Surviving on Grace

'Only asleep'

2011-09-08T10:39:00.002+01:00

Matt 9: 23-24

"When Jesus arrived at the official's home, he noticed the noisy crowds and heard the funeral music. He said "Go away, for the girl isn't dead: she's only asleep." But the crowd laughed at him."

Someone called Alex* dead when his father died and he couldn't afford to pay his fees.
Someone called Joy* dead after five years of marriage and no child.
Someone called Precious* dead after years of having her heart broken, and not finding the right man.

Someone may call you dead because you have been facing a particular problem or challenge for years now. Someone may call you dead because you are struggling. To be declared 'Dead' means to be trapped in a situation or circumstance, unable to get out.

However.........

Those who think you are 'dead' should hear what Jesus says concerning your situation "This Child isn't dead, he/she is only sleeping."

You are coming out of that situation a winner, God is giving you a story that men will marvel at!!!
He saves!

Prayer:

I thank you father because by your power and in the name of Jesus you are turning things around in my life. Every dry bone will live again. I will praise you and declare your marvelous works in my life in the land of the living in Jesus name.Amen.

His peace. My love.
Chichi

MAMA

2011-08-10T09:45:00.003+01:00

I thank God for my mother, a woman so full of wisdom and counsel. A woman who is just a phone call away, she knows when I just need a listening ear, she knows when I need to be encouraged or reminded of God's promises. She is someone I can speak my heart to, cryptically or bluntly and God constantly heals the bruises of my heart and spirit with her words.

I Love you mama, my bestfriend :)

Thoughts in my head....

2011-06-29T23:17:00.003+01:00

Life happens, and if you do not take note it passes you by really quickly. It is good to just sit in the moment or second and savour peace, joy, balance, silence, love, hope. I think we get over our good moments too quickly and we stay down lots longer. Life passes through us, it changes us affects us, influences us, breaks us and makes us but seldom do we pass through life. We live for our seleves and forget about the others, those who have not what we take for granted or deem as common. My level of grace won’t permit me to sit with a mentally unstable person because I have a sound mind but it will permit me to serve or make myself available in another form, perhaps cheer someone up who feels discouraged. Joy is about focusing on God, not things not people because things come and go, people come and go…. But my dear, God is always.

Life is something even movies do not communicate no matter how hard they try. Life is unexpected, it happens so fast. Good moments give way to the bad and the bad bows again to the good times. Like the sun and moon they switch, each serving its purpose in our lives, each showing us how great our God is as a helper and a deliverer. Jackie Kennedy Onasis said ‘life is a mixture of the good and bad, you can’t have one without the other.’ Dwell longer on moments of victories, consider the battles won in life before because good times will give way to the difficult times… but both seasons point us to our God.

His peace. My love

Chi chi

Its not you its HIM

2011-04-28T10:59:00.003+01:00

Gal 1: 15, Paul says something that hit me so hard in my heart "... He called me through (his) grace."

Sometimes we forget that it has nothing to do with us, not really. I am not saved because I have an amazing voice that gives people a glimpse of heaven whenever I sing. I am not loved by God because I am perfect, and get it right every second of every moment. God did not call me because I was 'right'.... even the bible says while I was yet in SIN, he died (loved) for me.

Today lets remember this, God loves us not because of us but in spite of us, and he has called us to be his through grace... nothing else. Its all about GRACE people.... its always about GRACE.

Keep surviving on his grace.

INTERLUDE

2010-09-24T11:20:00.006+01:00

Interlude

"She stands on the shore awaiting her ship,
she has been stranded on this island for so long; it is time for a journey to continue but in a lot of ways begin.

She can hardly breathe as she sees her ship in sight, the end is near,she whispers to herself 'the end is near'

With a trembling heart and eager hands, with moist eyes and a multitude of emotions washing over her...

She watches as her ship gets closer, "It will be beautiful to begin again..."

"Give me the faith to walk in freedom and victory"

2010-07-06T10:40:00.001+01:00

When the Soul Bleeds

Sharon Jaynes

Today's Truth
"Do you want to get well?" (John 5:6b NIV).

Friend to Friend
When we read the story of Jesus healing the woman who had been bleeding for twelve years, it is hard for us twenty-first century women to imagine such a condition lasting for so long. Medical science has progressed far beyond the rudimentary knowledge of Jesus' day. It is simply unthinkable today.

But I suggest there are still many women with chronic bleeding of a different sort. We bleed from the heart.

From the time Sarah was six-years-old, her father crept into her bedroom in the dark of night and violated her little body. Now, as an adult, her heart bleeds.

When Beth was walking to her dorm room from the college library, a man jumped from behind the bushes, and dragged her to a nearby shed and raped her at knife-point. Now, ten years later, her heart bleeds.

After twenty-years of marriage, Lucy accidentally stumbled upon an in-town hotel receipt in her husband's wallet. Suspecting the worse, she uncovered past e-mails, supposed meetings that never occurred and a trail of deceit. When presented with the evidence, her husband admitted having a three-year long affair. And her heart bleeds.

Margaret's routine physical reveals that she has AIDS. She had only been with one man her entire life - her husband. And her heart bleeds.

Laura was laid off from her job and her mother's words re-emerge like sewage leakage from an underground septic tank. "You're no good. You'll never amount to anything. You're a loser just like your father." And because of the lies, her heart bleeds.

Melissa holds her newborn little girl in her arms and coos her to sleep. Interrupting the sweetness of the wee hours of the morning, she hears her aborted child crying from the grave. Guilt presses down as the ever-present weight deflates her joy. And her heart bleeds.

Women - hoping the pain will go away; awakening each day with a memory that cuts a fresh wound. Women - longing to hear the words "Go in peace and be freed from your suffering."

The woman with the issue of blood was no different from you and me. While her apparent illness was physical, her inward suffering ruled her life. But in one radical moment, with one momentous decision, she reached out to Jesus and grabbed hold of her healing.

Mark used specific words to describe our friend with the issue of blood. She "suffered greatly" and she was "afflicted." These are the same words that were used of Jesus during his last days on earth (Mark 8:32, 9:12). The same words Isaiah spoke when he prophesied of Jesus' death (Isaiah 53:7). Jesus understood her suffering more than she knew. As the blood flowed from her body and rendered her unclean, Jesus knew the blood that would soon flow from his body to cleanse us all.

He wants to set us free from our suffering, but he will not push us out of the cell. He unlocks the jail cell, but we must walk out the door. We can choose to bleed. We can choose to remain in our suffering and pick at the scabs of the past, but hear me dear friend - it is a choice. Jesus said, "I have come that they might have life and have it to the full" (John 10:10). That's what he wants for each of us. But we have to embrace the truth and, like the woman with the twelve-year-bleeding, reach for our healing.

In John, chapter five, Jesus encounters a lame man sitting by a pool of water where the paralyzed, blind, and afflicted gathered. They believed that when the waters were stirred by supposed angels, the first one in the pool would be healed. For thirty-eight years this man sat in his sickness.

Then Jesus walked up to him and asked a strange question, "Do you want to get well?" (John 5:6b).

Perhaps it was not such a strange question after all. Many times we get used to being sick and wear it like a shroud. motionally we are the walking wounded - victims who pick as scabs - not allowing them to heal.

Jesus said to the woman, "Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering." That is the same healing he offers to you and to me.

Let's Pray
Dear God, I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. I reach forward today, touch the hem of Your garment, and receive my healing. Yes, I want to get well. Give me the faith to walk in freedom and victory.

In Jesus' Name,
Amen.

The Slum-dog Millionaire Effect

2010-03-17T15:12:00.006Z

Romans 8:28 (NLT): "And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God and are fitting into his plans.

Don't scream in shock but I watched the infamous Slum-dog Millionaire movie for the first time early this year! I asked you not to scream now :)
The narrative of the film is so moving, I was close to tears at some point; it is a powerful film to say the least. What I found particularly interesting was how all the horrible experiences the protagonist had gone through aided him in answeing all the questions and winning the game show Who wants to be Millionaire. If you have seen this movie you will understand what I have just said, if you haven't seen this movie, what I am about to say will still make sense.

The Bible verse quoted above is a famous one, a christian favorite. It is a verse that brings comfort in the midst of trouble, and brings peace in the midst of chaotic events; the assurance that things will work out eventually births within us peace even if it is just for a moment.
Why do bad things happen to good people? this is a question I have pondered on so many occasions, many times I was referring to someone else, other times I was referring to myself.
Why this? Why that?
The verse above says if we love God, and we are walking in line with his plan for our lives (seeking his will) then ALL things that happen to us will turn out for our good. The temptation is to ask How?

Back to the movie Slum-dog Millionaire How for example was the death of the protagonist mother going to give him an answer to a question on the game show?

You and I don't know how God is going to do turn that pain into laughter, turn that difficulty into a testimony, but his word says if we love him we can be sure that such alterations are possible.
So let us strengthen our faith, let us pray for God's kind of peace to fill our hearts because God's word to us is that 'The pain has a purpose'. It is all coming together.

His peace my love.

Dear Daddy,

2010-03-10T10:08:00.001Z

I am thinking of you today,
Missing you, feeling like I have been away.
There was a song this morning that brought tears to my eye, it was Kurt Carr’s ‘I Almost Let Go’
Every time I listen to that song something deep within me is affected because Lord, I know, and I know you know what we have been through, you know the truth that if not for you I won’t be here, ‘I’m here because of God’s mercy’ that was one of the lines in the song, and I know it to be true.
I am thinking of you today, missing you, feeling like I have been away,
Just want to remind you that I love you, and thank you for another day where I am reminded of just how significant you are to my life.

Love
Chichi

When your heart needs a father

2010-01-19T21:25:00.000Z

The Living Room:
When Your Heart Needs a Father

by Max Lucado
"Our Father who is in heaven …” With these words Jesus escorts us into the Great House of God. Shall we follow him? There is so much to see. Every room reveals his heart, every stop will soothe your soul. And no room is as essential as this one we enter first. Walk behind him as he leads us into God’s living room.
Sit in the chair that was made for you and warm your hands by the fire which never fades. Take time to look at the framed photos and find yours. Be sure to pick up the scrapbook and find the story of your life. But please, before any of that, stand at the mantle and study the painting which hangs above it.
Your Father treasures the portrait. He has hung it where all can see.
Stand before it a thousand times and each gaze is as fresh as the first. Let a million look at the canvas and each one will see himself. And each will be right.
Captured in the portrait is a tender scene of a father and a son. Behind them is a great house on a hill. Beneath their feet is a narrow path. Down from the house the father has run. Up the trail the son has trudged. The two have met, here, at the gate.
We can’t see the face of the son; it’s buried in the chest of his father. No, we can’t see his face, but we can see his tattered robe and stringy hair. We can see the mud on the back of his legs, the filth on his shoulders and the empty purse on the ground. At one time the purse was full of money. At one time the boy was full of pride. But that was a dozen taverns ago. Now both the purse and the pride are depleted. The prodigal offers no gift or explanation. All he offers is the smell of pigs and a rehearsed apology: “Father, I have sinned against God and done wrong to you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son” (Luke 15:21).
He feels unworthy of his birthright. “Demote me. Punish me. Take my name off the mailbox and my initials off the family tree. I am willing to give up my place at your table.” The boy is content to be a hired hand. There is only one problem. Though the boy is willing to stop being a son, the father is not willing to stop being a father.
Though we can’t see the boy’s face in the painting, we can’t miss the father’s. Look at the tears glistening on the leathered cheeks, the smile shining through the silver beard. One arm holds the boy up so he won’t fall, the other holds the boy close so he won’t doubt.
“Hurry!” he shouts. “Bring the best clothes and put them on him. Also, put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. And get our fat calf and kill it so we can have a feast and celebrate. My son was dead, but now he is alive again! He was lost but now he is found!” (Luke 15:22–24).
How these words must have stunned the young man, “My son was dead …” He thought he’d lost his place in the home. After all, didn’t he abandon his father? Didn’t he waste his inheritance? The boy assumed he had forfeited his privilege to sonship. The father, however, doesn’t give up that easily. In his mind, his son is still a son. The child may have been out of the house, but he was never out of his father’s heart. He may have left the table, but he never left the family. Don’t miss the message here. You may be willing to stop being God’s child. But God is not willing to stop being your Father.

Faithfully

2010-01-10T21:46:00.008Z

I remember a song now by a gospel group Katinas (hope i spelt that right) called Faithfully, as you guessed it is a song singing about God's faithfulness and how he shows up every time. I remember the song now as I have just finished reading Daniel chapter 6. for those who need their memories refreshed, it is the chapter where Daniel is thrown into the lions den because he prayed to God and not to the King as the decree had demanded. it is ironic how we get into trouble for doing the right things. how making the right decision can look like we made a colossal mistake, how saying the right thing turns you into public enemy. We have heard how the wrong things can get us into trouble, but dare I say even the right things do too.

God did not turn up when Daniel was reported to the King, God did not show up when Daniel was being dragged to the lions den. God did not show up when a stone was rolled over the den to prevent anyone from rescuing him (vs17). If I was Daniel I would be worried, I would wonder 'where is God? can't he see me again!!'
What am I saying, I do get that way with God. one disappointment after the other, one trial after the other, one pain after the other. and I wonder, where is God? can't he see me again? why am I going through all this if he loves me.

in Daniel's story, we don't get to read how the angel did shut the lions mouth. we don't get to see what happened but like the King we are elated to see that God came through!! God will go anywhere you are. Just as we don't see what happened with the angel and the lions, we don't always get to see what God is working on behind close doors. You don't know how close you are to receiving your miracle.

my mother said to me somedays ago 'things aren't always as they seem my dear.'

And I tell you the same thing, it may look like you have fallen off God's radar, it may look like he can't hear you or worse he has stopped listening. But things aren't always as they seem.

listen to what King Darius said about Daniel's God:
vs 27" He rescues and saves his people; he performs miraculous signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth."

Guess what, that is your God too, the God of Daniel is your God too!!
things aren't always as they seem, he sees you, he loves you and he is coming to get you out and set you up!!
This year resolve in your heart to believe and trust in him 100%

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

He spoke to me then...

2009-12-09T21:39:00.005Z

When the dark cloud closes in
HAVE FAITH
When all around you speaks a loss not a win
HAVE FAITH
When your tears ever flow before his throne
HAVE FAITH
When you feel abandoned like he's left you on your own
HAVE FAITH
When questions abound more than answers
HAVE FAITH
When others are celebrating and you're still waiting it out
HAVE FAITH
When all he tells you is what you can't do
HAVE FAITH
....
Remember the grave and the Resurrection?
SO JUST HAVE FAITH.

Giving Thanks:

2009-12-04T14:16:00.002Z

For God has said: 'I will never, never, fail you or forsake you'
Hebrews 13:5

Heavenly father I thank you for this promise, for being a God who would never fail me. For being a God I can rely on. I thank you Daddy because your word says that even in my unfaithfulness you remain faithful. I thank you for loving me with an unconditional love, david said he would 'Hope in your unfailing love'.

Father Today I hope in your unfailing love, it is because you love me that I would not be consumed, it because you love me that you will supply all my needs according to your riches in glory. it is because you love me that anything I ask in your name you will do for me in accordance with your will for my life.
daddy thank you for having a plan for my life. a plan that is of good and not evil. thank you for my end is greater than my beginning! yes, Lord thank you for the interest you have in my well being.

I thank you Lord for who you are, for it is because of who you are that I am victorious and I have hope for more victories.
Accept my heartfelt thanks in Jesus name.
Amen.

What are YOU thankful for?

My Psalm

2009-11-18T11:15:00.002Z

Your Love For Me dey KOKOROKO.

THANK YOU JESUS.

DON'T KNOW WHY, BUT THANK YOU!

The Story of a Screwdriver and my chair

2009-11-10T15:50:00.004Z

Ahem... once upon a time, :)

My room in school has so many things 'wrong', first its smaller compared to others, the carpet is a dark blue so it does not take long before it is screaming for a vacuum cleaner. that's my room, I love it though.

My Chair is a different story, this is the chair I sit on when I am working on my reading table. the problem with this wonderful chair is there is a particular screw that keeps coming undone every other day. The downside is that when this screw comes undone, a two arm-chair becomes a one arm chair. Now this used to upset me especially because I did not have a screw driver, so whenever the screw began to come undone I would worry, panic be totally peeved. One of my flat mates even laughed at me one day when she saw my now one-arm chair, then something happened and this is the something that God spoke to me about that I want to remember.

