The Thin Line Between Complacency and Contentment: Balance

There exists a very thin line of difference between a complacent person and a contented person. Some people erroneously fall into the temptation of thinking that being complacent equals to being grateful. They wrongly believe that complacency eliminates them from the train of 'go-getters'. Their ignorance lies in the thin line of difference between complacency and contentment.

Being content means being happy while being complacent means refusing to work to improve. Becky Lee also gets it right when she says "Contentment means to feel peace with the current state you're in, regardless of the circumstances around you while Complacency means to grow numb to it, accept it and abandon ambition for change."

Against that stream of thought, you must understand these two vital points:

1. Contented people can be grateful for where they are and what they have but believe that it can be better and they can have more.

2. Contented people do not necessarily covet what others have but use the success of others as a motivation to spur them to greatness.

In the words of Scott Mecker " The key to being happy is to realize that you have what you need and become content but the key to success is to be constantly improving and never become complacent

Make up your mind to be contented with whatever and wherever you find yourself in 2017 but avoid being complacent.

Remember the key word is BALANCE.

Wishing you a blessed and fruitful 2017 from the kenzecares.blogspot team

When Intelligence Is Not Enough

Most people regard highly intelligent people as super humans who have it all figured out simply because their brains can help them in any life situation and they don’t have to struggle with the problems of the ordinary people. Yet, the reality is quite different, as no matter how intelligent someone may be, they are, at the end of the day, just human

1. FALLING IN LOVE IS HARD FOR YOU: Finally, your quest for love is slightly more demanding than that of average people. Since you are much more cautious, analytical and independent than the rest, you tend to get mistaken for cold and high maintenance. Additionally, you can lack spontaneity at times, which makes your love interest, lose interest.

2. YOUR JOB BORES YOU A LOT : The need for your brain to be constantly challenged with new, greater ideas and projects can turn your once exciting job into ordinary and boring as you exhaust all ways to be creative with it. This can turn into a day-to-day struggle to finish your tasks. Additionally, in most cases, your boss isn’t so sympathetic to your longings and just wants the job done.

3. YOU DO MORE OF THINKING THAN SPEAKING: As your brain is wired to look for all possible solutions and answers to a problem, it may take you more time than a person of average intelligence to give your opinion or draw a conclusion. Moreover, if you are not completely sure you’ve got the right answer or a brilliant idea, you won’t speak at all. Your struggle lies in the fact that most people around you are not familiar with the way your thought process works, and they get confused or regard you as weird, introverted, or uninterested.

4. YOU SEEM TO BE SOCIALLY AWKWARD : As if those aren’t enough, your next struggle comes as a result of all the previous ones. If you are feeling uncomfortable during small talk, refrain from speaking if not sure, don’t get inspired by old and exhausted ideas, or if you feel more comfortable with ideas than execution, people tend to characterize you as socially awkward. Little do they know, this only puts more pressure on you making you feel more self-conscious about your social conduct.

5. YOU LOATHE SMALL TALK : It can be quite a challenge for you to be involved in small talk about ordinary things. This is because your brain is overwhelmed with great ideas. Topics that interest you likely include science, art, philosophy, and those are rarely found in small talk. This makes you feel like you are wasting your time trapped in a suffocating, never-ending list of socially acceptable set phrases. All you really want is a like-minded individual to bounce ideas around with about the important stuff.

Source: greenews.ng

10 Sad but True Facts About Porn

1. The porn industry is worth tens of billions of dollars, meaning it is bigger than professional football, basketball and baseball combined.
2. Only 17% of male performers use condoms in straight films — which means practically everyone you’re masturbating to has herpes.
3. People really like aggression in their porn — name calling, spanking, gagging. These things are currently illegal in porn in the UK.
4. Men and women love porn, but men go for images while women prefer erotic stories. But what if you read erotic stories while the porn is on???
5. Oh also? Men are 543% more likely to look at porn than women. Just lol.
6. If you have an undergraduate degree you have probably looked at porn, which reminds me of the one time I saw a guy in the university computer lab downloading porn to his USB drive. Getting that load out is REALLY urgent.
7. Lots and lots people have some type of porn on their smartphones, which I guess can help make a boring commute into the office really stimulating.
8. Lots and lots of people are downloading and watching porn at the office.
9. 50% of all Christian men are addicted to porn. And speaking of porn and church goers, fundamentalists are 91% more likely to look at porn. Are u delivered..
10. Regular porn users may spend between 30 minutes and 3 hours a day watching porn. THREE HOURS.

Source greennews.ng

The Inner Circle: Confidants

You would want in your life a few confidants. This is the smallest category of friends. In your whole life, they will not be many. If in your lifetime, you have a few people with whom you can be totally transparent, you are a rich person. A confidant requires no cover-up, you can be real. They are your inner circle.

If you do not have an inner circle, you are like a hot water tank without a pressure valve and you're gonna explode because you have no place of release, so you will explode in the hands of a prostitute in a hotel room or some diabolical situation, spending your money for somebody to talk to because you fail to accessorize your life with the simplicity of friendship.

When I say inner circle,I'm not just referring to those you hang out with regularly or go clubbing with, I'm referring to those people in your life that you can come totally clean with. Those that feed you and not just need you.

Show me a man with no friends and I'll show you a man about to explode or implode for the lack of something that you cannot write a cheque  to get and all of your degrees will not afford you.

Who are your confidants? If you do not have them, you are so very poor and we have gotta get you out of debt before your soul goes into emotional bankruptcy, because it is possible my friends to be a public success and a private failure.

Source: TD JAKES

Before You Date

Some people are running from themselves. They've never examined themselves and as a result, they've never gotten to know themselves. This creates a 'dating-problem' because you find out that in giving yourself to somebody, not only do you not know who they are, you also do not know who you are but you stand there with your magnificient self promising to stick together 'in good times and in bad times'. The problem most people encouter is that they always think they know themselves, when in reality they do not.

One reason why some people have found themselves
in multiple relationships is because they do not know themselves- what they can do, what they cant do, what they can take, what they cant take- and they do not have an understanding of the kind of person they would want to be with. For some of them, they think good and exciting sex is enough to sustain a relationship. Newsflash baby, the sex will wear out one day and you would be left to deal with the person.

In the coming year, for those who are not in relationship and are planning to start one, it is important that you first know yourself and define what you want in a relationship. Remember the magic is not dating a person, its in dating the RIGHT person.

In the words of T.D JAKES, before you date anyone, date yourself.

Do You Know Leadership When You See It?

Can you tell when leadership is happening in a team, in a workgroup, on a task force or across the organization?
If you are not looking for three important outcomes - direction, alignment and commitment - then you’re missing something big.

