Brimstone Vs Honey

Can we talk about God?

*long silence + you can literally hear a needle drop*

I have discovered that we are more comfortable talking about recent trends, politics and gossip than talking about God, you can automatically hear the bleep in your audience's minds as soon as the word God is mentioned, just like on TV. 

And when we do talk about God there seem to be that attachment of thunder and condemnation to the message; for example:

Love Story:how death led to life

 

Short Story

Bola was the life of the party; she had the latest clothes, knew the hot spots and was the unopposed leader of her bubbling group of hot chicks. Nonso is the classic definition of a geek; quiet, studious and to top it up he was a very very religious brother. 

Time and fate led Bola's and Nonso's paths to cross and for some reason (maybe opposites really does attract) an intense love filled relationship started between the duo. There was something about Bola now; a certain glow, and Nonso suddenly developed a more confident stride in his steps. 

But there was a huge problem...

Neither could share this new found exciting-giddy-intense-feeling with their close friends or even the public. How would Nonso explain falling in love with Bola, a "sinner"? How would Bola keep her social prestige intact after falling in love with geekolious Nonso (that was the nickname she and her group had coined for him), surely they would laugh at her? 

So they kept it on the down low until neither could contain their excitement; for it was already obvious something had changed in both parties, and they decided to tell the whole world about their relationship, regardless of the effect such public declaration would cause and it sure did cause a storm; Bola was overthrown from the bubbling group and Nonso was judged by the "Scribes" and "Pharisees".

But they didn't care, for at last they were free to love and grow as a couple and of course as all classic love stories goes; they obviously lived happily ever after.

The End. 

Now bringing it back home (of course I was heading somewhere with that story), Bola in the story represents me (not in all components since from my records I can't remember leading a bubbling group..lol) and Nonso (not in all components also) represents God.

You see, I fell in love recently...

Sensory Experience by Sor Sen

I love good art.

 

It is really that simple. Art takes your mind on a journey of awareness; opening a door to a visually pleasing and creative space.

 

Those who live in Abuja and share the same love for art will get an opportunity to indulge in the visual pleasure to be offered at a solo exhibition of paintings and drawings tagged "Sensory Experience by Sor Sen":

 

Date:  13th to 19 of December, 2014

Venue:   Dinaka Art Gallery, No. 4 Koutiala Street, Near Amigo Supermarket, Off Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja, Nigeria.

 

Take It Off

 

The world has taught us to only celebrate joy and the brighter life but it never teaches you how to embrace pain, accept pain as a transition tool and how to go through pain.

Everyone is predisposed to say “cheese” when taking pictures even if deep inside a war wages; threatening to tear them apart.

We have our societal masks always in place; ready to show everyone everything is perfect when we all know perfection is only an illusion.

And living this way stops us from seeing the lessons attached to pain.

I used to be that way, live in denial that life will always be rosy and am not saying I am a cynic now; I just have a better understanding of reality.

I know what it means to rain and rain really hard and I also know how to go through drought and feel the cracks in your soul; wondering when the rain will fall again; watching the skies with anticipation and hope.

I know what it means to have and not to have.

I know what it means to smile from the depth of my heart and cry from the depth of my soul; rendered with anguish and despair.

I know all that now.

Yes I have been broken, exposed to harsh sunlight but do you know what all these harsh conditions did to me?

 

Hard Work Vs Easy Money

I recently read in one of our National Newspapers that the outcome of a survey showed that Youths in this generation have little or no appreciation for hard work and will gladly choose easy money over working hard to earn money.

I think that is really sad.

Call me "old school" or a stickler for hard work and sweat.

But my principle in life has always been "go out there and work for it, if you can get it yourself, why wait for some else to do it for you".

If you can afford to save your salary and get a nice little dainty car that moves without spurting out exhaust, then why wait for someone to come along and buy you a range rover, bearing in mind that you will most likely be "cab and bus hopping" while waiting for this Messiah?.

Don't get me wrong, I like alllllll the good things in life but then I can't understand why one will dwell in the illusion that all these things will fall from heaven!!!!!.

Wake up.

Even if everything gets handed down to you, you know that "arab money movement", you will never feel the same way you would feel if you knew you worked hard for those things and deserve every single bit of it.

