The Purpose Driven Lady Magazine Issue 7

It is a guide to effecve posive confession for our life, career, finance, love, marriage and family It is now metopossesswhatYOUconfess!”

Have you ever wondered how to pray for your career, finances, family or life ingeneral?Doyougetstuckonwhatto saytoGodwhenyoupray?

Would you like to learn a simple formula that will allowyoutoseemoreanswerstoyourprayers?

If your answer is YES to any of the above, this book is foryou!

In this powerful book, Omowunmi Olunloyo presents confessions from the word of God that will transform yourlife,career,finances,love,marriageandfamily

Youwilldiscover: Ÿ

ThepowerofconfessingGod'sword; Ÿ

Howtotakeauthorityovernegave Ÿ circumstancesinyourlife; Ÿ

Theblessingsandpromisesavailabletoyouinthe wordofGod; Ÿ

Thekeytoconsistentlyansweredprayer; Ÿ

HowtoreceivefromGod.

God'sdesireisthatHispeoplelivealifeofbalanceand wholenessinspirit,soul,andbody Thishappenswhen we unite the power of God's word with prayer so be empowered, be inspired, and speak your way to victory

£4.99

hps://bit.ly/2StepsBook

IIs a compilaon of inspiring stories from 15 busy working mothers who made decisions to find their place, posion & purpose so that the could livetheirbestlife.

It is a must have for busy working mothers everywhere, it is packed with real life story that will strike a chordwithyou,notonlybecauseitiswrienbybusy working mother for busy working mothers but also because it contains trials and triumph, a mess and a message & struggles that turned to success that will helpyoustepintoyourownplace.Theyhavefounda pathwaytodealwiththechallengesthatcomeswith being a woman, wife and working mother. They are busy working mothers with different experiences and life story from different backgrounds living in different parts of the world and these busy working mothers are on a mission to movate, educate and encourage you to Step Out and Release Your Inner Greatnessbecauseiftheycandoit,youcandoittoo.

£9.99

hps://bit.ly/StepOutBook

Innovaon makes life interesng, but not easy. The purpose of this book is to show you the key steps and processes to follow for launching a new product. This will cover all aspects of product, process and packaging. This book describes the stages involved in developing a product from concept to launch, ensuring that it is safe, meets all customer & legal requirements and launched successfullyandonme.

£7.99

hps://bit.ly/ForkandSpoonBook

BOOKS BY OMOWUMI OLUNLOYO AKA TOKS

Granola, Muesli & Snack pots

Truly awesome, award winning, breakfast cereals that are made in a kitchen by people who love good food rather than being churned out on a factory production line. Finished off with finely ground vanilla pods to make it taste like you are on holiday. Things are on the up and up!

Purple Patch Cereals have been designed exclusivelyforindependentretailers. Our products are not available in any of the supermarkets (Ocado, Waitrose, Sainsburys, Tesco etc.).

Purple Patch Snack Pots is the perfect snack for munching on the go – tasty, healthy and sustaining.

Designed for placement on counters or near the till. Our cereals are truly artisan products made by the producer (no outsourcing). Our cereals have finely ground Madagascan vanilla added for a unique and awesome flavour!

Our cereals won Great Taste Awards in 2016 and2017. Flavours:

Fruity

PURPOSEDRIVENLADY

is a movement where women are encouraged to take action to find their purpose, position and purpose so that they create their reality and live theirbestlife.

2Corinthians9:8(NKJV)

And God is able t o bless y ou abundantl y , so that in all things at all times, ha ving all that y ou need, y ou will abound in e v ery good w or k.

LETTER EDITOR

andwelcomebacktoanotheramazing issue of The Purpose Driven Lady Magazine. We have been on a short break, and we are back bigger and beer by God's grace alone. I especially welcome you to this Beauful“ChristmasEdion”.

This Christmas theme is Women That Inspire –WomenYouNeedtoKnow.

This year I have had the blessed pleasure of meeng women of Timbre and Caliber, I could not be any prouder Ihavespentmewiththemindividuallyand as part of a group and I must say I am grateful for them.So,Idecidedtoinviteyoutomeetthem.

Here I am right now, despite this slow start, it is amazing how the year 2022 is ending for me. Believe me, it was eye opening, mind blowing and thought provoking. I can tell you confidently that 2022 is indeed my year of Recovery, Release, Goshen experience, All round victories, and Overwhelming breakthroughs.

You know the bible says in Ecclesiastes that - The end of a maer is beer than its beginning; as of January 2022, I did not see this edion at all because of how theyearstartedforme;inmyowneyes,itwasareally reallyslowandpainfulstart.

I have 4 interviews from some of the Women That InspiredMein2022thatIbelievewillgiveyouinsight onsomanylevelsasyoupreparefor2023.

I am also very excited to share books that inspire and movate you as we enter 2023; yes, they are wrien

F R O M T H E

by your truly, including my latest book Step Out –ReleaseYourInnerGreatness.

STEP OUT is a book wrien by 15 women (myself inclusive) who have found their place in life and purpose through thick and thin. Their stories sll unfolding, you will find encouragement as you read. When life is tough, and you feel you can't connue because you can't seem to find the strength to go on; Youcanreadthisbook.

The storiesarerealfrom one busyworkingmotherto anotherbusyworkingmother.

Some of the stories will make you laugh out loud, some may make you cry, but most importantly it will show Strength, Courage, and Possibility because if these women can find their place, posion and purposeandliveitsocanYou.

th

Launchedonline12 July2017anditquicklybecame a Bestseller within 24hours on Amazon So, I encourage you to get a copy for yourself and gi it to friendsandfamilyespeciallyinthisfesveseasonand forthenewyear

You will also see arcles, poems, quiz and the 3Ms –Music,Movie&Meditaonforyourreadingdelight.

If this is your very first me of meeng me, allow me to introduce myself, my name is Omowunmi OlunloyoakaToks;theeditorinchiefofThePurpose Driven Lady Magazine. I hope you enjoy reading through our pages so much you will follow and share withyourfriendsandfamily

Inclosing,Iwanttosayabigthankyouforreadingour

magazine. If you like what you read here, please help ussharethelinkandspreadtheword.Withyourhelp we can get more ladies aware of The Purpose Driven LadyMagazine.

If you have any ideas or suggesons you would like to see here as long as it is purpose related, feel free to sendmeamessagehere

Thejourneyconnuesin2023forThePurposeDriven Lady Magazine; here is to Authencity, Boldness, Clarity,DazzlingandExceponal,Cheers

UNTIL NEXT ISSUE I WISH YOU A HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A VERY MERRY NEW YEAR, REMEMBER AS LONG AS YOU ARE ALIVE, YOU HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. BE THE CHANGEYOUWANTTOSEE.

ToLivingInPurpose, OmowunmiakaToks

Cele brat ing

MY ONE IN A MILLION MOTHER

Words are not enough to say exactly how I feel.

