I FELL IN LOVE BY REV. FR. KEVIN ANETOR OSE

I fell in love!

Have you ever been in love? You know the kind of love that blows you completely off your feet? You can't stop dreaming about it. You can't stop thinking of it. Just live in it; it completely envelopes you. Yes! That's the kind of love I fell into. It blew me off my feet, I completely and totally lost in it.

Now I know that you're completely wondering what I am talking about. You're trying to get the picture accurately. 

"You fell inlove? What? A Priest? With whom? Wait a minute, come again. Who did you fall inlove with? How? Why? When?

Yea. Yeah, I know. I know that you'd get all these questions in your mind.

You think a Priest shouldn't fall in love, right? You think we shouldn't fall in love like normal people do. I do apologise but I am still completely and hopelessly in love.

Now, let's get down to earth. So many years ago, I remembered how much  I wanted to be a Priest. I didn't know what that decision meant at the time. In fact, I had no idea of the challenges this choice will throw at me. 

I just wanted to wear that robe, you know? I just want to be able to stand at the sanctuary and say mass.

I dreamt of it. I couldn't get it out of my head. This images filled my head. I couldn't shake it no matter how hard I tried. I was enveloped in that idea. I was just 6 years old at the time.


I know I would have made a good musician. Maybe, I could have made it as a stand up comedian. Or I could have become an Acamedian. I wanted to sing, I wanted to act, I wanted to broadcast news, I wanted to have an office and counsel people. Geez! I wanted to be so many things, but above this I wanted to be a Priest. 

It was the wierdest and most inappropriate idea.Why? Because I was the most unqualified kid on the block. I was this proud, highly opionated and stubborn last born. I was disobedient and self-centered. But I had great looks(winks) , which added to the problem. Above all, I had this feeling that I could get whatever I wanted.

So many years later, I did become a Priest. It was my dream and desire. It was wonderful. It wasn't because I was the best seminarian ever. I got into all kinds of trouble. Got punished more than once in a day. 

I was still stubborn and self-centered. Still very opionated and proud. But I got what I wanted. I became a Priest. And I thought I deserved it, why not?

When I began to work with young people in the university,  I will sit for hours watching and observing their behaviour. I talked and listened to many as they opened up heart and poured out their problems. 

I realized that young people were strong and unafraid. I realized that they kept making mistakes and kept trying to get better. They weren't afraid to try new things. They weren't scared of loving. Many were wounded and heart broken but they just kept falling in love over and over again, even if they weren't sure what would come of it. 

Above all, they loved God. They wanted to love Him much more. I could see it in their eyes. They shared too many tears when they made a mistake. They were always at the confessional seeking forgiveness. They gave their time and energy, their heart and soul to the things of God.

It was then I realized how much God loved me. It was tben I realized that I have never been deserving of this priesthood. It was then that I realized that I have been too afraid to serve God and man the way I should have. It was then I fell in love with God,  with men and women, with little children and with humanity. It was then I was swept off my feet. It was then that my heart was filled with love. 


It took me twists and turns, mistakes and counter mistakes, but I got here. Now, I know that I must make heaven, not because of my fear of hell but because God first loved me. He knew that I was proud and stubborn. He knew that I was cold - hearted and self-centered. He knew that I was the most unqualified kid on the block, yet He chose me.

He even let me get away with the thought that I was too qualified to serve him. Then He taught me how to love. He taught me how to be available to people. He taught me through the love and kindness of young people, through the pains,  joys and sorrows of others, through my own experiences. 

Now, I am completely and hopelessly in love with Him.

But even now that I know that I love Him so much, I still make mistakes,  I still offend Him. I am still proud and opionated sometimes,  I still do my own will.

I just wish I could return a fraction of the unmerited and unconditional love he has shown me. I just wish I could get a little bit better and better. God help me, God help us all.

INTERESTING FACTS OF LIFE...

1. Be very selective when it comes to choosing friends. Some don't know the true meaning of friendship and loyalty.

2. Know your worth. Know when you have had enough and move on from people who keep ruining your happiness.

3. What comes easy will not always last and what will last will not always come easy.

4. Letting go is never always easy but sometimes it is necessary. 

5. You don't need to waste your time on someone who wants you only around when it fits their needs.

6. Stop crying over yesterday and start smiling for tomorrow. 

7. Find someone who wants you as much  as you want them.

8. In life, there are some people you are going to lose in order to find yourself. 

TRUE LIFE STORY OF KAILEY COLLINS

I have debated whether to post these pictures or not. I truly hope that these images does not open wound for any of my friends but I have to share this story.

October 30th 2015, I was on my way to work when I was rear ended on the interstate. I was at the complete spot, waiting to get off at an exit. The person who hit me was going full speed and spun me out across the interstate. 

According to the police report, my vehicle was struck multiple times.

I do not remember any of the impacts beyond the initial hit. I just remember a loud noise and feeling my car spinning. I remember looking out the window (as I was struggling with consciousness and seeing cars heading towards me. I remember thinking that I needed to straighten my car out but I couldn't reach my steering wheel. ( I realized after the fact that my seat had failed and I was completely flat in my back seat, this action alone should have completely broken my neck or my spine.)

In that moment, I knew that I was about to die. I share this because I had no sorrow at such thought.  I knew that I was about to see Jesus and I had no fear.

After my car stopped, I realized that I was still very much alive, normal confusion and fear took over as I was unsure of what has particularly just happened.

I suffered cuts, briuses and great deal of pain on my left side. I am also suffering from the after effects of a concussion but I AM ALIVE!

