Long time there. Thank God for gradual healing. Returned from hospital and I'm good! Amen. Well, from my Facebook page came these fantastic designs of kitchens, I couldn't help but share.

Look at that effect! It's emosh... I'm so dying here

Talk about natural view.. It's my anthem. Give me this and I'll cook every meal without stepping a foot out the kitchen door.. Lol. 👌

A year after I fainted on the DLR on my way to a friend's. I walked down the stairs and couldn't get air. I panted and my chest heaved, I was scared at the realisation I had become anaemic again. Why this is so terrible? I get quickly weak and out of breath at any little work done. So I tell myself, "time to meet the doctor" skip work and meet the doctor? Well, I had to pray for the Blood of Jesus to be replaced with mine. Got home and got down on my knees to the father. Hallelujah! The miracle just begun. 

It has grown again! Two more inches!!!

Sometimes you don't wish to know. Other times you really want to and some other time, it's mixed feelings. Yesterday was one of those latter times and I don't know what to pray. Woke up about 2 am and was so worried sick about my clients and someone. I was in a dilemma with a client project and I didn't know how to fix it but that didn't bother me as much as this someone did. I was concerned about the recent events in this someone's life (sorry can't mention names) and somehow I teared up because I was in the dark with the whole situation. Called to pray with this someone but I couldn't get the words out my throat, ended up saying a very short prayer and dropped the call, now that felt awkward. I was like "what did I just do?" Well, that didn't end my worry. I had to get on my knees to pray for all that worried me including my clients.

PRAYER FEELS GOOD. THE AFTER-EFFECT EVEN AMAZING AND AWESOME.

I woke up feeling good, stopped worrying and began worshipping God. My concern for this someone is still there but I'm not worried. I know it will fix itself somehow because God is alive. For my clients, hallelujah!! Yesterday began its victory.

I looked into my Supervisor's eyes with fear as he mentioned those words "you have to rethink your project. We need you to get a paper out ASAP" I was lost for words when he asked what next I'll do. I began a marathon prayer: "Lord this can't be happening. For years I have prepared to do this, planned my work and now?" Right there, thank God for mercy, he gave me hope and he told me this which I echoed "It's a challenge, I'll get back to you in a week" with a smile so broad. I was so sure God will sort me out. Did he? He sure did and I'll tell you all about it.

I went to my office feeling like a star, next Albert Einstein Lool. It's the God in me! I got to work!

It wasn't so good but I felt I should. Pardon the recording and my quarter British and African accent lol.

Here:

http://youtu.be/4ly6jizYLOY

Sadness began as I walked through the door to the office of the school administration. Like dark circles, my life for the next three years played before me. Did I say "I'm doomed".. I didn't but it did look like it. I cried my first postgrad research cry on my first day, how pathetic?

Well, what they don't really explain to you are details of a full-time research. I will explain: 

To finish excellently well, technically 24 hours a day is not enough!

You need minimum 60 hours a week (these times are for Christians only cos church is subtracted from the hours).

Having a Mon-Fri five hours a day job? I strongly advice not to Dare! I've got almost same dilemma

Living two hours by road travel away from University? Your biggest nightmare!

Put all of these and extra personal work going, you can understand my point. Sleep is now a luxury. Four hours of sleep is a great gift!

If you are considering a research postgrad, mostly a PhD.. Think strongly on these things. I am caught up now. Don't get caught up!

However slow, my day was great! I feel absolutely great even though I had less time sitting in church, was mostly working on the visual and audio systems making sure others got blessed through the media. And oh, The feeling you get after church when you know God has given you a new life and all your past pain and everything before are now behind. That's how Sundays should be.

Thank God for today!

I got back with my home making today after struggling with weighty bags of shopping from Beckton on the DLR, out the station to my flat. My shoulders ached as I prayed for strength, it has been one hectic week. 

So, I felt like I was up for the kitchen but to do something pretty easy. I got on my recipe app and found how to prepare this snack so I got to it. The shrimp sauce tastes great!

All you need:

Celery sticks 

Cooked, peeled prawns

Green onions about three

Three tablespoons of orange juice

Fromage blanc

Sea salt

Some seasoning

Put all but the celery sticks into your food processor, cut up the sticks to form a boat and pour content of food processor on. That's it! Divine!!

I hate celery but I tried this out and it wasn't so bad. I need an alternative to celery though. Still can't finish two sticks left on my plate.

It never clicked in my head till today. While working something triggered. My job description includes getting in touch with clients to ensure they attend their appointments otherwise we may need to cancel and reschedule. Today, while making a call through to another client the Spirit spoke to me: "pray that God gives you an excellent spirit so that the manner you speak to people will preach God to them" I thought about it and I was "so true. How can I reach out everyday to people?" You don't have to go out preaching to reach out. You can reach out by behaving in a Christ-like manner. Initially, I had a problem with my line manager,a though she didn't know I disliked her attitude but everyone else seemed to. That fuelled it more. I joined them in talking about her and he Holy Spirit spoke to me to stop it, that wasn't Christ-like, I was encouraged to pray for her and to see her through God's eyes. Guess what? Her attitude towards me changed, she now talks to me with more respect than previous and even relates better with me than others. I pray that through my lifestyle she'd come to know Christ fully. 

