Start SomeHow, SomeWhere, Some..Soon

Monday Motivator:

Yesterday, My heart was filled with joy as I saw three of my sisters in church offering their unique products for sale after the service was over. What they offered were products that fell in the lowest pyramid of  Maslow's hierarchy of Needs; which are the physiological needs. Let me spare you the plenty grammar. What were they offering? Food and Drinks; in different forms and varieties. Now don't think I am talking about cooked food. They were offering the regular products we are used to buying but with different twists. I leave the rest to your imagination.

The joy for me was that these three individuals a couple of months ago were not in business, yet, a few months down the line, they have all established thriving businesses with regular and returning customers and for all three, if you had not called to book ahead of time before Sunday, you won't get the products till the following week. Their products always sold out!

 For years, I used to say business is not my thing, but over time, I have come to realize that when you are able to identify a particular need and you find within yourself resources to meet those needs, then you are qualified to earn money. And what is Business? Earning money. Then, I believe it is okay to say everyone definitely has the capacity to do business! Inability to see what you can do, is a function of inability to see what you possess on the inside of you. 

Each time I hear the word recession, I see positivity and say No, it's a time of Ascension.
 I have been rusticated from the school of Negativity, in fact, I was sent away with fury. I have enrolled in the college of Positivity and with no iota of doubt, I will graduate with a distinction in success and fulfillment. What about you?

The Pen

Women: Raisers and Nurturers

Women are naturally raisers, nurturers, builders and God made it so. We arguably possess the power of persistence to nurture and raise things more than any one else.

I had an interesting chat with an elderly woman a few days ago and with an admirable pride and a small grin, she said; "Look, I have done business for over 30 years, I know what I am saying and I take pride in what I do". Beneath the Wrinkled face and hands, was the sweet spirit of a resilient soul who's still very determined to make the best out of life.

Women are Keepers and Raisers. You think otherwise? Why is it the woman God has made custodian of the fertilized ovum (or egg). Funny Fact, But No coincidence that women are able to grow and keep long hair: which takes a lot of effort. We are able to keep and nurture long nails. We can get pregnant and still go around doing business as usual. You see a woman going through stuffs and yet she's going about her business as though nothing is wrong. He knows we can patiently and persistently nurture any and everything including Time.

This isn't about gender equality or anything, but a call for every woman reading this to appreciate what she's made of.

Married or Single, young or old, baby or toddler, Every woman is raising something or somebody, the home or the society, nations and generations.

Now Look at your both hands, clasp them together and appreciate all you have built and will build.
‪#‎woman‬ ‪#‎nurturer‬ ‪#‎builder‬.

I blog daily at www.smartstewards.com. You can subscribe and read more of my posts there.

The Pen

What Has Age Got To Do With Destiny?

When I was much younger, I had a lot of friends that were older than me and I wanted to grow up so quickly so I could command more respect, avoid being bullied around and all of that. If it had been possible, I didn't mind adding year or two to my age; I just wanted to grow up faster!

Ask me today if I still feel the same way.... Oh no, I want to grow "younger" if possible; I really would love to write notes to my 20s and early /mid 30s ; maybe get a 5 year age discount but hey, I'm grateful for my age, for where I am , for who I am because God has destined me to be here NOW! What if I lived in the 1200s or 1700s? Would I have taken God to court?

You see, irrespective of your biological age, AGE is just a number. God doesn't go by our earthly numbers. He chose to use an 80 year old man to lead His children through a 40 year journey. He chose a 100 year old man and a 90 year old woman to birth the promised child who would become the patriarch of faith and yet, He chose an 8 year old boy-Josiah to rule as King over Israel, anointed a Seventeen year old David to rule also...

A few days ago, I read that Donald Trump is 70 years old and Hillary Clinton will be 69 in October. So even in the world, talking about what people can achieve, age is not an issue or a limiting factor. To command and demand respect is a good thing, but I smile when I hear people "demanding " respect and saying "don't you know how old I am?" .

What am I driving at? You are not too young or old to become what you dream/dreamt of becoming or what you desire to be. You can be every and any thing you purpose in your mind to be. You mean going to school at 60? Starting a business or a family at 50, relocating at 40? ......Yes!

Your biological age/ clock may tick, but someone said if that is your continuous focus and constant source of worry, remove the batteries from that clock and throw them away! 

