25 Lessons Learnt as i clock 25!

 

“This life therefore is not righteousness, but growth in righteousness, not health, but healing, not being but becoming, not rest but exercise. We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it, the process is not yet finished, but it is going on, this is not the end, but it is the road. All does not yet gleam in glory, but all is being purified.”
― Martin Luther

 

25 Lessons learnt as I clock 25!

 

1. I am first a Christian before I am anything else…
2. All my experiences, good or bad served to bring me to where I am today.
3. There’s an appointed time for everything, you don’t have to rush what God has ordained so stop struggling with God’s timing, it’s perfect.
4. Don’t fear or resent the waiting periods in your life. Embrace them…a lot can be achieved while waiting, make sure to invest in yourself not just being idle. I’ve recorded the most level of personal development and growth during these so-called waiting periods.
5. God didn’t create us to live someone else’s life, He gave us each our own mission, and He’s gifted us uniquely for it. Don’t envy…Stay in your own lane!
6. Love suffers long (is patient)…doesn’t easily give up. There is a persistence to love, even in tough times. It doesn’t just quit or give up…it lasts long…always perseveres remaining steadfast.
7. God takes us through certain routes to let us grow and to stretch us…It’s intentional. GROW THROUGH ALL THAT YOU GO THROUGH. Every single season we go through has a reason, focus on that reason and allow it become an agent of growth…not an agent of stagnancy.
8. People will always have their opinions. There will always be naysayers, you have to learn to tune out, even if it means cutting off some people. You need to hear the right things.
9. Your level of life is determined by your level of faith. Whenever circumstances stimulate you to deepen your faith, don’t resist them; instead embrace them willingly.
10. Always listen to that specific instruction from God. No matter how long we avoid Gods instruction, it is still there for us to deal with when we stop running.
11. Mentors are elevators. Seek to connect with them. It must not be physically. Read their books/materials; online or offline.
12. The arm of flesh will fail you. This life is not by gragra; Not by power, nor by might, but by His spirit.
13. God wants us to have peace about where we are on our way to where we are going. I realize I won’t always stay the way I am. Anyone seeking God is continually/ regularly growing.
14. Happiness is something you decide ahead of time. It is a choice
15. When people fail us, Our God does not, nor does His kindness depart from us. For whom God loves He loves till the end.
16. Never box God up….don’t force Him into your own script. He won’t fit. Don’t always think that what God wants to do in your life will come in a particular pattern. Be open.
17. Stepping into the unknown can be scary, costly, painful…but it will put you in the position of trusting God like never before. Constantly and consciously surrender to God to takeover.
18. With God, it’s not who you were that matters, but who you’re becoming. Our past does not determine our future
19. The world needs what I have…the world is waiting for my manifestation. God wants us to be fruitful, bearing the right fruits. John 15:7
20. Even through trials and tribulations, when you just can’t figure things out, one thing stands sure; the Love of God towards me. His Love is everything! So, no matter what, I’ll stand
21. Life is not all about me! God brought us for His own agenda, this is the way God works, He ‘does’ in you and then He does through you…then you have capacity beyond your ability. He doesn’t help you do…He ‘does’ in you and through you…
22. Relationships can make or mar you…MAKE THE RIGHT CONNECTIONS. He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. – provers 13:20
23. Serving God pays/works
24. Its fulfilling when you marry someone who pushes you to be the best possible version of you…loving you, supporting you, helping you grow…and cheering you on all the way.
25. My worth is not measured by my talent, degree, money or success, but by the fact that I was created in the image of God! My life is worthwile because God created it

 

BONUS***: Knowledge is key. NEVER STOP LEARNING

 

Love,

Onyii!

Priceless!

You are priceless to me.
I love you and honor you.
So I will trade other people for you.
I will give up other nations to save your lives.

– God

Hello lovelies!
I hope our week has been great so far.
I sincerely apologise for my MIA role, i do hope to be more consistent though! 😆. I’ve missed this really, so I’ll just get straight to the point.
In recent times, this scripture has become a fave, Isaiah 43. I’m particularly captivated by verse 4, the ‘b’ part.

