Give me not what I WANT, LORD

Many times, we desire so much what we want. That's obvious right? We desire because we think we actually need it or because we feel others who aren't as privileged as we got it, so we have to. But we mostly fail to desire what God actually wants for us. When we desire or rather when our desire goes way beyond, it becomes desperation and it might surprise you to see God will actually grant our heart desire.

I know you are reading that first paragraph and wondering what I'm saying. Probably you're thinking I am contradicting myself. Well, be it unto you so you receive understanding and not just understanding alone; but to act according to his word. Let's go through some process(es).

We all know Samuel very well. I'm not talking about your neighbor or friend. Samuel the anointed in the Bible. His birth and his calling. But something happened. In 1Samuel8 we could read how Samuel was old and he made his sons judges over Israel. How his sons also didn't walk in his ways and then the elders of Israel came up to him to sought for them a king. They needed a King so they can be governed and ruled. Samuel did make inquiry on behalf of them to God and the instruction he received was to heed to their cry.
If you read in the subsequent chapters, you will read of how God already had a King for them. But he was preparing him because he was a man after God's heart.

God did warn them of their own choice of king through Samuel. From 1Samuel 8:11, Samuel gave the criteria of the king they were about to have. But would they listen? I guess not. And why wouldn't they? It was because out of their desperation, anything goes. And many times we've been in their position before. Out of desperation we seek God to give us what we think is the best and yes he would give us. And when we are stucked in the middle of the road, we cry out in all of our strength to God to take control. Little did we know that we didn't seek God's opinions first when we needed or went with our own instinct and decision.
Eventually Saul was presented to them and the worst of all happened to them ever since. Before David the one after God's heart was indeed delivered to them as restoration.

In 1Samuel 13 it was about the reign of King Saul. King Saul's dynasty. And when we read further, we see how Samuel instructed him and he failed to hearken.

There are some thoughts about King Saul and Israel

1. God knew Israel will demand for a king. He knew the type they needed. Saul was actually looking for his father's donkey when one of his servant mentioned to him about a prophet who would tell them where the donkey was. God indeed knew there wasn't any way he would bring Saul over to them unless what is dear to his Father, Kish gets lost.

2. The people of Israel were influenced by the bad behavior of Samuel's sons behaviors. So they asked him to get them a king not minding who he was. If he was God's chosen or not.

When we think we want something and God actually gives us, we obviously think it's the right thing. Remember, we know we want those things but did we ask God if it pleases him? If we read the 1st chapters of Samuel, we see all that the children of Israel did. He didn't hesitate to give them what they want because they weren't patient enough. Most times we feel there's a delay on what God has promised us or it's looking bleep at the front and we think maybe you misheard his promised wrongly. But no! He knows why those obstacles are there. In all we do, we can't put God out. Permit me to link this story with America right now. I pray the citizens of America will choose for themselves one after God's heart. One who will restore Christianity back to the foundation and root. One who will be patient to listen to God and all his will.

And I also pray out of desperation, we won't ask God for what's not ours. I pray also, He won't give us what we want. But He gives us what He wants for us!

PEAZOUT

I Am Not Odejimi - Episode 12

My father strolling down the stairs. I've totally forgotten he was around. He came earlier during the noon hours and I remember my Mum telling me of such. But I was so preoccupied with many things.
I was startled at his deep voice and greeted him in a sorry manner. Before I said my verbal sorry words, he had approached me and patted me with his apple on the other hand.
He kept on admiring and couldn't hold his joy of how much pride he had in his son.

"When your mother brought me here, I thought I was in another paradise." That sofa he sat on made that noise which proved he just came from the village.
Thinking it was a cane chair.
He took another crunchy bit audible enough and continued what he was saying.

After giving me updates of the new developments the village had worn, the king's affairs and even leveled it down to Ajoke, I knew he was starting a fire that wouldn't be easy to quench. So I thought.
Stylishly, I bade him goodnight. It was past 12 and God knew what time I would be up to meet up with my new slotted time given to me by my boss.
I slugged into my big bed that could make comfortable for 3 people and zoomed into another world.

A spoon fell and made a loud noise. A sleeping baby would have heard that. I woke up to check my time. It was just 5am. I got out of the bed like one who had been sleeping on bees. Headed to the bathroom and in less than 15 minutes I was done. 5 minutes or less was enough to wear a native. That's why I love native wears. No need to be worried about rumples of shirts or even getting the tie knotted well. Tilting the head upwards like one who wants to be pierced a hot knife. I was downstairs only to see my Mum preparing breakfast for me. In fact, she was done. I was astounded with mixed reactions either to smile or to hug her or even cry. I was 2 steps away from the dining and was staring at her endless movements from the kitchen to the dining to and fro.

Should I go sit and have the breakfast or I tell her I wasn't hungry? The thoughts I couldn't settle with.
Finally I moved my heavy feet to the table and kept on showering praises on her. I wished I didn't have to disturb her for my breakfast. She just wouldn't allow me have anything outside the four walls of my house. The special moments with her during the breakfast was spectacular as it kept on banging in my head. I would have hit a truck coming towards the opposite direction if not for the full headlamp shown on my face. Didn't know I was on the wrong lane. "I need someone indeed".

