BECOMING A VERSATILE WOMAN

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcdEdi1AAyoXdWXj9Vey3pJRioO2ntRz3V97tq_LSvyDNGi-jAUdwLovhbhjTTHhEP3iZ3ptVHhKHr8xSCK4r-7bKsnPY_m6iycrEUCceXPz03U3tdq5-DQZn396RKpKpAMVfXQ03i3z8/s1600/IMG_20161208_143403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWcdEdi1AAyoXdWXj9Vey3pJRioO2ntRz3V97tq_LSvyDNGi-jAUdwLovhbhjTTHhEP3iZ3ptVHhKHr8xSCK4r-7bKsnPY_m6iycrEUCceXPz03U3tdq5-DQZn396RKpKpAMVfXQ03i3z8/s640/IMG_20161208_143403.jpg" width="510" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> <h4>  <span style="background-color: #999999;"><b>About the speaker</b></span></h4> I'm Oluwo Adedunmola, from Ogun state Nigeria and a family of four, two brothers and my mum. I'm a Christian, a Medical Doctor and Entrepreneur aka <span style="color: red;">Doctorpreneur</span>. I live in Hungary where I finished medical school at the University of Debrecen. My hobbies are traveling, creating and learning. Maybe I should include sleeping (ahaha I enjoy sleeping!)<br /> <br /> My number one dream was to be a Cardiac Surgeon but Medical School changed my mind on that specialty. I see myself living a bigger and better dream. I dream to be a major change agent in the Health Sector of Nigeria. If I can change a whole sector, my dream will become a reality but the dream is still bigger, to be a great example that one can do everything, successfully.<br /> <br /> My businesses…<br /> I have four businesses: Hair by Dedun (six years), Dedun's Cakes (four years), Dedun Cooks (six years) and Belle Artistry by Dedun (six months). I started all except Dedun Cooks by chance. I didn't have any passion for them prior, I didn't know how to bake or do makeup before leaving Nigeria. I already knew how to cook and weave hair but never planned to make the most out of them. Thankfully, people saw my potential and were willing to give me a try but not before I made the choice to learn those skills and improve on the ones I already had. After I started getting referrals and return clients, I started to see the potential everyone saw and from there, passion for business developed. From passion came the decision to stick to the businesses and in return birth discipline and commitment, I didn't learn business from anywhere, I had no idea what business was about but I chose to take risks and learn for myself. I did everything on my own but 2 months ago, I hired two ladies to work with me on Hair by Dedun.<br /> <br /> Join me as I welcome doctor Dedun to the podium. You are welcome ma 🙌🙌🙌<br /> <h4> <br /><span style="color: blue;">Doctorprenuer speaks :</span></h4> <br /> <b>What does it mean to possess versatility? </b><br /> <br /> It means to have the  ability to adapt to any condition or function.<br /> <br /> I know you all described me as a versatile woman because of the things I joggle but versatility is way beyond doing different things at the same time.<br /> <br /> <b>How do you become versatile?</b><br /> <span style="color: blue;"><br /></span> <u><span style="color: blue;">By training and mind control.</span></u><br /> <br /> You have to train yourself and your mind to avoid restricting yourself to only one condition.<br /> <br /> We've all been conditioned to make money as a means to live.. but you need to live (be alive) to make money right? Do you get my drift?  This is one condition we cannot live by.<br /> <br /> If you can control your mind to be able to handle things as they are being thrown at you, you have become successful in your own right.<br /> <br />  So let me put this straight... it all begins with the mindset.<br /> I was thrown in a "go to school, get good grades and graduate" condition... in fact that's what most of us were told at the start of Uni right?<br /> <br /> But I pulled myself out of that condition and created a whole new one I can be versatile in. The ones we've been placed in are strict and that is why most people are restricted and can't be productive at the best potential.<br /> <br /> <i><u><span style="color: blue;">Everyone is brilliant but there's always that one person that is at the bottom of the class right? Why?</span></u></i><br /> <br /> If we switch the conditions and permit that person to operate at their own will, believe you me that the story will be turned around. We don't function the same way and that is exactly why one condition doesn't fit all<br /> So back to being versatile..<span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">you can learn how to control your mind by reading books, subscribing to mentorships, getting good and motivational people around you as friends that have similar goals as you and of course,  by taking notes of your highs and lows in life (this will let you know, explicitly well the condition you can function best in)</span><br /> <span style="color: blue;"><br /></span> For my first two years in Uni, I was just going with the flow. Making friends, going to school and those boring stuff you know.. but one particular month, I put on my soul and mellow songs and just reflected on life.<br /> <br /> I concluded that things were too boring. I was bored of the usual just go to school, make a client's hair (if there's one to make) and just regular stuff.<br /> <br /> So I brought out a random book and turned it to my journal. I still have it with me as I type. <span style="color: blue;">I split a page into two and used these arrows ⬆ & ⬇ to indicate my good and bad sides</span>.Turned out I had more good than bad sides 😂😂 who knew? 😉<br /> <br />  From that day henceforth, I started working on my bad sides while making sure the good sides are being maintained too. After taking this time to adjust myself (<span style="background-color: white; color: purple;">that's the first condition you have to work on,YOU!</span>), I now had to create the condition I could work best in.<br /> That condition was "I can't have a boring life and I have to always be productive"<br /> <br /> So I turned to Google and started watching videos (about hair and cake) to while away time. Instead of making new friends,  I started making <span style="color: purple;">new client relationships. </span>Became more free with the new students and just in general,mingled with anyone that could become potential client.<br /> <br /> At the same time, I started to examine my friendships and took a long people with <span style="color: blue;">like minds with me as I knew I will need them for support since family is so far away.</span><br /> Did anyone notice that the condition I created for myself gave me the versatility I wanted?<br /> <br />  But also remember that I was still nicely dealing with the strict condition to finishing school?<br />  This is why I said you can't restrict yourself to one condition.<br />  Because think of it this way, what if all my plans for the "not boring" condition turned out on the wrong side? It means I've failed right? And I will have to start thinking of how to settle right back into the "graduate" condition..<br /> So to summarise all I've written,<span style="color: purple;"> <span style="background-color: white;">in the process of growth, always take it one step at a time and create an environment  you can thrive best in. Nobody else will create it for you.</span></span><br /> <br /> If you want to stick to the graduate and get a day job plan, it works for some people so of course all you have to do again, is create a condition for yourself that will <span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">boost your productivity to the maximum.</span><br /> <span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">The condition in that case will be to maximise your Uni time. Make lasting connections and don't just let the time pass and suddenly it's time to enter labour market and your clueless.</span><br /> <div> <span style="background-color: white; color: white;">Be Be versatile with your mind</span></div> <span style="background-color: white;">Anticipate for the question and answer segment....</span><br /> <br />