WHAT ARE YOU DOING EVERYDAY TO REACH OUT? ARE YOU LEADING PEOPLE TO HELL OR TO HEAVEN? Have a blessed day and great weekend too.

I hate to admit it when I'm tired. People probably hear me say it when I have lots to do and can't figure it out. I got to hear it from someone close to me today. I sent some pictures of me preparing for work n when I finally got to work and all this person said was: you look tired.

I was like wow! True, I am tired, like I got to really think of it and admit it. I have a normal 9-5 job aside my IT contracts I run for African companies and also church work. I really got to see myself in another light. Anyway, spiritually, the bible is that mirror that tells you "Man, it is time to let satan do his job without you", "it's hi-time you took God seriously and spend some time with your father" I encourage you today to never forsake the Mirror God has given us; the bible.

Can't type, I am tired! I pray God blesses your evening.

THE PICTURES

At work just after lunch break

About to leave. Did you notice the scar on my face? That was a miracle, my entire face would have been scarred.

After four years of study for both undergraduate and postgraduate (taught) studies, I find myself back to Uni again doing my research. I went up to Canterbury for registration today, never been there and I love it. Murder in the cathedral by T.S. Eliot played in my head as I approached Canterbury. What a lovely town to live in? 

I am most grateful to God for all he did today. My day wasn't so great but in the end God turned it into a joyous one for me. I'm literally smiling here because someone beside me is making me laugh in side, I wish I can laugh out really loud, I would. So, I almost missed the coach back to London because I was helping someone find an accommodation in Canterbury, a new international student. I prayed silently in my heart as I boarded the bus back to the city centre to catch my coach. I prayed God will cause some serious delay and he did! I met hold-up as I approached the city centre and I was like omd I have missed it, I partially believed my prayers. I was literally 5mins late but God did hear my prayers. I got there and met a queue, asked a guy if it was the London coach and the time, he confirmed, I'm sure he wondered why I smiled. I said a little thank you to God right there.

I got on the coach and met this young pretty lady by my side. She brought out her iPad and I brought mine out too to type this post. As I tried to type my elbow touched her sleeve and she moved further in as if I've got a disease or something. I noticed she put all her stuff together away from me, then she locked her iPad. By the way, she is white, so I was like "oh, a racist" well, I just smiled and I'm so gassed right now, I want to laugh out loud because these people make me laugh. Why would anyone think themselves better just because they've got a different skin colour from another? God doesn't care if you are black, green, white, brown, whatever he causes the rain and sun to shine on all of us because he created the world and put these colours in to beautify the earth. I don't understand why one creature as equal as me would think themselves greater.. I am having the fun of my life right now, laughing within. Well got to go now. I pray your weekend is blessed too and more testimonies like mine. 

ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND LAUGHING TOO 😄😄😀😆😆😆

This is one of my first quotes I'm sharing on here if my memory serves me right:

It is not all about the doors that God will open on earth for us. It is about the door that will open in eternity if we are Christ-like. #factsofChristianity

GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS!

You know those statements that get you thinking straight? They are mostly very short sentences. 

I got one through Facebook today and it was like 'wow'. I quickly put a mental note on.

It said: how long will you let pain keep you from being happy. 

I'm not sure it was said that way though, this is the British version of the American English lol.

Anyway, I got thinking. And I'm so praying that the pain I may have in my heart do not rub off on others

I want people around me to be happy and not follow suit in my inner sadness. I call it inner sadness

Because I am not externally sad, people can't see it even if I tell it. I only know it and feel it and keep it, 

Those who are closest to me however, can feel my pain too and those are the people I am more 

Concerned about. 

So yeah, it's time to LET GO AND LET GOD. If you are like me, I'll advice you to do same. 

Let it go to the cross and you'll be rejoicing everyday. I am going to go on a retreat for this because 

I need help and that help comes only from the Man up there. I know by the time it's done, I'll be smiling. I don't 

Know when this will be but it sure will be done soon enough. I encourage you to do same. 

I'll try to share all I'll be doing on my retreat, I am not promising this though because I may forget. :)

GOD BLESS YOU

Not until I read a convo yesterday, I didn't know I had this pain in my heart for so long. I'm beginning to think, "what can I do?" Btw, it is 3am in London with the autumn wind breezing through my walls somehow. I can't sleep. I worry. But hey, why worry when you can worship? Is what's in my heart right now. So I need to get cracking on my work (got a client's job hanging) then I'll figure out the rest. Did I just say "I'll figure?" No! God will! It's the Lord's day, and I'm going right on so blessed. I'll walk straight to the altar and make my request known to God after praises that is. 

I will not give in to this hurt even when my eye is heavy and raindrops of tears are just near my tear ducts, I won't give the devil another reason to smile or laugh. God has got me.

