Meet the Pregnant Mom Who Competes in Men’s Gymnastics see video

Eight weeks after giving birth to twins, Julia Sharpe slipped into spandex. It was not, however, Spanx. It was a singlet — the attire worn by male gymnasts. And Sharpe, 27, was suiting up to compete as an alumni member of MIT’s club gymnastics team.

Sharpe has been doing gymnastic since she was 2, and as an undergraduate she was the Division III women’s national all-around champion twice before MIT ended its varsity program. After that, she joined the women’s club team. But when she realized that according to NAIGC (National Association of Intercollegiate Gymnastics Clubs) rules, she could compete for either gender — just not both — she switched to the men’s club to help bolster their numbers and pursue a new challenge. (Speaking of new challenges, Sharpe will be competing in the Pittsburgh qualifier of American Ninja Warrior on May 22.)

Sharpe, a mechanical engineer, spoke to the Cut via email about competing as a woman in men’s gymnastics and returning to training and competition after giving birth.

You started out in women’s gymnastics and then made the switch to men’s club at MIT. When and why did you make the switch from the balance beam to the rings?I made the switch to men’s gymnastics after NAIGC Nationals in the spring of 2012. There were several reasons that I decided to switch. The MIT team only sent two male gymnasts to Nationals that year, and it seemed like the team was disappearing (like so many men’s programs these days), so I wanted to help keep it going.

I was also craving a new challenge. Women’s gymnastics at the NAIGC club level uses Level 9 rules [which are less demanding than varsity-level gymnastics rules], so my routines were very watered-down so that I could be super-clean and score well … In men’s gymnastics, I was able to go back to the basics and learn so many new things just from the other people on the team. In women’s gymnastics, I could maybe learn one new skill per year, but in men’s I was learning new skills all the time. Also, I have three older brothers, two of which did gymnastics, and I’ve always wanted to try out their events.

What was hardest part about starting out in men’s gymnastics?Physically, the hardest part was dealing with all the new overuse injuries that come with men’s gymnastics. I went through a phase in high school where I was injured all the time but then my body seemed to accept it. When I started men’s gymnastics, I had to find a new balance. Mentally, I have to admit it was hard not being the best anymore. I was extremely successful in Division III gymnastics in college and at the club level afterward, and in men’s gymnastics I was mediocre on most events, and pretty bad at others.

Is a singlet more comfortable than a leotard? Are there fewer or more wedgies?It is definitely more comfortable! Our uniforms are actually cut with shorts as part of them so wedgies are impossible.

Since you started competing for the men, what has been the reaction you’ve received? From your teammates and others?With the exception of one occasion, I have felt very accepted by everyone I’ve encountered in my time doing men’s gymnastics — from judges to teammates to athletes on other teams to parents of athletes on other teams. The men’s gymnastics community is very welcoming, which is a nice change from women’s gymnastics where I felt like we were pressured into seeing athletes from other teams as our enemies.

The one occasion where I was not welcomed was when our team competed at Springfield College in a competition that invited NCAA varsity teams, college club teams, and local USAG clubs. The Springfield administration would not let me compete because of my gender.

I have definitely seen a difference in reactions from men and women. From other women, the reaction is usually that they are super-impressed and could never do what I’m doing. I wish there was some way I could prove to them that they could if they wanted to! From men, they are also impressed but also seem to take my success as inspiration to get better themselves.

You recently gave birth to twins. Did you train at all while you were pregnant?I trained as much as I could while I was pregnant because I knew I wanted to get back into the gym soon after the babies were born. I pretty much did everything up to ten weeks. I felt pretty exhausted but I pushed through because I knew I didn’t have much time left. At 12 weeks, the doctor told me, “No shear on my uterus,” so I stopped tumbling and vaulting. At about 16 weeks, the contractions started so I was told to stop using my abs. At that point I could mostly just do small swings and handstands, but I tried to continue a strength regimen that didn’t use my abs, and I swam. At 28 weeks, I got put on bed rest for pre‐term contractions, which is pretty common with twins. At 34 weeks, when the babies were mature enough to be born if they decided it was time, I got to come off bed rest, so I did some more handstands, but mostly just walked and did yoga. At 37 weeks, I got put on bed rest again for high blood pressure, so that was the end of exercise pre‐birth.

You returned to competition just eight weeks after giving birth to twins via C‐section. Why did you decide to return to
competition so soon after giving birth and compete this season? And what was it like? I wanted to be able to compete at NAIGC Nationals this year, so I figured the earlier I start competing, the better, even if I was only doing very basic skills.

When I first started, I couldn’t do backward rolls or forward rolls, which I’ve been doing since before I could remember. For the first week or so, I could barely make a front tuck on floor and I hit my butt on the vault trying to do a handspring. It was confusing because I felt like my body awareness was completely off. I was never where I thought I was; the feedback loop was broken. I definitely felt myself get stronger each week, and now that I have been back for eight weeks, I’m definitely starting to feel more like myself.

I’ve gotten to the point where I can see myself getting back to where I was in just a few months.

Do you think other women could have a future in men’s gymnastics?