Finally, I was at work and I met my hardworking boss. She actually apologized to myself and the remaining 6 members she had to put on tough and awkward resumption time. Reasons are we needed attendees and sole representatives for a huge contract for the company. Being the first time in a long while and existence. To make this transformed into the reality, we needed each Head Of Departments and magnification of files. While still addressing us, the office hone rang and I could hear "yes ma... We are on our way". That was the call from the Head Quarters questioning our preparations. That's the life we live in. Today rossy and not all time enjoyments.

All things went faded before my very eyes as I was lost into another world. I could only see blank walkers here and there and jubilations. Each and everyone jumping and taking turn for handshakes, others doing the hug. The ring from the phone had me jump from my chair. It was all a dream. I had slept off while finalizing the reports for the last quarter. "Woah!" Was what I could utter to the person on the other hand while cleaning my face.

I quickly put a call to mama I would be home late or rather won't be home at all. "Where to my son?"
"We are heading to Abuja. This is really a huge contract and we need to defend this amidst other competitors and rivals."
"My prayers are with you don't worry"

"That's my Iya for sure. I trust you for that" I could hear the shattering sounds of cutlery.

It was past 8 and the next available flight is less than a hour from that. I was tremendously nervous. It was my first time of working outside my usual box. Going through another procedure and even talking convincingly for proposal to be accepted. The last time I stood talking convincingly was when I was representing my department for a debate. Now this phase has a different look. All eyes will be on me and even as a team leader.
While the plane was taxiing, I was constantly reminded of how hard I needed to go on the rivals and how important it was to the company. I started getting sick of their commentaries.

We zoomed into the main building and was humbly welcome before directed to the conference room where we had booked our seats. We were distinctively different amongst the people seated in there. The companies and their representatives present all had a unique style of dressing. Same color of suits and even men's shoes. I kept on viewing and feeding my eyes while I saw the entrance door flung open again for another set of representatives. Now, the conference room was full and I could see the arranged seat were enough for each and everyone without any left.
Then the director as I supposed, walked in stylishly and elegant with pride all over him. I could detect that just as he was wearing a shoulder padded coat and not a suit. After less introduction, he sets the ball rolling.

I just couldn't stop at my glances and amazements the way presentations were rolling from left to right. Debate days flashed back and I can barely tell the difference. "This must worth billions of naira as a deal" so I thought to myself.

It was our turn and been the final presenter and defendant, I knew it must be a good one. It just have to be. One way or the other. That resounding clap, I want to hear it.
I mounted the pulpit with a hundred percent confidence and pride. With my heavy like file containing different design pictures and even accurate price quotation. Half way into the ball played by me, I could see heads just going like a pendulum. This shows in the affirmative and I was impressed with myself. "Was I the one handling this presentation?" Well, my mother's prayers are really working for me.

My disastrous fall dawned on me and I abruptly made a eye contact with a Queen. A beautiful princess. She was more than a damsel. After my mother, she's the next goddess. What made me lose control physically was the face seemed familiar somewhere. And that was how I ended my fantastic presentation with a salt at every one's mouth. I was too eager to un-mount myself and just question her identity and existence.

After on spot screening, we were reduced to 3 companies with good presentation and our company was spare headed. My mother's prayers still at work.
As I saw the branch manager walking towards me, I quickly acknowledged "yes ma'am! I know it wasn't to your expectation but I..." She cuts me off

I dislike when she gives that stern look. But this time that stern look meant something different entirely. Tilting my head to the right waiting for the next bombshell, all she could say was "congratulations.. That we made it through"
Seriously? Was that it? Why was she hard in the first instance? Guess she needed some happiness lessons. During the 15 minutes recess, I came across the stunning lady that caught me off guard as she left for the elevator.

"Errm... Excuse me please" I said running towards her as she was walking faster this time. Like she was about to be kidnapped.
My boss was dismayed as she waved her hand like "what's wrong with him?"

Paracetamol For All HeadAches?

A step mum once abused a child beyond measures. She went as far as putting her hand into his eyes and amputated his legs. Just a 21 months old baby. What was the cause? Because he was crying profusely and his mother went across the street to buy his diaper. She disliked noise and she didn't know of any best way to calm the crying child other than going with what deadly thought came to her. She was too quick to have done that before she knew she was doomed!

They say the most quiet people are the deadliest. I don't doubt that. And do you also know empty barrels make the loudest noise? Right from Elementary you knew that.

What could they have meant by the empty barrels makes the loudest noise? You put an empty barrel close you and yet your volume 5 on your home theater is louder than that empty barrel. You just did the literal action.
But put your ears close to the barrel, and hit it from the outside. You don't need any body to tell you how the vibrations are so eminent. The empty barrel just doesn't stop making that "ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho" noise.

