Johnstone's Blog

Season's Greetings,
What's that one thing you want to achieve before the end of the year? Even as the year is coming to an end, it's important for you and me to ensure that we don't give up on the goals we've planned to achieve this year.

Nevertheless, have you started mapping out plans for next month? That's next year!

On today's blog post I'll be sharing some tips I learnt from one of my favourite bloggers Naomi Destiny last year on how to plan ahead for 2020.

Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success. - Pablo Picasso 

1. Review your performance for last year. "Identify what worked and what didn't work for you, know your performances so you can do better in the new year".

2. Visualize your journey for 2020 with scriptural backing.

"Failing to acknowledge and involve God as you plan for next year, is pride" - Dupe Sarah

It's necessary for me and you to always involve God in our plans, because He it gives him a responsibility to make sure that all of your goals are achieved. Tap or click on this link to access some scriptures that will help you in goal setting compiled by one of my favourite blogger and teacher, Dupe Sarah

3. Set achievable goals in all areas of your life. Make it specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time bound (SMART).

A goal properly set is halfway reached. - Zig Ziglar

4. Break down your big goals into small goals. 
"When you break down your goals, determine the action you need to take in order to make it achievable. E.g Create daily and weekly to-do lists, plan months ahead."

5. Be focused. "Eliminate distractions, always prioritize what is most important to you."

"Don't prioritise frivolities and trivialise the important" - Dupe Sarah 

I advice that as the year is coming to an end; maximise personal retreat (praying and pondering on your goals), even as you are smashing your December goals. Be disciplined and consistent now and next year.

Prayer is the force that moves the world! -Pope Francis 

Finally, don't forget to spend time with God in prayer; so as to draw strength. And I pray that 2020 will be fruitful for you. Amen!

Running the race through the track of life, we encounter so many problems, challenges, unpleasant situations and discouragements.

 Sometimes if we aren't so strong to overlook the problems, challenges and discouragements, we become too weak, heart broken and it seems all morale is gone. I call this 'frustration'.

 Frustration is a barrier to success.
So many things causes frustration like those listed above, frustration leads one to having a low self esteem and this may prevent you from even attempting the things you are sure you can do that may lead you to success.
One way or the other on this journey you will be faced with a lot of things that can get you frustrated and discouraged but, you don't have to let them get to you.

 When faced with any of the above mentioned, you can look for someone you can share your problems with, someone who is willing to always help. If you find it difficult to do that, always remember that there are unique things about you.

Instead of getting frustrated, just try to activate the unique aspects of your life. Make use of your talents and gifts.

Always remember you are unique and different from everyone so, be yourself. Trying to be someone else can get you frustrated and even make you sad always, I think that's one of the worst mistake any human being can make: leaving your personality and trying to be another.

Always remember that you are one in millions. Always be thankful to God for the people around you.

Don't let frustration stop you from doing the right thing. Many people rely on you. If you break down, they also break down. If you are strong, they become stronger.
Always remember this and try not to be the cause of the falling of any man.

Yol Favour Nguuma,
Makurdi - Nigeria

Excuses are very useless. They go in line with pushing blame. Excuses doesn't push you forward, it drags you backwards.

 The Bible tells us a little story in Genesis 3:1-19. I learnt the danger of excuses and pushing blame. After going against the instruction of God, Adam said it was the woman who God gave to be with him that made him go against God's instruction.

The woman said it was the serpent that deceived her. They both gave excuses even without asking the question 'why'.

But guess what? Excuses didn't stop them from being punished. Adam received his punishment, Eve received her share and so did the serpent. None went unpunished.

They both had the right to say 'NO', but they didn't. You have no excuse for the things that happen in your life because the choice was yours and no one made the decision for you.

There's one funny and deceptive thing about excuses; It makes you feel good, cool and perfect about yourself but, these feelings just last for a while but, the danger leaves a scar.

Excuses doesn't stop you from being punished.
Excuses stops one from reaching the top. It stops one from achieving his/her desired goal. It's a barrier to being great and a hindrance to your success.

If you want to succeed in life, you must avoid excuses.
Yol Favour Nguuma,
Makurdi, Nigeria.

Perception as an idea, a belief or an image you have as a result of how you see and understand something, varies differently with different people.

People sometimes perceive things right, while some perceptions are wrong. The way you see or the things you see are different from what others see and how they see it. Don't let people's perception change yours. If you have a dream, even when people believe or see that it can't work, just believe in yourself, pursue your dream, fight for your dream and uplift people with your spirit.

