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Tuesday, 4 February 2014

Celebrating/Dancing Part 2

 Today, I am a very happy gurlll!! :-D *twirls*..
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So much good news around, I can't but thank my Abba!

First, guess who won a blog give-away!! My first authentic direct one!!!! I hope you are dancing with me?

You see the first unofficial one I got was 'dashed' to me by the lovely HoneyDame during the Guess the Blogger series on Atilola's Blog.. I kept trying and failing so hard that the babe took pity on my plight and transferred her gift to me.. HD + Atilola, I shall never forget :-D 200 kisses to you! (I enjoyed the free credit soo much, you can't even imagine! haha)

Anyways, imagine my very pleasant surprise when I got a Twitter update from the mega lovely Ms J.S Bass that I was the winner of her very first blog giveaway (You can read all about it on her great blog HERE - Oh la la, the joy was palpable.. Hehe I did not even remember that I had entered because I usually can't 'enter' most giveaway thingies cause of anonymity and sturves (it usually requires liking on Facebook etc etc) and mehn it feels good to win something oh!

Thank you sooooooooooo much hun..God bless you muchos x 100

On another note, remember that my friend that I talked about HERE? The one to whom God brought a good man (just like that!) after she asked Him, and I talked about the 1-year testimony that I have seen God do in the lives of my friends.. Well ladies and gentlemen, the babe is planning a wedding! Yes! Abba Father has done it again and this time, I am extra amazed! Whoever says God is not good has not met Him! I am so excited! And I thank God very much for her and her boo! May God sustain them and give them the grace to keep growing in love and the knowledge of Him.

On another another note, I attended a 1-year testimony wedding recently! This one I saw with my eyes and my mouth is still opening in wonder at the greatness, goodness and faithfulness of God.. You see, by this time last year, this girl was still asking God "Daddy, when will it be? Please send me my husband, a man from you".. She had been trusting God for a while and the pressure had been mounting. Before we knew what was happening, this dude comes, proposes in about 4months and in less than a year they are married.. Her testimony is that he fits what she asked God for and you only need to spend time with them to know that they've got something special going on.. I thank GOD!

You see, I get excited and share these stories because I know people reading this who are thinking "Lord, when?" I don't know what it is you are waiting on God for but I encourage you  to hold on to Him, He never fails and when He shows up, His gift will make you forget the season of waiting. Like the bible says "When the Lord turned around the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dreamed..."

Your dream-like answer to prayers is just round the corner and it will happen in such a way that you will feel dazed by it all  :-)

PS Today I am FINALLY starting off the series I have said a number of times that I would be starting (Can you help me say "Praise the Lord!")

PPS So Valentine's Day is next week Friday, chale what's the plan? As for me, I don't plan on 'roasting' oh.. Ok Daddy, over to you! xxxx

Friday, 24 January 2014

Trust? Yeah I trust you -__-

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"Believe what he says and ACT like you believe him. Keep casting every doubt aside and affirming him when you think he deserves it or not. TRUST is very important. Don't just say it, act like you do". 

I have a file on my phone where I document a number of pointers I have learnt and still learning when it comes to the way I hope to relate with the man I get married to.

There's usually a reason or background behind each statement - It's usually culled from a bad mistake, an action that got a great response, a book I read, something I listened to or watched or one of those deep conversations with my wonderful circle of friends! It could even be a poster while riding somewhere or an impression on my heart somehow....

As I wrote in a previous post HERE, I used to have serious issues with trust! As in I could win the award for Miss Paranoia! I ask questions about his past to 'help' us be open and then some of the information torments me and I make it almost not worth it! As in.. Can somebody say *Serious Issues!*.. Well thank God for grace and deliverance lol.

I wrote the above in my document, inspired by what my mummy told me during one of my paranoia experiences in my previous relationship. I was dating a guy who was quite popular and like bees to honey seemed to attract a number of ladies. However, he tried as much as possible to assure me of his faithfulness and commitment (trust me, I could have been with Mr Totally uncool and still be on guard, FBI ain't got nothing on me!).. But noooo, not for me.. One minute I'm like "Yes, I believe you and the next I'm investigating body language, likes on pictures, history with person A and person B and generally acting so bad that I was depriving myself the privilege of just enjoying being with him and worse still hurting someone I really cared about.

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I didn't know this even existed!