But breaking it down from the parable angle, it means those talkative; those who are everywhere, talk at anytime, anyhow and anywhere always have baseless and pointless things to say. You wake up today and then you set a goal. You keep telling yourself and boasting of how tremendous your goals are. You didn't make efforts anyway anyhow to achieve it into reality. But 5 years down the line, you keep pressing the reset button to that same goal which means you haven't been able to accomplish number 1 of that written goal. That's an empty barrel.

My brother came up to me one day and requested for a particular thing. He said he needed it so urgently. I asked him to find out how much it cost and give me feedback. He actually did and I was about giving him the exact amount for it. But then I felt a grip. I told him to come back for it. Days later, I saw him with a particularly devotional. He had bought 4 of that devotional which cost was above the amount of that need he asked me of. I was surprised and angry at the same time and I wanted to react immediately. I kept my cool and was contemplating if he had done the right thing. God's word yeah right? He wanted to share it with friends. But then again, this particular thing he needed didn't cost up to that.
At first I was convinced he had done the right thing. By buying it and wanting to share it. But you know, that was just a WANT. His NEED which he didn't attend to was laying there and he was expecting me to give him that amount.
I suddenly walked up to him and asked him why he did that. I told him those books, he could have gotten it later and gone for what he needed.

If I had reacted to the way I felt immediately I found out, I would have caused more damage with my words and even with my action most especially. I would have over reacted because his disturbances were too much concerning what he asked of me.

I'm saying always take precaution before any action. You might just realize that planned action wouldn't have been much needed. It could have burnt down and torn things apart. A little thought would go far other than your FIRST REACTION. True, humans are made to make mistakes that can even hurt you to your marrows. And you just suddenly want to kill the person. If you check out wife stabbers and those who beats child(ren) to stupor when arrested and statements withdrawn, it would just be over a very minute matter that wouldn't take 5 minutes to be resolved. You hear of how domestic staffs or workers gets punished. There was a case of a little girl who earned severe burns from her boss. She allegedly poured hot water on her because she wasn't quick to turn off the gas and the kettle was whistling away. When asked where she was, the domestic worker said she was attending to her boss's baby. Just that!!

A lawyer also taking her husband's life and making him go beyond with several stabbings. One who knew the gravity and weight of the law. It could have happened to anyone.

Result into thinking before carrying out your actions. Many times you want to make that quick action to the way the situation was. If you check it out, if that action was made you might just realize that it wasn't even necessary at all. I am a living witness to that. I don't jump into actions just like that. Those close to me can actually testify.

Reason For Emotional Shutdown In Teenagers.

It's no longer news when you see young boys wandering on the streets for no reason. Involving themselves in what's actually against their wish. It's not in their best opinion or decision to have resulted into disastrous acts but like I will always say; something led to another thing.

Let me see your hands up if this thought(s) hasn't raced through your mind before. Absconding, suicide, stealing, punishing your parents, wishing you were never born, or to have been into another family, fighting for no reason and so on. Either of these must have pierced you before.
The reason isn't far fetched. Just roll with me.

Nigeria experienced somewhat that looks like a "free and fair" election in 2015. It was called free and fair because a president decided to concede and accept defeat without asking for any court's process or trial. That day, history was made. Fast forward to a year since the new regime and administration took over, it almost seem like for the whole number of years I've spent in Nigeria; I have never heard of my home country spoken ill of. You walk through one corner, you hear different types of negative comments here and there. Everyone suddenly became a president and governor who have solutions to the country's problems. They made it look so bad like the government just came to sell guguru through out this 4 years. Obviously, there have been good efforts put into place(s). It's just take a strong CRITIC not to realize it.

CRITICISMhave so much been a ball played by everyone's foot and even a tough cow meat that seems to be chewed for long in their mouth. They say if you apply this particular country's method, it will work here. This particular country have started using this method and their economy is booming. But they fail to realize that same country has produced how many "good" presidents so far?

This brings me to our Parents. You see many teenagers just shut down and look so unhappy. They just don't want to have friends and mingle not because their parents have warned them to stay clear off bad friends but because of the way their parents have passed the message. You see some other teenagers go the extra mile by stealing so they can wear what their friends are also wearing. The reason for all these is CRITICISM.

CRITICISM is the act of criticizing; a critical judgement passed or expressed. A criticical observation or detailed examination and review.
It could also mean; the act of passing severe judgment; censure; faultfinding.

What causes emotional shutdown in teenagers? It's nothing other than CRITICISM. You hear parents telling their child(ren) "do you see how that girl came first? Why can't you also?" And if you check out, you see that particular child may have come second in class. But because of the unanimous attention and numerous light flashes designated on the child who came first position they begin to make their own child look like that position was worse. They neglect them till they see a change. No parent doesn't want his or her child(ren) not to be successful but there are certain careful measures and channels you can pass your message to them.