One day the same flat mate that laughed at me gave me a screw-driver, I needed it after-all. Before I would use a knife to get the screw back in its place, but now I had a screwdriver the perfect tool. would you believe that even though I have used the screw driver the screw still comes undone every now again. But the difference is when it comes undone I do not worry, I just reach out for the screw driver and screw it back in!!

Even though You and I have accepted Jesus into our lives, we still have off days, maybe I am the only one who has those kind of days when I wonder if I am saved at all. But even when we fall short, come undone just like the screw driver, You and I do not need to worry or panic, all we need do is go to Jesus and he will get us back on the right track, set us straight if you will.

I heard God say in my heart a second ago as i was working on my chair agin with the screw driver. He said:
"whenever the screw of this chair comes undone, you do not panic because you have the screw driver to help fix it, so why do you panic when you come undone when you have Jesus."

Jesus can fix whatever 'screw' has come undone in my life, and in yours.

His peace my Love
ChiChi

The Truth 2

2009-11-03T17:02:00.003Z

When you look at your life
Comparing it to No one's
You will find that
You're truly blest:
You're satisfied.

The Evolution

2009-10-27T20:41:00.003Z

Swimming against the current;
Loving when I should Despise,
Giving when I should Withhold
Being there when I should be absent
Forgiving even before being asked to.
Embracing Integrity even when it would cost me.

Swimming against the current of my Humanness
Swimming against the current of my Unrefined Self
This is what it means to grow,
when one swims against the current that wrestles with their Soul.

T.M (C)

The Truth

2009-10-20T20:15:00.003+01:00

I pondered on a thought that lead to this personal realization, to my truth:

I do not pursue a relationship with God because I am perfect,

I seek Him because I am in need of Perfecting.

After all those who are well have no need for the Physician.
Matt9:12

Selah

2009-10-12T12:55:00.002+01:00

"So don't be afraid little flock. For it gives your Father

GREAT HAPPINESS

to give you the Kingdom."

Luke 12:32

You won't be hungry for much longer...

Love Is in the Little Things TOO:

2009-10-09T08:48:00.004+01:00

Apostle Paul said this: "If I gave everything I have to poor people, and if I were burned alive for preaching the Gospel but didn't love others it would be of no value whatever." 1 cor 13:3

A lot of us are familiar with the grand gestures of LOVE, but what of the little things, a smile, a listening ear... the little things do matter.
I read the message below and I was truly inspired and blest, I HOPE you are too:

Your Kindness Quotient

by Max Lucado
How kind are you? What is your kindness quotient? When was the last time you did something kind for someone in your family—e.g., got a blanket, cleaned off the table, prepared the coffee—without being asked?
Think about your school or workplace. Which person is the most overlooked or avoided? A shy student? A grumpy employee? Maybe he doesn’t speak the language. Maybe she doesn’t fit in. Are you kind to this person?
Kind hearts are quietly kind. They let the car cut into traffic and the young mom with three kids move up in the checkout line. They pick up the neighbor’s trash can that rolled into the street. And they are especially kind at church. They understand that perhaps the neediest person they’ll meet all week is the one standing in the foyer or sitting on the row behind them in worship. Paul writes: “When we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it. But we should give special attention to those who are in the family of believers” (Gal. 6:10).
And, here is a challenge—what about your enemies? With the boss who fired you or the wife who left you. Suppose you surprised them with kindness? Not easy? No, it’s not. But mercy is the deepest gesture of kindness. Paul equates the two. “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Eph. 4:32 NKJV). Jesus said:
Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you.… If you love only the people who love you, what praise should you get? … [L]ove your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without hoping to get anything back. Then you will have a great reward, and you will be children of the Most High God, because he is kind even to people who are ungrateful and full of sin. Show mercy, just as your Father shows mercy. (Luke 6:27–28, 32, 35–36)
Kindness at home. Kindness in public. Kindness at church and kindness with your enemies. Pretty well covers the gamut, don’t you think? Almost. Someone else needs your kindness. Who could that be? You.
Since he is so kind to us, can’t we be a little kinder to ourselves? Oh, but you don’t know me, Max. You don’t know my faults and my thoughts. You don’t know the gripes I grumble and the complaints I mumble. No, I don’t, but he does. He knows everything about you, yet he doesn’t hold back his kindness toward you. Has he, knowing all your secrets, retracted one promise or reclaimed one gift?
No, he is kind to you. Why don’t you be kind to yourself? He forgives your faults. Why don’t you do the same? He thinks tomorrow is worth living. Why don’t you agree? He believes in you enough to call you his ambassador, his follower, even his child. Why not take his cue and believe in yourself?
Be kind to yourself. God thinks you’re worth his kindness. And he’s a good judge of character.

Epilogue

2009-10-03T15:44:00.005+01:00

Thank God for everything; I am here again by the grace of God, I keep taking long breaks whenever I go to NIgeria its about time someone asked me 'whats up with that?' anyway God willing no disappearing act, and by his grace messages that would inspire and bless ME.. and then you. Me first because I too need to be taught, be feed by him, and it is what he graciously gives me that i can share.

Summer was a testimony, hiccups here and there, but God was faithful and gracious none the less. I am in my final year @ Uni!! thank you Lord, never thought it would come so soon, so much to be done... His grace is sufficient.

Anyway hope y'all have been well,

Believer I don't know when my first post would be, but hopefully a word comes soon.
***********************************************************************************************************************

"This was God's plan which he had made long ago; he knew all this would happen." Acts 2:23

Ever wondered 'why is this happening to me?'; ever asked "God if you knew I will face this why did you let it?' sometimes these BIG questions get a silence from God, not that he has ignored you or that he has not heard your query, or your tears, but because There is a Plan. There is a Plan. The book of Jeremiah 29:11 says God has a plan for you and I; a plan for GOOD and not for EVIL.
The plan may not have been for things to get to tangled up and murky but the murky and the tangled up must surrender to the plan of God.

I am never prepared for a lot of the 'all that happen', but Acts 2:23 says "He knew...'
I am not prepared for this battle, this mountain, but God not only knew there would be this challenge, he knew I would not be ready for it because there was no way of me seeing it before hand.
No one likes to be taken unawares, someone drops by to visit without informing you they were coming or that they had no intention of leaving your home that day, such little things get most of us all worked up and bothered, How much more the BIG things, when life happens, when people leave, when you come face to face with your imperfection or fallibleness, what do we do when the unexpected happens? what do I do? I cry and agonize, and query God... and take a large dose of self-pity.
But;

what CAN I do when the unexpected happens? what CAN you do?
we can claim the Peace of God, claim his strength and divine ability.

we can remind ourselves that it is not about us, never, but it is about God, the devil won't bother with you if you didn't have God on your side, that is why God said the 'Battle is His.'

when we are faced with the unexpected, Act 2:23 encourages us to relax, God is prepared to see us through it, one day at a time, one step at a time.
His peace.

Chichi

2009-06-29T15:23:00.002+01:00

Greetings people. I am currently in Nigeria and its been one thing after another. But am good thank God (for those of u having sleepless nights. LOL).

hope all is well with you all. you are all in my prayers.

lots of love.
chichi

A reminder for me & anyone else...

2009-05-27T11:14:00.002+01:00

I had resigned myself to nothing... really, sadly. I was at that place where I had done everything I could have done and yet nothing was changing, as far as I could see anyway.

So as usual that day I dressed up to go no where, I sat in my bedroom, and if I remember correctly I was entertaining myself, singing, day -dreaming... doing my best not to go there, there being to the land of dark, discouraging thoughts. and then it happend.

My sister, burst into the room and begins to scream "you got it! Mum just collected it." I could not believe it! one minute I am lying on my bed the next I am holding my sister we are laughing and then I begin to cry, like really cry and my sister begins to cry too. and we just stand there holding each other. crying.

I wish I could tell you how long you had to go through the wait, the pain, Just two weeks left, another night to go. I wish God did tell us that :)

In this present pain know this, you will praise him yet again. you may feel like your floating now, going through the motions, unseen and unheard by Him who loves you. But he is closer now more than ever.

psalm 126:1 "When the Lord restored his exiles to Jerusalem it was like a dream"

psalm 42: 5 &11 " Why am I so discouraged? Why am I so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again- My Saviour, my God

psalm 18: 16-17: "You reached down from heaven and rescued me; he drew me out of deep waters. He delivered me from my powerful enemies, from those who hated me and were too strong for me."

psalm 125:1 " Those who trust in the Lord are as secure as Mount Zion: they will not be defeated but will endure forever."

What am trying to say is God got our back no matter how things look now, irrespective of how we feel.

chichi

A prayer for the heavy heart:

2009-05-19T22:42:00.003+01:00

Father in heaven, I worship you and give you praise for you alone are God, and forever you are worthy.
Lord Jesus you know pain both the physical and the emotional, your hands were pierced, you were beaten so much you could barely walk, barely stand straight. at the time you needed your friends they left, the moment you needed your Father he looked away.
It's funny how so many times we feel you can't understand a heavy heart, we feel you can't understand fear and pain... when there is that picture of you praying so passionately and fervently at gethsemane. That's why you are the ideal high priest of your people.

Jesus friend of the broken hearted, and the weary soul, You who is the God of all comfort. you who understands when no one else can... you who never belittles our pain, doubts or fears. Jesus I ask you to stay close just as you said in your word that you are close to the broken hearted... I ask that tonight you will wipe every tear, and sedate every restless and stressed spirit.

I ask Lord that you will offer counsel, peace and strength. Just when we begin to believe we can't go on...Jesus empower us from within.

Help me to be more sensitive to the needs and pains of others around me. I believe in you Jesus,

Thank you Lord because you never turn away a seeker. Give us your strength O Lord, and testimony, For we belong to you, we believe in you Jesus. You Can bring us out for you are a deliverer. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

still on the prodigal son...

2009-05-11T10:10:00.003+01:00

In the parable of the prodigal son, we are told that when he returned home, his father rejoiced and changed his clothing, he gave him a beautiful robe for his drab, stained and stinky attire.

that is exactly what our Father in heaven does for us, that is what he did for us on calvary.

Jesus took it all, and everyday till the day he returns to us he takes it all, all our shameful acts, all our vile and negativity, and he gives us who he is, he makes us worthy of him, by placing his glory upon us!!

we all fall down, make mistakes, run away from his wisdom to find our way...

we all fall down, But our Father is rooting for our rising up, our coming home.

There is no act too great for his Love or his Blood.

"But sin didn't and doesn't, have a chance in the competition with the aggressive forgiveness we call grace. When it is sin versus grace, GRACE wins hands down." ( The Message Bible)

keep surviving on grace.

chichi.

2009-05-07T16:45:00.005+01:00

I was talking to Believer ( can't get this link thing sorted!!) on sunday, and sharing with her the message from the preacher in my church; a message on discouragement and finding solace in God.

Today, my mind wandered to the story of the prodigal son, and something in me connected with him so much. having a father who is so powerful, so well-to-do, can hook you up to the latest concerts, front row seats to everything, so huge a persona that you can actually call Bill Gates' Billy' to his face if I might add and get away with it!!

There was this young man seeing how great his father was, and feeling that his father was not utilizing his 'authority' enough; I wonder if the son's thoughts were 'Let me have my share of money then I can live the way a King's son is suppose to.' the bible records that he got his wish, and decided to live it up, parties, events, exotic locations... just the way royalty should live.

and then what happened. he went dry, both financially and other-wise, the brother was not just broke in pocket, he was broke in spirit; and he decided 'I'm going back home.'

sometimes, I do feel like i know better than God, I know right? crazzzzyyy! but I do, especially since by profession I am a writer, so I go 'God if i was writing the story of my life... I won't let X and Y happen'; I do think, God with all your power: blast this, do that, give Y, take O... and on, and on. I cry out " why the discipline?", "why the waiting?"

like the prodigal son, I am tempted to think that I am better off away from my Father's side, away from his rein and control.

But like the prodigal son, I come to my senses and decide "there is no place like home."

I choose to remain in his shadows.

I hope you do too.

"Those who live in the shelter of the Most High, will find rest in the shadows of the Almighty." Ps91:1

"Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." John 16:33

keep surviving on grace.

chichi.

words of hope

2009-04-29T11:14:00.002+01:00

this is something I wrote in 2006, reading it today was rather comforting.

Blessed, Broken and Given.

Who needs this word more than I do? We all do because we all go through life in need of encouragement, a “pick-me-up” a “life-line” you dig? So the answer to my question is everyone; everyone needs this word maybe more than I do, maybe as much as I do; may not be for today but for someday.
You know how puzzles come; scattered, disjointed, looking so senseless … am talking about those picture ones. On the case there is a picture of how it is to look; Mickey and Minnie mouse smiling in their convertible… and you can’t even figure where to begin; you cannot make sense out of any of the puzzle pieces.
The word of God is that case; telling you that you are blessed, you have all you need, it is well with your soul, your future is wonderful, good things are in store for you; you will find love, get healed name it … it’s a book of positive promises but your life is the pieces of the puzzle- it feels empty, hopeless, without, troubled, shattered, un mended and worst of it feels impossible that your life is the same life pictured on that case { in the bible}.

Blessed, the bible tells us this ‘blessed is the man who trusts in the lord” to be blessed means to be anointed, special, favored, honored made enviable. You are blessed, and that is always the truth even when circumstance speaks a different word let your final word be this; the word of God- you are a special, favored, honored and anointed person hallelujah! There is no curse on you, you are not unlucky, and there is no reproach in your life present or in future. God has blessed you and no one or nothing can take that calling away from you.

Broken, the word says that God disciplines those he loves. John 16 vs. 33b says: “in this world you will have trouble’. Apostle Paul wrote ‘fight the good fight of faith’. We will be broken by life-we can not run or hide away from that. There will be troubles; there will be fights to keep faith. You will feel weary, doubtful, scared about when it will get better; nights... long nights of discomfort. Some of you are here in your lives; some of you can remember this place from your past; we have all been broken by life- we all will at one time or the other. Are you ready to breathe a sigh of relief? Yes? Let’s read Romans 8 vs. 28 ‘and we know that all things work for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose’ and 1cor 2:9 ‘No eye has seen nor ears heard nor mind conceived what God plans for those who love him’. I told you to expect a sigh of relief. Isn’t this scripture just beautiful, more beautiful because it is the truth for any situation or circumstance a lover of God finds themselves in! you may be broken today be assured that brokenness is your testimony tomorrow- as long as you love God you will smile at the end. Now I know how cliché that sounds but believe me he who gave this word (all of scripture is God given) is faithful everyday and will surely perfect it.

Given, the lord commanded us in his word “be holy as I am holy’. At the end of the trial, tribulation, or test we come out closer to our purpose than before- Romans 8 vs. 29 says “... For whom God foreknew he predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his son (Jesus)”. The ultimate purpose of every believer is to be more like Christ; to shed off the sin the weight that hinders us from being so. Every situation has a plan in your life and that is to make you more like the one who died for you on Calvary; to make you more full of faith and more faithful, more compassionate to others, more sensitive to his spirit, for him to be more lord of your life, for you to be more courageous , more holy, more at peace , more joyous, more worthy … at the end of it all you will be more than, you will be so much more than you were before the process came along.

If you want to cry, cry; but cry because it hurts not because you lack faith: for without faith it is impossible to win.
Christ will comfort us, counsel us, carry us, care for us, conquer for us- he will, he surely will.

And may the grace of our lord Jesus Christ the love of God and the sweet fellowship of his spirit rest and abide with us. In Jesus name Amen.

chichi

surviving on grace

2009-04-26T00:18:00.003+01:00

A psalm of Chichi:

"You're my home:
The rain falls wildly
I am broken in my spirit
Lord, you are my home: the place where my soul is free to groan.
Companions fly away
Alone in my despair
Lord, you are my home: the place where i am free to be silent, allowed to have no answers.
The world a cruel, cruel place
Fighting constantly against a finished race
my God, you are my home: Now I posses the heritage of victors
For you are all I have
For you declare you are all I need
Here I am expecting not because I am deserving
here I am believing as a key to my receiving
In need of strengthening, in need of uplifting
In you I long to encase myself
to stay covered and sheltered
for you are my home:MY PLACE OF SAFTEY AND ETERNAL SECURITY."