TRUST is an essential part of being in any kind of relationship. Trust is not just words, it's best put into action. You cannot claim to trust someone and your actions say the exact opposite.. Infact it's best you act it rather than say those words at all "I Trust You".

If you don't trust someone, you have no business being in a relationship with them, therefore if you choose to go into a relationship with them, you indirectly make up your mind to love and trust implicitly.

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One thing I also realised was that my inability to trust was somewhat founded on selfishness - I wanted to be CERTAIN that no one was taking me for a fool, nah ah! I wanted to ensure that I, ME was getting the best deal. I wanted to make sure that I, ME wasn't being taken for granted, I wanted to protect MY self... Forgetting that when you commit to a relationship, it stops being about only you... Love is a sacrifice of self and desires and good compromise on many levels.

TRUST is also a factor that is indispensable in our relationship with God.. We mar a good relationship with the King of Kings when we doubt his word or the assurance of His promise.. Sometimes we say it, we sing it, we confess it "I Trust You" but our actions negate our profession..

If it hurts us as human beings when our nearest and dearest don't trust us, it must hurt God whenever we act in unbelief and in doubt.. It's like "But I parted the red sea!" "But I raised Lazarus from the dead" "But I made Esther Queen!" "But I gave Hannah Samuel!" - What could be so difficult, why don't you trust me... And act like you do..

When we act in trust, it's called faith-in-action. Remember without it, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6)

PS I read a great article on Eloxie's blog 'Worry Not' .. You should read it too :-) xx

Friday, 17 January 2014

Dear Daddy - It's Thank YOU from me

My Dearest Daddy,

My Altogether Lovely Gentleman of Galilee. Emmanuel, my Jireh, my Hero, my sufficiency, my All in All - Mother, Father, Lover, Best Friend.

I have so much to say.. But I'll just summarise my heart song by saying THANK YOU DADDY! You have been incredibly amazing to me, I have so many testimonies.. THANK YOU..

There's this song that I heard the choir do justice to in church some months back (the Pastor and church loved it so much, it became our thank you anthem).. Daddy, may I share it with you today and hope it blesses the heart of at least one of your children who read this post!

Like the song says... I am the one that came back to say THANK YOU.. I'm grateful for ALL that you have done.. I had to come back, my heart made me run back, to say THANK YOU!

Even if like the 10 lepers, only one person comes back to say THANK YOU, that One would be me.. Thank You Jesus!

Your forever girl,
One xx

Thursday, 16 January 2014

Golden Words - I Am Sorry

Hello everyone!! Just checking in..

I have found that one of the HARDEST phrases to say is 'I am sorry'... I don't know why but here are a few reasons why I think it's so difficult:

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1. It involves a very huge helping of humble pie.
2. It goes against most of the things your ego stands for
3. It means an admission of wrong-doing
4. It could make you appear weak or as the weaker party
5. Sometimes, you actually don't feel sorry
6. The other person/people may feel like they 'won'.
7. It shows that you actually make mistakes.
8. It just doesn't feel good..
9. Include yours..

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Saying I'm sorry can leave a bad taste in your mouth in some cases, however it is one of the most powerful phrases that can turn what could turn out to be a bad situation right around.

The phrase works for both older and younger people, colleagues and friends, family and strangers..

It's usually better when verbally expressed and not just making amends by being extra nice to the person (this works after you have said the golden words!)

I know some people find it verrrry difficult stringing those words together.. And ironically to our dearest and closest, it seems even harder! But it works a world of wonders - especially when said from a sincere place.

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"I am Sorry"

Practice it - say it - let it be a (GREAT) part of you!

A relationship could be saved by those simple 3 words - I Am Sorry.

So tell me, do you find it easy to apologise when wrong or even when you feel like you're right?
xx


Monday, 13 January 2014

A love-ing YOU - 2014!

Hello everyone!

Like I mentioned in my previous post HERE, the theme for this blog in 2014 is BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS!

As an individual, I am passionate about seeing relationships flourish.. Not just romantic ones but even platonic relationships too.. I am interested in the art of improving the way we relate with one another as human beings.. and in particular, this topic is dear to my heart as a Christian - because God says we must love Him (relationship) and love others as we love ourselves (more relationship)!

I have discovered that building relationships starts with building one's self.. Yes, it starts with YOU! - In some instances, you would need to change YOUR thinking, YOUR reaction and improve the way YOU relate and communicate with people.. It's not easy at all but one thing I know for sure is that it's WORTH IT!