You have been my rock when I could not stand My cushion when I had no place to lay my head

My wings when I could not fly anymore

My strength when I had none left in me

My support when I had no place to turn to My bank when I had no money on me

My food bank when I had nothing to eat My voice when I could speak no more My defender when I had no fight left in me

I love you more than words can ever portray You mean so much to me

Should I have to come through this road again I will choose you over and over and over again I love you very much mom. Thank you for everything and much more I can't even begin to list all the goodness you have shown Not just to me as a daughter but to and not limited to Your family, Our family, Your friends

My friends, Your cousins, Total strangers Your extended family at large

Ma, words are not enough I bless you today with everything I have in me

You will live a long full healthy life You will reap the harvest of your hands

You will enjoy the night time of your life

Ma, I love you so much

I am celebrating My One in a Million Mom

In the land of the living

(Nee Cardoso)

Francisca Fasheke Okin

Find Your PLACE, POSITION & PURPOSE

Admit it, you've been asked that queson too many mes, "So, what is your life's purpose?" in every social gathering, church event, conferences even at trainings. You smile, nod and reply, " I think (blah, blah blah) and (blah, blah, blah). Repeang your job tle and where you work as your life purpose or perhapsyousayIdon'tknowIamsllsearching.

How do you find your place, posion & purpose in life and occupy it? I'm not talking about your employment, your daily dues, or even your longtermgoals.Imeanthereasonwhyyou'rehere—the very reason you exist. Why are you here? Perhaps you feel you have lost yourself, maybe you are beginning to worry a lileor a lot about your life and maybeyouarelosingsleepatmes?

Perhaps where you want to be is where you are designing your life so it is a true reflecon of your purpose and maybe you want the joy of living according to your purpose; and perhaps where you want to be in your life is where you are making a difference.

According to to find something vocabulary.com means to discover it; to determine the existence, presence, or fact of; come upon, as if by accident;

obtain through effort or management; succeed in reaching; arrive at. A place is posion, an area, a spot, or a space; an area set aside for a parcular purpose; assign a locaon to; an abstract mental locaon.

Aposionisapointwheresomethingislocated,asin on a map or the posture it's arranged in such as an upright posion, a job in an organisaon; an item on a list, or in a sequence; the act of pung something inacertainplace.

Whenyoudosomethingwithpurpose,youdoitwith determinaon.Whenyouracvieshaveapurpose, you have an aim or intenon in mind. Purpose is what something is used for; an ancipated outcome thatisintendedorthatguidesyourplannedacons.

A woman's primary call is to be a helper You were made to help. Every celebrated woman has helped e.g., Esther the Queen, Deborah the Prophetess and a judge, Ruth wife of Boaz, Abigail wife of Nabal, Mary mother of Jesus and the list is not exhausve. There is a place that God has prepared for you John 14:1-6 that is why you can approach life with calmness and peace because God has prepared a place. There is reserved sign where your person is

concerned. All you must do is find your way into the place.

Thinkaboutitforamoment;reflectonyourjourney so far. There must be a reason why you survived all the challenges that happened in your life. Seriously thinkaboutitagain.

You persevered and endured in difficult situaons, you fought back (the good fight of faith), even when youdidnothaveanyfightleinyou.Youweathered the storm, you withstood opposion and infact when you look back, and you don't know how you madeitthisfar

You need to realise that the challenges you go througharenotmeanttobringyoudown;buttosr you up; they are not yours they are for your generaon God kept you, protected you and covered you; how in the world could you think that youwentthroughallofthatfornothing?

There must something in front of you that is more important than everything that is behind you. You must be significant otherwise you won't have the opposionthatyouhaveinyourlife.

This is for you; if you are sick and red of feeling sick andredandreadytobreakoutoftheboxandbeall that God has called you to be. I want to share with you how to get from where you are to where you wanttobe.

3. Know where you are: where are you right now? What seasons are you in? What works have you done? What is burning on the inside of you? What has God said to you? What makes you angry? What are you passionate about? Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Ecclesiastes 9:10. The key lies in the answers toallthesequesons.

4. Know your fears: what is holding you back? What self-liming belief are you holding on to?Whatscaresyou? Whatisyourmindset? What is stopping you? Deuteronomy 31:6, Isaiah 41:13, 2Tim1: 7. Release your fears to God.

5. Know when to start: ming is everything. Seek Gods face and spend me in His presence and God will reveal himself to you. God has all the answers Mahew 6:33, Jeremiah29:11

“Yourlifeismeanttomakeimpact” God'swillisthat your life makes impact, start living that life Now. There are lots of needs in the world, there is a ministry in you, and there is work to be done. You can only funcon when you are in your place. Find your place, posion and purpose and stay in your place.OccupyllJesuscomes.

For further informaon and advice about finding yourplace,posionandpurposegoto www.omowunmiolunloyo.blogspot.co.uk

STEPS TO FINDING YOUR PLACE, POSITION AND PURPOSE

1. Knowwhoyouare:whoareyou?TheBibleis clearaboutthatinGen1:26-28. Understandingwhoyouaremakeamassive impactonhowyouact,behaveandcarry yourself.Believeandsaywhatthebiblesays youareconnually

2. Knowyougiandcallingwhatdoyouhaveis thequesonElishaaskedthewidowin 2Kings4:1-7andsherepliednothingSAVEa jarofoil.Thisjarofoiliswhatpaidherdebt andchangedherlife.So,Iaskyouwhatdo youhave.Romans11:29,Proverbs18:16.

Connectwithus:

fhps://www facebook.com/omowunmi.olunloyo hps://www.instagram.com/omowunmi_toks/ hps://www linkedin com/in/toks-omowunmiolunloyo-58363110/

Tolivingalifeofpurpose, OmowunmiakaToks

Purposefully

C R E A T E D

LET'S START FROM THE VERY BEGINNING

“Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image,tobelikeus”(Gen1:26aNLT).

In the beginning God had a plan, though the earth was without form and void and darkness covered th11e face of the deep, yet God had an image of a beauful earth, with luscious garden filled with beauful flowers, plants, herbs, and animals grazing around the field; with lots of fishes in the sea and birds chirping in trees. He had an image of Himself enjoying the beauful scenery and tending the gardensandanimalsinit.

Thus, God set to work, He created the heavens and the earth with the Word and the Spirit; they created the beauful earth we sll live in ll date. “Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be likeus”(Gen1:26aNLT).

God who is triune in nature was referring to the Son and the Holy Spirit about making man as a replica of them. God, though the Father and the head; He

cannot do anything without His Son and the Holy Spirit.IbelievemanwasfirstmadeinthemindofGod and He must have shared this vision with His Son and the Holy Spirit. Hence the reason He said “Let us” referringtotheSon,HolySpirit,andHimself.