Ps 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength ALWAYS ready to help in times of trouble." (NLT)

keep surviving on grace. chichi

And it came to me

2009-04-20T16:32:00.002+01:00

When he whispers my name
my soul refuses to answer
as I wallow in the gutter of my mistakes.

when he whispers my name
I am broken that I he still remembers
even with all my blunders
my name lies over his heart unerased.

when he whispers my name
I shout out "forget me."
I caution him "not to love me."
because such faith and love upon me a risk.

when he whispers my name
I stand in awe and shudder,
tears of thankfullness flow, at the thought that my wrongs he can forgive.

when he whispers your name
don't refuse for too long
do embrace what he is giving: Another chance to claim his grace.

keep surviving on grace. chichi

My High Priest

2009-04-14T11:29:00.001+01:00

I read this and was touched, it made my morning hope it makes yours too.

He Did It Just For You
by Max Lucado

When God entered time and became a man, he who was boundless became bound. Imprisoned in flesh. Restricted by weary-prone muscles and eyelids. For more than three decades, his once limitless reach would be limited to the stretch of an arm, his speed checked to the pace of human feet.

I wonder, was he ever tempted to reclaim his boundlessness? In the middle of a long trip, did he ever consider transporting himself to the next city? When the rain chilled his bones, was he tempted to change the weather? When the heat parched his lips, did he give thought to popping over to the Caribbean for some refreshment?

If ever he entertained such thoughts, he never gave in to them. Not once. Stop and think about this. Not once did Christ use his supernatural powers for personal comfort. With one word he could’ve transformed the hard earth into a soft bed, but he didn’t. With a wave of his hand, he could’ve boomeranged the spit of his accusers back into their faces, but he didn’t. With an arch of his brow, he could’ve paralyzed the hand of the soldier as he braided the crown of thorns. But he didn’t.

Want to know the coolest thing about the coming?

Not that he, in an instant, went from needing nothing to needing air, food, a tub of hot water and salts for his tired feet, and, more than anything, needing somebody—anybody—who was more concerned about where he would spend eternity than where he would spend Friday’s paycheck.

Not that he kept his cool while the dozen best friends he ever had felt the heat and got out of the kitchen. Or that he gave no command to the angels who begged, “Just give the nod, Lord. One word and these demons will be deviled eggs.”

Not that he refused to defend himself when blamed for every sin since Adam. Or that he stood silent as a million guilty verdicts echoed in the tribunal of heaven and the giver of light was left in the chill of a sinner’s night.

Not even that after three days in a dark hole he stepped into the Easter sunrise with a smile and a swagger and a question for lowly Lucifer—“Is that your best punch?”

That was cool, incredibly cool.

But want to know the coolest thing about the One who gave up the crown of heaven for a crown of thorns?

He did it for you. Just for you

FAITH IN CRISIS

2009-04-09T16:51:00.005+01:00

it is my humble opinion that the best of us have been there. where? in a place where nothing HE is feels real, not his love, or his word or his person.

today i was reminded about the story of Peter. a story told and heard so many times, but still moving all the same. the moment Peter took his eyes of Jesus, the moment Peter thought 'check me out. i'm walking on water.' he cowered at the sight of the storm. his eyes beheld that which was mighter than him,and he cried out to Jesus, and Jesus quickly reached out and saved him.

i like what TD jakes said once, 'life happens' sometimes its the enemy of our souls trying to hit us hard, and sometimes is a life-hap. when these things happen we shake, i shake... i cry out in pain, i doubt that he hears me or that even if he hears, he would answer. sometimes we go through the motions while we struggle with what we believe.Today I was encouraged to 'go through it.' and i know its easier said than done, but it is possible never the less Paul said 'I can do all things through Christ my strength.'

Faith comes to crisis when it becomes about us. when we are zoned in on ourseleves we would definately see the storm and cower, because we know our limitation. eyes off Jesus is the begining of the crisis.

its easy to get puffed up. feel self-righteous. to look at where we are, what we have and take sole credit. I am guessing Peter forgot who called him out of the boat and began to marvel at his ability to walk on water, suddenly it became about him and not the power at work in him, the Messiah who stood before him.

is your faith in crisis today? return your eyes to Jesus. take time away, just as you would with a lover and be with him. let him hold you, assure you, let him lift you. you don't have to drown, he wants to save. he is at the ready.

I believe he longs deeply to be there for you and I always.

the storm may be greater than you. But look at who called you out of the boat.

happy easter.

I thank you Jesus for coming, dying, and rising. I will never know how much it cost to see my sins upon the cross. why you would care for me, me of all people I still can't understand. I love you so much. the grace to believe always in you. in Jesus name.

keep surviving on grace. chichi

Bringing grace home.

2009-04-01T15:20:00.005+01:00

I remember this fancy carving we had in the dinning room of our house years ago now, you know those ones that say "Jesus is Lord', 'God bless this house.' type; anyway, the one we had was a verse of scripture which says:

'Dear brothers since God so loves us we ought to Love one another'

i remember this frame so much because during lessons when the maths becomes too much for my brain I would just stare at this frame and read it taking out letters e.g " take out D and read it as ear brothers..." and no don't ask me how old i was, i wont tell. lol!

God loves us so we love others. he reached out to touch you and I so that those around us would be touched. Apostle paul puts it like this "God comforts us to comfort others" (I paraphrase).

God made a promise to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob about their generation getting into a land flowing with milk and honey, literally the people of Israel were going to reap where they did not sow. God made a promise and he intended to keep it even when the Israelites kicked and screamed against God, when they rebelled, when they chose an idol over him. God made a promise and was going to keep it. why? because his love, because his grace knows no other way.

bringing grace home, is all about loving the people in our lives, in our world even when they seem most undeserving, even when it logically impossible Max Lucado puts it this way:

"What is grace? it is what someone gives us out of the goodness of his/her heart, not out of the perfection of ours."

to put it simply, love should not be based on performance or even feelings(which are down today , up tomorrow) walking in Love is a choice, a conscious lifestyle.

It is one thing to be benefactors of grace, that is great, beautiful, a testimony in its own right. But to go farther in sharing and showing that love, is the end in itself. Max Lucado says on this:

"When someone really tastes the forgiving and liberating grace of God... Someone who tastes God's grace is the hardest worker, the most morally pure individual and the person most willing to forgive."

you and I are not just meant to recieve grace, we are called to bring it home.

John 13:34:

"So now I am giving you a commandment :Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other."

As we rely on God to enable us walk in Love, lets have ever before us that when love is behind an action, its never too small, it never goes unrecognized, or unrewarded.

keep surviving on his grace. chichi

EVERYTHING HE KNOWS

2009-03-23T10:52:00.005Z

You are no surprise to God! Yup, God does not look at you or me and go 'O my what was I thinking dying for someone like him/her.'

nothing you do or say surprises God; David put it this way:

"you know my every thought.. you know what I am going to say even before I say it" (psalm 139 2,4).

Mark 14:27 Jesus announced to his disciples "All of you will desert me", Peter like a lot of us refused such a claim, he declared boldly 'I never will.'

we all have said our fair share of never to God haven't we? I know I have, and what do you know, soon after there I am caught in the act!

we all have noble intentions when it comes to our Lord. Like Peter we want God to know "hey! I am your man. You can most definitely count on me to be on top form!" but Just like Peter in the same chapter from verse 66-71, we see ourselves falling short of our very promise, contradicting our noble intentions. what an unexpected surprise!

but not to God. before Peter denied Jesus, Jesus knew about it, before Jesus' disciples desereted him, Jesus knew about it. and this was what he said to them

"All of you will desert me" BUT after I am raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there."

Before they fell, Jesus had forgiven! O the measure of GRACE.

This is not a license to go out and do what we want, like paul said: we do not continue in the wrong things just because there is grace!

But this is to offer comfort to you and to me, that even when we fall short, and act out contrary to what is in our hearts! Jesus forgives, Jesus has forgiven.

I may be a surprise to me, but not to HIM.

"Love so amazing, so divine
demands my soul, my life, my all."

keep surviving on grace. chichi

thanks for the birthday wishes! xx

happy birthday to me!!

2009-03-20T00:50:00.005Z

so its my birthday today YAY! and i do thank God for every thing this past year even the seemingly unpleasant why? because his word tells me ALL things are working together for my good!

anyway i decided to do something different with this post. just put down some things about me. rather random. but any way here it goes:

• I am a mummy’s baby. And I don’t mind that at all.

• I am not the last born but I am the baby of the house , Everyone ‘babies’ me. I’m so loved.

• I love to write. It is what I do, who I am…

• I am not perfect. Used to think I could be. Still struggle with that but I am learning to accept and to appreciate what grace means.

• I love God. My relationship could be better than what it is now; he will get us there no doubt. I once loved God because of family, but now I love him personally. He does well by me.

• I do not like receiving letters. Anything in a sealed envelope white, brown… I just do not appreciate the suspense of sealed envelopes. Send me an email thank you very much.

• I like ‘me time’ a lot. A lot more than the average person (I think). Sometimes it is based on choice, circumstances or force of habit.

• I love to read. Almost anything in fact.

• I love music. Music inspires me especially the gospel ones; it is an atmosphere I create for myself. The (b) part of this is that I love to start my day with some gospel jamz playing in the back-ground as I get ready.

• I think my voice sounds like a little girl. Only on phone though.

• I am not good at ironing! I do iron but because I am not excellent its my least favourite thing to do.

so there it is.

keep surviving on grace. chichi

Learning to be a son

2009-03-10T23:10:00.004Z

I will like to think that with my earthly parents I have been a perfect child. bringing home great grades, always polite and submissive, never given them reason to think "what is her problem?" but I know I haven't been the perfect child, far from it but I have been their child and they love me perfectly.

I remember once in Junior secondary school, I had a really bad school report and i hid it from my parents. however, they finally found out, not just that my grade was bad but that i hid it from them, and man was it a looonngg summer break.

shortly after the incident before i was to return to boarding school, my mum took me to Mr. Bigs (kinda like a KFC in Nigeria) and she said to me 'pick anything you want.' and i was surprised and i said to her ' why do you want to buy anything for me' and my mum's reply was 'why not?'

in my head I did not deserve the treat but my mum thought I was crazy to think that.

I would like to tell you that to my heavenly father I have been a perfect child, that I own a sign post that says 'NOTHING WRONG WITH THIS ONE!' or it is in-fact true; but I too have my share of many fallings that leave me beside my self in grief.

There have been days when the last thing i felt like was like a son to him, most times I stay away when i think 'my mess is too messy, But thank Jesus, I am learning that even when it hurts to go to him after all I have said, done and thought, i should because I am his son no matter what; He does not condemn me no matter how wrong I have been, nor does he berate me for going off the path he carved out, he holds me close to his heart; like the father of the prodigal son, he is just glad to see me and when I ask him why he cares for me at all, I imagine that with a smile on his face, as he wipes my tears he says to me 'why not?'

GRACE IS A BEAUTIFUL GIFT.

he's crazy about ya!

keep surviving on grace. chichi

I know how it ends

2009-03-09T10:41:00.009Z

Lord I give you thanks, even though i can be silent, and lament, i choose to give you thanks, remembering all the glorious things you have done for me:

-you forgive ALL my sins
_ you heal me ALWAYS
-you have ransomed me from hell.
-you fill my life with GOOD things
-you renew my strength
-you give me justice
-you reveal your nature and plan to me.

above all Lord, I thank you because I am surrounded on everyside by GRACE!

i need it, you give it, I thank you.

"Be strong in the Lord and be of good courage. since I was young and now i am old i have not seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging for bread. He who called you is faithful and will complete the good work he has begun in you."

keep surviving on grace. chichi

"HE AVOIDS NO SEEKERS"

2009-02-25T12:41:00.004Z

Heb2:18

"For since he himself has been through suffering and temptation, he knows what it is like when we suffer and are tempted, and he is wonderfully able to help us."

being a tad light skinned, i wear my bruises or scratches for the world to see(LOL); they are always reddish looking.

yesterday was one of those days of bearing a bruise for the world to see. I had just gone to do my much over due grocery shopping right after classes. there I was with two very full and might I had heavy shopping bags and my heavy school bag set to walk the next 5 minutes there about to my dorm. I thought "EASY! I can hustle with the weight... its just 5 minutes. " so I refused to call my flat mate to meet me up at the store.

my journey to my dorm began and boy was it agony with a capital 'A' my school hand bag kept sliping from my shoulders, the weight of my shopping bags was enough to convince me that in a matter of seconds both my arms would just fall off. i struggled badly, and some how, my hand-bag consipered with my wrist watch (I can not explain this part) but in the process of my bag slipping from my shoulders and me trying to get it back in place while keeping my grip on my two shopping bags, I got injured and now i have a reddish bruise on my left hand to show for it.

today it is a lot better not as swollen as it was yesterday, but still very much red. and now I think, I should have called my flat mate to help!!

The verse above took on a whole new meaning for me, why are we so adamant, so stubborn some times to go to Jesus for help. Why do we tend to feel on other occassions that he just can't understand where we are, and what we are facing, or even allowing guilt to make us feel we do not deserve to go to him and cry out "I HAVE MESSED UP. HELP ME!"

Grace in effect is embodied in Jesus Christ, who came, Lived like man and died and rose again. We are quick to remember the rose again part, but too often we forget he lived as a man, he was a teenager, a young adult, flesh and blood... tempted in ever way YET without sin.

HE AVOIDS NO SEEKERS, do not be like me and go it alone for whatever reason, you do not have to bear the scars of your struggles; in fact you should not be struggling at all! His grace can teach you how to handle the Goliath you face Today and even Tomorrow. RUN TO HIM, WALK TO HIM, CRAWL TO HIM... just go to him, and let him 'SHOW YOU HOW IT IS DONE!'

i am off to put vaseline on the bruise!!lol

keep surviving on grace. chichi

this thing called grace 2

2009-02-08T22:04:00.002Z

""I am not what I ought to be, I am not what I want to be, I am not what I hope to be in another world; but still I am not what I once used to be, and by the grace of God I am what I am" "
— John Newton

"For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am; and his grace to me was not without effect. No I worked harder than all of them-yet not I, but the grace of God was with me."
-Apsotle Paul (1cor.16:9)

it does not matter where we have come from, or where we are... His Love is not about our perfomance or measuring up to our personal merit. it is too outrageous to believe someone could Love like Christ does; to Love someone in spite of themselves. Grace is a concept Too crazy that people miss it.

"Lord I do not understand your grace, your love. But I want to move past trying to reason you out of taking interest in me and to accept and fully embrace your Grace. I need your Grace and though some times I try to earn the good that you have to offer; thank you Lord that it is not up to me or any other man but up to you to bless me and fill me up not because of who I am but because of who you are. in Jesus name. Amen."

believer I am BACK!! and thanks to you all for your kind comments on my last post.

keep surviving on His grace. chichi

the roar of a lion... the cowardice of an ostrich

2009-01-24T22:29:00.003Z

I wish i could claim that everyday i felt like getting out of bed. i wish i could claim that i looked forward to going to sleep each night. of recent sleeping time has become a period of staying up late into the night fretting about this, about that. o boy do i wish i could claim to have it figured out, that i walk on water 24/7, 365... i wish i could say that whenever i think about my future i have 100% faith that everything i desire will come through.

i wish i could say that i lived perfectly grace or no grace. that if you watched me every day that there will be nothing contradictory about what i believe and how i live. but i can't so i won't.

I am not perfect i am far from it, not fit to teach but in need of schooling. it all gets too much and complex and I wish i could just disappear from earth and be with God in heaven and not have to deal with life,mistakes, people etc... and then i feel bad for wanting 'death' in those moments. until today, until today; i came across this verse in the bible:
philpians 1 vs 21-24: paul too wanted out, go read it yourself this aint no blasphemy, paul wanted to live all the chains and struggles and go be with Christ '..for I long to go and be with Christ' Vs 23.

granted some of you out there never get weak, weary, some of you out there have never wanted to just quit and run to heaven... well, good for you guys I sure wish I had a dose of whatever God put inside of you.

somedays i roar like a lion, other days i bury my face in the sand too afraid... longing to go and be with Christ. but his strength is made manifest in my weakness.

and the same holds true for you. its okay to want to run and hide, if it wasn't why would we need a saviour in the first place? why would Christ offer to take our burdens if we never had one in the first place.

'Jesus is the cure for a weary soul'. I am so weary so i go to him, my dear why don't you do the same.

his peace. my love. chichi.

p.s: this is my last post for a while. stay blest. x

Doing Life Differently,

2009-01-08T17:29:00.000Z

Laws of the Lighthouse
by Max Lucado

The first of the year is known for three things: black-eyed peas, bowl games, and lists. Some don’t eat black-eyed peas. Others hate football. But everybody likes lists.

The Bible certainly has its share of lists. Moses brought one down from the mountain.

