mobile coffins and their operators:Annoying things drivers do while on the move.

I want to believe this traffic Jam depicted in this picture below is as a result of the inpatience of drivers. Every one wants to be the first to pass through as if the others don't have a destination. 

 I have been meaning to rant about the crazy and annoying way people drive on our roads but how many people do i air my grievances to physically? A limited amount. So today I decided to use this platform to call out drivers on Nigerian roads. I can't complain about roads in other countries because I have not really had substantial contact with their drivers to draw out a conclusion. 

 Truth moment, a lot of Nigerians drive like insane people and they do that mostly because a lot of them haven't really undergone tutorials on how to drive and traffic rules. Most drivers in Nigeria just learnt how to balance a wheel in their hands and how to remember to keep to the left lane, asides that they don't understand traffic rules,they don't understand what it means for a driver to own a right of way. They barely understand the traffic lights. Below is a list of some instances, that make you question the sanity of fellow drivers

1). Not signaling when trying to change lanes or even leaving the light on miles before a turn. This is really crazy because you have to always have your feet standby on the brake pedal because you are uncertain if some idiot may just swerve in front of you.

2). Aim your head lights at on coming traffic at a very high beam. Haba,is the driver that blind that he can't see his immediate front and wants to render me blind in the process? That's possible but that's why drivers need visual acuity done to ascertain their road worthiness.

3). Taking up 2 lanes on a dual carriage way. This annoys me to my marrow. Why can't drivers maintain one lane? Your car is moving as a turtle and yet you are occupying 2 lanes. It's not a slow moving entourage for pete's sake.

4). Making calls while driving.  We all know multitasking saves time but not while driving. If you want to end your life go to an isolated place and ram your car into a stationary object don't endanger others while at it.

5). Most don't understand right of way. How can someone navigating into a roundabout expect those on the round about to wait for him?  That's madness.

6). Then those that make a honest mistake that can't accept and apologize just because you appear more affluent. 

7). One has toBe wary also of motorcycles and taxis, which think they have the right of way and dodge in and out of traffic, regardless of how little space there is for them to fit.

8). Thanks to inpatience, If there happen to be lines in the road, drivers feel free to disregard them to turn, avoid potholes or get to their destination sooner. 

9). Then those that overload their cars with,people, animals and goods alike. You will be so scared of being behind these,they may want to reverse at any time will trying to change lanes inappropriately with their rear Windshield cluttered with goods 

10). Then those trailers and tankers that intimidate saloon cars based on size just because they believe the size of the automobile determines who has right of way.

I can go on and on but I would stop here.

 We all should learn to do the right things cutting corners and getting driving licenses through the back door would only increase the incidence of deaths due to road traffic accidents. Our roads are not in perfect shape,the to top it we have crazy people behind the wheels that's a catastrophe. 

  whenever I'm in a car,be it behind the wheels or riding shotgun I see every other driver as a potential mad man that may go berserk at any time. That is how I scream blood of Jesus and hold my chair whenever I see them manifesting their lack of reasoning and judgement. 

 If you have any funny or crazy experience with the operators of these mobile coffins. Kindly share with us via the comment section. 

Nostalgia

  I Came across this picture on the net, it's reminiscent of my childhood days and it made me yearne for those days when I had no worries of what tomorrow holds. I could identify with the picture because I still try to achieve an auto tuned voice while talking into fan.

 There are a lot of things I did as a kid that brought so much happiness though naughty as some may seem it gave me the opportunity to express myself.

  I always loved playing the role of a teacher to the potted plants at home, I flogged the plants so hard just because they couldn't recite the alphabets after me and trust me,after a couple of days the plants became naked (no more leaves).

  Playing house was so fun, we had a lot of kids in the next compound, we always came together to play house. I was always the child thanks to my tiny stature then. Enjoyed that role because it meant more fruits for me.
  when it came to playing on the sand,I was a Queen.I didn't have the opportunity to go to the beach as a kid but I still built my own sand castle.
 After seeing a movie that had kids working in a garden (secret garden), I started clamoring for my own garden, lol, I started farming at the age of 6.
 Trying to get into the role of Tarzan wasn't easy as well because I landed on my back most times trying to swing and scream like Tarzan using fronds on coconut trees.
 I still remember going to check behind the TV wondering how people could get into that little box.
 There are a lot of funny things we did as Kids. If this juggles your memory you can drop a comment and share with us those activities you enjoyed doing as a kid.

Nigerian roads: A death trap.

 A death trap is a place,structure, vehicle that is potentially dangerous.
 Below are pictures I culled from the net after I typed images of Nigerian bad roads on Google search engine.

Let's face reality, these roads are death traps. Some of you may ask me if am sure these are Nigerian roads. My answer is , i can't say I'm sure about these pictures because in actual sense I have seen worse. 

 In as much I'm going to apportion blames, I'm also going to highlight some adjustments we can make as individuals to reduce this menace.