“so I will trade other people for you and I will give up other nations to save your lives”
Hmm, okay. ..that sounds pretty serious right?! lol. In truth, the first time I read that part, I just assumed it was a bit exaggerated in a bid to drive a point…but no…not at all.

Let’s take a step back to our book of bible stories (fond memories 😀). You remember how God pretty much laid waste to Egypt, plague after plague, just to force a way for Israel ‘s deliverance from Egypt. Wow!…Just picture that, Egypt shall be sacrificed, rather than Gods people to continue in slavery when the time had come for their release. We are that precious in the sight of God.

In a like manner, He gave His only son as ransom for us…what great lengths He’s willing to go for you and I! God is not some random guy trying to woo us and spouting lyrics anyhow…When He says ‘You are priceless’..you can take it to the bank. If God Almighty has called you priceless, who then can reduce your worth? Sometimes we end up seeking for validation in all the wrong places. Yet the Ultimate one has proclaimed you priceless! and He’s willing to go any length for you. Revel in that!

That’s why in the beginning of that passage He assures us that even when we pass through the waters and the fire, He is there with us, guiding us through. So we need not fear for we will be delivered. He would still, when there is occasion make the interests of men give way to the interests of His own children. The affairs of this world shall be reordered if need be for the good of His children! My sisters, so you see, we are sorted! If you gotta put a tag on it; it’s Priceless…

For the purpose of walking in the reality of our worth in Christ, i created a whatsapp network for ladies tagged ‘Priceless Me’. We are committed to walking in this reality and living life as God would have it; Purposefully. Its a relaxed atmosphere where we uphold one another in the faith, share life’s issues, pray, study God’s word and bond! We are friends! We are Sisters! If you are interested in joining this network, you can send a text to +2347038888173 with your whatsapp no or mail it to pricelessmeofficial@gmail.com.

I pray that daily the Holyspirit reveals to us the depth of Gods love for us. I love you all, but God is the Ultimate Lover!

Till next time,
Stay priceless! 😙

The Pearl

Hi lovelies!

Here again! I hope the week is going great so far? Just stopping by to share a poem from my favourite book of all time. By the way, I think every young woman should own a copy of this book. It’s called ‘Lady in Waiting‘ by Jackie Kendall and Debby Jones. We can and should benefit from what others have learned and we do that through books. Reading helps initiate and maintain personal growth. I naturally would opt for a novel, but over time i have also learnt the importance of these books, trust me, purchasing this one is a great investment on your life. Take my word for it! *wink*

Moving on! Chapter four of this book talks about one of life’s most costly and beautiful objects, born out of pain and irritation–The Pearl. A tiny piece of sand slips into an oyster’s shell and begins to rub against the soft tissue, causing irritation. In response to the irritation, the oyster produces a hard substance. This substance eventually develops into one of the world’s most beautiful jewels–a lovely luminous pearl. In fact, the greater the irritation, the more valuable the pearl!

The Pearl

In every oyster there lies the ability
to produce something rare.
Truth like a grain of sand will produce
the pearl that is hidden there.

Young woman you are often mocked and scorned.
And told you never should have been born.
You want to run away, to hide your hurt.
Your heart is wounded, bleeding and torn.

God makes not mistakes
every life is special,
every life is planned.
Seeds can sprout in sand.

Open yourselves up to the Spirit of God
Grow in grace and maturity
Be what He wants you to be
Your beauty your strength lies deep within you.

Young woman, young girl,
open yourselves up to God.
Allow Him to reveal your pearl.

– Sylvia Hannah

Like the oyster. we may have experienced many irritations, trials,  -you may have lost a loved one, experienced a heart break, been in lack, faced failure headon, been saddled with delays and setbacks, been mocked and scorned, struggled with self esteem issues…

Yet, i tell you, the by- product of all this is a lovely luminuous pearl!