Really, I feel like any woman who is willing to put in the time training can be successful at men’s gymnastics especially if they have good basics from years of women’s gymnastics. In my opinion, I think it’s surprising that in this modern age, no one has questioned the fact that there is no “men’s gymnastics” for women and “women’s gymnastics” for men. Why can’t there just be six-event gymnastics (hexagymnastics?) and four-event gymnastics (quadragymnastics?) where men and women don’t necessarily compete against each other, but are at least allowed to do the same sport.

You don’t really see this in other sports, where the men’s version is so completely different from the women’s. Women’s gymnastics evolved the way it did because people believed that women weren’t strong enough to support themselves on their hands for long periods of time like the men can. I think if you watch uneven bars these days, you can see that is definitely not true.Read here And even women who have had children like Oksana Chusovitina [who is 39 and planning to compete at her seventh Olympic Games in Rio] or myself are still capable of being incredibly strong. If I can do men’s gymnastics just eight weeks after giving birth to twins, then there are many other women out there who could do really incredible things in the sport. I really want other women to be able to see that.

KEEP GROWING

Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. - Philippians 3:14

Some people say they don't want to go to church because the church is full of hypocrites. They will identify any Christian who falls short as a hypocrite.

If you do or say anything that doesn't measure up to your faith as a follower of Jesus, then you are immediately branded that way.

But just because you believe something and don't always live up to it doesn't mean you are a hypocrite.

In fact, that doesn't mean you are a hypocrite at all. What it does mean is that you are a human being. No one measures up all the time to the very high standards of God.

We all fall short of the glory of God-again and again. We are imperfect people serving a perfect God.

Even the great apostle Paul admitted this struggle: "I don't really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don't do it.

Instead, I do what I hate. But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it" (Rom 7:15-17).

That wasn't Paul's everyday experience, but it was a candid admission. Nor should it be used as a justification to say we always will be struggling in this manner and therefore shouldn't even try.

Paul also wrote, "I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me" (Philippians 3:12).

The further you go in the Christian life, the further you will realize you need to go. That is the mark of a genuine, growing Christian.

Prayer: Lord, help me to keep on growing in my walk with You.

Scriptural Reading: Philippians 3:12-21

This song worth listen to, lyrics below

VERSE 1:

He’s the same God Who was there for you in the midnight hour He’s the same God, who’s able to wipe your tears away He’s the same God, who was there in times of lack and want He’s the same God,  He’s Jehovah My great provider Tell me why you’re giving up on God, Tell me why you’re giving up on Him, Tell me why you’re giving up on God,' Hold on, change is on the way. 

 CHORUS:

Ebezina, Chukwu Nonso,  Ogini bu nsobu gi, Ima-na odi adigideh, Nwa nnen mo, Jide si eh Ike, Hi si anya gi eh, Chukwu di gi atu asi, Oge a diri gi nma. 

 VERSE 2: 

Don’t you cry change is here, Weeping may endure, but for a night Joy’s  gonna come in the morning, You don’t have to cry no more, Hold God by His word, He’s gonna do what He says, Lift you hands and give him praise Oh oh oh oh oh oh  

 CHORUS 2: 

Ebezina, Chukwu Nonso, Ogini bu nsobu gi, Ima-na odi adigideh, Nwa nne mo, Jide si eh Ike, Hi si anya gi eh, Chukwu di gi atu asi,    Ebezina, Chukwu Nonso,  Ogini bu nsobu gi, Ima-na odi adigideh, Nwa nnen mo, Jide si eh Ike, Hi si anya gi eh, Chukwu di gi atu asi, Oge a diri gi nma.

BRIDGE:

 I know you’ve been crying, I understand I know you’ve been wounded, well it’s okay I know you’ve been broken But am here, to mend your broken heart, Believe in me you will overcome.Your yesterday will be a story I’m the God of all flesh And nothing is too hard for me to do yea, Don’t you forget (I calmed the sea), Don’t you forget (I raised the dead), Don’t you forget (I came to die that you might live forever), Don’t you cry it’s gonna be over, You will overcome today Wipe your eyes and give Him all the praise (Repeat Chorus 2x). By Preye.

THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honourable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. - Philippians 4:8

A recent survey revealed that teenagers are now spending an average of seven and a half hours per day involved in multiple forms of electronic media, including, TV, video games, listening to music, surfing the Web, testing, and e-mailing.

Those things are not bad. But we can be so current on culture yet so out of touch with Scripture. So let's make sure that our minds and hearts are filled with the truths of God.

Romans 12:1 tells us to "give our bodies to God because of all He has done for us. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice —the kind He will find acceptable."

Giving our bodies to God also includes our tongues — our words and what we say to others.

As James 3:5 points out, "The tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire."

I would suggest that you T-H-I-N-K before you speak. The next time you have something to say but are not sure if you really ought to say it, run through the T-H-I-N-K acronym:

T — is it true?

H = is it helpful?

I — is it inspiring?

N — is it necessary?

K — is it kind?

Maybe you're thinking, 'If I lived by that principle, I wouldn't say anything ever again.' So be it.

Present your tongue to God. Not only that, we need to present our hands and feet to Him as well.