  

   To the Nigerian Government,our roads are bad,accidents on our roads are a daily occurrence due to the bad state of the roads. I'm not saying the government isn't putting in effort to change the state of things but they can do more. Contracts should be offered to well meaning Nigerians who would employ the services of reputable construction companies to construct roads with good materials. We all know corruption has eaten into the heart of our leaders but kindly reduce the amount of money collected from contractors in the name of bribe. Mind you the money for the bribe is coming from the downpayment for commencement of the contract. 

 To those who finally bribed their way and won the bid for the contracts. Haba, how can a road that needs about 7 layers of sandfilling and laying of bitumen have just 3?(engineers in the house abeg clarify), how can you import materials that are below standard? You all should fear God o. How would you construct a road with no proper drainage? Do you expect the tires of the vehicles to sweep off the water collected when it rains? Even some that have drainages, have the drainages built so narrow that a cup of water would over flow the said drainage and cause flooding. Please, try and procure durable materials for the job. Quit cutting corners in other to stash a bulk of the money meant for a job in your accounts in the name of I must have multiple zeros attached to a figure. Remember you have taken a huge bulk to bribe. 

  

  Finally, to us the masses who use these roads,the onus is on us to maintain the little we have. 

  How can you build your house so close to the road that when the government hears your cry for good road network, the government has to demolish the walls of your house to creat room for road expansion and construction of drainages? ( warri people take note). Please, I believe there are state land surveyors that can give you directives on the siting of your buildings. 

  Yes,some of the drainages are narrow but that doesn't make it a refuse dump. We should stop clogging our drainages with dirt. There are designated sites for refuse disposal 

 There are some roads that are not designed for heavy duty trucks. Those of you that operate such machineries should take note of that.

 There are also some people that build their houses across routes for drainage of water to designated rivers hence causing water diversion and man made flooding. Please we should desist and I will advise the government to pull down such structures.

 We have seen the pictures and some of us have lost loved ones thanks to this. We can all effect a change if only we make an effort. The change starts with you.

   If you have any suggestions on how the state of our roads can be upgraded please kindly drop it as a comment. If you also need to rant on the said topic or have an experience to share you can drop it in the comment section. 

let's talk diabetes and pregnancy

A reader asked a question about gestational diabetes and I made a mental note to discuss it as a topic and make a post out of it.so here we go.

  Diabetes is a metabolic disease that results from lack of insulin. Insulin is meant to mop up glucose in the blood stream,so a lack if insulin or a reduced quantity means a person would have an excess amount of glucose in the blood.we all know too much of anything is bad.
 In pregnancy, some with diabetes could either have had an established diagnosis of diabetes before getting pregnant or the diabetes commences or is recognised for the first time during pregnancy. The latter is termed GESTATIONAL DIABETES(GDM).
 

  1).how is gestational diabetes managed and does it have a cure?
 
   Management of a pregnant diabetic requires areas work by the obstetrician, endocrinologist,neonatologist and dietician. That is why it's good for a pregnant diabetic to be registered in a tertiary institution where she can get access to such specialists.
 Pregnant diabetics may be controlled on diet alone,but insulin should be commenced immediately blood levels become difficult to control.
Oral hypoglcaemics are contraindicated in pregnancy.

  Does GDM have a cure? Well for most people with GDM, insulin requirements actually fall after delivery and their glucose levels tends to be normal but they are at risk of maturity onset diabetes so it's required of them to have glucose tolerance test at least 6 weeks after delivery.

2) Will GDM affect the baby?
 YES, If your blood glucose levels are not well controlled.

 Glucose in the blood can pass the placenta and get to the baby and just as an adult eat food in excess and get overweight so also the excess glucose getting to the baby makes it overweight (macrosomic -big baby).
 
Due to the fact that the baby has a large amount of glucose inutero the baby starts secreting excess insulin by itself to combat this large amt of glucose thanks to constant supply from the mothers blood, immediately the baby is born the baby has hypoglcaemia(low glucose level in the blood) this is because the baby already has a high amt of circulating insulin but regular supply from the mother has stopped.
  Problems with breathing because of lung immaturity, fractures of some bones because of difficult delivery thanks to their large size and there are also affectation of multiple systems in the body.

The goodnews is that most of these complications in infants of a diabetic mother can be taken care of but it starts with controlling the glucose level of the mother followed by birthing your child in a Centre were specialised hands can attend to the baby

If you have any more questions as regards the above topic, you can drop them in the comment section.

obesity. picking up the pieces after diagnosis

 Being diagnosed with obesity is not the end of the world.
The aim of treating obesity is to lose weight, achieve a healthy weight and maintain that healthy weight. Yes, a doctor can assist you but the bulk of weight loss is on the individual and your doctor comes in when other efforts have effectively failed.
 You may need to work with a team of health professionals — including a dietitian, behavior therapist or an obesity specialist — to help you understand and make changes in your eating and activity habit.