BECOMING A VERSATILE WOMAN

  About the speaker I'm Oluwo Adedunmola, from Ogun state Nigeria and a family of four, two brothers and my mum. I'm a Christi...

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UNFAILING LOVE -GRAND FINALE

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6QQ7CrFGCXSXCtmRQeAUSiUdME9aDktYik4NGF1_ShyphenhyphenUjzkCT_uwIG2idf4Pn6_sfq0dS5ovMft7GQlOG6PgUGloH_TgVcJAgVVlgcPz8Scd7qNv9FMyUhyKl2yJJnOfjEqjk61uldWo/s1600/IMG-20161116-WA0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6QQ7CrFGCXSXCtmRQeAUSiUdME9aDktYik4NGF1_ShyphenhyphenUjzkCT_uwIG2idf4Pn6_sfq0dS5ovMft7GQlOG6PgUGloH_TgVcJAgVVlgcPz8Scd7qNv9FMyUhyKl2yJJnOfjEqjk61uldWo/s640/IMG-20161116-WA0016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> "MPT, please wait for me. Let me just finish up with Iremide. He is not cooperating. I have been trying to get to feed him but he wouldn't bulge." I stop on my way out, looking into the sitting room to find Iremide playing with the golden morn Ire is trying to give him.<br /> <br /> "Let me help with that. You just go and complete whatever is needed to be done before we go out, while I take care of this small man here. Three year old Iremide giggles and as soon as I settle down beside Him, he starts eating. My wife stands up and I stare at her bulging stomach. In four months, we are expecting an addition to our small family. Ire looks tired and I give her a thumbs up before she turns and goes to get every other essential that will be needed for the thanksgiving service in church.<br /> <br /> I can proudly say that OluwaF'irefunmi is my missing rib - the one that completes me. And looking back now, I am thankful for what happened cos that brought us close to each other. I thank God silently for the son He has given to us and the one that's coming too. Iremide is really handsome. He's a blend of F'ifefunmi and I. I adore him so much.<br /> <br /> F'irefunmi appears at that time carrying two bags. Iremide is sleeping already and like the dream I had, she's looking beautiful. She tries to carry iremide but I just kiss her and walk away fast before she has time to react.<br /> <br /> F'irefunmi is God sent, my angel, and like I said before my missing rib, the one that completes me. We still have issues and little disagreements like other families do but the difference is that God is at the centre of ours and so we can just cry out to him anytime knowing He's there and He will answer us. I say a quick thanksgiving prayer before going to church to thank God for our fourth year anniversary and also for general thanksgiving.<br /> <br /> "And we know that in All things God works  for the good of those who love Him  who have been called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28 (NIV)<br /> <br /> THE END..<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> Written by: OlaKristi (gracie_drumz)<br /> Copyright©2016.<br /> Dedicated to: Ladies of Grace Network.<br /> <br /> Please note that this story should not be edited, copied, restructured in any form. This is my story and i wouldn't appreciate anyone adding and subtracting from it.<br /> <br /> Feel free to share with friends around the world. Keep soaring high. Don't forget to share and bless someones life today. God bless you.<br /> <div> <br /></div>

UNFAILING LOVE -GRAND FINALE

"MPT, please wait for me. Let me just finish up with Iremide. He is not cooperating. I have been trying to get to feed him but he w...