All this is to say that in that moment, the one moment where death seemed to be imminent,  I was okay. I was okay because I knew that God had made way for me to spend eternity with him. That way is through my relationship with Jesus Christ.  I know that I am a sinner and sin serves as a separation between God and I. When Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead 2000 years ago, he took the punishment for my sin upon himself and created a bridge for me to rest in the security of God's love and mercy for all eternity.

When death seemed unavoidable,  I was ready to see my God and Saviour.

I share this because no one knows what the next day will bring. I wasn't speeding or distracted. There was literally nothing I could have done to avoid this accident.

If you were in the same place, do you know for sure where you will stand with God?

I am not sure why God will allow me to live when so many others in similar conditios have not. But I hope my story will encourage everyone who reads it to know where they stand with God.

If you are unsure, please don't wait or procastinate. 
Tomorrow is not guaranteed for anyone. If you are unsure, start in the book of Luke in the New Testament and of course,  I will always take time to talk with anyone.

This is too important! You have nothing to lose by reading a book but everything to gain.

Blessings to everyone!

**Don't forget to share**

TOUCHING HEARTS.....

As she stood in front of her 5th grade class on the very first day of school, she told the children an untruth. Like most teachers, she looked at her students and told them that she loved them all the same.

However, that was impossible because there in the front row, slumped in his sit was a little boy named Teddy Stoddard.

Mrs Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and noticed that he did not play well with other children, that his clothes were messy and he constantly needed a bath. In addition, Teddy could be unpleasant.

It got the piont where Mrs.Thompson could actually take delight in marking his papers with a broad red pen, making bold "X" and putting big "F" at the top of his papers

At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was required to review each child's past records and she Teddy's off until last. However when she viewed his file, she was in for a surprise.

Teddy's First grade teacher wrote, "Teddy is a bright child with a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and has good manners...he is joy to be around..."

His second teacher wrote, "Teddy is an excellent, well liked by his classmates but he is troubled because his mother has a terminal illness and life at home must be a struggle."

His third teacher wrote, "His mother's death had been hard on him. He tries to do his best but his father doesn't showmuch interest and his home life will soon affect him if some steps weren't taken.

Teddy's fourth teacher wrote, "Teddy is withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in school. He doesn't have many friends and he sometimes sleeps in class."

By now Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she was ashamed of herself. She felt even worse when her students brought her Christmass presents wrapped in beautiful ribbons and bright paper, except for Teddy. 

His present was clumsily wrapped in a heavy brown paper that he got from the grocery bag. Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of other presents. Some of the students started to laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some stones missing and a bottle that was one-quarter full of perfume.

But she stiffled the children's laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the bracelet was, putting it on and dabbing some of the perfume on her wrist.

Teddy Stoddard stayed after school that day just long enough to say, "Mrs. Thompson, today you smelled just like my mom used to."

After the students left, she sat down and cried for at least an hour.

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE FRAGMENTS IN YOUR LIFE

So, when they were filled, He said to His disciples, "gather all the fragments tha tremains so that nothing is lost." Therefore they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves which were left over by those who had eaten. John 6: 12-13NKJV

Fragments are left overs, those seemingly insignificant detached portions. And they are all around us.

However, I speak here not of food, even though that has it's place, but I speak of the FRAGMENTS OF OUR TIME, MONEY AND TALENT.

Leftovers of our time could not gathered and harnessed to our own advantage. For instance, time spent waiting on the queues or while waiting for someone could be maximized.

You could read a book, listen to a teaching or engage someone in a meaningful discussion e.t.c.

Every waiting time can be harnessed into a learning time.

Similarly, there are loose fragments of money that get to us ocassionally. These can be gathered up and donated to some form of charity. You would be surprised how much has passed through your hands in the form of "Loose change."

As regard talents, we are all talented. And in more than one way they are abilities we possess that many of us have treated as ordinary.

They seem insignificant and hence we consider them as minor. These also are fragments which can and also should be harnessed.

Now, this is the most interesting part and I call it The Law of the Fragments.  "You never know the worth of the fragments until you gather them."

When the disciples gathered the fragments, they discovered 12 baskets full.

Never underestimate the fragments! 

By Dr. Osahon Otaigbe

THINGS ARE NOT ALWAYS AS THEY SEEM

An old durty man was busy cleaning the sewage trench. As he was cleaning, he saw a brand new range rover entering the petrol station. He stopped what he was doing and started thinking to himself the day when he would own such a vehicle.

So as the driver got out to pump some gas into the car.

The man who was sitted at the back sit noticed that the old man looked over at his car.

So he decided to pull down the car window and called the old man to come over. As the old man approached, the man in the back sit asked, "Sir, what is the problem?"

The old man replied, "how did you , manage to own such a car?" Look at you, you are a young man with all these cash. I am an old man with three kids and a wife.  I have done this trench cleaning job for many years now. I have no money. 

The man in the back sit, opened the car door and replied; "Look at me, I have no legs, no family, no kids, no relatives, I have nothing!"

Because my two legs got cut off in a car accident. 

Thank God for what you have. You have a family and you can walk, but for me, my life is in a wheel chair. 

After pumping the fuel, the driver entered the car and left leaving the old man thanking God for what he has.


***The bottom line of this story is that things are not always as you see them and always be thankful for what you have*** PLEASE SHARE TO INSPIRE OTHERS.

THE BIG PICTURE

It is good to have a big picture outlook, to set goals, to establish budget and make plans.

But if you are always living in the future, you will never enjoy the presence the way God wants you to.

When you focus much about the future,  you are always frustrated and unhappy because you don't know what is coming next.

Naturally, uncertainty increases your stress level and creates an insecurity.  Even if you don't know what the future holds, then hold unto who holds the future, that is God.

If you do not worry less, you may leave the earth without enjoying a single day!