Direction is agreement on what the group is trying to achieve together. Alignment is effective coordination and integration of the different aspects of the work so that it fits together in service of the shared direction. Commitment is when people are making the success of the collective (not just their individual success) a personal priority.

These three outcomes (DAC for short) make it possible for individuals to work together willingly and effectively to realize collective achievements. In fact, at CCL, we think the only way to know if leadership has happened is to look for the presence of these three outcomes.
What does DAC look like? Evidence of direction includes:
• There is a vision, a desired future, or a set of goals that everyone buys into.
• Members of the collective easily articulate how what they are trying to achieve together is worthwhile.
• People agree on what collective success looks like.
Alignment is happening when:
• Everyone is clear about each other’s roles and responsibilities.
• The work of each individual/group fits well with the work of other individuals/groups.
• There’s a sense of organization, coordination, and synchronization.
Signs of commitment include:
• People give the extra effort needed for the group to succeed.
• There’s a sense of trust and mutual responsibility for the work.
• People express considerable passion and motivation for the work.
Conversely, you can look for evidence that DAC is lacking. You can tell that DAC is not happening in your group, team or organization when:
• There is lack of agreement on priorities.
• People feel as if they are being pulled in different directions.
• There’s inertia; people may be busy, but they aren’t making progress.
• Things are in disarray: deadlines are missed, rework is required, there’s duplication of effort.
• People feel isolated from one another.
• Groups compete with one another.
• Only the easy things get done.
• Everyone is just asking “what’s in it for me?”
• People are not “walking the talk.”
As you look for evidence of DAC, you’ll notice that there isn’t “a” leader making leadership happen (or not happen). The actions, interactions, reactions and exchanges of multiple people are producing the DAC.

Sometimes a single individual plays a major role. Sometimes it simply emerges in the conversations and interactions among people working together. Different people can also play different roles to create DAC. Both formal and informal processes can make it happen. What brings it about in one situation may not bring it about in another situation.
There are no easy formulas. By looking at leadership from a whole-system, DAC perspective, you not only better see the multiple people involved, you also start to see how some actions that haven’t typically been part of the concept of “leading” are indeed contributing to the production of leadership. As a result, you have many more options when it comes to improving leadership.

Source: Cynthia McCauley

Funny pix

This is really funny!!!

Quote of the day

A good friend is hard to find!!! If and when you find one..keep that person

10 Tips To Keep In Mind When Taking Antibiotics

Most of us take antibiotics when we have any infection. Not that they do not offer protection against bacterial infection, but they also cause a wide range of side-effects — right from bloating, diarrhoea and constipation to antibiotic resistance (in the long run).

1. Antibiotics –’ Anti’ means against and ‘biotic’ means living micro-organisms namely bacteria. So antibiotics should be taken only to deal with bacterial infection and not to treat viral or fungal diseases.

2. The generally recommended dosage of antibiotics is 2 – 3 times a day. But never self-medicate because anything excess can lead to digestive complications.

3. Most importantly, take the antibiotics as recommended by your doctor and do not discontinue it when you feel better after few day.

4. Usually, antibiotics have to be taken after meals. But in some case your doctor might recommend taking before or with meals. Whatever might be the case, avoid spicy food and alcohol when taking these 
medications.

5. Antibiotics also attack the gut bacteria, which is actually beneficial for the body, along with the harmful bacteria. You should include probiotics or curd in your meals to boost the gut flora and counter attack the harmful effects of the antibiotics. Also read natural ways to add probiotics to your diet.

6. Make sure you drink 2 – 3 litres of water every day. You can also drink fresh fruit juices to keep your body hydrated when taking antibiotics as it helps in flushing out the harmful chemicals from the body.

7. During the course of medication, it is important to eat easy-to-digest and non-salty food as your digestion will be slightly affected. Also, stay away from oily food and make sure you practice portion control (eat small meals frequently).

8. You can take antacids and vitamin supplements when on antibiotics. But preferably avoid taking iron supplements during the course of medication. You can continue your intake of calcium supplements. Here are natural supplements you might not know about!

9. You can perform light exercises or yoga to boost your metabolism when you are on antibiotics. This will not only make you feel active, but also help in fighting the disease. But ensure you perform them regularly without fail.

10. Last but not the least, it is quite common to experience digestive problems like constipation or diarrhoea. But that doesn’t mean you stop taking medications. Consult your doctor and inform him/her about the same. He may change the medications.

Source:Healthsite 

The End of the Affair

We’d met three years prior on a day trip organized by a mutual friend. On that day we left behind whatever was going on in our real lives and let ourselves be baptismically immersed in the innocent flirtations our attraction forced us to face. An hour or so into the ride home, I put my arm around her as she nestled into the sweet spot between my shoulder and chest and we drifted off to sleep. It’s amazing how intimate the simple act of falling asleep with someone can be; you wake up feeling closer and more connected to them, as if you’d spent the last few hours dancing together through decades in Inception-like dreams. But we woke up and the waking reality of where we were at that point in our lives paled in comparison to the magic we’d captured in that other world. We talked for a month or two after the trip but it just wasn’t the same.

Three years later after reconnecting through the same mutual friend, we’re laying in bed, my arm is around her, and she’s back in her sweet spot. We’d spent the prior month or so doing the things two people who think they’re falling for each other do. Going out on dates, talking on the phone till the wee hours of the morning, playing the “hang up on the count of 3” game only to laugh hysterically when we get to 3 and neither of us hangs up. You know, all of that corny stuff that feels special and worthwhile at the time. And then we made love and it was good … really good. Now we’re seeing each other. There were no “so what are we” conversations but both of our intentions seemed clear. Everything was moving along quite nicely when three years after initially meeting one another, two months after reconnecting, and one month after having begun sleeping together, I was caught a little off guard when while laying in bed she looked up at me and said “I don’t know how to say this so I’m just going to be real … I have a boyfriend.” She proceeded to tell me how she’d been with dude for about a year and a half but also how the relationship had been dying a slow death for the last six months. She told me about how poorly he’d treated her and how she’d wanted to leave but couldn’t muster the courage. I sat there silently digesting all she said realizing that as each of her words passed we grew closer to the inevitable end of our affair. Her selfishness didn’t anger me and I wasn’t the least bit bothered that she’d made me an unwitting accomplice to her infidelity. My disappointment lay in the fact that her actions put a definitive expiration date on something I’d hoped would be indefinite.

When she finished pouring out her heart, she looked up at me and asked “so, what do you think I should do?” I knew what she wanted me to say. In her mind, I was supposed to tell her that she should leave him and be with me, that I cared for her, and that I wanted her for myself. I said no such thing. “I think you should go back to him,” I told her. I told her that she needs to go back to him and figure out what she wanted or what she didn’t want out of their relationship – irrespective of me. I told her that our relationship, at this point, had very little chance of success because all of her feeling for me were comparative and not intrinsic. She liked me because I was not him – and while that’s fun for now, it’s not a strong enough foundation to build a lasting relationship upon. I told her that her leaving him for me would put too much pressure on our relationship, making it impossible for it to grow naturally … organically; she’d always be comparing what she has to what she left. She tried her best to convince me that her feelings for me were “real” and not based on how I compared to him but I was unmoved.

