tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-270991722024-03-08T17:00:21.474+01:00Uplifting Your Soul!A little "pick me up" now and then never did anyone any harm, and that's what "Uplifting Your Soul!" is all about because we all need a pep talk sometimes. Cheerio, the grass is always greener on your side, you only need to water your garden!Oritsegahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04266039201705044905noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27099172.post-91084990519046693522015-01-21T11:12:00.001+01:002015-01-21T11:12:23.506+01:00The answer to that question<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We often wonder if God loves us, at least I know I ask myself that a few times. When we ask ourselves, it is often because we are going through a challenge and wondering why God hasn't come to save us yet and then He does, and then we wonder why we ever doubted in the first place..... and sometimes for many of us, the circle continues, over and over again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are wired to always look for evidence to support our thinking and actions, to rationalise everything, which in it itself is not a bad thing. However, God calls us to have faith; to believe in Him totally. We should not rely on how we feel or the state of our surroundings to gain assurance of His love for us, we should trust Him completely to work it all out. This can be hard but it takes getting used to; I'm still on that lane as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So does God love me? Is He concerned about everything that concerns me? Yes He does and yes He is.</span>Oritsegahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04266039201705044905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27099172.post-9362653914637111002011-04-08T12:37:00.006+01:002011-04-08T13:38:22.710+01:00Me, My Sin, and I<strong><em><blockquote><blockquote>This is for everyone who has ever fallen short of God's best; who has gone astray, even if only for a second. For everyone who struggles with some sin and desires the liberation that only God can give. If this describes you, then this is for you.</blockquote> </blockquote></em></strong><br /><br />I didn't start out planning to do what I did but then I found myself doing it, and again and again and again.<br /><br /><strong><em>"I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do -- this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it." (Romans 7:18-20, NIV) </em></strong><br /><br />The thrill, the excitement, the adrenaline rush, racing heartbeats...my mind longs after this BUT I know I shouldn't be doing this; I honestly can't help myself. As I do it, I'm gradually sucked into this vortex of pleasure; damn it feels good! Blood coursing through my veins, my heart beating ten to the dozen, my face getting flushed with the release of blood....but deep in my heart, I know I shouldn't go down this lane.<br /><br /><strong><em>"There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death."(Proverbs 14:12, NIV)</em></strong><br /><br />I know because I've been on this road before. It's always very busy, I always have willing co-travellers; some I know only too well and others I may never see but they are there. I feel them, perceive their aura as they saunter past, feel the air break as they weave through the streets.... and I can feel the lure, the attraction, the enticement, calling out to me. <br /><br /><strong><em>"She sits at the door of her house, on a seat at the highest point of the city,calling out to those who pass by, who go straight on their way." (Proverbs 9: 14-15, NIV)</em></strong><br /><br />I'm doing what I should not, going where I must not go but it's hard to slow down, stop, or even turn back. I say to myself "let me at least take the first few minutes after that I promise I will not go ahead, continuing in the path I know will lead me astray"....but I'm rarely ever successful as I find myself going the whole 9 yards.<br /><br />I know it's really not right and I should ask for forgiveness but I'm quite high right now and I say to myself "I'll ask for forgiveness once I'm done". I'll pray to God and He'll forgive me just as He said in His word (which is really true BUT have I considered the repercussions?)<br /><br /><strong><em>"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9, NIV)</em></strong><br /><br />Oh yes, God will forgive me no doubt but I'm forever going to be weighed down by cause and effect; I am responsible for my actions and the results thereafter.... and have I considered this? Well maybe I have and maybe I haven't but the pleasures of the now seem more encapsulating than the pains of tomorrow. <br /><br /><em><strong><blockquote>Lord strengthen me that I might not yield myself to sin but keep your righteous banner lifted high... Helen Baylor (Hunger for Holiness)</blockquote></strong></em>Oritsegahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04266039201705044905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27099172.post-6824673209156161872011-02-14T12:15:00.003+01:002011-02-14T12:24:16.851+01:00Blazing the trail<div align="justify"><strong>Lola’s story… Ikenna’s story… Jane’s story… Hassan’s story… YOUR story?? (PART 1)<br /><br /></strong><em>It is 10 February 2010 and here I am, at a meeting where some speaker is about to give a talk about achieving my dreams and the usual blah blah blah! Gosh, I’m tired of hearing all this drivel. People just come and talk, and then no one knows exactly how to go about actualizing what the speaker has said. So why say anything?<br /><br />Ok, so what would I really love to hear? I know I’m going somewhere to happen, but where exactly am I going and how to get there is what I need to know. I have BIG plans but where do I start from? I have so many interests but which do I focus on? I still have my day job and how exactly does that tie in with my very big plans? My business doesn’t seem to be growing! How do I achieve my plans? How do I launch out?<br /><br />I need direction… I need to be shown the way… I need a solid plan of action… God, I need you!<br /><br /></em>Could this be your story?<br /><br />Maybe you believe that you don’t have the right opportunity, so you just keep waiting for that perfect time. Perhaps you know that the opportunity has presented itself but you are just not ready to handle it or even worse, you just ignore it.<br /><br />What makes it seem like life’s working for one person and the other person appears to have got the remnants? Why does everyone one else seem to have all the luck and you just can’t get it going?<br /><br />How do you move from Point A in your life to your final Point B? How do you make the dream in your heart come alive? What’s the way forward for all the desires in your heart? How do you change the world from where you are?<br /><br /><strong>GO DISCOVER THYSELF<br /></strong>You are at your own funeral, many years from now. A group of people are standing afar from the mourners who are by the graveside. You know some of them and you can hear them talking about you. What would they be saying? What do they consider to be your achievements?