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UNFAILING LOVE 9

<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6QQ7CrFGCXSXCtmRQeAUSiUdME9aDktYik4NGF1_ShyphenhyphenUjzkCT_uwIG2idf4Pn6_sfq0dS5ovMft7GQlOG6PgUGloH_TgVcJAgVVlgcPz8Scd7qNv9FMyUhyKl2yJJnOfjEqjk61uldWo/s1600/IMG-20161116-WA0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6QQ7CrFGCXSXCtmRQeAUSiUdME9aDktYik4NGF1_ShyphenhyphenUjzkCT_uwIG2idf4Pn6_sfq0dS5ovMft7GQlOG6PgUGloH_TgVcJAgVVlgcPz8Scd7qNv9FMyUhyKl2yJJnOfjEqjk61uldWo/s640/IMG-20161116-WA0016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> "Many are the plans in a man's heart but it is God's purpose that prevails" (Proverbs 19:21)<br /> <br /> I didn't go to church today, which is a Sunday. I feel so guilty for slapping Yimika but maybe if you were in my shoes, you would be able to relate. I decide to do my service in the confines of my room. I begin to worship God and then I begin to speak in tongues.<br /> <br /> "OluwaF'irefunmi, can God be mocked?"<br /> I hear the calm voice of my friend speak to me.<br /> "No Lord," I reply.<br /> "You try to mock me by ignoring me. By not listening to me but listening to your flesh"<br /> "Oh God of the universe, I am so sorry, who am I to mock you?  You have shown me nothing but love. Your love is everlasting. God please forgive me. What would you have me do?"<br /> "Be still and know that i am God".<br /> <br /> I don't say anything. I just listen.<br /> <br /> God goes on to explain everything to me. "I knew you before you were formed in your mother's womb," He tells me. And I begin to sob. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth so are my plans higher than your plans and my ways than your ways".<br /> <br /> "Oh God....." I clutch my heart as I weep before God<br /> "I know the plans i have for you, the plans of good and not of evil to give you a hope and a bright future."<br /> "Dear God, I am so sorry. What would you have me do? What do you want me to do?<br /> <br /> "Seek the Lord while He might be found. Call upon Him when He is near"<br /> <br /> And so I begin to seek God. Asking Him what He wants from me. Telling Him to change me from within. To give me a pure heart and hope for a better tomorrow. To give me a good husband and a happy home. When I say this, God speaks again;<br /> <br /> "I have already done it. Your Precious Treasure is Oluwaf'olayimika Johnson. He is the one i have chosen for you"<br /> <br /> I break down and cry profusely. So, Yimika wasn't joking. What was his smile now about? Fear and doubt begin to creep in.<br /> <br /> "God, I don't deserve this at all. I am not fit. Yimika needs a woman who loves God. Someone who will lead others to Christ and give him children after His own heart. A virgin, God...Yimika wants a virgin!" I cry out again and I feel my tears stick to my body making me shiver a little.<br /> <br /> "The BLOOD OF JESUS has cleansed you and you are clean and as white as snow. Whosoever the Son of Man has set free is free indeed. He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly more than you can ever think of or imagine"<br /> <br /> "Oh my God!" I say as I cry out again. This is too much for me. GodGod'ss love for me is immeasurable and unfailing. He is not a God that can lie. He was, He is and He is to come. He loved me first before I ever thought of loving Him at all. While I was a sinner, He sent His son to die for me. I weep for a long time before God speaks again.<br /> <br /> "Go to Him, beloved. For whatever God has joined together let no man put asunder"<br /> <br /> **************************************************************************************************<br /> <br /> FOLA<br /> <br /> I am already preparing to go home when my secretary notifies me that someone else wants to see me. Who is it again? I moan as I sink back into my chair exhausted. The door opens and I look up to see Ire; her eyes bloodshot like she has been crying. I stand up alerted, all tiredness flying out of the window.<br /> <br /> "F'irefunmi, what's the matter?"<br /> "I am so sorry...I am so sorry," she says sobbing before coming to hug me.<br /> "What exactly is the matter?" I ask again.<br /> She calms down before speaking...<br /> "The other day at the beach, you were not playing right?" she asks and I feel my heart beat faster than normal. I manage to shake my head.<br /> "Oh my God....," she says before she bursts into tears.<br /> "For how long have you known?" she asks staring at me.<br /> "Well, the major reason why I went on that trip was because of this," I explain to her and go on to explain the dream to her.<br /> <br /> "I just knew today. Yimika, temi nikan (my one and only), I am so sorry. Forgive me please. I just didn't understand. Seeing that smile on your face, I thought you were mocking me," she explains.<br /> "I am so sorry also. I shouldn't have been smiling. But I smile when I am nervous. It's a habit."<br /> <br /> She nods before a light comes into her eyes. "Did you say you don't know the meaning of MPT?"<br /> "Yes?" I reply not sure of why she's asking.<br /> "Well, I do. It means My Precious Treasure," she says, eyes glittering.<br /> "Oh! my God. How did you know?" I ask in awe. I love the name already.<br /> "God told me," she said smiling; the one that covers her whole face.<br /> <br /> "Okay, I guess I did it the wrong way the first time. Let me try again," I say, pulling a box out of my side pocket before kneeling on one knee. F'ire laughs softly, tears glistering in her eyes.<br /> <br /> "Oluwaf'irefunmi, God brought us together for a purpose. And part of His purpose, He has begun to unveil. He made the best decision when He decided to bring us together. He knew you are the right one and He allowed all that happened to happen so we can bring glory and praise to His name. OluwaF'irefunmi, will you let God use you continue to fufill His purpose and will you give me the honour of becoming a husband and a father by becoming my wife? Will you mind at all if you became My Precious Treasure?"<br /> <br /> "Oh! my God...Yes, OluwaF'olayimika! Yes, I will!! I will marry you and be your wife and the mother to your children. I will allow God to continue to use me to fufill His purpose..."<br /> <br /> A tear falls from my eyes as I put the ring on her finger. She uses her other hand to wipe them away. I hug her and hold her close breathing in her hair. She is really My Precious Treasure and no matter what, I will love her like Christ loves the church.<br /> .<br /> <br /> <br />