Proverbs 6:17-19 says there are seven things that God detests: "haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that kill the innocent, a heart that plots evil, feet that race to do wrong, a false witness who pours out lies, a person who sows discord in a family."

So dedicate your hands and your feet and your tongue to God.

Prayer: Lord, I dedicate my heart, my hands, my feet, and my tongue to You.

Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:2-9

More Than 100 Keyboard Shortcuts You Need To Know

Keyboard Shortcuts (Microsoft Windows):


1. CTRL+C (Copy)
2. CTRL+X (Cut)
... 3. CTRL+V (Paste)
4. CTRL+Z (Undo)
5. DELETE (Delete)
6. SHIFT+DELETE (Delete the selected item permanently without placing the item in the Recycle Bin)
7. CTRL while dragging an item (Copy the selected item)
8. CTRL+SHIFT while dragging an item (Create a shortcut to the selected item)
9. F2 key (Rename the selected item)
10. CTRL+RIGHT ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next word)
11. CTRL+LEFT ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous word)
12. CTRL+DOWN ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the next paragraph)
13. CTRL+UP ARROW (Move the insertion point to the beginning of the previous paragraph)
14. CTRL+SHIFT with any of the arrow keys (Highlight a block of text)
SHIFT with any of the arrow keys (Select more than one item in a window or on the desktop, or select text in a document)
15. CTRL+A (Select all)
16. F3 key (Search for a file or a folder)
17. ALT+ENTER (View the properties for the selected item)
18. ALT+F4 (Close the active item, or quit the active program)
19. ALT+ENTER (Display the properties of the selected object)
20. ALT+SPACE-BAR (Open the shortcut menu for the active window)
21. CTRL+F4 (Close the active document in programs that enable you to have multiple documents open-simultaneously)
22. ALT+TAB (Switch between the open items)
23. ALT+ESC (Cycle through items in the order that they had been opened)
24. F6 key (Cycle through the screen elements in a window or on the desktop)
25. F4 key (Display the Address bar list in My Computer or Windows Explorer)
26. SHIFT+F10 (Display the shortcut menu for the selected item)
27. ALT+SPACE-BAR (Display the System menu for the active window)
28. CTRL+ESC (Display the Start menu)
29. ALT+Underlined letter in a menu name (Display the corresponding menu) Underlined letter in a command name on an open menu (Perform the corresponding command)
30. F10 key (Activate the menu bar in the active program)
31. RIGHT ARROW (Open the next menu to the right, or open a sub-menu)
32. LEFT ARROW (Open the next menu to the left, or close a sub-menu)
33. F5 key (Update the active window)
34. BACKSPACE (View the folder one-level up in My Computer or Windows Explorer)
35. ESC (Cancel the current task)
36. SHIFT when you insert a CD-ROM-into the CD-ROM drive (Prevent the CD-ROM from automatically playing)

Dialog Box - Keyboard Shortcuts:

1. CTRL+TAB (Move forward through the tabs)
2. CTRL+SHIFT+TAB (Move backward through the tabs)
3. TAB (Move forward through the options)
4. SHIFT+TAB (Move backward through the options)
5. ALT+Underlined letter (Perform the corresponding command or select the corresponding option)
6. ENTER (Perform the command for the active option or button)
7. SPACE-BAR (Select or clear the check box if the active option is a check box)
8. Arrow keys (Select a button if the active option is a group of option buttons)
9. F1 key (Display Help)
10. F4 key (Display the items in the active list)
11. BACKSPACE (Open a folder one level up if a folder is selected in the Save As or Open dialog box)

Microsoft Natural Keyboard Shortcuts:

1. Windows Logo (Display or hide the Start menu)
2. Windows Logo+BREAK (Display the System Properties dialog box)
3. Windows Logo+D (Display the desktop)
4. Windows Logo+M (Minimize all of the windows)
5. Windows Logo+SHIFT+M (Restore the minimized windows)
6. Windows Logo+E (Open My Computer)
7. Windows Logo+F (Search for a file or a folder)
8. CTRL+Windows Logo+F (Search for computers)
9. Windows Logo+F1 (Display Windows Help)
10. Windows Logo+ L (Lock the keyboard)
11. Windows Logo+R (Open the Run dialog box)
12. Windows Logo+U (Open Utility Manager)
13. Accessibility Keyboard Shortcuts
14. Right SHIFT for eight seconds (Switch Filter-Keys either on or off)
15. Left ALT+left SHIFT+PRINT SCREEN (Switch High Contrast either on or off)
16. Left ALT+left SHIFT+NUM LOCK (Switch the Mouse-Keys either on or off)
17. SHIFT five times (Switch the Sticky-Keys either on or off)
18. NUM LOCK for five seconds (Switch the Toggle-Keys either on or off)
19. Windows Logo +U (Open Utility Manager)
20. Windows Explorer Keyboard Shortcuts
21. END (Display the bottom of the active window)
22. HOME (Display the top of the active window)
23. NUM LOCK+Asterisk sign (*) (Display all of the sub-folders that are under the selected folder)
24. NUM LOCK+Plus sign (+) (Display the contents of the selected folder)