God'splanwastomakeareplicaofhimself,thoughin human nature to oversee the earth. In today's world, we call it a clone. However, in the mind of God, it was more than a clone, it was His seed, His child, His completebeing.

Therefore, man was created with the fullness and power of God's nature without any clause of gender “So, God created human beings in his own image; in the image of God, he created them; male and female he created them ” (Gen 1 27 NLT) Therefore, regardlessofgenderwearecreatedasGodinhisown imageandaerhislikeness.

TheagendaofGODwastocreatemanbothmaleand

femaletobejustlikeHimwithallHisqualies,genes, andDNA.Therefore,Woman,youarecreatedjustlike your Father, and you possess same qualies as Him, creator, thinker, innovator the list is endless, and He created you to be master over all things. Can I reassure you that you are not an aerthought? Although God made the male first, and woman second; however, you were both part of God's agenda from the beginning. God knew that man couldnotlivebyhimself,buthewantedman-maleto find that out for himself God brought every animalin thefieldtomantonamethem,butmandidnotfinda helper just right for him. God saved the creaon of thehelper-femaleforlast.

Woman, God has need of you to co-create and populate the earth and man has great need of you to jointly fulfil the plan and purpose of God. You were created as a helpmate because man cannot go down this road by himself. He needs all of you, your femininity- gentleness, sensivity, finesse, empathy, emoons, intuion, wisdom, perspecve, support, and love. None of the animals that God brought to man possessed any of these qualies that man had beenlongingfor,butGodknewwhatwasmissing,He knew man's longing within his heart and soul, so He got back to work. You just had to be made perfect, a mixture of compassion, nurturance, gentleness with a load of tolerance, empathy, sensivity to make you sweet. Another mixture of perseverance, fortude,

asserveness, diligence, resilience to make you strong; balanced with vivaciousness, creaveness, confidence, independence to make you a leader. God finished you off with a graceful and lustrous body frame with sleek hair and tender eyes to make you beaufuljustlikeHim.

ManisplacedastheheadofthehomebecauseGodis a God of order (1 Cor 14: 33& 40), he is in charge not because the woman is subordinate to him or cannot rule but because without the order of a leader and helpmate then the earth will return to chaos and darkness. Hence the reasoning behind the saying, behindasuccessfulmanthereisawoman.

Dear woman, God created you with the same nature and power has Himself and He skilfully created you with a rib from man so that you can idenfy with his pain, burden, and assignment. You are not without a calling or ministry of your own you are called into the ministry of womanhood. This ministry is not inferior to man's ministry; they are both valuable and honourableintheplanofGodbecauseonecannotdo without the other just as God cannot do without the sonortheHolySpirit.

Jummy Poku

1. Pleasetellusabitabout yourself?

Ÿ Whoareyou?

Ÿ Whatdoyoudo?

Yemisi Akindele is a brand, I was born in Birmingham to African parents and raised in Nigeria. I have four beauful c h i l d r e n a n d f o u r a m a z i n g grandchildren I founded High Achievers Academy over 25 years ago, itstartedoutasasupplementarystudy centre and has since emerged into an educaonal giant that has branched out into various segments of educaonal services, including an NGO that serves to empower women and girls' educaon, a well-resourced library in Lagos Nigeria to meet the needs of local children. I have also authored a book GREATNESS in me and my CHILD, to equip families in developing themselves and their children.

2. Whatdoesatypicaldaylook likeforyou?

Energec!!!Fullofvigour!!! Rewarding!!!

3. Canyousharewithusallyou do?

I spend my me enjoying my four grandchildren, being kind to myself by travelling, albeit mostly for work, I am an Educaonal Consultant, as well as a Legal Consultant, I coach and empower women in areas of selfdevelopment, I teach legal English to non-nave English-speaking professionals including CEO's, Senior ManagersandDirectors.

4. Howdoyoumanageallyoudo asaBusyWorkingMotherand sllachieveyourgoal.

Multask!!! Most women juggle their lives with so much finesse and that's what makes us unique. Though, I'm no longer juggling children with work as they are all adults now, when I did, I priorised, I sacrificed, and I worked

INTERVIEW

WITH A PURPOSE DRIVEN LADY YEMISI AKINDELE

smartly around my children. I taught my four children (M/F) choresveryearlyoninlife.Itaught them how to respect themselves a n d o t h e r s , h o w t o b e independent and responsible. I showed them what it took and meant to be successful in life and inslled those values in them, there was no other way but that. My children are black, and it was my responsibility to ensure they

didn't become part of the s t a s c s f o r b l a c k underperforming children in the UK. So, if that meant to sacrifice myownhappinessforaseasonto ensure my children were shielded from the backlash of society, then that was what had to happen, but my children would not be labelled bysocietyformyownchoices.

5. Howdoyoudealwith whatyoudon'tplan?

Priority plays a big part in my life and with this comes impromptu moments. This means even when you've planned, that plan can quickly become thwarted. But we moveonand makethebestof the situaon.

6. So,let'stalkabout womenlikeyouandIwho inthepastwerenotliving fully,whohaveseled, theyjustdothesame thingrepeatedly,they want morebutcan't seemtoinawayof escape,canyoushare yourexperience onthisandhowyou overcomeit?

Women like me don't have the me and luxury to live fully in the first place. When you're a teen mom, you are judged by society and as such, you either bury your head in the sand and sink or rise above it and swim to conquer. Women need to be kind to themselves, they shouldn't have me for pity pares nor allow the opinions of others slow or shut them down, get on with it and be the best of yourself. My moo is 'showthem'

7. Whatwasthebreakingpointthatmadeyou changethecourseofdireconforyourlife. Canyousharethenewexperiencesyouhave beguntoseebecauseofthisdrascmeasure.

As a teen mom, from an African household, you not only have to defend yourself from the enre connent ofAfrica,butyoumustremovethe'garmentofshame' you've supposedly clothed your family with. Your saving grace is to be as successful as you can be to redeem yourself This simply proves to me that, it does notmaerifyou'reateenmomornot,ifyousetoutto be successful in life you will achieve GREATNESS no maer how your life starts. “Your laer end shall be beer".

8. Whatistheulmatedream/goalforyourself?

To build an elderly people home in my late mother's name, using the house she named aer me and gied tomeasaninheritance.

9. Whatisonethingpeoplewouldbesurprised toknowaboutyou?

Mycookingskills.

10. Inclosingwhat3thingswouldyouencourage womentodomoreof?

Ÿ

Invest in yourself through the word of knowledge, skills, and educaon development. Ÿ

Be kind to yourself and be a faith-based woman. Ÿ

Be intenonal about being happy, pamper yourself, take a break, refuse abuse of any kind, and ask for help when needed, you can'taskwhenit'stoolate...

11. Isthereanythingyouwouldliketosharewith ourreadersthatwehavenottalkedabout. Ÿ

Bekindtoyourself. Ÿ

BealoverofProverbs31. Ÿ

Be intenonal about your own happiness andbecomefinanciallyfree.

