Nice Start

So I decided to learn how to sew, this week..so far, I really haven't done any thing, but the week isn't over yet! hehe. I am also trying to get particular documents so I can apply for particular documents. Lots of phone calling, e-mails and what not, I'm kinda on the edge.lol. Anyways. the week started with a shine to it. I have started going to church, I really like the church my friend invited me to. I didn't take to it at first, but after a second try. It got me hooked, plus I also get to meet with some students in the afternoon and have a great bible study and food!! LOL. My uncle is even convinced I have ulterior motives involved in going, because its about fourty minutes by train to my house. Last Sunday was the last meeting for the year, so I made sure I was there. It emphasized the essence of Christianity.

After, there was a carol service at the main church. As usual, there was Handel's 'Unto us a child is born' ang  by the Choir, It does take me way back to my secondary school's music club at the carol night..More important though, was the message..which deserves a post on its own. It was preached by Rico Tice, he is an awesome, awesome preacher. He is instrumental in making me stay on at this church. When the service was over, while regretting why I left my ear-muff at home, we (I and some mates from the student fellowship) walked over to an Italian restaurant.

Food was great! Company was Great! I hadn't Laugh-Cried in ages!! I live for such nights. It was sad to leave, but mehn, I still had Fourty Minutes or more journey time to get home, and it was already 9pm. Said my bye-byes and went on. Just close to the station was a crowd and I wondered what was going on,

It was serious! took me way back to Estate days, Days spent playing chess in school. Some of all that happy go-lucky days *Sigh* With a large smile on my face, I went on my way home, Awesome Day! :)

From Estonia With Love...

I do not like to take part in activities, which leave no room for learning or ........free food. Most things I do, I try to learn something from, even when I am sat there in my housecoat on the couch just listening to Carl Orff wafting from my Logitech surround system.

Yesterday, I had just opened my eyes to the bright lights of  the new day at about 12:30am when my friend handed me her phone to read the text inviting us to a Concert at an Apostolic church all the way in Spital Tongues, quite a distance from where we stayed. I told her, no problem! There's always free food at these churches after the service, It's worth it, Lets go there!

Fast Forward to about 5pm, we both scrambled for the bathroom, because we had to make the 6:56pm bus, If not, we would be real late for the service, and here there is no African Time. Thanks to the flats my friend wore, she ran down to the bus to stall the driver, while I managed rapid hops in my favourite brown ankle boots to the bus. Then I saw the bus move, oh no! Luckily it was the nice man driving, not the hard-nosed lady who frankly wouldn't give a 'damn' Even if I had blood gushing from my head, 6:56 was 6:56! 

While in the bus we encountered an 'Oyinbo' speaking proper Niger-Delta pidgin, I told my friend that the colour of the baby in buggy just in front of the woman would be the key to our questions but my friend proceeded to confront the woman, who told the person she was on the phone with 'I no know why this girl come shine her eyes o, she dey see oyinbo speak pidgin, Lawl lawl lawl' and yeap! the baby was 'brown' We were highly amused, got off the bus at our stop and walked down to the church amidst a throng of people walking animatedly towards St James Park for the big game! hopefully the Army would win, draw or not lose too badly I thought Afterall, one of the key player's father was the pastor of the church we were going to!

The service had already started! and we were only a few seconds late. Well we managed to find a seat before the joint 'Amen', Soon after, the choir was introduced and proceeded to sing various songs, they opened with a John 3:16 number which they sang both in Estonian and English, I absolutely loved it! In between songs some members gave testimonies which introduced the next song. A 15yr old, the youngest of the choir talked about having to read her bible in secret, because her parents were staunch Atheist, but an accident she was involved in where she lost her best friend, proved a turning point in her parents life, she spoke about the calm, God gave her after her many questions and everything. Another guy spoke about how on his 15th birthday, They waited for his dad to come home for the party, but he never came..because he had been killed in an Accident, caused by a 17yr old without even a drivers license. Somehow, God gave him strength and peace. It was all so touching and a big blessing to me. Sometimes we get so caught up in the minute things, but its necessary to step back and remind ourselves that God has a plan.

After the song ministration, the founder of the choir, a man who could only speak Estonian and father to about three children in the choir gave a summary of how life had been in Estonia and the way it is now. People had lived in fear because of the control the Soviet had over the country then. The complete oppression that was over all the peoples. He talked about how one day when the Russians sent tanks to destroy people who were singing and praising God and some parts of the country. The leaders who were Atheist had to get on the radio to tell everyone in the country to start praying, somehow, the tanks turned and went back to Russia! And then  Independence from the Soviet Union was pushed when 2 million people linked hands ttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baltic_Way they sang songs and prayed for the release of their countries. So much more was said, but the pastor who preached the word summarized it all beautifully.