There are lists of the gifts of the Spirit. Lists of good fruit and bad. Lists of salutations and greetings. Even the disciples’ boat got into the action as it listed in the stormy Sea of Galilee. (If you smiled at that, then I’ve got a list of puns you’d enjoy.)

But the greatest day of lists is still New Year’s Day. And the number one list is the list I call the Laws of the Lighthouse.

The Laws of the Lighthouse contain more than good ideas, personal preferences, and honest opinions. They are God-given, time-tested truths that define the way you should navigate your life. Observe them and enjoy secure passage. Ignore them and crash against the ragged rocks of reality.

Smart move. The wise captain shifts the direction of his craft according to the signal of the lighthouse. A wise person does the same.

Herewith, then, are the lights I look for and the signals I heed:

– Love God more than you fear hell.
– Once a week, let a child take you on a walk.
– Make major decisions in a cemetery.
– When no one is watching, live as if someone is.
– Succeed at home first.
– Don’t spend tomorrow’s money today.
– Pray twice as much as you fret.
– Listen twice as much as you speak.
– Only harbor a grudge when God does.
– Never outgrow your love of sunsets.
– Treat people like angels; you will meet some and help make some.
– ‘Tis wiser to err on the side of generosity than on the side of scrutiny.
– God has forgiven you; you’d be wise to do the same.
– When you can’t trace God’s hand, trust his heart.
– Toot your own horn and the notes will be flat.
– Don’t feel guilty for God’s goodness.
– The book of life is lived in chapters, so know your page number.
– Never let the important be the victim of the trivial.
– Live your liturgy.

To sum it all up:
Approach life like a voyage on a schooner. Enjoy the view. Explore the vessel. Make friends with the captain. Fish a little. And then get off when you get home.

From
In the Eye of the Storm
© (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 2006) Max Lucado

this thing called grace

2009-01-06T18:54:00.004Z

so as you all know 'levels has changed!!' lol- as in my blog title or is it banner. amongst other things, it is also a remider to me that if not for Grace nothing that he has done, he is doing or yet to do will be, has been or is possible.

Grace is a leveler, the christain of ten plus years and the one of 10 seconds are both covered by grace. if we want to be honest so many of 'saved ones' tend to get all high and what not conciously or not, looking down on people who are saved but don't act/talk or walk like it or even those who are totally on the other side of the fence. I can be honest it happens to me everynow and again.

But I had a humbling experice and I heard that word "Grace."
i realized that honestly Grace had never meant more to me than its meaning now, 2009 is a year of Grace, of Gods Grace.

Grace is a force so strong and at work within us that causes us to cease from struggling with the same things, that enables us to declare victory over the very things that we( in the absence of grace) could have failed at.

Grace is the enviable generosity of God: blessed so much, people-even you are amazed. Grace is not about perfomance, but about who God is.

Ps23:3 'he leads me beside green pastures for HIS name sake.'

my hope is to come to rely more and more on grace, and to Know about this thing called grace.

But the trick is if grace abounds, as God said to paul 'My grace is sufficient for you.' why bother about uprightness, about the things of God since Grace is God choosing to be generous, tolerant, kind and understanding inspite of our short comings et al.

well grace is God's gift to us, in the form of his word, his son, his holy spirit and all other things pertaining to our salvation.

what is our gift to God? it is a love that causes us not to take his gift of grace for granted, in the absence of relying on self-power to fufil his calling of holiness upon our lives (1pet.2:13-16) but embracing everything he has made avaliable, provided inorder that we might fufil that calling;things as general as his word, and fellowship with the spirit, and the house of God i.e. church; and more specific like christain friends/mentors, christian literature and blogsville!!!

father in the name of Jesus I thank you for your Grace, for what it means and what it is meaning to me. for what it gives and what it is givivng to me. Lord let your grace transform me from the inside out, let your grace remain my testimony. in your grace i move, live and have my being. thank you lord in jesus name.

May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit (Phil.4:23).chichi

halleluyah come on get happy!!

2008-12-31T19:16:00.002Z

not been the easiest day for me for some not the easiest year but glory to God for his mercies.

have a blest 2009! full of wonder, favour, grace, mercy, increase, wealth of all kinds most of all I wish you what you wish yourself for the new year.

happy new year!!

best wishes.

on a mission

2008-12-20T14:32:00.005Z

I began to feel very concious that my entries had been getting too perosnal... I told God about it, and he made me understand that sometimes in sharing about him I have to be ready to share a piece of me as well. so i'm okay; no more complaining.

I asked God to give me a word, something he would have me to share. and i remembered that lyric to a song 'what's that you have in your hand.' I was aking him for a mind blowing message that will get a thousand comments (i kid!!)but having just read the story of Gideon in the book of Judges, i realized, I had something to offer, something that GOD could use to do great things like a thousand comments (maybe. lol!).

I am in a season. not a season i particularly care to be in, but there is no doubt in my mind that I am going through a season that makes me ask the occassional 'why me?' the comforting thing about 'seasons' is that they pass away, give way to another phase...

as I stood before the kitchen sink gulping down water after the error of too much pepper in my food! I looked out the window and then i saw this tree, not the one in the above picture, but one similar to it.

'a naked tree' I call it. the tree stood there in the middle of the car park displaying its nakedness, its lack...

everyone can see this tree, everyone knows that this tree is lacking, some look at it mockingly, some look with disinterest 'better him/her than me, some look with sympathy and wonder 'why is this beautiful tree going through this?'

i must say here that the word tree is a metaphor for us, for anyone in a season that seems too uncomfortable. every body knows about 'it' whatever it may be, every one is seeing you barely getting by but trying all the same; your pain can be aptly discribed by a blind man.

i say again the comforting thing about seasons, is that they give way to new ones. our hope as the sons and daughters of Big Daddy is that that which is ahead is wonderful, brighter than we can even guess or try to envisison.

we go through what we go through now, not because God does not see or he is having some kind of perveted fun at the expense of our emotions and sanity!! no, that is not the KInd of God I serve...

but this, all that you are faced with today is to produce character. let me quote this scripture i came across this morning:

"we can rejoice, too when we run into problems and trials for we know that they are good for us-they help us learn to be patient. and patience develpos strength of character in us and helps u trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady. then when that happens, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us....' ( Romans 5:3-5)

God is out to give us the best... and that does not come without its own share of challenges and diffculties.

one thing I know for sure even when i act like i don't, is that God is too faithful, too inlove with you and I to not have a purpose for what he allows us face. a purpose that works out for our highest good.

at the end of the day just like the 3 hebrew children, we will come out of this season, and people would marvel and give glory to God when we get personal and tell them just where we have been.

merry christmas.

his peace. chichi

something for the soul

2008-12-05T00:06:00.001Z

Take my hand lord, do not let me fall
This world is cold lord and you are all I got
Make me smile lord
Warm my heart with your love
Once again lord arise, arise

Wipe my eyes lord and heal my heart
Take it all lord, the pain, the guilt
Make me clean lord, so I can stand
Once again lord arise, arise

Have your way lord
I am wholly thine
All I have lord is no longer mine
Make me worthy, make me clean for you
Once again lord arise, arise

Fight my battles, save my soul
You’re my hero, you’re my only hope
Let me know lord your grace and glory
Once again lord arise, arise

Arise, lord arise for me
Arise, lord arise
Take no more lord come set me free.
Once again lord arise, arise.

BY : TISCHIONI MOORE. {D4G}

I BELIEVE IN GOD...

2008-12-01T14:01:00.003Z

'each time i close my eyes
to think about your love
i end up falling on my knees to worship you
and i as i lift up holy hands
in awe of your holy name
dear lord jesus, i'm right there where you are.'

i believe in God because he has carried me through this life that has been encumbered with pain and tears, but he has never ever let the worst that i have feared happened.

when my dad had that surgery, when recovery was at a stand still, when he seemed too frail and fading even unable to sit up or stand by himself, unable to bath himself... now look at my popsi moving around with his own swagger, sitting up and pushing long hours at the office.

the accident that almost took me and my mum, just the day after spending three nights at the camp in prayers... the car sweverd off the road, how? all i remember is both us screaming 'Jesus' [i think we did!] the car was heading for one nepa pole... and inches before just stopped... later we were told had the car ran into that live wire at the speed it was... i won't be here today, neither my mum.

when we were barely getting buy... financially things got hard, so many things possible today once upon a time were not-jeovah jireh our provider!

all i have to do is look at my family... look at where i have come from, who i have been... and i know there has to be a GOD, and it is such an honor to believe in him.

i believe in God the re-writer of destiny.

give thanks

2008-11-30T23:17:00.003Z

novemeber may not have gone as you or I hoped or dreamed but God still is God, still great, still good and still able to deliver and save.

God bless ya'll.

in december God will show himself mighty on our behalf. in jesus name

his peace. my love. chichi

imagine me...

2008-11-28T15:59:00.002Z

I just can’t stand …
Her beauty my ugliness
Her righteousness my shame
Her peace my burdens
Her laughter my tears
Her openness my fear of letting go
Her faith my doubts
But he still loves me I am not her and he doesn’t mind at all
In my ugliness he sees beauty
He gave me his righteousness
Took my burdens and gave his peace
Enjoys my laughter and wipes my tears
Wants to hear my heart, he wants me free from fears
He has given me a measure of faith and even when it feels as small as a mustard seed most times … it still moves mountains
I am not her but he stands beside me now, always, forever.

God doesn't compare us with anyone- so if you're anything like me i've got 3 words for you:

break the habit!!

his love and peace. chichi

looking ahead...

2008-11-23T13:27:00.003Z

You Have Our Attention, Lord
Prayer offered by Max Lucado© 10/4/2008
(Printable PDF)
Our friends lost their houseThe co-worker lost her jobThe couple next door lost their retirementIt seems that everyone is losing their footing
This scares us. This bailout with billions.These rumblings of depression.These headlines: ominous, thunderous-“Going Broke!” “Going Down!” “Going Under!” “What Next?”
What is next?
We’re listening. And we’re admitting: You were right.
You told us this would happen.You shot straight about loving stuff and worshipping money.Greed will break your heart, you warned.Money will love you and leave you.Don’t put your hope in riches that are so uncertain.
You were right. Money is a fickle lover and we just got dumped.
We were wrong to spend what we didn’t have,Wrong to neglect prayer and ignore the poor,Wrong to think we ever earned a dime. We didn’t. You gave it. And now, tell us Father, are you taking it?
We’re listening. And we’re praying.Could you make something good out of this mess?
Of course you can. You always have.You led slaves out of slavery,Built temples out of ruins,Turned stormy waves into a glassy pond and water into sweet wine.
This disorder awaits your order. So do we. Through Christ,Amen· • • • ·
God will always give what is right to his people who cry to him night and day, and he will not be slow to answer them. (Lk. 18:7 NCV)

so much is going on in the world today, literally all you hve to do is turn on your raido, open the newspaapers, switch on the television, eavesdrop on conversation and you would wish you existed on another planet... one that is a total opposite of this one you and i live in.

I can only think of one thing more than ever when i listen to the news, or hear stuff... something BIG is about to happen in this world... could God's coming be any closer? what a question right? I mean everyday brings closer the coming of the groom, for those who are engaged isn't everyday that goes by a countdown to the 'WHEN', to the 'D-daay'.

in high school when people talk about the RAPTURE, immediatedly, you have the so called 'bad girls' turn 'saintly'... and how long did that last, maybe a week or even less. then you had the 'spiros' getting self righteous with themselves.... I used to be one of those back then, it is good to 'grow up' lol!

at the risk of sounding like a party pooper, or raining on anyone's parade.... I just hope WE... and believe me I am no exception to this, always remember Christ return- and make every second count.

my sister has been in 'blogsville' all this while, i am pained she just told me today!! *insert sulking face*

www.misiadr.blogspot.com. this is her, and should you feel inclined to say 'hi' by all means do.

God show me how to do the better you want me to do, help me with the self i struggle with everyday. in jesus name. amen.

off to read o!!!

his peace. my love. chichi

my gbedu...

2008-11-19T22:28:00.004Z

artiste :adele...

"when the rain is blowing on your face
and the whole world is on your case
i could offer you a warm embrace
to make you feel my love.

when the evening shatters and the stars appear
and there is no one there to dry your tears
I could hold you for a million years
to make you feel my love.
I know you haven't made your mind up yet
but i would never do you wrong
i've known from the moment that we met
no doubt in my heart where you belong.

I'd go hungry
I'd go black and blue
I'd go crawling down the avenue
know there's nothing that I wouldn't do
to make you feel my love

the storms are raging on the rolling sea
and on the high way of regret
the winds of change are blowing wild and free
you aint seen nothing like me yet

I could make you happy make your dreams come true
nothing that i wouldn't do
go to the ends of the earth for you.
to make you feel my love.

*************************************************************************************

i just loovvee the sincerity of the lyrics
love is something ain't it?
his peace.chichi

2008-11-14T13:28:00.002Z

NO....

NO... DEVIL

"LORD I BELIEVE YOU."

lyrics

2008-11-10T12:58:00.005Z

thank you for the sunlight
i no longer have to fight
for now you give me rest
for now all is well
and whenever the sea may churn

Lord you will see me through
because you never change
as you did yesterday so you will do today.

i cry each time i remember
how sad i used to be
how misery and depression
never let me see

all that you were doing
all that you had given

to go through the night
and wake up to your light.

my faithlessness could not keep you bound.
my lord i bow before your throne
my foolishness did not make you turn away
you saved me.... Lord you saved me.

i look at the days ahead
and i smile in my heart
because lord, you have made things right again.

because you answer prayers Lord i will pray
and i will by grace trust you through my pain.

Today is a new begining for me-thank you-
i can dream of a 'happy-ending'
Lord you saved a soul, i hope you know.
my soul forever thanks you.

and when darkness falls on my world;
Jesus help me to say 'thy will be done.'
holy spirit teach me to be stay strong-
and I know I will come out of the storm

full of Joy because I overcome.

-TISCHIONI MOORE-

"we are often troubled but not crushed, sometimes in doubt but never in dispair, there are many enemies but we are never without a FRIEND, though badly hurt atimes never destroyed."

his peace. chichi

a glimpse into yesterday

2008-11-01T20:35:00.004Z

I must admit that i had second thoughts about doing this, telling about God's goodness to me is one thing, getting all personal is another!!

but I got reminded about a sermon my brother gave a while back at church, where he said it is about GOD all the time and not about ME... and so knowing that not sharing a testimony is making me more important than God somewhat, i have decided to come out, thank God for the boldness!!

God has done alot for me and my family to be honest, picking out one singular thing is difficult because he has done so much for me; for us.

i was looking for the verse in the bible that talks about God being faithful even in our unfaithfulness, i think is hebrews but i am not sure where [if u know abeg tell me.].

2007 was a very difficult year for me and my family; we seemed to be receving hits fro everyside, battles being fought left, right and centre, mehn it was not beans or yam at all!!

it is good that i can make a joke about it now, because in that time, i did not know who God was anymore, i did not recognize him, and he seemed to be too quiet for my liking...

my sister had a miscarrage and she got pregant again, but that too had drama, i remember the night she woke up to pee only to be soaked in blood, i was so scared my sister ran straight into my mother's room at 2a.m there about, i can still see the look on her face when she said ' i wanted to pee... i am bleeding'. we just us ladeis got into the car, speaking in tounges calling on God all the way to the hospital; my heart was in my mouth... would you believe that it happend again!!

my brother had been studying for a phd and at the end the university gave him a diploma; to say he was gutted is an understatement... he worked hard very hard; i know because i remember seeing him on the floor of the living room books all around him... researching stuff on a laptop he burrowed from a friend. did we pray? kai we-as in my entire family prayed fire and thunder when we gathered to pray as a family and even individually. but somehow he got a diploma, we are shaken up...

what about yours truly? there was a problem with my admission at the university i attended, and i had to wait indefinately till it was sorted out! talk about drama; my mates were attending classes, sitting exam and i was at home, or at the uni begging Mr. A and Mr. B to look into my case. to be honest with you at a point i snapped, as in i snapped snapped.... my life was becoming a living hell!

2007 was a difficult year... very difficult indeed. we prayed, we cried.... my family almost lost me....

but that was not the end at all....

my sister on the 4th of febuary 2008 gave birth to the most amazing and cutest baby ever [second to my own sha when the time comes lol!] even with all the drama that happened in that preganacy God enabled her carry it to full term!! he is amazing... and did i say my neice is the cutest baby ever?

my brother got a first class from oxford university, he did a programme with them and got a first class!! now is God not too much, and not from one 'small' university o! Oxford university!!!

and me... i got out into the UK to start school; even though i have had to go from the beginning... i feel God's hand and love everyday i am here. my brothers keep telling me i am better off here, whenever i tend to get so overwhemled and scared... and I know i am even in the 'little' things i see God working out something really great. i had thought i had no future-that it was over, but i see God is just getting started with me! halleluyah.