<br /><br />Discover yourself: A lot of soul searching must go into this process to build a solid foundation for your future.<br />• What do you see for your future? What is your personal vision?<br />• How do you foresee you will achieve this vision? What is your mission?<br />• What are the things that you consider most important to you. Categorize your values.<br />• Assess your strengths and weaknesses; consider the opportunities available to you and also the likely threats to achieving success in your life. Do a personal SWOT analysis<br />• What skills do you possess? In what areas are you smart?<br /><br />At the end of your days, what do you want to have achieved? Work your life backwards.<br /><br /><strong>MAKE A PLAN<br /></strong><br />Plan, Plan, Plan: All tower projects first started with a blue print. Considering that your career is your major life project, you need to sit down and structure your expectations.<br />• Prepare your life plan<br />• What do you expect to achieve?<br />• How can you accomplish all that you want to achieve in your career?<br /><br />This stage builds on the foundation of self discovery.<br /><br />Focus on the following key areas;<br />1. Physical & health<br />2. Spiritual<br />3. Career & vocation<br />4. Finance & investment<br />5. Family & social<br />6. Contributory<br />7. Academic & professional<br /><br /><strong>PURSUE YOUR VISION<br /></strong><br /><strong><em>Seek opportunities</em></strong></div><div align="justify">Take initiative: Be a problem solver. Don’t wait to be told what to do, just find out what needs to be done and do it! Simple isn’t it? It’s a wonder some people make it sound so hard.<br /><br />Take calculated risks: To get results that will propel your career, you must be prepared to take risks. Assess the every situation at hand, and then decide on what to do. It is very important that you take action, or else, nothing will happen.<br /><br />Be an innovator: The more new business you create for your company, the more your profile rises within the organization. Companies are always looking for people who can introduce systems and strategies that will significantly affect their bottom line. Be that person in your company.<br /><br /><strong><em>Improve your skills</em></strong><br />Refine your communication skills: As your desire is to advance in your career, you must prepare to fly with the big wigs. Your communication skills are necessary to help you get what you want. You must be able to define exactly what you want and communicate that fact as at when necessary.<br /><br />Brush up on negotiation skills: You will need to engage in a lot of negotiation issues along your career. Whether it’s for better pay, working conditions etc, chances are your skill in this area is what will see you through successfully. Develop a positive mind set that sees all things as possible.<br /><br /><strong><em>Expand your network</em></strong><br />Expand your network: Everybody has a network whether they know it or not. Unfortunately, a lot of people have the wrong network. If yours’ isn’t working for you, change your contacts. Radical it is but remember, it’s your life. Get to know people in the same area of business as yours and tap into all the benefits of your network (of course, you also have to contribute something or you’ll be regarded as a leech!). Learn how to promote yourself without seeming desperate. If you want to change careers, don’t take the big leap till you have built a network in that area. This will be your fall back for tips, advice and direction.<br /><br /><strong><em>Embrace self development</em></strong></div><div align="justify">Take school along with you wherever you go.<br />• Invest in tapes, books, CD’s.<br />•Let downtime become uptime for you as you give every idle moment an assignment. Remember, information is the key that opens all doors.<br />• Be a continual learner.<br />•Develop a plan to learn new skills. Attend trainings, seminars and courses that will enhance your effectiveness at work.<br /><br />Life is in the application. It’s not how many books you read, it’s what you apply and act on.<br /><br /><strong>Lola’s story… Ikenna’s story… Jane’s story… Hassan’s story… YOUR story (PART 2)<br /></strong><br /><em>It is 10 February 2015 and here I am, at a meeting where some speaker is about to give a talk about achieving my dreams. Wait a minute!!! Isn’t this that same guy that spoke at a meeting I attended a while back? It sure looks like him. Oh, I can see now, it is him!<br /><br />I’m so glad I actually paid attention 5 years ago. I am on the way to becoming who I always wanted to be, simply because I listened and acted on what I heard.<br /></div></em>Oritsegahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04266039201705044905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27099172.post-52641937357848852492011-02-07T08:52:00.004+01:002011-02-07T09:39:12.345+01:00A Different Way<span style="font-family:arial;">My past haunts me</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Every day, I remember who I used to be</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">And who I struggle not to be</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I'm hounded......</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">In the deepest recesses of my mind</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">The images are always so bright, and clear</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Showing, revealing, describing in vivid colour </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">My mistakes, my wrongdoings, my trespasses</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Sometimes I really do indulge</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Even though I know I ought not</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I revel in those scenes</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">When I was not who I am now</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I participate willingly</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">In creating the stories of the past</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Oh how I long to forget, forever</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">who I used to be</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">How I long to wipe clean the memories</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">And not remain bound in my mind</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">How I yearn to live, devoid of those memories</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">My heart, seeks to be true</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">but my mind, as always, has its own plans</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Show me a different way</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">to tame this unbelieving mind</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Open unto me, new vistas</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Let me think on true things</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">The pure things, the eternal things</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">The things which remain true, which stand firm</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I am free, from myself, from my thoughts, from my hurts</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I remain unbound, from all chains, from all pains</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Show me a different way, every day, in every way...