Please tell us a bit about yourself?

1 2

Whoareyou?Whatdoyoudo?

My name is Bebe Clement, the eldest of 12 children. I am Nigerian and I am marriedwith2sons.Mybackgroundis employment law and alongside my husband, we run a group of small companies.

Whatdoesatypicaldaylook likeforyou?

Well, no two days are the same really which is good because I get bored quite easily. I start with morning devoon because I feel everything stems from that. How I handle the successes or failures of the day, my atude towards people, etc are oen determinedbythequalityofthemeI have spent in God's presence. I always start with gratude because I am always humbled and in awe of the mercythatGodhasshownmeingiving meanotherday;justthegracetoopen my eyes, look over and see my husband, reminds me of how unbelievably blessed I am and always makesmebeginwithpraise.

ThenmyhusbandandIhavebeenona joint personal development journey for a few years now, so we will listen to a short movaonal talk by someone like Myles Munroe, Earl Nighngale, Jim Rohn or Les Brown, and then discuss what we took away from it and thatsetsthetonefortheday.

Then I sit at my desk and make a list of all I need to achieve that day and divide those tasks into 3 columns: Imperave, Important, 'Can wait', and begin to work my way through starng with the imperave ones. I am quite focussed and must make a conscious efforttoremembertostoptoeat,andI usually work straight through ll midaernoon. I might then have lunch,

INTERVIEW

WITH A PURPOSE DRIVEN LADY BEBE CLEMENT

make a couple of personal phone calls, and then return to my office and work through ll eveningwhenmyhusbandgets back. We then spend the evening together, catching up on our day, check in with the boys,watchTVetc.

companies with my husband. Those companies range over several industries, law, HR, business management consultancy, speaking and training company etc.., so our livesarefullon.

On Tuesdays I host a live radio show called 'Bebe Means Business, which is a program that educates, informs, and imparts knowledge parcularly to the black community on all things r e l a t e d t o b u s i n e s s a n d entrepreneurship, with the aim to help people create generaonal wealthandbecomefinanciallyfree.I have been blessed to have some really dope guests on the show such as Jeff Lestz, the MD of Genistar and world-renowned Rabbi Daniel Lapin.

I am also a vising lecturer at Bayes Business School, which is the business arm of City, University of London, where I lecture on Professional Business Skills once a week.

Other mes are usually taken up with speaking engagements and wring. I have just finished my second book called 'Wealth Creaon,God'sWay.

As I said, I run a group of small

They say that the evidence of desire is pursuit, and I am a strong believer that you will somehow find me to do whatever is important to you. If binge watching Nelix is what is important to you, you will find me todoit,nomaerhowbusyyouare.

I am quite focussed, and I live a purpose driven life. My Lord and Master can also call me home whenever he pleases, so it is important to me that on that day

3 Can you share with us all you do?

How do you manage all you do as a Busy Working Mother and sll achieve your goal.

whenIstandbeforehim,Iamableto say I did the best I could with what I was given. My children are also grown and away at college and university now, so I have a bit more metofocusonotherthings.

5

It depends on what it is. Life happens,soItrytomakeallowances for that, but there have of course been moments of frustraon when I end up in tears, especially when things are taking a lot longer to be a c c o m p l i s h e d t h a n I h a d ancipated.

A couple of years ago I listened to a sermon by Dr Cynthia James and through that sermon I have come to understand that God moves at the speed of purpose: His purpose, so there is no point in me geng frustratedbecauseHeisnotgoingto goanyfasterjustforme!

So, let's talk about women like you and I who in the past were not living fully, who have seled, they just do the same thing repeatedly, they want more but can't seem to find a way of escape, can you share your experience on this and howyouovercomeit.

6

of seling Once when I was p re p a r i n g fo r a p re a c h i n g engagement, the Lord led me to read about Terah. Most Chrisans don't know who Terah was. They should do, not only because he was Abraham's father, but also because his life is a great warning about the dangersof'seling'.

The original vision to go to Canaan was not actually given to Abraham, it was given to Terah, but the bible says in Genesis 11, that when Terah set out to go to Canaan, when he got to Haran, he seled there and the very next verse 32 says 'Terah lived 205 yearsandhediedinHaran'.

If Terah had done anything else with his life, the Bible would have recorded it, but he just died there andIbelieveforallpeoplethatsele, death comes a lot sooner than the physical one. If our life consists only ofgengupeveryday,goingtowork and paying bills, then 'death' has set in, because that is not what God put you on the earth for. You are supposed to be enriching other people's lives in some way or the other and in so doing, you will find yourownpersonalfulfilment.

'success' and to some degree I was, but I knew deep inside I couldbemore,butinhindsightI think I was too busy to be fruiul! So, I began to cry out to God to show me what exactly I wassupposedtobedoing.

One day, a woman came to preach in my church. She was not a very good speaker and by her own admission, she was finding it difficult to get into her stride and was floundering, but she was speaking about purpose & something about what she said resonated with me. Later she gave an alter call for all those who felt there was moretotheirlifethanwhatthey were currently experiencing. I couldn't join the line fast enough. I wept and wept. I'm surepeoplemusthavethoughtI was in sin of some kind, but I wasjusthungryformoreofGod and his plan for my life. I later lethatchurchbecauseIknewI wastooinvolvedinchurchtobe available to God on the level that I needed to be to prepare forthenextstageofmylife.

At a young age my dad sat me down and said to me 'Bebe, life does not owe you anything: Rather, life is waing to see what you are going to add to it! 'So, it was always inslled in me to be the very best that I can be, and when I became a Chrisan, that increased my resolve even more, knowing that God has a purpose for everyone's life, that my lifeisGod'sinvestmentandthatheis expecng a good return on his investment.

I also want to talk about the dangers

Look at what Terah missed, Canaan was a land filled with 'milk and honey' and he missed that because he seled and it doesn't mean that Haran wasn't good, but it meant that like anyone that seles, Terah gave upthe'great'forthe'good'.

Nearly everything I'm doing now, and the rewards thereof was because of that decision:

When I was in my 40's I began to feel an 'unrest' in my spirit. I was a leader in a large popular denominaon church & was doing great things for God and anyone looking from the outside would have thought I was a

T h e g l o b a l s p e a k i n g engagements, the books I've wrien, the greater impact on people's lives, the increased financial rewards, the closer more meaningful walk with God, all flowed from that desire tobemore.

How do you deal with what you don't plan?

7

What was the breaking point that made you change the course of direcon for your life.

8 Can you share the new experiences you have begun to see because of this drasc measure.

To hear my master, say 'Well done, goodandfaithfulservant’

Kindregards, BebeClement

Speaker. Trainer. Business Consultant.