I attended a boarding school in my first 3 years of secondary life. And in a class of over 90 students close to 100, you can imagine what the struggle for good grade looks like. First 10 was always my position but on this fateful academic term, I came 56th. Woah! That was a bang on me. "What could possibly have gone wrong?" That question kept on raging wars in me. I check and cross checked again for the name written on the result held firmly in my hands if it wasn't a mistake. But it was all mine. The joy to even head back to the hostel and carry my bags to the park was just like a burden on me. I dragged my feet with style and head faced won all in deep thoughts. What to say to my parents was even not coming forth. I played safely that day by hiding myself away from my friends. I got home eventually and after the greetings, my dad's hands were stretched out waiting for my brown envelope. I gave him and after going through, he looked at me and was silent. Through out that week, I was obviously calm. Trying not to make errors at all. But the following week, they started reminding me of how I failed woefully. In everything I did, it just wasn't right. Then they began COMPARISON. They began to compare me to the child living opposite. Telling me of how she would always read with candles at night in her mother's shop. And still helping her out.

COMPARISON is another killer. When you CRITICIZE, you're expected to come up with solutions. And then you begin to COMPARE. CRITICISM has a back pack which never leaves it and it's COMPARISON. When you begin to compare your child(ren) to another, you're killing their vibes. You make them feel less in every way. The fact that she reads with candles doesn't mean she would probably have came first. It still doesn't mean if she was admitted into a class of 100 competitive students, she would have bagged first 5 position. This emotional shutdown by teenagers always come from academics. Suddenly, all encouragements is gone. And then you begin to think if your parents were your arch enemies. Some way on the bridge, you know they want the best of you. But then again, they aren't just getting connected with you at all. They even go as far as mentioning your mistakes to friends who come visiting. It's that bad.
Because you've failed JAMB or even didn't get admitted on 5 different occasions, they make a heap out of it.
Then they remind you of your age and how fast your developing to a youth.

Enough of the long talks. A solution to this disastrous stigma eluded in them is nothing other than ENCOURAGEMENTS. Your son or child washes the plate and it's still oily, doesn't mean you need to spank them. A little back rub accompanied with a well done or good job spoken, doesn't make you less a human being. I'm sure you won't be able to contain that priceless smile written all over their face(s). Your ward slipped from 3rd position in class to 7th position. You don't need to remind him/her of how the first position in class didn't have a 2 head. It just looks like all their efforts when he/she came 3rd position was just a waste. Instead of wailing and rebuking so hard, find out why that slip was so enormous. Why it happened.

You notice an unusual habit in your child(ren). You don't need to start writing them off and giving them humongous examples of lives derailed by that habit. Instead you encourage and know why it happened. There's nothing greater than helping your child(ren) grow in LOVE. We can't do without that. Even the world now, if it could give LOVE a chance to rule for a day, you can sure imagine the PEACE that would reign everywhere.

These days it's now hard to correct another parents child(ren). They see you as an enemy. They see you as teaching them their job. Marriage isn't by force if you know you aren't ready for parenting. Cos that's another thing entirely.

Just as it isn't always on intentions for parents to do the otherwise and use the searing words on us, we also as TEENAGERS should put in place good measures of characters that wouldn't warrant them giving us break down in our emotions.


BE CAREFUL HOW YOU MAKE YOUR CHOICES!
BE CAREFUL HOW YOU USE YOUR TONGUE!!
BE CAREFUL HOW YOU INTERPRET WORDS TO CHILDREN!!!

PEAZOUT!!!!!!

Immortality- What Way To Go?

Nigeria has lost two important and great icons in the football aspect of the country's affairs. Few weeks, I heard of the late Stephen Keshi's death and less than a week, late Amodu Shuaibu also followed. News had it that late Amodu Shuaibu was planning a grand and befitting burial arrangement ceremony for late Stephen Keshi. I'm sure he never knew it was his time also. Reading excerpts and tremendous works these two have done for Nigeria, no doubt they will be missed not just in their home county but also in the world governing of football.
Now NFF has stated out publicly that they will be IMMORTALIZING Stephen Keshi. And also giving him a 3 day burial ceremony. Tributes have rolled in from everywhere and even from footballers I've never heard of. IT JUST PAYS TO BE GOOD.

I am not bringing this to you like I'm the best carrier of news. Just look for a good sofa; make sure it's soft padded and grab an ice coke with snacks.

Speaking on football still, the families of the late Rasheed Yekini have finally come out with plans stating they want the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Football Federation to IMMORTALIZE him. Just like they did for Okwaraji. It just clearly shows that he's the first player to score in an international football for Nigeria.
IMMORTALIZING him can either be; naming a stadium after him. Or even building a good stadium with his name. It can also be erecting a tall and good sculpture and placing it in the finest place. Also, the date of his death as a public holiday. There are good number of ways to have that accomplished.

Why would they want to IMMORTALIZE him with all those? All those features are just a symbol. They are done so he can be remembered till forever. It will go down in history his works and life as a whole. He's never to be forgotten. It becomes like a "stigma" and even a permanent stain. Each time you IMMORTALIZE something or someone with an object, it shows whenever you set your eyes on that object, memories will linger.

What's is IMMORTALity?

Immortality is just the condition of being immortal. That's just the noun. To be immortal which is the adjective simply means not susceptible to death. To live forever; never dying. Never to be forgotten; that merits being always remembered.
To make famous forever.