God is good, to any of his sons and daughters out there having a trying period; God is good- and this too shall pass, I -WE can testify to that.

tough times will come, but God is able to carry you through them, and his love is dependable.

to those who are yet to know him- God loves you, and even though you do not acknowlege him he will forever be good to you. try him and you will be glad you did... he is a father, a friend, and a worthy saviour.

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH JESUS. I REALLY, REALLLY DO; O FOR GRACE TO LOVE YOU MORE!!

father WE are trusting you for so much more, thank you because you are ever faithful and you will come through.

i would not proof read this, as i feel so 'naked' already! no mind me shey is me that wanted to do 'testimony time' anyhow. ..just so that i do not 'edit' anything so pardon any spelling error.

his peace. chichi

getting personal

2008-10-31T09:31:00.003Z

psalm 145 :10-11

'all your works will thank you, Lord.... they will talk about the glory of your kingdom; they will celebrate examples of your power....[12] they will talk about your mighty deeds.'

i had this idea... or rather i believe God gve me an idea about how 'we' could use blogger and 'get personal' about our God, why we believe in him, the things he has done for us that just cause us to recognize his pressence, his power and coolness.

i wanted 'us' to share 'examples of his [God's] power', because when we declare through our testimonies or what have you that 'he is' it is just an amazing thing, God needs us to declare him, not because without that he ceases to exist or be the soverign God that he is; but because it is an awesome thing for him to know we will stand up for him, we will challenge [not in a 'gra-gra' way tho!] those who say otherwise. one thing God responds to so much, one thing that excites him is our faith in him-our confidence in all he is.

i wanted beliver to do start 'this' off, i guess she does not grab the hints i have been dropping that i am quite a shy person, i guess she assumes because i talk endlessly with her it is the same way i am with everybody!!lol

i will do a proper post tomorrow, in line with everything i have tried to explain. and if anyone is interested, please get on board.

everything in life is a choice even this, so if you choose great if not... i guess my marketing skills need to be tuned up!!

anyway simeone, thanks for the nomination o! i guess my speech will also have to wait because right now i gats to get ready for school!!

y'all have a wonderful and graced day.

his love. chichi

a qualified teacher and counselor

2008-10-19T15:45:00.004+01:00

"show me the path where i should go
O Lord, point out the RIGHT road for me to walk. lead me, teach me for you are the God who gives salvationn. I have no hope except in you." ps 25: 4-5

"the very day i call for HELP, the tide of the battle turns..." ps 56:9 [living bible].

there is nothing as humbling as being reminded that one is a work in progress without all the answers....

BUT

there is so much relief that follows when there is a qualified teacher and counselor like our heavenly father.

lord i trust you to make me the best you know i can be.

his peace, my love. chichi.

thankful

2008-10-15T18:47:00.000+01:00

Now that I am here:

Here with you,

Now that I am here:

Having reached a place of self acceptance,

Now that I am here:

Laughing so loud, and smiling late into the night,

Now that I am here:

Re-Awakening the dreamer in me,

Now that I am here:

Assured and at rest…

Finally I am where I want to be… though my journey and aspiration is incomplete but because today has come, I know tomorrow is assured.

Thank you Jesus.

from my heart...

2008-09-23T17:56:00.002+01:00

i guess i have been away this long again just becos i am wondering the relevance of my voice or its impact. i admit this sounds a bit 'somehow' but i guess with all the voices out there you wonder what use is yours, you guys are all saying the samething... if i keep silent who will notice?

answer: God will.

i have been at home being bored and busy at the same time, having lots of time on my hands to wonder... who am i kidding... worry and fret about my life and whot is or is yet to be. i have been so preoccupied with me that i have excused my not being here sharing God's truth as me not seeing the need to join the choir out there!!

when did it become about me? it never was and it never will be. i am part of a bigger picture, a grander plan that jeahova himself is sorting out. it is humbly when i realize it is not about me... to give of myself to those who need it even when i want to curl up and sap strength from some one else.

'when kings wake up it is a dangerous thing' i heard this from a man of God, he was talking about understanding you and i are more than our jobs or the position/role we take or play in our daily lives, there is something in us that the world is hungry for!

sometimes one can not help but give a smirk at the attempt to beilieve that you are relevant to the world!! i mean the whole wide world!!

i am important.

say that with me 'I AM IMPORTANT.' every morning, and before you sleep at night. say it with faith, say it with a picture of your personal greatness in your mind. I AM IMPORTANT.

i guess we all fall into the trap of feeling insignificant but it is good to know we can never be; if i was why am i still here? if there was no reason for my life or voice i would not be here or experince the things i have which enable me to contribute meaningfully in other peoples lives.

to be relevant to the world you have to be relevant to those who make up your personal world. be a contributor.

say this with me : 'I AM A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTOR TO PEOPLE I MEET AND HAVE RELATIONSHIPS WITH'

if you refuse to speak out, or take action people will suffer from that. in the parable of the sower, the seeds that fell on thorny paths were people who got excited about God and took in truth, but allowed 'life' take the truth away, the living bible translation [to paraphase] says these people did not mature, they did not go deeper and hence could not help others to grow.

the growth of someone you know intimately or not depends on you, depends on me.

so i resolve to raise my voice and join the melody that declares Jesus the same, yesterday and forever!!!

his peace. my love. Chichi

what do I say?

2008-09-11T12:14:00.002+01:00

it has been a looooooooooooonnnnnnnnnnnnggggggggggg while; i have been pondering what my 'first post' in months should be about.

something intense, start off with a funny story, go deep, stay on the surface?? what do i say?

well this blog is all about life and God, and life in God. so i will go as the spirit leads; plus this blog is not about me... not my alter, it is to God and to anyone out there who needs a pick me up ... should God 'pick you up' through any post here. wow! i will be so honored and blest.

christains are not perfect people with perfect lives; they are people who aim for perfection while the perfector perfects all that concerns them daily. i say this to remind myself not to look down on myself or anyone who loves God but falls short now and then; we wont get it right all the time, if we would there will be no need for grace.

i thank God for a wonderful holiday with my family; today i am forced to remember people who do not have that especially in the wake of today seven years ago in the US... the hurt and horror will not die. i prayed to God for him to comfort those people who lost family and friends, those who with the death of a husband, father, mother, wife, child lost the zeal and will to live, i prayed for comfort, his comfort. the bible tells me God is the God of all comfort. ALL, no matter the hurt he knows the words to say, the way to hold you and i to ease us from the crushing pain in our hearts.

someone will ask if there is a God then why do 'bad' things happen world over? i can not claim to know the anwer to that, but i am convinced there is a God; he lives, he speaks i am convinced. for as many things that raise questions to God's exitence, there are thousands that testify to it.

in time of hardship and anguish we who are God's chosen ones are called to trust him, TRUST him; a pslam says 'with all your heart' once again ALL. as my sister would say 'i may not see his hand but i trust his heart'.

somedays ago i spent time in prayer thanking God for his love. HIS LOVE is divine, his love chases the darkness away... for his love is the light at the end of the tunnel, his love is the reason why you and i SHOULD hope in him.

gosh now so much wants to pour out of me, for a second i had planned to just say 'stay tuned' lol.

what do i say? i say this HIS LOVE IS REAL, AND IT IS ABOUT TIME WE TRUST IN IT.

his peace. my love. chichi

A PSALM OF DAVID:

2008-06-07T11:22:00.002+01:00

psalm 18 ver. 1-3

''I LOVE YOU, O LORD MY STRENGTH

THE LORD IS MY ROCK, MY FORTRESS AND

DELIVERER;

MY GOD IS MY ROCK IN WHOM I TAKE REFUGE.

HE IS MY SHEILD AND HORN OF MY SALVATION, MY STRONGHOLD.

I CALL TO THE LORD, WHO IS WORDTHY OF [MY] PRAISE AND

I AM SAVED FROM MY ENEMIES''.

something to meditate on and be strengthed by; will be MIA for a while.

God bless you all.

his peace. my love. CHICHI

a year almost in words

2008-05-20T20:55:00.003+01:00

As I listen to this gospel track eight; I am so grateful I so would not have made it this far without my God, my Lord my everything… I mean I have learnt so much about him; even though I still act as though I need ‘schooling’ but if he had not chosen to bless me, to love me or show me his compassion…. I won’t be here literally and metaphorically.

I mean when I first got into the UK; I was still miserable, I had left ‘Egypt’ but in Canaan I was depressed; my mind was tormented, I felt so isolated and alone… so out of my depth; there were nights I cried, just like in ‘Henry Carr’ those nights I cried myself to sleep; mehn, God has been with me o! He has seen me at my worst and at my feeble attempt at being my best…. He has seen me whole, broken, torn, ripped, and his love and grace has always loved me into wholeness, into joy…. Into peace.

Academically it has been wonderful, my worst experience though is all the group works I was a part of, because none of them made me better…. None of them gave me room or a chance, I was just a number not a participator; but the writing has been wonderful…. I have written some wonderful pieces , from MARA to Girl like me and others, the writing has been my best experience, though there was a point where I thought I did not have it in me; but God, ND and ‘brown-bear’ were there to help me get it together.
I became an aunt too; I saw the birth of my niece live…. I made a friend; D wonderful girl…. There was Ly but she left and funny I did not get to miss her, because Dee was introduced into my life and it has been fun. I hope next year we are still chummy; she is the type of girl pal I want.I added weight in Nigeria, came here lost some… then picked it up then lost a bit
So far mehn I give God all the glory, honor and adoration; here I am today and I remember where I was yesterday and I just worship him; he has loved me and just been too much. When I had given up on dreaming he sent me to sleep…. Giving me another chance of dreaming. Who is like my God? Who is like my God?
I was not sick one day.
I never went hungry.
I never went without the right clothes for the weather.
I was never alone even when I walked alone.

He has loved me with a love that is beyond my understanding, but my heart understands that in the greatness of his love I am humbled and I know I should be thankful and grateful.

So here is to my God, my creator, my everything: thank you, thank you, and thank you.
It is you and me, me and you in this thing called life.

For all the experiences, good or bad
For all the blessings big and small
For what you have helped me to understand and even for those things you are calling me to trust you for without understanding ‘why’.

I know you are faithful. I know you are faithful and I love you so much. I love you so, so, much.

through with my first year; God has bee too good to me.

his peace. chichi.

Remembering her.

2008-05-12T15:47:00.005+01:00

today is the birthday of a dear friend of mine, who died sometime last year.
i had plans today; like light a candle etc... but i did not get on to doing that.

when i heard of her death; i cried my eyes sore, for days she was in my dreams. i really liked her alot; i am not really prone to making friends easily... or even trusting people enough to call them that but she was different.

the girl liked me and i knew it in all the little ways she showed it. she always wanted me looking good, always wanted me 'hooked', always wanted me doing well in school. she was not perfect; but you know how when loved ones die all we remember is how wonderfully fantastic they were!

i know i am not the one who misses her most, but i hope i am not the one who misses her the least.

she passed away so suddenly; like i ... no one saw it coming. she was so young; so full of dreams; she wanted to work in GSK.... possibly marry her boyfried at the time.

we really were as close as we could be. she was a good person, who believed in jesus. and that is why a long time ago i stopped crying over her... because she is truly with our heavenly father.

my prayer this morning as i rembered what today was/would have been : was that we know just how fragile this life is.... it can end like that *snaps finger*... we only pray to fufil our destinies and live out our dreams.... but why do we , or some of us procastinate on those thigs we can get done today on those changes we can begin to make in our lives.

not all of us will be old and grey, and have those moments to sit back and relive yesterday...[though the prayer is we would al make it then]. today counts, this moment, NOW IS IMPORTANT.

the bible says 'make use of every oppurtunity'. in church yesterday the message ws 'Jesus wants us to enjoy our lives.'that is why he came , that is why he died.

so lets live, as cliche as it sounds: lets live as though tomorrow is not a given. because as morbid as it may sound it really is not.

lets give God our best today
lets give loved ones our best today
today is the day to laugh, sing loudly and out of tune in the shower!! [like me]

now is the time to live....
to live a life that is without shame and regret when we come before his throne.

olaitan rest in peace. thank you for your friendship.

his peace. chichi.

from sun-rise to sun set

2008-04-26T13:29:00.000+01:00

hebrews 10: 35

'do not throw away this confident trust in the lord,

no matter what happens.

remember the great reward it brings you!'

beautiful verse; the part that got to me is ofcourse the line i have highlighted... 'no matter what happens'.

and you and i know alot CAN and HAS happened in our lives; in this journey of faith... things that wore us out, made us doubt, made us question; some of us even let go... only to rush back and regain hold of our faith....

'no matter what happens'

maybe this is a reminder; to hold on.

a reminder to believe in the promise of your Lord

a reminder to trust in his love and mercy that ENDURETH FOREVER.

from sun rise to sun set....

from the moutain top even unto the valley

no matter what happens.... do not throw away this confident trust you have in the lord; remember the great reward it brings you.

it is well. faithfulness is his[God's] very character [psalm 89: 8].

his peace. chichi.

this number is not reachable at the moment please try again later....

2008-04-22T17:02:00.000+01:00

have you ever had this happen to you? what a question right? but has this happened to you when you 'mess up' and someone has gotten hurt and you so badly want to reach out and make things better; then Celtel abi MTN... vodafone, Tmobile... whatever tell you ' you can't make things better; not yet... not now.'

yesterday i slipped.... you know how you begin to fall; you are unaware that you are slipping till 'BOOM' your bum hits the ground hard! and slowly the pain comes... slowly the hurting begins, slowly you wonder 'HOW' what did i hit? what did i trip over? wasn't there something i could hold to prevent this fall?

so yes yesterday i fell; not the kind you may think; but the fall of a 'saint'... and i felt so bad; coviction became guilt; guilt became shame... and shame kept me curled up afraid to look up at God and 'come clean'. i mean he is aware of it... and just going to him and admiting it made me feel so ashamed; so worse than ashamed.

but i eventually picked up courage and spoke to him; not boldly... but timidly; not like a son... but as one so undeserving of that status.....

how could i fall like that?

i asked myself over and over as i tried to talk with God....

i felt like he wouldn't WANT to listen to what i had to say.... why should he; he had every reason; every right to BLOCK ME OUT for as long as he choose. it would have hurt but... i would not have complained; i would have waited till he called me.... no matter how long that wait would be.

as i spoke; i KNEW he was listining... he always does listen. HE NEVER BLOCKS US OUT; NO MATTER HOW MUCH OF A MESS WE MAKE OF THIGS OF OURSELVES... HE WILL LISTEN, HE WILL FORGIVE, HE WILL REBUKE AND INSTRUCT AND HE WILL LOVE NO MATTER WHAT!!!

and NO; No we should not go on 'sinning' so that grace may abound....; i remembered the song by donnie mclurkin : 'we fall down but we get up.' and i felt the Lord say to me : "we should not just live our lives with the mindset of 'falling' as 'humble' as that may be; but we should live our lives CAREFUL not to fall; looking at the 'ground' we are treding on and taking a step back or FLEEING when it calls for it.

i read the blog of 'disgodkid' his most recent post and i was 'moved' because i saw in his post the God i was reminded about yesterday; a God who like david said 'REMEMBERS we are from dust'.

God has given us his stength in exchange for our weaknessess; he has given us his wisdom in exchange for our foolishness; he has give us his righteousness in exchange for our sin stained garments....

HE LOVES ME!
HE LOVES YOU!

i fell; i will fall, you fell; you will fall BUT GUESS WHAT???

when you call G-O-D; when you want to reach out and 'make things right'.... no CONNECTION wahala would get in the way!!

remember NOTHING can seperate us from his love!!!

i just picked me up! hallelujah.

his grace is suffiecient.

p.s : for the guy who on his blog said in his opinion 'jesus was a failure': I pray for you.... I pray for you.and just so you know that 'failure' has hopes of kicking it with u someday!!!

his peace. chichi.

dedicated to T

2008-04-18T21:36:00.000+01:00

A sigh, a look, a prayer…

“No man could love her.”
She hears them whisper
Their scorn and mockery;
She can take no longer.

“Good girls finish last.”
The story of her life,
Yet she is determined;
To believe for an answer.