Age is a case of mind over matter; if you don't mind, it doesn't matter- Mark Twain

Monday Motivator: Don't be slack, TRACK!

Some time ago, I had a unique experience and I knew there was a story worth sharing in it. I had always received mails and packages at my address seamlessly and so, as I awaited this particular package, I was excited because it was something very instrumental!  I kept tracking the parcel from the day I made the order and on the day it was meant to arrive, I was glad to read it was already “out for delivery". After a few hours of waiting to hear the bell ring to no avail, I went to check the computer to check the update and lo and behold it read “undeliverable to address." What that meant was that it would be returned to the sender! 

Wow, I was upset; No, that didn’t describe what I felt; I was disappointedly disconcerted! Luckily, the post office wasn't too far away! So I went with my ID and proof of address. Long and short, after two trips the same day, the parcel was located. 

The most surprising thing was that the address was perfect; it was appropriately addressed but how come it was returned as undeliverable? If I hadn't taken that step, it would have been returned to the sender and that would have meant a refund or the parcel being sent all over again. 

As I walked back home with my parcel, I reflected on what had happened and it occurred to me that had I not first of all tracked, I wouldn't have known the status and ultimately the point at which the package became undeliverable. 

Life requires Tracking, Our Desires require Tracking, our Prayers require Tracking, our Marriage, Business, Achievements and everything in Life require tracking. We need to constantly take stock of where we are, where we are meant to be and constantly take apt decisions. Circumvent Circumstances by God's Grace instead of Circumstances circumventing your Destiny.  A simple soul-searching and introspection could be the answer to a long standing question. 

Daniel prayed, God answered his prayers but there was an interception; just as my parcel was going to be intercepted. Had Daniel not prayed and inquired, his Blessings would have remained eternally intercepted. God doesn't derive pleasure in not answering our prayers. He does answer prayers!

Why then are our desires not coming to fruition? Is God a liar? NO!

A lot of times, I've heard people say Life isn't fair; yes life isn't fair but those who will not fear will fare well. You must be determined to make your one life count; and not be at the mercy of circumstances.

Live everyday deliberately and like a warrior who won't give up anytime soon; in fact never!

 The Pen.....

It's Smart to Self-Sharpen..

Fantastic Morning!

My Motivation today isn't the regular pat-on-the-shoulder, interesting type but hey, it's necessary to look inward from time to time, to make necessary changes that could sharpen our lives and make us better individuals generally .

Imagine driving in a heavy rain and your wiper isn't working: It' d be almost impossible to navigate your way, because your vision is affected by the rain and it's either you keep driving in the rain so slowly( which is very risky and could be frustrating), or stop to fix the faulty wiper OR better still halt your journey entirely until the rains stop.

As small as a car wiper is, it can bring you to a halt when it's faulty; delaying your journey in the process. It's wisdom to ensure it's in a good state before you are caught driving in the rains with bad wipers.

Sometimes in life, little things here and there are such that hinder us from making the big progress or taking giant strides. Dealing with pessimism could be an arduous task, yet it might be the key to moving to the next level in life for someone. A laid-back attitude to work, a disrespectful disposition to one's spouse, lack of trust in a relationship, laxity to the things of God, debilitating fear of the future, procrastination, laziness, impulsive spending , refusing to take responsibility and other habits that trip us over and again just generally hinder us from being our best life-version.

Everyone has got to do some introspection from time to time. Ecc 10:10 says "Using a dull axe requires great strength, so sharpen the blade. That's the value of wisdom, it helps you succeed"

Just like we sharpen our knife set for maximal cutting-strength, We all must be able to look at ourselves in the mirror and have a good heart-to-heart talk with "Ms Me" from time to time so as to become better business owners, employees, employers, wives, mothers and all. Doing the same thing time and again and expecting a different result is insanity according to a popular quote.

It's very easy to point out faults in other people, but it's usually difficult admitting to our own selves the need to make the teeny-weeny adjustments here and there within. Self-Examination, Self-Talk, Self-Motivate, Self-Sharpen sometimes is the key to optimal performance on Life's Stage Set.

We admire the Butterfly, but without it's metamorphosis cycle; the Larva (Caterpillar) hatching from an egg, losing of it's old skin, becoming a Pupa and then an adult, there's no beauty in sight....

