Looking for maximum productivity for a perfect home office which entails essentials. Below is an inspiration checklist for a start-up office when working remotely.
1. FLEXISPOT Essential Height Adjustable Electric Standing Desk with Desktop,2-Stage Desk with Single Motor Heavy Duty Steel Stand up Desk for Home Office (100 * 60cm, White Frame+Beige Top) https://amzn.to/3jOq83B
2. SONGMICS Office Chair, Mesh Desk Chair, Adjustable Swivel Chair, Tilt Function, Breathable Mesh Seat and Backrest, for Study Office Studio, Max Load Capacity 120 kg, Black OBN031B11 https://amzn.to/3QbOPD2
4.EXERZ Layer of 2 Wired Mesh Paper Sorter plus an Accessory Tray/ Desk Organiser / Detachable File Holder, With Extra Divider / Memo Holder On Top – Office, School (White) https://amzn.to/3GBCSmR
5.USB 3.0 Hub, BEST CABLE 4-Port USB Data Hub Ultra Slim Compatible with Oculus Rift S, Mac Pro/Mini, Microsoft Surface Series, Surface Pro 2017,XPS, Notebook PC, Mobile HDD and More https://amzn.to/3CkmNjg
6.Creechwa Desk Accessory 3 Kits, Tape Dispenser, Staples Remover, Acrylic Stapler Set for Office Clerks and Students (Marble Set of 6) https://amzn.to/3QdUlVD
7. 340PCS Binder Clips Paper Clips, LEOBRO Office Clips Set, 150PCS Paperclips, 34PCS Binder Clips Paper Clamps, 80PCS Rubber Bands, 70PCS Push Pins Thumb Tacks, 6PCS Key Tags with Ring, School Supplies https://amzn.to/3X3I60k
8.Paper Mate, Sharpie & Elmer’s Stationary Supplies | Ballpoint Pens, Gel Pens, Marker Pens, Highlighters, HB Pencils & Glue Stick | Perfect for School & Office | 23 Count https://amzn.to/3X78TsJ
9.STOBOK 2022.07-2023.12 Desktop Calendar Daily Planning Calendar Monthly Planning Desk Pad Home School Office Supplies Beige https://amzn.to/3Z95uLB
10.Early Buy Sticky Notes 6 Bright Colour 6 Pads Self-Stick Notes 3 in * 3 in, 100 Sheets/Pad https://amzn.to/3Ckdekj
11. Rose Gold Calculator, Rose Gold Office Supplies and Accessories, 10 Digits Solar Battery Basic Office Calculator, Dual Power Desktop Calculator with Large LCD Display, Pink Office School Supplies https://amzn.to/3Z5rPK2
12.HP Desk Jet 2710e All-In-One Colour Printer with 6 Months of Instant Ink with HP+, White https://amzn.to/3vAVkG0
13.Oxford A5 Card Cover Wire bound Notebook, Ruled with Margin and Perforated, 200 Page, Assorted Colours (Pack of 3) https://amzn.to/3WTyqW6
15Hulker Tower Extension Lead with USB Slots, Multi Plug Extension 8 Way 4 USB (1 Type C and 3 USB Ports) with Switch Tower Power Strip with Widely Spaced Outlets 2M Cable Overload Protection 3250W 13A https://amzn.to/3VJkoFi
16.LED Desk Lamp with Night Light, USB Rechargeable Reading Lamp, 4 Eye-Caring Modes, Dimmable Desk Light, 360° Flexible Neck for Home Office Study Work https://amzn.to/3VJD2NF
Are you searching a perfect gift for her; below is a quick list of best gifts ideas for a wife/girlfriend/sister/best friend/mother/aunt/grandmother.