 Treatment of obesity includes the following ;

-Dietary changes
   . Reduce calories and eat healthy diets.
   . Avoid a drastic change in diet, slow and steady does win the race.
   . Restrict intake of certain foods like high carbohydrate diet and full fat diet.
   . Try and avoid diets that promise you quick reduction in weight

-Exercise and activity
  . People who are obese need to get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity physical activity to prevent further weight gain.
  . Increase your daily, physical activities. Walk more and quit that sedentary life style.

 -Prescription weight-loss medications
  .Keep in mind, though, that weight-loss medication is meant to be used along with diet, exercise and behavior changes, not instead of them.your doctor may prescribe weight loss drugs if other personal efforts appear not to be working.

-Weight-loss surgery
 . Though this appears more effective but it's accompanied by serious complications.

Preventing weight regain after obesity treatment

Unfortunately, it's common to regain weight no matter what obesity treatment methods you try
 ways to prevent regaining the weight you've lost is
. Getting regular physical activity. As you lose weight and gain better health, talk to your doctor about what additional activities you might be able to do.

You may always have to remain vigilant about your weight. Get a weighing scale for monitoring, eat healthier diets because You might even regain weight after weight-loss surgery if you continue to overeat or eat foods laden with fat and calories.

Take your weight loss and weight maintenance one day at a time and surround yourself with supportive resources to help ensure your success. Find a healthier way of living that you can stick with for the long term.

let go and let God take the reigns

   

 There are some times, you feel so down like you are not worthy of God's love and mercy. You wonder if you could ever do anything right or if anything could ever go right for you. Don't worry dears always remember your been alive is not by mistake but by desig.. Thank God for his grace because everyday is a second chance to right your wrongs and the wrong happenings in your life to take a right turn.

 While you are thanking God for the gift of life and a second chance,remember He said you should lay your burdens at his feet and he would give you rest. Nothing is impossible for God to do,he raised the dead, he healed the sick,why not leave everything in God's hands? He knows your name and your every need.Give him the reigns and watch your take a U-turn for the best.



Gods way is different from that of man. Most times we list our wants while God is preparing us to recieve our needs. We just have to trust him



 I know is not easy to tow the path of faith,it takes the grace of God to exude such strength. While on that road, I want you to realise a lot of people have followed that road and it surely works and there are a lot of us like you towing that road today you just might not know what the other person is going through. So here I am telling you today,it will be alright just continue having faith and trusting God for that breakthrough.

So I'm telling you today,LET GO of that 'd' which is a dead weight representing disappointments, depression, hurt,pain, sorrowe.t.c. Why not dry your eyes and watch God give you a miraculous turn around as you LET GOD take the reigns of your affairs.

Happy sunday. You are alive for a purpose, you are reading this for a purpose. He hasn't forgotten you.

Obesity..why you need to prevent it and how

 When a person starts adding weight the fat cells initially start to hypertrophy meaning they get bigger,so it's easy to shed such weight because the fat cells just shrink back. When a person becomes obese these fat cells not only hypertrophy they become hyperplastic, meaning the numbers of fat cells increases. Thus it's harder to shed such weight because even if the cells shrink they don't reduce in number.

Risk factors for obesity includes;

.Genetics -This can play a role on how efficiently your body converts food to energy and how your body burns calories during exercise. 

. Family lifestyle 

. Unhealthy eating habits 

. Inactivity and sedentary life style 

. Age

. Pregnancy 

. Certain medications e.g 

. Certain medical conditions e.g Cushing syndrome 

 Complications of obesity includes;

-Medical complications like;

. Hyperlipidemia 

.Type 2 diabetes

.High blood pressure

.Heart disease

.Stroke

.Cancer

.Breathing disorders, including sleep apnea

.Gallbladder disease

.Gynecologic problems, such as infertility and irregular periods

.Erectile dysfunction and sexual health issues

.Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

.Osteoarthritis

.Skin conditions, including poor wound healing

-Psychosocial complications like;

Depression

Disability

Sexual problems

Shame and guilt

Social isolation

Lower work achievement

Prevention of obesity involves the following;  Not surprisingly, the steps to prevent weight gain are the same as the steps to lose weight: daily exercise, a healthy diet, and a long-term commitment to watch what you eat and drink.

-Exercise regularly.Moderately intense physical activities include fast walking and swimming.
-Eat healthy meals and snacks. Focus on low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Avoid saturated fat and limit sweets and alcohol.
-Know and avoid the food traps that cause you to eat. Identify situations that trigger out-of-control eating.
-Monitor your weight regularly. This can help you detect small weight gains before they become big problems.
Be consistent. Sticking to your healthy-weight plan as much as possible increases your chances of long-term success.

Your health is in your hands,safe guard it.

Today is world diabetes day

The theme of World Diabetes Day, from 2014 to 2016 is healthy living and diabetes and this year, there’s a focus on starting each day right by having a healthy breakfast.
A healthy breakfast can reduce blood sugar levels and prevent complications emerging in all types of diabetes mellitus, but do you know what to eat?