Change is Necessary: Always!

The Pen....

He doesn't Need Your Wallet, He Needs Your Willingness!

Hi Friend,

Some Dreams, Ideas and Aspirations seem bigger than us such that when they cross our minds, we quickly try to dismiss them thinking they are figments of our imaginations.

God has been existing from ancient-dateless and He will be around for eternity. He's not small, He's not young, How can you expect His ways to be small? He achieves His works on earth through men; through you and I ; and if His works are great, His endowments in our lives are mega.

He said to Mary, I only need your body( to bare the Messiah), I need your consent and co-operation to carry Him for 9 months and to tutor Him for a few years.

Esther, I see destruction ahead of my people, I need you as a Queen in the palace, but that will entail you being carried away as a slave; It's a process but I am going to be with you all the way.....

Ruth, David my son is coming, I need to disrupt your life a bit, it's going to be a bit painful but I have a purpose in mind and it's gonna be sweet at the end.

Friend is there a vision in your heart, an ambition; purpose that keeps you thinking as your heart throbs with life but seems way bigger than you?

How do I raise the finances? How do I convince Investors, How do I explain this to people? How can I get through this? I don't think I speak well enough, I lack the confidence and drive, I am not persistent or tenacious to run with any vision...and a whole lot of other excuses.

That you can conceive it means you can achieve it. That it even crossed your mind is strong indication that God is in it. And if God is in it, you can be rest assured it's His project and He only needs your co-operation to make it happen.

God needs partners in the secular fields: in establishing and running conglomerates, in running the economy, in birthing schools, in ministry, in the music and entertainment industry, in communications,in technology, in speaking for the oppressed, in raising missionaries, in estabishing orphnages, tutoring the younger generation, caring for the aged, in any and every area of human existence.

You are a part of the solution-puzzle for your generation: Rise and Receive His Grace to fulfill your own part!

‪#‎TrustHim‬ ‪#‎Youcandoit‬

The Pen

A Plan and Purpose for Your Profiting

I like to use the Butterscotch flavourant when baking at home , but one day I tasted it and realized that I couldn’t consume it all by itself; It had such a sweet, sour, tangy taste combo but when mixed with other ingredients, the cake comes out super sweet. You wouldn’t gulp the baking powder mixed with water; neither would you start licking the butter all alone- They are all meant to be combined to give you your desired result. So are the good and seeming bad moments in life- They are all working together for a purpose!

Today, I bring to you a message of Hope and Assurance from the Bible; precisely from Jeremiah 29:11. A lot of people can quote that passage top of their head but today, I would like to read the verse just before it, to understand why God gave such an assurance.

“The LORD says, ‘When Babylonia's seventy years are over, I will show my concern for you and keep my promise to bring you back home. 11 I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for.( Jer 29:11 GNT)

God’s people had been taken away in captive, and it wasn’t the first time this was happening- they were held bondage in Egypt but God came through and this season of their lives too, He assured He’d come through again.

The truth is that whilst we are here on earth, trials are bound to come time and again. Life is full of cyclical moments of Trials and Triumphs. Victory over a circumstance and answered prayers should be celebrated and whilst we move on to other things, we should go along with one; the lesson of every trial and secondly a stamp of gratitude on our hearts. Because just around the corner would be a challenge that will require both elements; the lesson and gratitude from previous trials as an anchor for our souls.

Sometimes you are tempted to wonder if God sees your predicaments at all. And especially when you talk to two, three other brethren, and everyone seems to have a challenge they are battling, you are so tempted to conclude that the era of God answering prayers is over.

No! God has a word on your subject, He’s got a plan and a purpose for you and it’s none other than taking you to the place of fulfillment.It sounds like a cliché but trust me, your challenges are not weighty to truncate the purpose of God for your life. Don’t pile up the weight of Ingratitude, grumbling, depression in your waiting moments.

I’ll end with the Message version of that scripture
“I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for”

Keep Trusting God!

ImageCredit:Tablespoon.com

The Pen....

A Turn or A Detour?

Hi Friends,

Have you set out on a highway in an off-peak period or an expressway on a Sunday morning only for you to be confronted by an enormous traffic ahead? Have you ever being so convinced about a project, an endeavor and no sooner had you started, than you are faced with some seeming overwhelming challenges and difficulties that make you doubt your conviction and reassurance about the project?

