Relationship: Avoiding the Counterfeits

When there is greatness on the horizon, the devil will always send a counterfeit. When God has something amazing for you, it will go beyond your comprehension. I believe in the devil. I believe he’s a liar. His witty methods are designed to block blessings, good juju, and a great man.

I found myself in an all wrong relationship when I turned 30. I never once considered if the ‘great man’ who found me was counterfeit or legit. He spun an impenetrable web delicately laced with dreams of an amazing life. We were all sold: my family, friends and most importantly me. I imbibed it, no questions asked. I later discovered the depth of my counterfeit’s ramshackle and debatable character and paid a hefty price for my naiveté.
Character, I learned the hard way, must take precedence over charisma. Anyone can be charismatic. Mr. Charisma spots you from across the way, is ridiculously attractive, says all the right things and is magnetic. You can’t put your finger on it, but you know you feel connected in some way. That doesn’t mean he has the character to back up all that finesse and allure. That is substantiated by time and consistency.
There are 5 characteristics I now look for in a great man when I enter a high potential dating relationship.

1. Committed – Say yes to the man whose mind is already made up. He is the man you’ll be able to set your watch by. You can count on him to do his very best. His mind is made up, he’s all in and consulting God every single step of the way. Say no to the man who is ‘making up his mind’ about you, his life and living in general.

2. Protection – Physical protection is important; but it is a given. Say yes to the man who will protect you with his words. He will be gentle and always address you with respect. He won’t put you down in public nor will he ridicule you behind closed doors. He will have your back even if that means he has to stand up to his friends, family or his mama. This is a man who will be encouraging and supportive. He will make you feel provided for (financially, emotionally, sexually, and mentally) and he will make ‘it’ work–all of it.

3. Reliable – Don’t get it tangled with boring. Say yes to Mr. Reliable. He is the man who will be consistently dependable. He will have resilient character; and will also be a good judge of it. This man will walk in wisdom and use the spirit of discernment to lead and cover his family. You will count on him to make good decisions and right choices, even if you’re not around to assist. You will trust in his reaction to certain situations and overall he will be reliable in how he does life and how he studies God’s word. One thing he won’t be is boring.

4. Motivated – This man isn’t just sitting around waiting for someone else to stir his pot. He’s already gassed up and ready to drive. He will be motivated to work, get things done and be the provider that he was called to be. It’s not about the fancy education, the latest pair of sneakers, those perfect set of pearly whites or the rippling abs that have helped him get by all this time. Ask yourself: Is he a hard worker? When the tough times come, will he be so prideful that he won’t take a menial job temporarily to make ends meet?

5. Mindful – Say yes to the mindful man who thinks of you—always. You may not always like him, but you will always love him. You will value his mind and appreciate the way he thinks. His heart and intentions will be pure. He will consider that you’re a light sleeper. He will think about how your daughter is scared of the dark and ensure her nightlight will always shine. He will understand you live in a hurricane area and will stock extra canned goods, water and kerosene lamp. This is the man who’s got those broad shoulders to carry you and his family.
Of course there are additional traits I would like in my husband: humorous, easy-going, good-looking and so on. But when I consider my future vows, the solid foundation wins. The other desires held in my heart and his will be added to us as God promises in His word. source: theprayingwoman.com

A man who finds a wife finds a good thing. He was never created to be alone. Without Eve, Adam would have never changed his loin cloth, he wouldn’t have eaten 3-square meals, and he probably wouldn’t wash his hair enough. A woman is critical to a great man’s mission and overall success.
A great man will reveal these characteristics over time. To the man of good character and pure heart—say yes. Choose him. Want him. Pick him. Love him. Don’t just love

Prayer for new week

Those who think they've pushed you away from favour will soon realize that they have actually pushed you into the fulfillment of your destiny. God will remove your name from borrowers' list to lenders' list in Jesus Name. Wherever you go, you will encounter special favour in Jesus name. 

The Lord will release upon you the anointing to fulfill your destiny, you shall not take the decision that will suddenly terminate God's project in your life. You shall find rest in all your life's endeavor. The mighty hands of God's protection shall cover you and every member of your family in Jesus name. 