Written By Olowoyeye Adebukola

LIFE LESSON FROM AN OLD MAN ABOUT TO DIE

Doctor, don't worry, I know that I am going to die. I didn't want to come here, but they brought me here. Please don't worry about me. Look at my hair, they are already gone. I am so old and you are young. I have learnt a lot from life, if you don't mind I will tell you some of them before I die.

When I was 4 years old, I use to think the world was about me. When I turned 14, I wanted to rule the world. I wanted to be the greatest man that ever lived. When I was 21, I wanted to be the richest man. When I was 25, I wanted to find love. When I was 40, I wanted to be helpful to everyone. 

Now that I am here, I want to die. You see, I wanted so many things at the same time. Most importantly,  I wanted to be happy and I thought that the best way to be happy is to listen to others. 

When I wanted to enter the university I wanted to study Zoology.  But  everyone said I should study Engineering and that I would be a great Engineer. So, I listened to them. I had no one to pay my fees. I had to work and pay my fees.

In my third year, I couldn't cope with my studies, I had to drop. When I dropped, same people told me that you should have studdied Zoology!

When I was 28, everyone said that I should marry and that I needed a wife. So I listened to them, I got married and 6 years into the marriage, I caught my wife sleeping with my neighbour.

I asked why and she slapped me. I was angry and  I didn't say anything. The next day I returned from work, she ran away with my children. Now, I am dying a lonely man.

At 40, I got a 10 million naira contract. My name was in the news. The next day, all my friends and family were in the house. Everyone had a serious problem. Within one week, I spent all the money on them with the promise that they will pay back. I could not complete the contract because they refused to pay the money as promised.

So, I was sent to jail for 6 years. I stayed in jail and when I came out, they were nowhere.

There was one mistake I made through all these times. Now it is clear to me. Let me tell you about it.

I refused to listen to my own self. I ignored myself and listened to others. Now that I am here, the only person that is with me is myself.

You see, it is very good to listen to others. It is wise to seek advice from others.

But it is very DANGEROUS to ignore your own self. It is very DANGEROUS to refuse to pay attention to your own heart.

When you get home this night. Sit down, take a glass of water, open your eyes or close your eyes if you want to, then talk to yourself.  Reason with yourself. 

You can walk down the road alone and as you walk down, begin to talk to yourself.

The only person that can OVER RULE yourself is God and after God, listen to yourself next.

I know that it may not make sense to you now, but remember what I told you; LISTEN TO YOURSELF!

NO MISTAKE

*****A MUST READ****

A king once had a male servant who, in all circumstances said to him; My king do not be discouraged because everything that God does is perfect. No mistake. 

One day, they went hunting and a wild animal attacked the king. The servant killed the animal but couldn't prevent his majesty from losing a finger.

Furious and without showing gratitude, the king said; If God was good, I would not have been attacked and lost one finger.

The servant replied; Despite all these, I can only tell you that God is good and everything he does is for a purpose. He is never wrong.

Outraged by the response, the King ordered the arrest of his servant.

Later he went for another hunt and was attacked by savages who used human beings for sacrifice. In the alter the savages found out that the king didn’t have one finger in place. He was released because he was considered "not complete" to be offered as sacrifice to the gods.

On his return to the palace, he authorized the release of his servant and said; My friend, God was really good. I was almost killed but for the lack of a single finger I was let go. But I have a question, if God was really good, why did he let me put you in jail?

He replied; My king if I had gone with you I would have been killed because I have no missing finger. Everything God does is for a purpose. He is never wrong.

Often, we complain about life and the negative things that happen to us, forgetting that nothing is random . Everything has a purpose. God knows why he chose you to receive this message today, please don't forget to SHARE...

"IF YOU LOVE HER TO THE POINT OF MADNESS, SHE WILL BECOME IT."- A BEAUTIFUL PIECE BY BRAD PITT ABOUT HIS WIFE, ANGELINA JOLIE

Learn more about love by this beautiful piece of Brad Pitt about his wife Angelina Jolie. We all have different pains, no matter how it may look at the surface....

"My wife got sick, She was constantly nervous of problems at work, her personal life, her failures and problems with children.

She has lost 30 pounds and had weighted about 90 pounds in her 35 years. She got very skinny and was constantly crying. She was not a happy woman.

She had suffered from continuing headaches, heart pain and jammed nerves in her back and ribs. She did not sleep well, falling asleep mostly in the morning and getting tired during the day.

Our relationship was on the verge of break up. Her beauty was leaving her somewhere, she had bags under her eyes, she was poking her head and stopped taking care of herself.

She refused to shoot films and rejected any role. I lost hope and thought that we would get divorced soon....

But then I decided to act on it. After all I've got the most beautiful woman on earth. She is the idol of more than half of men and women on earth, and I was the one allowed to fall asleep next to her and hug her shoulders.

I began to pamper her with flowers, kisses and compliments. I surprised her and pleased her every minute. I gave her lots of gifts and lived just for her. I spoke in public only about her. I incorporated all themes in her direction. I praised her in front of her own and our mutual friends.

You won't believe it, but she blossomed. She became even better than before. She gained weight, was no longer nervous and she loved me more than ever. I had no clue that she can love that much.

 And then I realized one thing: The woman is the reflection of her man.

If you love her to the point of madness, she will become it."

NEVER GIVE UP!

"When you go through a hard period,
When everything seems to oppose you,
When you think you cannot bear one more minute,
NEVER GIVE UP!

"Because it is in the time and place that the course will divert." - Rumi

I have received so many messages from people all over the world who are experiencing hardship at the moment. A single mother with no income or food to feed her four children. Men desperate to go to the unniversity to make a better life for themselves but unable to find employment to help pay for the education.