</span>Oritsegahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04266039201705044905noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27099172.post-31395983521288154562008-01-23T11:45:00.000+01:002008-01-23T11:52:06.099+01:00The wind beneath my sails<b>A dispassionate individual will never achieve much because passion is what fuels our ambitions....</b><br /><br />What makes people do really <big>BIG things</big> ? why are some people so fiery about their convictions? I'd say it's because they have a high level of passion.<br /><br />It's not always easy when a man decides to follow his convictions, many will laugh and ridicule same, but only he, the vision bearer, truly understands what he's all about.... Sometimes no one can make sense of his dreams, his decisions, his directions, but only he truly understands.<br /><br />It takes a lot to have faith in your dreams and stimulate passion to bring it to pass. Your dreams or visions may not make sense now (remember the Wright brothers and the airplane or even the first landing on the moon) but one day, it will and only because you did something about it.<br /><br />Your passion is also like a match that can ignite others around you. If you truly believe that you can, then you can, and you will always have recruits to help you with your vision. It is your passion that will encourage the faint hearted, the doubting thomases, and the vacillating individual.<br /><br />I realise that passion is such a strong force that it can birth both good and bad (that's how come the world lost 6 million jews all because 1 person thought they were the scum of the earth). The truth is we are all passionate about something or someone, but then again, is your passion channeled in the right direction? If you don't you'll eventually end up unleashing a monster you'll never be able to tame.<br /><br />I'm not sure anything was ever birthed witout some form of passion because that's what gives you the conviction to go forward even when it seems that all's not well or things won't work in your favour.<br /><br />So then, how is passion generated? By conviction I believe... if you believe in something or someone, you can become quite passionate. But then, how do you become convinced (or convicted which ever is more appropriate)? By acquiring information. Once you know a lot about something, you become more knowledgeable and can either defend or repudiate it.<br /><br />A man without passion is like a rudderless ship, no direction, no desires, no expectations..... and passion ultimately is what gives you a raison d'etre; a reason to live....Oritsegahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04266039201705044905noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27099172.post-85544500573639515682007-12-27T17:23:00.000+01:002007-12-27T17:41:02.132+01:00There's no turning backThe journey has been long and tiring. I've been on the road for so long<br />I'm tempted to stop, give it all up but I've almost made it to my destination it seems<br />Eventhough I'm weighed down by all sorts but I still must go on<br />I see where I'm going far ahead and I'm encouraged for it seems closer than it was yesterday<br /><br />A lot has happened but I've grown and overcome<br />When I remember what I've been through in my past, I wonder how I ever made it this far<br /><br />I know where I'm going and sometimes it seems like I may not get there, but strive I must<br />I can't turn back now, I've gone too far to give up on this trip<br /><br />Where I'm going is far more beautiful than where I'm coming from<br />So on I go, towards my destination<br /><br />I look not to the left nor the right, but straight ahead, my gaze is fixed<br />till I can almost touch my dreams<br /><br />I'm not turning back. I'm going to forget my past and embrace my future....<br /><br />I move on....................Oritsegahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04266039201705044905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27099172.post-85171759005801977522007-10-18T19:02:00.000+01:002007-10-18T19:25:15.298+01:00I hereby tender my apologisation letterIt's been 5months since I blogged last, for many reasons chief of which was that I lost the inspiration or compulsion to write; speak yes, write no.<br /><br />I've discovered that sometimes we need to go through a renewal process or a refining period, whatever it is we call it but we need to go through a time when we rejuvenate, and I hope that's what has been happening to me. I didn't intentionally decide to stop blogging, let's just say I never got round to doing it<br /><br />So I hereby announce that I have begun blogging again! Thanks to all those who asked and/ or sent encouraging mails, I will not keep silent any longer, so watch this space!<br /><br />Enjoy!Oritsegahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04266039201705044905noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27099172.post-14489958508443837692007-05-30T18:24:00.000+01:002007-06-01T19:49:50.927+01:00Today I...Today I choose not to allow anything frazzle me<br />Today I decide to take full control of my thoughts and emotions<br /><br />Today I choose to be who I ought to be<br />Today I decide to take the steps towards the picture I see<br /><br />Today I decide to be more proactive<br />Today I choose to make my own future<br /><br />Today I choose to be a better man<br />Today I decide to walk in integrity<br /><br />No matter what happens around me, I will stand my ground<br />No matter what happens within me, I will not loose focus<br />No matter what anyone says, I will neither shift nor waiver<br /><br />And even if the winds swirl and the sun scathes, I will not budge<br />Because Today I, promise to be true to meOritsegahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04266039201705044905noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27099172.post-1166778177954145072007-05-14T09:18:00.000+01:002007-06-01T19:46:13.517+01:00What is love?<div align="justify">What's all the fuss about love anyway? and what is love really and truly?</div><p align="justify">Thinking about what love really means is an exercise in itself. How can I tell when I love someone? what proves my love to someone else? can my love be quantified?</p><div align="justify"></div><p align="justify">Tina Turner believes love is nothing but a second hand emotion. Me thinks she saw the wrong side of love and that's why she feels that way (if she still does). Anyway, here are a few takes on what several people think love is;</p><p align="justify">1. Love is a feeling you feel when you feel differently about someone you've never really had feelings for but that person may have always felt strong feelings for you eventhough you never really felt the feeling (yeah right!)