21 Days of Praise: Day 10 - Strength in the Storm

Can I let you in on a secret? This #21DaysofPraise series is a strategic one for navigating through our storms. Today, as we focus on the power of praising God even in the midst of life’s challenges and trials; We are reminded that no matter how fierce the storm, God is greater, and He is with us, guiding us through to the other side.

Welcome to Day 10! 

Praise in the Storm

Thinking about the day and place this particular picture was taken always makes me laugh. 😂

Verse of the Day: Psalm 27:1 

“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?” — (NIV)

“The Lord is my revelation-light to guide me along the way; he’s the source of my salvation to defend me every day. I fear no one! I’ll never turn back and run from you, Lord; surround and protect me.” — (TPT)

It's Friday, often tagged “Flashback Friday” by social media marketers. So, let's take a little flashback to… when no one understood what I was going through, including myself.. 

Everything seemed to be falling apart—relationships, finances, career. I felt like I was drowning in my troubles. But in the middle of this chaos, I chose to praise God. I would sing worship songs and read Psalms of praise. I would share encouraging words to help those struggling too. It was quite a journey.

How do we navigate life’s storms when friends are distant, our safe havens have disappeared, and we’re tossed about with nothing left? You lose your job. You’re struggling in multiple classes. Your home feels like a war zone. You’ve just been diagnosed with a serious illness. Your church is facing major challenges. There is depression. And so on. 

Dear Diary, No One Understands What I’m Feeling (Including Myself!)

This morning after prayers, I received an update on a certain recent happening that got me getting into my feelings. 

“She is coming tomorrow.”

What I’m Feeling Now

It’s hard to explain. There are probably things in life that are not meant to be described but meant to be felt. And sometimes, you can’t even understand why you are feeling the way you do. Like, you don’t understand your experience in that moment somewhat. 

I just finished crying myself out. Nobody beat me. Lol. But I’m in a challenging season.

I closed my eyes to talk with Him and the tears just flowed and flowed. I believe He understands me. He sees all my struggles, and He knows what’s going on in my mind.

This Is How You Break Free From A Narcissistic Relationship

Break up hurts. Rejection on any level is torturing, no matter how you slice it. But getting over a relationship with a Narcissist is a much different kettle of fish.

Breaking Up With A Narcissist 

I have come across the term "narcissism" a couple of times but I have never had any cause to use it. It didn't sound interesting to me. The word only started to make much sense at that point of being brutally honest with myself about a past relationship. For a long time, I lived in the lies that I told myself and it delayed my healing process.

It's been said that "your greatest struggle is your greatest blessing". And relationships are my greatest struggles. 

I've had my share of toxic relationships, or at least what I thought was toxic. Is it fair to say you have too? My guess is that we’ve all endured the company of people who were not shooting for our highest good.

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.

Dear Diary, A Lot Has Happened

When you have three good news and three bad news, which would you share first? The good ones or the bad ones? Tell me.

Life Update

There is so much happening in my life right now, but I can't put them all in writing. This is partly because I am yet to process all my emotions and partly because the appointed time to share has not yet come.

Left to me, I will abandon this blog until I am ready. However, it is typical (and ethical, lol) of me to let you in into my world. I want you to know what my Heart Rays at this time. These are trying times.

One minute I'm smiling, the next minute I'm crying. It's been taking a lot from me to stay positive. A lottttt.

Dear Diary, My Most Expensive Phone Was Stolen In Lagos!

I didn't want to share this post with you because it is a very painful one. Then again, I said to myself, "you are supposed to be promoting authenticity."

I Want It Back

You know that feeling you get when something breezes past you like the wind, that was how I felt at the point when it happened.

The first thing I did was to reach out for the phone in my bag. I had a panic attack when I couldn't touch anything that feels like a phone.

I poured out my bag's content to be doubly sure I wasn't being paranoid. But it wasn't there!

When My Uncle Died, I didn't Shed A Tear

I can't hold back the tears. It is not fair that your life had to end. I'll always keep you in my heart. Rest in peace, my friend.

Rest in Peace, Gloria Okaiman

Sweet Glo, I got to hear about your demise today. And I still can't believe it.

I sent you a mail earlier this year just to know how you are doing, you didn't respond. I tried to reach you on the phone, but the line was switched off. I didn't think much of it. But you've always been dear to my heart.

Sweet Glo, we never met. As in, I never saw you physically. I never took a selfie with you. I never gave you a hug. I never touched your hand. But we met. Our hearts met.

DIARY: On Becoming Strong

There are certain things that have happened in your life that serve as constant reminders of where God has delivered you from.

When I'm Weak, You Make Me Strong

Hot tears splashed down my cheeks as I had been listening to T. D Jakes' sermon when I heard a word God used to answer a question in my heart. In that moment, God's intentions leaped off of the screen and started a revolution in my heart.

I wept and wept.