We cut off all communication with each other for a while to give her time to sort through all of her emotions. As you might have guessed, two weeks later they were broken up and she was once again searching for her sweet spot with me. When she came back, she listed for me all the reasons why they broke up. She did her best to make it clear to me that she was totally over him and over the relationship and she even told me that them breaking up didn’t necessarily mean her and I would get together. She said all of the right things and we slowly settled back into seeing each other. I liked her a lot and I loved spending time with her, but despite all this, something just didn’t seem right. The emotional freedom that existed at the beginning of our affair was gone, replaced by a barely noticeable but inescapable sense of impending doom. Prior to her revelation, we’d never argued and now we’d find ourselves in awkward little tiffs. We’d never grow tired of each other’s company and now we were beginning to annoy each other.

The boiling point came one evening after a particularly uninspired round of togetherness. Laying there, I told her that I didn’t think we were going to work. That it was probably best if we ended it here before the annoyance and discontent permeating our relationship grew into hatred and loathing. She didn’t take this so well (it was here that I learned that breaking up right after sex is not such a good idea). We argued. Really, she argued. She fought for us. First telling me that she would not let me give up on “us” so easily; that she would not let me run from my feelings. It took almost an hour to show her that she didn’t really believe that was the case. Then her hurt turned to anger as she accused me of using her, of taking what I wanted from her without ever giving her anything in return, but she didn’t believe that either. Finally, her brain too tired to hide what she really felt, from the overflow of heart came the truth: “I just feel like … I left him for you, and now you’re leaving me.” She realized what her words meant as soon as she said them. The tears dried and she began to calm. It was then that she came to know what I already knew: it would never have worked.

Relationships are fragile and romance is delicate. Everything counts – from when you meet to how you meet to why you meet – it’s all important. All the pieces matter. We learned this together … at the end of our affair.

What do you guys think? Did I do the right thing in ending things? Should I have given the relationship more of an opportunity to flourish? Have you ever been in a similar situation? Ever been intimate with someone only to find out they had a boyfriend or girlfriend? What lessons have you learned as the result of failed relationships?

Source: singleblackmale.org

Tips For Single Women at 40

It can be a tricky road navigating life as a single woman at 40 but by this age, its expectes that you've seen and experienced some things that have made you a bit wiser than you were in your younger years. Here are a few tips to help you:

1. Expect Nothing: When you lower your expectations, you begin to settle for what's available rather than what you deserve. Things such as tall, rich and handsome may not be entirely necessary. A wise woman once said "let life come to you".

2. The ONE is A Myth: This feeling that there's only one soul out there meant for us comes from an idea of scarcity. We tend to overthink, overanalyze and generally drive ourselves crazy trying to figure out if this is the 'ONE'. There is plenty of love available to human beings. Enjoy the ride and know that answers will come to you.

3. Too Grand to Play Small: By this time, you know what you have to offer in a relationship. This is not the time to hide or play small or God-help us, act like a dingbat so they'll think we're cute. Been there, done that...20 years ago.

4. Be Classier Than That: There are only few types of photos that a man whom you're not married to should ever see of you on his phone and none them involve being naked. If you wouldnt want to see it on the bulletin board at your office in the morning, then dont send it to your new man. This is something that people in their 20s and 30s do. It doesnt mean you have to participate, 'cos you're classier than that.

5. Trust your gut: Women are intuitive creatures, but we can easily ignore our own inner voice when our minds start talking too loudly. We know when love is real and when it's not. We know it feels different when it's right. We only ignore that feeling when we don't like the answer. Tune in. Your inner voice- what's on your heart- may get quiet but it never stops talking.

In the words of Maya Angelou 'When you know better, you do better'.

Source: Sharon Pope

Funny Pix

What gives you happiness????

Funny Interpretations of Dreams...Enjoy!!!

1. Nudity
Well, everyone at some point or other had this dream. In the nudity dream, which is one of the most common dream symbols, we see ourselves naked and exposed to the outside world. It isn’t as naughty as it sounds. Actually, it symbolizes an urge for recognition. This urge can have both sexual and asexual meanings.

2. Sex
Sex is the most talked about dream symbol. Having sex in a dream is just awesome and for ‘Forever alone’ guys, it is their only chance for some action. Well, sex in a dream can symbolize a literal desire for sex. But it can also mean a unification of our unconsciousness desires with conscious reality. It does sound a little complex but its not. Having sex in a dream primarily symbolizes a stage where you see a personal growth in yourself.

3. Falling
One of most popular dream symbol, Falling symbolizes our anxieties and an urge to set free – maybe we are clinging too tightly to a situation and its time to let it go. It also means that we need to put more trust in others.

4.  Exams
Another common dream, exams in a dream symbolize self-evaluation,reflecting our life under introspection.

5.  Missing a Flight
It can also take other forms like missing a bus or missing a train. When you have such kinds of dreams, please note that you are frustrated over missing important stuff in life. It is just the visual representation of that outpour.

6. Being Physically Trapped
It is also a common dream symbol which reflects our real life inability to make the right choices. It can also mean that we are trying to escape a certain situation

7.  Finding an Empty room
If you see yourself in an empty large room, it can symbolize the fact that you are discovering something new about yourself. It means that some talent which was hidden within is finally coming out.

8. Unable to find Toilet
This is a funny one. It either means that the ‘sleeping you’ has to actually Pee in real life or you are finding it challenging to express your own needs in life. The toilet here is a visual representation of a  place where our needs are expressed (or we can say, released).

9. Teeth falling out
Wel, this one is bad. If you see your Teeth falling out in a dream, it means that you are losing self-confidence. Your teeth is a symbol of your power and confidence which unfortunately is deteriorating.

10.  Being Chased
This is again a common dream. It symbolizes a situation in your life which you just don’t know how to confront.

11. Killing
Killing in your dreams doesn’t make you a prospective murderer. It just means that you have a desire to kill a part of your own personality. It can also mean extreme dislikeness towards a certain person.

12. Out of control vehicle
No one is going to arrest you for crashing a car in your dream. Seeing an Out of control vehicle in your dream means that you don’t have enough control on your own path to success. The vehicle which has just gone haywire symbolizes your ability to make progress.