</p><p align="justify">2. Love is denial; to show I love you, I must deny myself of all I consider important just to make someone else happy. I haven't shown my love till I have absolutely denied myself </p><p align="justify">3. Love is in sex; you don't love me until you have given me your body.</p><p align="justify">In all my quest to understand what love is, I've discovered that the truest definition of love comes from the author of love Himself; <em>"there is no greater love than a man should lay down His life for a friend"</em> or even <em>"love your neighbour as you would love yourself"</em> or even better still <em>"GOD IS LOVE"</em></p><p align="justify">Love is giving; unconditionally, freely and truly, expecting nothing in return. Love thinks of the needs of others ahead of self. Love assumes the best of all. Love forgives, love forgets, and now I know true love waits...</p><p align="justify">I know love when I see it;</p><p align="justify">The parents who struggle beyond all odds to ensure that their child gets the best of life; all that they never had</p><p align="justify">The guy who rushes to the airport to catch a glimpse of his sweetheart eventhough he knows he's going to be late for work and may get a query</p><p align="justify">The dog who follows his master everywhere and constantly stands by his side</p><p align="justify">The teacher who patiently ensures that the pupil understands the lesson</p><p align="justify">The friend who stays with another all through her grief, forgetting that she has challenges of her own as well</p><p align="justify">Love is you, love is me, we only need to realise the truth within us</p>Oritsegahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04266039201705044905noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27099172.post-47536236104804248292007-04-17T10:59:00.000+01:002007-04-20T18:24:47.399+01:00Down in the dumpsCome with me to a gig that's happening just around the corner. Yes I know you really can't hear any music but trust me, the party is in full swing already. I can almost hear your thoughts. You are wondering, who plans a party without any music? but I assure, there's music, it's just that you can't hear it.<br /><br />As I open the door, you see only one person, hutched in a corner. Where's the party really at you ask? how come there's only one person here? and he doesn't even look like he's in party mode. Some party you say... and I answer, yes.. some party... a pity party.<br /><br />We stare intently at the young man taking solace by the corner. He must obviously have been going through something; his countenance is downcast, he doesn't even look welcoming. We call out to him but he doesn't respond. Instead, he just turns his face away as though we weren't there.<br /><br />We stand for a while and eventually, he acknowledges our presence. <em>"Go away"</em> he says. We move towards him and he shouts in a louder voice <em>"Don't come near me, leave me alone"</em>. But we keep moving towards him. We squat beside him. Eventually, he opens up to us. His story is quite pityful, we can't help but feel pain for him for he has indeed gone through a lot.<br /><br />But then, must he remain that way? Must he live within the confines of his past? Must his focus be on what wasn't instead of what could be? Must he continually dwell in his sorrows?<br /><br />Now here's the real story.<br /><br />You must have attended one these events before.. you know, those parties that we go through such pains to plan and organise. Party planner... ME!!! Caterer... ME!!! Bandstand... ME!!! Events decorator... ME!!! and finally, the Special guest of honour... ME!!! The beautiful thing about this party is that you have only one guest.. YOURSELF! and you don't need to spend a dime to get it going; just let your emotions run riot on you, negatively of course. You could just sit in a corner and probably sulk away. Of course there are many other options; you could cry away, daydream, fret or even throw a temper tantrum. Remember, whatever it is you do is designed to generate sympathy for yourself whenever you feel down and out.<br /><br />And so I ask myself.. why must I allow my emotions dictate how I feel? must I subject my countenance to my feelings? I can master my emotions if only I realise and comprehend that. I can control how I feel and not yield to defeating thoughts. I can decide to be joyful even when it seems like the world is against me. I can be ME and not allow other people to determine who I am. I can conquer self limiting thoughts and stop self- defeating behaviour. But how?<br /><br />I ask these question only... What/Who/Where is your anchor? What have you placed your hopes on? Who have you put your faith in? Where lies your expectations? What assurances do you have of a better tomorrow?Oritsegahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04266039201705044905noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27099172.post-55130031114656889102007-04-11T18:25:00.000+01:002007-04-11T18:44:53.045+01:00Waiting for Godot...<strong><em>This piece has absolutely nothing to do with a book of similar title, it’s just that I have ascribed the phrase “Waiting for Godot” to mean waiting endlessly for something that may never happen. </em></strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong><br />The day begins so well; everything seems to have fallen in place and just in time too. I’ve looked forward to this day when everything will be perfect for “it” to happen. I am standing on the balcony of my house, looking out at the world before me. Yes, everything really appears to be ready for “it”. The temperature is just right, the winds sublime, seeming to usher in waves of blessings. The sun isn’t as scorching as it usually is. I can hear the peaceful chirping of the birds in the trees singing harmoniously, in fact, they are playing my song! Heralding my success at accomplishing “it”. What a wonder. I can smell “it” in the air- Perfection! Aaah!!! How I have waited for this moment, in fact, waited all my life, and now “it” is here.<br /><br />I say to myself “My plans will now fall in place, my dreams will see the light of day, finally, I will accomplish “it”, what I’ve always wanted to do will now become reality”.<br /><br />I rush out into the day, I must bring “it” to pass, I must do all I can to make sure “it” works, everything is just right, isn’t it? I check again just to be sure, yes… everything is fine. The sun is still shining, the winds are mild, and the air is cool. So I rush ahead. It appears everyone and everything knows I’m going to accomplish “it” today because everything is just falling in place. I’m happy, after waiting this long, certainly “it” must be accomplished today.<br /><br />And then, just at the time when “it” is supposed to happen, “it” doesn’t.