When you agree with the wrong perception of people, you tend to give up on your dreams and end up pursuing theirs. When you agree with the wrong perception of people, you tend to leave your life and live their lives.
Living who you are is a fulfilment. Living your dreams is a fulfilment. Don't let people's perception change who you are and who you are to be.

There are people who believe or see that certain things can't work no matter who tries. Their thoughts or perception don't matter to you, what matters most is what you perceive.
Yol Favour Nguuma

As soon as the whistle is blown, everyone gets on track and the race is started. In the race there are principles you need to follow and those you need to set for yourself.

To run the race successfully, you need endurance, when you are tired, you keep running, when someone runs into your line trying to block your way, you don't stop running instead you call for attention by putting your hands up. Even when they aren't applauding/clapping for you, you keep running.

Your motivation shouldn't depend on the people watching. You're not supposed to please them because if anything happens, it's you that suffers the consequence(s). Your motivation should be built on the aim and purpose of the race i.e. to reach the finishing line successfully. It's not all about competition but finishing strong.

So also is the journey of life. As soon as you are born, your journey is started. You must discipline yourself and make sure that no matter what happens, you don't give up. When someone runs into your life and is trying to block your way or discourage you, you don't stop instead, you call for attention by praying to God.

Even when people aren't satisfied with what you do and don't applaud you, it's normal. After all you are not here to please men. If you please men you may get yourself into a big mess.

Your focus shouldn't depend on people but the aim of the journey i.e. to  fulfil your destiny. Avoid distractions and always remember-  it's not all about competition but finishing strong.

Yol Favour,
Jos, Nigeria.

Someone said something that moved me "Life is like a bicycle, in order to keep balance, you must keep moving".

This sounds really true and that's just the summary of a life to live.
Life is like a journey on a bicycle. In this journey, you meet different people with different characters.

You'll surely face challenges. There are people who delight in causing problem, if you create time for them for revenge you'd only ruin your life -just keep moving.


There are times you fail i.e. in business, in education, at work etc. it's just normal don't let your mistakes or failure pull you back -just keep moving.

If you've set a goal, people are definitely there to discourage you -don't get discouraged just keep moving.

People are there to encourage you -take their advice, encouragement and correction then, keep moving.

 People will give you wrong direction -don't be deceived, follow the right way and keep moving. People are there to make fun of you -allow them to keep making their fun and keep moving.

People are there to make you smile -show them love and care then, keep moving. People are there to make you depressed -don't give them a chance, just keep moving.

People are there to help you -accept them, be grateful and keep moving.
Sometimes the people we meet, the challenges we face, the times we fail can cause imbalance and you feel like giving up but in order to gain back balance, you must keep moving.

 In life if you don't stand for something, you fall just for anything. You must stand up for something, while others are driving aimlessly you must drive with an aim.

Set a goal for yourself that whatever comes your way, you must keep moving to accomplish your goal.

But at the end, you must remember what it took you to get there. The good ones you met made you focused and the others made you stronger. Never forget them, you must be grateful to everyone.

Favour Yol,
Jos, Nigeria

Few years back there was a time I felt I was depressed. I wasn't given the course of my choice to study and I felt I had disappointed myself, my parents and siblings. sometimes I cried about it, I thought a lot and most times when I'm being asked the customary "how are you?" I reply with the customary "I'm fine and you?" Funny but not funny because most of us if not all are doing this. Deep down we know all is not well. We want to talk to someone but nobody is available let's not forget that Christ is always available.

During those times, one thing I remember is ,I didn't think the solution to whatever I was going through was death. No, not at all. I wanted to do something different so I got involved in extra curricular activities to get my head cleared up. I wanted to stop wallowing in self pity and I must say it did work for me. You need to discover what works for you. Certainly, not SUICIDE!

What ever is happening to you right now doesn't mean its the end of life. There's still a whole lot more to be accomplished by you. Look at the positive side.

Is any among you troubled? Let him pray! -James 5:13a. 

Though we are in a generation were we have different social media handles, where we can post filtered pictures of ourselves, hide our feelings from one another, please can we just pour it all out to God?  Talk to Him! He'll listen for sure. Hear Him! Open up your bibles.
Lost a job, no house rent, failed an exam, no money, a relationship didn't work out, people saying awful things about you, frustration, etc?  Just to let you know they are obstacles that would be cleared up soon.
House rent paid up.. Job gotten..  Disappointment turns to appointment.. Failure becomes success and so much more!

Failures are deferred success. - Johnstone Kpilaakaa

If only we can look up and see the light at the end of the tunnel.