Source: sarcasmlol.com

What To Do After A Cesarean Section

Not many expectant mums love to hear the word C-section or are in favour of it. But at times a cesarean section becomes unavoidable, especially, if there is a
health risk to the mother and baby. The same happened to me when my water bag broke before labour pain started (and even after inducing labour, pain stopped mid-way) I was wheeled into the OT for a C-section. I never wanted it but it was for the good of my baby that I accepted the doctor’s suggestion and got operated. However, I realised recovering from a C-section does take time and here are few rules you need to follow to speed up the process:

1. Once your catheter is removed, try to move around as much as you can (take help from the hospital staff if needed). Believe me; this will, in fact, speed up your recovery rather than lying in the hospital bed. However, you won’t be able to move much so do it slowly, you might feel dizzy and light-headed. Here is what you should expect after a C-section.

2. When you are allowed to use the restroom, never ignore nature’s call as that could lead to trauma to your incision. Even if you need to get up from your bed numerous times, do that. It pains to get up and walk, but you have to do it.

3. You might be on IVs for at least two days after your delivery and would not be allowed to eat anything. But when you can, don’t start gorging on spicy gravy and brownies. A C-section often gives your digestive system a jolt; acidity and GERD is the last thing you want to deal with. Stick to the staple dal-chawal .

4. Avoid lifting weights. Apart from lifting your baby, you should never lift anything heavy that can put pressure on your scar. Follow this rule even after two weeks of your discharge, because internal healing takes its own time.

5. Don’t try to start exercising right after your delivery. Wait till your doctor gives you a go-ahead. It isn’t very pleasing to wear the same maternity clothes even after you delivered, but you need to wait till you can fit into your designer jeans again. Abdominal pressure too early can be dangerous and can lead to bleeding. Instead, try walking with your baby in arms or pushing the stroller in the park, which will be enough activity. You can, however, exercise with your baby with these tips.

6. Don’t wear a maternity belt to reduce your belly. Your belly will shrink back to its size on its own. Using a maternity belt can increase your chances of suffering from a hernia later.

7. Take real good care of your incision. Follow all the after-care procedures advised to you by your doctor. Avoid taking a hot water bath or shower until your incision heals completely.

8. Work on a comfortable sleeping position. Even after your stitches are cut and the healing process has started you might not be able to lie on your back as it could pain tremendously. You might still have to sleep sideways.

9. Place your baby’s cot or cradle near to your bed so it is comfortable for you. This will reduce the strain on your incision every time your child wakes up and wails for a feed.

10. Try and avoid constipation. Keep yourself hydrated enough. With the incision still healing putting pressure on your abdomen could be fatal.

11. Don’t avoid breastfeeding just because it gets uncomfortable to sit for too long with your baby. In fact, breastfeeding for many reasons is good for your baby and speeds up your healing process. If you are lactating enough, they don’t avoid a feeding session it could further lead to mastitis, engorgement and other issues.

12. Go slow with sex. Even if your doctor says that you need to take precaution for the first six weeks, it can take you longer to get in the mood and get your strength back. Talk to your partner about it and instead try other ways to build your bond cuddling, talking anything can do the trick.

13. Never ignore symptoms like fever, headache and nausea while your scar is still healing. As it could be a sign of infection.

14. Avoid using painkillers on your own. You might be on a course of painkillers given by your doctor right after your surgery, don’t self-treat yourself with the painkillers once the course is completed. If you are breastfeeding this could be dangerous. Talk to your doctor if the pain persists even after six weeks of recovery.

15. Accept your scar. Your body might never be the same again after the C-section, but love yourself even more and accept your scar. Remember this scar is what made you a mother after all.

Wishing all pregnant women a safe delivery.

Source:The Healthsite

Quote of the day

The fact that you failed doesnt make you a failure...Believe!!!!!

Grace Makes Us Alright

We all have a deep need to feel all right. And we can spend a lot of time and energy trying to do things that make us feel like we’re okay – okay with ourselves, with others and even God. But we don’t need to wear ourselves out trying to be right with God through our own effort. The truth is we can’t make our lives right on our own, but we can receive the righteousness of God by putting our faith in Christ. Romans 3:20 (NLT) says, For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. That means the reason God established the law was to show us how much we need a Savior who can make us righteous before Him.

We Can’t Earn Righteousness
Self-righteousness is believing we are made right with God through our own works. For example, a person might think, “Well, if I read through my Bible every year, then God will be pleased with me.” But the truth is we don’t have to read our Bible to please God; we read it because it helps us in our everyday life. It’s for our own good. In the same way, my preaching doesn’t make me a righteous person. The only way we are made righteous (right with God) is by having faith in Jesus Christ—it’s not something we can ever earn in our own effort.

I used to really struggle with self-righteousness. Many years ago somebody came to the church I was attending and suggested that we all read through the Bible in a year. The pastor got on board, and every Sunday he’d ask, “Who’s been doing your Bible reading?” Well, I didn’t want to be the one not standing up, so I got really serious about it.
We all got a calendar so we could check off the days we read the chapters. I put it up on the refrigerator so everybody who came in would ask me what it was, and I was so proud. As long as I had all my checkmarks, I liked that calendar. But then I got 36 chapters behind and had these big, gaping holes! It was like a nightmare for me.

So one day I decided I was going to catch up, and I zipped right through the chapters. And honestly, when I closed my Bible I felt so relieved. But then I almost immediately heard the Holy Spirit say to me, So, tell Me, what did you learn? And I realized I could not remember one thing!

God taught me an important lesson that day. He would rather we read one verse and actually get something out of it and connect with Him than read 36 chapters and learn nothing. We need to have the right motives for the things we do and stop making laws out of tasks that make us feel better about ourselves but are unfruitful.

It’s About a Relationship, Not Accomplishments
In 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NLT), Paul writes, For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” Every day of my life I say, “I am the righteousness of God in Christ. Now, I’m not righteous because I do everything right. No one is perfect, and none of us do everything right. The Bible says in 1 John 1:8 (NLT), If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. You might say, “Well, Joyce, shouldn’t we try to do what’s right?” Absolutely! God wants us to live through faith in Christ. Then, as we have a personal relationship with Him, we’ll do the right thing by His grace because we want to do the right thing. He puts the desire in us to do what’s right.

In Philippians 3:3 (NLT), Paul explains that we rely on what Christ Jesus has done for us. We put no confidence in human effort. He says he obeyed the law without fault, and if any person would have a reason to have confidence in himself by the law’s standard, he would have more of a reason than anyone. In verses 7 through 9 (NLT) of that chapter, Paul goes on to say, I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith.

Paul is saying in order to have a relationship with Christ, he had to be willing to gather up all of his accomplishments and the things he had worked so hard for and be willing to get rid of them all. That’s because it’s nothing but trash compared to the priceless privilege of knowing Christ as our Lord and Savior.