Now out of all these definitions, I will like to point out the one which says "to live forever; never dying"
That particular definition says it all.

As adults who were once a Youth and Teenager, there are or have been many events played out that you can never ever for once forget in your lifetime. Some might have to yield into unforgiveness. Some times you just wished they never happened and you just want a second chance immediately. You want a hand clock which can tick into the pasts and then you correct those mistakes. I call them mistakes because it happened and then, you never resulted into them again. The irony of life is, those painful and perilous arrows are shot at you by closest friends. Even families. Sometimes when I see guys having difficulties wooing a lady, I just wish they would understand. It's a different case when a lad who is been wooed has a boo or boyfriend. That's disturbance(s).

But when a lady is wooed and it's crystal clear she's built a defensive wall which is so high and thick in breadth, it means something is wrong. When you see guys that just result into other forms of activities, it means the same thing. There must have been a vandalization of pipeline in themselves.

What are these *vandalization?

Self esteem.
Rape.
Rigorous sights from parents.
Upbringing, friends; peer pressure, trust and so on.

This brings me to the question "can you forgive and totally forget?". You can easily say Yes and even nod your head in the opposite. The truth is the brain tends to remember what it should forget. That's why whenever you're in a situation, sometimes you will be told; use your head and not your brain. What's the difference? The mind!
Parents have a great influence in the immortality of many teenagers today. Sometimes your mind is free and sometimes it's in chains. You want to voice out but then you remember the consequences. Your daughter gets raped and she's so afraid to even let it out to you. Why? Cos of your stern reaction. It will suddenly become her fault. That's a stigma. It's there. Never to be forgotten.

On the flip side, you meet this cute and handsome guy. He's accompanied with a first class job and also styled with an attitude of hard work. That's your ideal man right? Then you get talking and BOOM! You've fallen in love with him. You're way too deep in the love reaction that you forget there isn't any easy access to any ladder to help you out. And then the nuptials. Do you know the way he makes you feel, controls your heartbeat and even sends cold down your spine at any moment you look into his eyes can never be forgotten? Yes! It can't. That's immortality.

Peer pressure is another defect(s) in teenagers. It's almost like it's a constant and friend and enemy right from ages. PEER and PRESSURE. Two different words combined together can make you swerve totally from being good to the opposite.

You take your son to the doctor and he says he will administer injections for him. The moment the syringe is plunged into his thick skin, he shouts and cries out. The next thing you say is "peem! I don't want to hear you cry. You're a man! Don't cry". Do you've caused more havoc? The more he wants to let out those tears, you remind him he's a man and then he shuts his mouth. You're teaching such a boy to be a fearless man. Good! But you're indirectly teaching the boy to a bitter man. There will be some situations he just want to cry and he just can't find the tears. He's been living with that statement; you are a man! Brace up yourself.

There are many indirect immortals in teenagers who are on the fastest train link transiting into being an adult.

What's your immortality? What's that undying event you want to take off and you can't? It keeps debarring you from progressing spiritually and physically. What's that arrogant attitude? You weren't that way. But something made you that way. What's that exceptional pride you've gotten that even your parents; you see them as nothing. What's the reason for that defensive wall you've built and makes men keep backing away from you? What's that reason you've suddenly hated women? What's that reason you think you're less of as a woman or a man? What's that reason you want to commit suicide? What's that reason you can't forgive especially yourself?

Search within you and please let me know. Speak up! Voice out!! The beginning of right confessions is the right path to seeing its dead end. You need someone you want to talk to, lean on? Jesus is the only true friend who will always be there. But earthly, he has destined people with divine wisdom to help you with your cross. Everyone can't be a prophet. But you can actually be the prophet of yourself. Go down on those knees and talk to your creator. I'm sure he didn't create you with this pauses, clauses and scars. Find your true self and most importantly, be happy.

You have a friend you can always talk to? Good one! Go ahead and let out those bottled hatred, guilt and unforgiveness. That's what causes depression in many.

Should I even leave my email if you still need a prayer partner and my time!?

PEAZOUT!!!**

What Legacy Do You Want For Yourself?

My Dad and I have so much striking resemblance. Of the same height, his voice, humor and reasoning. I could remember when I was much younger, he sent me to a micro finance bank to collect something on his behalf. He gave me this small starcoms mobile as a way of reaching me and assurance that I met the right woman. On getting there, I asked for the name on the paper which I held and in few minutes, she was brought forward to attend to me. Immediately she saw me, she asked "Are you baba's son?".
That's what he's fondly called. I affirmed her and while she was saying she needed no person to tell her who I was, he called me. Asking if I had gotten there and seen the person.

There are several instances of how people excite about my striking resemblance. And I know it's not just in look. His character also I photocopied.

However, there's something that demeans us. Find out below.