Yeah, I know it's not that easy but let's take a look at the actions of St Peter, the Apostle, the one who denied Jesus three times and Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed Jesus with a kiss. This is why Peter is different from Judas, He didn't commit suicide like Judas did. Peter didn't hang himself!

Luke 22 v 54 - 60 (Peter went out and wept bitterly)
Matthew 27 v 3 - 5 ( Judas repented and returned the money but he did not forgive himself)

Let's imagine if Peter had killed himself, where would the church be today? Remember, Christ had told him, " you are Peter  meaning rock and on this rock I'll build my church"  he was up for something great so everything would have shattered if he took his life.

You are up for something great!  You need to have life to accomplish the many things God has set for you.

We are all fighting different battles.  What makes I and you differ is how we come out of them.
It'll cross our minds that no one loves us, no one cares but let's know this,
" For God so loved the world( I and you)  that He gave His only Son that who so ever believes in Him would not perish but have everlasting life"
God loves us! God loves you!!
To those who are strong enough, Romans 15 v 1 - 3 says "¹ We who are strong in the faith ought to help the weak to carry their burdens. We should not please ourselves. ²Instead, we should all please or brothers for their own good, in order to build them up in the faith. ³For Christ did not please himself. Instead, as the scriptures says, "The insults which are hurled at you have fallen on me." "

"My helping hand to the needy world is empty unless love is the motive." - John C. Maxwell

Blessings,
Okoko Patricia Amina.
Makurdi, Nigeria.

Seeing is believing, I need to see Jenta; those were my thoughts when I told Lengdung I'm coming to see Jenta for myself.
Lengdung is the Director of Data and Research at Jenta Reads Community Initiative, the founders of Jenta Reads Community Library. I met Lengdung at Social Media For Social Good Conference last month, were he shared the Jenta Reads story; it inspired my already existing desire for community development. We both exchange contacts.

Overview of Jenta Photo credit: Walkingtogether.life

I learnt that Jenta is the biblical Nazareth in the words of Nathaniel; can any thing good come from Nazareth? This question is asked when you talk about anything great associating with Jenta. I saw it in the face of a pedestrian (a Jos resident not a "Jentan") on my way to the library, I asked whether he knew where Jenta library is. He asked me, "Do they have a library?" I replied him with a "Yes". Since he didn't know about the library, I decided to use my Google map to navigate to the library. Since I was visiting Jenta Reads for the first time.

Jenta is a borough in the capital city of Jos. It's a " city built upon a hill"; that reminds of Jesus' parable, Jenta library is actually located at the Mangoro axis of Jenta which comprises of streams rocks, people...
Last weekend I decided to visit the library and see things for myself. Lengdung actually told me that the Jenta Reads Initiative is aimed at rewriting the narrative of this community that has been termed desolate.

AT THE LIBRARY.
Thanks to Google map! I arrived the library without much stress. At the library, I met the librarian, Longdi (a staff), and a number of young readers.
Longdi was my excursion guide, she took me round the library; from the reserved section through the main library to the e-library section. She also told me the Jenta and Jenta Reads story. As I tour the library I saw kids (in their primary school age) surfing the internet, reading books, borrowing books, returning books and working on innovative ideas. I met Jerry a young innovator who used a jerry can to make a MP3 player. Some of the young folks were working on an architectural model.
Londgi is a good storyteller cum narrator, she was also working on an innovation while we were chatting.

A section of the library. Photo credit: Johnstone Kpilaakaa

THE LESSONS:
1. Honesty.
It was my first time in Jenta, I didn't even know how much the transport fare was, since Lengdung was not sure about it. After I paid the tricyclist what I felt worth the journey. He returned some of the money, saying "it was too much for the ride".🤔

2. Leveraging on the Social Media and Technology.
I came to know about Jenta Reads via Facebook, same with Thaine Norris (an American missionary that visited the library from America last year). When you gain mastery on the usage of social media, you'll have a lot of opportunities.

Favour is when competence meets opportunity. - Joshua Selman

Lendung's phone line weren't going through when I was about to come, Google map saved me the frustration I would have if I wasn't having a smartphone. Smartphone users ought to be smart!

3. Discipleship.
Jesus spent three years with his disciples, after that the made exploits in a short time. As I sat down with Longdi, many of the kids came around to make enquiries on different issues. And she guided them. Mentorship is a strategic growth key.

4. Trusting in God.
I learnt this from Thaine Norris' blog "Into Jenta", Jenta Reads depends on God and not government - for their resources.