Know that no matter how lonely or lost you feel, you are never alone. There are many others just like you all around the world that are struggling to find a light at the end of the tunnel.

Change is never easy especially when it feels like all the odds are stacked against you. I know how hard it can be. I spent so many years trying to overcome hardship. What I learnt during those days of hardship was that we all had something very precious deep within us.

Deep within the earth a diamond is formed, when extreme pressure is applied to coal over a long period of time. The longer the pressure is appied, the more forceful the pressure is, the clearer the diamond is. Deep  within your soul are your own diamonds.

You can handle the change, hardship and the confusion in your life for GOD is watching over you and remember that GOD does not give you anything that you cannot handle.

Pray for the disadvantaged and embrace the change happening in your life. We might not understand the reason or purpose for it now, but in time, you will discover the diamonds within you and use them to improve your life.

Liza Pavlakos

LIFE IS......

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beautiful, admire it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.

                                           Mother Theresa

STEVE JOB'S LAST WORDS BEFORE HIS PASSING........

He founded Apple electronics, they are the makers of iPhones, iTunes and Mac computers, e.t.c.

"I reached the pinnacle of success in the bussiness world. In others' eyes, my life is an epitome of success.

However, outside from work I have little joy. In the end, wealth is only a fact of life that I am accustomed to.

At this moment, lying on the sick bed and recalling my whole life, I realized that all the recognition and wealth that I took so much pride in, have paled and become meaningless in the face of impending death.

In the darkness, I look at the green lights from the life supporting machines and hear the humming mechanical sounds, I can feel the breath of god of death drawing closer....

Now I know, when we have accumulated sufficient wealth to last  a lifetime, we should pursue other matters unrelated to wealth....

Should be something that is more important:
Perhaps relationships, perhaps art, perhaps a dream from younger days.

Non-stop pursuing of wealth will only turn a person into a twisted being like me.

God gave us the senses to let us feel the love in everyone's heart, not the illusions brought about by wealth.

The wealth I have won in my life I cannot bring with me. What I can bring is only the memories precipitated by love.

That is the true riches which will follow you, accompany you, giving you strength and light to go on.

Love can travel a thousand miles. Life has no limit. Go where you want to go. Reach the height you want to reach. It is all in your heart and in your hands.

What is the most expensive bed in the world? Sick bed...
You can employ someone to drive the car for you, make money for you, but you cannot have someone to bear the sickness for you.

Material things lost can be found. But there is one thing that can never be found when it is lost - Life.

When a person go into the operating room, he will realize that there is one book that he has yet to finish reading - Book of Healthy Life.

Whichever state in life we are at right now, with me, we will face the day when the curtain comes down,

Oh Treasure, Love for your family, love for your spouse, love for your friends.

Treat yourself well. Cherish others."

BEAUTIFUL JOURNEY

 Some beautiful paths can not be discovered until we are lost. Life is an agonisingly beautiful journey.
We all have a story and not one story is far worse or greater than another's.

For some of us, the ones we love aren't capable of loving us the way we deserved to be loved, and for some of us, we believe that we are not appreciated for the things we do or how hard we work.

Whatever we perceive to be true may not be true and could most likely be an illusion in our minds, for we will never know what is happening in someone else's beautiful and complicated mind. 

As Rumi says and I quote, " If you are irritated by every rub, how will your mirror be polished?"

Written By Liza Pavalakos

THE RAVEN

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of someone gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
"Tis some visitor," "I muttered, "tapping at my chamber door,
Only this and nothing more."


Ah!, distinctly I remember it was the bleak December;
And each seperate dying ember wrought it's ghost on the floor,
Eagerly I wished the morrow; - vainly I had sought to borrow,
For my books surcease of sorrow- sorrow for the lost Lenore-
For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore-
Nameless here for evermore.


 And the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain,
Thrilled me- filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before;
So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating
"Tis some visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door-
Some late visitor entreating entrance at my chamber door;-
  This it is and nothing more."


Presently my soul grew stronger, hesistating then no longer,
"Sir," said I "or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore;
But the fact is I was napping, and so you came gently rapping, 
And so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my chamber door, 
And that I scarce was sure I heard you"- here I open wide the door;- Darkness there and nothing more .


Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing,
Doubting, dreamimg dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before;
But the silence was unbroken and the stillness gave no token
And the only word there spoken was the whispered word, "Lenore?"
This I whispered, and an echo murmured back the word, "Lenore!"-
Merely this and nothing more.


Back into the chamber turning, all my soul within me burning,
Soon again I heard a tapping somewhat louder than before,
"Surely," said I, "Surely that is something at my window lattice,
Let me see, then, what threat is, and this mystery explore-
Let my heart be still a moment and this mystery explore;-
"Tis the wind and nothing more!"


Open here I flung the shutter, when, with many a flirt and flutter,
In there stepped a stately Raven of the saintly days of yore;
Not the least obiesance made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he,
But, with mien of lord or lady perched above my chamber door-
Perched upon a burst of Pallas above my chamber door-
Perched, and sat, and nothing more.


Then this ebony bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,
By the grave and stern decorum of the countenance it wore,
"Thou the crest be shorn and shaven, thou, I said, "art sure no craven,
Ghastly grim and ancient Raven wondering from the Nightly shore-
Tell me what thy lordly name is on the Night's Plutonian shore!"
Quoth the Raven "Nevermore."


Much I marvelled this ungainly fowl to hear discourse so plainly,
Though it's answer little meaning, little relevancy bore;
For we can not help agreeing that no living human being
Ever yet was blessed with seeing bird above his chamber door-
Bird or beast upon the sculptured bust above his chamber door
With such name as "Nevermore."