MMC Console keyboard shortcuts:

1. SHIFT+F10 (Display the Action shortcut menu for the selected item)
2. F1 key (Open the Help topic, if any, for the selected item)
3. F5 key (Update the content of all console windows)
4. CTRL+F10 (Maximize the active console window)
5. CTRL+F5 (Restore the active console window)
6. ALT+ENTER (Display the Properties dialog box, if any, for the selected item)
7. F2 key (Rename the selected item)
8. CTRL+F4 (Close the active console window. When a console has only one console window, this shortcut closes the console)

Remote Desktop Connection Navigation:

1. CTRL+ALT+END (Open the Microsoft Windows NT Security dialog box)
2. ALT+PAGE UP (Switch between programs from left to right)
3. ALT+PAGE DOWN (Switch between programs from right to left)
4. ALT+INSERT (Cycle through the programs in most recently used order)
5. ALT+HOME (Display the Start menu)
6. CTRL+ALT+BREAK (Switch the client computer between a window and a full screen)
7. ALT+DELETE (Display the Windows menu)
8. CTRL+ALT+Minus sign (-) (Place a snapshot of the active window in the client on the Terminal server clipboard and provide the same functionality as pressing PRINT SCREEN on a local computer.)
9. CTRL+ALT+Plus sign (+) (Place a snapshot of the entire client window area on the Terminal server clipboard-and provide the same functionality as-pressing ALT+PRINT SCREEN on a local computer.)

Microsoft Internet Explorer Keyboard Shortcuts:

1. CTRL+B (Open the Organize Favorites dialog box)
2. CTRL+E (Open the Search bar)
3. CTRL+F (Start the Find utility)
4. CTRL+H (Open the History bar)
5. CTRL+I (Open the Favorites bar)
6. CTRL+L (Open the Open dialog box)
7. CTRL+N (Start another instance of the browser with the same Web address)
8. CTRL+O (Open the Open dialog box,the same as CTRL+L)
9. CTRL+P (Open the Print dialog box)
10. CTRL+R (Update the current Web page)
11. CTRL+W (Close the current window)

“ Delay Does Not Mean Denial"

Hi Beloveds long time, 2015 is the season of abundant blessings, favor, and decreeing visions. I’m not one to have a braggadocios spirit; but God has been so good to me and I have to share it with someone. I’ve just completed my graduate degree a few days ago and I am now preparing to marry my best friend.

We women all love the story of Ruth and Boaz, but here is my story. As most of you that follow my journey know I too lost someone very near and dear to me, my friend taught me a valuable lesson in life which is the key to forgiveness. I wanted to be committed to my friend; I just thought timing wasn’t on my side. It was a tough time for me; although I surrounded myself around positive people who loved the Lord as much as I do. During my grieving moment, I asked “so God does this mean I will never get married?” I knew God word says “For still the vision awaits its appointed time; it hastens to the end—it will not lie. If it seems slow, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay (Habakkuk 2:3) “.

During the past six months of my life; I was praying and asking God to connect me to the heart that is meant to love me. I still tried to do things my way; which resulted in disappointment after disappointment. I decided to make a self- vow after I forgave my father. I vowed that I was not giving my time to emotionally unavailable men or people. I found myself fully committed to God; I was reminded why I chose patience over not settling, I know the word of God says “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.

For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened (Matthew 7-7:8).”  The devil tried it, he lied and said I was lonely and I will be single forever .Waiting and being patient can be difficult; due to today’s society we are living in. The I want it (NOW) society. I was reminded that I serve the most high God and my faith lies within Jesus Christ. Women of substance, I’m here to tell you; hold fast because God answers our prayers; he gives us three answers NO, NOT YET, or I HAVE SOMETHING BETTER FOR YOU. Waiting during the difficult times develops our relationship with God. “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin (Proverbs 18:24).” When we wait during the hard times, just know that God is right in the trenches with us waiting. Delay Doesn’t Mean Denial

 My modern day Boaz has been here all along, he has been present in my life during the most difficult times of my life. Although I placed him in the friend zone he never placed limits on our friendship or pressured me into anything that was unwarranted. He was there to pray for me when I couldn’t pray for myself, a shoulder to cry on when there was no one else around to listen, and most of all he respects me.  He reminds me daily why he chose me, he states how he’s intrigued by my strength, my heart, and most of all… my faith in God.  Although he and I are from two different cultural backgrounds, he accepts me for me no matter what my past looks like; he accepts my bruised heart , my flaws, but most of all he loves me for me . I submitted all my burdens to God and became vulnerable with him. Once I did that God shift the atmosphere and revealed to me my future husband. Love is an action; it’s not what’s perpetuated in the media. My help mate understands that “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). read here

We are preparing to form a union and change my last name and become one . “The nations shall see your righteousness, and all the kings your glory, and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the LORD will give (Isaiah 62:2  )”. “House and wealth are inherited from fathers, but a prudent wife is from the Lord (Proverbs 19:14)”. So to my virtuous single praying women just know “ Delay Doesn’t Mean Denial ”. God’s words are true . Keep God first and you will never be last.