Obviously, from my monologue, you would have correctly surmised that I can't stand laziness.

Yes, you don't have to be a workaholic. But you also don't have to be a dreamer; building castles in your head while you are content drinking "ijebu garri" in reality and not moving at least one of your fingers to turn things around.

Once again I say wake up.

I try my best not to judge people who do "runz", like really who are we to judge; "just because we don't commit the same sin doesn't mean its not still sin".

But really if the alhaji pursuing-alhaji getting life works for you then do it wisely.

Why obtain millions from a "paymaster", just to spend it all on a range rover, while your self-contain room can barely contain a king-size bed and your poor mother still sells okpa on the road side.

Are you a learner?

What I am simply trying to say is "work hard" (bearing in mind that work may mean different things to different people) and then use this hard earned money WISELY to make your life better instead of waiting for manna from heaven.

I honestly do think that if we, as a Nation, embrace the benefit of hard work and honest living, this country (Nigeria) and the World as a whole will be better place.

A place without fast guys trying to make it big no matter what.

A place without young and beautiful ladies leaving their homes to come to Abuja in search for "paymasters".

A place where people will relish the satisfaction from looking at their possessions proudly and saying "I earned that", instead of "I looted that".

Call me naïve for thinking this way.

But that is how I see life and for me, seeing and living life that way has worked out perfectly for me.

Of course I didn't come to Abuja to "snap picture" but neither did I come to obtain easy money. 

Through the sweat and the long hours in the Office, I can smile and say "I earned that".

Can you?

Quick Question: What is your take on easy money? I am willing to explore different opinions, besides it's "different strokes for different folks".

Closed Doors, Opened Doors

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God. And God’s peace . . .which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 4:6–7

 

Change is a scary thing....a really big scary thing.

It takes away that assurance of knowing what tomorrow may bring.

It takes away that safety net; the assurance and security of routine.

But despite its BIG and SCARY nature, change is very essential to human existence.

It is that force that propels us to move forward instead of staying comfortably in one stagnant spot.

It makes us see the World differently and realise there is more to life than what we already know.

I should know about change because that is exactly what is about to happen to me.

I am about to leave my Safe Haven; my Comfort Zone.

Am I scared of this change?
 

What is your Selling Point?

"What is your selling point?" Chi Chi asked, strolling into my Office.

I smiled.

And being the persistent person she is, she asked again.

"Semira, what's your selling point?", humming the tune and lyrics from D'Prince's song, titled "Goody Bag".

Although the song may have a slightly different meaning from my post and Chi Chi's enquiry.

It still asks a very vital question; what is your selling point?.

Really, what makes you stand out from the crowd?

What defines you?

What makes you marketable?

Having a selling point is similar to having a talent or a skill that is marketable.

The key word here is being marketable.

Not necessarily in monetary terms.

But it has to be able to provide vital services and also make people seek you out for those services.

It may be as little as being very good at braiding hair to being a big Publicist.

Whatever it is, it has to define your purpose here on Earth.

And really, we all know you can't give what you don't have.

OR

You can't give what you have but don't know you have :).

Twisted yeah...

So until you dig deep and define your SELLING POINT.

You may just end up being an unpolished pearl sitting quietly in the depth of the Sea.

Waiting to exhale...

And until you get that pearl out, polish it till it is shining and dazzle the World with your radiance, you may truly never be "marketable".

So once again, I ask you:

What is your SELLING POINT?

Use it.

Now over to you...

What are you passionate about and how have you made it (them) your selling point (s)?

Never:

Self explanatory yeah?

So I will refrain from giving a long "sermon" even though I am tempted to do so :).

Do enjoy the rest of your week.

9 Remarkable Quotes

 

In your quiet moments, what do you think about?

How far you've come, or how far you have to go?

Your strengths or your weaknesses?

In your quiet moments, pay attention to your thoughts.

Maybe, just maybe, the only thing that needs to shift in order for you to experience more happiness, more love, and more vitality, is your way of thinking.

Here are nine thought-provoking quotes to get those wheels  in your head turning positively:

Happy Power to the "People" Day

"Government by the people; a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system".

That is the definition of Democracy by Dictionary.com.

So....