But the Raven sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only,
That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour'
Nothing farther then he uttered-not a feather then he fluttered-
Till I scarcely more than muttered, "Other friends have flown before,
On the morrow he will leave me as my Hopes have flown before."
  Then the bird said "Nevermore."


Startled at the stillness broken by reply so aptly spoken,
 "Doubtless," said I, "what its utters is it stock and store
Caught from some unhappy master whom unmerciful Disaster
Followed fast and followed faster till his songs one burden bore-
Till the dirges of his Hope that melancholy bore
Of "Never-nevermore."


But the Raven still beguling all my fancy into smiling, Straight I wheeled a cushioned seat in front of bird, and bust and door;
 Then, upon the velvet sinking I betook myself to linking
Fancy unto fancy, thinking what this omniuos bird of yore-
What this grim, ungainly, ghastly, gaunt and omniuos bird of yore
Meant in croaking "Nevermore."


This I sat engaged in guessing, but no syllable in expressing
To the fowl whose fiery eyes now burned into my bosssom's core;
This and more I sat divining, with my head at ease reclining
On the cushion velvet lining that the lamp-light gloated o'er
But whose velvet-violet lining with the lamp-light gloating o'er,
She shall press, ah, nevermore!


Then, methought, the air grew denser, perfumed from an unseen censer
Swung by Seraphin whose foot-falls tinkled on the tufted floor.
"Wretch," I cried, "thy God hath lent thee-by these angels he hath sent thee
Respite- respite and nepenthe from thy memories of Lenore;
Quoth the Raven "Nevermore.


"Prophet" Said I, "thing of evil-Prophet still-if bird or devil-
Whether Tempter sent, or whether tempest tossed thee ashore,
Desolate yet all undaunted, on this desert land enchanted-
On this home by horrow haunted-tell me truly, I implore-
Is there- is there balm in Gilead?-tell me-tell me- I implore!"
Quoth the  Raven "Nevermore."


"Prophet" Said I, "thing of evil-Prophet still-if bird or devil
By that Heaven that bends above us-by that God we both adore-
Tell this soul with sorrow ladden if, within the distant Aidenn,
It shall clasp a sainted maiden who the angels name Lenore-
Clasp a rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore."
Quoth the Raven "Nevermore."


Be that word our sign of parting, bird or fiend"
I shrieked, upstarting-
"Get thee back into the tempest and the Night's Plutonian shore!
Leave no black plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken!
Leave my loneliness unbroken!- quit the bust above my door!
Take thy beak from out my heart, and take thy form from off my door!"
Quoth the Raven "Nevermore."


And the Raven, never fitting, still is sitting, still is sitting
On the pallid bust of Pallas just above my chamber door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon that is dreaming,
And the lamp-light o'er him streaming throws his shadow on the floor;
And my soul from out that shadow that lies floating on the floor
Shall be lifted- nevermore!



A Poem By Edgar Allan Poe

 

YOUR PASSION, YOUR PURPOSE

YOUR PASSION, YOUR PURPOSE

Have you found your passion?
If you can't figure out your purpose then start by figuring out your passion. When you figure out your passion, it will lead you right to your purpose. 

You must BELIEVE with all your heart and your soul that YOU are GOING TO ACHIEVE IN THIS LIFE, what you always wanted to do. Whatever that passion is, Live it, Breath it and Follow it.


Written By Liza Pavlakos

YOURSELF FIRST

YOURSELF FIRST!

Love yourself  FIRST instead of being anxious about the idea of some else loving you.
When you have love for yourself, you forget anger and frustration.
When you have compassion, peace and empathy will flow through you. See sunshine instead of shadows because you must realize that only when you truly love yourself , you will see that opportunities are in front of you rather than obstacles.

MY SHIP; "HAS THE WATER ENTERED MY SHIP?"

MY SHIP; "HAS THE WATER ENTERED MY SHIP?"


There are many of us who are really so engrossed with our professional material lives that we neglect our families, health, social and most important spiritual responsibilities.
If asked why we do this, we reply, " We are doing it for our family."

Yet, our kids are sleeping while we leave home. They are sleeping while we come back home. Twenty years later, we will turn back and they will be all gone to pursue their own dreams and their own lives.

Without water, a ship can not move. A ship needs water, but if the water gets into the ship, the ship will face existential problems. What was once a means of moving for the ship will become a means of distruction.

Similarly, we live in a time when earning is a necessity, but let not the earning enter into our hearts, for what was once a means of living will become a means of distruction for us as well,

So take a moment and ask yourself.."Has the water entered my ship?"

Contributed By Peter Opeyemi Aderinoye

YOU ARE PERFECT JUST THE WAY YOU ARE

YOU ARE PERFECT JUST THE WAY YOU ARE
 
"Yesterday I was clever, I wanted to change the world. Today, I am wise so I am changing myself."- Rumi

There is nothing in the world that is wrong with you. You are perfect just the way you are. You have always been smart, always so courageous, you have faced adversity like no other, so why doubt yourself?

The things I write about are so simple, but sometimes we need to hear from another just to be validated.
Well, here I am to validate you and tell you what should already know about yourself and it is the simplest truth and that is that YOU ARE PERFECT JUST THE WAY YOU ARE.

Don't try to change because of others, don't let what others think about you get you down, for it is only what you think about yourself that truly matters. Pat yourself on the back for providing for yourself and your family the best way you can. Give yourself some kindness especially if others are not kind to you. Tell yourself that your are amazing because you are a kind soul and always so giving.
If there is one thing I know, it is this, " YOU SHOULD BE PROUD OF YOURSELF."