Author- 'How to go from employee to entrepreneur' & 'Wealth Creaon God'sWay'

I'm very shy and reserved.

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? 11

In closing what 3 things would you encourage women to do more of?

1. Spend more me with God in the secret place. There is no substute for that if you want to live a successful life, because that is where he revealshimselftousinavery personalway.

2. Stop looking for money, just seek to be a blessing and serveothers.

3. Priorize family over everything.

12

Is there anything you would like to share with our readers that we have not talked about

Ihaveanauscson.Anyoneraising a child with special needs will tell you how challenging and life draining it can be. That's my story, buteverybodyhasastory:Someare divorced, some are in very difficult marriages, others have had health challenges, etc. Tzs to refuse to use your story as a crutch for mediocrity or an excuse for failure. Keep moving forward. Decide that no maer what, you are sll going to fulfil God's plan for your life and then daily ask God to help you do justthat.

Tel:02083165386

Website:www.bebeclement.com

T:@bebeclement

Instagram:bebe_clement

‘Putyoursignatureonlife’

What is the ulmate dream/goal for yourself?

Diary Of A PURPOSE DRIVEN

LADY WITH OMOWUNMI OLUNLOYO AKA TOKS

A ROUGH ROAD

Life was hard for me. People did not know that I was lonelyandsad.Thatwasthen.Thisisnow

NowIamhappy,lovedandlifeisgreat.

“Accept yourself, love yourself, and keep moving forward.

If you want to fly, you have to give up what weighsyoudown.”

RoyT Benne

THE BEGINNING

Iwasatthedarkestpointofmylifein2011;itseemslike such a long me ago now I was in the valley I was trying desperately to understand everything that was going on. This season felt like forever, my world was crashing down on me. Each element of my existence was falling apart, one by one and it appeared like there was nothing I could do to stop it. I could not change it. I feltsohelplessandhopeless.

My life journey was a roller coaster ride, with low and highmomentsandchallengesthatIcouldnotcontrol.

OneofmygreatestchallengeswasaccepngthatIwas enough, that I was good enough just the way I was. InsteadoftryingtobesomebodythatIwasn't.

I sacrificed my true purpose for fear of rejecon, abandonment, and loneliness. I struggled with low self-esteem and fing in the crowd. I could not see pastmyshortcomings,Ifeltlikealoser.Myrelaonship was affected; I was disrespected, separated, and abused. Called all kind of names under the sun and my self-worth was next to none. I aended all kinds of programs and training to prove to myself that I was goodenoughandshouldberecognised.IthoughtIwas unaracve, and I wanted to change all of that. I did notlovemyself

I had wanted to really understand everything that led metobelievethatIwasnotgoodenough.Didithaveto dowiththewayIwasbroughtup?Whathadhappened inmylifetoaffectmesomuchnow?

NIGERIAN

I grew up in a beauful neighbourhood in Lagos Nigeria with my two sisters. I was raised by my parents who were very disciplined and principled. Both of my parents are well educated. They were what you would desire parents to be, hardworking, paent, believe the best of you and very loving.Myparents,especiallymydadisoen referred to as “Baba o,” which is translated as “my father” by young and old. He was everybody's friend. He was fun, full of life, happy and a very generousgiver.Myparentsexpectedthebestfrom us, always reminding and encouraging us to go higher.

I spent my childhood with memories of many happy moments. When I started secondary school, I was excited. I was just ten years old. I began to experience different encounters that challenged who I was. I tried my best to fit in and jointhecrowdasmuchasIcould.

As I moved from one class year to another, I experienceddifferentissuesnomaerwhatIdid.I wasnotgoodenough.Iwasnotacceptedaspartof thecrew.Donotgetmewrong,despiteallIfaced,I had a few friends. They are sll friends today and they accepted me as me. At that me, I did not know what they saw in me, but in hindsight I realisedtherewasmoretomethatmeetstheeye. In addion, towards the end of my secondary school I was ill. I spent several weeks in and out of hospital recovering, which was a horrible event in mylife.

COLLEGE, FAILED RELATIONSHIP AND MARRIAGE

Despite the various challenges in my senior high school, I completed it and got admission into college. Life became good again. I made new friends, and I enjoyed my me at my new college. Everythingwasgoinggreat.Iwashappyagain.

I also started a relaonship that was supposed to lead to marriage. Aer 2 and a half years it ended abruptly Therewasnoreasonorexplanaongiven. I was devastated as you can imagine. Another rejeconthatIcouldnotexplain.

My self-esteem was knocked back again, and I began to struggle again. But somehow, I found a way to love again,andIenteredmysecondrelaonshipandgotmarriedaer4years.

For some reason, I thought that because I was now a “MRS,” all the issues I had been dealing with would go away Boy was I wrong. The shock that I felt as I began to live as a married woman was undeniable. I was dreaming about a fairy tale world where everyone lived happily ever aer. My true life was not like this. I struggled to find my place, posion, and purpose without my spouse. I could not see how I could do anything withouthim.

MY JOURNAL

Duringthisperiodofmylife,Ifoundjournalingandbegantowritemorefrequently.Iwroteevery dayabout everythingthatrockedmyworld,thefollowingextractaretakenfromit: “Do not faint, your me for reward is here keep at it ” This was spoken to me in January 2013 by one of my mentors. I received the word but did not see howthat could happen. I believed in the faith he had in the words hesaidtome.

“Lord, you know all, and see the heart of everybody, nothing is hidden from your sight. I feel out of place, I am not comfortable, I want to serve but I am not used, it appears as if I am not needed. I am talked on and about, whereisthelove?Ihavebeentoldnottotakeoffense,helpme,Lord.Ineedyoumorethanever.IamlostIneed your arms all around me; I want to feel your love right now Speak to me. If you can use anything Lord, you can useme.”IwrotethisatamewhenIwasabouttogiveuponeverythingandIturnedtomyLordforhelp. In 2014, I wrote “Lord, I am not happy right now, I am being told I say things the way they are. I feel hurt and disappointedaboutthefeedback.Ifeeltargetednow.Iamnotpleased.Ichoosetoleaveitalltoyou. ”

I carried out a purpose quiz online in 2015, as part of finding myself as I was beginning to love myself and this wastheassessmentIgotback:Lifeisgood.Youhaveseensomerealbreakthroughinyourlife,andyouareready to begin living at the highest levels of the purpose pyramid! It is clear that you have a good understanding of whatyouwhatfromlifeandhaveskillsandexperiencetohelpyougetthere.Yet,youmightnotbefullyawareof your purpose, or how to allow it to guide and enhance every aspect of your life. For you, there is sll powerful unrealised potenal. I was excited at this point because, I was beginning to give myself a break and a chance. I was not being too hard on myself even though I was sll baling with not being good enough. The assessment gavemehope.

TobeConnued….

Watchoutfortheconcludingpartinthenextissue.