5. I'm NOT too Young to Be Relevant.
Jenta Reads was initiated by young people. That information alone reminded me that there's no age requirement for community impact. Start where you are.
The power of good books, creativity, team work were some of the lessons I learnt.

You are paid for the problems you solve, you pay for the problems you create. - Ejimi Adegbeye

Some of the lessons are in between the lines of my preamble. In my opinion, everybody should visit Jenta. You can visit by donating books to the library; via Lengdung:0816 675 6617

I knew the title before the article. I trust God to help me with this. For me, I'm not worthy to write on this title because I'm one person that worries a whole lot. If I get a call, that a family member or friend is ill, I get worried. If my bank account is showing red, I get worried. If my exam score is below expectation, I get worried and so much more.
I checked a result recently and I cried. My friend called and asked why I cried, if crying could change the score. After the call it occurred to me that I "wasted" my tears. I worried about what my mum was going to say, and after I told her the simple statement she made was " THANK GOD".
I had to asked God for mercy after our phone conversation.

Before now, I've read and heard a lot on "Not Worrying" or " Stop Over-thinking Stuff", many have told me, "Patricia Stop Worrying, just pray more" but then,  the work is squarely on me and I'm taking a leap with the help of the Holy Spirit to write on "WORRY NOT".
No matter how many people stand and preach to you not to worry; if you don't decide not to worry, it changes nothing my friend.

Matthew 6 v 27:

(NKJV)  "Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?"
(NIV) "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? "
(Amplified) "Which of you, by being anxious, can add one moment to his lifespan?"
(Good News) "Can any of you live a bit longer by worrying about it?"

 This is a question you and I should meditate on.
 Yes, I agree! We have a whole lot of stuff to get worried over, clothes, food, health, money, exams etc but Christ is telling us today in Matthew 6 v 33: 'But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you (NKJV)'

God has given us the solution! Seek first His kingdom!!
Someone said, "Nothing is out of control because God's in control"
I've sincerely made the decision to WORRY NOT, to always place everything at the feet of CHRIST. What about you?
My prayer for us today is for the grace to worry not.

Share your ' Worry Story' with me in the comment box!

PRAYER:
O' Lord! Help me to always cast my cares on you, so that I'll  focus on seeking your Kingdom and Righteousness. Amen!

Blessings,

Okoko Patricia.
Jos, Nigeria.

Every one is saying something, but not everything said makes a positive impact. Unlike those, Lawrencia Jenebu Okoko; a Christian, a 20 year old student of Pure and Applied Chemistry at the University of Jos and an Award - Winning Essayist believes that since God framed the World with Words, the loopholes in God's creation can also be filled by Words.

Lawrencia was the second runner up at the just concluded #PlateauFirst Essay Competition in Jos - Nigeria with her short but impactful essay. According to her, since youths on the Plateau and the World at large are used as tools for violence, she decided to add her voice to the situation.


When asked about her encouragement to the youths, she said, " Youths should embrace peace and they should not be instrument of violence in the hands of evil people".
________________________

Below is the essay that made it up to the third place of #PlateauFirst Essay Competition 2019.



Only when there is peace can tourism thrive.


 _______________________

Hey! Happy New Month😍!

It's 60 days in 2019 already! Today is also the first day of my birth month; (Hey! Mark 25th March on your calendars, 😃). One of my goals this year is to study smartly. I'm currently reading Michelle Obama's "Becoming" and it is my 6th read for the year.

I'll be sharing with us the first five books I read this year. I also recommend that you get them and read.

1. "Becoming Like Jesus" by Gbile Akanni.
A friend sent in this book to me during the Yuletide. Gbile in this short treaty of discipleship mirrors several years of carefully built convictions of God's ultimate goal for mankind. Since Satan has blackmailed the way of the cross and made it unpopular in our day. This book teaches that neither true prosperity nor abundant life is available for any man under the rule of "natural self life".

"... Let him deny himself; and take up his cross and follow me"

2. "The Journey to your Vision" by Gbile Akanni.
In this book - this was also sent to me during the Yuletide by a friend - Gbile draws a detail reflection from the "Plots, Pits, Prison and Palace" story of the biblical "Mr Joseph Jacob". God's principles that will separate and lift you up out of the valley of despair and the frustration of unfulfilled life-dream to the mountain of joyous fulfilment of destiny are stated therein.

