A MINUTE TO PONDER

A MINUTE TO PONDER

by | Dec 18, 2020 | Blog

This year has not been like any other I remember, but I am grateful to the Almighty God Who has preserved our lives. If you are reading this post, that’s because you still have breath in your nostrils. It doesn’t matter so much the challenges or circumstances you are faced with right now, the ultimate is that you are alive to see another day.

In some few days, (13 precisely) 2021 will be delivered to us. Many would trade places just to be ushered into that year, unfortunately time has robbed them of that opportunity. We are alive today, not because we are so privileged, but because of God’s gracious mercy.

You are alive today, and have not given your life to Christ, you’re living risky. Our tomorrow is not promised, it is not guaranteed. This is not to scare you, but to make you understand that the best place to be is a life in God. This includes those that have prayed the sinners prayer, yet allow themselves to walk the path of unrighteousness.

God is merciful, He is quick to forgive all unrighteousness when we come to Him with all sincerity of heart, and genuinely ask for forgiveness.

I implore you if you are in this category, to lay all aside and run to the master Jesus. Some may think they have it all, fame, riches of this life, life may be beautiful and fun, but trust me, all those don’t count if you are living without God. Life has no meaning without God.

A message, deeply laid in my heart to share with that one person who knows that in eternity, his/her life is that of doom.

Teach us to number our days Lord, help us to walk this life long road in all purity and righteousness.

Please pray this simple prayer with me.

Lord Jesus, I come to you just as I am. Forgive all my sins, and come into my life. I  believe you died on the cross for my sins. I disconnect myself from every darkness and connect to Your light.

I accept you today as my Lord and personal savior.

Help me to live for You. 

In Jesus name, Amen!

If you prayed this prayer and need someone to talk to, kindly send an email to info@onyiiorezi.com

You can also visit www.onyiiorezi.com

God bless you as you do so.

ROOTS, HOW DEEP?

ROOTS, HOW DEEP?

by | Dec 11, 2020 | Blog

Mummy, I really want to be like you when I grow up. I am so proud of you. You are the best mum ever…

These words and many more have become a part of my daily life. It’s easy for me to smile and feel puffed up with satisfaction and pride. I must be doing the right thing….

But every single time these words are said to me by these innocent children, I cringe.

Do they know about my character defects? Do they know about the insecurities I nurse? Do they know about the daily battles? These questions occupy my mind. All they probably see, better put, all I probably show them is that perfect human being.

No! I tell myself. I want these girls to be better than me.

I want them to pray more, I want them to study God’s word more. I want them to be exceptionally sold out to God. I want them to be better driven. I don’t want them growing up with these character defects and insecurities that I have. If they want to be like me, then I ought to be better than I am.

So I go back to my Creator, He who knew me before He formed me in my mother’s womb (and still knows me better than every other person) and I tell Him…

Help me oh God, to be more like you. Help me to love more, to give more, to forgive more, to be more patient. To pray more, to study more. Because I know if I am more like You, then every aspect about my life becomes more like You. If I get it right, then I can lead them right. Not just in pretense but with all sincerity. 

And as He pours in, so I pour out…..

Beyond helping them achieve their dreams and visions in life, all I want is for them to be a version of the Father and not my imperfect self.

Kids sometimes have a problem listening but never a problem copying.” David DeNotaris

In your later years, you want to look back and feel a sense of accomplishment about how you raised your children and the fulfillment you brought into their lives.” Nicoline Ambe

Father, may our roots be so deeply planted in You, that Your richness may flow to every aspect of our being, bearing fruits that only come from you.

Make us an image of you Lord, in our daily lives, help us to be more like You.

Then, our hearts will not be afraid when our children tell us they want to be like us.

This we pray in Jesus name, Amen!

SEX AND GRADE SCHOOL

SEX AND GRADE SCHOOL

by | Dec 4, 2020 | Blog

I am not an Educationalist, I do not work in a school or consult for a school, but I can tell when a subject is not being taught right. 

The first day of December got me thinking a lot about our schools and the quality of teachers handling our kids.

My daughter returns from school and says ” mummy, we were taught about rape today”. Really, so what did your teacher say rape is? I questioned. Rape is the use of force by a person to have sex with another person. She opens her book for me to confirm she got the definition right.

Ok, so what did she tell you sex is? I was curious. I can’t remember mummy, she said.

I looked across to the dining table where hubby was seated. He obviously could read my mind, our opinions were the same I could tell.

I was shocked! Who would introduce a grade 2 pupil to the word sex? The definition of rape in itself for that age is a very big NO for me.

While I do not disagree with teaching rape to these kids, I believe there’s an age appropriate language for such.

A bit later, I heard her singing with the word; sex sex sex, as if it‘s a newly introduced rhyme. That’s enough, I told her. I was terribly disappointed and made up my mind to visit the school.

The next day at school, I met with her class teacher and shared my displeasure with her. I‘m sorry Ma, but that’s exactly what is contained in the scheme of work she said. Ok, can it be revised to accommodate a more friendly and age appropriate language? I asked.

Well it’s beyond me Ma she replied.

Thank you very much I said, as I walked straight to the Grade School Head Teacher‘s Office.

She smiled as I approached, we had met a couple of times.

I shared my reservations and concerns with her. Was still the same response I got. “That’s what’s contained in the scheme of work”. 

I insisted that it should be revised, pulling on very strong arguments. After a little while, she noted something in her writing pad and promised to discuss with the teachers in  the next day’s meeting. She agreed to adopt an age appropriate description of rape and the word sex.

The word sex was alien to me right through grade school. While it’s not really about the word, (knowing the exposure this generation of kids have), I’d rather still not build on their curiosity, not in grade 2.