Kyo had moved to a different school

The school was better than the one before It looked much cleaner for sure But it had quite strict rules And he couldn't believe that he had a uniform But he saw that he was taught at a high quality

Then soon saw the good in his unexpected situation.

Loss may be a win in disguise

But you'll never know if you don't try.

2 Timothy 1:9 (NKJV) who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began,

Lady's Corner Brain Teaser

Let me see how fast you are... THIS IS A small CHALLENGE 4 INTELLIGENT BRAINS:

The name of a country is hiding in the consecutive letters within a sentence.

For example, FRANCE is hiding in, the sentence

"The runners who lived at the top of the cliff ran centuries ago” . (clifF RAN CEenturies).

Find the name of the country hiding in the consecutive letters within these sentences.

1. You all must pay it back, or each of you will be in trouble.

2. Was Doctor Dolittle's favourite animal a glib yak?

3. A true optimist will never let hope rush away.

4. How often can a daydream come true?

5. Is there a health spa in this hotel?

6. They are going in diametrically opposite directions.

7. Is the county fair a nice place to visit?

8. The foot with which I lead is my left one.

9. He owns a ranch in Arizona.

10. The foods we deny ourselves are usually tasty.

Send your correct answers with the title “Lady's Corner Answers” to my Instagram handle @ omowunmi_toks

https://www.instagram.com/omowunmi_toks/ to win a complimentary gift

Source:Sharedasreceived

START A FOOD BUSINESS

I'm running an online class where I will draw from my 15years+ of helping businesses succeedinthefoodsector.

The class is titled - How To Start & Grow Your Own Successful Food Business for without Stress.

Canyoupleaseconnectmewithanyonewhoyou know would be interested in this course as spacesareverylimited. Click on the link below and send a message in the DM with the word “Food” and more details will be shared with you: I am interested

Do you know anyone who likes cooking, is good at it and wants to build a profitable food business

Jumoke Ekong

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28 KJV

As a child of God, we need to believe one truth and that is nothing happens to us by accident. I am saying that God has a perfect blueprint attached to each of us and there is always a way in God.

Always!

That loyal friend

That disloyal friend

That difficult husband.

That loss of job

That challenge That wrong judgment.

It's all in THE PLAN.

There is a way of escape.

The cumulative result is GLORY

Please note that the sickness, betrayal, job loss might have been orchestrated by Satan but ALL AND EVERYTHING will work together for your

good.

You Are Packaged For g

All, Nothing missing, Nothing broken, Nothing lacking.

Nothing catches our Father by surprise. It's all in the plan.

Our Lord Jesus even in death was heading towards glory.

Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

1 Corinthians 2:8 KJV

We are in God's larger blueprint for the kingdom.

Just relax and trust Him and it will surprise you how beautifully it will all turn out.

For He makes ALL THINGS beautiful in His own time.

Oh yes, He does.

CELEBRATING

the Life of an Icon Mrs Olajumoke Kabad Imabong Ekong

Awomantocelebrate Alifetobethankfulfor Alighttomany Amothermostloved Yourtypeisrare

The memory of the righteous is blessed Iremember Iamgrateful

Please tell us a bit about yourself?

1 2

Whoareyou?Whatdoyoudo?

My name is Folasade Edokpayi, born in Ibadan, Oyo State and raised in Lagos state, a nave of Ijebu Ode, Ogun State Nigeria. I'm married with three beauful and blessed children. I also have many spiritual children too numerous to menon. I work as a family worker 9-5, Monday to Friday supervisingcontactsbetweenchildren in care and their biological parents. Asidemyprofessionalcareer,I'malsoa serial entrepreneur. I own a fabric business (Fola Fabrics on (Facebook) andiyalaje_uk_fabrics(Instagram).

Whatdoesatypicaldaylook likeforyou?

My typical day starts around 4am with prayers and supplicaons ahead of my day Aer prayers, I post contents on all my social media plaorms (Instagram, Facebook, telegram, and WhatsApp).ThenIgetreadyforschool run and work. During my break me, I respond to my DMs and check on my socialmediaacvies.

Can you share with us all you do?

So aside my day job and business. I'm also a child of God who is passionate about soul winning, I go from town to town around the UK preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm also acvely involved with the Nigeria community in Luton and Bedfordshire, I connect and signposts people to their needs. I'm also a business consultant, I have helped people home and abroad start theirownbusinesses.

INTERVIEW

WITH A PURPOSE DRIVEN LADY FOLASADE EDOKPAYI

friends, but I have few ride or die onesinmycircle.Timemanagement is another key factor in pung all things together nicely. I priorize acvies and you'll only find me where I'm producve, me is of the essence.

How do you deal with what you don't plan?

I'm usually calm that's one thing I'm knownfor;insuchinstancesIaskthe Holy Spirit to help me. I believe there's no problem without soluon, there's nothing new under the earth. Like I earlier said, I ask for helpalotbecauseI'mnotanisland.

So, let's talk about women like you and I who in the past were not living fully, who have seled, they just do the same thing repeatedly, they want more but can't seem to find a way of escape, can you share your experience on this and howyouovercomeit.

I draw strength and inspiraon from the proverbs 31 woman. Honestly, the grace of God is sufficient. I always ask for help when I'm not able to put all together. Also, I have over the years built a support system in friends. I don't keep a lot of

Hmmm! Not living life fully can be frustrang especially if you don't have a clear picture of what you want for yourself I think the first place is to know yourself, capabilies, and determinaon to want to live a purposeful and intenonal life. Prior to relocang abroad, I worked in the banking industry in Nigeria for a few years and also had a business on the side. I've always done business as far as my secondary school days. When I relocated in 2007, I couldn't fit in immediately and so I did what came mywayasapassagetowhereI'dlike to be. Then I started a family and with each maternity leave (nine months) I will take up a course. Then I developed interest in children, young people, and families. So, I

How do you manage all you do as a Busy Working Mother and sll achieve your goal.

worked briefly in a nursery but that wasn't for me. I also had the opportunity to volunteer as a family worker and making welfare visits to schools and homesand Ilovedit.So, I proceeded to university to study child & familystudies as wellas child & adolescents' studies which led to where I am today. You see along the way, people tried to lure me to what theyseemgoodformebecausethey feel fulfilled in it. I thank God I didn't go their way, of course it caused relaonship break down, but I am happy with my chosen career. I couldn't have been happier One thing with me is that I don't follow crowd,Istaytruetomyselfandwhat I'm passionate about. I pray and listentowhatGodwantsmetodoat everypointinmylife.

provoking them. There's an increase in the number of African children in carejustbecauseofignorance.Ihave also been able to signpost parents to courses that will help in raising childrenintheUnitedKingdom.