Traditional breakfast foods such as cereals and toast can contain carbohydrates and sugars that may cause your blood sugar levels to rise.

This is where research can improve your health and your diabetes - choosing low sugar, high fibre cereals, wholegrain bread, fruits,fish or eggs provide much healthier breakfast options.
Carbohydrates, like whole grains, provide energy, and the best ones also deliver high fibres to help with digestion.
  unfortunately, many people shun protein sources and make the wrong carbohydrate choices, reaching for sugary cereals, or worse, pastries that provide empty calories rather than whole grains and fibres.



   Why do you need a healthy breakfast?

The answer to the above question is applicable for diabetics and non-diabetics alike. The following are few reasons why you need a healthy breakfast.

.For people with diabetes, morning is usually the time of day with the highest blood glucose levels so a good breakfast choice will help to improve your control.
.Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
. Breakfast provides you with the energy and nutrients that lead to increased concentration at work or school.
.Studies show that breakfast can be important in maintaining a healthy body weight.
.Hunger sets in long before it's time for lunch, but because it's not convenient to eat properly, many people who have not eaten breakfast snack on foods that are high in fat and sugar.
.People who skip breakfast are unlikely to make up their daily requirement for some vitamins and minerals that a simple breakfast would have provided.
.Breakfast provides energy for the activities during the morning and helps to prevent that mid-morning slump.

 The following could be in corporated while making a healthy breakfast

.Nuts – always a good source of energy and a low carb favourite
.Oatmeal or wheat bran for fibre (whole grains)
.Berries are a popular choice
.Fruits
.smoothies --take a mix of fruits, blend it and drink. Smoothies can be made from the following.;avocado pear,carrots,cucumber e.t.c
.scrambled eggs and omelets made with tomatoes, pepper,cheese e.t.c.

Have you being having a healthy breakfast?

obesity. a ticking time bomb

 Obesity is the abnormal or excessive accumulation of fat that may impair health.
Obesity isn't just a cosmetic concern. It increases your risk of diseases and health problems such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. It also affects the sufferers psychologicallyrics,socially and economically.

WHO definition of obesity is a BMI greater than or equal to 30. According to the same definition you are overweight if your BMI is greater than or equal to 25.

Body mass index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify overweight and obesity in adults. It is defined as a person's weight in kilograms divided by the square of his height in meters (kg/m2).
 You can calculator your BMI yourself or if you have difficulty, you can visit a primary health Centre where you would come in contact with a health worker who would put you through.

  Causes of obesity ;
   The basic cause of obesity  is an energy imbalance between calories consumed and calories expended.
Globally, there has been an increased intake of energy-dense foods that are high in fat and
an increase in physical inactivity due to the increasingly sedentary nature of many forms of work, changing modes of transportation, and increasing urbanization.

 Technology would definitely continue to get better. Things would get done with little or no energy expended and if nothing is done to mitigate physical inactivity be assured that obesity would be on the increase. Increase in the number of obese individuals globally with its attendant complications on their health and it's effect on the economy is definitely a ticking time bomb that can be stopped by actually changing our life style. This is because obesity is preventable and non-communicable.


Symptoms of obesity.
The primary warning sign of obesity is an above-average body weight.
 you may also experience the following :

.Trouble sleeping
.Sleep apnea. This is a condition in which breathing is irregular and periodically stops during sleep.
.Shortness of breath
.Varicose veins
.Skin problems caused by moisture that accumulates in the folds of your skin
.Gallstones
.Osteoarthritis in weight-bearing joints, especially the knees
.abnormal menstruation in females.

Obesity increases your risk for the following and their attendant complications :

.High blood pressure,
.High levels of blood sugar (diabetes)
.High cholesterol
.High triglycerides levels

 Obesity is a disorder and it is PREVENTABLE. Once a person has obesity his or her risk of acquiring a life threatening complication is increased. Obesity is better prevented than treated.

Most people don't know their current weight. Having a weighing scale at home ain't a crime for all we know you might be the opposite, underweight and probably malnourished and in need of help.

Watch this space on why you need to prevent obesity,and how you can prevent obesity.

What's your weight? Are you Obese?

Simple ways to combat that bad breath.

 Halitosis commonly known as bad breath is a social problem. Communication is impaired because if you are aware of how bad it smells, you would feel people avoid you because of the odour. Truth is some actually do. Halitosis is basically an unpleasant odour present on exhaled breath.
 
   It's mostly caused by microorganisms present in the back of the tongue and below the gum line.This organisms are meant to be within the mouth because they assist in the breakdown of proteins during digestion. Dentures can cause bad breath especially when they are worn overnight. Intake of food substance like garlic,onions and even proteinous foods like fish increase the occurrence of bad breath(though this may be temporary) . Disorders in the nose,sinuses and throat can present with halitosis.
 
 The best way to treat bad breath is to practice good oral hygiene which includes;

. Brushing the teeth at least twice daily

 . Gentle deep tongue cleaning should be a daily routine. This can be achieved by brushing the tongue from  back to front and Tongue scrapping

. Regular flossing of the teeth which helps to eliminate particles stuck in between the teeth.