UNFAILING LOVE 9

"Many are the plans in a man's heart but it is God's purpose that prevails" (Proverbs 19:21) I didn't go to chur...

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UNFAILING LOVE 8

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6QQ7CrFGCXSXCtmRQeAUSiUdME9aDktYik4NGF1_ShyphenhyphenUjzkCT_uwIG2idf4Pn6_sfq0dS5ovMft7GQlOG6PgUGloH_TgVcJAgVVlgcPz8Scd7qNv9FMyUhyKl2yJJnOfjEqjk61uldWo/s1600/IMG-20161116-WA0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6QQ7CrFGCXSXCtmRQeAUSiUdME9aDktYik4NGF1_ShyphenhyphenUjzkCT_uwIG2idf4Pn6_sfq0dS5ovMft7GQlOG6PgUGloH_TgVcJAgVVlgcPz8Scd7qNv9FMyUhyKl2yJJnOfjEqjk61uldWo/s640/IMG-20161116-WA0016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> "Place me like a seal over your heart like a seal on your arm: for love is as strong as death... It burbs like blazing fire, like a mighty flame." (Song of songs 8:6)<br /> <br /> It's been five days since Yimika left for Abuja. It was his secretary that informed me. I wonder what he went to do there that was so urgent he couldn't wait to tell me.<br /> <br /> I hum as I prepare food. I just feel led to cook and to check his house today. I don't know why. Maybe I will find someone who is hungr. I reason as I put the piping hot jollof rice into a warmer. I check the chicken and ensure it has fried enough before putting it in another bowl. I also fry plantains before I switch the gas off and decide to freshen up before stepping out. I wear a t-shirt on a black skirt.<br /> <br /> I get to his house wondering what next to do. I hoot the car horn and the gate opens. I knock at his door and when I didn't get any answer, I enter. I have never been to his house before but I followed the descriptions on the bulletin. His house and cell numbers are at the back of the bulletin. I look around appreciating how neat and orderly things are.<br /> <br /> I follow the sounds of plates hitting each other and it leads to the kitchen. Yimika stands at the sink looking frustrated. He looks good in the top and trousers he's wearing though his hair is another story.<br /> <br /> He runs his hands through his hair and bows his head probably praying. He looks up again and I clear my throat before entering. He jumps at the sudden movement and he puts his hands on his chest obviously scared.<br /> <br /> "You scared me," he says narrowing his eyes to me.<br /> "Hello" I say, smiling as I enter further into the kitchen. "How was your trip?" I  place the black nylon I brought onto the worktop. He stares at me for a while before replying.<br /> <br /> "My trip was good...thank God," he says. His eyes shifts to the nylon and back to me.<br /> "What's that?" He asks looking at it suspiciously.<br /> I smile before saying "Food"<br /> "Oh my God!" He screams before coming to give me a surprise hug. I hug him back though I feel a little bit awkward..<br /> <br /> "I'm sorry. It's just that I am so excited. I was actually looking for what to eat and I was getting angry at myself for not preparing anything to keep before I travelled. You are a life saver," he tells me as he carries the food to the table and opens it, dishing out two plates for the two of us. We start eating as we talk about all that has happened since he travelled...<br /> <br /> **************************************************************************************************<br /> <br /> A MONTH LATER.<br /> <br /> "Where are you taking me to?" I ask as Yimika pulls me forward. We decided to spend one Saturday at the Bar beach and presently, he's taking me to an unknown destination. Soon, he comes to a stop and then looks at me waiting for something.<br /> <br /> Later, he just gets down on one of his knees and I can swear that I am imagining things though as a Christian it's not good to swear. In movies, the next thing the guy usually says is "will you marry me?" Oh my God, if this is what is happening right now I'm gonna faint. He brings out a box and I can assure you that all this is true till he opens the box and I see the smile on his face.<br /> <br /> "Will you marry me?" He asks. I see the ring in the box. It's indeed beautiful. But that smile seemed to be mocking me. Tears stung in my eyes and I see his smile grow. He was enjoying the way he humiliated me. Before I know it, I land a slap on his face. He looks surprised and I am also surprised at myself too at the level of anger I still possess.<br /> <br /> "All I asked from you is that you be my friend. I don't need anybody to mock me or make jest of me and if you think because you know everything about me, you can humiliate me, then sorry for you. You have missed it greatly. I hate you and I hate me for thinking that maybe this was true anyway. Who would even want to marry a girl who isn't complete? Who would want to marry a girl like me. Paul was right after all." I say before storming off. Yimika tries to call me, standing and running after me. He catches up with me and he tries to touch me. I glare at him.<br /> <br /> "Don't try to touch me," I say. I can see hurt flicker on his face but he doesn't say anything. I pick my bag from where it lay and I walk away.<br /> <br /> "God, why would You have allowed him to do that to me?  I am still vulnerable; still trying to learn more about You. Why did he have to come up with this?  Why?"  I ask as I walk to my car.<br /> <br /> "Touch not my anointed and do my prophet no harm"<br /> <br /> "Is that all You will say?  Great, my life totally sucks." I think bitterly before driving away.<br /> <br />

