6 Birthday Messages I’m Keeping Forever

It’s less than 24hours after my birthday and I still feel completely undone by the kindness of my people. I received texts, calls, DMs, posts, videos, voice notes and even customized fliers that made me cry, laugh, blush. . . and pause to just whisper “thank You, Jesus.”

So today, I’m bottling up some of those words like flowers here. This is for the me that might need a reminder in the future. And maybe for you too. Because words are powerful. And when they come from the heart? They stay with us foreverrrr.

Birthday Love That Melted My Heart

💛

Life can get noisy. The screams of the enemy may try to negate God’s whispers sometimes. On the days (like this one here) when I feel invisible or uncertain, I want to come back here and remember: I’m seen. I’m loved. I’m inspiring.

Here are Top 6 of the birthday wishes I’m holding onto:

• From Ifunanya Emenike (The MEGA Teens)

Happy birthday to the beautiful Aunty, my inspiration mummy, I'm inspired by how you can be fashionable and also prayerful. My mindset while in east was that those that dress fashionable are not serious with things of God, but now I take those words back because you've shown me that you can dress fashionable and serve God mightily, thank you for changing that mindset of mine and thank you for all your sacrifices for the mega teens, I pray that God's favour will always go with you , because his favour makes impossible possible.

Happy birthday once more and enjoy your day.

RELATIONSHIP: How Do You Know a Christian Brother is Serious About You?

Lol. Let me be very honest. There is no way to know these days; you literally need God. That was my immediate response to a mentee who asked how to know if a Christian brother is serious about her. As I thought about it a bit more, I realized that writing this article could help many more who are navigating the complexities of Christian relationships. 

I live for this kind of conversation. I mean, I wrote a whole book on how I got into some of these situations too. 

Is He Serious About You?

🦋

The struggle is reealllll. It’s tough out here. Figuring out if a Christian brother is genuinely serious about you can feel like navigating a maze. In a world filled with imposters, charmers, and those who are just passing time, how can you tell who’s serious about walking this journey of life with you?

First of all, I want to say congratulations on reaching this point where you start to consider whether this brother is really worth staying with. You are very blessed and mature enough to recognize that this is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make in life. 

Now, let’s get to how you can discern if a Christian brother is genuinely serious about you:

1. He Prioritizes Prayer and Spiritual Growth

A serious Christian brother will consistently prioritize prayer, not just for himself but for the relationship. If he regularly seeks God’s guidance for both his life and your relationship, it’s a strong indication of his commitment. His desire for spiritual growth will reflect in how he supports and encourages you on your journey too. Regular prayer together and spiritual discussions reflect his commitment to building a faith-based relationship.

You should also pray harder on your own; ask God to reveal his true intentions. Seek confirmation from Him. Remember, the Holy Spirit can give you insights that are beyond what the eyes can see and the heart can feel.

2. He Values Your Principles and Boundaries

He is NOT after sex. Yes, let me put it out plainly. The one who is serious respects your body, boundaries and values. He will be attentive to your convictions and will seek to align his actions with your shared beliefs. His respect for your values will be evident in how he interacts with you.

Watch his actions, not just his words. Consistency is key. A serious Christian brother doesn’t just talk the talk—he walks the walk. If his values are more about personal pleasure or worldly pursuits while yours are about serving God, you’re bound to clash. Be with someone who values his relationship with God even more than you do. 

21 Days of Praise: Day 20 - Peace in His Presence

Happy New Week! Welcome to Day 20 of our #21DaysofPraise series! Today, we focus on the incomparable peace that God provides. His peace is enduring and perfect, calming our hearts even in the midst of chaos.

Praise for His Peace

🕊️ 

Verse of the Day: John 14:27

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” — (NIV)

“I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous!” — (TPT)

Hard times, as painful as they may be, happen to us all.

No one is exempt.

Experiencing trouble, hardship, and sometimes, heartbreak, is inevitable. But we can all have peace through struggle because God is with us.

I used to be a worrier until God delivered me of the panic attacks and anxiety, and granted me peace. Meditating on John 14:27, I felt a profound sense of peace. It was as if God was wrapping His arms around me, reassuring me that everything would be okay. That peace gave me the courage to face the challenges ahead with confidence and trust in His plan.

21 Days of Praise: Day 9 - Embraced by His Love ❤️

I’ve been reflecting on the depth of God's love since I woke up this morning and mehn, my heart is about to explode! Are you aware that God is seriously gushing over you? Check this out! 

Welcome to Day 9 of our #21DaysofPraise Series!

Praise for God's Love

🥰

Today, we bask in the overwhelming love of God. His love is boundless, unchanging, and available to us at all times. It’s the kind of love that reaches the deepest parts of our hearts and transforms our lives.