One could be 'free' from oppression of physical things, Those countries free from Soviet rule, The UK, free from the seeming occupation of the Germans, Nigerians free from colonial rule, free from all sorts of forces. All these are wonderful, but as the Estonian Man said, When the country was free from Soviet rule, people began to worship another god, riches and wealth which still signifies Slavery. True freedom could only come in Jesus Christ 'Who the Son sets free is free indeed!'

It was such a wonderful time! There was so much love in the room, I was so glad we went. Honestly the Jollof Rice (watered down because of the Oyinbos) had nothing to do with it...err, maybe slightly...there were drinks, puff-puff and fruits. It was a nice closure to everything. When I learnt through my Twitter page that the Army had been beaten Four to Nil, I felt apprehensive, didn't want to go home in the midst of a billion angry fans. Thankfully, the heavens saw it fit to cry quite heavily for the Army which made the pastor drop my friend and I at our home!

Sweet.

10/10/10

10 10 10 is the supernatural number of Supernatural Breakthrough, Contact me ASAP for your special Anointing, Remain Blessed.

Breaking John 3:16

John 3:16 – The Essence

It's hard to imagine a world like ours, without a beginning, without an end, and without a creator, It would just be senseless and void. But I believe there is a story behind us all being here.

'God so Loved the world'  

God created the world designed it as lovingly as possible. In Genesis, it is written 'It was good'. He never stopped loving the world, even when Adam and Co disrupted their stay in the garden. This opened the world up to sin, and all became corrupt. People have since had to struggle with sins. The Israelites had to sacrifice goats and cows continuously just to say 'sorry', how tedious!

This can also be likened to the Israelites in Egypt, when God wanted to deliver them out of the hands of the Pharaoh, The Passover (Exodus 11-12). God telling a story of Love. 

'That He sent His only begotten son'  

God loved the world, but the world had done wrong, and since ‘wrong’ has consequences someone has to bear them. The world is basically in jail but there is an option for bail (because of Love). Someone has to come and pay the bail because a prisoner cannot bail him/herself out. For justice to be done,  the prisoner has to serve the complete punishment or someone else has to take the burden. In His love and mercy, Jesus was sent to ‘pay the bail’ and release the world from jail. The bail was the blood shed on the cross, which replaced the goats and cows which were not enough. ‘Without the shedding of blood, there cannot be forgiveness of sins’

Continuing the parallel story, God sent the Angel of death to deliver justice to the Israelites in Egypt out of his Love.

'that WHOSOEVER believes IN him'

People tend to confuse Believing in and Believing. Believing, is just acknowledging the Existence of something, while Believing IN, means to Trust in or Rely on something. And this phrase tells us, That EVERYONE (regardless of sex, age, gender, terminology, 'race', tribe, anything you can think of) who TRUSTS IN/ RELIES ON Jesus... Similarly Everyone who believes that Someone came to post bail for them. They just didn't believe that the person came to the police station/prison. But that the person actually posted bail, which could only mean one thing!! FREEDOM!

Basically, If someone posted bail for you, and you believe it, I doubt you will remain in Jail. You will run out screaming, shouting and thanking God. But anyone who doesn’t believe, even though bail has been posted, they will remain in Jail, because its incomprehensible to them.

In Egypt, The direction was if you believe the angel of Death was coming, regardless of whom you were (Israelite or Egyptian) and put the blood on your door (following the specific instructions), It will pass your house over. Israelites who didn't believe, had their homes visited, and damage done. It's as simple as that, amazing stuff. We also have our part to play in the process. We need to BELIEVE IN (Hearing and Doing).

'Will not Perish'

If you believe in/trust in/rely on Jesus, the wages (payment) of sin (death) is removed from over your head. Justice has been done, you are scot-free. Your slate as been wiped clean, you are released from jail! Nothing is held against you, no need to pay or (work) for anything, because someone has paid for you! Bless God.

The Israelites and Egyptians, who believed in the words of God, Their Sons DID NOT perish, what a blessing!

'But have everlasting life'

I am quite certain the opposite of Death is Life!! And to have it everlasting..wow!. Not only were our debts paid, but we had our account credited to the maximum, which means we could never go back to jail, regardless of what we do in future. We were not only released from jail, but also adopted into the family of the one who posted bail, What grace!! We are basically 'Born Again'

Same in Egypt, all those who were spared, woke up the next day to hear wailing though out the land, and I'm sure they felt 'born again' from the darkness of the previous night because they’d been spared.