Yes, what we do matters, but our good works do not make us acceptable to God. We are only made right with Him by putting our faith in Jesus Christ. And when we put our faith in Christ, we can rest in knowing that everything is all right.

What Are You Saying With Your Mouth?

Have you ever thought about God’s wonderful gift of speech? Proverbs 15:23 says A word spoken at the right moment—how good it is! God has given us the ability to bless, encourage, praise, sing and worship with our words.

But too often our mouths—and a tiny instrument called the tongue—get us into trouble. If you have an “unbridled” tongue—and I struggled for years in this area—there’s no end to the havoc you can create in your own life and the lives of people around you.
But the human tongue can be tamed by no man. It is a restless (undisciplined, irreconcilable) evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who were made in God’s likeness! (James 3:8-9).

Our words can do severe damage to our relationships, our careers and the world around us. But here’s the good news: With the help of the Holy Spirit, they can also do great good. God can give us the wisdom we need to control our tongues and learn to speak life-giving words that reflect the love of Christ and what His Word says. Here are a few tips to help you tame your tongue and shape your life:

1. Use your words to bless.
Our words have the power to bless or curse. Proverbs 18:21 says, Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they who indulge in it shall eat the fruit of it [for death or life]. We need to pay close attention to the way we talk about ourselves. People who have not disciplined their mouths say some of the most awful things about themselves: “I can’t do anything right. Nothing ever works out for me. Nobody loves me…” Instead of speaking out of our feelings or circumstances, we need to say the same thing that God says about us in His Word.
One of the first things I say when I get up in the morning is “God, I bless this day in Jesus’ name. I bless my husband, children, grandchildren and myself in Jesus’ name. I’m blessed when I come in and blessed when I go out.”

2. Be thankful and say so.
Psalm 100:4 says we should “be thankful and say so.” Tell people you’re thankful for what they do for you—and thank God for everything. Take a few minutes every day and thank God for everything you can think of—your family, your health, food, hot water… God has given us a mouth to glorify him!
When I have my blessing session every morning, I take time to thank God for working in my life. One thing I’ve learned is when we’re waiting for a breakthrough, we need to thank Him for working on that situation behind the scenes. I also thank God for my husband, children and grandchildren as well as all of our partners and all of the people who work with us in spreading the Gospel.

3. Encourage, edify and build others up.
Encouraging people has not always come easy to me, but years ago I made a commitment to God to start doing it on purpose. Every day I ask the Holy Spirit to show me who I can encourage.
Isaiah 50:4 says [The Servant of God says] The Lord God has given Me the tongue of a disciple and of one who is taught, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary.
Think about the people you already know you’re going to be around and ask God to put something in your heart that you can say to them that will build them up.

4. Tell the truth.
The Bible says in John 4 that true worshipers will worship God in spirit and in truth. If you’re waiting for a promotion from God then you need to be committed to the truth. Proverbs 23:23 says Buy the truth and sell it not. Holding on to the truth might mean losing a friend or your reputation. If you’re going to be committed to the truth, there will be times when you’ll have to make a sacrifice. Hang on to it no matter what it costs you. It is so rewarding—the Bible says then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:32 NIV).

5. Speak the Word of God.
Jeremiah 23:28-29 says He who has My word, let him speak My word faithfully. … Is not My word like fire [that consumes all that cannot endure the test]? says the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks in pieces the rock [of most stubborn resistance]? Keep hitting your problems with the hammer of God’s Word. Speak the Word out loud faithfully. It’ll break the hardest things you’re facing into pieces.

6. Don’t talk too much.
A lot of times, we just need to be quiet. Proverbs 10:19 says In a multitude of words transgression is not lacking, but he who restrains his lips is prudent . I think it’s interesting that we have two eyes, two ears, two nostrils—and only one mouth. We need to be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to get angry.
Galatians 5:16 says if you walk by the Spirit you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. If you’ll concentrate on God’s goodness, and encourage others along the way, you will experience more joy. God loves you so much, and with His help you can control your tongue and be led by the Spirit daily.

Source: Joyce Meyer

Making Effective Resolutions

Resolving to make a few improvements in life?

The new year is a perfect time to commit to making the changes that have been weighing heavy on your mind. However, most will abandon their resolutions.

 Studies suggest only around 8% of those who make resolutions actually keep them. Why are resolution completion rates so low? Perhaps it’s the nature of the resolutions that are being made that are setting their success up for failure.

In order to increase our likelihood of sticking to our intentions, here are some of the most popular resolutions and a few tips on how we might re-frame them for success.

1. Saving Money.
Stress over saving money is the main cause of tension in relationships so it makes sense that saving money would rank as a popular resolution. In order to accomplish this, many will resolve to cut spending on things they see as unnecessary or choose cheaper options when spending, but that sort of deprivation can backfire because of the extra time and stress of looking for  a bargain that might not exist or because savings just aren’t being set aside correctly.
Do This Instead: In order to save money, it’s best to remove the temptation of spending it in the first place.
Open up a savings account to receive part of your income via direct deposit or opt into an automated savings account that will roll over the unused cents from your purchases and deposit them accordingly.
If you can’t see the money, you can’t spend the money.

2. Losing Weight.
Each year, losing weight tops the list of most popular New Year’s resolutions. Many will join a gym or buy a new piece of athletic equipment in order to reach their goal, but the majority will end up quitting by mid-February .
Do This Instead: Instead of drastically adding a new behavior to your schedule, increase a pre-existing one gradually.
Start by increasing your daily intake of water to half a gallon a day. Not only will it help to keep you full, it will replace sugary alternatives and is the cornerstone of weight loss.
Gradually ramping up the amount you walk will also provide some activity without failure looming over your head.

3. Finding Love.
The holidays can be a hard time to go through without someone to love so it is not surprising that finding love is a popular resolution. Enrollment in online dating sites is highest right after the first of the year but the pressure to find that special someone could result in dating desperation that takes your love life nowhere.
Do This Instead: Prioritize your relationships with friends and family and resolve to spend more time in social settings.
Places like church, social clubs, or the neighborhood café can offer fun and the opportunity to meet new people without the pressures of dating.
When you feel comfortable, you are more yourself and more ready to meet the one of your dreams.

Don’t allow the harsh statistics to discourage you from making plans to improve your life in the new year. Resolving to resolve the right way can be your first resolution of 2017.

Source: TD JAKES

Have you Eaten A Kola Nut Today?

Kola nut (Cola Acuminate), also known as ‘cola nut’ or ‘bitter cola’, is the seed of the brown-colored chestnut-like fruit of the cola nut plant. Kola nut, also termed as cola acuminate, is really a caffeine-rich nut which is indigenous to exotic Africa. In these regions, the nut is recognized as symbolic of hospitality as well as goodness. Even though almost tasteless on their own, kola nuts are frequently chewed before meals to assist encourage digestion and also to assist combat possible harmful effects from impure drinking water.