Boss Lady Pink Marble Ceramic Coffee Mug 11.5 Oz with Coasters Boss Lady Mug Birthday Gifts for Women Mom and Girl Female Entrepreneur Business Owner Coffee Mug for Women https://amzn.to/3Z4KRAc
STORY OF SHANGHAI Womens 100% Natural Mulberry Silk Scarf Multi-use Scarves for Ladies https://amzn.to/3YXO58y
Leather Journal Notebook, Refillable Notebook with Lined Pages Vintage Writing Travelers Notebook Spiral Bound Journal, Gift for Men and Women Classic Embossed Retro Pendants 23×16.5cm（A5, Blue)https://amzn.to/3Gv7giO
Spectacle Holder-Handmade Wooden Carved Bird -Shaped Eyeglass Spectacle Holder，Display Stand for Glasses – Decorative Desktop/Office/Home Accessories by Atlantic Traders https://amzn.to/3ImWnB1
Clash of Couples – Couple Card Game – 400 Questions – Board games for adults – Lovehoney – Couples gift – Playing cards for him/her – Wedding gifts – Valentines gifts for him/her https://amzn.to/3jMFgOF
Eterfield Handmade Preserved Roses in a Box Real Roses Rosebox That Last a Year Gift for Her (Square White Box, Red Roses) https://amzn.to/3Gew3q2
Ted Baker Han Crystal Heart Stud Earrings – Rose Gold or Silver Tone Plated with Crystal https://amzn.to/3GAdI8s
Birthday Pamper Gifts for Women, Unique Pamper hampers Hug in a Box Care Package for Women, Lavender Relaxation Spa Gift Set for Her, Get Well Soon Gifts Thinking of You Gifts for Mom, Sister, Friend https://amzn.to/3VEhSQH
Spa Luxetique Spa Gift Set, 12pcs Lavender Bath Set, Gift Hampers for Women, Bath Gift Set with Body Lotion, Shower Gel, Pamper Sets for Women Gifts, Relaxation Gifts for Her, Mum Christmas Giftshttps://amzn.to/3vzvaU2
Livole Grandma Gifts from Grandchildren, Grandma Christmas Gifts, Birthday Gifts for Granny, Best Grandma Ever, Double Walled Insulated Cup with Straw, 12oz Stainless Steel Coffee Cup, Rose Goldhttps://amzn.to/3X18o3m
Beautify Copper Finish Wine Glasses, Set of 2 Stainless Steel Cocktail Glasses, Shatter Proof with Gift Box – Perfect Present for Men and Women (Rose Gold)https://amzn.to/3GAtJez
Onebttl All-Purpose Stemless Wine Glasses, Initial Wine Cup for Red or White Wine – Monogram – Gifts for Women, Girls, Female, Her, Friends, Co-workers, Clients – for Birthday, Christmas https://amzn.to/3VDQW3O
Wisolt Flower Tea Cup Personalised Gifts for Women Glass Coffee Cup Mug Birthday Gifts for Her Mum Teacher Friends Anniversary Valentines Christmas Mother’s Day Gifts https://amzn.to/3jO9L6T
Scented Candles Gift Set-100% Natural Soy Wax for Christmas Party Decoration, Anniversary, Birthday, Wedding, Relieve Stress Help Sleep (8 Pack)
After a #csection cesarean section, my wound was extremely itchy. Grateful for Google reviews, Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Soothing Oil for Dry, Itchy, Skin does work. My itchy scar is gone and reduced in size.
“There is, however, a far more common ailment among us—and that is pride from the bottom looking up. It is manifest in so many ways, such as fault finding, gossiping, backbiting, and murmuring, living beyond our means, envying, coveting, withholding gratitude and praise that might lift another, and being unforgiving and jealous.” ― Ezra Taft Benson
What have you complained about in the last 24 hours? Has God heard your complaints, and do you think he would be pleased by your exact sentiments? Do you know that God hates murmuring and complaints, and Israelites were killed for it Philippians 214 Do everything without murmuring or questioning [the providence of God], 15 so that you may prove yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish in the midst of a [morally] crooked and [spiritually] perverted generation, among whom you are seen as bright lights [beacons shining out clearly] in the world [of darkness], 16 holding out and offering to everyone the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to rejoice greatly because I did not run [my race] in vain nor labor without result.
A good outright example is found in Numbers 12: Miriam and Aaron are having a private conversation where they speak against Moses and the Lord hears them.
Now [a]Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the [b]Cushite woman whom he had married (for he had married a Cushite woman); 2 and they said, “Has the Lord really spoken only through Moses? Has He not spoken also through us?” And the Lord heard it.
