Month: December 2017

Be Prepared For The New Year

Last Updated on 30/12/2017 by Vivien Ayinotu

Hello Friends, I want to share with you some quotes that will help us keep our hopes high as we enter the year. Thanks to God for sparing our lives.

There are biblical verses that lifts my spirit high regardless of any situation I find myself. I have chosen very few:

Psalm 121 – “I lift up my eyes to the mountains; where is my help to come from?

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This verse reminds me of the supernatural being, the Almighty that foresees our future; including any struggle we might meet along the way.

“My help come from Yahweh who made heaven and earth. May he save your foot from stumbling; may he your guardian; not fall asleep!”

I cannot explain to you how overwhelming this line makes me feel. Those words are powerful. When you solely rely on God, what more can you ask for? It makes me aware of the fact that we are bound to stumble as we walk in the paths of life but He our God will protect us from all harm. God watches over us even we are exhausted from the days activities and fall into deep sleep. He is always with us, not leaving our side.

My bible went further to say: “You see– He neither sleeps nor slumbers, the guardian of Israel.  “… By day the sun will not strike you, nor the moon by night. Yahweh guards you from all harm, He guards your life.”

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We are reassured again that He does not sleep while watching over us and will shield us from all kinds of danger. There is nothing God cannot handle.

I use the New Jerusalem Bible – that’s the reason for the word ‘Yahweh’ if you have wondered where it came from. [I intentionally discussed the chapter without the verses numbers; most times I love discussing my bible that way so long as I have mentioned the chapter].

2 Corinthians 12:9 – “…But he said to me, my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.

It is obvious that God strengthens us in hard times. I can relate this to my personal experiences, I would wonder how am ever going to cope but He simply does it, His own very way. He fights our battles. He is right there with us, even at our weakest times.

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

The Unchangeable God continues to reassure us of His steadfastness. I love those lines ever since I got to know of them. When I think about the future or uncertainties, I remain hopeful because I know God’s words do not change.

In addition, I love some non biblical quotes too:

“Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.”

I can’t agree more. We have to be happy with our current situation to enable us flourish in the future. Find a way and be pleased with your present as it goes a long way to create a better future. Happiness is something that comes from the inside, so you have to create it.

The picture above says it all. They say health is wealth, so look after yourself. The information you need is out there. Avoid the things you can and cut down where necessary. You need not to be told about the consequences of ignoring warning signs. Whatever you do, look after yourself. You come first.

There are lots of quotes to help us keep track as it is important that we stay focus. I hope this post prepares you for the new year. Be hopeful for what the year will bring as you have prepared yourself – by reading this write-up😄

I had fun creating this post I hope you enjoyed reading it? Can you share with me your favorite inspirational quotes?

Blogmas – How To Survive Boxing Day Sales

Last Updated on 29/12/2017 by Vivien Ayinotu

Source: Telegraph UK

Still on the Blogmas spirit. I so much look forward to boxing day sales. Normally, I have lists of things I like to buy or simply names of people, whereby I will look at the names I will find something for them. Nonetheless, at times, I go beyond my list especially  when I see something I consider very useful.

During Christmas, my 25th is basically go to church and have a good family meal. Then comes 26th – the sales, sales and sales day. In the last few years, I would queue up at Next as early as 6.30 am. Even at that early hours of the day I am like number 200 or something above that in the queue.

When I eventually get in, I would browse the entire shop for items that catch my eyes. It’s really fun to see those nice and expensive clothes, purses, gifts and kitchen wares reduced to lower prices. Looking at my lists, you can tell the things I normally go for. I do take my time and fill my shopping bag before the deselection process begins, when am done. Normally, by that time I am exhausted and cannot wait to leave the shop with my latest purchases.

However, lately I mainly buy online and will be doing same this year. I go to the shops later in the day or sometime in the week to see or pick a few good things remaining. Luckily, I live close to a shopping arena, where there is Primark, Next, Sports world and the rest of them.