With love,
Liza Pavlakos

DON'T JUDGE

DON'T JUDGE

A 24 yer old boy seeing out from the train's window shouted.
"Dad, the trees are going behind!"
Dad smiled and a couple sitting nearby, looked at the 24 year old childish behaviour with pity, suddenly, he again exclaimed.
"Dad, look the clouds are running with us!"
The couple couldn't resist and said to the old man.
"Why not take your son to a good doctor?" The old man smiled and said, "I did and we are just coming from the hospital, my son was blind from birth, he just got his eyes today. 

Every single person on the planet has a story. Don't judge people before you truly know them. The truth might surprise you.

FIND TITLE, I AM HAVING HEADACHE......

 FIND TITLE, I AM HAVING HEADACHE.....
 
A young man was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months, he had admired a beautiful sport car in a dealer showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that is all he wanted. As Graduation Day approaches, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car.

Finally, on the morning of his graduation, the father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, he told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautiful wrapped gift box.

Curious but somewhat disappionted, the young opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the young man's name embossed in gold. Angrily, he raised his voice to his father and said, "With all your money, you give me a Bible?" and stormed out of the house leaving the Bible.

Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and a wonderful family, but realized his father should be very old and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day.

But before he could make arrangements he received a telegram telling him that his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home imediately and take care of things.

When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search through his father's important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it many years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. His father had carefully underlined a verse, Matt 7: 11. "And if ye, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Heavenly Father which is in Heaven, give to those who ask him?"

As he read those words, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible. It had a tag with the dealers name, the same dealer who had the sport car he had disired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words PAID IN FULL.

Moral Lesson: How many times do we miss God's blessings because they are not as packged as we expected?

A Prayer For You: May you not miss God's blessings for just because it is not wrapped and packed as you expect it IJN!

GET UP AND GET MOVING

GET UP AND GET MOVING

Many of us have lingering attitudes. It is most times not physical but emotional. Sometimes it starts from our unwillingness to forgive, a negative prophecy we accepted, holding on to past resentments or blaming our past. 

These can afffect your personality, relationship and self image. Just like the man lying by the pool of Bathesda. Some sit back year after year waiting for a miracle to happen, waiting for some big events to come along and make things better.

Don't just fold your hands. Nothing is too big in this world to stop you from achieving your goals. So Get Up and Get Moving!!


Written By Olowoyeye Adebukola

THE STORY OF THE MAGICAL MUSTARD SEED ON HOW TO COPE WITH MISFORTUNES

THE STORY OF THE  MAGICAL MUSTARD SEED ON HOW TO COPE WITH MISFORTUNES
 
There is an old Chinese tale about a woman whose only son died. In her grief she went to the holy man and asked, "What prayers, what magical incantations do you have to bring my son back to life?"

Instead of sending her away or reasoning with her, he said to her, "Fetch me a mustard seed from a home that has never known sorrow. We will it use to drive out the sorrow of your life."

The woman went off at once in search of that magical mustard seed. She came first to a splendid mansion, knocked at the door, and said, "I am looking for a home that has never known sorrow. Is this such a place? It is very important to me." 

They told her, "You've certainly come to the wrong place," and began to describe all the tragic things that recently had befallen them. The woman said to herself, " Who is better to help these poor, unfortunate people than I, who have had misfortune of my own?" 

She stayed to comfort them, then went on to search for a home that had never known sorrow. But wherever she turned, in hotels and in other places, she found one tale after another of sadness and misfortune.

The woman became so involved in helping others cope with  their sorrows that she eventually let go of her own.

She would later come to understand that it is the quest for the magical mustard seed that drove her sufferings.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE AND UNSUCCESSFUL PEOPLE

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE AND UNSUCCESSFUL PEOPLE

There are no secret recipe to become a successful person. Some  conventional habits and characteractics that seperate the winner from the loser. Successful people exhibits the habit that enables them to achieve maximaum success. Unsuccessful people don't learn to work or improve on their habit. We are all products of our own habit.

Here are  the major differences in habits between the successful and unsuccessful people.

 1. Embrace change vs. Fear change: Successful people embrace change rather than fear it. Successful people are always ready to move in tune with the change of things. They are ever ready to make a step of change with the ever accelerating technology. They adapt to changes.

2. Want others to succeed vs. Secretly hope others to fail: When in an organization, successful people want the success of every member involved. They know that's the only way to make the organization more successful.

3. Give the people all the credits for their victories vs. Take all the credit from others: Successful people always give credits to the people worth it. Giving them the credit they deserve will only motivate them to perform better.

4. Accept responsibility for your failures vs. Blame others for your failures: Successful people always accept their mistakes and failures. They learn from it. They don't blame anybody. Blaming someone else will only bring the person down and hurt his/her feelings.

5. Read everyday vs. Watch TV everyday: Successful people always learn everyday by reading either a blog, a good book , newspaper or magazine. They are ever ready to improve themselves by just reading  to know more.

7 POWERFUL QUOTES THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE FROM HOLLY RIORDAN

 7 POWERFUL QUOTES THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE FROM HOLLY RIORDAN
 
We grow everyday. Growths is not just about physical growth but other aspects of our lives. We need to improve on ourselves each day by personal development. When you focus on improving yourself each day, you will definitely see more progress than when you left off yesterday.

When you develope the habit of improving yourself, you will find life more appreciating, you get to understand things and situations more. Improving yourself will improve your relationship with those around you.

Holly Riordan of All Women Stalk lists 7 notable quotes that will motivate you to become a more better woman/man:

1. Hard work is more important than talent: It's not all about being so talented. You have to know that, out there in the world, there are people more talented or as talented as you. Now, the question is; 'how do you become successful when there are people having very similar talent as you?'
To become successful, you have to get ready to work hard so as you could achieve you dream. Working hard is your only option to success.