It’s important as parents that we give attention to things our children are taught in school. Some do them more harm than good, depending on how it was communicated. 

I educate my kids on rape and sex. I constantly teach them which parts of their bodies no one is allowed to touch.

Below is a video I introduced them to. I believe it works best for them at their age.

Our greatest natural resource is the minds of our children. Walt Disney

Please share your thoughts.

WE GOT DAD TO MARRY DAD!

WE GOT DAD TO MARRY DAD!

by | Nov 28, 2020 | Blog

History will judge us by the difference we make in the everyday lives of children. Nelson Mandela

It was already past bedtime. I had had a long day, hubby was out of town and l really couldn’t wait to put the girls to sleep. I thought to quickly read through the Bible story for the night, pray with them and also get some sleep.
In the course of our study, of course there is always room for contributions and questions.

Then she asked “mummy, why were the animals made to go in male and female, not male and male, or female and female?” We were reading about Noah and the ark.
I was excited about my 6 year old’s question, it was an intelligent one asked with all innocence.
I took my time and explained to their understanding how God created the family system to be. I explained in their language that reproduction and marriage is meant to be among opposite sex and not same sex.
Just like you and daddy she added. Yes I said as we concluded our quiet time and called it a night.

A few days after that conversation, as I sat reading, same time watching one of their cartoons with them,(Bluey to be specific) a scene came up.
It looked truly innocent. As the dogs played, they got their uncle to marry their dad and went further to create a wedding ceremony. In Bluey’s words, “we got dad to marry dad”. While one could simply laugh about it, I was piqued. I am too detailed to miss the message.
What audacity! What a way to sow the seed of same sex marriage into the minds of these kids.
Because I had already explained how unacceptable that is before God to the kids, I was quick to make reference to that teaching and also remark on how very wrong and bad that particular dog play was. They understood.

One thing I have come to understand is that these kids have deep questions in their hearts. Probably built from conversations they might have overheard or something they might have watched or read about. We constantly need to engage them in conversations and also make them comfortable to ask all the questions on their minds. I will not shush or hush their questions which might sound inappropriate or silly. That way creating enough confidence and trust in me.
The enemy is set to destroy these little ones. What we do with time spent with them, determines how negative or positive they turn out.
In Abigail Van Buren’s words, “ If you want your children to turn out well, spend twice as much time with them and half as much money”.

Money is important, but more important are the lives of these children.

FORGIVE MY TRESPASS

FORGIVE MY TRESPASS

by | Nov 16, 2020 | Blog

Usually I like washing my girls hair at least once in three weeks. I allow them wear their cornrows that long.
My first daughter is fond of pouring water in her hair while bathing, says it’s very refreshing, which I know is true. However, I greatly dislike it cos it always leaves her hair looking messy.

After promising on few occasions to discontinue, she repeated it again. This time, I was extremely cross with her and said to her after she had apologized “I will not forgive you until you completely stop doing it.“

She looks at me strangely and then goes “what’s that scripture again mum? Oh yes, forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Mummy, Forgive my trespass so God can also forgive your trespass“.

Oh dear…you could imagine the look on my face.
That hit me real hard, I had to take back my words. I had no right to speak such words to her. It’s not enough to teach them the scriptures, our words and actions must continually model what we teach. After all, the Bible says to forgive 70 times 7 times.

My heart was glad after then because it’s obvious the understanding of scripture she has. These kids understand more than you think they do. Keep teaching them, stay on the word with them. It’s not wasted effort, when they grow, they will not depart from it.

Father, sometimes we can get extremely reluctant in teaching these kids your word. But beyond teaching them, help us to live by example. We need Your grace to do this, help us today.
Amen!!!

WHICH INVESTMENT IS MOST IMPORTANT?

WHICH INVESTMENT IS MOST IMPORTANT?

by | Oct 10, 2020 | Blog

Family devotion time means very much to me. While we miss some days, we make the most of every single gathering. The best part after the study of the word for me is listening to my girls take turns to pray.

One particular day, I couldn’t  hold back the laughter when I heard my then 5 year old say “I command daddy’s daddy to come back to life in the name of Jesus!The man had been dead for 5 years. The second time she prayed it, we had to carefully explain to her why daddy’s dad could not come back to life, while been cautious not to tamper with her faith to raise the dead.

I remember during the very early stages of my last  pregnancy (of course I had no inclination of what was coming), for every single day that my first daughter had to pray, she would walk right up to me, lay her hands on my tummy and say “ I cover my sister with the blood of Jesus, She will not die in Jesus name, Amen! We all will respond.

Thinking back to every single battle I fought in the course of that pregnancy, I can only lift up my hands in deep gratitude for the prayers of that little girl.

Beyond the prayer and faith of my husband and I, I’m deeply convinced God answered the prayers of that 5 year old girl.

God hears and answers the prayers of these little children. I’ve learnt never to take their prayers and blessings lightly.

God’s gifts and callings are not limited to us adults only. I see them manifest  these at different times. When I hear them pray and play, it gives me an idea of thoughts that occupy their little hearts.

It is important for us as parents to constantly pray that God reveals who this little children in are custody really are, so we can guide them right. 

While their growth and knowledge in other areas is important, the one of top most importance to me is their spiritual growth, without which every other thing is valueless, and this starts from the home!

If we are serious about nurturing the spiritual lives of our children, we must have a plan. What happens in our homes will undoubtedly guide the spiritual destinies of our children’s future…good or bad.

May God enrich our family lives daily as we harness His guidelines for successful child-raising.

Amen!!!

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