Verse of the Day: Romans 8:38-39 

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." — (NIV)

"So now I live with the confidence that there is nothing in the universe with the power to separate us from God’s love. I’m convinced that his love will triumph over death, life’s troubles, fallen angels, or dark rulers in the heavens. There is nothing in our present or future circumstances that can weaken his love." — (TPT)

Reflecting on my life, I can see the undeniable evidence of God’s love. It’s all over me!!! I see it! I feel it! I smell it! God loves me!

Times when I felt completely unworthy and lost, struggling with self-doubt and fear were the most times I lost sight of God’s love for me. I dabbled into unhealthy relationships. I fell into sin and did things that were so beneath my identity in Christ. 

Are You Aware That God is Seriously Gushing Over You? Check These Out!

Have you ever considered that God is utterly and completely in love with you? Yes, you! Sometimes, we get so caught up in our daily lives and struggles that we forget this truth. Let’s remind ourselves just how deeply and passionately God loves us. 

Verses to Embrace God’s Love

It is my desire to lavish my love on you. 

1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. 

1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. 

Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father. 

Matthew 5:48

Exposing The Love Bombing Strategy in Manipulative Relationships

Someone I really admire recently got married to a man who is publicly considered to be a narcissist, and I started to feel concerned. I got a little invested in the news and started to do some research. Then, I found the term “love bombing”. It struck a chord in me. I have once been there. . .

Love Bombing

Have you ever found yourself swept off your feet by someone who showers you with overwhelming attention and affection right at the start of a relationship? It can feel exhilarating, like a dream come true. But what if this intense adoration isn't as genuine as it seems? This tactic, known as love bombing, is a manipulative strategy where someone “bombs” you with extreme displays of attention and affection to control you.

The Temptation and Danger of Love Bombing

Love bombing can be incredibly flattering at first. Imagine being bombarded with texts, calls, gifts, and praise—it's like a dream. It feels great. However, this flood of affection can mask darker intentions.

If someone is love-bombing you, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are a bad person, or that they should be considered an enemy. In fact, they’re likely to be just dealing with trauma themselves.

Love bombers often use this tactic to gain control, particularly in abusive relationships. The abuser might shower you with love after a fight to manipulate you into staying. This cycle of abuse, apology, and grand gestures can be confusing and damaging. 

Recognizing the Signs

So, how do you know if you're being love bombed? Here are some signs:

Use Love Languages at Work to Build Healthier Relationships (AUDIO)

Everyone needs to feel appreciated to know they’re contributing valuable work and ideas. But effectively demonstrating appreciation often requires more than saying “Good job.” 

I recorded this presentation I made while with Mediacraft Associates for personal use until I couldn’t resist the pressing urge to publish it for the world to hear. 

 Please listen below 👇🏾 

 

I must admit that many things triggered sharing it publicly: 

1. Just last week, the tragic news about a banker who committed suicide within the bank’s premises went viral. There are many more employees who have committed suicide that we do not know about. It’s on Vanguard, Punch, Cable, everywhere you look. The world is in dire need of LOVE. 

2. My current phone might be formatted soon, and I fear that I might lose this file forever. Not a valid reason, actually.

3. Two of my colleagues made reference to a presentation I made some time ago, and I believe it was quite insightful.

4. Above all, the two most important personalities in my life—my husband and the Holy Spirit— have given me their go-ahead.

Want to feel God’s love? Listen to this. 

Please share the link and leave your thoughts in the comment. Thank you.

Stay positive.

Stay inspired.

Stay be-YOU-tiful.

Posted by Nwamaka Onyekachi

Let's connect on X: @Amakamedia

Let's connect on Instagram: @amakamedia

Do Email: hello@amakamedia.com

And Bloglovin: Amakamedia

Heart Rays. . . giving light.

50+ Ways To Treat Yourself With Love

Hi! Valentine is over, isn’t it? How are you feeling today? I mean, how are YOU really feeling? Are you being kind to yourself? Have you compared yourself to someone else today? Are you going on and about the past? I honestly want to know.

As Christians, we have definitely read the commandment,“Love Your Neighbour As Yourself.” Yeah? Great. Today’s article emphasizes‘As Yourself’ because how can you love your neighbour as yourself when you don’t even know how to treat yourself with love?

How To Practise Self-Care Using the 5 Love Languages

Yep. It’s post Valentine’s Day, let’s treat ourselves to top-notch self-care by diving into the five love languages and how you can practice them on yourself.

The concept was originally created by Gary Chapman in his book, The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts, based on his experience facilitating marriage counselling. Essentially what he found out was that couples expressed love in different ways, and if they weren’t clear on how the other person liked to receive love, chances are there was a disconnect in the relationship.

I completely agree with Gary.

Everyone gives and receives love differently. And I’m not just talking about relationships…I’m talking about loving yourself, too! Your love language can also translate into a self care love language and can guide which activities will be most rewarding for you.