UNFAILING LOVE 8

"Place me like a seal over your heart like a seal on your arm: for love is as strong as death... It burbs like blazing fire, like a...

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UNFAILING LOVE 7

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6QQ7CrFGCXSXCtmRQeAUSiUdME9aDktYik4NGF1_ShyphenhyphenUjzkCT_uwIG2idf4Pn6_sfq0dS5ovMft7GQlOG6PgUGloH_TgVcJAgVVlgcPz8Scd7qNv9FMyUhyKl2yJJnOfjEqjk61uldWo/s1600/IMG-20161116-WA0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6QQ7CrFGCXSXCtmRQeAUSiUdME9aDktYik4NGF1_ShyphenhyphenUjzkCT_uwIG2idf4Pn6_sfq0dS5ovMft7GQlOG6PgUGloH_TgVcJAgVVlgcPz8Scd7qNv9FMyUhyKl2yJJnOfjEqjk61uldWo/s640/IMG-20161116-WA0016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, he hears us" (1 John 5:14)<br /> <br /> "The voice spoke to him a second time, 'Do not call anything impure that God has made clean" (Acts 10:15)<br /> <br /> "Hey, where are you going? What are you doing? Do not go to that area. Hey! You will fall if you get to the end of that road. Sister, please stop going!!".<br /> <br /> My attempt to save the sister is almost in vain as I see that she has reached the end of the cliff and she is about falling but I feel a mighty hand push me and I grab her as she's about to fall into the canyon.<br /> <br /> "Don't you know that you almost killed yourself?" "Do you want to die now?" I ask turning the lady to look at me. Alas, F'irefunmi's eyes stare at me. She looks worn out and so tired, tears sticking down her face.<br /> <br /> "Let me go, I want to die, i cant take it anymore," she says weakly as she tries to fight off.<br /> "No, you wouldn't die now. You shall live to declare the glory and praise of God in the land of the living." I reply. "Isn't it too late? My clothes are stained with blood and I am dirty. I am not worthy enough to stand before you," she says amidst tears.<br /> <br /> "MPT, please don't cry. Nothing is impossible for God. He would turn your ashes into beauty. He will make you into something beautiful. He isn't done with you yet. His plans are to give you a bright future." I reply, trying my best to calm her down. She does so at last, clinging to my cloth.<br /> <br /> "Do you think God would really turn me into something beautiful? She asks holding to my cloth. "Yes i strongly believe." I reply. "Okay then. Amos 3:3" is the last thing I hear before I fall into complete darkness.<br /> <br /> Darkness.<br /> .<br /> .<br /> .<br /> .<br /> "MPT, please wait for me. Let me just finish up with Iremide (my goodness has come). He is not cooperating. I have been trying to get to feed Him but he wouldn't bulge." I look to see F'irefunmi complaining.<br /> <br /> "Okay, bring the spoon let me feed him, you go and finish dressing up," I reply and as she gets up, I notice we are putting on similar attires.<br /> <br /> She arrives a while later looking beautiful in her flowing gown. "Are we set to go now?" She asks smiling at me. "Yeap, I reply lifting the already sleeping boy to my shoulders." She tries to collect him but I don't agree. She later gives up and we walk out together gisting.<br /> .<br /> .<br /> .<br /> .<br /> I open my first eye. Then my second eye. I sit up as I try to remember the dream. And then it comes back to me. Every detail. MPT?  Iremide?  F'irefunmi?  I ask myself and begin to calculate what the dream might mean. Surely, God was speaking to me. An idea pops in my head and I jump up looking for my bible. I begin to speak in tongues and pray, binding and casting out every lustful spirit and every desire coming from the devil. Of a truth, sister F'irefunmi was beautiful but I wouldn't let the devil play tricks on me. The verse from the dream comes to me and I open it.<br /> <br /> "Can two walk together except they agree?"<br /> <br /> I read the scriptures again trying to find the meaning. Then i begin to pray again. Asking God to please tell me what exactly is going on. After one hour, I sleep off again.<br /> <br /> By morning, I wake up; the feeling that I really need to seek God still on my mind. I call my secretary in church to inform him that I will not be around for the rest of the week. I need a personal retreat, I tell myself as I pack my bags and board the next available flight to Abuja.<br /> <br /> I check into the hotel I am used to and request for the key to my special room - the one I go for whenever I am in Abuja. I sleep a little before going on my knees in God's presence. The earlier I settle this, the better it is for me.<br /> <br /> Since that particular dream, I've found myself thinking of her constantly. The things I like about her, how her eyes sparkle when she smiles and all her hobbies...my mind keeps doing stuffs on its own and I scream out of frustrated.<br /> <br /> "Dear God, I cant do this. I feel it's my mind playing tricks on me. You cant possibly say that she's the one right?" I ask.<br /> <br /> "My grace is sufficient for you"<br /> <br /> "Throughout my life, I have always desired to honour and serve you. And I have always wanted a virgin, dear God.   I always wanted a complete lady. Not one who has given a piece of herself to another man. Someone who...Oh my God...someone who loves you with all her heart."<br /> <br /> "You know F'irefunmi loves me with all her heart. And don't you dare call what I have called clean unclean. The Holy Spirit will still be present to teach you all things. I have cleaned and cleansed her heart. She is one of those few people who is ready to be moulded into what I want her to be. Someone who is driven with pure passion and is determined to teach other girls out there that sex before marriage doesn't pay anyone. It only brings heart break and disappointments. I see a prayer warrior in her and I am ready to pour out My Spirit upon her. She will not only intercede for you but for people around the world; even those she doesn't even know by name. She will be used to bring healing to people's hearts through prayers. A vessel I am ready to use. Many are called but a few are chosen".<br /> <br /> I feel weak to my knees and I have to sit down. I am speechless and all I can do is weep.<br /> "Dear God, I can't do this on my own"<br /> <br /> "It's not by power nor by might, but by the Spirit of the living God."<br /> <br /> "I can't do this Lord. You are asking too much from me. What if she doesn't want me? What if she says 'no'?"<br /> <br /> "Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your understanding."<br /> <br /> "How will I say all I need to say Lord?"<br /> <br /> "The counsellor, the Holy Spirit whom I will send in My name will teach you ALL things".<br /> <br /> "Dear Lord, Your will not mine be done. Forgive me dear God for sometimes I doubt you. It's just that there are times when I feel You are asking too much from me".<br /> <br /> "My grace is sufficient for you."<br /> <br /> <br /> <br />