So ladies and gentlemen, let's do this! May God give us the grace to be better spouses, children, parents, siblings, relatives, friends! And above all, may it give God pleasure :-)

Lots of love people xxxx

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Today and always xxxx

PS Apologies for not fulfilling my promise of starting the new series last week! Things happened and now my access to the internet is very limited (temporary though).. I will start this month by God's grace.. Thank you for your forgiveness and understanding *wink* xx

Monday, 6 January 2014

It's a new day, it's a new month, it's a NEW YEAR!

Happy and blessed 2014 my darling darling blog community! May God bless you immensely!

It feels GOOOOOD to be back :-D

Thanks to all those who left a comment here and via twitter @1plustheone. I gat too much love for you all! You make life extra extra beautiful! *smiles*

Hope your new year has started on a great note? 2014 feels like is going to be a GREAT year!

The theme for the blog this year is BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS! With God, significant other, family, friends and basically everyone around us! It would be exciting and enlightening by God's grace woohooo!!

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So get ready folks, it's about to get all kinds of great here!

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PS, something new coming up tomorrow!! Stay tuned.

Love you, God bless you xxxx

Thursday, 19 December 2013

Celebrating!!

It's been too long!

How's everyone doing? Hope you're getting ready for the Christmas holiday?! I know I am! One of the best parts of course is the two weeks off from work starting from 'close of business' tomorrow woohoo!!!

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By the way, I am taking invitations to barbeques, parties, get-togethers - anywhere 'small chops' is guaranteed will do!

I heard some fantastic news over the weekend that has me in a celebratory mood! So I have this friend of mine who I was going to blog about some months back but procrastination said no smh..

We recently met and had until recently been merely acquaintances.. This changed when one day we got talking and she shared with me her very difficult emotionally/love-deprived childhood.. My heart reached out to her as she told me what she had to go through and how she never felt like she belonged.

She also shared the desire she had in meeting a God-ly man to make a home with. She is a very sweet person and loves God too! After our chat, we encouraged each other on God's faithfulness and how He knows how to take care of His own.

I also shared with her what I refer to as the '1-year' testimony in terms of marriage as I have seen God do in the lives of so many people (especially from reading on boundless.com) and then I have seen it happen right before me in the lives of my friends.. This is when God brings a man/woman, you meet, date, fall in love, get engaged and in some cases get married within a year! I desired that kind of testimony for her...

Well.. we got chatting on Saturday and she had earlier told me about this young man in her church who had started becoming 'friendly'.. So I was just going to ask about an update when at the same time she said "Oh by the way, L and I are now official...."...

Yup, you feel my joy and excitement! :-) God is good! She said she remembered the stories I shared with her on the 1-year testimony

So yes, I look forward to a wedding within the year! lol

Then also, a couple I know who have been trusting in God for the fruit of the womb for a while recently had a baby girl!!

My heart is full of gratitude to this amazing God!

Ladies and gentlemen, there's reason to celebrate because GOD IS GOOD! And you're up next in Jesus name!

PS.. I will be starting a new long over-due series very soon! Yippeee.. so, yeah, stay tuned! :-D xxxx

Monday, 9 December 2013

What to look out for in your future wife

So, today is another one for the fellas!

As I stated in previous posts HERE and HERE, I am committed to passing on useful relationship messages to our wonderful men where I have the opportunity.

I read this very nice post on a blog I recently discovered and will be sure visiting again www.goodguyswag.com (interesting name ey? + a blog particularly for guys! Yippeee! It is a treasure indeed and I recommend to every guy!). The post is titled 'The Wife List: 10 Qualities' suggesting qualities to look out for in a future wife and you can read original post HERE (There are actually a lot more great posts on there!)

Have you ever wondered, "How would I know?" "I don't want to make a mistake!".. Well here goes, hope you find it useful.

Ladies, as always there's also something in it for us to learn as I found myself reading the list and checking to see if I would have made the cut lol.. It's a good list.

Let me know what you think!