The breaking point for me was that I have so much in me, yet I was doing so lile. To whom much is given much is expected. I realised my passionatthemewastoworkwith vulnerable first-me mothers and their babies. While undertaking s o m e c o u r s e s , I w a s a l s o volunteering at a stay and play group. Mymentor at themewould allow me lead sessions and talk freelywithmothersinthegroupand I was good at it. I started aracng women of colour into the group, it wasgoodtoseeAfricanparentstake their children to a stay and play groupwhereparentscanmeetother parentsandsocialise.

Firstly, my goal is to make heaven. Secondly to raise godly and responsible children in this age of moral decadent. Thirdly to expand my business and support the less privilegedonalargerscale.

The new experience has allowed me to advise my fellowAfricans on ways of chassing children without

MustpeoplethinkIdon'tgoout,butI dosolooungsalot.I'vedonequitea lot this year both within and outside theUK.Ilovetoreflecttogetbeer

Womenshouldplease:

a. Take me to rest and look aer themselves. Have a me to retreat andpamperyourself

b. Mingle with people who are more knowledgeable, successful, and experienced than you, don't see it as inmidaon. You'll learn more from peopleofgreatminds.

c. Run away from people who have no vision, it can be dangerous and be focused.

1.Isthereanythingyouwouldliketo share with our readers that we have nottalkedabout.

I love to travel, if you're looking for a travelbuddy,Iamrighthere.

7 What was the breaking point that made you change the course of direcon for your life.

8 Can you share the new experiences you have begun to see because of this drasc measure.

9 What is the ulmate dream/goal for yourself?

10 What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?

11

In closing what 3 things would you encourage women to do more of?

1

Please tell us a bit about yourself?

Whoareyou?Whatdoyoudo?

Nekita Paul-Okafor also known as Kitahpaul “the lifestyle Guru” (LLB Hons; LLM; LPC); is Lawyerpreneur with an LLM in Business Law from University of London. She is an outgoing, diverse mul-tasking professional, who is fulfilling her life's divine purpose by encouraging and movang others to find and fulfil their life's purpose. She does this through mentoring, coaching and empowerment speaking. She is also an experienced Lawyer and Project Management professional with more than 20 years of corporate service underherbelt.

2

What does a typical day look like for you?

Nekita wears lot of hats working as a Project Manager 9-5 and part-me as a Solicitor split between morning and evenings.

I am an entrepreneur and life coach which are side businesses I am building.

INTERVIEW

Igrewupwithparentsthattaught me the essence of hard work and educaon but also encouraged me to be my own person and express myself; however, as I grew, this was notencouraged,andourculturehad its limitaons to the female gender in respect of communicang your beliefsespeciallyifitwascontraryto the popular one. I felt a pain when I could not express what I felt was right and resolved to always stay true to myself This is the basis of my legal background and more recently my goals to help women remove liming beliefs from their foundaons. I have found I am most comfortable staying true to myself inspiteoftheodds.

I try to put my acvies for the day down in my diary and try to hit all my targetssllworkingonthat.

WITH A PURPOSE DRIVEN LADY NEKITA PAUL-OKAFOR

There was a customary law in my state that did not allow women to own land, and I had a friend that her parents died and willed their land to herandhersisters,butshecouldnot take ownership because of this law. This felt very unjust, and I got together others with related stories, and we got a class acon going which eventually got the law changed. I know the power of women united, I resolved to unite women as much as possible as the power was great when they came together

I repriorize if I have a sudden emergency I look at the to do list for thedayandreschedulelessimportant acvies.

The Pandemic made me realise me is short and we all need to reach for those dreams and goals NOW, not tomorrow,makethatimpactnow. As a result of these, I have powerful tesmonies from women who have more confidence and are impacng others as well because I was true to myself.

was the breaking point that made you change the course of direcon for your life.

Impacng women who lack self-belief all over the world not just from Africa. Changinghouseholdsonewomanata me.

Iusedtodrivetheundergroundtrain

Ÿ Plan your me, including 'ME' me.

Ÿ Love and encourage yourself you aredoinggreat.

Ÿ Look for role models or someone that are where you want to be study them and follow them, be consistentandintenonal.

Empoweringallwomen.org isaNon profit set up to support women who lack confidence and self-liming beliefs and cannot see their own potenal. It supports women to dreamandusetheirGodgiventalents toimpacttheworldandshine.Mylast words…” Yes, you can become and do that thing you have only ever dreamed about! Do not give up on your dreams and aspiraons no maer your journey or age. Keep that dream alive and that fire burning and you will realise it eventually”

What is the ulmate dream/goal for yourself?

What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you? 11 In closing what 3 things would you encourage women to do more of? 12 Is there anything you would like to share with our readers that we have not talked about

No Other Name

Tomike Ogunleye

Hisawesomenessonmymind Can'tgetitoutofmymind Yourgoodness&mercyhunngmedown OverwhelmedbyyourloveJesus

I don't mind the way you express yourself my Lord & Saviour

Idon'tmindatall...notatall

IwillblesstheLordatallmes Hispraiseshallconnuallybeonmymouth He has put a new song in me, a six-course meal before me, Thereisanoverflowofabundancearoundme Earshear,andngles,menandwomenruntotheshine ofmyglory,bulgingeyesquesoning Heartspondering,wonderingsomuch Itleadstodancing,singingsomuch, Itleadstomuchpraise,ohyes! Resounding, complete, impressively thorough, praises tomyJesus

Hefreesfromanxiousfear HegetsHisownoutofghtspots Oh yes! I'm talking about God, the one that sets up a circleofproteconarounduswhenwepray, I dare u to open your mouth & taste, open your eyes & see There'snoothernamebutJESUS

Plot

John Harrison (Alex Kendrick) is a basketball coach at a high school and married to Amy (Shari Rigby). Due to the manufacturing plant being moved to another city, all of the good basketball players, along with their families, must move also. School Principal Olivia Brooks (Priscilla Shirer) tells John that the school is losing several teachers and coaches and that she needs him to coach cross country, as she doesn't want the school to lose another program.

At the try-outs for cross country, only one student shows up. Nevertheless, John agrees to be the running coach for Hannah Scott (Aryn Wright-Thompson), who is asthmatic. Hannah lives with her grandmother, Barbara Scott (Denise Armstrong), who has been telling her all her life that both her parents are dead. Hannah also steals items from students at school and has a collection of them. One day, on his hospital visits to help the pastor, John accidentally enters the room of Thomas Hill (Cameron Arnett). Hill is blind and suffering from diabetic complications. Hill also had been a cross country runner. After a couple of visits to see Hill, John finds out that Hill is Hannah's father. Hill abandoned Hannah and her mother when Hannah was a baby and Barbara has been trying to protect her from being hurt by him again, albeit by lying to Hannah about him. John also later finds out that the principal was Hannah's mother's friend and has been paying her tuition fees.