Kola nut offers a huge range of benefits to human health. Here are some health benefits of kola nut.
Helps in Weight Loss: If you are dying to lose weight by removing extra kilos, kola nut can be very much helpful to you. It can eliminate undesired fat and aid you in losing body weight without inducing negative effects. It increases metabolic rate to a great extent, which helps in better digestion with less storage of foods as fat cells. It acts as a natural suppressant of hunger, which itself provides lots of energy to the body, while enhancing the urge to drink more and more water.

Metabolism Booster: Among the distinctive effects of the kola nut, mostly because of its caffeine content, is its capability to promote the body while increasing heart rate. Although this could possibly be dangerous for individuals that have problems with pre-existing heart conditions, it may supply a required metabolic boost for all those along with slow metabolisms. This could in fact optimize heart health, as caffeine could be a health stimulant in reasonable dosages. And also this helps the metabolism optimize itself, that has a number of optimistic enzymatic as well as physiological effects on the human body.

Cures Prostate Cancer: A few researches have revealed that kola nut is beneficial for treating prostate cancer. The extract of the nut comprises certain plant compounds (phytoestrogens and phytoandrogens), which are non-steroidal by nature and known to generate a series of consecutive reactions. These reactions can alter the growth and development of the cancerous cells in the prostate and destroy them completely at last.

Solution for Impotence: Male impotence can be successfully resolved with kola nut. Chewing this nut is believed to amplify the circulation of blood throughout the genital area, which makes hard arteries softer and normalizes the functions of genitals.

Eases Osteoarthritis in Knees: Osteoarthritis, particularly developed in knees, can be healed to a large extent with the help of kola nut. Regular consumption of this nut can diminish pain, inflammation and swelling in the knee joints. It can also improve the movement of knees considerably.

Circulation: By stimulating heart rate as well as increasing circulation, kola nuts have the ability to enhance oxygenation to particular important areas of the body, including the skin, extremities, organs, and also the brain. For this reason kola nuts are occasionally known as intellectual boosters, as a higher level of oxygen within the brain have already been associated with higher levels of cognition and concentration. Kola nuts were usually ingested simply because they “cleared the mind”. This could also encourage healing of wounds as well as cellular repair throughout the increased flow of nutrients and oxygen.

Digestion: For hundreds of years, kola nuts have already been chewed or consumed simply by indigenous cultures in Africa both in ceremonies as well as in the management of digestive upset. The active ingredients of the kola nut have the ability to enhance digestion as well as nutrient uptake, whilst decreasing bowel problems, bloating, cramping, along with other, more severe, gastrointestinal issues.

Perks Up the Immunity: When it comes to strengthening our immune system, kola nut works as a reliable ingredient. It has good antioxidant properties, which protect our internal system from free radical damages and makes it healthier. The nut also holds antimicrobial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory qualities, which give a boost to our immunity and keep us disease-free.

Relieves Migraine Headaches: The stimulants i.e. caffeine and theobromine present in kola nut together serve the purpose of a cerebral vasodilator. They dilate cerebral blood vessels and add to the blood flow all through the head, which helps in reducing migraine headaches significantly.
So, here are the health benefits of kola nut that you can enjoy without burning a hole in your pocket.

Source: Ibirinde Omuwunmi

Things You Need To Know About Sex During Menstration Period

No matter how much we hammer on it that sex during period is not hygiene so many people still engage in it so why not lecture them on what to know about sex during period and that is what this article is about and not promoting sex during period.

Having sex during that time of the month is a personal choice, and there is no reason you cannot enjoy intimacy during that period. However, you always need to take certain precautions even during her menstrual cycle. These tips will help make sex during periods enjoyable and less messy, it will help you be more comfortable with her in bed during her periods.

•Place a towel or cloth on the bed: You cannot deny that sex during menstruation is a little too messy. And your white sheets can take a beating if you do not use anything to catch the mess. So it is a good idea to place a dark towel or a bedsheet under her pelvis before you get going.

•Clean yourself up after sex: Also, be prepared with a warm wash cloth or wet wipes to clean up right after your romp session so that you don’t drip. A quick shower can also be helpful.

•Maintain good hygiene: When you have sex during periods, you not only put yourself but even her at a risk of potential yeast infection. So make sure that you clean your private parts properly, even before sex. It is imperative to wash the top of the penis as not washing it can result in a buildup of smegma, dead skin cells that can lead to infection and irritation.

•Don’t try every sex position: Your partner may not be comfortable with every sex position as certain positions that touch her cervix, like the woman-on-top, can be uncomfortable and even painful. So make sure you stick to positions where she is lying on her back like the missionary. Having sex while she is lying on her back can also help reduce the bleeding and lessen the mess.

•Have protected sex: Just because you are having sex during her periods does not mean that it is safe. Having unprotected sex even during her periods can translate to contracting STDS. Also, the likelihood may be minuscule, but pregnancy can still be a concern even during menstrual periods. It, therefore, can be a good idea to use protection whenever you have sex.

Source: Ibirunde Omowunni

Criticism- One Mark of A True Friend

We have to learn that all criticism is not bad. Criticism is an observation or detailed examination and review. As a matter of fact, you need criticism because it spurs you to greatness. The greatest men in the world wouldnt have gotten to where they are without criticism. Criticism makes you better. Living in a world that has no criticism is dangerous. We all need somebody who is bold enough to criticize you and tell you 'I love you but that aint good for you'. The mark of a dangerous and fake friend is somebody who always says what you want to hear. A good friend would always have the effrontery to tell you the truth, however bitter it may be.  Most people don't really want a friend but they want a cheerleader

Against this backdrop, we must learn to accept and live with criticism as it can help us achieve things we ordinarily wouldnt have achieved without positive criticism. As we become more mature we would learn to be able to accept criticism, draw from it what needs to be drawn.

We must learn that friends would not always be nice and the fact that someone is nice to you doesnt necessarily mean the person is a friend. However hurtful it may be, faithful are the wounds of a friend

Funny Pix

Some guys can say anything just to get a babe!!!!! Lol

Quote of the day

God is my everything!!!

Food For Thought Series-I

■Complacency is a fear of high achievers, and it should be a fear for everyone. When we are no longer motivated, it’s over.

■Successful companies take ideas and form strategy, take strategy and form structure, and take structure and form action plans.

■Good or bad, the culture of a company is established and maintained by its leadership and manifests itself through its people.

●This is a good day to ask, “Where am I going, why am I going there, when will I get there, and what can I expect when I arrive?

●To tackle a huge undertaking, break it down into smaller segments; reaching each mini- milestone helps to achieve the major goal.