Our first encounter with Miriam Moses’s eldest sister is during his infancy Exodus 2 …Then she put the child in it and set it among the reeds by the bank of the Nile. 4And his sister [Miriam] stood some distance away to find out what would happen to him… And she took pity on him and said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children.” 7 Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and call a [c]wet-nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?” 8 And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Go ahead.” So the girl went and called the child’s mother. She stands out as smart, brave and a courageous girl. Her character plays a crucial role in preserving baby Moses’s life. Later her and Aaron help Moses (the chosen burden bearer) to guide the Israelites out of bondage [Egypt]. Miriam is also noted through scripture to be a prophetess and worship leader Exodus 15:20 Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron [and Moses], took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her with timbrels and dancing
However, Numbers 12 presents a different scene, all along the siblings seem to be working as a team. But we see an open complaint, a murmur from Miriam and Aaron against Moses. God who hears everything, has heard them. Judgement is called 4 Suddenly the Lord said to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, “Come out, you three, to the Tent of Meeting (tabernacle).” And the three of them came out. And penalty pronounced. And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Miriam and Aaron, and He departed. 10 But when the cloud had withdrawn from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, as white as snow. And Aaron turned and looked at Miriam, and behold, she was leprous.
On seeing the state of their sister, Aaron as the priest (escaped punishment due to the authority of the office he held) intercedes on her behalf to Moses.[ Exodus 28:3 Tell all the skilled and talented people whom I have endowed with a spirit of wisdom, that they are to make Aaron’s garments to sanctify him and set him apart to serve as a priest for Me]. In return Moses petitions the Lord to heal her, God rich in mercy heeds to his request and grants however, she has to suffer the consequence 14 But the Lord said to Moses, “If her father had but [d]spit in her face, would she not bear her shame for seven days? Let her be shut up outside the camp for seven days, and afterward she may return.15 So Miriam was shut up outside the camp for seven days, and the people did not move on until Miriam was brought in again [and declared ceremonially clean from her leprosy].
Miriam’s open rebellion towards Moses by suggesting that he was unequivocally tainted by having a Cushite wife and therefore not worthy or was their equal in the office of God. She presumed herself and Aaron to be equally righteous to Moses, yet God rebukes this perception by explain the difference in their calling. “Being such a supreme prophet, standing head and shoulders above others, he was not to be judged by the same yardstick and the same parameters as any other individual—even another prophet as great as Miriam or Aaron.”
And He said,
“Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord will make Myself known to him in a vision And I will speak to him in a dream. 7 “But it is not so with My servant Moses; He is entrusted and faithful in all My house. 8 “With him I speak mouth to mouth [directly], Clearly and openly and not in riddles; And he beholds the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?”
Now, despite what seem to be a great connection through teamwork (siblings called for a great purpose Micah 6:4 And I sent before you Moses [to lead you], Aaron [the high priest], and Miriam [the prophetess].). A big sister with loving, caring and leadership qualities “Miriam’s life was a determined objective of increasing family unity and harmony”. Her critical spirit stands out in her words of gossip and slander. She had witnessed the hand of God and his mighty works through Moses first hand from the time he was a baby, out of Egypt to their point of wilderness. Yet one moment of misgiving she and Aaron makes a statement of pride which seem rather to question God’s instrument of choice. “Why was she punished so severely? To teach us that God does not dispense one-size-fits-all justice. Every individual is judged uniquely according to his or her abilities and potential.” Miriam appears to have had an attitude adjustment after the leprosy and she never questioned Moses or His authority. In fact, next we hear of her is in Numbers 20:1 Then the Israelites, the whole congregation, came into the Wilderness of Zin in the first month [in the fortieth year after leaving Egypt]. And the people lived in Kadesh. Miriam died there and was buried there.
How can we apply Miriam’s scenario in our lives as children of God; who are to establish the purposes for which He intended for us, and that we are victorious in our daily walk with Christ.
Quit murmuring and be content.