That goes for you too reader. God has got you! Don't give in to what the devil is saying. "You can go through this victorious!" Got to run now as three minutes has just been spent without planning for it. God bless you as you worship in his presence.

How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! (Psalms 84:1 KJV)

When we go to the house of God, what is our attitude? Of worship or in levity? The Psalmist considers the house of God amiable, lovely, cozy, friendly, warmhearted

That is the feeling we get when our heart is right before worship. Straight from the door we begin to feel God's presence, his awesomeness. That is why the first thing you do when you get to church is to kneel and pray. By kneeling we are saying "Lord, I know you are here. I reverence you" it is not about making your request known yet, it is about worship. The Lord's Prayer said "Our father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name".. We can say 'hallowed' be Jehovah when we see the presence of God like David. It is an experienced to be felt. 

See the poem - IN YOUR PRESENCE

Lord I am beyond words

My throat close tight 

But the praises folds,

Right in to reach your might

I am lost for lyrics

That will kick in praise

When I almost kicked bricks

You pulled me thru' in praise

I am greatly awed at you

Your majesty you show forth,

In my life that's not without you

I bring the praise bursting forth

I miss my brother who returned to Africa some months back. We normally shared everything here in England and because he was so funny, he loved to share comic-lines with me or some funny videos. It made me feel I had my entire family with me. Anyway, thank God for whatsapp should I say?

This morning he made me smile by sending a very beautiful poem from an unknown author and I thought to share it with you, although this version has been modified a tad by me. Blessings

 As I was walking

Down life's highway 
Many years ago

I came upon a
Sign that read

Heavens Grocery Store..

When I got a
Little closer

The doors swung
Open wide

And when I came
To myself

I was standing
Inside..

I saw a host of
Angels.

They were 
Standing everywhere

One handed me a
Basket

And said 'My
Child shop with care..'

Everything a
Human needed
Was in that
Grocery store

And what you
Could not carry
You could come
Back for more

First I got some
Patience.

Further down was
Understanding,
You need that
Everywhere you go..

I got a box or
Two of Wisdom 
And Faith a bag
Or two.

And Charity of
Course
I would need some
Of that too..

I couldn't miss
The Holy Ghost
It was all over
The place.

And then some
Strength
And Courage to 
Help me run this race.

My basket was
Getting full
But I remembered
I needed Grace,

And then I chose
Salvation for
Salvation was for
Free

I tried to get
Enough of that to do
For you and me..

Then I started to
The counter
To pay my grocery
Bill,

For I thought I
Had everything
To do the Masters
Will.

As I went up the
Aisle
I saw Prayer and
Put that in ,

For I knew when I
Stepped outside
I would run into
Sin.

Peace and Joy
Were plentiful,
The last things
On the shelf.

Song and Praise
Were hanging near
So I just helped
Myself.

Then I said to
The angel

'Now how much do
I owe?'

He smiled and
Said

'Just take them
Everywhere you go.'

Again I asked
'Really now,

How much do I 
Owe?'

'My child' he
Said , 'God paid your bill
A long long time
Ago.'

I've enjoyed my time in the kitchen with home making training, now I'll stick to the home decorations and designs. Here is my one pot partly African and continental dish.

This is a pot of unripe plantain, yellow bell pepper, spinach, prawn and green beans. Now I'll tell you it really did taste great! Not because it's my meal but for real. The crunchiness and softness all blended together with the herbs involved. You should try it. I'll send recipe later.

We are at it again. Did some pretty random stuff on my hair this time. I haven't tried this mixture but I trust it will be good. Can't stop experimenting till I am satisfied.

So I took out my cornrows and washed my hair. I couldn't detox yet again :( however, I did hot oil treatment in addition to my regular shampooing and Pre-poo.

Protein and hot oil treatment

To my henna conditioner, I added one egg. (So unusual but I tried it!) I hate the smell of egg, I wonder how I didn't puke during the process but my bathroom did smell of egg for quite a considerable length of time. Anyway, I left the conditioner for a little longer than usual because my hair needed TLC - 10 minutes. Afterwards, rinsed out thoroughly and proceeded from protein to hot oil treatment.

After the usual warm of macadamia oil which went on while I washed my hair, I put it on my scalp and massaged through. It kind of felt good. But next time, I'll try a mix of coconut and olive oil. Then I warmed my hair to allow it go through my scalp.

Warming

I wrapped in cling film, or you can warm a towel and wrap hair in. I used a blow dryer over it to aid the process. It lasted for a little over 5 minutes.

I rinsed, I did NOT wash although some do. It washes out the oil and it becomes pointless. Use not so very warm water, better, cold water to rinse. This opens the cuticle after initially closing it with mid hot water during washing.

My hair wash was done and the usual ritual of adding coconut oil, carrot oil to the scalp and glycerine to seal moisture took place.

And I was back to the salon for a protective styling.

Did I mention my hair grew two inches longer than normal? I am so loving giving my hair TLC. Hehehe.