My mum was talking to myself and my sibling. She wondered why we didn't study Electrical engineering and why we didn't even do anything like geography. He also joined her and said he wished we did that because he wanted to be a pilot. But due to his parent's financial status, he couldn't so he settled for that course as a profession. That's what I call LEGACY. He wanted us to keep that as a legacy and why? So he can be proud of us and we can also keep the family's name soaring high.
You ever wonder why your father as a Doctor wants you to study Medicine and become a famous surgeon? You wonder why your Mother as a lawyer wants you to study and become the CJN of the country? Every parent want his/her child to supersede them in every way but at the same want them to do what they've done.
If you don't do sciences, you must work in a bank. And if you don't do any of those three, you become a lawyer. Anything asides those, is just a waste of time.

It's not that our parents are just trying to be flexible. The thing is go to school and be educated so you can rise amongst your peers. Right now; it's talents that's selling fast like hot cakes. You see lot's of people venturing into media and entertainment. Both gospel and circular.

What's totally different between my Dad and I is our ZEAL. Yeah our zeal and drive for things is just almost opposite. My dad is into a particular type of farming in large scale. And to be honest, I'm not really into that. Me that I don't like stress at all. I just love to do my own thing. Of recent, my Mum sat me down and asked why don't you be like your father? I was shocked to stupor when she said that.
I asked her why she had that question thrown at me. She said she doesn't see my zeal towards that at all. She expects me to be up and down with that. My dad can do anything. Absolutely anything. He does the plumbing, wiring, carpentry works, mechanical duties, gardening. Name them.

If there's any wiring fault at home and he isn't around, my mum would just be murmuring cos she knows I won't even near it at all. Since the day I got two wires sparked before me and got flung by them, I've sworn that anything wiring is not my thing. Even if I'm in an over all.

The question now is WHAT LEGACY DO YOU WANT TO KEEP? I see Teenagers and Youths' into ungodly activities. Even families into the wrong things. You may think the children ain't seeing and watching you. The day they would try or say any darn thing before you, you would be surprised. You know, every wife beater watches his dad do same thing. A man just doesn't wake up one day and lay his hands on a woman. It's something he has lived with and watched and feels it's just the right thing. A man shouts on his wife right in front of the children. A man comes home late and give the silliest excuse ever. Even add drinking to it. A lady grows up tomorrow and wants to dress to slay. Why? Cos it's something she sees her mother do too. She wants to buy every aso ebi and attend every party not even minding whether she's gate crashing or not. She's lived with it over the years.

Tomorrow, I would want to venture into that particular farming my Dad is into. Why? Because it's something good. It's yielding good profits. Regardless of the stress whatsoever, I am venturing into it.

My take on this is; look before you leap. Think of not now but of tomorrow. Your kids and children are your future whether you like it or not. Be careful what you decide to do and what not to do.

Be wise!!!

WHAT?!!!

WHAT?!!
That's avery common shocking statement ever used. Or should I say the statement we can't do without in less than 3 hours?

You can actually say WHAT?!! In different facial expressions. Either with your mouth closed, widely opened, hands on mouth, hands twilred together, hands shoved in pockets. So many countless ways to express.

Why would you say WHAT?!!
It can be as a result of how happy you are or dissapointed. It is used interrogatively to inquire or request for a specific information. The moment you say WHAT?!! The other party knows you're interested in that conversation. What's is its twin?

The next words jumping outside your mouth is HOW? WHEN? WHERE? WHY?

I'm not teaching you grammar but relaying something here. Let me get to the topic before the discussion. That simple four letter words can coast you a lot. And it can also earn you a lot. The most important thing is be careful of what you do after that.

Your action says a whole lot. Even if you don't say a word, your body speaks too.

PEAZOUT!!!

Addiction - What Measures To be Taken?

For the fact that you see people move out there and go about their daily business doesn't mean everything is actually fine. I wear a handsome face and she wears a pretty smile accompanied with good make up and body physique doesn't mean she's absolutely a million percent the best.
No man is born without the intentions not to commit sin. Neither was any man born with the whole of knowledge on how to go about things beyond the physical control.

The worst thing that can ever happen to you is to commit and let your conscience keep haunting you. It's more like you've killed yourself and your conscience keeps saying "you're the killer. I'm coming for you. Why would you take me?"
If you're a lover of horror films, you will understand what I'm talking about. When you begin to feel in such a distasteful state of mind, oppression begin to set in. Frustration will lead your way beyond your human capacity.

Addiction is one thing that is not born with a man but a man gets it through crazy contamination.

What's ADDICTION?

Addiction is the state of being ENSLAVED to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma.

Addiction is compulsive need for and use of a habit-forming
substance (as heroin, nicotine, or alcohol) characterized by tolerance and by well-defined physiological symptoms upon withdrawal; broadly.

Now, this is my favorite definition of the addiction.

Addiction is a condition that results when a person ingests a substance (e.g., alcohol, cocaine, nicotine) or engages in an activity (e.g., gambling, sex, shopping) that can be pleasurable but the continued use/act of which becomes compulsive and interferes with ordinary life responsibilities, such as work, relationships, or health. Users may not be aware that their behavior is out of
control and causing problems for themselves and others.