2. You need to be productive today: To be successful tomorrow, you have to be productive today. You have to do something productive each day to get a better tomorrow. Do something today that your future self will thank you for.

3. Don't become bitter about your past: Don't dwell on your past experiences, only learn from them. Let them be your own life lessons and turn them to stepping stone to success. No matter what has happened to you in the past, let the memories of them make you a better person.

4. Never compare yourself to others: Don't compare yourself to anybody. Not the girl/boy next door. The only person you should compare yourself with is your past self. Make aim to being a better person than you were yesterday.

5.  You always have a choice in life: If you ever find yourself unhappy over anything, always know that you are given your own choice to make. You either sit and cry around it or you get up and do something about it. The choice is yours to make.

6. Push yourself to be the best that you can be: It's time to be your own motivational trainer. No one has to push around to get something done. No one has to force you to become the best. You have to push and motivate yourself. Believe that you are capable of achieving a goal and push yourself to try. You have to believe in yourself and do all your best.

7. It takes time to complete your goals: Nothing easy happens without a lot of hard work. It takes time to achieve your goals. You must be willing and persistent at what you want. Success is a long journey ahead and it is always worth the try, so never give up!

NEVER ALONE

NEVER ALONE

 


A father takes his son into the forest, blindfolds and left him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not to remove the blindfolds until the rays of the morning sun shines through it.

He can not cry out for help to anyone. Once he survives the night, he is a MAN. He cannot tell the other boys of this experience because each lad must come into manhood on his own.

The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him. Maybe even some human might do him harm. The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold.

It would be the only way he could become a man! Finally, after a horrific night, the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold. It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him. He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm.

We too are never alone. Even when we don't know it, God is watching over us, sitting on the stump beside us. When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.

If you liked this story please pass it on, if not, you took off your blindfold before dawn!

Moral of the story: Just because you can't see God doesn't mean that He is not there, for we walk by Faith not by sight!!

WHO IS YOUR BEST FRIEND?

WHO IS YOUR BEST FRIEND?

"The biggest hurdle is figuring out who your friends are. Your real friends." - Eleanor Mondale

Born Dec 21,1941, a very charismatic and iconic figure of Revolution. A Pan-Africanist theorist and president of Burkinafaso from 1983-1987 at the age of 33.

He eliminated curruption and the dominance ofthe former French colonial power. He launched the most ambitious program for social and Economic CHANGE ever attempted on the African Continent.

He nationalized all land and mineral wealth, he focused on education with a nation-wide literacy campaign. He also urged every village to build their own medical dispensary and had over 350 communities construct schools with their own labour.

He is one of the best minds that ever ruled a country in Africa!His name is Captain Thomas Isidore Noel Sankara.

He was assasinated by his best friend.Who do you consider your Best friend my people?!

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

 

“The beauty you see in me is a reflection of you”- Rumi

Are you aware that YOU are BOLDER that you BELIEVE, STRONGER than you seem, SMARTER that you think and unbelievably BEAUTIFUL, more than you have ever, ever imagined?

Other’s opinions of us do not matter. You must understand that the same people that say good things about you today, may not feel the same way about you tomorrow, and this is more than ok, because, it is only THEIR OPINION.
 

It is truly what YOU think of yourself that matters most.

There comes a point when you have to realise that you will never been good enough for some people, the questions is… Are you good enough and satisfied of yourself?

How often have we been taken to the darkness by the weight of our own deep insecurities, letting other people define every single aspect of our life that they never lived? If they have not lived, how will they ever understand? It is only until you have tasted hardship, that you will realise what you are truly made of.

As Rumi wrote so eloquently, "Its your road, and yours alone, others can walk it with you but no one can walk it for you."

Believe in yourself and stand tall and reach for your dreams. In your difficult times, stand tall and maintain ultimate conviction that you can be and achieve all that you want to in this world. Understand that God does not give you anything that you cannot handle.

Written By Liza Pavlakos

THE HANDBOOK OF LIFE

 THE HANDBOOK OF LIFE



1. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
 
2. Don't have negative thoughts or judgments. Instead invest your energy in seeing the positive present moment.
 
3. Let go of things you cannot change.

4.Try new things. Don't overdo. Accept your limits.

5. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
 
6. Don't waste your energy on gossip.
 
7. Dream more.
 
8. Envy is a waste of time. Be grateful for all that you have.
 
9. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
 
10. Don’t hate others. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
 
11. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
 
12. Remember that you are the only one in charge of your happiness.
 
13. Realize that life is a school filled with teachers and you are here to learn its many lessons. Problems you experience are simply part of the curriculum. The lessons will repeat until you learn them but once learned, they will last a lifetime.
 
14. Smile and laugh more.
 
15. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
 
16. Call your family often.
 
17. Give something good to others every day.
 
18. Forgive everyone for everything
 
19. Spend time with people over the age of 70 and under the age of 6.
 
20. Listen to people with all of your attention. Be present 100%
 
21. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
 
22. What other people think of you is none of your business.
 
23. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Keep in touch with your friends more often.

24. Always love yourself.

"I STILL KNOW WHO SHE IS."

"I STILL KNOW WHO SHE IS."

 

Few days ago, while going through my daily devotional prayer book, I was so blessed to have read this inspiring story.  It's TRUE LOVE inspired. I decided to share it with you. Please read and be blessed.

It was a busy morning, about 8:30am, when an elderly man in his 80's arrived to have stiches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00am. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone will be able to see him.

I saw him looking at his watch and decided that since that I wasn't busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On examining it, I found out that it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors and got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.

While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment that morning, as he was such in a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife.