●Care and credibility are critical to all meaningful relationships, and meaningful relationships are key to life and business success.

Source: Bill Boyajian

Food For Thought Series-II

■Your commitments shape your direction in life and in business. They define what you’re dedicated to and what you really care about.

■You can’t be an effective leader if you’re driven by resentment, even if it’s justified. To be free to lead, you have to let things go.

■Small companies don’t need an employee handbook. Try these basics: work hard, do right, serve customers, and use good judgment.

●Most people want to do well, but need attention and good communication in order to excel. If you lead, give them what they need.

●The best test of who you are is evidenced when no one is looking. How you handle adversity is a true measure of character.

●Common sense is not so common. Use yours to make good choices. If something is not right, just don’t do it. It’s pretty simple.

Source: Bill Boyajian

Keep it Moving

We’ve all had ups and downs in our lives. Too often, a major obstacle or failure becomes a defining moment. They say that you learn more from your failures than your successes. That’s only if you don’t let a major downer define your life and limit your dreams and aspirations.

Instead, learn to overcome that one crucial mistake, that failed relationship or that devastating disappointment by using it as motivation to take your life or your business to the next level. It isn’t easy to put the past in the past, but it is vital in order to rebuild self-confidence, restore relationships, or redefine your goals for the future.
No one is perfect. Everyone has failed. But the difference between failure and success is a very fine line, often dictated by how you perceive it, and how you perceive yourself. Failure can be success if we learn from it. So take some time today to reflect on that defining moment in your life and use it for good.

Source: Bill Boyajian

How To Have An Attractive Personality

You could be the most polished or sophisticated person on the planet, however, if people don’t like you, you’ll have fewer and fewer opportunities to interact with them. Some individuals have the kind of personality that brightens up a room while others improve the environment by their departure.
Personality is the visible aspect of your character as it impresses others. Without a pleasing personality, achieving your personal and professional goals will be an uphill battle. This is not about changing who you are or becoming a people pleaser. It is about coming to grips with the fact that whatever you desire in life will be achieved through other people. Consequently, you must be mindful of behaviors and character traits that attract people and those that repel them.
As you read the following tips for a winning personality, consider areas where you need to shore up your interactions with others.

• Smile. Keep it genuine; don’t do it just to show off your new cosmetic veneers or caps (however, if you need them, they’ll be a great investment and will boost your confidence). Let your eyes smile also. A smile reflects your mental attitude and can affect the attitude of others.

• Listen. Be genuinely interested in other people. Limit the number of times you say “I” during your conversations.

• Don’t interrupt—even if the person is long winded. If you need to make a point, raise your index finger slightly as if to ask for permission to speak.

• Respect other people’s opinions. No need to argue about matters that do not affect the quality of your life.

• Be quick to serve. Jesus cautioned his disciples, “The greatest among you must be a servant” (Matthew 23:11 NLT).

• Be generous. Don’t skimp on tips to those who serve you (see Chapter __ on “Tips on Tipping” for guidelines).

• Don’t be a moocher; always pay your share—and then some.

• Be humble. Don’t brag about your position, possessions, people you know, or places you’ve traveled. Humility tops the chart as the most admired character trait; pride and arrogance are the most detestable.

• Don’t succumb to your insecurities. Avoid self-put downs. Know that you are adequate for every task for your sufficiency comes from God (2 Corinthians 3:5). Confidence is a great people magnet.

Source: Deborah Smith Pegues

Pushing Past The Pain of Rejection

Good morning! Being favored does not mean that you will not be rejected. Rejection is a significant source of pain and suffering for this world. In fact, rejection created the need for the gospel. Sin entered the world because two people rejected God and his command.
It is a costly experience that causes emotional pain that can lead to anger or self-esteem issues. Even though you have experienced rejection, it does not determine your future. Don't let anger or rage harbor in your heart. (Psalms 4:4) Release yourself from the pain of rejection so that you can soar into the place where God is leading you.
Recall that Joseph was rejected by the ones that should have embraced him. Even Jesus was rejected by his family members. (John 7:5) Don't take rejection personally. The rejection honestly says nothing about you as a person. Getting rejected is a part of life and it is not a personal attack.
It's all is part of the process when you are blessed and highly favored!
Here are some practical things you can do when you experience rejection.
1) Reframe the rejection. It's not about you.
2) Don't allow the rejection to control your future. Move forward.
3) Use the rejection to improve your life. See the brighter side of things.
4) Forgive - Release yourself from the pain and into happiness.
5) Extend Love - Love never fails (1 Corinthians 13:8)
Remember that your past is not your future. Release your future from your past.
Rejection is a Jump Start to your blessing!

Source: TD JAKES

Tales of a Lagos Girl (II)- The Virginity Hater

This is interesting..lol..Read what Twitter user, Emo girl shared..

'Got a text from an ex after 4 years.. you men are confusing.lol how my relationship with him ended was the most confused moment of my life.This guy chased me for months. I was really into him but my hard girl reputation couldn’t be tempered with back then.I finally fell and we started dating. I used to have this really wild, bad girl appearance then but deep down inside.. it was the opposite. “We were dating.. kissing and stuff never really had time or opportunity for the secks because my parents didn’t give me space to shine. Till the day i decided to sleep over at his place and get diqed, whether my parents kill me or not the next day, man must die one day.

I was excited about that night..I really liked that guy, i didn’t even think about the trouble i’ll be in i just wanted to die by that p*nis. He was excited too and we started making out and touching each other’s prr….. You know what i mean.

It was now time to put his distin inside and he tried to put it in and i made noises like i was in pain and he quickly stopped and got up. He got up looking at me shocked and betrayed like i just executed his family. then he asked “are you a V!rg!n” I said “yes”.

Man, the dissapointment on his face. He had that look your dad would have if he just found out you secretly sold the family house. He helped me look for my pant and other belongings and asked me to go home. I was confused Af.

He switched his number off that night ,And the next day i went to see him.. His sister told me he travelled that morning. I then got a break up text 2 days later. you guys. I WAS DUMPED FOR BEING A VIRGIN. I don’t understand this life at all.

Most painful thing is i never said i didn’t want the secks. people are born V!rg!ns. why was he dissapointed i was one. Did he think i would not catch up fast. I swear to God i’m a great learner. Look at my skills now.

I didn’t kick against getting my hymen torn apart by him.. Shouldn’t he be glad he was about to be the first? i was really really confused. And after four years he is now texting me ‘what’s going on with you, it’s been ages’ Bruh, YOU ARE MAD.”

What could have made him do that though?

Tales of a Lagos Girl (I)- Runaway Boyfriend

“ I live in Gusau and work with Fidelity bank. I have no time for myself or anything else except for my job. I’ve lost countless boyfriends due to the nature of my job, it does not give me the space to be with my man romantically. After endless break ups I moved to the fast paced-culture of online dating.