What she lacks she makes up for
In ways only a true man could appreciate
What she wants; is no game
Just love, just truth, just what is hers.

What gain can she claim?
If there is no one by her side
What has been her purpose?
If she has failed to ‘secure’ a life?

Tonight she wants to ask the forbidden
She wants to know: ‘what about me?’
What wrong have I done? To want the pure
To stay pure?

Why do they mock me?
Am I not good enough to be loved?
What about me?
What about me?

She looks at me awaiting an answer
Answer to a question I do not know either?
She believes in prayer
She believes in God
And all I can tell her is:
That is good enough…

Tomorrow you will smile
When you remember this journey of ours
Someday you will say; “I’m glad I did it no other way.”

But until that day comes
Deal with the present feeling however you must
But never count yourself out
There is a tomorrow on the horizon

To believe this is a MUST.

his peace; my love. chichi.

what lies ahead?

2008-04-04T22:26:00.000+01:00

i don't know about anyone out there; but i do wonder about the infamous 'tomorrow'... as much as the word of God says don't I do.

some posts ago [feels like a decade now!!] i wrote on something i titled 'it is suppose to be'. i was in a place in my life where that was all i was medidating on... i was so restless, unhappy,confused because i personally did not understand WHY i was where i was; why things were the way they were. the enemy kept stealing my joy and i kept letting him.... i was at my wits end... i was loosing it; faith, hope, strength, joy, peace....BUT PRAISE GOD; I "GOT IT" i got the revelation and it changed alot of things for me!!

i know where i am coming from, the battles i have fought, the things i have seen, the mistakes i have made, the fears i have faced.... I KNOW YESTERDAY, BUT I DO NOT KNOW TOMORROW; and lets be honest that CAN be very, very scary.

one day i was taking a walk back from lectures; and i never look up when i walk... it is weird; i always look at the ground with the occssional lifiting up of my head which goes back down in an instant [may need doctor phil to analyze this!!]. as i walked the rare occasion where i lift up my head occured; but instead of instantly going back to admiring the ground; i decided to look ahead...

i saw a foggy picture of trees, and tall buldings and open, clear skies and i heard this whispered to me:
'as far as your eyes can see'. this i reapted over and over again in my mind 'as far as your eyes can see' and then i remembered the story of Abraham.

before i go further; i just wanted to say how God 'blows' me away each time... the way he sends words to us his children even before the 'situation' that requires that word occurs. this is the same with this incident... i was not in a place of wondering about my future, about my life on the day this word came....!!! its just amazing.

anyway back to the gist:

somedys after, i had time to look in my bible for the encounter Abraham had with God... where God told him something similar to what he told me, Genesis 15:5-:

"then the lord brought Abram outside beneath the nightsky and told him 'look uo into the heavens and count the stars if you can. your decedants will be like that-too many to count."

God literaly told Abraham 'you will have what you see'.

alot of exhaltations have been shared on 'having what you say-the power of confessing the right things into your life' but not much emphasis is placed on the importance of having a picture of that life/that future in your mind.

i know a girl who has a picture of her wedding ring on her finger!! she tells me she closes her eyes and she JUST SEES IT!!

we will not have JUST WHAT WE SAY, but WHAT WE SEE as well.

get that 'child' in you awake.... begin to see 'helicopters in your backyard'[so to speak]; we adults have gotten so jaded, and when it comes to God and faith you have to have 'OUTRAGEOUS' expectations!!

i say outrageous as one speaking in the flesh, as an ordinary man; BUT you and i know... no dream or request brought before our heavenly father is BIGGER than he is.

so when next we wonder : "what lies ahead?"
i hope we follow that question with : "what do i see?"

for anyone who struggles with SEEING that picture.... just as God took Abraham outside... he will lead you to his WORD... as the word enters into your heart, and as your faith reaches new heights the PICTURE becomes clearer...

"its all in our faith."
"its all in our faith."

his peace.chichi

untitled.

2008-04-02T01:37:00.000+01:00

not for a moment would she shed a tear
because she knows; yes she knows

she would no surrender to dispair
so much she knows, too much she knows

the signs would not sway her-
the truth is rooted strongly within her.........

so much she knows; too much she knows.

those who WAIT upon the LORD shall RENEW their strength....
they shall RUN and would NOT faint.

'things are going to get easier.'

happy new month.
his peace. my love. chichi.

THE TAKE OVER!!!

2008-03-27T19:28:00.000Z

1 peter 3:9-: 'don't repay evil for evil. Don't retaliate when people say unkind things about you.INSTEAD pay them back with A BLESSING. this is what GOD WANTS YOU TO DO , and he will bless you for it.' [NLT version].

how hard is that? don't we just itch to have that infamous 'last word' , isn't the lure to 'hit them BACK where it hurts' the most appealing and tintilating?

somedays ago i heard something someone* said about me.... a relatively close someone; it was nothing 'bad' per say but it hurt me...
i walked into my room* and sat on mybed meditating on what had been said; immediatedly, the devil began to stir up anger within me, the 'how could so-and-so say that' 'what have i done to warrant this' 'it is not soand so 's fault... i blame condtion'.... yes i was getting furious; i knew to fight it but i let such emotons linger on for some seconds; until the above verse came up in my spirit....

'don't repay evil for evil' the holy spirit said to me and spent some time talking to me on this.

then i made up my mind; and i told the devil to carry is negativity outta here; i aint buying into bitterness and anger.... God's love is perfected in me. God wants me to repay 'evil' with 'good' and that is just what i am going to do! best believe satan carried his 'goods' away!!

my dearest the 'TAKE OVER' can/will only happen when you MAKE UP YOUR MIND!!!

when i say 'take over' i am refering to God filling you up so much so that you both are intertwined.... he becomes you and you become him!!

vs 15 of the same book and chapter of the bible says this :'... you must worship christ as the Lord of your life.'

you get it?

2cor 5:15 says this : "he {christ} died for everyone so that those who recieve his new life will no longer live to please themselves instead, they will live to please christ, who died and was raised for them."

i have one word for you 'altar'.

that is what your life and mine our; an altar unto God; a LIFE set aside/concencrated to him.

you desire the take over; then MAKE UP YOUR MIND TODAY; decide to live for God's pleasure; to give him the best of your life.... to be AS HE IS.

the 'TAKE OVER' is possible; the 'ultimate disappering act of self' can happen to you; but we have to go a step further from desiring.... we have to MAKE UP OUR MINDS.... TO CHOOSE those things which cause God delight.

i know, i know... it is hard; but like God once told me : 'it may be hard but NOT impossible.'

his peace, my love. chichi.

untitled.

2008-03-18T14:35:00.000Z

Ruth chapter one.

i want to share a message from my 'bible-study' journal; when i read it late last night, it moved me... so much i read it to my mum; i hope it MOVES someone too-i hope it comforts, encourages and strenthens as it did me:

"the moment of lack and insuffiency will surely pass; sometimes we are too sense orflesh ruled that we analyze the situations we face from the realm of the flesh and seek physical solutions to it.

what if Elimelech had not moved his family? would his death and those of his sons had happened?who knows.

VS6: sy alot but a key word is "... again" God blessed his people again.GOD IS AN AGAIN GOD!! if he did it before he will surely do it again because he IS there is NO shadow of change to him or his will for us his children.

so what do you seem to lack?have you looked around and seen nothing coming forth? are you loosing faith in a revival/renewal and planning on making a move? WAIT... i believe if there is anythng God had to ay to his children today it is 'wait' whay are you in a hurry? why am i?

NOW has its purpose, its reason. so wiat and who knows you may just be escaping a great loos by doing so.

in Ruth i see selflessness;Ruth could have easily left or bad-mouthed orpah before Naomi for living. VS18{NLT} says Ruth "made up her mind". alot of us need to 'make up our minds' not tomorrow but today!! because ONCE we know for sure today, tomorrow can NOT shake us.

the mind is a powerful thing/weapon, once its on the right track, set on the positive your life can NOT go off the path, neither can your mouth lead your life off the right path.

make a decision today, so that tomorrow having done everything to stand, you will stand.

is that decision to have faith, forgive, love yourself, live healthly, pray more, be more commited as a student, partner,employer.... everydya something in our life is calling us to MAKE A DECISION, TO MAKE UP OUR MINDS....

settle those issues once and for all; the mind is powerful once you have chosen /decided everything begins to fall into place. you can not be swayed differently.

Ruth did NOT speak harshly of orpah for living; we need to STOP playing judge and jury.... nobody has to be like us or live/act like us!!

stop 'hating' on those who act differently or choose differently; STOP 'hating' on those who walk-away while we stayed!!

we NEED to let mtters go. orpah left, Ruth did not drag the issue out in her mind or with Naomi; she moved on-she refused to be imprisoned by whatever feeling orpah's departing possesed. we need to let matters go and not embrace them/it. LET IT GO!!

a good thing came out of Moab; Ruth did for Naomi. even when we step out, God is there providing the help we need along the way, all geared up to taking us to where we NEED to be.

its not good to step out of line BUT then again thank God because it will never be the end of the world for us.

in pain good can be born. God's grace and love will win out in the end."

his peace. chichi

the choice the price.

2008-03-11T18:51:00.000Z

as i lay in bed unwilling to arise from my slumber and begin my day, a scripture was wisphered into my spirit-Exoduos 8 vs 1-10.

it happens to me like that sometimes; God just 'wisphers' a word to me. anyway i jumped out from bed, reached for my bible, opened to the passage and began to study.

the gist of it: Moses had been sent to pharaoh with a message from God "let my people go, so they can worship me" that was the message the instruction; the command. however God added "...IF you refuse.... i will send vast hordes of frogs across your entire land...."

pharaoh refused- and payed the price; ' .... frogs covered the WHOLE land of Egypt..." vs6

time passed- and pharoah sent for Moses and Aaron and begged "plead with the Lord to take the frogs away from me and my people...."

Moses replied that it was Pharoah who decided when he will pray for the Land to be rid of the plaugue of frogs.

pharoah's answer: "do it tomorrow.

i personally have wondered why pharoah said 'tomorrow' but it was a choice HE MADE and once again he paid the price "another day of frogs!"

then the Lord said to me: THE CHOICES WE{i} MAKE AFFECT NOT JUST US BUT THOSE WHO ARE AROUND US-THOSE WHO MEET WITH US.

it's not just us who 'suffer' or 'gain' from the choices we make in our personal lifes but every other person we know or would meet.

IT IS NOT JUST ABOUT YOU- and that is the coffee you need to wake up to meaning-this is the truth you have to accept.

the choices we make in 'our' lifes either ENRICHES the lives of those we come across or makes them the 'POORER'-.

it was pharoah's choice that got the entire land of Egypt into a horrible situation- and instead of him to LEARN from that and correct himself he repeated the same FOLLY.

we leave in a 'self-obsessed' world; we want to constantly have our way-do as we like thta we make the CHOICES we eventually would regret; the CHOICES those around join to pay the price for.

the husband/father who CHOOSES not to break free from his addiction to alcohol- he is NOT the only one who suffers his entire family suffers as well.

the man/woman whose REFUSES to abandon a pessimistic outlook on life is NOT the only one to suffer; but those who surround him/her.

the thng baout choices , is that conciously or unconciously, we are MAKING them- we either choose life or death; and have the consequence of our choices to look forward to.

the bible says in James 'he who lacks wisdom should ask God who gives generously.' you and I NEED wisdom for choice- once we understand that it does not END with us, but BEGINS with us; we become more dependent on the Lord's leading for direction {as it should be anyway.}.

so yea : 'THE CHOICE THE PRICE'; remember its NOT just us who reap from our choices BUT those around us. this is a message on selflessness in a way- becos once you are out to do right by God and by those around you {like paul admnishes us in one of the epistles to do our best to live at peace with those around us} you cease to live for self, and if that is not christ-like, then i wonder which christ we talking about here.

his peace. chichi

2007

2008-03-03T11:51:00.000Z

i know, i know this is 2008 but 2007 is a year for me to remember... it changed my life; my walk with God and gave me new appreciation for my family. now i know how corny and cliche this sounds But i'll go ahead and say it still : "I WOULD BE LOST WITHOUT A FAMILY LIKE MINE." for real o! God has blessed me indeed.

2007 was the year i almost died... yea died; it was terrible o! the enemy really was bent on taking my life... i was in the pits, going through trials and jumping hurdles i had NEVER before expericend. 2007 was tough, tough, tough... i almost died; infact i was ready.

my faith in God died and came back to life and died again.... i struggled to trust him, to love him... infact i was LOST and miserable; battling with negative emotions....

my family kept lifting me up in prayer.... i'd be lost without them.

my sister was my 'sunday-school' teacher; she fed me with the word as best as she could. it often was just both of us at home and i will sit and listen.... i was angry but i was hungry... for hope, for peace for faith for strength....

then it changed... God saved me; delivered me from death.... but my emotions were all jumbled up, you know smiling on the outside dying on the inside.

the devil kept attacking my joy, peace, faith.... nd i kept letting him!!

until december 2007.... i heard a word; i read a word from the bible and my life has been affected ever since.

2kings7:3-4.

NO HAS THE RIGHT TO STEAL MY JOY,PEACE,FAITH....

i realized i HAD to make a CHOICE to rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS.... the devil is a liar i had WON already!!

and life has been beautiful ever since..... im not the same girl i was in 2007.... God is working in me and on me now; i see the eveidence and feel the change.

im not where i want to be; all my ducks are not yet in a row... but i have faith, and my joy is not based on things but on Jesus my rock, the ancient of days... my lover my friend.

somethigs should never be forgotten; some testimonies sould never be hoarded.... the Devil is a liar; WE who are in Jesus have won!!

his peace.my love. chichi

A New Perspective

2008-02-29T20:23:00.000Z

some days ago; i finished the book of Ruth... it was indeed a wonderful journey; every verse and all four chapters were solid food... tantalizing to my spiritual taste buds.... God had a word/message for me at everypoint.... to think i almost thought "nah!" when i was lead at first!!

so the title of this post is A NEW PERSPECTIVE; and that is waht happened to me after i read sometging in the book of Ruth 4:6:

"then I can't redeem it" the family redemmer replied.

let me give the background gist that lead to the above verse. Ruth had lost her husband and father-in-law and brother -in-law; she journeyed with her mother-in-law Naomi to the country of her late husband... a country to which she would be foreigner; but her selflessness got her thinking about her mother-in-law's need for her than for her own NEED {a message on its own.}

Ruth begins to work on the field owned by Boaz; Boaz takes notice of Ruth... he askes about her from his workers they describe her as a woman of HONOR {another message on its own}- i digress: " proverbs 31 vs 30:

"charm and beauty is deceptive, and beauty does not last BUT a womn who FEARS the LORD will be GREATLY praised."

CHARACTER IS THE SUBTANCE....

BACK TO STORY:

jewish custom says qulifies Boaz to marry Ruth so that her late husband's name would go on when she birth's her first son. but little problem; there is someone else in line before Boaz.

have you ever looked up to someone for something: be it their love, support, pressence, happiness for you .... and they failed to deliever.

have you ever watched the 'perfect' 'ideal' people /circumstances walk out of your life... come to a close even before you were ready for 'it' to end?

have you cried, cried because the people who were to stay left, the people who were to love despised, the people who were to support abandoned, the people who were to be committed betrayed.... THE 'ONES' FAILED....

and you think.... 'no one else left..." remember Boaz.

Boaz ent to meet the family redemmer before him and the man said "NO"... basically it would complicate his life.... Ruth was a problem to him... Ruth did NOT fit into his plans.... or was it that HE did NOT FIT into the plans God had for Ruth?!!!

am getting excited!

do not hold 'them' back; do not try to make 'it' fit.... when it has grown 'too old', 'too weak'... THEY HAVE TO SAY 'NO' SO YOUR BOAZ CN SAY 'YES'.

you have to let it go... let them go, give it up.... and let God have the space to bring nto your life the things the people he has ordained for you before time began!!

when the man said 'NO', Boaz said 'yes'; he could not say 'yes' tomarrying Ruth no matter how much he was intrested in it until the oppurtunity came up.... and the opurtunity ws hearing 'NO'.

No is a negative word.... but in the story of Ruth it was the best word that could be offered.

the blessing may begin with hearing 'NO'.

the gift may be wrapped in 'NO'

the testimony is born out of 'NO'

NO is often the key that unlocks the door to your God designed future.!!

so next time you are faced with a 'NO' smile something is about to happen....

ruth 4vs13,19-20:

so Boaz married Ruth and took her home to live with him.

when he slept with her, the LORD enabled her to become pregnant, and she gave birth to a son.

this is their family line beginning with their ancestor Perez:

perez ws the fther of hezron.

hezron was the father of Ram

Ram was the father of Amminadb

Amminadab ws the father of Nahshon.