<br /><br />The wind has changed, becoming wild, swirling fiercely all about, taking everything in it’s presence away, and upturning all in it’s path. The sun runs away seeking cover behind the clouds which have gathered fiercely to support the wind in its fight against the accomplishment of “it”. And my ensemble of singing birds? They’ve disappeared! Not even one is left behind to lift my soul and persuade me to go on. You ask “persuade me to go on?” yes, persuade me to go on for I have given up. After waiting for “it” for so long, now nothing!<br /><br />I’m crestfallen. I’d been so expectant, waiting for “it” to happen. It is the end of another cycle and again, I haven’t accomplished “it”.<br /><br /><strong><em>“If you wait for perfect conditions, you will never get anything done”- The Bible<br /></em></strong><br />The reality of life is that there are no perfect conditions/ situations/ environments/ circumstances etc. “Waiting for Godot” as I like to call it is the best killer of so many dreams. Also known as procrastinating; waiting till everything seems right before taking a step has killed dreams before they even saw the light of day. The truth is that, the sun will not always shine, neither will the wind always blow. Things will not always turn out the way we expect every time, so we need to be prepared to act irrespective of our external environment.<br /><br />If we think about it real hard, we'll realise that we can create our own environment. You can determine your weather! So get up and go right now!!!Oritsegahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04266039201705044905noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27099172.post-8533367429337273202007-03-06T17:12:00.000+01:002007-03-06T18:24:52.217+01:00Inside looking out<strong><em>"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. We ask ourselves "Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?" Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. We are born to manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us, it's in everyone."<br /></em></strong><strong>Nelson Mandela</strong><br /><br />Do you need to be convinced of your status as a unique person? Well, I know I am special and no one can convince me otherwise. On the face of this earth are over six million special, unique individuals. Science tells me, and God assures me of this fact; no two people in the world are exactly alike. Actually, you are not and will never be like anyone that has existed and will exist on this earth. Thinking about this should make you understand how special you are.<br /><br />I got thinking to myself once, "What would the world be like if everyone was exactly like me? Would it be any fun?" Sadly, I doubt it, there would be no diversity, no uniqueness, nothing special about everybosy else. Th plain truth is that we really all can't be alike! No two finger prints are alike, even retinas I hear are unique to the individual. Waoh! thinking about that amazes me, that means of all the people who have ever walked on earth and who will ever walk on this earth, no one is quite like me.<br /><br />Ever heard the soundtrack of the film "Crooklyn" by Spike Lee? "People make the world go round"? Our differences are what unite us! You are never really attracted to a person who seems exactly like you or even remotely like you. Think about it, your partner, spouse, even good friends are never really like you. Yes, you share some similarities but if you were exactly alike, you may never really mix.<br /><br />We all have special gifts, albeit some more than others, to contribute to the world, and isn't it funny how what I consider special to me might be despised by even me? Sometines we tend to look down on our special empowerments because it doesn't really seem so "fantastic" and you know why you feel that way? It's because you are so used to yourself. Take a good look at yourself and celebrate because no one has the mix of gifts that you have.<br /><br />We all need each other and being independent at all times will not always pay, rather, we need to be interdependent; realising that we can all be relevant to each other because no man is an island.<br /><br />Celebrate yourself, know that you are unique and don't hold back on your gifts and talents! Some one needs you! I know I am special and I will use my special abilities to make a difference wherever and whenever I can... what about you?Oritsegahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04266039201705044905noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27099172.post-1165507722348136552007-02-05T18:50:00.000+01:002007-02-05T18:51:36.297+01:00Feel like you've missed the bus?Life is like a journey and we are all headed somewhere at every point in time. Several buses, different bus stops, different bus routes. The journey starts the moment you are born and ends the moment you leave this world. At some point, whether you realise it or not, you get off at a bus stop and take another bus to connect you with your final destination. If you are a careful traveler, you'd most likely have planned your journey, so you know exactly where to disembark and take another bus to continue your journey to your final destination. If not, your guess is as good as mine.<br /><br />Now I'm sure you are wondering "What bus is he talking about?, What journey? What bus stops?" This is what I mean; I believe strongly that every person on earth has a purpose to fulifll and knowing this purpose determines what kind of bus you get into. No two people have exactly the same destiny. We are all designed to fulfill different missions.<br /><br />We all have expectations for our lives, our definition of success; where we want to be, what we want to achieve, our success measures... how far or close are you from your dreams? Are you where you expect to be? or where you'd planned to be? does it seem like the whole world has run along and left you behind? Do you feel like you are at the bottom of the rung in terms of life success? Do you feel like you are on the wrong bus?<br /><br />Sometimes when we feel this way, it is usually because we compare themselves with our peers or other people who have "arrived". However, it's pertinent to understand that we all have different assignments on earth, and to fulfill our assignments, we must have certain experiences. Any wonder why it took you so long to graduate? get that first job? find your spouse? succeed on that business?<br /><br />You sit and wonder.. why does "A" have everything going well for herself, and I can barely keep my head up? how come "B" has got the perfect job when I even had better grades than he did? I must be a failure because "C" has everything made and I can barely keep my head up. Thinking this way will never help. We need to constantly keep our eyes on what we know God has planned for us, and not focus on others, using them as our yardstick of personal success. Yes, we are all on a journey but nothing says we have the same arrival time.<br /><blockquote></blockquote><strong><em>Some of us tend to think "I could have been a success but I never had the opportunity. I wasn't born into the right family or I didn't have the money to go to the best school". But when we measure success by the extent we are using what we've received, it eliminates that frustration.....