A mouth that pours out complaints will always be drinking from a fountain of a bitter heart, hence a person who complains and murmur will never give God any glory. From a bitter heart one can develop rebellion against God without necessarily being conscious of it. Therefore, be content in you circumstance. Be it small or big victories, let your eyes be fixed on Christ and not what others have. Rejoice and count all as blessings for the trials we pass through in life build us in Christ.
Hebrews 13 5 Let your character [your moral essence, your inner nature] be free from the love of money [shun greed—be financially ethical], being content with what you have; for He has said, “I will never [under any circumstances] desert you [nor give you up nor leave you without support, nor will I in any degree leave you helpless], nor will I forsake or let you down or relax My hold on you [assuredly not]!” 6 So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently say, “The Lord is my Helper [in time of need], I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?”
Philippians 411 Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances. 12 I know how to get along and live humbly [in difficult times], and I also know how to enjoy abundance and live in prosperity. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret [of facing life], whether well-fed or going hungry, whether having an abundance or being in need. 13 I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]
Murmuring eliminates Gratitude
A bitter heart with no contentment will never be grateful even if God was to give them all their desires. When you are ungrateful, we are bound to give poor testimonies concerning our walk with Christ. We testify of His goodness with a ‘BUT’, a hesitation within us of how He should have worked it out. Our ingratitude dwindles the LOVE, HOPE and FAITH in us and in HIM, as our focus is inherited from a perspective of it should have been ‘this way Lord’. Hence forgetting what God has done for you and eliminating trust in Him.
Jude 116 These people are [habitual] murmurers, griping and complaining, following after their own desires [controlled by passion]; they speak arrogantly, [pretending admiration and] flattering people to gain an advantage.
Murmuring ruins, a reputation
When we murmur and complain, its usually directed at someone. The devil is crafty for in that moment we tend to sneak in the words that are bound to tear them down. God hates it when we slander one another as it tramps on His Word “Love thy neighbor as you Love thy self”
James 59 Do not complain against one another, believers, so that you will not be judged [for it]. Look! The Judge is standing [b]right at the door. 10 As an example, brothers and sisters, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord [as His messengers and representatives]. 11 You know we call those blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] who were steadfast and endured [difficult circumstances]. You have heard of the patient endurance of Job and you have seen the Lord’s outcome [how He richly blessed Job]. The Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.
Leviticus 1916 You shall not go around as a gossip among your people, and you are not to act against the life of your neighbor [with slander or false testimony]; I am the Lord.
Ephesians 42 with all humility [forsaking self-righteousness], and gentleness [maintaining self-control], with patience, bearing with one another [a]in [unselfish] love.
Murmuring is backed by the Spirit of pride
Where there is murmur there is a backing from the spirit of Pride, hence the fruits of it are jealousy, envy, strife and competition. Where there is pride there is no humility of the heart. And a prideful heart can not worship God. Satan is the pride in its definition therefore we are not able to fully submit to Gods ways and precepts. Why? cause we tend to exalt ourselves more than HIM.
Proverbs 16 18Pride goes before destruction, And a haughty spirit before a fall.19 It is better to be humble in spirit with the lowly Than to divide the spoil with the proud (haughty, arrogant).
Murmuring causes death
A pride full heart will automatically rebel from God. This results to spiritual death which will eventually lead to physical death because the divine presence of God has departed from them. God does not wrestle with man to be seen or heard, he is gentle and we have the choice to be in HIM or do it our way. However, note that God’s presence brings protection, provision, and peace. Therefore, choose HIM and praise HIM for HIS goodness believing that ALL things work together for the good of those who love HIM, who have been called according to HIS purpose.
1 Corinthians 10 For I do not want you to be unaware, believers, that our fathers were all under the cloud [in which God’s presence went before them] and they all passed [miraculously and safely] through the [Red] Sea; 2 And all [of them] were baptized into Moses [into his safekeeping as their leader] in the cloud and in the sea; 3 and all [of them] ate the same [a]spiritual food; 4 and all [of them] drank the same [b]spiritual drink, for they were drinking from a spiritual rock which followed them; and the rock was Christ. 5 Nevertheless, God was not well-pleased with [c]most of them, for they were scattered along the ground in the wilderness [because their lack of self-control led to disobedience which led to death].
1Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of the faith [in the conflict with evil]; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and [for which] you made the good confession [of faith] in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and [in the presence] of Christ Jesus, who made the good confession [in His testimony] before Pontius Pilate, 14 to keep all His precepts without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ,
To the Chief Musician. Set to [a]“The Lilies.” A [b]Contemplation of the sons of Korah. A Song of Love.
45 My heart is overflowing with a good theme; I recite my composition concerning the King; My tongue is the pen of a [c]ready writer.
2 You are fairer than the sons of men; Grace is poured upon Your lips; Therefore God has blessed You forever. 3 [d]Gird Your sword upon Your thigh, O Mighty One, With Your glory and Your majesty. 4 And in Your majesty ride prosperously because of truth, humility, and righteousness; And Your right hand shall teach You awesome things. 5 Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the King’s enemies; The peoples fall under You.
6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; A scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. 7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness; Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You With the oil of gladness more than Your companions. 8 All Your garments arescented with myrrh and aloes and cassia, Out of the ivory palaces, by which they have made You glad. 9 Kings’ daughters are among Your honorable women; At Your right hand stands the queen in gold from Ophir.
10 Listen, O daughter, Consider and incline your ear; Forget your own people also, and your father’s house; 11 So the King will greatly desire your beauty; Because He is your Lord, worship Him. 12 And the daughter of Tyre will come with a gift; The rich among the people will seek your favor.
13 The royal daughter is all glorious within the palace; Her clothing is woven with gold. 14 She shall be brought to the King in robes of many colors; The virgins, her companions who follow her, shall be brought to You. 15 With gladness and rejoicing they shall be brought; They shall enter the King’s palace.
16 Instead of Your fathers shall be Your sons, Whom You shall make princes in all the earth. 17 I will make Your name to be remembered in all generations; Therefore the people shall praise You forever and ever.
“You are loved, my child, by a God who has your name written on His hand, by a God who knows your name, by a God who has a plan for you to bring glory to Me.”
If you told me a few years back that as believers we need to entrust God with naming our children, I would have been skeptic about the idea. Only in the Bible had I read that God named men who were born of a certain calling and purpose. Other than that, I had never witnessed or heard anyone attest to naming their child after receiving an inspiration by the Holy spirit. In my culture, children we were named after someone in the descent or those who were of Christian belief adhered to Biblical names as reflection of their faith. another way was cultural names such as the time or season a baby is born. For example, being the first girl from my family. I was named after my paternal grandmother.
However, with time the current generation have slowly opted out of this practice hence choosing ‘unique and sophisticated’ names. some we cannot even pronounce, or one shall need a borrowed accent for it sound correct. This reminds me of a close relative who recently named his son after a blockbuster character. Personally, I desired to name my child/ren after my late parents as I thought it was honourable and a way to keep their memories alive. Later, when I met my husband who was also in a similar circumstance (lost both parents), I thought what a perfect fit to blend the names from both sides depending on gender.
Fast forward am on the journey to becoming a mother and God speaks to me about naming the child. At first, I thought I was crazy keeping in mind as earlier stated that no one taught me this from my parents, relatives, peers, and friends. no one had ever witnessed to me neither did it ever come to my attention that God was still in the business of naming babies even in this age. God cancelled my initial plan of naming… He revealed to me that it is wise for the parents to seek His wisdom before naming their child if we genuinely believe he set as apart before we were born and called us by his Grace Galatians 1:15. A definite example, the calling of Jeremiah (exalted by God) “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified[a] you; I [b]ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5. A name sets one apart, it is a mark of identity and hope through fulfilment of what a child will become thus it is important not to just pick any name…why?
New-borns adopt or are influenced by the spirits of people they are named after. They are innocent soul and pure spirits and naming them after someone they are bound to acquire their spirit which is eventually exhibited in their character. therefore, for every name, purpose to know the spirit behind the person.
Names reflect the character and calling.
Also, names testify of the personal relationship with God.