Happy New Week from us ASB-World. 

Stop Monitoring Every Passerby For Clues

My son was excited that his birthday was coming.
He knew that he would get a present, he didn't know I now what the present would be.
In the evening before his birthday, he started searching the house. He was looking for his birthday present.

It wasn't long before he found it. He saw the present and got really excited at what he would receive on his birthday. Having done this, he went off to bed.
Early on his birthday, we woke him up , prayed for him and progressed to the gift-opening fanfare.
He opened the gift. There was no scream and no sparkle in his eyes.
He had seen the gift. He saw his surprise before it was due. He couldn't handle the wait. Being a child, i forgave him, but he couldn't forgive himself.
He cried and regretted his action the whole of the day. His birthday was meant to give him an euphoria , but it didn't. He had seen the surprise before it was due, because he couldn't wait.

Recently, i am learning to wait.
Waiting is not popular anymore.
There are microwaves, fast train, whats-app messages, super-fast broadband.
Everything is teaching us that we can get whatever we want and we can get it now, at whatever cost.

No matter how much we are in a hurry to eat when hungry, there is no provision to eat your food products raw when they are meant to cook or bake. Whatever is meant to be cooked need to be cooked, or the same food that should bring nutrients will cause disease and death.

James 1:2-5 GW
My brothers and sisters, be very happy when you are tested in different ways. You know that such testing of your faith produces endurance. Endure until your testing is over. Then you will be mature and complete, and you won’t need anything. If any of you needs wisdom to know what you should do, you should ask God, and he will give it to you. God is generous to everyone and doesn’t find fault with them.

Waiting is not easy. My son has learnt his lesson in a hard way. What was meant to be a testimony turned to a disappointment, because we cant wait.

God knows what He is doing. He put you together in the womb. Don't try and consider your own solution to the delay. What is in your surprise package is definitely worth the wait. Like a bride who cant sleep the night before she is taken by her beloved.... TRY AND SLEEP. Put your mind to rest. Hope can give you rest.
When the day breaks, you will get all the attention. You will glow because you have rested well. You will relish your glorious moments.
Don't rush into your own solutions. God wants you to gasp in excitement when you finally see it, what you have waited for, for so long.

When the bible says that 'when the lord turned around the captivity of Zion, they were like they that dreamed, it means it came as a suprise. You only dream when you drift off. Stop monitoring every passerby for clues of how God will work it out Go to bed, wake up to a surprise. God has designed the testimony to SUPRISE YOU...... leave the wraps on until the time is ripe. By sis Bola.

Health: 10 Benefits of Velvet Tamarind You Need To Know

Velvet tamarind (dialium guineense) commonly known as ‘icheku’in igbo, ‘awin’ in yoruba and ‘tsamiyar- kurm’ in hausa is a woody plant that occurs in the rain forest region of west Africa. It has smooth grayish bark, dark green glossy leaves and whitish flowers which bears densely velvet black fruit that are less circular and flattened.
The pulp of the fruit is edible and sweet, rich in vitamin C, sodium, iron, magnesium and potassium. It is used as flavor in snacks and non alcoholic beverages.

Health Benefits of Velvet Tamarind

Different parts of velvet tamarind plant have been scientifically proven to offer a wide range of health benefits, some of them are explained below:

1. Treats Ulcer and Prevents Hypertension: The leave extract of velvet tamarind has the ability to increase gastric mucus secretion. Therefore, a decoction of the leave can be a remedy for gastric ulcer. The leaves are also highly diuretic-promotes the production of urine, making it easier for the heart to pump blood hence, reducing the risk of hypertension.

2. Malaria: According to research, the leave extract inhibits the growth of plasmodium falciparum which causes malaria therefore; taking a decoction can cure malaria.

3. Improves Oral hygiene and cures Tooth ache: The stem used as chewing stick (indigenous tooth brush) contains saponin which adds cleaning effect to the teeth and at the same time removes plaques and caries on the teeth of users. The stem bark decoction is also used to treat tooth ache.