I met this fascinating, humble and intriguing man online. He was like heaven on earth. A prime definition of decency. We moved from Facebook chat to Whatsapp and then calling on phone. He’s always on phone with me. Little did I know that he had other foul plans. I must give it to him “his cards were neatly played out”

We fast became lovers, he spoke with my significant others, proposed to me on phone. Told him phone proposal won’t work with me. He kept saying that his international Web business line won’t allow him to be with me at the moment. Few days later he told me that he was traveling out of the country for business transactions. Which in his own terms was done.

He said he was in USA at that time. He called a few times too. After 2 days of him being away his daughter called me to tell me that her grandmother just fell from the stairs. She was screaming and crying on phone saying her grandmother is not saying anything that she was lying helplessly on the floor. So, I had to call my man who was away for business deal.

He begged me to help take care of his mom who is based in Port Harcourt. He also promised to pay me back everything that I spend on her health. I told him that I wasn’t having enough, he begged me and even asked me to go for a loan with my bank.

I am but human and my heart wasn’t made of steel. After much pushing, I did what needed to be done. I was hooked up with a doctor and the doctor kept asking me to pay in money into his account. The total money that was sent to his account was roughly #500k.

All of a sudden my supposed 'man-to-be' went under and stopped calling or even texting me. With strong intuition I knew then that he was a fake man.

Although, I got worried and began to look for clues of what must’ve happened or went wrong, everything I tried on was to no avail. After couple of days it began to dwell on me with more bewildered and lost mind that I’ve been duped!

I finally met him online on Facebook, I tried confronting him instead he started calling me names. Only then it became crystal clear to me that I’ve been duped. I went to the police to report the crime. NPF with their own started looking for a way to rob me of my money. I got a lawyer involved. I was advised on how to track him down.

I got my friend involved,. Luckily my friend got hold of my lost man account details which was what I needed to trail him. With the police report I obtained from the police I was able to keep watch on the account. He was using same strategy with my friend and when my friend was asked to pay in money which she did.
The sociopath couldn’t withdraw the money from ATM and won’t go to the bank to withdraw with the cashier. After much wait. He went to the bank to maybe to withdraw with the cashier but lo and behold he was arrested. I had to go back to the place station to stake my claims. Do you know what I was told to do?

I was asked to bring money for fuel and money to settle every police officer’s family that will embark on the journey to Enugu state to convert the arrest back to Gusau!!

You Too Can Make It Through The Storm

Many people have gifts and talents and are called to do great things for God. Yet He hasn’t said, “Go,” because they’re still learning how to be stable, dependable, reliable, not easily shaken, and in control of their emotions.
As Christians, we need to live the life that we claim to represent so that our gifts and talents can be released―not just for our own sake, but for the good of those around us.
I am so glad that I’m married to a stable man. Of all the things Dave has brought to my life, I am so grateful to him for teaching me the value of stability. You see, in the early days of our marriage, he never knew one day to the next what I was going to be like, and neither did I. My circumstances dictated my mood―and it was a miserable way to live.
Stop Making Excuses
I could get up each morning thinking I was going to have a great day and then something would set me off. Then by 9 a.m., the rest of my day was totally ruined! But it doesn’t have to be that way. We can control ourselves, but until we believe that, nothing is going to change.
The first thing we must do is stop making excuses, like “I can’t help it. I’m just an emotional person. If you had to put up with what I have to p7ut up with, you’d throw tantrums too!” God is never going to tell you to do something you can’t do without His help. And you can accomplish much if you learn to control your emotions.
If You Have Peace, You Have Power
Whether you like it or not, you’re in a spiritual war. Your enemy, Satan, comes against you in many ways and he’s going to fight against you. So you need to know how to stand against him.
Philippians 1:28 (AMP) says, “And do not [for a moment] be frightened or intimidated in anything by your opponents and adversaries, for such [constancy and fearlessness] will be a clear sign (proof and seal) to them of [their impending] destruction, but [a sure token and evidence] of your deliverance and salvation, and that from God.”
This scripture is saying that God and the devil are watching us. If we remain peaceful, the devil knows that he can’t upset us and we’re just not going to give in. But it’s also a sign to God that our trust is truly in Him.
No matter how much you say you trust God, if you’re upset all the time, then you’re not really trusting Him. And as long as you’re trying to take care of yourself, God will just stand back and say, “Let Me know when you’re ready for Me to jump in and help.”
Keeping Your Peace Brings Maturity
You and I have the privilege not only to believe in Christ but to endure a little bit of suffering while we’re waiting for His deliverance because it’s the hard times in our life that bring maturity. Every day that you stay firm in your faith and you don’t get your breakthrough, you’re growing spiritually that day.
Jesus said, “In the world, you will have tribulation.” The purpose of having faith isn’t to avoid problems but to get through them with peace and stability.
If the only time you can praise God is in the Promised Land, you have a problem. You need to praise Him in the wilderness. Actually, if you don’t praise God in the wilderness, you’ll never get to the Promised Land. We all have to do the right thing when it’s hard; when we don’t feel like doing it. That’s when we grow. ( See Exodus 14:13-14 .)
Be determined to trust God. No matter what happens, hold your peace; remain at rest; keep an attitude of praise and thanksgiving; do what you can do; and keep on saying, “God is fighting for me.”

Source: Joyce Meyer

Surviving with God's Strength- Testimony

Before I first listened to Joyce’s teaching on the fruit of the Spirit, I confess I didn’t really understand how the fruit worked. I assumed it was all about will power. If I didn’t have peace or patience, it must be because I wasn’t trying hard enough. It never occurred to me to ask for God’s help.
It might have had to do with how I was raised. Though I grew up in a Christian home, my mother was the poster child for the self-made woman – the oldest of 10 who grew up in a West Virginia coal-mining town during the Great Depression.
She escaped at 18, married a mean man, went to work, divorced, remarried and eventually became one of the first female Chamber of Commerce executives in the country. She was a dynamo who loved to say, “I’m a survivor.” That was her battle cry and badge of honor.
Mere Survival Falls Short
It made perfect sense that I would follow her template. Clawing my solitary way up the mountain of life’s challenges, marching under my own steam through exhaustion and disappointment—just so I could proclaim that I too was a survivor. As if surviving is as good as it can possibly get.
But listening to Joyce’s teaching about her own transformation from humorless survivor to healed and happy child of God gave me a new perspective on “survivor syndrome.”
I understand now that God wants much more for us than mere survival. It’s not His will that we just barely make the finish line. He wants us to sail past it with hope, exuberance and energy to burn. Even more important, He wants our acknowledgement that we get nowhere on our own steam. It’s all Him, all the time.

Source:  Anonymous