God is intentional, He cares about the details. HE IS A PERSONAL God. From scripture we learn that names reveal our true purpose, nature, and intentions of God’s desired plans for those he named. Names are prophetic, a foreshadow of a specific calling and testament. He changed Abram’s name:What’s more, I am changing your name. It will no longer be Abram. Instead, you will be called Abraham, for you will be the father of many nationsGenesis 17:5.
Jacob’s name: The man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob. You have wrestled with God and with men, and you have won. That’s why your name will be Israel Genesis 32:28.
He Gave Solomon (Peace) a second name Jedidiah (Beloved of the Lord), a name of intimacy, a reflection of His grace Then David comforted his wife, Bathsheba, and went into her and lay with her, and she bore a son, and he called his name Solomon. And the Lord loved him and sent a message by Nathan the prophet. So, he called his name Jedidiah, because of the Lord Samuel 12:24-25. The bible is full of many more examples.
The Holy spirit changed my perspective, I learnt that if you seek God over anything. He desires his perfect will through the process as well. I slowly got this revelation being dropped in my spirit daily and decided to pray on it. I later approached my husband with the topic. Little did I know that God had already worked in his heart concerning the matter. He told me that he too had also pondered on the naming and he was sure (led by the Holy Spirit) that our child/ren should have their own identity and live in their purpose rather than attaching a name with someone’s identity. God is amazing how he speaks on both end of the line. I am privileged to say that God named our daughter, she is a true testament of loving Father who is ever present in our lives.
“Adversity builds muscle. Adversity creates strength. Adversity, it turns out, is preparation for success.”
And Hannah prayed and said:
“My heart rejoices in the Lord; My [a]horn is exalted in the Lord. [b]I smile at my enemies, Because I rejoice in Your salvation.
2 “No one is holy like the Lord, For there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God.
3 “Talk no more so very proudly; Let no arrogance come from your mouth, For the Lord is the God of knowledge; And by Him actions are weighed.
4 “The bows of the mighty men are broken, And those who stumbled are girded with strength. 5 Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, And the hungry have ceased to hunger. Even the barren has borne seven, And she who has many children has become feeble.
6 “The Lord kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up. 7 The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up. 8 He raises the poor from the dust And lifts the beggar from the ash heap, To set them among princes And make them inherit the throne of glory.
“For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, And He has set the world upon them. 9 He will guard the feet of His saints, But the wicked shall be silent in darkness.
“For by strength no man shall prevail. 10 The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken in pieces; From heaven He will thunder against them. The Lord will judge the ends of the earth.
“He will give strength to His king, And exalt the [c]horn of His anointed.”
Life’s trials are not easy but in God’s will, each has a purpose.Warren Wiersbe
When we start a new path in our lives and we face challenges, mostly we tend to run back to that which is familiar/old. Hence the saying ‘Better the devil you know than the angel you don’t’. Because the familiar things even though we faced challenges while there, we learnt how to cope with the familiarity that came with those trials/toxicity. Hence, the devil deceives us that we are way comfortable in the mess we already know. In other words, we learnt to maneuver our ways in familiar territories of oppression and suppression. Whether mentally, physically or emotional. I bet, that’s why we stay where we are, afraid to start a fresh… always going back to that “devil” you and I know how to deal with. I remember coming to Britain, the first weeks were fine and full of excitement that comes with going abroad. However, winter happened! and the reality checked in. I felt like God had thrown me into the deep-end. The cold weather was driving me nuts (till now) plus I hate the fact that by three p.m it gets dark during this season. Adapting was hard, I could not make friends, the intensity of my postgraduate and pressure back home where financial assistance was needed. Lacking the understanding that I was starting a new life, in a different country. Therefore, I needed time before anyone could call me over any assistance. I did not picture my situation being as it was back then. As a result, I found myself complaining to God that I was not able to do it and I found myself thinking I am better off where I had been. God worked on me and through the Holy Spirit I saw how I had let my guard down leaving a gap for the enemy to play mind games with my circumstances. The enemy knows the mind, filling us with thoughts of doubts of how it’s not worth it. Displaying a perception to us how this is the exact opposite of what we prayed for. How our current possession of the promise currently is not the image of what you asked of the Lord. Through Exodus God reminded me of Israelites and how they complained to a point they told Moses they would rather be back in Egypt. Forgetting the suffering and crying for help from God that they once did. Yet God was faithful, sending Moses his servant. Through him, He performed great signs and wonders; depicting an evidence of a faithful and loving Father. A God who is self sufficient, willing to go extra length to deliver His children who were destitute in their suffering. Only for them to forget every single promise from God at their point of deliverance and to start complaining in the wilderness. He promised to be with them always …to give them provision… to protect them. Psalm 105:39-42 He spread a cloud for a covering; and fire to give light in the night.The people asked, and he brought quails, and satisfied them with the bread of heaven. He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river. For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham his servant. However, they forgot! According to them, the challenges they faced on their way to the promise land caused them to question God. As a result, they began having doubt in His Word. This erased everything God had done to deliver them. Just because they faced trials on their way to promise Land. Their faith was clouded.