If that definition applies to Nigeria, then from the depth of my heart, I wish "us" a Happy Democracy Day.

If not....

Well, we will keep praying, hoping and working towards getting there.

Btw: I just love public holidays *smiling broadly and hugging my blanket closer*.

Question: How effective is our (Nigeria) Democratic system, using the last five years as a yardstick?.

A Shred of FEAR

 

Hello Dear Diary,

 

I have drifted.

That is the best word to describe what happened to me recently.

 

I wouldn't call it Writer's Block because that would imply that I have been searching for what to write (ideas etc) and have come up blank.

 

Now that is not the case.

 

I have had so many ideas pass through my mind in the past few weeks.

 

But...

 

Weekend Nugget #6

All you need in times of doubt yeah?

It is actually my favourite verse in the bible; gives me a sense of serenity in our sometimes upside down World ♥.

And I hope it does the same for you :).

Be Inspired ♡.

Happy International Workers Day

Now I pray my boss never gets to see the picture above...lol

"Don’t be distracted by criticism. Remember, the only taste of success some people have is when they take a bite out of you” - Zig Ziglar

#KeepKeepinOn

Sights from Badagry

I was in Badagry, Lagos, over the weekend and took time out to visit the Heritage Museum (which has been sadly neglected by the Government). Wonder why they would do that to a place that holds such history (it was a District Office during the era of Lord Lugard).

Moving on....

I took pictures of various historical events especially the much despised slave trade era :(

I also took an "unprofessional" shot of the first Storey Building in Nigeria.

Despite the neglected state of the Museum, it is still worth a visit whenever you go to Badagry.

Did I mention that they have very delicious catfish in Badagry and the fresh coconuts are to die for :) ♥

Don't forget to try out those too :)

Paddlocks for the lips, legs and neck

Paddlocks for the lips and a neck chain

Raffle Draw Advert for a Mulatto Slave

First Storey Building in Nigeria

Slave Drinking Pot (with sharp edges)

A picture of a Slave hanging by the ribs

History of Slave Abolition

Statues of Household Slaves

Blame Game, Right or Wrong?

 

"You can't blame me, it's the fault of my parents". 

"It's not my fault, the hardship in this Country is just too much that is why I took up robbery as a 'profession' ". 

"The old woman in my village is at it again, that explains why I can't get a job" (mind you this is coming from someone who sits at home all day and hasn't finished typing the first paragraph of his resume).

Growing up, we played certain games and eventually outgrew them but one game that has transcended the age barrier is the BLAME GAME.

It is always so easy to blame someone else for  ALL our misfortunes even though we know some of these events occurred due to sheer lack of discipline from our end.

Just like Michael...

A Walk down Memory Lane

Does the picture below bring back fond memories for you as it does for me?

Bringing back those good ol' days of Voltron, Ghost Busters and the likes *never really been a fan of Tom & Jerry*.

Sometimes it feels really good looking back and smiling as we remember those mundane activities that carved out our childhood memories.

When I look at the picture l can still mentally view the ever energetic Ninja Turtles and their old but very agile leader (Sensei).

Their unending appetite for pizza.

My sister and I used to derive pleasure remembering the names of each Ninja Turtles.

And my love for the cartoon also transcended to my "Pablo Picasso" sketches of cartoon characters; where l would spend hours trying to perfect every curve and indent on their bodies.

Good Times. Really Good Times. :)

My Friend, My Sister

 

 

“Hello, are you here for the interview or do you work with the Bank”? I asked, hoping to find an ally for the interview I was clueless about.

“I am here for the interview too”, Nneka said.

“Oh, that’s nice, me too”, I said with relief.

“By the way, I like your hair”, I said, feeling instantly comfortable with my new found ally.

The Story Never Ends # 1

She walks down the street, oblivious to the blaring sound of horns on the ever busy Lagos street.

At that moment she really couldn't care less if a crazy Molue* driver runs her down.

For one startling moment she felt happy about that happening to her and then just like the snap of fingers; she reminds herself to hold it all together.

Just a few more days, she says to herself; just a few more days and it will all be over.

Thought Questions

A question that makes you think is worth asking...

Answer: Never apologise for being YOU.










 Answer: Smile

Answer: Fear