From Southern Nigeria.

From emeraldogz.com

His voice cries out
Through His prophet
Isaiah speaks to all
Telling of HIS might

The one who stretched
Forth the heavens like
A curtain and weighed
The mountains, the earth

Who made a tent of it
Of heaven and dwells
Bringing down nobles
Under his subjection

Who can be compared
To him able to destroy
Both body and soul –
And yet make alive –?

The everlasting God!
Creator and The Lord
His understanding –
Incomparable ———-

From whom all strength
We derive, even as we
Wait; on eagle’s wings
We shall fly in His might

from my study of Isaiah 40

From one of my poems on emeraldogz.com

As it blows over earth
Make strong my heart
Each time kiss of death
Strength give to my heart

Tonight's dessert was Berry and Yoghurt Parfaits. Hmmm... Yum! So good!

I still can't believe the amount if racists still in this world and some people say, "if a black said that, they won't call them racist" I don't support racism but to be fair, the blacks have been tagged bad too long and this has rubbed off on the world. People have suffered and died trying to buy their rights. Slavery days are over and people should live united because one God made the black and white to have a beautiful world. We all make the colours of the world. We all addd beauty to God's creation. Why spoil it with negativity and cynicism? I read this on Facebook and was really appalled:

"dumb asses like jenny kennedy are the problem,she immediately falls for the obvious propaganda(old propaganda)and takes the side of anyone but her own race.dumb white females believing the jewish media the last 50 yrs is whats gotten our country and race into such decline.and tell me jenny,whats point does the"poem"make?another anti-white hit piece is all i see.in africa blacks kill blacks and last time i checked most black nations there were kept alive via food aid from white taxpayers in america and europe.one nice footnote:if we die out,you die out because you cant survive without us."

I'll excuse the cusses but I beg pardon for anyone who thinks this way, the world can't live without the nations. And No, there are not many Black nations on food aid, there are the proper wealthy ones. In the white nation, whites kill whites, if the white nation dies, the blacks will survive because they are hardworking. And if the black dies the white will survive because they can find a way out. Please people stop this racist comments and behaviour, it's not helping the worldddddd!!!

I just love these

When vintage becomes appealing

Yesterday I continued with my home making preparation and I was in the kitchen cooking something new. 

Today, I'll be doing Avocado and tomato salad and Strawberry and yogurt parfait.

First step preparation for the main meal. The mushroom had to cook properly

The veg broth first and the chopped arugula (salad rocket), cannelloni beans and sage

Now the pasta joins the chorus and what a lovely mix? Food is done

A plater of two dishes: left side is noodles, shallot and prawn salad and the right side is pasta, arugula, and cannelloni white beans with cremini mushroom.

I loved the salad more. However, it was a lovely combo. 😊

I got back to using my glasses today and I tell you, it feels weird after months without it. My eyes seemed so happy when I put it back on and my head as well. Everything is great with it back on.

This really got to me from the first day I studied it, it stuck with me.

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (1 Corinthians 9:27 KJV)

When we get to the point we start counting how long we prayed, how many bible verses we read in a day, how many souls we've talked to, then we need to also sit back and do as Christ did. For the devil is like a roaring lion... Seeking whom he may devour. You don't want to be caught up in temptation of lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, pride of life

After we've preached to others, we do not want to be a castaway... When it'll be said "depart ye worker of iniquity, I know you not" God forbid! 

Like Christ we should take time to pray and fast to refresh our spirit so we aren't caught off guard. I pray this blesses you as it has blessed me. God bless you!

Who ever knew leaving London for so long could make you forget the usual routes to the usual places you always went to.

On my way to church this morning, I'm writing this on the train I finally got to get on. I checked my journey this morning due to engineering works, I had a feeling it might affect my journey to church. I went on the tfl website and found the route, only to realise I read the information wrong. Well, I had started out. I got on the DLR from my station and got off at Westferry. What I did not read was that I had to change platform for a train going to Lewisham. I got off the train and walked out the station looking for bus stop T with bus 177 that doesn't go the way of Westferry. What was I thinking? Something prompted me to check again after 15 minutes of walking around, then I was like "man, what did you do?" I can only laugh and pray I don't turn up late because I am heading the AV team at the Peckham branch today. Argh!! Why do I have to do PM today?

Have a blessed Sunday. 

Last night, the lights of London shone on me

I walked out the busy environment with children screaming, mothers calling back at children to sit still and fathers holding the passports trying to get their family home

I waited patiently for a friend and the taxi. As it drove through central, I realised it had been so long ago I left this busy city. I began calculating all the jobs I've left behind and the so little time I have to get it done.

I thought this day will do it for me but I could barely manage to get out and soon as I was done, I ran back home, straight to bed. Now I'm fully awake and I realised it has been so long I wrote on here. I'd like to say: Friends, I'm back!

At my church, we organise summer camp meetings to worship God, study the word, listen to good Christian music, to share with and uplift one another. It is always an amazing time. 