However, most addictive behavior is not related to either
physical tolerance or exposure to cues. People
compulsively use drugs, gamble, or shop nearly always in
reaction to being emotionally stressed, whether or not
they have a physical addiction. Since these psychologically
based addictions are not based on drug or brain effects,
they can account for why people frequently switch
addictive actions from one drug to a completely different
kind of drug, or even to a non-drug behavior. The focus of
the addiction isn't what matters; it's the need to take
action under certain kinds of stress. Treating this kind of
addiction requires an understanding of how it works
psychologically.
When referring to any kind of addiction, it is important to
recognize that its cause is not simply a search for pleasure
and that addiction has nothing to do with one's morality or
strength of character.

The funny thing about addiction is; it has several siblings and cohorts. From different neighborhood. There are several forms of addiction.

Addiction can be:

Alcoholism.
Drug addiction which can be cocaine, heroin, marijuana, nicotine, tobacco, street drugs.
Food addiction.
Gambling addiction.
Internet addiction.
Prescription drugs addiction.
Sex addiction(prostituition, masturbation, pornography, gay, lesbianism)
Shopping addiction.
Work addiction.

When people are addicted to anything either good or bad, they are unable to control their actions or make rational decisions about their behavior, even in the face of negative consequences.
The good thing is every addiction can be turned away from. Some even say to adopt an habit, it takes 3 weeks. Some says 3 months. Different speculations everywhere.

Alcohol and drug addiction is one major addiction people battle with and also the most sought and talked about. But there are several and multiple addictions. For instance the sex. Sex not just between the man and woman but within one's self.

Let me hit you with this. I use to indulge in something. Romantic novels. I'm a reader. And I can go as far as anywhere to get anything to read in as much as I'm exercising my mind and eyes. It got to a stage I was in my usual inquisitive attitude and I stormed upon a novel; more like a magazine. The front page got me attracted and that's how I started venturing into it. It was all about sex, romance and all you can think of. Believe me, from that moment I started looking for romance novels. And you know when the devil wants to punish you more, you begin to see "relevant" things everywhere. Each book store I step into, I see romance novels. I so much indulged in that. And it led to another thing. At that moment I thought everything was right and just cool. On the other hand one little fire in me was countering everything. And I knew within myself that I was doing something bad. After reading the stuff, I begin to over imagine what's not. I usually go wild with my imaginations. And this led to another thing.

But thank God I'm way past that.

For I know I'm now no longer of the world and now alive in Christ. Old things are passed away all things made new.

I must tell you! It isn't any way easy to come off any form of addiction. I'm a living witness and that's why I can talk about it here.


Firstly, what you need is self determination. Once you have made up your mind, that's when more tribulations will arise. Things you didn't even know concerning that addiction will arise and you will begin to see more reason why you shouldn't drop that addiction. Self determination in the sense that you sleep every night and you just imagine. What if I don't wake up the next morning. What if I don't see the next daylight? What will my extradition be like?
Once you can identify that the addiction is wrong, doing more harm than good and in no way helping you grow spiritually, then you've set the right pace for the next move.

Secondly, you need to watch out the way you do things. Your friends. Negativity. You don't need friends with negativity and YES! If cutting them off will make you achieve what you want to do, let it be. It's better for you to be made whole and let them wonder how tremendous you've been able to desist from that. You might be a king pin in that act but when they see your motive and how handsome and beautiful you are. They will come back to you and ask "How did you do it?"

Thirdly, the right motivation. Yes! This was what I can say helped me off that habit. I met someone few years back and with the way I look at such person, I suddenly felt God brought her my way to cure me of that. Though she doesn't know yet and I know when she's reading this,.. Well!
Her life and way of life was so amazing I started asking myself. Look at her as a wife. Would you want to continue such act when you're married? My answer was NO!
If you can't control any act before marriage, how sure are you it can be a thing of the past while in marriage?
Her drive and positivity is way beyond my imagination and ever since then I can boldly speak up and say this is what I've been able to achieve right from that time. Spiritually!!

Without God nothing can be done. We will just keep wallowing in the mud. Everything we do will just be a waste. Prayer works and nobody can't say it's fake. Even the atheist can say they don't have a guiding spirit. God loves us all and even in our evil deeds, he's still there. He's only quiet waiting for us to realize our fault. He won't stop sending someone to you, speaking to you through signs, dreams and any way you can.

You can add your way of getting out of an addiction and maybe your own addiction.

With God everything is possible!

DASSALL

PEAZOUT!!!

How Do You build Your Teen's Identity?

Social pressures are more pervasive and destructive than ever before in American history. Parents often feel helpless to equip their teens with the tools to navigate – and steer clear – of harmful relationships, attitudes and behaviors.

Ideally, the process of equipping our kids to live and thrive in an often Christian-hostile world begins as soon as they are born. In fact, parents are the single most important developmental influence in a child's life, apart from the Holy Spirit himself. But even if time has slipped away, and your teenager seems out of reach, you can begin to lay building blocks to help your teen grow to maturity in Christ and make a positive impact on his or her world. Love, commitment, self-discipline, perseverance and a lot of prayer are required, but you can do it.