THE PLACE OF NOTHINGNESS

Be still and know that I am God. - Psalm 46:10

Do you find yourself in a place of nothingness? There is a time and place in our walk with God in which He sets us in a place of isolation and waiting. It is a place in which all past experiences are of no value.

It is a time of such stillness that it can disturb the most faithful if we do not understand that He is the one who has brought us to this place for only a reason.

It is as if God has placed a wall around us. No new opportunities - simply inactivity. During these times, God is calling us aside to fashion something new in us.

It is a place of nothingness designed to call us to deeper roots of prayer and faith. It is not a comfortable place.

Our nature cries out, "You must do something" while God is saying, "Be still and know that I am God."

You know the signs that you have been brought into this place when He has removed many things from your life and you can't seem to change anything.

It may be that you are unemployed and it seems as if no company is interested in you.

Maybe you are single and no suitable person is looking your way. Perhaps you are down with an illness and it seems you are being left behind.

Many people live a very planned and orchestrated life where they know almost everything that will happen.

But for people in whom God is performing a deeper work, He sometimes brings us into a time of quietness that seems almost strange.

You cannot see what God is doing. You just know that He is doing a work that cannot be explained to yourself or to others.

Mother Teresa wrote, "Has God brought you to a place of nothingness? Be still and know that He really is God. When this happens, your nothingness will be turned into something you will value for the rest of your life."

Prayer: Praise the Lord for being in absolute control of your life.

Scripture Reading: Psalm 46:1-11

Some Dangerous Lies That Lead To Infidelity

When I was in college, I spent a summer working in a lock shop. My supervisor was an old, stocky African-American man named Rock with a raspy voice.

He was a hard-working man who had a nickname for everyone and was a great storyteller. One of my favorite stories he told was about a day he was asked to collect screws in the warehouse.

Apparently, the company was trying to save money and time for an in-house building project requiring screws. Rock's manager brought him into the warehouse and pointed to the high steel shelves. Then he asked Rock to remove all of the screws fastening the shelves to the walls.

Rock diligently got out a ladder and went to work, moving right to left. With each screw removed, the shelves stood in place. Finally, he ascended the ladder and removed the final screw on the last shelf. As he looked at the final screw in his hand, the last shelf leaned and crashed into the one next it. The rest went down like thundering dominoes, discarding all of the contents in an enormously mangled mess.

The manager came running in to find a pile of destruction. Behind the debris was Rock standing sheepishly on a ladder holding one screw in his hand. They stared at each other until Rock broke the silence: "This is your fault."

Marital affairs rarely happen randomly. They result from believing and justifying lies. In marriage, believing lies is like removing the fastening screws. It is dangerous, causes bad decisions, and leads to broken marriages.

Exposing lies for what they are keeps us from falling into their traps and knowing the warning signs of infidelity can keep the dominoes from falling.

Here are the dangerous lies that lead to infidelity. Although I am speaking to husbands, I believe these apply equally to wives as well:

1. My wife should make me happy/I deserve to be happy. Marriage is actually not about happiness. It may be a part of it at times. The problem is that this attitude is selfishness, plain and simple. When this attitude is nurtured, spouse blaming becomes routine; bitterness is right around the corner. The list of negative qualities in the spouse gets longer and longer. All it does is attempt to justify the selfish attitude so the person is free to chase happiness or the greener grass. Marriage is about dying to self, giving and loving in good times and bad. That's why it's so difficult, but also so rewarding.

2. There's nothing wrong with a little flirting. It's exciting. When someone finds you sexually attractive it feels good, particularly when you feel the same way about them. No one wants to lose that feeling, they want it to continue. So they justify it by telling this to themselves accompanied by: It doesn't mean anything. It does. It's hurtful to the spouse because it trains the heart to wander. It's natural to have those feelings, but playing with them gives the wrong person an improper place in the heart. Flirting is like entering a river with a powerful current that ends at a large drop off.

3. What she doesn't know won't hurt her. This attitude can take root in the person doing something they know would make their spouse upset. They recognize it's wrong and probably feel guilty, but don't want to stop. In an attempt to make themselves feel better, they simply tell themselves: It's not like I'm hurting anyone. It does hurt. Secrets cause disconnection. Spouses can intuitively sense when there is distance, no matter the degree. They may not address it, but they sense it. Believing a lie like this is just the beginning of allowing disconnection to enter the relationship. The distance just gets wider and wider until this person connects to someone else.

4. I have sexual needs. Food is a need. Sex is not a need, it's a desire. An attitude such as this one gives sexual urges too much power. It is also a subtle way to justify pursuing sex outside of marriage. Once it's justified in the person's heart and mind, acting on it becomes easier.

5. Our marriage problems are HER fault. Marriage relationships consist of two people. One person might be more responsible, but not completely to blame. This is a convenient way to avoid responsibility. Anytime a person avoids responsibility, blames others or justifies themselves, they become colder. Walls of defense get fortified and the separation begins. Note: There are occasions where one person is completely to blame, but those are rare. By BJ Foster

WHERE ARE YOU?