This year, I did the West Africa Camp, the headquarter of West Africa being Nigeria. So I attend the camp situated in this village where everything is cheap. Food here can't be compared to the price in the closest city, Lagos. 

Worse of my experience at this Camp is, I got flu! So sad. But thank God it happened toward the end of my stay. I m so excited, because I am finally returning back to London. Yay! That city has been on my mind for long and I have been wishing to return. Now, a dream come true.

I am however, happy to attend this camp. Btw, I'm still at camp, leaving in tomorrow. The camp was powerful, amazing, awesome...... Really blessed.

I won't be able to share much detail now till I return to England. Internet is still not very good here. 

Remain blessed dear reader.

Yes! I am learning to worship God in Spirit and in truth. Writing my first of Christian book not a poetry, this will be the second published. God is teaching me, I am in God's school learning from the Holy Spirit as I write. I was writing about worship this morning and the Holy Spirit triggered that moment in me, I lost myself for some minutes to HALLOW HIS NAME. Amen.

If you got in to pray, never pray the "mind wanderer" prayer, pray in the spirit. Let your mind, body and soul focus on God at that moment. Let him be all about you. Bless his name, reverence him, give him the glory, honour and praise due to his magnificence. Let your mouth speak forth his praise. 

ENTER HIS GATE WITH THANKSGIVING AND INTO HIS COURTS WITH PRAISE. 

That is what David taught us to do in Psalm 100:4. And God bless you as you worship him in spirit and in truth.

Still in Africa and rounding up in couple of weeks, back to ancient England, I arrange meetings with friends. Good old friends way back from London. It has been five years since we worked together. They are all married with grown up kids. Anyway, one of my white british friends who is married to a Nigerian visited and visited so we all went to Dominos in Lekki. I miss their Pizza although it wasn't like the one we have in England, it was good.

It was a lovely evening with everyone again, we caught up with news about our previous colleagues too. A friend got me in his car back and forth, I'd say I had fun. 

Back into my shell,I waited for a message, and being the woman I am, I perceive something's wrong right before it goes bizarre. I woke up in the middle of the night and prayed then I was moved to send a text. I did and that was all I needed to change my mood. God always knows best.

A friend told me not to worry and I was like yeah, I'm not worried.
I tell me, really? What a joke! I was worried, still am. I have spent most of my day praying.
After every miracle and victory there is always another battle ahead. It never stops, it goes on in a cycle. Sometimes I pray and I say: "God why not this one month, problem free".. It never really works that way. I guess the higher you go spiritually, the more battles you are expected to fight because God gives his strongest soldiers, the toughest battles. Yes! I am a perfect example of that statement. The more I pray "Lord, I want to grow in Grace", I see me growing and then BANG! a battle... I see all my statements eating back at me. "Oh you think you've got faith, now, here! deal with it". I whine, cry, pray, retreat, I do all and sundry, in the end, I give in to GOD's DIVINE WILL. Praise God!
I am still praying and this time, it is a marathon one. The one Moses went up to the mountain and came down with his face shining. Yes, that type. I am not going to spare the enemy one minute to laugh at me, NO WAY! Thank God for Grace, Jesus and most importantly PRAYER.

It was so difficult waiting for many days to speak with someone.. Finally, it was over and time to get cracking on what we've missed out but I wasn't feeling too good.

I did get to chat on this bbm thing which I hate (can't wait to leave Africa to stop using it smh). I managed throughout the conversation. Good thing he didn't notice, otherwise he'd have been worried. Anyway, this someone is like a brother, known him from childhood... He is my best male friend and a wonderful Christian, someone I care so much for. He has challenged me so much in using the word and when I say I am sick, he says confess good health (lol.. Sometimes, I'm like 'do you think I want it? I am saying it to you because that's how it is'). It has been pretty difficult keeping up communication with him and his family (btw, we are family friends) due to distance. 

I am lying here due to this whole sinusitis thing again and I am so angry at everything right now. I wish to feel better. I have prayed and cried :( God help me is all I can say.

HIS STRENGTH IS MADE PERFECT IN MY WEAKNESS. 

I will bask in Christ's strength.. Though I am weak, yet am I strong! Glory!!!

I have had sinusitis for many years even then I didn't know what it was,that was aback in Africa. When I relocated to England, I got confirmed to be a sinusitis patient. Oh well, I thought, I knew I would get over it. Then the nose bleed started and I knew this had got serious. Did I panic? No, I don't remember doing that, I knew I prayed and prayed. 

It got better and better and better. Every winter previously, I suffered severe nasal problems, inability to breathe and I began snoring when sleeping, this wasn't good. I kicked off on some marathon prayers boy, and I got better and better every year.

While visiting Africa this year, the devil tried to show up again with the same thing. Just the way it started couple of years back about eight or nine years ago, it came back. Severe headaches, inability to breathe... I kept up with my nasal spray treatment but that didn't help. Snoring got back and I was like 'oh no'. I began praying and praying, it got me dizzy and weak well, I prayed that out too. I am back facing the sinuses but what I got to tell you is I AM HEALED! I may still have some bits here and there but I do not have the nose bleeds any more. It has got a whole lot better than few years back. I can only say, I am a product of prayer. AMEN

I have been cut out of the world again following recent events in my life. Just incase you do not know, I am still in Africa and got couple of weeks, almost a month left to return to now-hot England (can't wait). 