</em> Fred Smith</strong><br /><br />My level of success is not based on another's yardstick but on the measure God has set for me. What am I here for? what am I supposed to do with my life?<br /><br />Find your destination, alight at the relevant bus stops, and fight the temptation to get down at someone else's stop. Don't compete with others in the journey of life, understand what you have to do on earth and then compete with yourself. Life is lived only once, don't live someone else's script.....Oritsegahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04266039201705044905noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27099172.post-1169987374289511942007-01-28T13:26:00.000+01:002007-03-13T14:23:52.045+01:00Starting Afresh....Whilst doing some work on my computer, power went out. Unfortunately, my UPS had some problems and I had forgotten to save, so I lost the document. You can imagine how I felt; after so much brain work, taking so much pain to ensure I was producing good quality work, then I lose it because I didn’t save. Of course I had to begin again, and this time, saving every five minutes.<br /><br />Though I wasn’t able to reproduce exactly what I’d done before the power went out, I had the opportunity to start afresh. This new lease on life meant that I could even produce far better than I’d done before. Was there any point assuming that what I was working on before was the best I could churn out? Why, no way!<br /><br />This experience reminds me of how we never really get the opportunity to right the wrongs in our past. Once you’ve done it, you’ve done it, and it’s recorded in history. You can make amends but you can never change the situation to the exact way it was before. Most often, a lot of people concentrate on changing the past when the future beckons, fresh and untouched, waiting to be filled with even better memories. Looking back always without focusing ahead never got anyone far in life.<br /><br />We look back at the past and wonder why we ever did some of the things that we did. We wonder why we “messed up” and went against all conventions to fulfil our hearts desires, even though we knew in our deepest parts that we were wrong. You ask yourself “what exactly was I thinking? How could I have been so dumb to have ever done this/ said that?” You fill your mind with thoughts of what should have happened instead of what did happen.<br /><br />At those times, do you sometimes just wish you could start life all over again? Get another chance to rectify the things you aren’t quite proud of in your past; failures, indiscretions; begin anew? wipe the slate clean and get rid of all the unpleasant memories et al that you may have gathered along your walk through life? erase all the old unpleasant memories that lurk deep within your soul? I know I sometimes do but I’m learning to realise that it’s just a waste of time. The reality of life is that we can never really bring the past back in turn. Once we've experienced a certain time, we can't go back again to relive it. Once 17.59, 20th January 2007 is over, it's over! You will never experience that time frame again; it's saved in the annals of history, etched in your sub conscious.<br /><br />But then we still wish, don’t we? And why might that be? Probably because of the way we are “wired”. Comfort thinking I call it; revelling in your thoughts; wishing, hoping, maybe even justifying the action, even though you know that doesn’t really change anything. You focus on the past and nothing comes out of it. Whilst this may not be really bad, focusing solely on the past is not good at all.<br /><br />It’s important to look back once in a while to chart a better course for the future. Retracing our steps helps us prepare for tomorrow but we must never remain in our past because it can become the greatest enemy of your future.<br /><br />Tomorrow is waiting; untouched, unclaimed. Move ahead, make amends where necessary, learn the lessons from the past and make these the building blocks of your tomorrow. Realise that you really can start afresh; not by reclaiming the lost moments but by using the experience to build a better future.Oritsegahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04266039201705044905noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27099172.post-1166199578484931572006-12-15T17:08:00.000+01:002007-02-05T19:54:01.001+01:00Life is in the small things...<span style="color:#66ffff;"><br />I remember attending the Stephen Covey programme early this year. It was a great experience for me, considering that I had read his book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" and listened to the audio of "First Things First", and gained quite a bit from it. If there was anything I remember from the event, it's that everyone can make a difference somehow, somewhere and in some way.<br /><br />You know how we all dream of changing the world? Well, yes you can. A lot of times, we think, <em><strong>"I don't have the kind of money I need to do something great"</strong></em> or <strong><em>"I don't have the time"</em></strong> but that is really a false view. It's not necessarily the big things that make all the difference, or the high positions, or the fat bank account, the small things of life can actually make a big difference.<br /><br />A Danish fable tells the story of a little boy who prevented a massive flood just because he stuck his hand through a crack in the dyke. This greatly reduced the influx of water flowing through the crack till help came. He might as well have thought to himself <strong><em>"Oh, the dam is going to cave in and the river will flood through, I better escape before I'm swallowed up by the water"</em></strong> but he chose to do something about it, and his little act saved the whole city. He could have looked at the situation and felt he couldn't do anything major in such a serious event, but he chose to do the little he could.<br /><br />Wherever you are, no matter your level, you can make a difference, all that matters is that you at least try. Do something, anything, to make life better for someone else. It could be your smile, your time, your resources. Give something back to the world, and I can assure you that your little bit will make a great difference.<br /><br />And whatever you do, encourage others to do as well, teach people, empower people, and the world will be a better place! Let's change the world; You & I.</span>Oritsegahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04266039201705044905noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27099172.post-1158072216599879902006-09-12T15:17:00.000+01:002007-02-05T19:02:53.271+01:00Life is all about relationships.<span style="color:#33ffff;"><br /><br /><em><strong><span style="font-size:85%;">The ties that bind... blood is thicker than water... two are better than one, even three is far better, the reward for their labour is immeasurable...</span></strong> <span style="font-size:85%;"><strong>together we stand, divided we fall...