. Rinsing and gargling with a good mouth wash (this is probably best done at bedtime)

. Dietary changes
    ....Eat foods that contain fibres like fruits and vegetables
     ....drink a lot of water this keeps the mouth well hydrated cause a dry mouth which is an ideal environment for the proliferation of these microorganisms
...chew gum(preferably sugarless). This enhances the production of saliva hence preventing drying of the mouth

. Life style changes like
...stop smoking.
.rinse your mouth regularly especially after each meal(some people only rinse their mouths when they are thirsty).
..if you normally mouth breath, try breathing through your nose. Mouth breathing makes your mouth dry.
...try brushing after a proteinous meal.
. Make an appointment with a dentist for regular check-up.


Some of us have been in that dicey situation wherein, a friend tries to whisper into your ears you are forced to nod and feign understanding just because you can't stand the odour emitting from their mouth. You are suddenly faced with the dilemma of telling that said friend, he /she has a bad breath at the risk of loosing your friendship.

  If you had ever being in this situation, how did you tell your friend his/her breath smells?

Choose happiness.

Happiness starts with you,not with your relationship, your job,nor your money but with you.

Happiness is an emotion in which one experiences feelings ranging from contentment and satisfaction to bliss and intense pleasure. It is an outward expression of elation.Unlike joy which is seemingly liquid and flows, happiness can be said to be in a solid form and you have to cut out of it and share. It's only real when shared.
 In the midst of life problems there is happiness because it's not the absence of problems rather the ability to deal with these problems. To be happy you make the best of anything you have, you appreciate the little you have and do not dwell on that which you don't have rather you strive to achieve your goals with peace and calm.

So free your heart from hatred, free your mind from worries because God is always in control, live simply, give more and expect less.
Happiness is a choice, Choose it.

Fighting Depression..

Doctor, I feel like am drowning, except everyone around Me is breathing fine.

 A lot of people think that being depressed means you just feel blue. Everybody experiences sadness at some points in their lives but that doesn't mean they meet the criteria of depression as a diagnosis. Depression is actually a psychiatric disorder. It's a mood disorder that can affect both adults and children.

Depression is not a sign of weakness,it means you have been strong for far too long. 

  Depression is accompanied by a change in overall level of activity. Depression tends to be recurrent and onset of individual episodes is often related to stressful situations. Depressive episodes could either be mild, moderate, severe or recurrent.

 Common symptoms of depression include the following ;
. Reduced self-esteem and confidence;
. Ideas of guilt and unworthiness;
. Ideas or acts of self harm or suicide;
. Reduced concentration and attention ;
. Disturbed sleep and diminished appetite.e.t.c.
 
  Stressful life events like death of a loved one,end of a relationship and even pregnancy can precipitate depression in vulnerable individuals .

   Management of depression include;
. Drug treatments which is individualized after consulting with your doctor
. Psychotherapy which includes family therapy too.

  To the depressed individual the following ways can help you cope with it personally ;
.Learn how to relax. ...
.Go easy on alcohol and drugs(these worsen the prognosis) . ...
.Eat well, keep active.
.Take some time out to do things you enjoy. ...
.Learn something new.
.Talk to someone you trust.

  To the family and loved ones of a depressed individual;
. Please,try and understand the way they think and feel. It's not their choice,they are sick. Show them you really do love them.
. When you notice they have started nurturing the ideas of self harm or even attempted suicide kindly take them to the nearest hospital because suicide is a psychiatric emergency.

Hope you've learnt a thing or two.

If you have any question, do drop it in the comment section. 

A new addition

          

 I'm intoducing a new segment today,where I would publish short essays on topics relating to our health.
 The aim is not to offer drug treatment (we all know that's unethical) but to enlighten us more on common diseases and how to reduce/prevent the occurrences of such and their attendant complications through lifestyle modifications.
 Questions can be dropped in the comment section and I will endeavour to reply (to the best of my abilities) before the day runs out. If you have any health issue you want discussed you can send in a mail. The e-mail add is available on my profile.

Don't worry we would dissect these health issues. They would be presented in sizes you can easily handle. 

Your inside matters most.

 Blind pharisee! first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also.Matthew 23:26 NKJV 
  

                        

 In the above verse, Jesus Christ though was talking to the pharisees, He was talking to us all.

 When a cup is faced down and the outside is clean and sparkling, you are attracted to that cup and you want to make use of it. When you pick up the cup in an attempt to use it and the inside is dirty, as humans you drop it in a dishwasher for cleaning and if the dirts are hard to remove, most times you discard that cup cause you don't want to be embarrassed by its dirt. 