Next God used Noah’s story to remind me of a Heart that genuinely receives favor from God. Noah Built an Ark as per God’s instructions it was to withstand the water that would destroy the whole earth. How many of us see how Tsunamis leave a trail of destruction on their path? Well let’s imagine how much and how strong the water is, to be able to destroy the earth. Noah and his family must have faced serious times in that Ark. They must have been thrown about, as am sure it was not smooth sailing. “Huh!! Lord this was not the plan, we did not build an ark to be thrown around in the waters …this is too much one can barely drink a glass of water before its shaken from your hand and don’t forget the smell of animals excreting everywhere. God this was not the plan according to what you said it sounded like we should have been merry and enjoying the cruise but this being thrown around is too much.“ Am assuming that this is what might have happened. However, the Bible does not say that. Rather shows a man who knew God who is self existent and full of wisdom and was in tune with His ways. To a point he got out of the Ark after 21 days of checking if the earth was habitable. I see a man of God even in his season of waiting, he did not ask or command God to please dry the world. For he was in hurry to get out maybe the Ark was smelling or he had done his part. No way instead the day he was absolute from the pigeon that it was good enough he still waited for seven days then got out and the first thing he did was to sacrifice to God in order to worship Him… Show Gratitude and reverence, His Great and Mighty ways wonders to perform. One thing I know is that he could not have done this by himself, for the spirit of God must have been poured in him. How many of us show this amount of patience when God gives us instructions concerning our deliverance from that place/job/addiction/financial hardships He wants us to be in. As a result, we see God establishing a covenant through Noah’s sacrifice made after obedience and patience. I am guilty of this lack of patience and obedience …fretting. Forgetting my stones of remembrance and allowing the enemy to play tricks on me so that I only see the challenges now and less of the evidence of what God has previously done to lead me where I am. There is a reason why God performs the signs and wonders, He wants us to remember and always know that He is God and there is none before Him…none compares to Him and none can stand against Him. He is and remains everlasting God. Dear, Lord I want to be like Noah knowing what you had told me will come to pass that these trials I face are making me grow for the very purpose you created me. I am not perfect Lord, forgive us for we are all struggling in different aspects of our lives help us lord. Lest we forget, remind us through your Word the evidence of your works over our lives. For we acknowledge the provisions and protection over our lives, you are Alpha and Omega and through your covenant established for us. Through your son Jesus Christ, lest we forget that you put all this plan in place for our benefit for the very purpose you set in us. For your Word say All things work together for good to them that love you. Therefore, we humble ourselves and seek you. In awe of your presence remember us Lord, we beseech you not to forget us. For you promised through your Word to the Israelites if my children who are called by my name …Lord may this promise find us in this last days as our souls’ hunger for you. Lest we forget… remind us!!!
“That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong”. – Paul’s Vision and His Thorn
1.Define your blessings; your race is yours alone, growth does not have to be seen or felt. Your progress does not have to measure to the society’s standard.
The pressure of having it together by a certain age i.e. by age 30, one is expected to be (married + child/ren) + job [career ladder*six figure salary] big German machine with a house mortgage on your bank statement. The society pressures one to be within that range …I too defined my blessings based on the above standards but looking back I must admit that I was naive, lacked wisdom and all my ambitions were driven by selfish desires and pride. However, ever since I let go and let God…my growth trajectory has taken another turn; my blessings are now defined within the boundaries of His word. I am running my own race according to His appointed time. Its no longer about what the society dictates and measures as a success but only that which God says YES to my obedience.