3. "The Price, Plights and Perils of the Anointed" by Gbile Akanni.
The anointing is the one and only ingredient which every minister of the Gospel patiently waits to receive from God. In this book, Gbile reflects on certain things that will guide you through your ministerial journey; since the anointing attracts Heaven, men and hell to anyone who dares to pursue it. Reflections in the book are drawn from the highlights, testimonies and stories of biblical characters like Peter, Samuel, David, Judas... Men whose life bears credence to the wounds, agonies and triumph of the anointed.

4. "Shake Well Before Use" by Samuel Shittu.
I was at a Minister's Leadership Retreat last year when this book was released and thousand of copies were sold out in less than 72 hours. I was able to get copy on the first day of last month.
Samuel Shittu is a Christian missionary based in Ghana. In his autobiography, he shares the faith inspiring testimony of the grace of God upon his life, family and ministry. The erstwhile magician supplies what is often the missing link in several revivals that couldn't stand the test of time. In his failures, Shittu has brought a "ladder for us to climb in our pursuit for God".

5. "What God looks for in a Vessel" by Gbile Akanni.
You must be wondering who 'Gbile Akanni' is. Just read to the end and find out.
While reading this books I had to go on my kneels severally asking God for mercy. Gbile has proved scripturally in this book and beyond every shadow of doubt that God doesn't usher men to leadership position because of human criteria or through "emergency sanctification", but a good heart.
When men think Eliab is the king, God is still in search for David!
This book calls us out of shoddiness and superficiality, into seriousness and depth of character.
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I recommend that you find a space for these books on your booklist. The words within these books have caused me to continually look at my life and make amends.
You can get this books at Living Seed.
Nevertheless, don't allow spiritual books replace the place of the Bible!!!!


 Erhmmm...! Before I forget, Who is Gbile Akanni?
--------------
Gbile Akanni is a teacher of God's words.

 He runs several ministerial trainings combined with itinerant preaching. He is deeply committed to Discipleship and Leadership Development.

He resides at Gboko in Benue State, Nigeria with his wife- Sade, and four children.

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PS: I'm doing a giveaway on the blog this month (my birthday month); I'll be giving out e-books (including Michelle's Becoming) to anybody that shows interest at the comment box!

Happy New Month!

How many failures have you already encountered the past 31 days? Be of good cheer. All of us fail. It could be academically, morally - is sin not precisely this?... and all other forms of failures. The essential lesson to learn is that while we meet failures, we must never regard ourselves as failures.

For sometime now, even as I type this reflection, I have been praying and pondering regarding a lot of failures I have experienced and how I came out learning. I missed an appointment last year and my mum's words gives me consolation always:

'if you're disappointed today, God has a fresh appointment for you tomorrow '- 

Failures are deferred success. Absolutely they are!

I had to repeat a class while in secondary school because I failed a core subject; I felt really bad! As the rest of the students went home rejoicing, that holiday was a moment of 'sober reflections' ... seeing that my mates would become my seniors and my juniors would become my mates; it was a hard step on my pride ( And God used that season to deal with the pride side of 'Mr Flesh' in my life ).

I was burdened with grief and pain such that I  became so self-enclosed as to shut myself out. My hopes of graduating at 15 shattered; when I resumed,I sat in class on the back bench as an expression of my 'emotional backwardness'. Anyways, with time God gave me reasons to be grateful for my failure and maximize the opportunities it brought.

We need to befriend our failures and not to berate them. Failures if maximised mould strength within us. We all fail; hence, we ought not to condemn others of their failures because when we condemn we not only become judges, but we remain blind to our own faults and failures.

Failures urge us to perserve and persist and never give up. They help bring to the surface hitherto unknown reserved resources which we never had the occasion to discover and deploy.

All failures are but learning experiences. They spur us on to do more, to stretch ourselves further without breaking ourselves in the process.
Those who struggle and slog, even if they meet with failure, we need remember that hard work is its own reward!
Failures are deferred success - Thomas Edison and the host of other global giants made meaning out of their failures.
Don't lie down after falling, make sure you RISE UP!

"For I consider that the sufferings (Failures) of this present times are not worthy to be compared to the glory (Success) which shall be revealed in us"

- St Paul in Romans 8:18, words in bracket at mine!

Have a lovely month ahead! Subscribe!



PS: Msgr Alex Rebello taught me a few things I cited therein, and his words triggered my 'sacramental imaginations'.

15 Scriptures That Will Help Guide Your Relationship.!



Hello!

My words are meeting you for the first time this year; Absolutely! God's faithfulness is really amazing. Happy New Year!



