about. Allow me to introduce to you beautiful people - 'Spot-LIGHT'..

I love that bible passage that calls you and me the 'light of the world'. (Matthew 5:14 - 16)

Light of the World!

Do you know that as Christians, day by day, whether people admit it or not, the spotlight is on us?? The moment you decide to stand up and stand out for Jesus, people will watch very carefully the way you behave, the way you talk and how you represent the Christ you profess.

Oh you didn't know? Well, make a mistake or put your foot wrongly and then you'll hear the phrases '...And she calls herself a Christian', "Christian my foot..", "Such a hypocrite!!".. Have you heard that before? Me too! lol

The interesting thing about this is that these are people who raise their noses at you when you talk about your Jesus or say you won't do certain things. You can just see them rolling their eyes as you pick up your bible to go for evening service (because Sunday service is more than sufficient!). Yet, whether they admit it or not, they hold you to a certain standard. You are indeed an Ambassador in every sense of the word. You are the 'Christ' that they see.

Anyway, I hope to share on Mondays the intrigues, delights and on many occasions, challenges of shining the light of Jesus when (and where) it is very very unpopular.

I hope this would delight, encourage and inspire, while I also look forward to learning from you and reading your experiences too!

#ImExcited :-)

You are LIGHT - Never forget that :-) xx

Have an amazing week and month beautiful people!

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." - Matthew 5:14-16

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