How marvellous the Essence of our Faith, as simple as it is, still incomprehensible by many who feel they have to 'work it' out

The Grace and Love of God, Psalm 100:5 can be translated in different ways, but its message stays the same God's mercy and love is 'Forever', His Loving-kindness is 'Everlasting' and to (not some) ALL! Generations. 

Peace! :)

The Essence

It was only until recently that it dawned on me, that someone could actually be a Christian without believing in Jesus. It is definitely a very misunderstood word. Where did it come from? The word "Christian" is found only three times in the Bible. All the instances of its occurrence are in the New Testament. The references at which one will find the words are: Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16. In Acts 11:26. The word 'Christian' comes from the Greek word "cristianos," as we would spell it in English. The ancient Greek word meant "a person belonging to, one who is the property of, or a slave of Christ." The disciples and all those who had chosen to 'follow' Jesus, were called this out of jest , In Acts 11, it says the Disciples were called Christian. They never went about calling themselves that but anyway it stuck. 

What people don't realise is, words are just words, terms are just terms. The true Essence is believing in/trusting in/relying on Jesus. John 3:16, is perhaps one of the most popular verses. 'For God so loved the world, that He sent His only begotten Son, that WHOSOEVER believes IN him, shall not perish but have everlasting life'. This completely captures THE ESSENCE. It didn't say, WHOSOEVER acts like him, shall not perish... for example...'Christian' 'Christ-Like'. So today, we see so many Christians (Valid), who sadly, do not really believe. They do good works..but don't know the essence.

Sunny day? NOT!

Woke up feeling really positive plus I was gonna be wearing my new dress out, yopee!!
 Got dressed and ready waiting for the 'ride' lol. Anyways after a bit of confusion and me standing outside in the cold for a while, i got to the church, nice ok. But before i left i saw my 'left hand side' neighbour for the first time i think, getting into his mercedes mm, i thought.only to get to church and find out at the end of the service that His fiancee was the lady i sat next to, she was chewing a bit of gum which did irritate me at some point.lol. anyways, wish them all the best. But life does funny things sha.

While in church, i guess it was the same ol, stuff that I'd be lying if i said I was surprised about and its still so weird to see people give coins as 'offering'. I was the only one there for the first time, so i had a lil welcome parry.lol. Then my friend called, said i annoyed him cos i called him facebook police, tehehehe.Still on my case about getting a 'man', Coincidentally! this is the week where the church is praying for 'Singles' once again i wonder if being single is a life-threatening affair???

Managed to do a lil bit, felt lazy mostly and just slagged off, there was a bit of snow, and i felt very heavy couldn't go to watch Ponyo :(, i must catch up with it this week, plus the dentist and optician! Also caught up on the bits of Take me out i missed yesterday, can't believe its gone..aww. Well, off to school later today, i have bits of idea in my head for my new project im just glad. 

GoodNiit. 

The Equality Bill.

I mentioned in one of my posts about how i walked into church one Sunday morning and the prayer point raised was against the Equality Bill. I read about the bill and the long and short of the matter was that if the bill was passed would have required church groups to hire homosexuals or others whose manner of life is inconsistent with their teaching. 

What i garnered from this was, if the 'Church' wasn't run as such an institution it would have no need to pray against such kind of things, this issue wouldn't come up at all. But given the way things are now, praying against the bill seemed like the thing to.And the great thing now for them is that, the prayers have been answered. 

The House of Lords as on Monday defeated changes to the bill. Peers voted 216 to 178 in favor of Lady O’Cathain’s amendment to retain an exemption for religious groups to equality employment laws. Now that seems like a great thing, but i cant help feeling that this further Alienates the church from the majority of people. I really wouldn't want to be a part of an organisation that is discriminatory.

Mid-Week Mix

Sunday RANT

ok, so i had some friction with my dad over this Church issue, i just put it to him that i wanted to attend one near my house with my friend who was over for the weekend..ehhhh no! i was disobeying him. Anyhoo we ended up going there.

Got a lot of stares because of my natural hair and cat eye glasses.lol!
One woman actually came to meet i and my friend as we waited for the service to start outside, she said she liked my face and wanted to take a pic, but she had no camera. she left and came back asking for my autograph..Im like, sorry lady (amidst plenty laff) i am not a star/celeb. shes like, well you are one in the making, she smiled and left. My friend was like, this woman is funny o.