In the last days of last year, God was talking to us on strategic relationships: We really need to be deliberate with success as we walk into the new year. Please, don't rush over this scriptures; pick up your notepad, pen, marker and your Bible as I walk you through this powerful scriptures:



1. Proverbs 13:20

"He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed."(KJV)


2. Luke 6:31

"Treat others as you want them to treat you."(LB)


3. Proverbs 27:17

"Iron shapeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."(KJV)


"A friendly discussion is as stimulating as the sparks that fly when iron strikes."(LB)


4. Proverbs 27:19

"A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he really looks like is shown by the kind of friends he chooses."(LB)


5. Proverbs 17:17

"A friend loveth at ALL TIMES, and a brother is born for adversity."(KJV)


6. Proverbs 18:24

" There are FRIENDS who pretends to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother."(LB)


"A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.'(KJV)


8. John 15:13

"And here is how to measure it- the greatest love is shown when a person lays down his life for his friend(s)."(LB)


9. Proverbs 27:5-6

"Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend and profuse are the kisses of an enemy."(NIV)


10. 1 Corinthians 15:33

"Do not be deceived; bad company ruins good morals."(NIV)



It's 10 Scriptures already!, I hope you are following? the last five scriptures are from deutrocanonical books. While I was reading Sirach I discovered that a whole chapter was dedicated to talks on relationships - Chapter Six!



Don't worry even if your Bible doesn't have the deutrocanonical books; I'll put you through.


11. Sirach 6:5

"If you are polite or courteous, you will enjoy the friendship of many people."(GNB)


12. Sirach 6:7

"When you make friends, don't be too quick to trust them; make sure they have proved themselves."(GNB)


13. Sirach 6:17

"A person who fears the Lord can make real friendships, because he will treat his friends as he does himself."(GNB)


14. Sirach 9:14

"Get to know the people around you as well as you can, take advice only from those who are qualified to give it."(GNB)


15. Sirach 9:10

"Never abandon an old friend; you will never find a new one who can take his place. Friendship is like wine; it gets better as it grows older."(GNB)


Selah!

I hope you learnt, relearnt and unlearnt. The objective of this post is to help you channel your energy rightly as you make and/or maintain relationships.

You're free to comment below with other scriptures (a long this lines).

I pray that your relationship will be godly, good and lasting. Amen!



PS:

LB= Living Bible

NIV= New International Version

KJV= King James Version

There is an Islamic proverb that says: hens don't lay eggs in the market place! So simple yet significant! The eggs may be for the market but they are laid in private.

 You might have fresh plans for 2019, and it will be good to note that the secret place is the place of birthing. Today's blog is just to encourage you to embark on a personal retreat of at least three days. Those who WAIT on the Lord shall have their strength renewed and they shall mount upon wings like eagles and soar. We need contemplative creativity in God's presence for fruitfulness.

 Jesus retreated all through His ministry! Immediately after His birth, he left for Egypt later on He went to the wilderness.

 I'll walk you through a proposed personal retreat plan complied by my discipler; Dupe Sarah.

 PROPOSED DAILY SCHEDULE AND ACTIVITIES FOR YOUR END OF THE YEAR RETREAT
 1. Give thanks
 2. Pray in the Spirit and in your Understanding
 3. Worship and Praise
 4. Read your Bible
 5. Read Christian Literatures:
 Etc...
 6. Be still (Keep Quiet and Listen to God)
 7. Bring your goals before God and listen to Him speak to you.
 8. Protect your atmosphere (Play worship songs or messages and avoid offense)
 9. Avoid distractions (Keep your sim card sway, freeze your social media applications)
10. Rest and Sleep (God speaks through dreams)
 11. Keep your writing materials close by.


 Happy New Year in advance!
 See you next year💕

 GRATITUDE!

 I'm so grateful to the Almighty God for been with us at the blog.

 Thank God also for YOU; without you, this blog is useless. Thanks for walking with us throughout the year.

 To my editor; Okoko Patricia who painstakingly laboured behind the scene to bring all the posts to birth, I'm grateful! Anya!

 To all my advisers, especially Dr Mo'; I'm grateful.



 Let's do this again next year! Bye!

As I grow everyday as a disciple of Jesus Christ, I learn, relearn and unlearn a lot. Sadly, the unlearning comes with a lot of regrets seeing how ignorance can take you far away from God's purpose and principles.