Assisting your teen in forging a strong, positive identity is one way to help her form convictions based on truth, and then stand firm in them regardless of what everyone else does.

As parents, we can build our teen's identity by using a brick mason's approach. Masonry is an art that requires intense study of the project's design before setting the first brick in place. The job is messy, requires hands-on application and commitment.

Parental brick-layers labor alongside our teens as they experience the joy of discovering their significance in Christ and their identity. Teens today are overscheduled and often lack the skills to communicate or set boundaries. They need our help to decide which bricks fit and which ones don't.

The challenge? To encourage them to be who God made them to be, rather than who we want them to be.

Brick-by-brick, we can make a difference for our teens and in their world.
Brick #1: Encourage Self Discovery

My husband Derek shared a devotion about integrity with our fourteen-year-old son Justin and his friend Tim* (name changed). Derek asked them, "How committed are you to integrity?"

"I'm not that committed. But I want to be," Tim answered.

Derek said, "Telling the truth is integrity. Thanks for being honest."

"I get in trouble with certain friends," Tim said. "The pressure to be liked affects me."

"Until you decide who you are," Derek told Tim, "you will be like a chameleon, blending in to whatever situation or whoever you are with."

Derek mentioned a former game show and said, "Will the real Tim please stand up? Until you figure out who the God-designed Tim is, you will struggle with your friends."
Brick #2: Acknowledge Natural Abilities

Teens yearn for our support and relationship. It's important to affirm their natural abilities. Be their cheerleader. Attend activities even if they say, "It's no biggie."

Encourage athletes to stay involved in sports throughout high school. Challenge the artsy to try a new instrument, audition for a play, take a watercolor class or voice lessons. If they love to argue, consider the debate team. Talk about career choices that use their talents. For example, math skills are priceless for computer software engineers.
Brick #3: Create a Family Motto

When my friend Beth's three teens were growing up, their family motto was "We aren't quitters." Anytime her son or daughters wanted to stop short of a commitment, they heard this phrase. Eventually Beth's children believed, "I belong to a non-quitting family."

By creating a tagline, our family identity is established. Then when difficulties arise, our motto serves as a stake in the ground declaring who we are as individuals — and as family.
Brick #4: Value Uniqueness

Physically and emotionally, teens' lives constantly change. They can feel overscheduled, unknown, abandoned, or even betrayed. Adolescents still want a unique place in our home. They need to know they belong and that they matter.

Encourage busy teens to enjoy down time, which strengthens their creativity and problem-solving skills. Inform your son his sense of humor is missed when he's gone. Tell your daughter you notice her thankful heart.
Brick #5: Highlight Spiritual Gifts

Ever since our son Justin was little, he has shown kindness to kids that are different. As a high school freshman, he continues to tap the heart of the lonely.

Justin's gym teacher asked the students to share who their best friend was and why. Both a popular and unpopular guy picked Justin. Their reasons: "He shows interest in me. He makes me laugh. He sits by me. He sticks up for me."

We affirmed Justin for using his gift of mercy with his friends.

Study verses about spiritual gifts with your teens: Romans 12:3-8; 1 Corinthians 12:1-31; 1 Corinthians 14:1-40; Ephesians 4:7-16; and 1 Peter 4:7-11.
Brick #6: Reinforce Spiritual Identity

No brick is more foundational than this one. When teens understand their worth in Christ, they can reject negative thinking that peers, insecurities and problems hurl on them. Just because teens fail — which they will — doesn't mean they are a failure.

Teens develop confidence when they believe they are loved by God — no matter what. This inner strength will carry them through trials and peer pressure. As they search for significance, our teens can influence their peers to do the same.

Google "Who I am in Christ." Print and review with your son or daughter. If someone tries to embarrass them about a mistake, say, "There is no condemnation for those in Christ" (Romans 8:1). Don't criticize them when they are knocked down. Instead extend your hand and your heart.
Construct A Strong Identity Wall

Building our teens' identity is a long process. The Great Wall of China took years of extensive labor before it fended off enemies. Our teens live in a hostile culture too. They need a wall of protection. As parental masons, we can help them stand up under fire.

The challenge is to be like Beth's family — and not quit.

Tifanny Stuart

Happy Birthday To Me!!!

I wish I could start rolling how grateful I am to God almighty for this wonderful day. He's been so gracious and merciful despite my unfaithfulness.
He's made me to witness another +1 to my age. And I pray I age with grace, in good health, good things and most importantly in God's magnificence.

I remember while growing, many had said I wasn't gonna go far nor reach this certain age of mine. Even went as far as saying I wasn't going to be fat. Fatness wasn't meant for me.

But look at the boy now!!! God has been so good and faithful.

Looking forward to more of God's faithfulness in my life. I know better things ahead.


Happy birthday to me!!!

P.S: THAT'S THE BOY BEHIND THE FINGERS PLAYING WITH WORDS THROUGH INSPIRATIONS AND DELIVERING THEM TO YOU ALL