Then the LORD God called to Adam and said to him, "Where are you?" - Genesis 3:9

The first question that God poses in Scripture is found here: "Where are you?" Because God knows all things, we have to understand that He did not ask this question in order to gather information for Himself.

Rather, He asked the question for Adam and Eve to find out where they were in relation to Him. I think it is still a relevant question that He still asks of all of us, 'where are you?'

This is a question that calls us to shed off our hypocrisy and truly examine our hearts to identify whether we are where we want to be in our relationship with God.

To answer that question well, we have to find out where God expects us to be in three important areas of our lives.

• Our passions. Where is our heart? What are the things that we feel strongly and passionately about? Some of us started our walk with Christ with passion and great love. Now, our love for the Lord has become cold and our hearts unresponsive to the things of God.

• Our pursuits. Where is our focus? Does God's kingdom and righteousness feature anywhere in the things we run after? It is alright to work hard in order to earn an income for our families and to discharge our responsibilities.

However, sometimes in pursuing our legitimate needs we become so absorbed and neglect God, our spouses and children.

• Our plans. What is on our agenda? Do we deliberately make time for God and our families? Today, God is asking — 'where are you?'

Prayer: Lord, help me to keep my heart right with You at all times.

Scriptural Reading: Genesis 3:9-19

Health: REMOVE KIDNEY STONES IN JUST 10 DAYS

In our current demanding life, we tend to ignore tiny snags that end up being big enough to be a problem later on, and one of those problems is what we know as kidney stones.

We are overloaded with a lot of work to do and things to accomplish and we forget to take care of ourselves in the process. We do not drink enough, exercise, eat the right foods and relieve our bodies regularly. We realize we neglected something when all of a sudden we feel a severe pain that is now threatening our job and our lives.

This excruciating experience could have been avoided, if we only take care of ourselves by exercising daily for 30 minutes, drinking enough fluids, and eating healthy diets.

A kidney stone is a common problem nowadays because most of us have similar lackadaisical lifestyles. They are solidified minerals and acid salts which are able to form in the kidney and travel to the urinary tract where they are expelled. Some of them are passed through urination while some remain. Those which remain start to form up to the size of a golf ball with a sharp structure, right inside our bodies. Because of the blockage, they can cause inability to urinate and extremely painful urination, plus nausea and vomiting, all of which will not cease until the stones exit or until they are removed from our body.

If we already have them in our body and they have started affecting our life, we need to find a way to get rid of them immediately. Aside from the discomforts that these nasty stones cause, they can also be fatal if allowed to spread to our other internal organs. We can combat this disorder through natural home remedies, or at the last resort, through surgery.

These stones can be removed from our body using different ways depending on the stone’s size and composition. Be sure to see a physician and get his own assessment of the situation, before trying any home treatment. Using only natural home remedies without using chemicals and surgical procedures, we can try to dissolve them into smaller pieces until we are able to expel them through our urine.

One of the most popular natural home remedy for kidney stones is the humble apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar works by helping to reduce the size of the stones and helping to flush them out of the body completely.

This is the recipe for the apple cider remedy:

 Ingredients:

1 cup filtered water warm
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1-2 tablespoons honey
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Mix the ingredients together and drink every night for 2 weeks before going to bed. Then have an X-Ray to confirm the results and drink more if necessary. Depending on the size of the stone, it can take 10 days or more of treatment to obtain positive results.

Prevention is always the best solution to any problem. Some changes in our lifestyle might be enough to keep these invasive kidney stones away permanently. Source:tophealthnews.net

HE HAS A MIND OF HIS OWN

THE EX-MEN lineage is amazing. One of their leaders took delight in training one of them who has extraordinary super powers. He trained them to fear no one. He trained them to harness the power inside them. With this, they can destroy anyone. The leader was so pleased with himself that he had a tool that he can use against the enemy. He was so proud to show him off as One who defies everyone'

This continued until the day the subject came to the knowledge of who he was and what he had. The same subject he trained wiped him out with the same volatile skills he gave him.

I am worried about the way we raise our children and I think that the time has come when one will have to address these things.

I am an African woman and proud to be one.

One of the rich heritages of Africa is that we respect the elders. We give them the reverence that is due them ;at

times, its not even because they deserve it, we choose to do so. Some parents have hurt their children so bad, but we forgive and still love and honour them .

With the ever increasing 'educated' parents and 'freestyle' parenting , i feel the need to address those who may be losing this beautiful culture. Being a non-african , you can still choose to take this on board.

A lot of us parents have slacked in our duties in the name of 'YOU CANT CORRECT A CHILD' or THESE ARE ABROAD CHILDREN .....even if they only visited abroad on summer holidays!

Children are being left to decide and choose what is right or wrong for them. A child walks into a room and does not see the need to pay a due respect to the grown-ups there. Its seen as being POSH, or being labelled as ' OYINBO children. Its got nothing to do with that child......Its got to do with a parent who has a feeling of INFERIORITY ......and thinks that for them to BE -LIKE the oyinbo, you need to lose the basic training of common-sense that was imbibed in you from a young age.

Common things we were taught.....

COURTESY.....an elderly person is standing on a public transport....give them the opportunity to sit.