Let me share a little story about my secondary school days and me, I was a very hot tempered person; hence I could flog my juniors as a means of correction but I never knew that I was still struggling with the grip of the "Flesh" in my life. They were days I could jump the school fence; which was an act of disobedience. Ignorance made it such that I didn't know that all of that werev the schemes of the devil trying to steal and destroy me. Most a times because of how hard the ignorance possessed me I could sum my actions up in two words "School Life".
Truly, Heavens doesn't know such thing as school life. Sin is Sin!

Is 2 years since I left secondary school and anytime I sit to ponder on the hypocrite I was, I see reasons to be grateful for the Cross; that brought redemption. You also can take a bold step to place your past at the foot of the cross, you might not rewrite your past; people you offended might even insult you but surely God has forgiven and forgotten about it.

2018 has come to an end, it doesn't matter what you did or you didn't do; God is inviting you to lay aside every weight, deny YOURSELF, take up the cross and follow Him.

Mistakes if not well utilised can kill; Judas Iscariot couldn't rewrite his wrong and he forgot of redemption; amid his relationship with Christ for three years, all he could do was kill himself.

Are you regretting all those mistakes you made? Cast all your cares on God!

Your future is pregnant; you choose either to abort or deliver it successfully, which ever way is your choice but if you ask me, I'll say "don't abort it".

Replace all your wasted years with fruitful living. Our God is a restorer. As you sit back and reflect on the years you've wasted; it is obvious that time won't reverse but your tomorrow is Virgin; you can choose to make her a foolish or wise virgin.

Happy Christmas from all of us at the blog.


Share with us in the comment box what 2018 taught you, I'll publish your lessons subsequently.

Happy Weekend!

According to Apostle Joshua Selman, 

Relationships are advantageous connections with mutual benefit; it can be human or divine.

 This definition has been my experience and it has triggered me to keep and maintain strategic relationship with God and Man.

Relationship is a pathway to success, nevertheless strategic relationships are the right association to build; 

When Jesus was about to begin His ministry, He made strategic relationships with men of various professions. Also, before He made relationship with men, he kept a relationship with God; because the healthier your relationship with God is the predictable your success. 

The scripture admonishes us to be at Peace with all men because the major ingredient for success is favour, and relationship can access it.

You've already made plans for 2019, I advice that keeping and maintaining strategic relationship should be one of the core goals.

Relationship Quotes!

~ Brain capital without relationship capital cannot be fruitful.

~ Without relationships, your finance will be finite.

~ Relationship is a value adding investment.

~ Nobody is born with relationship and intimacy by default; you work for it. 

~ Relationship can give you access where your qualifications cannot enter.

~ Relationship is a currency.

~ Relationship is a stream of income.

NB: The above quotes were made by Apostle Joshua Selman. 

  "I have friends who I run to anytime I want my ideas to come to life. I have friends I run to when I need a shoulder to cry on. I have friends who care about my spiritual needs. I have friends whom I've learnt a lot from and many more. These are some associations I've been blessed with! 

Review your relationships because an Eagle doesn't work with chickens. As you review your relationships don't look down on people because a phone of 1 Million Naira needs a SIM card of 100 Naira to be more useful.

Value People!

Invest in Relationships!

#BlessedByAssociation

We learn, unlearn and relearn a lot from experiences; especially our mistakes, nevertheless life is too short to make all the mistakes by ourselves. Today I'll be sharing with you five mistakes made by five biblical characters.
1. NOAH
Noah found grace in God's sight, He was used by God to deliver the earth from the wickedness therein. After he effectively delivered the earth and God blessed him. Genesis 9:21 recorded that, Noah got so intoxicated with wine and he became DRUNK.

"Be ye not drunk with wine..." 

Noah's mistake caused him a lot!

2. ABRAHAM
Scripture records a lot about the "friend of God", how he exhibited moral virtues including obedience. But Abraham placed Sarah's purity at risk because of his narrow minded selfish concern for his own life ( See Genesis 12:10-20). Abraham also committed ADULTERY with Hagar.

3. JACOB
Jacob's woman introduced him into the world of deceit and he received a whole lot through lies. If you want to be an influential Christian, it's important that you establish a track record of telling the truth. (See Genesis 27:8-29)

5. MOSES
God used Moses for the deliverance of the Israelites but ANGER and LACK OF SELF CONTROL hindered him from entering the promise land. Moses experiences teaches us not to give in to our emotions.

These characters maintained their positions in God's sight through repentance. Have you made same mistakes already? You have a chance to make it right with God through repentance and resolve that you'll perpetually abstain from them. This post is successful today because men made mistakes through their actions; our loudest voice is our character.
  We've prioritized the "Gift of the Holy Spirit" over the fruits; both are important, I advice you desire the fruits of the Holy Spirit because the opposite of it is the fruit of the unholy spirit.
Selah!
PS: To be continued!