4. Anti-inflammatory and Anti-microbial Properties: The fruit pulp contains abundant vitamin C which fights against microbial infections. The stem bark has the ability to reduce inflammation in bronchial tubes that arises due to bronchitis.

5. Jaundice and Diabetes Management: A decoction of velvet tamarind leaves is used in preparing medicinal solution for curing jaundice. It also lowers blood sugar and increases insulin sensitivity hence, can be used to treat diabetes.

6. Reliefs Menstrual Cramp and stops Diarrhoea: The stem bark extract has significant analgesic property hence, can be used to reduce menstrual pain. You can take it along with papaya leaf, salt and water to work effectively. It can also stop diarrhoea.

7. Hemorrhoids (pile): Piles are swollen veins in the anal canal caused by too much pressure in the pelvic and rectal areas and while not life threatening, these veins can be very painful. A study performed on ethanolic leaves extract of velvet tamarind showed it to be beneficial for pile treatment.

8. Treats Scurvy and Wounds: The fruit pulp has high ascorbic acid content which is an anti-scurvy vitamin hence used as food supplement. Tender leaves of velvet tamarind, when squeezed and applied on wounds, stimulates the growth of healthy skin and protects the wounds against germs and moisture.

9. Improves lactation and checks genital infections: A review of several studies has concluded that chewing the fruit pulp increase secretion of milk as well as check infections.

10. Velvet Tamarind increases the Antioxidant Capacity of the body. Oxidative damage which involves free radicals - highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons, is believed to be one of the mechanisms behind ageing and many diseases. The abundance of antioxidants in the leaves helps protect the human body from damage caused by these free radicals when taken. Source: health.wikinut.com

SEEING THE INVISIBLE

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. - Hebrews 11:1

Walking by faith is not always easy. This is because we have become accustomed to walking by sight. But to walk by faith is to believe what God has said, not what we see.

For instance, when we pray and ask God to meet a need in our life that is clearly promised in His Word, we must believe that God has met that need even before we physically receive our request. We must believe that God's Word is true and that He has actually done what He said He would do.

Jesus said in Mark 11:24, "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them."

Jesus did not say that we are to believe we have received when we see results. He said we should believe that we have received what we have asked for at the time we pray. That's praying in faith.

We pray, then we believe God so much and trust His promises so strongly, that we know that He has already accomplished our request.

This is seeing the invisible and calling things that be not as though they were. From that time on, we give God thanks for meeting our need. Waiting to believe when you receive is not faith.

Faith is believing God, regardless circumstances. As Christians, we are to walk by faith and not by sight.

If the circumstances say one thing and God's Word says another, we must take side with God. God does not lie. He is dependable. He will always do what He said He would do.

Prayer: Father, give me inner strength to always trust in Your word.

Scriptural Reading: Hebrews 11:1-7

Relationship: When God Doesn't Answer Your Child's Prayer

The other day at bed, my littlest girl and I prayed a bold prayer for a contract on our home ... that night. She doubts God right now. She doesn't see things changing ... she doesn't see God working. We all really need something to change soon, but God doesn't seem to be changing anything right now.

I wanted God to do something amazing that night ... I'd even have taken the next day. In fact, I thought it probably would be the following day.

Unfortunately, it didn't happen. And the "somewhat interested" response from the people who looked at my house caused my faith to wobble a bit.

See, I've been reading a book that has encouraged me to pray big prayers so I can see God answer in big ways ... and I'm all for praying big prayers ... but I'm wondering if I pray big prayers for big answers, am I also praying big prayers understanding that God might not answer in a big way? His gentle and loving answer might be something like, "Not yet."

But I will be honest and tell you that I am tired of the "not yet" answer ... and the "no" answer ... I'd like a "yes." But even as I say that I know that some of the nos and not yets have been the very best answers to my prayers. And I do trust Him to answer perfectly.

Argh! But I so want to get out of this situation ... when I've used the word "desperately" to describe something in the past I don't believe I've understood it as deeply as I do now ... I desperately want to be released from this place God has my children and me. I don't want to be here anymore. But I also don't want to force it and end up in a place I'll eventually desperately not want to be either.

I'd rather trust God.