 This analogy is applicable to us as humans. Most times we put up a show when in reality that's not who we are on the inside, we dress all covered up because that's one of the tenets of our religion, we give alms because we want our community to see us as generous, we pretend to love our neighbors when we don't care if they have had food to eat.e.t.c. Truth is our outward motives may make us look clean on the outside while the inside of us is laddened with filth. It's hard keeping up with being who we are not and soon people around us would see past the charade,knowing us for who we really are and may end up discarding us as friends when they realise they probably can't deal with our filth. 

 Like psalm51:10 says,we can ask God to create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit within us. He is the only one that can cleanse our insides. When He renews and awakens His spirit within us, our insides that has being made clean would radiate outwardly. We won't be scared of what might be seen if as a cup to be used, people turn our insides out. 

NB. You can always get your insides cleaned by God but first you have to look inwardly and accept your insides are filthy, you have to accept you need cleansing and with a contrite heart call on God and ASK him to grant you his spirit. Unlike the analogy, God will never discard us,He is always ready to make us clean and white as snow. 

What's in your cup?

The joy of the Lord ...

  Joy is an essential spiritual practice growing out of faith, grace, gratitude, hope, and love. It is the pure and simple delight in being alive. Joy is our elated response to feelings of happiness, experiences of pleasure, and awareness of abundance. It is also the deep satisfaction we know when we are able to serve others and be glad for their good fortune. Joy begets inner peace and contentment and you surely experience this when you are connected to God and well meaning family and friends.

  Some people are out to tarnish that joy you have,it can be through their utterances,their behavior, even their actions and reactions to things that concern you. When you hand such negative people the reigns you loose your strength to go on.

On a funny note,when I read psalm30:5 as a kid,I thought if you cried the previous night because you were beaten for being naughty, joy will come to you in the morning. (I was really little then). I grew older and i saw that verse in a different light. I realized that joy comes from the Lord and doing the things of God. So whenever I read this passage now, I am of the believe that no matter what I go through in life,no matter my low moments, I have a God who has good plans for me(Thats the JOY,knowing there is someone greater who always has my interest at heart).
  So I liken the night to my low periods and the morning to a new start, a new day with the early morning sun and it's warmth caressing my skin,the early morning dew on the unfolding petals of brightly colored flowers giving it a glow you can't miss....
 The joy of the Lord is really the strength you need to start a new day.

One love
Peeps

Memoirs

Hope You're not destroying anything? 

  Who doesn't like a Lil silence? I'm sure even a well known orator that's a source of sound appreciates silence in order for good transfer of information.. Lol that's if your audience are silently listening to you, most are silently preoccupied with other issues of life.
 When your house is quiet and you have a toddler who's not asleep by your side, your antennas have to be sensitive cause you might end up at the emergency pediatric unit if you are not observant.
 Well as a kid, I was quiet o, not the chatter box you all know now.I was really busy with things that interested toddlers but unlike the picture above, objects of interest were  books,chair covers and clothes. I started reading at a really young age, that's because I was fascinated with the illustrations in books. I so much wanted to be part of the story I had to cut out the illustrations and creat a collage,my own story. I was so quiet then,my parents were even proud of me and boasted about me to all and sundry,how mistaken were they. The truth is, when they are suspicious of the ensuing silence they start searching for me and they always found me in a corner with a book. Their Lil girl loved reading (and other creative things done with papers) and to prove that to them,  I will tell them the story in the book(since it's theirs they already knew the content). They were so proud of my reading ability they lauded me and got me more books (o boy.... see fun). Unknown to them, after I'm done with their books,the books become void of illustrations,  all that is left are letterings and holes(reminders of what was),that redesigned the book anyway.It didn't end there, as long as I was armed with my scissor and blade, no design (no matter the surface) escaped my butchering skills, from patterns on old clothes to patterns on worn out upholstery. Now I'm Older, I can only imagine the looks on their faces and what went through their minds (this child must surely be an agent of destruction),when they saw the leather upholstery had been cut(I planned making a knapsack out of it though ), some of my mums old wrappers were fenestrated (ehnnn my mum nearly die that day o) and surely my dad wasn't spared the embroidery on the sleeves of some of his few natives were missing (the guy had to punch the bed,especially when I started cooing, I'm sorry,I thought you weren't using them again') .
 Well what will they do,they can't throw me out or even beat me for my destructive acts (in my mind creative abilities),they resorted to buying worn out books and knock offs.        Hahahahaha I remember vividly going to the bookshop with my mum and elder sister,she picked original books for my elder sister and reprints and knock offs for me(I cared less though). The shop keeper had to ask her why because my mum can take the whole day to scrutinize a book just to make sure it won't be scattered after 2days. Her reply was epic,'why should I get original when she will tear it anyway,I'm simply buying her more books to tear'.see laughter from fellow customers, I just sat in corner waiting for the next batch of materials to make paper boats and kites. Lol.
  Subsequently when my name was screamed especially when the house is quiet and I don't reply,(chai you can hear panic in their voice) the question that follows is, hope you are not destroying anything?. That's when I finally answer, 'yes mummy,I'm sleeping. Lol.. See yelling, 'will you come out here?,how can you be sleeping and you still can answer me?you had better come out with that scissor and blade before I beat you silly,you will know I'm your mother today(like I never knew).
Btw..I was 6yrs or there about.