When God created the heavens and the earth, He had eternal bliss in mind for man; unhindered access to him, a life void of pain and challenges but as this was evolving beautifully, man fell and the whole agenda looked threatened. Did that stop what He had in mind? No! With God,even failure WILL become part of His agenda for success. He had an eternal agenda even before the world existed and nothing could have stopped it….Woohoo!

Many a times, as human beings, when we start out an endeavor: ( a new job, marriage, project, business), each time we hit a difficulty, we begin to question if God was in it in the first instance, if we heard Him right, if we took the right decisions, if we married the right person, if we made the right career move, if the relocation was right etc. The presence of difficulty does not imply the absence of God in whatever journey you are on right now. A difficulty should not cut your dreams apart; neither should a challenge shatter your aspirations.

Have you noticed that when you are in a very serious traffic, most times the other side of traffic is usually free and fast moving? And for you to be on that moving side, you would have to turn around! Turning back wouldn’t take you to your destination; it only takes you back to where you started from!
In a fallen world, things do fall apart but as they do, from the roughest particles of debris, there can emerge the greatest masterpiece of a building.

Friend, be encouraged on your path irrespective of the delays, the denials, the disappointments, the disruptions, the dilemmas and the distortions. Life may thrust you into a detour route; but taking a detour is simply the act of going or traveling to a place along a way that is different from the usual or planned way. Be assured it'll only take you further to your destination!

Stay on Top!

 The Pen

PhotoCredit:Youtube

Having a Finisher's Mentality: Start Good, Finish Well

How many of you like me have stuffs you have started and they have been in comatose because of lack of will-power to finish, or maybe fear, laziness, lack of finances or for whatever reason you are not able to finish it yet?

A lot of times, many of us start out things we never finish for many inexcusable and sometimes tenable reasons; but there's never enough reason to abort any good thing you have started. .
Our Prayer card for today is very instructive! One of the best advice Jesus gave to his disciples whilst He was on earth. Luke 14: 28-29
“For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enoughto finish it— 29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’?”

Imagine if Jesus did not finish the assignment He came into this world to do. What if HE had succumbed to the temptations the devil brought His way? Where would we be today? No wonder the bible says HE is the Author and FINISHER of our Faith. Imagine if God our Father started out on the work of creation and He made the firmaments but He didn’t make the lights. Imagine if He made the fish before making the waters. Imagine if He had made man before making all other things. He embarked on the creation project in a very methodological way and He finished it. Whose children are we then if we never get to conclude things we start?

Ecc 7: 8 says Finishing is better than starting….(NLT). What are the things you need to finish up on?

Finish up Reading your Bible?
Finish drawing up your budget?
Finish the diet plan you started?
Finish the distance-learning course you embarked on?
Finish learning that skill you set out to do?
Finish the financial makeover you started?

Here are 7 things that will help You and I Finish well going forward!

1. FEAR: Ditch fear, embrace courage. For everything you ever had the nerves to start, you have the guts to finish

2. FEELINGS: If you go by your feelings, then you will only make progress when you feel high or happy. Whether you feel like it or not, push yourself a little further and farther; you are almost there!

3. FUTURE: See the big picture. Someone once said “you can’t feature in a future you can’t picture”. How does botching this project affect the future? Is this a Must do for some other things to fall into place?

4. FRIEND: In the multitude of counsel there is safety. How about having someone you can truly be accountable for in order to finish up on the assignment. There’s always a friend who would stick close to you and cheer you to completion!

5. FUN: Consider the fun and reward you’d get when you finish up. Imagine having to start making money from attending the next liquid soap making class! Imagine getting to win an all-sponsored trip overseas for being one of the best staff at work?

6. FINANCE: How does this project/ affect my finances? What does this delay spell out for my bottom-line? Positive or negative? Only you can answer that. I recently shared on how delaying some pound-denominated project I haven’t finished is costing me so much more in the light of the current exchange rates....
Just because I delayed!

7. FAITH: Have faith you will succeed. Fight the good fight like the people in Hebrews 11 did. In spite of all, you too can make it and succeed!

Remember: If you could conceive it, then you have ALL its takes to achieve it. May you be an author and finisher of good things!

I wish you a Terrific and not a Febrific( Feverish) February!

I love you

The Pen.