Well, I can sum up most of my friends’ lists right here: 1.Blonde, 2. Skinny, 3. Hot. A few others might include: she likes football, she drinks beer with my buds, and she’s at least a full C. No matter what I write below, that list isn’t going away for some of you guys.  We’re all stubborn, but we can also be authentic. Sometimes we have to learn the hard way.
Earlier this week, I wrote the article An Uncrafty Guy’s Guide to Making a Vision Board about keeping you visually focused on your dreams.  Should we be specific about the woman we want to marry?  Absolutely. However, make a list with long-term vision. Most of the characteristics we think we want in a wife aren’t ones that make for a good, lifelong relationship. They are characteristics of a woman we want for one night.
Just like character is the most important quality of a good guy, the woman you’re going to marry should have good character as well.  When you find her, she is more valuable than anything. Here are 10 qualities of good future wife material:
1.  She shares your beliefs
When it comes to finding your wife, I’ve heard “equally yoked.” It has nothing to do with weightlifting for those of you guys who like muscle women. Your potential wife should have the same beliefs you have. Now, you may think you can do some missionary dating, and turn that situation around so she will believe everything you do.  You’re probably going to be very disappointed with some bad side effects.  If you don’t have the same core beliefs….good luck.
2.  She makes you a better man
If everyday is hell with her, that should be a red flag. Your potential wife should elevate you to Yourself 2.0. You can get a good idea from your friends and family. Do they say you act differently in a bad way when you are around her? Not a good sign.  She should bring out the best in you, not bring out heartache and frayed nerves.
3.  She’s trustworthy
In fact, she should inspire trustworthiness within you. If you don’t trust her, you’re probably making her as bitter as you’re making yourself. Not worth it. If you can’t trust her, maybe you’re not ready to date her or maybe you need to work on confidence issues within yourself. If there’s good reason not to trust her, don’t even go there. Just like any cheater, it’s bound to happen again.
4.  She has ambition
She should have strength in character and carry herself with confidence. As a man, you should be the leader in the relationship, but for any dictators who feel justified here; we’re talking servant leadership. You probably don’t want the consummate follower either. She should have plans too. In fact, she should be a hard worker just like you. That doesn’t mean having a job is a requirement. One of my friends is a stay-at-home wife with three kids, and she works harder than any of my friends with careers.
5.  She’s selfless
She should care about others. Look at the way she treats her family and her friends. If she’s not close with her family, and doesn’t have any good friends, that’s not a good sign. If you start dating her, much less marry her, you will discover why soon enough. Some questions to ask yourself: Does she care about causes? Does she go out and volunteer? Does she give change to the needy or buy them a meal? These are important characteristics to consider.
6.  She’s attractive
In your eyes, she should be a “10.” When my wife walks in the room, I’m awestruck by her every time. She’s beautiful from the inside out. However, I’ve dated “hot” girls who ended up being downright ugly by the time we broke up. Personality plays into attractiveness big-time. Just remember, “charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting.” She should be beautiful down to her soul because that kind of beauty lasts forever.
7.  She’s smart
You’re going to be spending a lot of time with her, so she should be able to hold a good conversation. She should be wise, smart, and give you good advice. Her women’s intuition should be strong. I look to my wife all the time for advice. She’s collected all sorts of wisdom from her mom. She remembers everything. Yes, everything….maybe too much.
8.  She loves you unconditionally
If she’s trying to change you to be another person, it’s time to move on. Your future wife should love you just as you are, regardless of anything you’ve done in your past. There will be minor adjustments along the way, but if she nags you about your core characteristics, it won’t get any better in marriage.
9.  She’s responsible
Does she remember appointments and meetings? Does she flake all of the time? She should already do a good job of managing her own life. If she’s got loads of debt and doesn’t work, you’re going to be taking all of that on. Ultimately, she will have some part in your financial well-being, and guess what? Finances remain one of the leading causes of divorce.
10.  She gets along with your family and friends
If she doesn’t even try to connect with your family and/or friends, let her go. She shouldn’t be critical of the people who you love and have been loyal to you throughout your life. There might be cases where your mom doesn’t like your future wife, and that may require your intervention; but in general, she should be a good fit with the people in your life. Marriage is a joining of two lives that existed prior to meeting the other person.
When it comes down to it, you know what you can handle. Love can overwrite any of the qualities above, but having these qualities will certainly make your lives easier once you are married. No one’s perfect. Even with this list, both of you are still going to bring some kind of baggage into the relationship. Make sure premarital counseling is a huge priority once you find her. My wife and I did a relationship bootcamp in addition to premarital counseling. One session just doesn’t cut it. Throw everything but the kitchen sink at the most important decision you will ever make.

PS Seen a girl you like but don't know how to win her heart? Please check out this post as well from the blog '10 ways to win a girl's heart' - Thank me later :-)