2.Motherhood is a privilege though bestowed to many, intentions and motives must be pure. You are a missionary raising the next generation.
A baby is a blessing that will rock your world literally! To say the least… change your body, shift your perspective, question your reality and vaporise your fantasy. Not only that, staying at home 24/7 as a stay-home-mom is a serious job, it’s not for the fainted hearted and weak minds. If you are not prepared for it you will question everything about your decision to become a mother, shift blame on your partner and resent the transition in something meant for good. All in all, it’s been a humbling experience, full of faith and a strong desire to serve by my best at little human.
3. I desire to be accepted and not approved; I am enough!
I have evolved in owning up my voice, my thoughts and my approaches; ‘am unapologetically myself’. Sometimes through the hardships, failures and struggles. We find ourselves conditioned that in order to “receive” we must drop our identity and conform to fit into someone’s else’s description. You are an individual allowed to charter his/her own path. therefore, move against the grain, against the reformers, conformers and regulators. It’s in the ‘spirit of rebellion’ from old ways that new doors have been opened. No longer on survival mode, it’s time to live an active life. Above all let not the opinions of man interfere with the direction given to you by God.
4. ‘Take rest my child’, the importance of resting season.
Rest the art to pause, gift by God restore, replenish and refocus your heart and mind. Though I have not been physically and mentally burnt out in this season however, I have found peace in the unexpected way. Letting go of the frustrations of how I anticipated that motherhood season would be. Releasing the anxiety of being pregnant and delivering during the pandemic. Freeing myself of the idea that an ideal 21st century woman/mother must have a thriving side hustle preferably online business while taking care of a new-born/children and running a household. We live in a fast paced and instant generation. our status is defined by how many projects we got going at the same time. I remember someone called me and in the midst of the conversation they inquired what I was doing on the side apart from being just at home and taking care of my darling daughter…this got me thinking must I be doing something else besides taking care of my new baby even though she is just months old. What if what I was doing was not productive, what if I made all the money in the world at the expense of my daughter not getting enough of her mother…my husband not being able to rest from work because am quick to get him to babysit so I can get my business in check. I remember the Holy Spirit checked my heart for the plans I had driven by my own self ambitions. Season of motherhood is sacrificial everything that I was doing in this season required my energy and solely dedicated to it. It was time to reset and motherhood was my reset button.
5. God of impossibility, all knowing, all powerful and ever present
Extra ordinary calling leads to extraordinary life. when I made the decision to surrender and submit to God plans for me, I never knew how much my mind would be blown. It’s a life of faith daily, it’s a hard life for an outsider looking in, its even harder for those living within the walls of His guide. It takes Christ to live a life even close to Christ-like. We can not do it alone, yet I choose to do it because I trust my Father, He says “Come unto me and I will give you rest.” He has never failed me before and I know through His Word He will never fail me. He has my back even when I find myself caught between the hardships of life; He turns out to be the very same rock that I can lean on. God is good every bit God is good. He remembers!!!
For great is His love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.
Pregnancy and birth during Covid-19 pandemic was very tasking psychologically. A lot had changed with restrictions in place. Hence, I never got luxury and the experience of shopping in a walk-in store. The country went into lockdown when I was in my second trimester yet, I had not bought anything. Our plan was to start purchasing baby items at beginning of third trimester onwards. With shops closed we had no choice but to get everything online. For New-born clothing, I settled with one brand. That way I would be able to track and return what I did not like without the hustle of flipping through different websites. After spending days comparing and contrasting different baby brands, I decided on Mark & Spencer Baby Clothes due to affordability, the variety and it was my sense of style (subtle but still colorful and warm to the eyes) especially the onesies. I also orgaanized a baby wishlist through Amazon that way family and friends could easy buy or get an idea of what we needed and not purchase same items.
Below are some items that were essential to our baby list.
The Making of a Disciple 