Lol
One love peeps

MEMOIRS

Glucose... Glucose... I need glucose... 

   Chai.... seeing this picture actually sparks a plug... I was team yellow all the way,thanks to my mum who insisted I must be in yellow house while in secondary school (I guess she believed the colour would instill neatness, well it kind of did).
 Federal Government college idoani is my alma mater. Oh yes,despite the harsh conditions we schooled under, I'm always glad I attended that school because I got to be independent in that village (first day in the boarding school is a story for another day)
 Enough of praising my school,the main gist today is interhouse sports and the fun accompanying it.
    Yellow house in my school was also named Olaniyan house(don't ask me why, I don't know the meaning of the name neither do I know the history behind the name). My school house usually tops other houses during inter house sports (trust Nigerians and over usage of ideas,the colours of the other 3 houses are green,blue and red just like the pic up depicts). We had alot of sports boys and girls who participated in various sporting events like shotput, javelin, longjump and other outdoor sports you can think of.
       This particular year, we were deficient in the track events, we needed some one to run the 3000metres long distance race and that was equivalent to running round a 400 Metre track 8 times. All the long distance runners representing my school house had opted out because they were featuring in the 1500 metre track event and crosscountry race. Trust my naughty self, I volunteered (ewooooo!!!!..no body asked me,I summoned courage to indicate my interest by raising up my hands all because of glucose ).  See tiny me,I was yet to even participate in any track event, not even 400metre dash (Haba...how I wan take do am?) I had my reasons though. Trust the house captain, she was overjoyed at least the house had a participant in that event. That was how I started training for the big day.
    See me practicing on the field trying to be physiologically fit.I loved the training period, that was the only time I could wear mufti in school, I got nicely patterned shorts and crop tops(trying to BELONG no easy). Jogging round the field in that ensemble was exhilarating. Dauummmmmm! I could feel the wind on my face, blowing my scanty hair back while I was busy imagining myself with full hair on a power bike. lmao.. Correct imagination thanks to foreign movies. I wonder now what went through other kids minds while they saw me jogging in a particular red pedalpushers,I'm sure I looked like a worn out plier with those my bandy legs.lol.
   I practiced reasonably hard because being a sports person can automatically exempt me from other boarding house activities like labour and cleaning. I would rather jog and fantasize than clean the toilets we students all shared.
   The day finally arrived. I was decked in yellow, my yellow sports wear.Choi I was  glowing like a flower whose petals just unfolded under the early morning sun.I packed my hair with a yellow ribbon of course I was appropriately dressed by my standards.
   The call was made over the sound system..'runners representing their various houses for the 3000metres race should be at the start line',cheers from my housemates was  resonanting in my ears,hmmm that was something to die for. I got to the start line,looked at my sides,mehn see runners. I wasn't scared o, rather I started jumping on the spot, stretching my legs like I see athletes do during the Olympics..
   On your marks,set...peeeeww..the whistle was blown.. Race don start be that. I ran the first lap nothing do me,7 more to go,before I knew it amidst my tiredness I saw some people had dropped and the ethiopian like athletes were gaining on me. Now,whew, I was struggling to avoid them catching up with me. Finally it was the last lap(hallelujah) , my house mates have all moved to the side lines screaming my name. Encouraging me to complete the race. I felt so cool with my self until I turned back I realized I was the last athlete on the track, the judges were waiting for me to cross the finish line so they can announce the winner. Chimoo! how I wan take carry last? na so I start o..glucose...glucose...glucose. .I started screaming for glucose, mind you that was my main reason for running. That feeling of being attended to,as if the world revolves around you was what I craved for. Barely 20metres to the finish line, I got my glucose and I said 'me I'm dropping out o',that's after collecting another bottle of glucose. in my mind I resolved to rather not have a position than be last... My God, see begging.. Me, I didn't oblige, I just asked for another bottle of glucose and stepped out of the track thereby ending the race.. Quite funny but I was barely 14yrs of age. I wasn't even bothered about the disappointed looks on the faces of the house captain and house mistress.To me I had achieved what I wanted even if I had a can of glucose in my provisions locker.

Lesson learned.
If I had completed that race, I would have boldly being able to mention I had once ran a long distance race. Fastforward, now I don't back away from things for the fear of failure because if I fail at it I know I can give it a try and succeed with God by my side..
No matter how many times you are down rising is what actually matters.

He is the only person I have...

 I appear to only have stories of woe(na lie o sweet stories would definitely roll in too)Hmmmm, truth is I get to learn alot when I happen to partake in such rare phenomenons I end up having a food for thought. Here is a story(a real life story) that got me to appreciate knowing Jesus.please the name used is fictitious.