Usher wahala.... The service hadnt started, a friend calls me and i pickup, next thing this huge lady is allover me, telling me to end the call or go out..huh?i continued talking, then she adds a terrible excuse "The Phone is affecting the Video camera" what the!?!

I enjoyed the message though, it was something "Christians" ought to hear everyday not "this town would not be complete until you drive a car!" and the audience choruses a thunderous AMEN!.
Christianity has nothing to do with the church you attend, its about how you live your life EVERYDAY, EVERY MOMENT. Has nothing to do with -Self, haven nailed that to the cross. I am not a perfect person but i do know that Understanding leads one on the right way. With all the Religious Confusions i have experienced in my life, i should be Atheist. But haven realised the very essence of Christianity, its why i remain "Christian" or whatever label it is now.

Hair

Yup yup, go nappy! when my friend came over for the weekend, she was still surprised i was natural, infact she said So this is how your hair looks "due" Due for what? i ask. She just smiles. I try to let my hair out as often as possible, but i have currently been wearing a wig to work :( . From next week! its gonna be me and my hair!

I saw this natural woman at the church, with really long twists, my friend started to argue that its dreads, must natural hair be lowcut or dreads! Anyway, im watchng my hair, moisturizing everyday..oooh the feel of water through the hair..so great! so wonderful, so..lol

One of my guy friends has made me his hair consultant lol..see wat nachi don cause.lol

Weight Gain

I got this bread recipe from http://naijacookbook.blogspot.com/ which says would make you gain weight..plus i really like eggs, it has been really delicious, it was what even led me to that zombie dream *shudders* a friend says its cos i like food too much :P

Friendships

If there is anything i know about this, is that it isnt by force.it surely cannot be one-sided. i admit that im really laid back when it comes to sustaining friendships..but i dont have a problem with sticking with people. Friendship is the very foundation for every other type of relationship..if you want it long lasting anyway. Depending on the person, it could be really tasking too. I like making my own friends, i dont do communities.
Dude meets me at work and is acting like i forced him to be "friends" with me. I dont waste time letting people know what obtains with me ( so i get called harsh, quite often)...so i tell him straight up, if he thinks i am "work" he should take a hike. i just dont know why they never get it.

Work

Life at the Ministry of Corruption hasnt been smooth, it was really terrible at first but things are getting better. The members are going on recession next week, i may just be taking my leave too.hehehe.
It is Children's Day, i should have been home! atleast my parents see me as a child, It was "bring your children to work" day at the complex..i tried playing aunty at a point and opened my Snes emulator for some kids to play Mariokart and they had no idea, i was flummoxed! my kids will know MARIO o!! What a world these children live in these days, saddening :( lol

Churchianity (The Afro and the Dragon)

I was going to tweet my usual sunday rant, but my internet was out on Sunday, so I missed that, decided to blog it.

Hmm, i made the decision not to go to any "church" anymore, there's a lot I want to say, but I would limit this post to last two Sundays I went to "church"

The upper one, I choose the wrong seat and I try to tweet, the ushers are all over me, one of them, a really mean dude tried to seize my phone and call security.LMAO!

Ha! But my bible is on d phone, their Argument: we are in the presence of God, Mine: God is everywhere!

They finally leave me alone cause I tell them the phone is offline. The sermon,(comedy+motivational speak) not too bad.

I wasn't surprised when the 'bishop' said being 'churchy' would make you 'abound' and 'flourish' The only thing he failed to mention was how churchy Bill gates, Oprah and many more are.

The Last one, So I decided to go to church with my Afro, I got funny stares, almost jaw dropping ones. It also didn't help that I was wearing jeans and reading Paolini's Inheritance series. The really funny part was when the page with the illustration of the Dragon's eye which had already come out and was tucked within the pages of the book floated out. The people sitting close by me were quite startled. lol. I picked the page, tucked it back and continued reading my book jejely.

I really don't want to go there and do this, but its hard to listen to preaching that sounds like. .All i heard that day was 'Car, Car, Car. and Anointing for wealth'. if that isn't a load of rubbish, I dont know what is.

The more I see more of these church doctrines and programs, the more ridiculous it appears and I can't believe I once believed such things. I grew up happy as a 'Christian' child, but when innocence gets stripped off, some things beg for answers, answers these "churches" cannot provide or the brand of Christianity they proffer.

When I tell people I don't attend any "Church", they say they would pray for me, or that I need deliverance, whether jokingly or seriously , that just sums up Churchianity.

2009

okey!!

New year!!

Old movies and Champagne

thats how we did it o, no church happened,

like Neogogo said, no rollcall in church oo!!LOL