</strong></span></em> all wonderful quotes reflecting the power in relationships.<br /><br />Where would you be without the people in your life? I'm thinking about all the relationships the average person has got going... parents, siblings, relatives, school buddies, friends, co- workers, business partners etc, and the list goes on... what impact have they had in your life? ditto, what impact have you had in their lives? quite a thought isn't it?<br /><br />Everyone one of us has a purpose and we need each other to achieve them. We've been called to live an "interdependent life" not an independent or dependent one. I need you, you need me, and that's what makes the world go round. Building bridges must be a lifestyle. We must all learn to constantly build our reserve of goodwill in others, no matter their station in life because anyone can be relevant to you at any time. You may not need a another person's help right now but many years down the line, you would wish you had made a connection of some sort; one advice- make constant deposits into as many emotional bank accounts as you can so you will always be in surplus.<br /></span><br /><span style="color:#33ffff;">I can think of many times when I got stuck in a rut and it was an old friend/ acquaintance who bailed me out. I particularly remember once when I was going to Kano city on some small business from Potiskum in Yobe and I got there quite late. Didn't know anyone and didn't have anywhere to sleep, then along comes this guy who obviously knows me and I can't remember him from Adam! Apparently, I'd met him during one of my "Ajala travels" to Gombe city. To cut a long story short, he was my deliverer for the day. I spent the night at his house and made it to the market bright and early the next day. Sadly, I've lost touch with him...</span><br /><span style="color:#33ffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#33ffff;">It really doesn't cost much to build relationships, me thinks it takes just a listening ear, an available heart and a longing to see the good in all. Yes, we get bitten once in a while but we shouldn't allow those times to dissuade us from building bridges with others. No one is perfect so never expect any human to be the all in all for you... look upwards for that. </span><br /><br /><span style="color:#33ffff;">And you know what? the greatest relationship you can ever have is with your creator. He is faithful to the core; He will never dissapoint you; He'll always exceed your expectations and He'll always be there for you come rain, come shine. Keeping this particular relationship alive is of utmost importance. You must constantly keep the fire burning communing with God in your own way for it is the strength you draw from Him that'll keep you going, empowering you to meet your needs and those of others.</span><br /><span style="color:#33ffff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#33ffff;">Life is really all about relationships... yours and mine, his and hers, theirs and ours.</span>Oritsegahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04266039201705044905noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27099172.post-1157564901291639002006-09-06T18:41:00.000+01:002007-03-13T14:25:32.862+01:00I don't have a choice<span style="color:#66ffff;">How many times have you ever said this to yourself or to someone else and actually believed it?<br /><br />Many times when we are faced with challenges, we convince ourselves (overtly or covertly) that we don't have a choice, so we go with the easy way out. You cheat a bit, you tell a "white lie", you take a quick decision, and then you convince yourself there was no other way out.<br /><br />In reality however, life always offers us many choices but the truth is we always want the choices that favour us. If we are faced with unfavourable choices, we immediately convince ourselves that we never even had a choice in the first place!<br /><br />I think it has to do with being very honest with ones' self. Will I go the easy way and say to myself that I never had a choice or will I go the hard and unpopular way and admit that choices still exist and then choose to make that hard choice?<br /><br />It's up to you to be true to yourself and make informed decisions every time!</span>Oritsegahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04266039201705044905noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27099172.post-1156961898248780282006-08-30T19:11:00.000+01:002007-02-05T20:00:58.054+01:00Guess who’s waiting at the end of you?<span style="color:#99ffff;">It’s taken me this long to post my thoughts on my blog for many reasons; work, not deciding on exactly what I wanted to write about etc. Even now, I just made up my mind to start typing and see where the keystrokes lead me, so here goes.<br /><br />I’ve faced some challenges recently and as of this morning, I was convinced I was going to have a major heart attack. I felt like I was about to implode; so many thoughts going on in my head and no exit points to let it all out.<br /><br />Then I thought to myself; tomorrow is another day and when it comes, the challenges of today will seem like child’s play. At times like this, what works best for me is to sing and just forget about myself and as I sing new songs I’d never sang before, God truly takes away the burdens, and I’m convinced there’s a God<br /><br />I’m not sure if I’m alone in this but sometimes, after I’ve been through whatever has been thrown at me (and I’ve passively or actively accepted), I just feel like giving up and ending it all (and I’m not been dramatic). Then I wonder, what excuse or right do I have to do that to my generation, my God, and myself?<br /><br />We all constantly need to remind ourselves that we are great objet d’art in progress. To be the perfect sculptings, we need to go through the fire and the waters, the winds and the sands. It is only through these testings that we can discover our true selves and become who we were created to be. Giving up will never be the answer to facing challenges.<br /><br />There is absolutely no challenge that you can’t surmount as long as you look upwards, inwards and around you for the greater power that can solve all problems. Just when you’ve come to the end of your tether, you’ll discover God waiting to lead you on, hope is alive and faith is real.<br /></span>Oritsegahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04266039201705044905noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27099172.post-1155820487177653102006-08-17T13:51:00.000+01:002007-02-05T20:03:05.303+01:00The Awakening<span style="color:#ffffff;"><em><strong>Welcome to my blog. </strong></em><br /><em><strong></strong></em><br /><em><strong>I hope you actually read the intro cos it came straight from my heart! Anyway, I got this mail a while back and decided I'd use it to launch my blog. It mirrors quite a bit of what I want to achieve through this medium; it's quite deep and very liberating I must add, and I assure you, your soul shall be uplifted! </strong></em><br /><strong></strong><br /></span><strong><span style="color:#ffffff;">THE AWAK</span><a href="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7253/2845/1600/Freedom.jpg"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><img style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/7253/2845/320/Freedom.jpg" border="0" /></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;">ENING</span></strong><span style="color:#ffffff;"><br /><br />A time comes in your life when you finally get it...when, in the midst of all your fears and insanity, you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out - ENOUGH!