Nashon the father of boaz.

Boaz the father of Obed.

Obed the father of Jesse.

Jesse the father of David.

imagine what Ruth would have missed out on had the other man said 'Yes'.... she would have missed out on being one of the leading ladies in the chronology of Jesus's family line!!

time 4 a new perpective.

his peace . chichi

dedicated to my 'number one' Fan!! {believer} LOL..

gospel truth again... the begining of it all.

2008-02-22T07:05:00.000Z

"for God so loved the world that he gave his only son

so that everyone who beleives

will not perish BUT have eternal life."

the following verse of the above scripture{john 3:16} says Jesus did NOT come to condemn the world but to save it.

the truth is it hurts me; it hurts me when i see people NOT regard God; it hurts me when EVEN I do NOT regard him as i should. what more do we want? HE loves us so much he "gave up" the one important person/being in his life and world. he made him who KNEW NO sin know sin that we may be saved.

CHRIST CAME AND DIEDTHAT WE MAY LIVE AND REGIN {not just in heaven but here on earth.}

in class a lecturer wanted to show a 'film clip' on TV but before he did he asked if there were christians were in this class becos will be offensive to them.... out of over twenty people THREE rose up their hands? out of those three people GOD knows those that are realy HIS; those in a relationship and not in a religion.

where hs the love gone?

i read some one's blog {by accident} where the person said and i quote "Swing.life is to short."

that rubbed me the 'wrong way'; whatever 'swing' means is up in the air but all i know is it did not sound right... it sounded like that misguided and ignorant thing people say to excuse their'wrong' actions "you only live once!"

we live in ageneration that has forgotten its God. i do not want people to be suprised come judgement day.... but some are bent on being suprised.

jesus knocks on the door of each heart... who will open? who will let him in? who will not laugh at his love but will rather acept and trust it.

when it comes to this God i do get very touchy; it breaks my heart when i see people 'not care' why? do they not know HOW much he loves them, what he gave up for them.... why will they treat him or speak of him iwthout revere, respect with a lack of apppreciation!!

i do not get it at all!!

so i thought remind them... for those who have forgotton; tell them... for those who have NOT heard,

GOD LOVES YOU, WANTS YOU. YOU NEED HIM

FOR THERE IS NO HOPE, NO LIFE OUTSIDE OF HIM

HIS ARMS ARE OPEN NOT TO CONDEMN

BUT TO SAVE.

MY GOD IS MIGHTY TO SAVE INDEED

NO MATTER WHO WE ARE, WHAT WE HAVE DONE

WHERE WE HAVE BEEN

HE IS READY

TO LOVE YOU

GUIDE YOU

TEACH YOU

BUILD YOU

PURIFY YOU

MAKE YOU

FOR HOW LONG WILL YOU WANDER OUTSIDE THE GATES

THE DOOR TO HIM IS OPEN AND YOU

YOU ARE WELCOME.

give your ALL to jesus... you wont regret it; believe me i know.

keeping it real. his peace. chichi

TAKING CHARGE...

2008-02-21T20:54:00.000Z

i dunno if like me there is anyone who this is for... but really im writing this for me. getting outside myself and speaking to self....

siting around waiting for things to 'change'? you might as well get ready to wait for a long time....

there is the change that only God can deleiver and there is the change only you can deleiver.

'you need to take charge'. quit crying, mopping, day-dreaming, wishing... and TAKE CHARGE!!

moses did... God said {not really} from here on out it is you... you strech forth that 'stick' and the sea will part.... you dont and well the egyptians will catch up at get ya!

so what are you waiting for.

do the cruches.
do the sit up.
eat right.{try}

your dream {body} will remain a dream other wise.

ps 18 vs 29: God's got your back.

his peace my love.chichi

I CHOOSE DEATH...

2008-02-18T19:33:00.000Z

i do; i really do.

on sunday evening i setteled to study the word of God; and my devotional lead me to this verse in 1peter4:19:

"so if you are suffering according to God's will,

keep doing what is right and trust yourself

to the God who made you, for he never fails."

what struck me the most was "suffering acording to God's will" my mind threw this sentnece around; something in me was not to 'YAY!' about it; then Jesus came into my mind... his death, was a perfect example of suffering according to God's will.

some minutes ago i listened to T.D JAKES on line and he read from the scripture where Jesus said he did not come to bring peace.... and i thought 'WOW!'

we do not become christ-like/ like christ if life is without the challenges and battles, and oppositons! in the beatitudes Jesus said "blessed are you when you are persecuted for my sake..."

TD JAKES talked about "death to your/ my will", "death to sin."

and then this is the TRUTH i got; we who profess and confess christ have to choose death!!

death to our flesh, death to the world... choose a new world a new life where everything about us revolves around Jesus christ our Lord.

some of us do NOT want to die, some of us are HALF dead.... for some reason; we do not want to be LOST in him-JESUS.

for some reason we delay change that makes us better sons and daughters...

for some reason the LIGHT is going out and we are TOO slow to fan it into flame...

for some reason trying... now has no point, makes no sense.

but until you and i are completely dead to self... we will NEVER come alive in Christ; for the bible does say only the pure of heart will see God...

'death' is a scary thing; it is something we rebuke, we refuse, we do not want to think or talk about.

spiritual death is the BEST thing... peter says in his first book chapter 4 vs 13:

instead be VERY glad-because these trials,

will make you partners with christ...

when we live for christ; the trials will come... when we choose death; the devil begins to see us as people he has to bring down... we become a threat to him just as jesus was, as jesus is...

but will the fear of trials unknown stop you and i from choosing death?

his peace. chichi.

IT IS 'OKAY' TO BE YOU

2008-02-13T18:15:00.000Z

joyce meyer said the above phrase as i watched her sermon on line somedays back : "it is okay to be you- eat the cookie, buy the shoe." i.e clebrate yourself, your uniquness.

but how many of us are 'REALLY' okay with who we are, with where we are, with what we got.... how many of us believe without wavering that YOU{me} is the only way to be, is the way God intended...

how many of us think the next 'chic' or 'stud' has it better than we do... that if only God made me more like X or if i had the style,looks and talents as Y... my life will be 'perfect."

confession: sometimes i do think all this... and truth be told sometimes we all do; some of us more than others but never the less we all guilty!!!

we need to shake of that 'less than' mentality; FYI: the ideal for any person to be is himself or herself...

we need to be confident in who we are in our Lord and say or preferably shout "it is okay to be me!!"

david said in psalm 139 vs 13-14:

you made all the delicate, inner parts of my body

and knit me together in my mothers womb.

thank you for making me so wonderfully complex!

your workmanship is marvellous-and how well i know it.

David said "thank you for making ME...." he too knew that it IS okay to be himself.

God crafted you on purpose, the way you think, talk, walk, laugh, LOOK... everything about you was thought out CAREFULLY and LOVINGLY by GOD!

tomorrow is valentines day; and while you and I appreciate those who make life special for us... while we celebrate others; let us celebrate ourselves too!

it is okay to be CHICHI!!

it is okay to be YOU!!

'WHY?."

because either way we are, he LOVES us and will use us. we have been formed to fit into his specific plan for our individual lives!!

happy vals day.

his peace.chichi

its just a phase...

2008-02-08T12:03:00.000Z

"WHEN you ARRIVE in the land the lord your God is giving you as a special possession...." {NLT} Deut26vs1.

i was so comforted when i saw this; and too excited at the same time!! why? because at the end of the day where you are today, where i am today is NOT where we will be forever!!

the storm will end, our tears will cease to flow, the pain will ease our souls.... one day we will wake up having MOVED on UPWARDS!! halleluyah.

i believe when we begin to see the unpleasent situations we face as part of a transition and not our destination, we CAN indeed be filled with hope and joy!!

the reason we often get 'downcast' is cos we tend to believe that we will remain in the Valley... just cos we {in our mind} have been there for a long time OR we do not SEE how possible it is to get out of the valley-issues in our lives.

"WHEN, WHEN!!"

when he brings you to your canann, when you arrive at your predestined destination.... a land so full, rich by the power of God!!

i have looked ahead with the eyes of FAITH; 'here comes the sun...!!"

chin up baby; HERE COMES THE SUN!!

'the grace to know it wont be like this forever; better days, better days are ahead of you and i."

his peace, my love. chichi.

A PORT IN A STORM...

2008-02-06T18:20:00.000Z

ps 9 vs 9: "the lord is a SHELTER for the oppressed, a REFUGE in times of trouble. "

my devotional this morning passed on a message; it challenged me to fearlessly commit yourself {myself} to what is written in te bible.

once upon a time last year, life as i knew it seemed 'over'; the hardest thing for me was looking at God as the same, beleiving he was in control of my life and the situation i was facing.

it was tough. just thinking of that time in my life makes me shiver and makes me say "thank you Lord."

life is filled with battles, challenges, i mean Paul would not have told us about ' putting on the armour of God." if life was one party after another.

you and I are going to have to FIGHT; FIGHT the enemy of our lives and our destinies.

when i read the above psalm i wondered "refuge? shelter?" so i decided to find out a synonym for the words and this one hit me 'WHAM' a port in a storm.

this is who Jesus is : a port in a storm. i then decided to find pictures of Ports and i did and one thing that was the same in the pictures of ALL the different Ports was that the boats or cars were all at a stand still... resting if you will.

God brought me out of my fire, and even today he is bringing his children out of trouble and trials still...

the holy spirit kept telling me then during my 'fire' "it is never too late to have faith."
he kept telling me this because my faith at this point was t an all time low... i am not even going to lie and say i was strong, i kept falling apart and getting up again.... it was a nightmare of a time in my life indeed.

but i did NOT have to suffer all that emotional , physical and spiritual battering... God is a PORT in a STORM. all i had to do then.... {and what intend to do hence forth} was go to him and REST , to STAND STILL and know that he is God.

when the rain is pouring , and the sea of life is churning Jesus is the place to go, and the place to stay.

we do not have to loose our heads when Life hits, neither to have to live in a perpetual state of fear of thinking of WHEN life hits...

Faith is good. God is his word, and according to Malachai 3vs 6 he {God hence his word} does NOT change , he will never change!!

often wondered how people will be going through DEEP, DARK stuff and they excude this peace, joy, moutain moving faith? i would tell you their not so secret secret...

"they are at the PORT... standing still, resting in HIM, waiting quietly for the coming day of victory."

he loves us so MUCH. so so MUCH.
he is home, he is ALL we would need.

i have fed a heart.

his peace. chichi

am an aunt!!halleluyah!!

2008-02-04T10:43:00.000Z

today,at about 1 am this morning God made me an aunt, my parents firstime grandparents, my brothers uncles, my in-law a father, my sister a mother!!

habakuk 3:16 {NLT}: "......queitly waiting...."

HE IS FAITHFUL TO COMPLETE AND PERFECT HIS WORD AND HIS PROMISE!!

LETS WAIT.... QUIETLY, without fear/trembling, without negative thoughts and words ruling us, without confusion or anxiety.

'quietly waiting' the word i recieved 1st of this month, the word i shall never forget. in jesus name. amen.

his peace. chichi

loving us as we are...

2008-02-01T03:58:00.000Z

ps 139 vs 1 : "O lord, you have examined my heart and know everything about me." {NLT}

*short story*

in primary school, i was the chubby girl with the geeky glassess{ glassess still there tho much more trendy- the weight? lets just say 'curves' LOL!!}; i remember then, my favorite book in the libary was about a chubby girl who had no friends, and who then lost weight and everyone wanted to be her friend!!

well i had friends; what i did not have was any boy crushing on me!!{when i was a child...*sigh*}. i was NOT the 'type' the boys were going for; and in so many ways it was shown.

then in primary 5 i met O.H, it is weird how i still remeber his surname,how he looked... or is it?
i remember him because; he had a crush on me... he liked me.

it was weird for me... No boy had 'liked me-liked me'; i remeber one day he was talking to me, and i think i actualy said 'are you talking to me?' that is how SHOCKED i was... there were finer girls {thank God fordeleiverance from such low self estem}.

finally i accepted O.H crush, and i experienced something i had believed i'd leave primry school without!!

sometimes we wonder what God is STILL doing with us; why does he STILL care about me, why does he STILL love me... after all i have said and done, does he not know it all, my wicked private thoughts, my flaws... does he not see them....

feeling undeserving of the love of God has its limit!! sometimes statan is just messing with our mind, telling us how undeserving we are... and in those times God takes NO delight in our seeming 'awe' of his love...

i told the story above becuse i believe in alot of ways it is kinda how we react to the fact that God loves us just as we are...

we are like "me? me? God loves ME??!"

he does, i was thinking of the fact that God CHOSE to love you and i; he purposely loves you, his love did not just happen, he pre-planned to love us...eph chapter one the verse 4 says God chose us in christ and loved us BEFORE the foundation of the world was made....

and everyday since after he made the foundation of the world he loves us STILL... as we are, as i am...

and it is his love for us that inspires us to be better people for him...

while we were yet sinners he died for us.

i think we should stop trying to figure out why he does love us and begin to accept it and thank him for it....

he knows EVERYTHING and he CHOOSES to STILL LOVE US!!

aint that just fantastic!!

his peace. chichi.

UNTO GOD....

2008-01-28T22:07:00.000Z

a life yeilded to him... that is what God expects of us from us; a life truly surrendered. a heart that ceases to be ours and has become his, a mouth that only speaks for him, yeilded unto him....

i just listned to T.D JAKES preach a sermon titliled 'building your own alter.' he said alot of powerful things but one in particlar moved me ....

first an altar in this case in refering to our lifes/heart, someone who has pioritized Jesus giving him a place that will never be long to another, someone who earnestly seeks God without being watched, someone who geninely is surrendered to life of absolute God pleasure.

worship is not just in songs, worship is a lifestyle-we worship God everyday by what we give to him : a verse in psalm34 reads "... those who honor him will have all their needs..."

{like joyce Meyer said once we need to worship God/ love him not just because of what he gives but because of WHO he is...}

a true worshipher, ALWAYS worships God in ALL things!!

short story:

i had to stay over at a relations house sometime last year, and i had to help out around the house. HELP OUT ALOT!!
i was cleaning, sweeping bringing....
somedays i got weary of doing good... sometimes i was tempted to grumble, and do everything in anger...

but whenever that feeling caame over me strongly i'll remind myself what God told me the first day i got there:

" SERVICE COMES BEFORE HONOR".
i never knew that... or thought of it that way. immediatedly i set my attitude right saying everything i do here is unto God and for God, and yes in his time he will allow me reap the reward of it.

best believe i did my 'work' there to the BEST of my ability, i made sure i did everything perfectly. apart from the blessing to come {amen} it was also the fact that i saw it as a worship unto God, something he would accept and delight in.

the bible says :let your light shine before men so that they may see your good work and GLORIFY GOD in heaven....

we are called to live a life unto God becuse God gets glory.... great honor from it{and that is what worship does, God is enlarged and honored},eyes look to God when we live for him....

i remembered this story cos T.D JAKES said sumthing:

"when you have an altar, you can not be selfish in your sevice; everything you do comes from that santfied place deep on the inside of you thus making your offering/service holy and acceptable unto God"- i paraphrased sum parts.

unto GOD...
not for you...
not for me...
not for them...

giving to God the best of us, the ALL of us-

i am still in a state of pondering this message, of giving God an altar in our lives... am still thinking in my spirit what such a powerful message means.... diging deep, digging deeper...

but the much made clear to me i put down so not to forget.