I never would have guessed how highly God thinks of me. I never would understand how invaluable I am to his kingdom. I felt a strange combination of exhilaration and anxiety about what it would mean to be called a strong woman.

This truth caused me hours and hours of tears. This truth tore me apart inside, ripping at the falsehood I had worn and adorned, shredding my self-made safety nets, and leaving me very broken and helpless.

I gasped for breath as I come face to face with what's real.

What is real is that I need Him.

Without Jesus, I will face the wrath of a Just God who cannot tolerate sin.

I needed help desperately.

And there is a God who says that in Him I can be strong.

Dear Diary, I Broke The Bank

Is March over yet? Thank Goodness! For obvious reasons, most people would agree that January is the longest month of the year but for me, March was longerrrrrrr!

Marching Over March 2018

It's the 23rd day of the month and my bank account already looks like a graveyard. I thought I was good with money! Ah!

Actually, I’m being a bit dramatic. I am good with money – good with the big stuff at least. I’m good at setting aside a big fraction into investments for both the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of earth (If you know, you know). I’ve always understood the raw yet subtle power of compound interest (thanks mum) and so I’ve always acted accordingly. And in general that has made my financial life calmer, saner and more predictable.

Where I really struggle is in the day to day expenses. I’m incorrigibly impulsive when it comes to small to medium purchases like daily snacks and cookies and weekly trips or takeaways. Let me not even talk about the cost of transportation in Lagos. Phew.

Cut Something Out

Hello sweethearts of my blogosphere. You good? I'm in a happy and peaceful place. God has shown me mercy and given me grace. I want to extend this grace to you today.

Cut Something Out

I won't want to bore you with stories behind this article because all I want is for you to get the message.

Passionate People Suffer For What They Enjoy

Let's talk about passion a little bit more today. I found a definition that had me gasping for air. *mouth still opened*

Suffering With Passion

Life is challenging, unpredictable, and busy. Life throws us lemons (as a speaker said) and curve balls, we get confused, we squeeze the juice out of the lemonade and we swing hoping to find a balance. But how do we keep living with positivity, inspiration and love?

The answer is one word:

Just Play On, Baby!

The sweetest month is here!!! Happy June!!! It's my birthday month!!! I'm happy and sad!!! Lol.

I accidentally sat on a piano yesterday and found this inspiration.

Like The Piano

May 31, 2017

Life is like a piano. The white keys represent happiness, the black keys show sadness. But as you go through life’s journey, remember that the black keys make music too . . . I totally agree with Ehssan.

What If You Get Sacked Or Lose Your Job Today? Just Asking

We don't pray for bad things to happen, but they still happen. On our journey to building our career, we need to be prepared for the unexpected. Preparations brings confidence and peace to get through the storm.

6 Things To Do When Sacked

"You are fired" is one of the facts of working life, and it can happen to any of us. We can lose our jobs for a number of reasons. Whatever the reason, if it happens to you, there is no cause for alarm.

When God Gives No Gift

Happy Boxing Day! Time to unwrap our gifts and enjoy our blessings. Shall we? :)

Where Is My Gift?

I remember asking a similar question, where is my gift? 

Even the MD acknowledged that I was perfect for the position. The interview went smoothly. And the audition swept everyone off their feet.

Dear Diary, God Has Done It!!!

Testimony time!!! Where do I start this gist from???? Should I start from the time I conceived it (here) or when it manifested in the physical??? It's been a looooong ride!!!

A Dream Job

When I blogged about 'waiting for "what's next"', I had no idea what it was. I just felt something was cooking. 3 days after the post, I received an invitation for a job interview.

When Christmas Brings Sad Memories

Christmas is a wonderful season but can also be a difficult season to cope with. For some people, it brings back sad and painful memories.

Don't Miss The Merry 

Two weeks ago, a family friend lost her dear son who was almost two years old. Just when there was so much hype and expectations building up for the amazing church's Christmas party, the baby boy died. I started to wonder how she would feel knowing her son wouldn't be there. 

PODCAST: Go Through That Pain (2)

We all go through something that changes us. The changes might be produced by pain.

I have discovered that people who inspire the world are those who have gone through a painful experience.

Today, people talk about pain.

Rays of Pain. . .

How to Deal with Heartbreak

Somehow I feel my life is an experiment. I go through it, and share my lessons and discoveries. While some are pleasant, others aren't. As usual, I write from my heart. . .

How to Deal with Heartbreak

Are you heart broken? I know what's going on in your life right now, the feeling of emptiness, pain, anger and depression. You feel that you've lost someone who you thought was the best and the most special. (like in my case, the person was magical). You are not alone.

I was in a beautiful relationship with a man I loved like I'd never loved any other. But yes, like most relationships, the end was painful.

PODCAST: Was Almost There

That moment when we almost got it . . . but didn't. Ouch!

We be like: "God, but why na?!"

God be like: "I have a better plan for you jhorr!" (Jeremiah 12:29)

Rays of Hope. . .