UNFAILING LOVE 7

"This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, he hears us" (1 John 5:14) ...

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UNFAILING LOVE 6

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6QQ7CrFGCXSXCtmRQeAUSiUdME9aDktYik4NGF1_ShyphenhyphenUjzkCT_uwIG2idf4Pn6_sfq0dS5ovMft7GQlOG6PgUGloH_TgVcJAgVVlgcPz8Scd7qNv9FMyUhyKl2yJJnOfjEqjk61uldWo/s1600/IMG-20161116-WA0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6QQ7CrFGCXSXCtmRQeAUSiUdME9aDktYik4NGF1_ShyphenhyphenUjzkCT_uwIG2idf4Pn6_sfq0dS5ovMft7GQlOG6PgUGloH_TgVcJAgVVlgcPz8Scd7qNv9FMyUhyKl2yJJnOfjEqjk61uldWo/s640/IMG-20161116-WA0016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> "My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God. On behalf of a man he pleads with God as one pleads for a friend" (Job 16:20-21)<br /> <br /> "Some trust in chariots, some trust in horses; but we trust in the name of the Lord" (Psalm 20:7)<br /> <br /> "What a mighty God we serve, the creator of heaven and earth"<br /> <br /> My voice booms as I sing with all my heart. I lead the choir to sing and I can see people experience the presence of God. I smile when I see Pastor Fola speaking in tongues. He's seated there in his usual place and he seems lost in the spirit.<br /> <br /> Pastor Fola comes up later to talk about "Trusting God in good and bad situations". I look round the church hoping to see Paul but he doesn't show up. People are already gossiping about our break up and it's so sad that bad news travel fast. After the sermon, we raise our voices to pray for the situation in our country and for the grace to trust Him even when situations seem so bad remembering He's a mighty God.<br /> <br /> After the service, Pastor Fola waits to greet everybody as it's his usual practice. When he gets to me, he asks me to wait behind. I am exhausted when he finally gets done with the last person. I feel like running home and crashing (sleeping without any care of the world).<br /> <br /> "I am so sorry that this took a long time. I'd have spoken to you some other day," my pastor looks at me sympathetically.<br /> "No problem, sir. God is my strength," I reply, smiling. He smiles back. "So, I was thinking, should we go get something to eat while we discuss?"<br /> <br /> I want to protest but my stomach takes that moment to growl. I am on my period right now and I have crazy cravings when I am on it. "That answers it," Pastor says, laughing a little helping me overcome the embarrassment.<br /> <br /> We sit comfortably in Sweet Sensations. Pastor decided to foot the bill even after I had protested for a very long time. We sip our drinks as we wait for the waitress to bring our food. I know Pastor loves coke now cos he just asked the waitress to bring "his usual". I can't blame him though, a single pastor would not really have a choice than to come out and eat.<br /> <br /> "I guess you come here a lot right?" I ask before taking a sip from my juice. Don't blame me. A woman really has to watch her weight. Sometimes, I don't do a good job in that area but then I don't want it to look like I can't even control myself.<br /> <br /> Pastor laughs before answering. I have also noticed he likes laughing and it fits him cos he has cute dimples. My God, what am I even thinking? I shake my head and concentrate on what Pastor is saying.<br /> <br /> "Well, I come here sometimes and they know I ask for the same thing almost everytime I come. Some of the staff know me already and Linda the waitress, who just came to get our orders happens to be among those who know me.<br /> "What of other times? Do you buy food somewhere else?" I ask before I can stop myself. I am an inquisitive person hence all my questions and being a lawyer doesn't help too.<br /> "Well, some guys actually know how to cook," he says smiling.<br /> "Maybe, one day I'll get to taste your food," I say without thinking, before I could catch myself again. What exactly is happening to me today?