I have been in the spirit of prayer because it is summer camp time with The Lord at all my churches around the world. The UK camp is coming to an end and the Nigeria one will kick off soon. I should be attending about a week of the Nigeria one as I have to return to work.

I have limited blogging on my Poetry for now due to this and down in New Jersey, a convention is going on and I pray The Lord visits them as they start tomorrow. This as well has been part of my prayers.

I may not be effective on here for a while. Please do bear with me. Just to let you know, I finished my study of the book of Proverbs and Corinthians yesterday! That took like a month. Thank God. I am now studying Ecclesiastes, Matthew and some Genesis. Join me if you can and let's talk God. Hehe. Blessings to you and yours!

I promised the devil two days ago that I would laugh so hard at him and I DID IT yesterday. I laughed and laughed, oh it felt so good. He tried to take testimony out of my mouth, I told him my victory just started.

I prayed and prayed prior to the laughter. It felt like God was listening but didn't want to say a word. At some point I almost blasphemed, I was frustrated, my faith giving way but I realised it was the trick of the devil. I prayed again, this time using praise, I apologised for my frustration and asked for more grace and FAITH. I needed all I could get.

I studied the word, did three chapters instead of my usual two. During the study of the third, I felt sleepy, I barely kept my eyes open to finish it up. Then a deeeeeep sleep enveloped me. You know in Genesis God caused a deep sleep on Adam? That was the kind. Never slept so much during the day and I wasn't tired.

By the time I woke up, my strength renewed, I felt fresh in the spirit. I was all smiles and grins. It felt so good. I knew my problems were still there but God gave me a promise in my dream and I woke up feeling like I just won the lottery of £10,000,000. Wow, it felt so good to begin laughing at the devil right then. I had to go out to check if my prayers had been answered so quickly but I knew it hadn't. I got to the centre and found others waiting, I began encouraging people. Previously, I was the one who needed encouragement, now I gave it to others. I told them 'have faith, it won't be long' oh yeah? I needed that but I gave it because Christ was in me, and he gives joy when he lives within. Amen.

I am still laughing at the devil. The devil thought he had me, hahaha but Christ bought me and I am his most treasured possession.. Can you beat that? I am all high in the spirit and it will go on till the next week because Jesus bore my pain and took my sorrow to the grave, he rose up and it was gone. Hallelujah!!! 

THIS TESTIMONY IS THAT OF A BROTHER I DISCUSSED WITH AND I AM GLAD HE SHARED HIS TESTIMONY. PLEASE TAKE TIME TO READ, I KNOW IT IS REALLY LONG BUT IT WILL BE WORTH IT.

I was in senior high school, started playing sports, working out and began getting attention from the opposite sex. Out of curiosity, I got a girl friend, before I knew it that was the first girl I got involved with sexually. From then on, everything went downhill, I was doing things to please her; things I won’t normally do like disobeying my parents. I disobeyed my mum to attend prom because I had already paid for everything. From then on I tasted what it was like to live the life ‘I always wanted’.

Fresh man year was good and GPA was really high but sophomore year my grades started slipping, because I was so into clubbing and parties and I was still with my girlfriend from high school but we broke it off eventually. From then it became a regular thing to get involved with girls and it became a lifestyle like that was who I was. Interestingly, I thought I was doing well. I still attended church, keeping up appearance and participating in church activities. I knew inside of me I wasn’t okay, but I didn’t know how to remedy that. Whenever I felt a void, I got involved in something else but it never filled that void. I wasn't focused as a result of this I changed school twice.

My first semester at my third University, I did badly because I was so much into the ‘life’ I lived then. I always tried to fix things that got bad, I always had a plan but everything I fixed, nothing really worked.

I kept playing the games, like a charade. I said to me, “I need to go back to church”. I was using my own wisdom to be good and to do things better but it never worked because that was self-righteousness. I kept going back to my old life. I could never get committed to God; everything I tried pushed me deeper into the bondage I was in. I said ‘I’m done with women, done with clubs’ and I got back into something deeper.

Soon, I got addicted to pornography and this was a huge monkey for me. For years I battled with it but eventually discussed with my pastor. I felt I was on drugs, whenever I couldn't get a fix, I got into it.

At some point, I got involved with a fraternity because a friend at school was involved. I decided to pledge to the fraternity. It was the last day of the pledging process my mother found out and was highly upset, she cried and all my family got together to talk about it. At first, I tried denying it but gave up and told them the truth. They talked to my pastor but at that time I wasn't convicted, I was doing those things to please my mum, so she wouldn’t cry. I met up with my pastor and he prayed for me but inside me I still wanted to do what I was doing. I took some time off just to keep it low-key. When I got back to school, I got back into the fraternity and sometimes we attended meeting in other states and I would lie to my family about my whereabouts.