Wait.

How To Rekindle Romance After Having A Baby

On Heart Rays, we don’t do boring relationships. Having a fun-filled and enjoyable marriage is a MAJOR goal. If you are not intentional, you may get swept up in the intensity and demands of new parenthood that you forget about being a couple. Rekindling romance after having a baby is not a popular topic but it is very common. 

Let’s talk. 

Romance After Baby

In the beginning, it was just me and Kachi. We do anything we want and go anywhere we want. We were spontaneous and adventurous. (See our honeymoon adventures here). I could step out for 24 hours without holding a bag. Kachi and I could stay up all night talking, watching movies and building on our intimacy. 

We had some pillars of a great relationship: good communication, trust, physical affection, a good sex life, emotional support, shared interests, mutual respect in the relationship, and time spent together having fun.

Then a baby happened! (Meet our beautiful baby here 😊 ) 

As we started to find our parenting groove, we realized that our intimacy was starting to shake a bit. Thank God for the Spirit of discernment! 

Below are some tips on how to bring the passion back post-baby, straight from the heart: 

Do You Believe In Marriage At First Sight? (Interview)

For weeks, I battled with myself whether to bring The MACH Show onto Heart Rays. I didn't want to mix both forms of content but it dawned on me that if I don't share what I've been up to lately, then my status as a Lifestyle Blogger would probably be questionable. Lol. Lately, I have been expressing myself more on YouTube. So, if you are not subscribed to PerfectMachForeverTV, you just might be missing something.

Anyway, I have decided to try as much as possible to share highlights from each episode of The MACH Show as being led. I trust that it would bless you. Here is the second episode:

Married At First Sight

----- Introduction ----

Presenter (Me): Hi guys. This is PerfectMachForeverTV. Welcome again to our channel. Today, we have this fascinating couple here to tell us about their journey. . . we'll get to know them and then have some fun! (Everyone smiles)

Presenter (Me): *looks toward the couple* Thank you so much for having us. Let's meet you both.

Nnanna (Husband): Hello Everyone. My name is Nnanna. And that's my wife, *points at her* Irene.

Irene (Wife): *blushes* Irene.

Nnanna (Husband): We are the Inyamah Family.

Igbo and Yoruba: Truth About Inter-Tribal Marriage in Nigeria

I will be doing myself a disservice if I do not post the first few episodes of the MACH Show on Heart Rays. I am not going to lie; since the lockdown, 75% of the time I get to be online is spent on PerfectMachForeverTV. I am so thrilled about the vision and I am doing all I can to steer this fragile birthing phase. I hope you understand.

Can you marry from another tribe? In the third episode of the MACH SHOW, we are exposing the realities of an intertribal marriage in Nigeria. Grab some popcorn because. . . hmm!

When I'm not here, I am on YouTube. I go where the Spirit leads.

SUBSCRIBE To PerfectMachForever TV 

Have a great day.

Stay inspired.

Stay positive.

Stay safe.

Posted by Nwamaka Onyekachi

Connect on Twitter: @Amakamedia

Connect on Instagram: @amakamedia

Do Email: amakamedia@yahoo.com

And Bloglovin: Amakamedia

Heart Rays . . . giving light

Finding True Love After A Terrible Heartbreak

First things first. If you want to fall in love after a hard and depressing breakup, you’re going to first have to come to terms with it. That means you need to fully accept the breakup, no matter how much you miss this person. 

Happy New Month Sweetheart! I just had to put that first paragraph out there. Hope you are doing great this lovely Sunday?

Finding Love Again

This is meant to be a style post but as I continued to write, I found myself gravitating towards helping a friend who recently broke up with her fiancé. It was a huge shock.

There is nothing I'd say to you right now that will make you magically forget your ex, but there are practical things you MUST do if you ever want to fall in love with another person again. Here’s a short list of things that you must do:

1. Stop stalking Your Ex
2. Avoid reminiscing on old times
3. Find a new hobby
4. Dedicate yourself to work
5. Spend more time with God
6. Trust that you are deserving of true love

Let's shed a little light on three points out of those six:

DIARY: Lovely Pictures From My Quarantined 30th Birthday Party

Since the beginning of the year, I've been dreaming of having a BIG 30th birthday party. I dreamt of having a cocktail/dinner party where guests socialize while drinking and eating appetizers and all that good stuff. I also wanted to launch my second book, Twenty Pieces on my 30th birthday.

However, during this time of social distancing, as a result of COVID-19, a lot of adjustments had to be made. So I had a small party in my living room with twelve (12) of my closest pals. It was such an exciting and emotional event altogether. I'm beyond grateful.

My Birthday Party

To make it feel more like a typical birthday party, amongst my twelve-guest invitees, I had a Master of Ceremonies, a Guest Artist, a DJ, a cook, a photographer and balloon-blowers for decorations. It was basically what I would have done on a normal day, but this time, in a smaller way.