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Source: Synaptrading

My method of surviving the sales involves the following:

  • Gathering items I like first.
  • Choosing only the ones I need – at this phase, after gathering and I drop so many items.
  • Checking my budget.
  • Scaling down further to make sure I do not spend more than necessary and giving priority to items on list – Guys, I lose a few items at this stage too.  [I use this method online too].

Don’t worry, if I mention lists a lot, I jot down almost any thing.

Finally, by the time am done, I leave the shop with the items I really need. There are a few exceptions to certain things that I see and find very useful even when not included in my list. I will like to know what works for you.

Source: Tyannatells.wordpress.com

I have had so much fun putting up Blogmas posts this period, I even posted more than once in a week like I had thought at first. So, this is my last blogmas post – am not going to say unfortunately,

I wish you Happy Spending – Don’t  over do it.

Merry Christmas 🎄 to you and your household . I’m sending great tidings of love, peace and happiness your way 😊

A little Act of Kindness

Last Updated on 29/12/2017 by Vivien Ayinotu

Source: I.pinimg.com

There are lots of times I meet people and wonder if they are actually set out to upset any one that comes their way. I wish I can write this post without sounding a bit redundant. I am not going to tell you how much people underestimate the power of being polite towards another.

Show some love to people you come across. Be kind and use polite words. Life is hard on its own, the least you can do is simply a little act of kindness and put a smile on the face of others.

Have you wondered how people seem to be so serious-minded when you walk past them in the streets? Everyone’s mind is pre-occupied and these people have tons of information their brain is trying to process: it could be something that brings them eustress or distress. Either way, there is stress but I can tell you the latter is the commonest.

For instance, today I saw this woman who looked so worried and disturbed. As she walked, she struggled with a bag was carrying, as if the bag was the problem. As I approached her, I smiled -like a big smile- if you know what I mean. She stopped, smiled back, sighed and continued smiling.

Source: I.pinimg.com

At that moment alone, she forgot what was bothering her. I hope she thought of better things to enlighten her day. If mere smile can have that effect what about other little acts?

Times can be hard but we do not need to be hard on ourselves or others. Let’s try and encourage others in any little way we can.

I hope you enjoyed reading this post. Can you practice being nice to people regardless of your mood or situation right now?

Blogmas – Why Family is Important at Christmas

Last Updated on 21/12/2017 by Vivien Ayinotu

The remembrance of the birth of Christ is the essence of Christmas 🎄 It is a wonderful time for families to come together as one and celebrate. I appreciate this festive season a lot as it brings relatives together at the end of every demanding year. It’s a way for everyone to relax and forget about what they had spent most of their days doing, be it studies or work.

Most times, we get so got up in our private lives and forget the importance of quality family time. I can tell you that there are numerous families that only meet yearly at Christmas time. Do you agree? So imagine there’s no such period.

As usually, Christmas involves exchange of gifts 🎁 between families and friends and even alms giving. The joy on the faces of people when they are blessed with gifts they never expected is priceless.

Don’t forget, the gift doesn’t have to be that expensive. It should be what one can afford. The important thing is to remember that you can put a smile on someone’s face by being generous to them.

The season allows families to unite and iron out their differences too, if need be. It allows household to reflect on their relationships with one another.

In addition, the holy family of Mary, Joseph and Jesus is worth emulating. During Christmas, families can spend time reflecting on motherhood, birth, nurturing and the upkeep of the entire family unit.

I think Christmas is very important for families.

Merry Christmas 🎄 to you and your family😄

Blogmas – Christmas Favourite Story

Last Updated on 14/12/2017 by Vivien Ayinotu

Christmas brings a warm feeling of closeness to one another. It’s a time to celebrate Christ’s birth. A time for family reunions. In my culture, people would travel to their hometown to be with their families. It’s time to meet all the extended families too😄

Just their homecoming puts you in a festive mood. Each year, it’s very different as cousins might have finished primary school and preparing for secondary school or even Uni. There’s always something intriguing to discuss. Besides, we all came back from different places. In my experience, I so much enjoyed the brainstorming.