That's huge. Because right now, I can tell you I've had some conversations with God ... and they haven't all been holy.

But when given the alternative of figuring things out without Him, I'd rather trust God.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths" (Prov. 3:5-6).

When faced with decisions and dilemmas in this life, I'd rather trust God.

"Now no discipline seems to be joyful at the time, but grievous. Yet afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness in those who have been trained by it. Therefore lift up your tired hands, and strengthen your weak knees. 13 Make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame go out of joint, but rather be healed" (Heb. 12:11-13).

When I'm trying to raise my children to love and honor Him, I'd rather trust God.

"All your sons shall be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your sons" Isaiah 54:13

When I'm exhausted and weary with nothing left to give, I'd rather trust God.

"But He said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore most gladly I will boast in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. So I take pleasure in weaknesses, in reproaches, in hardships, in persecutions, and in distresses for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Cor. 12:9-10).

When I have no idea which way to turn, I'd rather trust God.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake" (Ps. 23:1-3).

No matter how strongly I feel that I know what would be best, I'd rather trust God.

"May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ" (2 Thess. 3:5).

Oh, how I need my heart directed. This has been an exceedingly difficult time ... and sometimes I don't think others can quite understand the challenges. I don't think I'm necessarily doing it with the grace I'd hoped, but the Lord continues to meet me where I am. He continues to love me through my doubts, fears and faltering faith. He continues to be faithful. I do trust that He will guide my family, that He is a shield about me, that He is my refuge and strength.

I do trust that He will enable me to do this life well ... even when it feels anything but wonderful.

And I do trust Him for the sale of my house and the purchase of our next home.

But most importantly, I trust that He will reveal Himself to my littlest girl in just the right way at just the right time. That I don't need to orchestrate things to convince my daughter of His love, faithfulness and existence! He will handle that ... I just need to love on her and pray.

So tonight, as I lay my head down on my pillow, I will be praying for my children and their faith and for me to trust Him without hesitation ... and for a buyer for my house!

Sue Birdseye

Health: Apple cider vinegar can help prevent blood sugar spikes

Goodbye bad bacteria, and hello good!

An apple a day may keep the proverbial doctor away, but a daily splash of apple cider vinegar may be just what your trainer ordered. Fitness pros are gung-ho on the ingredient’s better-body powers, and for good reason. Here’s why:

How It Helps: “Apple cider vinegar has a positive impact on gut health because it’s anti-microbial. It helps to break down bad bacteria and feed the good,” say New York City-based master trainerJosh Stolz.

“My digestion improved when I added it to my diet so I started recommending it to clients. One had chronic bad breath that may have been linked to an imbalanced digestive system, so I got her on a daily apple cider vinegar protocol and her breath, digestion, and skin improved within weeks.”

Consistent ingestion of apple cider vinegar has been tied to moderate weight loss as well. “Some studies suggest the acetic acid in it can boost satiety between meals so you may eat less,” says Brian St. Pierre, R.D.

How To Try It: Stir a couple teaspoons into a glass of water and sip before meals. Another trick: Add 1 to 2 tablespoons to seltzer water then add stevia to taste (optional). “It’s like drinking a non-alcoholic, non-caloric sparkling cider,” says Stolz, who advises keeping your daily ACV dose to 2 to 3 tablespoons max.

Some advocates favor the pungent tonic first thing in the morning, but pairing it with your starchy meals may be your best bet. “Research shows apple cider vinegar can help prevent blood sugar spikes because it interferes with starch and carbohydrate absorption,” says Stolz. Pros agree that reducing the glycemic response in the body is especially important if you’re diabetic or have insulin resistance, but anyone can benefit. Notes St. Pierre: Ingesting it with a higher carbohydrate meal can decrease post-meal blood glucose levels, which can also lower inflammation and protect blood vessel linings. yahoo.com

Yet another super-worthy stat: Apple cider vinegar enhances the nutrition of bone broth. “Add it to the bones, water, and seasonings—1/8 cup for 1 pound bones, ¼ for 2 pounds of bones, and so on—about a half an hour before boiling. This helps pull more minerals from the bones,” says Stolz.