I give it God through my husband for making it happen. It was a very memorable one as you may tell from the lovely pictures below. . .

An Open Letter To The Guy Whose Heart I Broke

Is it OK to say 'Good Morning'? Cos I am writing this article at 11:00AM. So yeah, I will be hitting the big three-0 in a few days. And like I told you last week, I will be sharing lessons from my 20s just before my journey into 30s starts.

This is the eighth lesson. I hope it inspires you in some way. Happy reading!

Letter To My Ex

Dear Ex,

I know what it means to be heart broken.

It's like a knife piercing into your heart so slowly.

It's been years since I broke your heart and I still remember how much I felt bad for rejecting you.

I wanted to want you but I couldn't.
Trust me when I say that it was nothing you did. 'It's not you, it's me', so cliche, yet truer words have never been spoken.

I felt guilty every time you called. I felt like a fraud when we were hanging out together. I hated myself for leading you on.

I knew I wasn't ready for the relationship you were asking for. I had many mistakes to make and the experiences that didn't require a committed relationship. I'm sorry.

Heartbreaks Never Last Forever

Hello again! My name is Amaka and I will be 3 and 0 on June 26. I decided to share my lessons from being a 20-something just before my journey into 30s begins.

This post is the seventh of twenty. I hope it inspires you in some way. Happy reading!

Heartbreak Empowers You

My biggest struggle in my 20s wasn't having an extra year at school. No. My greatest weakness was boys, boys and boys!

I was a sucker for love.

I wanted to love and be truly loved.

But I wasn't lucky in love.

I was recovering from one heartbreak after another.

Six Pointers To Choosing Your Perfect Match

Some months ago, I found this article on a WhatsApp group that I do not exactly enjoy being a part of. (Lol. If given the choice, I'd delete the group).

Anyway, according to the poster, this article was originally written by Reverend Ebenezer Diyaolu. I believe it would be helpful to my single/married friends, so I copied it for you.

6 Mates You Must Marry 

One of the ways your marriage will not add to the rate of divorce in our world today is for you to marry your mate and if you are married already, make your spouse your perfect match! 

You see that statement of ' Am I your mate?' does not apply in marriage. You must marry your mate. I will like to talk on six dimensions you and the person you want to marry or you have married must be mate.

MUSIC: Kachi CG — Just For You

Hi Sweets! Happy Valentine's Day! How is it going for you? It's all lovely here. I just popped in to show you this music video; it is my all time favourite love song. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

The lyrics of this song come from a heart that has been swept away by a love that’s deeper than anything you could have never imagined.

Prayers For My Nigerian Parents

Today, I am totally grateful for my parents. I am praying for them. I hope you pray for those playing the parental role in your life.

For My Parents

Is today Parents' Appreciation Day? It just has to be because I am so much hinged on appreciating my parents on the blog today. But, is there really a national day as Parents Appreciation Day? Wait. Let me ask Mr. Google.

*goes to Google*
*types what day is parent appreciation day?*
*gasp*

No matter what date it is, we should never fail to celebrate our parents. Let's appreciate their important role in our lives. It's not easy.

Dear Diary, I've Been Married For 10 Months! (My Lessons)

My heart is filled with gratitude to God.  Today, October 15 marks ten months of being married. As in, I've been married for one, two, three,. . .,ten months now! Whaaaat!!!

10 Months In Marriage

I got married during one of my favourite times of the year — December. Preferably, Christmas. And my husband and I are in the beginning stages of learning how to live in one flesh.

We don’t pretend to have everything figured out, but to be quite honest, I blush whenever someone ask, "Amaka, how is married life?"

It's been a constant learning experience for me. Marriage is as much a journey of self-discovery as it's as a journey of two people navigating life together. It is also a journey of discovering God's love. My, my!

Every marriage is obviously unique, but I wanted to give you a peek into some things I’m personally learning in this 10 months of marriage.

DIARY: The Way He Looks At Me

From birth to death and all occasions in between, the eyes will always have it. Eye contact is the strongest form of nonverbal communication, and if your partner constantly does it with you! Oh, my!

Keep Looking, Baby

I've had my share of failed relationships and I believe I'm in a better place now. A place where I can recognize genuine love and intention when I see it. It's in the eyes.

Generally speaking, we are all naturally attracted to faces, especially eyes. The human face is associated with our identity; we are recognized more through our eyes than through any other facial feature. That's why your passport photograph in an identity card is enough proof for the person(s) concerned.

When you meet someone for the first time and you fall in love with them or like them instantly, what do you attribute that likeness to? It's the face! You are actually attracted by the person's face, especially the eyes. The eye is where the attraction begins.

You can't seem to take your eyes off the one you love.