<br /> "Maybe," Pastor says grinning.<br /> <br /> "How are things between you and Paul now?" Pastor asks, looking at me closely. I look down before replying. I feel guilty that I haven't told him the recent events. I have been caught up in different things.<br /> <br /> "We have broken up for real. He's getting married to another person."<br /> "How are you taking it?" Pastor asks, with sympathy in his eyes.<br /> "In all honesty, the day I broke up with him, I felt peace in my soul. I can't why," I reply.<br /> "Well, I can see God at work in this situation. You've just got to trust God to lead you cos sometimes we plan stuffs but then He reminds us that His thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways"<br /> <br /> I nod as Pastor says this cos all he's saying is true.<br /> <br /> "So, what is your full name?" Pastor asks and I am taken aback at how he smoothly changed the topic. He has this air around him that screams authority, submission and respect.<br /> <br /> "Oluwaf'irefunmi," I reply. "Yours?" I return the question.<br /> "Oluwaf'olayimika" (God has used wealth or honour to surround me).<br /> "Wow, that's a really cool name. I would have preferred to call you Yimika," I say smiling a little.<br /> "Your wish is my command," he replies pretending to bow. "So, how old are you?" he continues with the 'questioning'.<br /> I blush as I look down. I don't feel comfortable telling people my age but he's my pastor and now a friend, so why not.<br /> "Just turned 26 recently. What about you?"<br /> "31," he answers.<br /> <br /> We keep asking each other questions. From general questions to personal questions.<br /> <br /> "Lets play a game. I will ask you what I wouldn't have normally asked you and you do the same....Okay?" Yimika asks and I nod.<br /> <br /> "Which kind of husband would you want to marry and how would you like your husband to propose to you?" I am surprised but since I promised to answer, I respond anyway.<br /> "Well, at this point, I have decided that whosoever God brings my way as my husband is okay for me. I have stopped living the life of dictation of how I want my life to be. God understands me and the plans He has for me are good and not evil so I will just abide in Him and trust Him.<br /> For the proposal, I would want Him to keep it simple and maybe romantic cos I am not a fan of big  and elaborate proposals," I reply smiling.<br /> <br /> "That was deep. Your turn to ask me a question"<br /> "What kind of woman would you like to marry?" I ask<br /> "Well, a godly woman, someone who supports my ministry and understands what it entails, filled with the Holy Spirit and what ever quality God wants her to have. And I have always wanted to marry a virgin....." Yimika says his mind drifting far away.<br /> <br /> Something struck me. "I have always wanted to marry a virgin". It kept resounding in my ears along with "You lost your respect when you lost your virginity." I suddenly feel like puking and tears sting my eyes. I push down the vomit and I look down trying not to let the tears flow.<br /> <br /> "Is anything wrong?" Yimika asks, puzzled at my sudden change in mood.<br /> "No, I am good." I reply, sending him a shaky smile.<br /> "What are your hobbies?" I ask after a moment.<br /> "Swimming, cooking, cleaning, preaching, teaching, praying, reading the bible, watching football, driving, drawing, and the list goes on," he replies laughing again. "Your turn...what do you do for fun?"<br /> "Cooking, drawing, writing, arguing, talking with God, taking a walk down the street, meditating and so on," I reply.<br /> <br /> Later that day, I can't help the smile on my face. Maybe I have a new friend. Just maybe.<br /> <div> <br /></div>

UNFAILING LOVE 6

"My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God. On behalf of a man he pleads with God as one pleads for a friend&quo...