I inquired as to her health. He told me that she had been there for a while as she was a victim of Alzheimer's disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset that he would be late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now.

I was surprised and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?' He smiled as he patted my hand and said, "She doesn't know me but I know who she is."

I had to hold back tears as he left, I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm and thoughts, 'that is the kind of love I want in my life.

In life, you might not have the best of everything but you will have to make the best of everything. Love is not all about romantic feelings, it goes ways beyond that. With love in your heart you can withstand any negative circumstance that ever surfaces. You will find a way to surely conquer your fears.

My prayer for us is that as we grow everyday, may we learn also and may love always reign in our heart and homes..

THE PREGNANT DEER

THE PREGNANT DEER 

In a forest, a pregnant deer is about to give birth. She finds a remote grass field near a strong-flowing river. This seems a safe place. Suddenly labour pains begin.
 
At the same moment, dark clouds gather around above and lightning starts a forest fire. She looks to her left and sees a hunter with his bow extended pointing at her. To her right, she spots a hungry lion approaching her.
 
What can the pregnant deer do?
She is in labour!
What will happen?
Will the deer survive?
Will she give birth to a fawn?
Will the fawn survive?
 
Or will everything be burnt by the forest fire?
Will she perish to the hunters' arrow?
Will she die a horrible death at the hands of the hungry male lion approaching her?
 
She is constrained by the fire on the one side and the flowing river on the other and boxed in by her natural predators.
 
What does she do?
She focuses on giving birth to a new life.
 
The sequence of events that follows are:
- Lightning strikes and blinds the hunter.
- He releases the arrow which zips past the deer and strikes the hungry lion.
- It starts to rain heavily, and the forest fire is slowly doused by the rain.
- The deer gives birth to a healthy fawn.
 
In our life too, there are moments of choice when we are confronted on all sides with negative thoughts and possibilities.
Some thoughts are so powerful they overcome us and overwhelm us.
 
Maybe we can learn from the deer. The priority of the deer, in that given moment, was simply to give birth to a baby.
The rest was not in her hands and any action or reaction that changed her focus would have likely resulted in death or disaster.
 
Where is our focus? In the midst of any storm do keep it on God. Remember! TeenDroidBible - Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. In all, Keep your focus on Jesus.

A RIVER MOVING

 A RIVER MOVING

"When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving."- Rumi.

My name is Liza Pavlakos and I am proud to have the strength to share my journey with you. I was born in Malaysia, coming from an Indian background. 

I reside in Melbourne Australia. I was homeless at the young age of 16, many nights hungry and almost most nights feeling alone. I have suffered intense abuse. 

I am a PROUD survivor of intense domestic and sexual abuse. The abuse was so horrific that I proudly have a metal plate holding one side of my left cheekbone and eye in place.

I was also abducted and almost murdered when I was 19. I should have died in the hands of the horrible man who abducted me, and I could have ended my life after the intense violence that was bestowed upon me. 

Instead, I have grown from strength to strength. I am proud of my past, and most importantly, I am proud to be a successful entrepreneur having run many successful businesses and most importantly, having moved forward with my life.
 

I am a resolute advocate for empowering men and women worldwide. Drawing on my own experiences of abuse, I am dedicated to work to help people realise the intense power that lies within their soul.
 

I want you to understand that your trauma, your pain, your suffering makes you the amazing person that you are today.There is nothing in this world that can break you. Nothing in this world should stop you from being the superstar that you already are. 

You can be anything you want to be no matter how hard it seems, it all starts with your passion and your dreams sprinkled with belief and trust of our Creator, the Devine Source.
When you believe in the Devine Energy Source, you will never be alone and you will always be blessed no matter how bad the situation may seem.
 

As Budda wrote so eloquently -
In the end, only three things matter: how much you loved, how gently you lived, and how gracefully you let go of things not meant for you.

  

Story Written By Liza Pavlakos

YOU CAN!

YOU CAN!

 

No matter what happens in your life. No matter what challenges you are going through. No matter what comes against you. You can still be who you want to be. 

You can still do whatever you need to do in life. Remember God will strengthen you. God never promise us a trouble free life but he does promise us that he will never forsake us nor abandon us in times of distress. 

Cast all your worries on him and go on with your life situations. Take your life one day at a time. Trust in him completely. Remember, what you are going through now is a moment. This too will pass away. 

Don't care about what the problem is, don't care about how enormous the problem is, don't care about how long it is going to take. 

Don't you ever give up on God! You are not hopeless and you are not help less .Thank you Jehovah because you love me. I will never give up on you!!

Written By Dr. Adjarho Laura K. Ese

DON'T WORRY

DON'T WORRY!

 

Don't worry about things you can't CHANGE. If you refuse to bloom where you are, your progress will be stiffled. God planted us somewhere specifically so we might bear much fruits. 

If you will keep blooming where you are, then you are rest assured in God's perfect timing. He will transplant you. He will put in some new soil so you can bear more fruit, but if you are not happy where you are, you will never get to where you want to be.

Your life compared to somebody's else's is a bed of roses. Don't ever take for granted what God has done for you.You may have obstacles today, but some people would give anything in the world to have your life!

Written By Olowoyeye Adebukola

BE A GOOD LISTENER

BE A GOOD LISTENER

More than our advice, more than our instruction, people need our listening ears. Many people simply need somebody they can talk to, somebody with whom they can be honest.

They just need a friend they can count on.You will be amazed at what positive impact you can have in the world if you will just learn to be a good LISTENER.

When you feel compassionate towards someone, that is God's way of telling you to be a blessing to that person. 's not all about money sometimes.You can't quantify what people are going through. You can save a life if you care to just LISTEN.

Written By Olowoyeye Adebukola