<br /><br />Enough fighting and crying or struggling to hold on. And, like a child quieting down after a blind tantrum, your sobs begin to subside, you shudder once or twice, you blink back your tears and begin to look at the world through new eyes.<br /><br />This is your awakening. You realize it's time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change...or for happiness, safety and security to come galloping over the next horizon. You come to terms with the fact that neither of you is Prince Charming or Cinderella and that in the real world there aren't always fairy tale endings (or beginnings for that matter) and that any guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you...and in the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance.<br /><br />You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are ... and that's OK. They are entitled to their own views and opinions. And you learn the importance of loving and championing yourself...and in the process a sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval. You stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you (or didn't do for you) and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected.<br /><br />You learn that people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say and that not everyone will always be there for you and that it's not always about you. So, you learn to stand on your own and to take care of yourself...and in the process a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance.<br /><br />You stop judging and pointing fingers and you begin to accept people as they are and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties, and in the process a sense of peace and contentment is born of forgiveness. You realize that much of the way you view yourself, and the world around you, is as a result of all the messages and opinions that have been ingrained into your psyche.<br /><br />And you begin to sift through all the junk you've been fed about how you should behave, how you should look, how much you should weigh, what you should wear, what you should do for a living, how much money you should make, what you should drive, how and where you should live, who you should marry, the importance of having and raising children, and what you owe your parents, family, and friends.<br /><br />You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. And you begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for. You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you've outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with ... and in the process you learn to go with your instincts.<br /><br />You learn that it is truly in giving that we receive. And that there is power and glory in creating and contributing and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a "consumer" looking for your next fix.<br /><br />You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life. You learn that you don't know everything, it's not your job to save the world and that you can't teach a pig to sing.<br /><br />You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO. You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that martyrs get burned at the stake.<br /><br />Then you learn about love. How to love, how much to give in love, when to stop giving and when to walk away. You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be.<br /><br />You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. And you learn that alone does not mean lonely. You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs.<br /><br />You learn that feelings of entitlement are perfectly OK....and that it is your right to want things and to ask for the things you want ... and that sometimes it is necessary to make demands. You come to the realization that you deserve to be treated with love, kindness, sensitivity and respect and you won't settle for less. And you learn that your body really is your temple. And you begin to care for it and treat it with respect.<br /><br />You begin to eat a balanced diet, drink more water, and take more time to exercise. You learn that being tired fuels doubt, fear, and uncertainty and so you take more time to rest.<br />And, just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul. So you take more time to laugh and to play. You learn that, for the most part, you get in life what you believe you deserve...and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy.<br /><br />You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that wishing for something to happen is different than working toward making it happen. More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance.<br /><br />You also learn that no one can do it all alone...and that it's OK to risk asking for help. You learn the only thing you must truly fear is the greatest robber baron of all: FEAR itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears because you know that whatever happens you can handle it and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live life on your own terms. And you learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom.<br /><br />You learn that life isn't always fair, you don't always get what you think you deserve and that sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people. On these occasions you learn not to personalize things. You learn that God isn't punishing you or failing to answer your prayers. It's just life happening. And you learn to deal with evil in its most primal state - the ego. You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and poison the universe that surrounds you.<br /><br />You learn to admit when you are wrong and to build bridges instead of walls. You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about: a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower. Slowly, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself and you make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never, ever settle for less than your heart's desire.<br /><br />And you hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind. And you make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting, and to stay open to every wonderful possibility.<br /><br />Finally, with courage in your heart and God by your side you take a stand, you take a deep breath, and you begin to design the life you want to live as best you can.<br /><br />-- Author Unknown </span>Oritsegahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04266039201705044905noreply@blogger.com19