  Musa,a young man in his late 20's was always sitterd by this aged man on the medical ward.The nurses took note of him,he has being the only person that stays with baba. He made sure baba was cleaned even when the nurses were on to other things.He brought baba his food, he slept on the floor by baba so as to minister to his every need. Musa kept watch and he prayed at least 5 times a day. As each call for prayer was made,his prayer mat was ready to be laid upon.
 This faithful evening, Musa as usual took excuse from the nurses explaining to them that he had to go get food for baba. gbagaun..gbagaun I imagined the bell had rung and yes it's 4.00pm,relatives start trooping in like it's a carnival with baskets filled with northern delicacies that the patients can't eat....baba had just few visitors (mostly his neighbors, I presumed because no cooler of food escorted these visitors) and then Musa came to the rescue he had gone to get cornmeal for baba(aka akamu pap,koko,etc). The day wore on and it was 6:00pm,all visitors had to leave (it was the end of visiting hours) and baba as usual was stuck with his loyal companion.
 As loyal as Musa was he noticed a change in baba's breathing by 10:00pm, he alerted the nurses who went to baba's side to try assess the situation true to musa's observation (though Musa didn't know what was actually happening) baba was gasping. The nurses tried suctioning baba,placed him on oxygen and then quickly drew my attention. When I got there baba was still warm though, baba had being  screened from view but loyal Musa was still by baba's side, looking on and hoping for the best. I guess seeing me there might have meant another capable hand was trying to attend to baba in Musa's mind(that's what would have being going through mybmind if I were in his shoes). Immediately I started CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) in my mind I was like 'oh God, please let this man make it'. Despite all efforts at resuscitation baba passed on, under the eyes of his loyal companion. I took my stethoscope checked for cardiac activity alas it was absent, placed my hands on a part of his neck to assess for carotid pulsation nothing was felt, finally I used my pen torch to assess for pupillary reflex, baba's pupils were fixed and dilated (the stare of a man who has changed realms). Baba had traveled to the great beyond never to return.I was back to reality in a jiffy and the task of telling Musa baba has slept on was mine to carry out,before I could even start saying anything, Musa looked at me with hopes in his eyes,wanting to hear 'dont worry baba is fine now,he us just sleeping '.I felt so sad having to be the one that breaks the news that kills the hopes of a man and probably send him on an endless journey of questioning God. I had to say it...'sorry baba is gone' I spewed and Musa screamed with hot tears streaming down his face.I noticesd Musa was going down, I told the nurse immediately  (a male nurse) to quickly handle Musa who was far taller than me lest he falls and I get another casualty on my hands. The nurse was pretty busy with the dead body he didn't hear me, in a split second I rushed and held Musa (In the north na taboo for man and woman to shake hands sef), other men looking on (from the sides of their own patients)noticed I held Musa and was trying to gradually push him in to a sitting position rushed to my side, to stop my taboo.
 I left immediately to write out the certification of death,Time of death and other necessary formalities, I was on my way to the doctors call room when I saw Musa, sitted on a bench weeping (haa I saw a grown man shedding tears my heart went out to him). If I was in the southern Nigeria, I would have hugged this man. I changed course and went to his side,this was 10:30 pm. I couldn't touch him, so I held my hands to My self and told him to stop crying that God knows best and that God's in control.Without looking at me  he used both palms of his to cover his face laddened with tears and said,'HE IS THE ONLY PERSON I HAVE '.I was flattened, touched and my water works were almost activated but I am a doctor I can't be seen crying in front of a grieving patient..
 Here was the problem I was in a religious intolerant region I couldn't preach about Jesus christ to him,not to a Muslim hausa man who had just lost the only person he had. I entered the call room and yes a tear dropped I started thinking about life in general gradually I drifted off to sleep.

Lessons learned,
Hmmm..I appreciated the fact that I know Jesus, I know He's always there for me even when I loose every earthling that I believe loves me,my lord and saviour never leaves me..HE IS THE ONLY PERSON I HAVE. He walks with me, even when I turn my back and I go astray, he waits with outstretched hands ready to welcome me with a warm embrace..He is my friend, my saviour,my lord,mere adjectives can't describe him just as mere adjectives can't describe JEHOVAH.
Yes, living life may seem futile,trust me I have given that a thought.you are born,you grow while your parents strive to give you the best, you join in the striving as well.you read like no tomorrow and just as you start seeing rainbows the cold hands of death snatches your parents, who you prolly vowed to take care of(I told my self I will so spoil my parents they will enjoy me,my mum only enjoyed me taking care of her on the sick bed..those physical goodies didn't reach her mouth) and then you continue the cycle, you grow old and die and your children join in the circle of life.when you have a living God you realise yes there is a circle of life but you are alive because of a higher purpose which is to serve God so that makes you not to dwell on the vicious cycle but rather on the source of live THE ALMIGHTY GOD.

Happy new month, new day,new hour and new minute..Jesus is the only person you can.have that stands the test of time.  Invite him in today. he is knocking patiently at your door waiting for you to open and say 'you are highly welcome lord to stay for ever'.
One love peeps.