Hello, sorry, thank you.....are very simple words and phrases ....You don't lose anything by saying them.

Some children talk back as though the part of the mind that controls reasoning has been switched off.

Developed world has a problem now.....a lot of children do not see the need to maintain contact with their roots, they are disconnected and they lose their identity.

Your children were born into a home , so they can have an identity, in a bid to make them acceptable to the society, please don't make them lose who they are. Don't focus on their acceptance by peers and colleagues and deprive them of the basic skills they need for the great future that they have.

Add onto them. Let them have what you trained them with and what the others have that you envy.

Majority of the children from ethnic minority get tagged....they get labelled from tender age. The reason is simple. We have moved from the ancient landmarks. In the past, a child will think before they act, because they know that they will get a telling off by their parents. In these days, we are proud to say HE HAS A MIND OF HIS OWN!!!!!

We leave them to the teachers and child minders to train!!! No wonder they cant decide what sex they are and who really is their father!!!!

The posh that you are trying to emulate, have you ever seen their children shout at them in public...NOOOOOOO....they don't, they wont, they cant!!!! They are trained to not do such.

Very rarely will you find the REAL POSH unruly and disrespectful. They treat their own adults and elderly with respect. They don't talk down at their aged and elderly.

Mothers and fathers, give your children identity...the Bible advises it.

Give them more than a British accent, give them the confidence to face the world and be proud of the heritage that they have. Training a child does not mean you mark and bruise their body, when you teach them what is right and prayerfully support, they will grow in it....Being a honorable young man or woman is not a sign of weakness. Its makes them stand out before kings.

Train your children to respect elders.Train them to have regards for other people. They will start by honouring you and as the bible says, their days will then be long in the land where the lord their God has given them.....

TRAIN A CHILD......if they were qualified they didn't need training

Whatever attitude you see in your child, its a reflection of what you have trained them to be. If you breed a rebel, expect to reap a monster. By Bola.

You Desired It, You Planned It And Action It, PLS READ CAREFULLY!!!

I was hoping that it will not get to this, but I need help.

The help i need is for my friends and brethren to please pass this onto a man they know....every man they know.

You know when there is a problem in a marriage, most of the time, we get to hear the story from only one party. But when the story is consistent and the exact issue is always the cause of the problem , you assume that there is no smoke without a fire.

The issue of pastors cheating on their wives is rife.

By the virtue of the ministry to women, we are having to deal with this so frequently.

I have searched my heart and come to some conclusions as to why things may be happening this way.

WOMEN:

A lot of us are very trusting. Most of the ladies attest to it that Pastor is sleeping with a close relative of the wife or at times, even the house-help or a sister in church. He is not bold enough to go out, or the risk that the news may get to the church members. We trust these helps and relatives. We bring them home and they take over the home. Some of them are even talked into the act, not that they had that in mind when they came in. We trust PASTOR even when there are obvious pointers...or shall i say we choose to ignore the obvious hoping its a lie?
We blame everyone else apart from the real cause of the problem. If your husband, the pastor is sleeping with someone else, you blame the woman who SEDUCED your husband.....what was he doing where he got seduced? Its very difficult to catch a man and pull his pants down to sleep with you. Most men will not even have an erection when they are not sexually attracted. Pastor did it because he wanted to. HE IS GUILTY OF THE ADULTERY....
We don't know where to turn to.......There is help available for those who want it. I said those who want it, because its not everyone who want an end to their problem. If you have a cheating husband, you have a choice to stay with him in his error or expose the wickedness and let him get help.
We are too scared of getting help. The common saying i hear is .....it will affect the ministry. Sisters, if your husband is living in sin, and you continue to expose other children of God to him, you are abating crime spiritually and you are as guilty. You don't want him to lose face....okay.....you may ends up losing your mind.
We feel guilty.. Typically, when a woman complains that her husband is cheating , the first finger is pointed at her.... YOU DON'T DRESS WELL, YOU DON'T DO SEXUAL STYLES, YOU DON'T LOVE HIM ENOUGH!!!! Sisters, don't feel guilty because someone is pointing at you....a man is responsible for his actions. If he is sleeping with someone else when he is married to you, its because the part of his brain that controls his choices is faulty. Forget the spiritual part, its not a demon that is afflicting him, the demon does not pull his pants down......he does that by himself. Those who are afflicted by demons pull their pants down in public.....if you hubby pulls his pants down with another woman in your bedroom or in a hotel room...he is not afflicted of the devil. He has made a choice to desecrate your marital bed. A woman will rarely move out and start having extramarital affairs because her PASTOR HUBBY has pot belly. Is it because they don't like toned 6-pack men? No, its because they reverence their marital vows and God. Don't let anyone blame you for an unrepentant wandering husband. He chose his destiny in hell. He is responsible for his actions.