John tells Hannah about her father and he and Amy take her to meet him. Though reluctant at first, she eventually accepts him and starts visiting him more. Through the process she discovers herself and also strengthens her Christian faith and her belief in Jesus Christ as her Heavenly father Hannah returns all of the stolen items and practices rigorously.

Barbara finds out about her visits to her father and angrily confronts John and Amy over letting Hannah meet her father without discussing it with her. She threatens legal action until she is chastised by Hannah for lying to her all this time. John, Amy, and Barbara then each go to God in prayer about the situation, each asking Him for forgiveness and guidance.

Overcomerisa2019AmericanChristiandramafilmdirectedbyAlexKendrick,whoco-wrotethe scriptwithStephenKendrick.ItistheKendrickbrothers'sixthfilmandtheirsecondthroughtheir subsidiary,KendrickBrothersProductions.ThefilmwasreleasedbySonyPicturesReleasingon August23,2019.

On the day of the State Championship race, John gives Hannah ear buds and a player John tells her to play the player as the race begins. Through the race, Hannah hears her father's voice of coaching and encouragement, leading her to win the race and become the state champion.

Later, Hill passes away. A couple of years later, Hannah tells her story to her cross-country friends. Then Hannah puts a flash drive in the player and runs through the city while listening to the recording from her father which begins with "It's your 21st birthday".

Cast

Ÿ

Alex Kendrick as John Harrison, former basketball coach who reluctantly begins coaching cross-country

Ÿ

Ÿ

Shari Rigby as Amy Harrison, John's wife

Priscilla Shirer as Olivia Brooks, the principal of Brookshire Christian School and mentor to Hannah Scott

Ÿ

Cameron Arnett as Thomas Hill, a blind man and former runner harbouring a secret past

Ÿ

Aryn Wright-Thompson as Hannah Scott, an orphan and high-school cross-country runner being raised by her grandmother

Ÿ

Denise Armstrong as Barbara Scott, Hannah's grandmother who raised her after her father abandoned her and her mother died.

Ÿ

Jack Sterner as Ethan Harrison, John Harrison's son

Ÿ

Ben Davies as Coach Myers

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overcomer_(film)

MUSIC

EZE EBUBE Grace Found Me by Neon Adejo

More than my mouth can testify More than my mind can comprehend See I've seen the wonders of your grace I'm so sure that this is not the end Eze ebube

see how far you've brought Eze ebube

I'm so glad you found me worthy I can see I can tell And I know it's your grace All my days I will sing your praise My heart is full of gratitude To you and no one else but you (Thank you Jesus)

Lord I'm here only by your grace Thank you Jesus for not giving up on me Eze Ebube

See how far you've brought me Eze Ebube I'm so glad you found me worthy I can see I can tell And I know it's your grace All my days I will sing your praise

Source: LyricFind Songwriters: Neon Adejo Eze Ebube lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

MEDITATION

Christian meditation is rooted in the Bible. In fact, the Bible commands us to meditate. In Joshua 1:8, God says to meditate on His word day and night so we will obey it. The psalmist says, "his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law, he meditates day and night" (Psalm 1:2). The Bible mentions m e d i t a t e o r m e d i t a t i o n 2 0 t i m e s .

In the Old Testament there are two primary Hebrew words for meditation: Haga, which means to utter, groan, meditate, or ponder; and Sihach, which means to muse, rehearse in one's mind, or contemplate. These words can also be translated as dwell, diligently consider, and heed.

C h r i s t i a n M e d i t a t i o n : A H i s t o r y

One form of Christian meditation that has been used by believers since at least the fourth century AD is the lectio divina. It has been traditionally used in monastic religious orders and is enjoying resurgence today. Lectio divina means "sacred reading" and has four stages: lectio (reading), meditatio (discursive meditation), oratio (af fective prayer), and contemplatio (contemplation). In thelectio (reading) stage, one finds a passage and reads it deliberately. The next stage, meditatio (discursive meditation), is where one ponders the text. In the oratio (effective prayer) stage, one talks to God about the reading, asking Him to reveal the truth. In the final, contemplatio (contemplation) stage, one simply rests in the Lord's presence.

One important thing the Bible tells us to do is to think about God's Word. Our thoughts determine our behaviour and so what we think about is very important. That is why God wants us to think about His Word or meditate on it. Jim Downing in Meditation (NavPress) says God considers meditation a "vital exercise of the minds of His children."

Rick Warren, in The Purpose Driven Life (Zondervan), describes meditation this way: "Meditation is focused thinking. It takes serious effort. You select a verse and reflect on it over and over in your mind...if you know how to worry; you already know how to meditate" (190). Warren goes on to say, "No other habit can do more to transform your life and make

you more like Jesus than daily reflection on Scripture…If you look up all the time God speaks about meditation in the Bible, you will be amazed at the benefits He has promised to those who take the time to reflect on His Word throughout the day" (190).

In Satisfy Your Soul (NavPress), Dr. Bruce Demarest writes, "A quieted heart is our best preparation for all this work of God...Meditation refocuses us from ourselves and from the world so that we reflect on God's Word, His nature, His abilities, and His works...So we prayerfully ponder, muse, and 'chew' the words of Scripture....The goal is simply to permit the Holy Spirit to activate the life-giving Word of God" (133).

Christian Meditation: How do we do it? There are three times during the day we can actively turn our minds over to God's Word in Christian Meditation. Just before we fall asleep, we can have God's Word be the last thing that occupies our mind. Upon awaking, we can have God's Word be the first thing to fill our minds to start the day. Finally, we need a specific time each day to be in God's Word so it can speak to us throughout our day.

What should we focus on in Christian meditation?

"Whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whateverisright,whateverispure,whateveris lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything, worthy of praise,dwellonthesethings"(Philippians4:8, NASB).

Source: http://www.allaboutgod.com/christianmeditation.htm

My Daily Confession

Saythiswithmeeverydayasyoustartyourdaytocreateyourreality.

Father, I thank you for another opportunity to come boldly before your

throne to give thanks and praise to your holy name. I am a new creation in Christ Jesus, full of divine nature and supernatural abilities. I am born of God, and I am the temple of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit of God lives in me. I am redeemed from every curse by the blood of Jesus. I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. Jesus paid the price for my redemption, so I stand fast in the liberty I have received as a child of God. I am no longer bound with the yoke of slavery. I am free because he who the Son sets free is free indeed. I have abundant life. Greater is He that lives in me than he that lives in the world. I am not confused in life because the Spirit of God directs my path. I have an anointing from the Holy One and I know all things. Today is my receiving day. I expect the favour of God everywhere I go. Every land I tread upon I possess. All things are working together for my good today. I have the blessing. Lines are falling to me in pleasant places. I bind every demon that wants to harass me today. I saturate every atmosphere I am in with the presence of God. This is the day that the Lord has made I will rejoice and be glad in it. I am the redeemed of the Lord whatever I say is so, I have said it and it is so Now in Jesus Name.