UNTO GOD....
unto God...

grounded and well rooted in him; hence everything ceases to be about me.

giving him my best, giving him worship in everything and at all times.

still meditating.

his peace.chichi

''LOVE IN MY EYES''

2008-01-24T20:06:00.000Z

i've got LOVE in my eyes {hence the red}...
just got back few mo' ago from the cinema saw ENCHANTED... awwww lovely.
i tapped my feet, 'ohheed' and 'ahhed' at all the right places... love is beautiful; it is even better when it is pure, wholesome and yours!!

today we are caught in a generation/world that is searching for wholeness... feeling a need to belong. some folks would rather be in a relationship that is like being in hell-fire than be the word they hate, and dread most ... than be ALONE.

my brother told me once that being ALONE{without a man} does not mean your lonely, or there is something WRONG with you!! here-here if you've ever felt or have been told you have a 'problem' just cause your SINGLE??

as i got on the bus heading home a scripture came to my mind, a scripture i would put down to end this post... also a phrase jumped up from within me...
'LOVE BEGINS WITH AND IN GOD'

i love the verse in Eph 1 vs 23 that says : THE FULLNESS OF HIM WHO FILLS ALL IN ALL.

we need to get THE love we need for our soul and spirit from GOD... THE love that fills us is NOT hiding away in some mister/miss right {really}.

when we get in on THE love.... ah i believe we will never NEED someone/ anyone to MAKE us FEEL loved... because we would already know we are!!

a friend* of mine has taken a break from dating a sort of 'i kissed dating goodbye' thing why? she wants to get full on the love of God, and there by love herself as she begins to see her self through her Creators eyes...
no more will she jump up at any guy who says the "L'' word, it would not make her settle or feel lucky. the lady is loved, ah the lady knows she is loved.

sweetheart do you know you are loved already? yes you reading this, there is no need to compromise, there is no need to feel empty.... let your heavnly father's LOVE fill you-it can.
woman the BIBLE says : HE THAT FINDETH A WIFE FINDETH A GOOD THING AND OBTAINETH FAVOUR FROM THE LORD.

not you{woman} he{man} why? because when he woman gets into a love relatonship with GOD, when a woman allows THE love of GOD to fill her ''empty'' and parched soul.... she stops searching and just begins to rest in love that is MORE than enough... in a LOVE that brings together lovers, she is no more jumping from sheet to sheet, she is no more crying out to GOD '' give me a MAN'' she is satified with THE love that never gets old, that never gets sore.

thank God for those who have in their hands the love made for them... for love indeed is a beautiful and somewhat in todays world a rare commodity.

thank God for those who are SINGLE for the lord is now youe companion ashe promised in isaiah-to be your husband.

but above all thank GOD for those who have and are reaching out to know, and experience the FULLNESS of GOd's love.... for in it they find peace in times of despair, joy in times of pain, victory in battles, beauty of life. AND SO MUCH MORE:

ah jesus let me get full on your love, that just like the woman by the well i would thirst no more!! halleluyah.

oh yes the bible verse- eph 3 from vs 17 to 19:

that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you being grounded and rooted in love,

may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the width and length and depth and height-

to know the love of christ which passes knoweledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

ah... ive got love in my eyes true true. i want to get full, i am ready to get full, i CHOOSE to get full.

what about you?

his peace. my love. chichi

why do jealousy?

2008-01-22T20:13:00.000Z

the early morning sun pierced through the slightly drawn curtain in my room; i was turn between waking up and catching another few minutes of shut-eye.... then i rembered the scripture that i had heard in my dream over and over again...exdous 28vs 2.

in the above verse God was instucting Moses.... the part that ''got me'' was when God said Moses was to dress Aaron in a ''different'' garment seperating him from all the other people. you see Aaron was a priest... he had a calling on his life that was different from anyone else he had to accept it and so did everyother person.

why do jealousy?{i wrote dat in green haing in mind 'the 'green eyed'' monster}

the problem i see is that so many of us find it HARD accepting where we are, or who we are. we always believe the next broda or sista has it better.... and yearn secretly or overtly to have what they have or be who they are.

we knock our selves down by comparing ourselves with the standards of men and we hardly ever clebrate ourselves!!

we think we are ''no good'' just by looking at other people....

the bible says set your mind on things above....
i learnt a long time ago that my sucessess does not depend on the failures of others!!

YOU ARE DIFFERENT!!

it would not happen for you {maybe} as it happend for toyosi, or nneka or mildred or whoever it is you are looking at.... whoever it is you are using as your yardstick/standard!!

God has called you on a different path, as our personalities differ so is the plan God has for us!!

the psalmist says : he leads me in the best pathway for my life!! he leads you and i in the best pathway for our life....

now even though the plan[s] God has for us differ.... one thing that is the same for each and everyone of us is the promise in jer29vs 11

God is too good, too faithful, too holy... to not do ''right'' by us.

yesterday i called a friend, and he informs me of a girl we both know .... and how things are '' looking up'' for her....

if it was anyone else i would not have acted funny for a second the way i did when i was told.... there is this history i have with the girl that makes me often forget the reborn spirit that i am!!!

satan immediatedly saw ample oppurtunity to get me thinking its supposed to be{check previous posts} basically the devil was sowing into my mind thoughts of jelousy and that ''look at my life!'' self-pity jargon!!

but then i rembered the bible verse that had come to me in a dream and i shook off the devil.... i SHOOK OFF the negativity, the seed of jelousy that was being planted in my thoughts!!

i made a choice entering into the year that i choose joy all the way.... and some things have happned that could make me curl up and moan and groan.... but the thing about this choice i made is that for once i have ubderstood that TRUE joy has NOTHING to do with the 'stuff'' that go on around me....

so yesterday i made a choice that made the devil MAD as well as kept my joy and my spirit pure... i choose NOT to do JEALOUSY....

my pathway is different....
your pathway is different....

there is this song i heard in my brother-in-law's car , the song is titled "God has not forgot..."

he is on his way to reach you,
stop letting the devil tell you any different.

jealousy means you believe that you would NEVER get to where you belong, that you will NEVER see the goodness of God in your life....

so i am happy for her.... our history aside .... i am happy for her!!
im confident enough in the ability and soverignty of God, and in his love for me which brings to pass everygood and perfect thing in my life to say that!!

his peace. chichi.

my 'little' testimony& the message from the spirit

2008-01-19T20:27:00.000Z

today i had a long train ride into london from manchester; a long and very comfortable ride.
i slept at invervals and read a book 'God's leading Lady'{t.d jakes}.

my ride was so much fun ... i could not remeber the last time i had such peace on the train!!
its not due to anything scaring, its just that getting a seat on the train is often a BIG issue. sometimes it is so full with people other times the seats are reserved and should you make a ''mistake'' to settle into a reserved seat oh! dear that is another issue becos at one stop or the other the owner will come and you'l have to move.... wow! a message is brewing here; i was going to share something else but let me share whot the lord is whispering to me.

there is peace when you are where you are meant to be, when you are doing what you have been called to do; you enjoy your life by accepting where you are and what you have and knowing that even though it looks like close to nothing..... ''çlose to nothing' fed 5000 men, woman and children with 12baskets of leftovers.

just like the train ride if i should sit on a seat reserved for someone else, im going to be so uneasy, constanly wondering ''when will the real owner come?'' ''when will i be caught?'' and all this worrying, kills the 'fun'' i could have on the ride.

when you and i are outside the will of God, living a life that is not ours, we feel that 'tug'no matter how we want to ignore it, its there. we can not enjoy life because we know we are holding on to something we NEED to let go of. it is 'false' comfort, and if we are to enjoy life we need to be redy and willing to let go.

is it better to stand on the train or sit on the ''empty'' reserved seats? if you are okay being moved by force; sure sit on the seat NOT meant for you but i assure you should the real owner come-you my dear are out!!

sometimes God has to ''shake-up'' our lives because when he leaves it up to us we often never go the way he speaks to us or shows us.

in the book of philpians, paul says that God has given us the desire to do his will and the strength to carry out his will...

God wants us to KNOW what he has carved out for us, he wants us to take a sit on the train ride of life and enjoy the ride why? because the reserved seated we are sitting on belongs to us...

my analogies are getting too much so i''l say what it is i have been saying....

today before my train ride into london i asked God to save me a sit... MY sit, i did not want to stand all through and i did not want to settle into a reserved empty seat only to have the original occupant politely or most times rudely inform me ''i am where i am not meant to be''

and God answered; thats how come i had such a peaceful ride, and you know what else? almost everyother seat was vacant NONE was reseved God had given me choices as well!!!

like i did for a place to rest my pampered behind{the sista can crack a joke yea?}... we should also seek him to show us the way that is ours, no more taking risks, no more being everywhere but where we are meant to be or doing everything but what we are meant to do!!

no more uneasiness in our lives, once you and i seek God to show us or speak to us his will, he will and as the case always is... it ''blows'' our minds!{in GOOD way of course}

my little testimony is: God saved me a seat!!
the message from the spirit is: "trust in the lord with all thine heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge him and he shall direct your path.''

his peace. chichi

"even with glory..... even with my shame"

2008-01-13T15:22:00.000Z

"O God, my heart is fixed: I will give praise, even with my glory....."

the above verse is in paslms... psalms 108 vs1 to be precise.

as i read this verse in the bible.... it struck me within.

david was saying here that he had made a choice to be a worshiper..... in the good times!!

i had always assumed the only time worshiping was difficult was in the bad times... in the times when we felt ashamed and troubled. BUT for some its in the time of glory that worshiping God is a struggle...... some of us tend to only NEED GOD when we are in NEED!!

and when the need is met.... our compassion, our devotion, love name it.... goes out the window!!

as i meditated still on that verse the holy spirit saidd to me : "God is not looking for a bet friend for 2months.... he wants a best friend in and out of season... for eternity!'"

God wants our love for him and our awe of him, and need of him... to be forever!!

he wants you and i to see that.... he wants our unconditional LOVE just as he loves us unconditionally.

david say even with my glory.......

some of us need to say even with my shame...

for some of us do not know how to lift up our hands when our spirits our weary....

even with {our} glory..... even with {our} shame we wil lift up our GOD.... we chose to be worshipers in and out of season.

halleluyah!!

his peace.chichi

"its suppose to be..."

2008-01-11T14:18:00.000Z

i have realized that the above title is the easiet route to a life of unhappiness, depression, ungratefulness... and its one of the thoughts satan uses to get us "under":

'im supposed to be the one with the high paying job not them..."
"im supposed to be married.... not her"
"im supposed to be there not here...."

'its supposed to have been that way not this way...."
"he/she is supposed to be the "one"'

there are just alot of supposed to be's.... and they hinder us from enjoying the present situation... from understanding and hearing wot God is trying to say to us in that situation..., what he desires to make of us from that situation

an old friend; just got back intouch.... and my mind went crazy with plans... i began to assume sparks were there... like that was the purpose for which God had brought him into my life to be "my man" .

and then he starts talking about his girlfriend! and am sooo like "wait a sec...."
suddenly i felt like there was no point being friends with him.... and i began to pull away. and trust the Holy Spirit to set dis sista strait.
he told me "who told you {me} that was the reason i brought him into your life now?"
and then i remembered how for sumdys i had been thanking God by faith for 'divine connection' for the "companionship of true believers..."

but satan kept goin in my head.... "its supposed to be.... its supposed to be...."
and i was torn.... But then i understood something.

when something is supposed to be in the life of a child of God .... it will!
in the bible God says for i know the plans i have concerning you...
the bible also tells us nothin can seperate us from the love of God...

meaning: wot is meant to be will be in your life!! and if its not yet time.... or its not meant to be.... free it {as my people will say} cos its not God's plan/s for you!!!!

someone told me i make life sound so 'simple' and straight cut'..... if they knew the things i hve seen...and how i try to have the right attitude evryday...

i have just chosen to get living for christ right.... i have made the CHOICE!!

but my mssg today is .... quit thikn and saying "its suppose to be this way and that way" " im suppose to av this one and that one"

stop trying to re- plan wot has been predestined.
stop trying to re-write wot has been writing...

it shall come to pass....
when its time... when its your turn.... you will get center stage.

enjoy the now, trust God in the now....

as for me im enjoying a friendship.... and i aint getting any funny ideas!

his peace. chichi

there is just sumthin about it....

2008-01-09T14:07:00.000Z

i am one those people .... or rather used to be one of those people who say "well enough about me ... what do you think about me?" you get; i just do that... unconciosly i must add.
i waant to talk bout my problems, my relationship horrors, my dreams , my fears.... "me,me, me" like an opera singer {mmh}.
even before God in prayer as of last year, i was so "hung-up" on ME, when will I? I want.... I neeed... yes i pray 4 family and friends and christians but i just somehow get back to me{more}!
recently i have begun to change that... as of last year{late} the holy spirit told me to pray for the people in my class by name every day.... I began to do it.
i also have begun to pray for "abused women" after reading the blog of confused naija girl. i have begun to pray for countries i just may never visit....
today i spent over and hour helping someone decide her next step... counselling her, advising her.... I did not try to "do" me into the conversation, i listened and shared whatever wisdom within me.
and i realize "there is just something about.... being selfless". i feel like im doing something good, i feel like am making an impact by investing time, prayer and wisdom into someone else.

i pray for others and i get encouraged that : if I am so confident that This God can and will help these people... he can and will help me.

it just feels right... i cn't explain... i just know there is something about being selfless.

his peace.chichi.

he orders my steps

2008-01-07T15:09:00.000Z

today is{since its not yet over} a day i want to put down for me... and for anyone who wonders about the leading of God in their lives. God leads the way of the righteous. ps1 says "he watches over the path of the righteous" another ps says "the steps of the righteous are ordered of God".

i was at the libary and when i was through studying i decided to go home but it was raining... and i had no umberalla with me, BUT i wanted to brave it still.
God said: "wait it out"
but i was in a hurry and i was still saying "the rain is not that much"
God said: "wait it out, you will see it will lessen"
so with much reluctance i went to the refectory got a cup of coffee and did wait it out. there this ease i felt within me in the empty refectory, a peace and calm.
God said:{i paraphrase} "you need to stop sometimes and enjoy what you have around you."
and i did ; i drank in the moment. it was beautiful
i am through with my coffee and i step out and guess what? GUESS WHAT??
NO RAIN! NO RAIN!!!!!!!!!
he orders my steps. lord i trust you to led me in the big and small things of my life!!

God will order your steps...... but we need to let him. we need to trust he who sees the bigger picture and follow where he leads us. you get right.
we can never know better than our creator and saviour. LET HIM ORDER YOUR STEPS.

his peace.chichi

just discovered

2008-01-06T20:46:00.000Z

happy new year. sometimes we feel like we are the only ones going thru what we go thru.... like the story of elijah or was it elisha now. who had to hide from the queen who was out to kill the prophets of God? its been a while since i read this bible story so pardon whatever inacuracies. anyway there was a time when elijah/sha blved he was the only person of yahweh left... and God said {i paraphrase} "no... i have kept others".

i just discovered that i am never alone... especially in my walk with God. sometimes i look around and blv i am the only one who is living for him and that does way me down thinking it is a lonely path i tred. but it is not. others walk this path with me, others face what i face and have the faith i have... and its so wonderful knowing there are people who we can connect with.

the devil loves to make "us" feel alone; because we get weary, depressed, negtive...we begin doubt who we are, what we are doing and who we are following {God}.

i am not alone in my quest to know this God and follow him; and neither are you.

his peace. chichi

Surviving on Grace

'Only asleep'

MAMA

Thoughts in my head....

Its not you its HIM

INTERLUDE

"Give me the faith to walk in freedom and victory"

The Slum-dog Millionaire Effect

Dear Daddy,

When your heart needs a father

Faithfully

He spoke to me then...

Giving Thanks:

My Psalm

The Story of a Screwdriver and my chair

The Truth 2

The Evolution

The Truth

Selah

Love Is in the Little Things TOO:

Epilogue

A reminder for me & anyone else...

A prayer for the heavy heart:

still on the prodigal son...

words of hope

surviving on grace

And it came to me

My High Priest

FAITH IN CRISIS

Bringing grace home.

EVERYTHING HE KNOWS

happy birthday to me!!

Learning to be a son

I know how it ends

"HE AVOIDS NO SEEKERS"

this thing called grace 2

the roar of a lion... the cowardice of an ostrich

Doing Life Differently,

this thing called grace

halleluyah come on get happy!!

on a mission

something for the soul

I BELIEVE IN GOD...

give thanks

imagine me...

looking ahead...

my gbedu...

lyrics

a glimpse into yesterday

getting personal

a qualified teacher and counselor

thankful

from my heart...

what do I say?

A PSALM OF DAVID:

a year almost in words

Remembering her.

from sun-rise to sun set

this number is not reachable at the moment please try again later....

*dedicated to T*

what lies ahead?

untitled.

THE TAKE OVER!!!

untitled.

the choice the price.

2007

A New Perspective

gospel truth again... the begining of it all.

TAKING CHARGE...

I CHOOSE DEATH...

IT IS 'OKAY' TO BE YOU

its just a phase...

A PORT IN A STORM...

am an aunt!!halleluyah!!

loving us as we are...

UNTO GOD....

''LOVE IN MY EYES''

why do jealousy?

my 'little' testimony& the message from the spirit

"even with glory..... even with my shame"

dedicated to T