*To the GIRL CHILD*

Imagine how much more advanced the society would be if women who comprise half  the world's brain power, were socially and intellectually enfranchised from the beginning of Civilization.- Prince Ponfa Miri

To the girl child, you're stronger than you think.

The Bible states clearly that God created the woman(female) to be a helper to man (male). Come to think of it, who's actually stronger? The woman (helper)  or the man (helped). I'll leave that for you to ponder on but have this in mind, one who helps is stronger than the one helped.

Just because they say it's a  world ruled by men that doesn't mean we can't aim to rule the world. Anyways I believe that will happen.

I frown at the way girls are being raped day in day out; girls as young as 3years, thereby crashing their self-esteem. I frown at how girls are denied involvement in conversations that determine their future.
I frown at the fact that girls are not allowed to talk in some meetings, they just sit to listen because they are "female" and cannot contribute. I frown when the society sees victims of sexual assault as normal or when the society fixate in the mind of young girls that no matter what they do they'll still end up in the kitchen.
I frown at some parents who believe and instill in their girls that they have nothing to offer to the society. I frown at practices where during certain times girls are not to be shook or hugged. I frown at the many other ills against the girl child.

From all these and more, I can tell you that it all falls back to the mindset. The mindset of; the society, our parents, our male counterparts and the girl child.

One of my SMART goals  is to change this narrative; change this wrong mindset. The mindset that's eating deep into the fabrics of the society. The mindset  that keeps the girl child at number 2 always. The mindset that girls are not worthy of certain positions in the society. The mindset that the girl child is meant to end up in the kitchen. The mindset that girls abused cannot participate actively in societal development; the stigmatization.

To the girls who have lost faith in themselves because of what the society have made them believe about themselves,  I'm boldly saying you're strong, you can make a difference!

To the girls who've been faced with many challenges or issues and have not backed out or given up on life, keep the faith alive!

To all the ladies inspiring and innovating all over the world, keep soaring!

To the parents who at every moment tend to remind their girls always that the kitchen is their place; your daughters can go beyond the kitchen.

To the society that has instilled the mindset of mediocrity to the girl child; it's high time the narrative is rewritten.

To our male counterparts, there is a competition coming up.

When you train a woman you train a nation.

I'm a girl
I'm strong
I can achieve anything I want to achieve, I just have to believe.
It's not a mistake I was born a girl, I'm happy and proud.

Okoko Patricia writes from Jos, Nigeria!

** In commemoration of Johnstone's blog associate editor's ( Okoko Patricia) birthday!
We at the blog celebrate and appreciate your sacrifices! Happy Birthday Ma'am.

" As a man thinketh, so is he "

Apostle Joshua Selman teaches that " mindset is a pattern of thinking based on an information".
Our mindsets are so powerful that they are inlets and outlets in the spirit realm; it'll amaze you to learn that ' a physical and spiritual climate of a territory is a reflection of the mindset of the people or person therein".
Somehow, " God has no limit in his dealings with man; but he is limited by man's thought patterns". From this reflection we will realise  that all men are not " equal " because our quality and relevance is determined by our ideology(ies). So, no matter how anointed you are; if your mindset is not of Christ, your Christian life will be barren.
What do our mindset do?;
* Our mindset is the principal motivator of our response to life issues
* Our mindset also sponsors our interpretations to life's event
Let's not forget that our life revolves around the quality of our ideology(ies). So we are helplessly a slave of our ideology(ies).
Our mindset should be that of Christ, because if you want to live effectively you must realise that life is not just a gift but a trust as well.
According to Apostle Selman, mindsets are formed via;
• Culture
• Level of exposure
• Association
• Family background
• Past experiences
• Failures and limitations
Hmmmmm... How is your climate like? Recognise and admit your mindset. Fight your mindset if your climate is not what reflects God desire for you.

God said, " bear much fruits that will last ".

Replace the information you've been feeding on with the right one. Even as you walk on your path to success, always remember that failure and set backs are inevitable.(See James 1:2-3).

"... wisdom is justified by her children",         

 you can't claim you have a right mindset because time will reveal what your idealogy(ies) is or are!
As you ponder on your present position, pray for the mind of Christ to perfect you. Don't forget that perfection comes through obedience.
Selah!



PS: This month is my blogs' one year " Blogversary ", thanks for always been there, you can send in your goodwill message at the comment section. Thanks!