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UNFAILING LOVE 5

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6QQ7CrFGCXSXCtmRQeAUSiUdME9aDktYik4NGF1_ShyphenhyphenUjzkCT_uwIG2idf4Pn6_sfq0dS5ovMft7GQlOG6PgUGloH_TgVcJAgVVlgcPz8Scd7qNv9FMyUhyKl2yJJnOfjEqjk61uldWo/s1600/IMG-20161116-WA0016.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6QQ7CrFGCXSXCtmRQeAUSiUdME9aDktYik4NGF1_ShyphenhyphenUjzkCT_uwIG2idf4Pn6_sfq0dS5ovMft7GQlOG6PgUGloH_TgVcJAgVVlgcPz8Scd7qNv9FMyUhyKl2yJJnOfjEqjk61uldWo/s640/IMG-20161116-WA0016.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> "Therefore, if anyone be in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!" (2 Corinthians 5:17)<br /> <br /> "Paul, its a surprise to see you here," I say, really surprised. It's been two weeks since I was discharged from the hospital. I open my door wider to let Paul in. He surveys my home, taking everything in. The bare walls are now covered with artistic works which I did myself. I love to draw and paint a lot and since I was put under "house arrest" for a week, I decided to make good use of it although I wasn't too happy that another lawyer had to take up the case I was handling. But I prayed for the lawyer and now the case is settled.<br /> <br /> "Please, sit down. Can I get you water to drink? Do you need anything?" I ask remembering that no matter what, one should never lose her manners and should always be hospitable. A polite smile rests on my face. God is really teaching and moulding me.<br /> <br /> Paul looks surprised but quickly masks it up with a smirk. "I came to talk to you," he says.<br /> "Ok," I say, motioning him to talk.<br /> "Well, I came to officially break up with you" He says looking slightly uncomfortable.<br /> "And why is that?" I ask, very surprised at how calm I actually feel and how calm my voice is.<br /> <br /> "Well," he begins, scratching the back of his head. He does that a lot when he is nervous. "I have another person I want to marry". Gbam! It came like a blow. An insult of the highest order. How dare he come into my house and tell me nonsense.<br /> <br /> "You were the one who prayed that God's will be done," the sweet calm voice of my new best friend rings in my head.<br /> "But God, how do I cope with this?  What do you want me to do?  Where do I start from?" I ask, trying to make Him see reason.<br /> "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding...Also, my grace is sufficient for you in your weakness".<br /> "Dear God, I just hope that is you cos I don't have the power"<br /> "It is not by power nor by might but by my Spirit"<br /> "Dear God, what am I supposed to do?  Am I supposed to just let Him go like that?" I ask, feeling frustrated.<br /> <br /> All this while, I had given up everything thinking he was God's will. How foolish I was to not listen to my friend before telling Paul yes.<br /> <br /> "Let him go" is the silent answer I hear and after that, I don't hear anything again.<br /> <br /> I turn to Paul who is waiting for me to explode, waiting for maybe a slap or something as he sits there staring at me like I am an alien.<br /> <br /> "Okay," I tell him, smiling. I feel like crying right now but I feel something come up within me, squeezing my heart like a gesture to encourage me that this is not the time to break down.<br /> <br /> "What?" Paul asks, obviously surprised. A surprise he cannot hide cos normally I am not a woman to take nonsense.<br /> "It's cool with me. You are free to marry the person you want to marry. I pray God blesses your union with children after Gods own heart," I say standing up. He stands up too, mouth wide open.<br /> <br /> "Beware of flies...they might enter your mouth if you don't shut it," I chuckle at my joke but he keeps staring at me.<br /> "Ire, what changed you?" he asks, not believing what he's seeing.<br /> "God," I reply before seeing him to the door.<br /> <br /> I wait for ten minutes before allowing the tears to flow. They flow down my face through my hands. I keep crying but the amazing thing is that I feel like a burden has been lifted. I can't believe it that now, I am free to keep my promise to God, stand by His word and listen to Him. I am free to keep myself sexually pure till my wedding night. I am not a virgin anymore, but God can still make me a secondary virgin. I am confident that the husband God will send my way won't love or appreciate me any less because I am a secondary virgin.<br /> <br /> And in that moment, I decide on something. No matter what it takes, and no matter how long, I will focus on God while waiting for the right man to come along. I would not compromise my standards neither will I stoop so low just to make a man love me. I am a new creature in Christ...behold old things have passed away and I have become new.<br /> <br />

UNFAILING LOVE 5

"Therefore, if anyone be in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!" (2 Corinthians 5:17) &quo...

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