MEN;

Most men who indulge in sin in marriage had the tendency to do so before marriage. So, the appearance of your desires is just a display of what has been hidden for a long time. You don't have any business teaching women when you know that you have a problem keeping your zip up. Dedication to God requires discipline. If you are not there yet, don't step out.
God calls people, others call themselves. If you have called yourself, we can understand that it will be a bit of struggle. But you don't need to hold the woman responsible for your choices.
The Bible says in James 1: 13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
You desired it, you planned it and action it....so enjoy it and be proud to enjoy your sinful life.
Its painful when a man cheats . Its more painful when a 'MAN OF GOD' cheats. How can it be ....when one who should be the custodian of the law is the one breaking it. When you announced that you are a pastor, people take you to be a GOD-REPRESENTATIVE.... they give you the respect and give you the honour. You dupe them of their trust and capitalize on this and mess them up. You use the name of God as a tool to let yourself into the homes and hearts of many....The bible has already made provision for people like you.....2 TIMOTHY 3: 1B-8....As the end approaches, people are going to be self-absorbed, money-hungry, self-promoting, stuck-up, profane, contemptuous of parents, crude, coarse, dog-eat-dog, unbending, slanderers, impulsively wild, savage, cynical, treacherous, ruthless, bloated windbags, addicted to lust, and allergic to God. They’ll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes they’re animals. Stay clear of these people. 6-9 These are the kind of people who smooth-talk themselves into the homes of unstable and needy women and take advantage of them; women who, depressed by their sinfulness, take up with every new religious fad that calls itself “truth.” They get exploited every time and never really learn.
You will be found out soon, and all those who respect you will see your shame, if you refuse to repent. Your wife married you in faith and believing in you, she protects you. She hides your sin from the members, some of whom believe that you are their property...YOUR SHAME SHALL SPREAD ABROAD when God decides to visit your iniquity.


The Bible says that he that commits sin is not of God... other translations say....HE THAT PERSISTENTLY COMMITS SIN DOES NOT KNOW GOD. How i wish that the weak women who give in to you will see this and get it !!! The deception is both ways i guess, they are corrupt and want a corrupt man , even though they sing in the choir and lead Sunday school, they are still harlots. So, you go well together.
For the sisters who are laden with the burden of living with persistent adulterers who like to be addressed as PASTORS....the choice is yours.

1. You don't have to cover up with his perpetual sins. You need to SHOUT IT OUT. Sin thrives in secrecy.

2. You say OMOB, do i move out? I say, that is an option. Don't embrace the GOD HATES DIVORCE phrase that everyone will throw at you. THE SAME GOD HATES ADULTERY AND EVERY FORM OF SIN.... yet the people who shout that at you commit these sins everyday, and they advise you as though they are better than you. Separation may mean that you stay out of his house, whilst you look for a way out and encourage him to get help. It may mean that you stay in the house , and give him space without any sexual contact.

3. We want your home to work. If a man is willing to make good his ways, repent and get help, God is able to restore him.

4. Do you have to keep sleeping with him? Its your choice. BE WISE.....If he has been putting his tools in all dirty gutters around town, ask him to wear a condom. You don't deserve a life sentence with HIV because of someone else's wrong choices. If you still choose to not sleep with him because you are not sure.....you are not bound by any contract to do so, the day he let his tools out in inappropriate places, he already broke the covenant between you two.

5. Don't suffer in silence. In as much as help is available, be careful the kind of help you give in to. You are also susceptible , as you have been cheated and heartbroken. Don't let the need for help drive you into immorality . You find succor with another man.....you will only make things worse.

6. If a man persistently abuses you because you question him about his adulterous ways, you need to get out of that marriage and get help. Your life is worth more than a wedding ring. It was not how God designed it to be. Marriage should be enjoyed and not a daily abuse ; slaps and kicks because you are afraid to ask questions. If he is beating you because you raise concerns about evidences that he is cheating, he will kill you someday and you wont be here to give your own side of the story.

7. You say I HAVE BEEN ASKED TO BE PRAYING FOR HIM..... Yes, pray, most of the time, you have been praying for so long before speaking out. Prayer is good. I know that when the heart is weary, it gets more difficult to pray. You can pray, but also ACT....

For every woman who is faced with this, help is available. By Sis Bola.

Pls free free to comment below, let know your view........

THE LORD WILL NEVER GIVE UP ON YOU

Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost! - Luke 15:6

In the Gospel of Mark, we read of the devil trying to stop Jesus and the disciples from reaching a poor tortured soul, a demon-possessed man who was living among tombstones.

Jesus said to the disciples, "Let us cross over to the other side." So they boarded their little boat and began to make their way across the Sea of Galilee.

Suddenly a storm arose and the waves beat the boat so that even these seasoned sailors thought they were going to drown. But Jesus would not be stopped.

He explained why in the Gospel of Luke, saying: "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbours, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' (Luke 15:4-6)

This tormented man was the lost sheep Jesus was after. He was not going to let high water stop Him from His intended goal.

The devil is always on duty. He doesn't rest day or night. He is ever watchful. He wants to destroy you and make your life miserable. And he will do anything to prevent you from receiving from the Lord.

But like the demon-possessed man, the Lord will allow nothing to hinder Him reaching to you. Satan will try to stop Jesus from coming into your situation, but he will fail. He always will. Jesus loves you, and He can't give up on you.

Prayer: Thank You Lord, for Your unfailing love.

Scriptural Reading: Luke 15:1-7

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.