Be encouraged! Dont view the trials of life as irritating grains of sand…Realize that God has them there creating something beautiful in you. He is using the sand to make you perfect and complete, developing in you pearls of character.

Like the oyster and pearl, think of James 1:2-4, “Consider it all joy, my brethen, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

Allow the trials change you into that lovely pearl.

Stay strong sister!…It’s all working out for your good.

Love, Onyii

Trust Without Borders

Have you ever listened to the song “Oceans” by Hillsong United?. like really listened to the song? I’ve had the song on repeat lately and some days ago the lyrics really struck me…

“Spirit, lead me where my trust is without borders. Let me walk upon the waters, wherever you would call me. Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander, and my faith will be made stronger in the presence of my Savior.”

I’ve been thinking about that phrase: “trust without borders.”

Paying attention to the lyrics, you realise it tells a beautiful narrative of ‘peter’s walk across the water to Jesus’ –Matthew 14: 22 – 33. Please do find time to go through it on your own.

Peter stepped out in Faith, trusting Jesus who called out to him, but when he looked around and saw the reality of his situation, fear crept in and he started sinking…“As he checked in with the reality of the world around him, he disconnected from the truth in the eyes of Jesus and began to sink”

I realise that in life, there have been times when like Peter we’ve stepped out only to walk a step or two and sink because of the nature of the situation, the reality of it.

Like Peter, we’ve looked around, reasoning out the situation and been overcome by fear.

In my own case, i’ve had times when i did not even attempt walking on water. *covers face*. I just stay back in the boat, afterall…It’s the ‘reasonable‘ thing to do, right?. For me, It is just easier to make well thought out and calculated moves, the kind where I feel more in control of the outcome. By nature, We prefer the illusion of safety that the boat offers.Yet God reminds us to trust Him totally, to step out in Faith. My favorite verse happens to be Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
    don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
    he’s the one who will keep you on track.”

God reminds us that there is a deeper level of walk with Him. A place beyond the confines of our mind, where walking on the water is possible, that place where we can trust Him without limits, without borders. Just for us to be willing to lay aside our own thinking and follow his leading, always.

“Trust without borders” means that I will release all control; I will make the tough choice to obey even when it looks like I could drown; I will step into that frightening place of the unknown.”

Most times, His invitation does not include a well explained to do list, of how to go about it, but constantly he whispers to our hearts, ‘Trust me. Let your eyes stay on me, dont try and figure it out…Im here, i will show you the way thereof’.

“Walking with God is a life of stepping out.Stretching.Trusting.”

Over and over in Peter’s life, he stepped out, the more he did, God fine-tuned him. Refined him. Changed him. Brought him to the place where his natural instincts were increasingly under the control of the Spirit of God.

How about you? Have you received an invitation to “step out” into the great mystery of the unknown? Are you fearful as you look at what seems to be impossible circumstances? Are you trusting, but in one way or the other still taking control? Are you willing to release ‘all’ control?

Be rest assured, you are not alone. We do not know how the days to come will play out, but we can Trust in the God who knows. Trust in the one who reassures you your future is secure in Him. Relinquish all control to Him daily, allowing His Spirit lead you. Allow Him to stretch your trust level beyond where you’ve yet been.

We all were created for more than living life in the boat. There is a world around us waiting for you to step out. Someone once said, ‘Trusting without borders is scary, messy, yet, a beautiful thing’. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Live a life of endless possibilities with God and be all you were created to be.

… our future is so bright!

Stay trusting,

Kisses!

Onyii

Be-You-tiful!

“You have a unique gift to offer this world. Be true to yourself, be kind to yourself, read and learn about everything that interests you and keep away from people who bring you down. When you treat yourself kindly and respect the uniqueness of those around you, you will be giving this world an amazing gift… YOU!”

– Steve Maraboli.

Hi there! Its been a minute!…lol. Okay, I know! its been months…*covers face*. But, Hey, Im back *smiles*. I’ve missed doing this loads…so lets just go straight ahead and delve in.