Parents would buy new clothes for their children, clothes for 25th, 26th church bazaar day and New Year’s Day. Guys, that was the peak because even if you don’t get much clothes during the year, you are going to get one at Christmas. [writing this post fills me with childhood Christmas 🎄 memory]

Lest I forget, to the ever-caring Uncles and Aunts who put icing on the cake by being generous with gift items and money, I thank you all immensely.

I pray for Gods protection upon everyone this festive period. May families unite in peace, especially those Struggling. God of all Travellers, lead your people home safely.

Thank God for Christmas 🎄season.

Can you tell me your favourite Christmas story?

Agent Hunter [Website Review]

Last Updated on 03/01/2018 by Vivien Ayinotu

This is a site review. Agent Hunter website shows lots of really good writing tips. Interestingly, it complies lists of numerous agents and agencies, which is very helpful. It has different packages that are affordable too such as: bronze, silver, gold and platinum.

I came across an event ‘Festival of writing’ on their website. The event seemed to be a great idea for any writer willing to make the most out of their writing. It is worth attending.

However, if you are on the completion phases of your work and no longer looking for agents, you might not enjoy the site that much.

I recommend the website for authors looking for agents.

In my experience, I have perused and seen the resources they have but not searching for agents at the moment. Will definitely use them in my next project.

What Tenses Suit Your Writing?

Last Updated on 13/12/2017 by Vivien Ayinotu

Hi friends, in the course of editing the manuscript for my new novel, I realised there are lots of words I repeated more than the others. You need to see how many times I have edited this work – Ah!

I have noticed that most novels are written in past tense, in the sense that the writer narrates what had already happened. In my initial drafts, it was mixed up; both present and past tenses. My novel is a fiction.

Are you are a writer or have such knowledge? I will like to know what works for you tenses wise. For instance, ‘had and would’ are always handy for me.

To be honest, the writing was kind of easy-going, because I wrote as the ideas came along and at the times and the days it did came; simply hitting the keyboards however, this editing phase seems to be more than I had imagined. It’s taking a lot of time and am yet to get it to the level I want. It has been edited by other people and a professional editor too.

On a different note, I read about book promotion before publication. Have you tried that? How did it go? I will like to try it in terms of creating more awareness.

Blogmas- Christmas Favourite Song

Last Updated on 14/12/2017 by Vivien Ayinotu

I’m writing this post in the spirit of Blogmas. Blogmas is simply about bloggers or vloggers sharing ideas about Christmas daily. However, am gonna opt for weekly. I will paste a link below that explains Blogmas in details.

So, I’m sharing my favourite Christmas 🎄 song. I love the following songs: ‘Silent Night, Long time ago in Bethlehem, Noel Noel, Joy to the World’ but my the top on my list is ‘Away in a Manger’.

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yrics of these songs make me so much want everyday to be Christmas😄

‘Away in a Manger’ is my favourite Christmas song. I normally attend Christmas carols just to sing these songs that I love so much.

What is your favourite christmas song?

Have a beautiful Christmas 🎄 celebration.

The Link for Blogmas explanation:

https://www.thewildhideaway.com/blog/blogmas-post-ideas-and-tips/

No Time is Late For God

Last Updated on 02/12/2017 by Vivien Ayinotu

Do you have that specific pressing need or problem that you thought you would have solved before the year runs out but do not see it materializing?

The year is almost coming to an end and you seem so clueless. There are Christmas decorations everywhere and it all appears to be hopeless. Do not give up! Have faith.

God is still God. There are still have lots of days in December. Needless to say, God can rewrite anyone’s story within seconds, as it pleases Him.

It can be very difficult and emotionally draining to simply wait for a miracle but His timing is always perfect, comes with exceeding joy and worth all the wait.

Don’t give up. Have faith and keep up with your good works.

P.S.

Sending you warm wishes of love 💗 and peace ✌️ as Christmas 🎄 approaches.