In the fraternity, I found myself being surrounded by all the things I've been burdened by. I kept playing the charade, my life was going down hell, and there was nothing in me that was successful.

The turning point came on one convention and the message spoke to me. And I decided I wouldn't go that way of life any more, no drinking, parties or women; I stuck to it. But I was still involved with the fraternity. Then my mother found out again when she found a paraphernalia that we wore; she had been praying and got a revelation that I was still involved with them. I kept up all appearances so no one noticed but you can’t really hide from God. The Holy Spirit led her to check my jacket, I lied but I ended up confessing. I could see the hurt in her eyes that she could never trust me again, I had disappointed her. That was a driving point for me – I decided to stop going to the meetings and chose serving God truly. I stopped taking their calls and made an effort to stop the fraternity. But pornography was still a major thing for me, the more I chased after God, God moved that burden off me.

I travelled to Virginia to see my sister and I met up with a pastor’s son. He really challenged me and that Sunday, I surrendered everything and from there I never went back. I started reading the bible more, kept pushing for more of God and dedicated my life more to God. Previously, I was serving God like an activity but now I am truly living my life for God. It wasn't me doing the work any more but God was doing the work in me. God was pushing me and taking me out of temptation and he directed me where to go. There was a summer I didn't go anywhere because if I had gone anywhere else I would have found myself in the same bondage. But there is more to come, if you want more of God you need to go deeper.

I met up with a brother at church and he prayed for me and that led to my baptism of the Holy Ghost. After that, I had a different strength, the Holy Spirit was really helping me, and I was just in tune with God. There are so many things now I don’t take for granted because I understand what it feels like to be out of tune and out of touch with God in such a way that you have nothing holding you back, everything your flesh wants you give it.

I got telling the enemy this since yesterday. You know the devil is so smart, he thinks keeping you sad will take you away from your blessing. Yes, he may be right because when you are sad, he has power over you. I was sad and I felt the devil had won but Mercy and Grace told me to rise again through God's word. Amen!

Good thing I kept studying the word. I got back up and gave the devil a kick in the butt! Hallelujah! I am smiling again because Jesus bore my pain on the cross. This is the happiest moment of my life. And I profess the gospel of Christ in me. 

My Faith is stronger not small because when you push a baby-bird, you are teaching it how to fly and one day it will fly so high and away from you when you'd trouble it no more. The devil has pushed me to my limit and I'm flying higher and higher everyday. Isn't God so good?

He gives us troubles to make us stronger and I am confessing Philipians 4:6 - Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be made known unto God.

I encourage you to follow suit in that verse of Philipians. Let us go to the enemy's camp and TAKE back what he STOLE from US! Glory!!!

I just read a powerful book today. The moment I picked it up from my aunt's bookshelf, I didn't drop it. I needed help with revamping my prayer life.

It is titled: WHEN YOU HAVEN'T GOT A PRAYER by Stuart Sack

It got me on Facebook this morning, I tweeted sections of it till my fingers ached and are still aching because I just finished discussing this book with a friend over bb. 

I wrote a review about it on goodreads but I don't think that review hit my thoughts exactly, I wasn't in a mindset for review at the time but Prayer. And I did! Hehe I am still basking in it and will continue at midnight. Join me hehe.

Have you ever got to the point where you wish to pray but you can't? I got to that point today. The devil knows how to steal your time, he almost succeeded by letting me worry about situations at hand. I was able to get back up in prayer but it wasn't like yesterday. I like hitting the climax with the Lord, in prayer. It is always an amazing time.

About my day, 

Still in Africa, my internet ran out and I had to get help!! Got some money on hand and ran out like something was going on with me to get more bandwidth. I just had to keep up with the world, my world in England. Oh I miss the summer there. It  has been raining cat and dog here. I don't like this time of the year in Africa to be honest. Well, I am pretty tired and about to do some bible study before bed. Tomorrow is Church, yay! An awesome time in His presence. Enjoy yours because I defo will enjoy man. Blessings to you and yours

Previously, when I was couple of years younger, not that I wasn't up to the age of getting married, I was so scared.
What got me scared. All around me I hear of separations, I grew up in a Christian community so you'd not hear of divorce, more like they separated for a while or some stay in the marriage but you can tell they aren't happy.
This grew with me till good age, like sometimes now I get scared. I am really not scared anymore, I am just worried. So I started the 'future family prayer' thing. I am committing it all to God. I woke up thinking about it this morning. "What will it be like?" kind of question popping in my head. The bit that scares me most is having a baby. Lol. But good thing is I am no longer scared. I am so looking forward to it and I can't wait to see my cuties. It is going to be so amazing to be used by God to procreate. How Wonderful! I am continuing with my 'pray-date' session with God. I hope you have a date with God too every week on this matter? It helps relieve the pressure. Thank God for Prayer!

Enjoy the rest of your day. I am still in Africa :D Loving it, but winding down now, preparing to return.