Have you ever found yourself asking, Am i enough? Are there times you’ve felt inadequate? When fears and doubts gnaw at your soul, It just makes you feel like shrinking back from living the way God leads you to live. I personally have had my own share of those moments. Times when i see people around me with awesome qualities, talents, and they seem to be achieving great things…and i’m just like, ‘onyii. how far?’ lol. Trust me, its actually worse than that, In the past i’ve let such thoughts and feelings drag me into a state of self pity, envy, and so on.

So what if she has more money to spend than you, or has the dream job, what if she seems to be more talented. Oh wait, so what if they say she has the ‘perfect life’? Ha, Excuse you! who defines that anyway? lol

Stop comparing yourself to other people!

You were created as a very unique and special person. God had a plan for you long before you took your first breath. Wait…Just relish that thought…*smiles*

…Love the fact that you’re special. So you don’t have to feel bad that you don’t have all the qualities, features, money, or anything else that someone else has. Your journey is just that —yours.

We all were born with gifts and talents, Its your choice to build on it and perfect it. Greatness lies within you, dont be afraid to let that shine out, that is true beauty, the light that shines from within you. When you were created God looked at you and said…Ha! -She’s a Masterpiece!…so why should you think any less of you?

You were specially crafted with unique features, called to a unique purpose. God made no mistake about that. You are not like every other person. He named you ‘You’, different from every other.

Embrace the ‘You’ you are.

Seek to achieve great things, seek to be better, But most importantly, be who God intended you to be…BE-YOU-TIFUL!

Till later lovelies!

Stay priceless,

Kisses, Onyii!

Busy?

“One reason we are so harried and hurried is that we make yesterday and tomorrow our business, when all that legitimately concerns us is today. If we really have too much to do, there are some items on the agenda which God did not put there. Let us submit the list to Him and ask Him to indicate which items we must delete. There is always time to do the will of God. If we are too busy to do that, we are too busy.” – Elisabeth Elliot.

As a christian out there, sometimes with the hustle and bustle of life generally, we find ourselves in a constant state of busyness, our frequent answer to the question ‘Howve you been?’ Becomes ‘I’ve been sooo busy’…the question here is what’s got you so busy, your to-do list or that of God who put you here? Speaking from experience i know how easy it is for one to get carried away ‘forming’ activity, when in truth one just finds one’s self on a path that wears one out and breeds lack of fulfilment. Scripture says many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the LORD’s purpose that prevails. Instead of just trying to carry out your plans, striving to tick items off your to-do list, Make the decision to commit your plans to God, Let His purpose come to play in your life. Learn from Jesus to slow down and consciously eliminate rushing from your life. Its important we come to terms with the fact that youre God’s original version of you and youre not competing with anyone else. Slow down and redirect yourself to focus on the things that matter, To focus on the things that God would have you do and see your self set free from despair.

Simply be who God created you to be!

Love, Onyii

Embrace your year!

Embrace your year!

Quote for the day

‘We pay a heavy price for our fear of failure. It is a powerful obstacle to growth. It assures the progressive narrowing of the personality and prevents exploration and experimentation. There is no learning without some difficulty and fumbling. If you want to keep on learning , u must keep on risking failure—all ur life.’

 —John W. Gardner

… A real Gem!

“You can suffer the pain of change or suffer remaining the way you are.”

– Joyce Meyer

Finally! We made it to the end of 2014…Yayyyy! We definitely have an awesome God to thank for that. Kindly spare me a few minutes to share the ‘Gospel’ of my year…hmm, you’re thinking ‘good news’ of my year, right?…Well, yes…kinda, depends on what perspective you’re looking at it from.

I’ve had my ups and downs this year, let me lay emphasis on the ‘downs’….I’ve faced a lot of challenges in this year, Truthfully in almost every sphere of my life. I had so many struggles, so many times I cried, times when I found myself at crossroads, not knowing what to do, loads of mistakes made aswell…don’t get me wrong though, the aim is not to go on about my life’s challenges but to remind you that it’s simply normal to face challenges; You’re not alone.

Yea! As I was saying…amidst all of this, it was real easy to loose sight of what God was doing in my life, as well as deemphasising certain things he had done for me.

Along the line, having redirected my focus to God, He changed my perspective and gave insight to certain things. I’m truly happy entering a new year. I’m certainly not the same with when I started the year, yes! I’ve changed! (Even outwardly, I cut off all my hair…lol,  now that’s story for another day). I can say without a doubt that I’m ending the year on a stronger note.

In the midst of mistakes made, i see the wisdom I now have to do things aright,  in the light of challenges experienced, I see the strength and stamina God instilled in me, in the river of tears I cried, I saw an ability to encourage myself in the Lord and swim out, even in situations when my efforts proved nought, I saw a will to go on, to aspire for more, to see the opportunities ahead and ultimately achieve greatness. With the people I had around me, I learnt the essence of true friendship, the value I should place on my relationships aswell…I could go on and on.

I can tell you without a doubt that I’m better, I’m stronger, I’m wiser. Stepping into the new year on a whole new level, 2015 ain’t gonna know what hit it. Lol.

So if there’s any one of you out there who can’t seem to look beyond what’s going wrong in your life right now…Sparkle up dearie!..your heavenly Father says His plans for you this new year are of good, to give you a hope and a future. It’s exciting to know that your future is safe in God’s hands. So whatever your present circumstances are, don’t let it steal your joy, it’s just a refining process…you’re coming out all shiny and sparkling…a real gem.

See you guys in ‘015 my sweeties!… Till then, remember, You’re God’s own masterpiece…that makes you priceless!

With Love,

Onyii

I’ve got me some Fuel!

HI there!!!

Season’s greetings my lovelies!

…so its Christmas season again and ive really not felt all Christmassy (you know, all giddy and the sort). Been feeling this way for a while now. Somehow all I can think of is how this year is drawing to an end and I can’t really say much about my accomplishments this 2014.A friend asked me “so what are your highlights for the year?” And that was enough to make me break down, all that came to mind were the low points I’ve had this year. However,  somewhere deep down, I just knew I should stay grateful, remain thankful, and keep having an attitude of gratitude…but trust me, it’s not been easy!

[Moving on] I’m currently on a road trip to my hometown so I decided to go through my P31 women’s devotional, the verse I read is psalm 51: 12 ‘Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and grant me a willing spirit,  to sustain me.’ Reference was made to a car running on an empty tank, how the car spits and a sputters until it eventually dies, this was being likened to our spiritual tank.

‘Racing to be in all the right places at all the right times without checking my gauge left me feeling empty’

This could not have been more accurate in my case, I’d virtually drained my spiritual tank and been running on empty…saying my prayers in a hurry, having swift minutes talking with my heavenly Father, not necessarily devoting quality time for Him. Hence, when circumstances of life plagued me, it drained me empty, Just because I didn’t create enough time to fill my tank up. So I ask myself, what’s the rush? Where have I been racing to? Whose race am I running anyway? After running in several wrong directions to entertain the delusion that I’m making progress,  I end up spitting, sputtering and eventually getting drained.

I recognise daily that we have an ultimate answer in the Holyspirit ; Our awesome helper,  magnificent counsellor,  Prince of peace, ever present encourager – you name it!. The latter part of the scripture says ‘grant me a willing heart to sustain me’ . So I see it’s all about being willing; willing to have a relationship with Him, willing to spend quality time with Him.

So I’m done with the pity parties and being drained, I’ve got me some awesome Holyspirit fuel to take me all the way. Ask the Lord today for that willing heart to sustain you, you’d definitely see a restoration of the joy of Your salvation,  amidst whatsoever life may have thrown your way.

…and that’s how onyii got her Christmas groove back on (lol). That’s that till we chat again. Till then remember you’re Gods own masterpiece! …For that reason alone, You’re priceless!!!

Kisses

Love, Onyii.