I woke up this morning and couldn't contain the tears
I said PRAISE BE TO GOD for all he has done, and yet to do and all he won't do because his thoughts for me are good and not evil.
See, I look back in my life today, and I can say he made me go through those rough patches for me to appreciate my today.
HE is an awesome God. Slow to anger and plenteous in mercy.
I can STRONGLY recommend you to him today.
Look back on your life today and see the many things that would have gone wrong without the Christ in you. Bless His Holy Name.

I've been a Christian almost all my life should I say. Yes, when you hear the word Christian you do not think of the meaning first before you exclaim "oh,what church do you attend?" .

I have been a Christian but not Christ-like. When he made me a new creature I did not totally, 100% follow in the way I.e. no constant renewal of the mind. This is very deadly as a believer you need to constantly dig deeper for more of God.

Bless the name of God. I've been doing things my own way, till God said, no child my plan for you is best. Initially, I battled to accept God's plan, but when I fully yielded, I began seeing many truths and reasons in his plan.

God has brought people my way to help me in my walk and everyday I am renewed by their words and walk. Everyday I kneel in prayer saying, "thank you Jesus for this friend", I mention names as they come to memory.

I want to encourage anyone struggling spiritually, pray this prayer "Father, as I study your word, open my eyes to behold the wondrous works out of thy law. Let your spirit teach me all I need to know and may I grow hereafter, Amen." Afterwards, take up your bible and study. "Study to show thyself approved unto God" don't just read ask yourself like in Acts, "understandeth what thou readest?"

I have been blessed by this and I hope it blesses you too? If unable to understand, share with other bible Christians or here on my blog, or contact me via my emeraldogz.com contact page, the Holy spirit will explain all that needs to be understood. Glory!

I am a programmer, database developer and cyber security researcher by career. I am currently in Africa devoting my time for web development to my small firm. We currently have a number of projects going on and The Lord has been faithful.

Everyday, I wake up and do not leave my apartment here in western Africa, I sit back to work because I've got deadlines. I take a nap and wake up in the wee hours to work till dawn. I sleep in the morning and when I wake up, I devote time to studying the word and deep consecration, communicating with my Father in heaven.

Well, today took a different toll. I woke up and felt the need to dedicate time to the word and prayers. Oh yes! It's time to wait on The Lord, not just for blessings but also for more Grace and wisdom to walk with him, according to his will.

So instead of my usual work routine, this morning, I am praying, listening to sermons and watching my church summer camp going on currently in Portland, I'll be attending the UK one, that's my permanent location. God has been gracious and spending this day with him even in the midst of tight deadlines and problematic program codes, is my utmost joy. Join me if you care to, otherwise, I'll be praying for you. Blessings to you and yours!

P.S.: if you want to look through my profile, here it is www.linkedin.com/in/gigirl

It was a beautiful day. Downside, I got drenched in the rain after dressing up. Lol.

Finally got to do it. I am fully dedicating my hair to its naturality. Let's do it!

My Regime
Preshampoo with Dabur Vatica
Then prew-washed with shampoo prior to detoxing
My hair at this time needed tlc.. just after taking out braids
I didn't have my usual apple cider vinegar and bicarbonate of soda so I used:
Lime and very little amount of salt they are both good for cleansing.
This was my first time ever
Then shampoo which had Ginger for dealing with dry and over worked scalp. It did soothe my scalp
After shampoo, I deep conditioned with some henna and placenta extract and olive oil too.
After the washing process came the twisting one.

Twisting process
I used water moisturiser on my damp hair.
Then involved glycerine to lock in the moisture after sprinkling some rose water to my scalp
Pre twist:I used carrot oil first
while damp, I began the twist with shea butter.
During twisting I ensured the two parts did not mix in the process because it messes up the entire twist out.
I left it on for five days to get the perfect curls

Taking out the Twists
I took each each  twist out with Olive oil on my fingers to give it a glossy look and help my scalp.
I detangled gently leaving each part
to stay out.
It turned out as planned but I wish I have a longer hair.

So I visit this company with a friend where she is to be interviewed for a job. The company direction looked dodgy initially and then we started out after a sumptuous meal at Shoprite.
We walked about 4 mins to get to the company. The external look wasn't pleasant and the environment very non-professional looking. We got in, walked up the stairs and we pressed the doorbell. The sound was not professional at all, it was some long ring that you'd hear at a student apartment (if they have any)... but seriously??? We got laughing from the door. The look of the office was okay to give some credit. The receptionist's computer wasn't a desktop but a worn-almost-dead laptop, she was practically doing nothing on it.
Then came a call and another receptionist takes the call and all she said was 'hello'.  No introduction of the company and greeting?
My best friend said during the interview the first question asked was "can we meet you?" seriously? That means introduce yourself. Then an interviewer tries to tell my friend about Australia he hasn't been but were my friend studied and worked for some years. Why do people think they know so much? Worse,  he had the wrong information... lol. I am so tired. My fingers are hurting from the long day.