Making Decisions That Go Beyond Black and White

When you're in your “typical” childbearing years, you always get the question, “are you having another one?”. It's all SO personal and there are SO many factors that go into that decision. Physically, can you do another? Mentally, can you do it? What about financially? What does your partner think? What do you guys WANT? I know how incredibly difficult it is to decide… At a point I even asked Google “should I have a 3rd baby”. LOL. 🙈

As I welcome my third baby, I am reminded of the complexities of making decisions…

Beyond Black and White Choices

Some decisions in life seem as straightforward as choosing between black and white—right or wrong, yes or no. But often, the most meaningful choices are found at the point where faith and wisdom intersect.

Take Kachi and me, for example. When we were newly engaged we discussed and agreed on the number of children we would have. It seemed clear-cut and straightforward—a black-and-white decision we were confident about. But somewhere along the journey, we entered the grey: the space where circumstances, emotions, and faith tested our initial decisions.

After our first pregnancy, we revisited our plan. During my second pregnancy, we agreed that if we had a baby boy, we’d stick to two. That would complete our family, and we’d close the chapter.

But, as always, God’s plan is always perfect.

21 Days of Praise: Day 6 - Led by His Hand

It’s Day 6 of our #21DaysofPraise series! Today, we turn our hearts towards thanking God for His guidance. Every step we take, every decision we make, is shaped by His loving hand guiding us through life’s journey.

Praise for His Guidance and Direction

Verse of the Day: Psalm 32:8

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” (NIV)

“I hear the Lord saying, ‘I will stay close to you, instructing and guiding you along the pathway for your life. I will advise you along the way and lead you forth with my eyes as your guide.’” — (TPT)

In life, we often face crossroads and difficult decisions. During these moments, God’s guidance becomes our most precious resource. He promises to instruct and teach us, providing the direction we need to navigate our journey.

There have been countless times in my life where I didn’t know which path to take. One such time was when I faced a major career decision. I was struggling with what path to follow. I was torn and unsure, but as I prayed and sought God’s guidance, He provided clarity. Through His Word, the counsel of friends, and a deep sense of peace, I knew the direction to take. His guidance was like a gentle whisper, leading me on the right path.

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. . .

Don't Quit Your 9-5 Job Until You Feel It In Your Gut

Happy New Week! Having the same opening paragraph over and over might seem boring to you. Permit to use to say it one more time. Thank you. 

Hi. My name is Amaka. I will be 30 on the 26th day of the coolest month of the year. You didn't know June is the coolest month? I have been sharing my lessons from being a 20-something right at the start of June.

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

Overcome Your Fear Of Change

I’ll let you in on a little secret.

In my 20s, I quit my job twice.

It was a scary thing for me to do at both times.

The first time I quit my job (which lasted for two years), I was not financially prepared. The only thing that kept me going was the fact that I still lived with my parents at the time, which artificially deflated my cost of living (while simultaneously increasing theirs).

It wasn't an easy time but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything.

Don't Do Things You Will Regret Later

I will be hitting the big three-0 on the 26th day of the coolest month. And like I told you last week, I will be sharing lessons from being a 20-something just before my journey into 30s begins.

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

Do It Anyway 

I was a good girl.

I had always been a good girl.

My parents trained me in the way that I should go. But it was my choice whether to stay in or to depart away from that way.

For two decades, I stayed in the path. I didn't do what I shouldn't be caught doing. I remained obedient to them. Obedient to God. And obedient to the Spirit within.

At 21, I wanted to have a glimpse of what life could be as a bad girl.

CAREER: Why I Quit My Job Again

The first time I quit my job I was single, living with my parents and had no plan whatsoever. Do I regret it? Absolutely not! It was one of the most amazing (overwhelming, frustrating, exciting, scary) years of my life.

Then I found a new job. Got married, started building a home and quit my job again. What's up with me?

The Benefit Of Quitting Your Job

It's the last quarter of the year. While some are getting into new jobs and promotions, others are looking forward to finding better ones before the year ends.

And here, someone is talking about quitting her job?! Whaaat?! Who does that?!

In case we have never met, and you are wondering who this woman is and how she has the guts to go about getting a job and quitting, and not only that, but also having the guts to tell you there are benefits of quitting your job. Calm down, please.

Let me tell you something first:

Notes From 'Bridging The Gap Between Ruth And Naomi 2.0'

It's April 30. And I can't believe the month has come to an end. April was a blast back to back. Oh, what a refreshing month I had! It was indeed totally different from March 2018. Wai. . .tt, wait, let's not spill until the next Tuesday's Dear-Diary post. 🙂

Here's some dose of inspiration from last weekend's hangout with my girlfriends.

Bridging The Gap Between Ruth and Naomi 2.0

If you have been an ardent follower of this blog, you must have heard me mention 'The Women At The Well (TWTW)' a couple of times. Read here and here.

'Bridging the gap between Ruth and Naomi' is an annual event organized by TWTW. The second edition held last weekend, and it was (*** please help me insert a word to describe how it feels when your heart is sweaming in the ocean of God's love here***).

🎶 how do I describe 

a God that is indescribable?

how do I explain

the love that is unexplainable?

Ohhhh ohhhh ohhhh my heart sings ohhhh ohhhh ohhhh 🎶 

The Most Important Decision

Oh, wow! 2018 is starting up on a Monday. It's a New Week! A New Month! A New Year! What better time to have a new beginning if we want to?!?

There are risks that go with decision making, and risks are too hard for those of us who think too much. We weigh things too much. But a decision has got to be made!

Make A Decision Already!

The really important decisions, unfortunately, have to be made without certainty. If we get married, we do it without certainty that we are making the right decision. If we have children, we have them without knowing how they will turn out. If we decide to be Christians, we do it on faith. And these decisions are sometimes infused with fighting the feeling of whether we are deceiving or hurting ourselves.

Is The Year Half Full Or Half Empty?

Happy New Half-Year sweethearts! July 3rd is the middle of the year. Half of the year is gone, half of the year is still to be. I hope you are fine and in good health.

My church family thought it was all about fashion when I wore a turtleneck piece yesterday. Lol. As I write this, I am battling with cold, cough and conjunctivitis. But I.will.be.fine.

Half Full Or Half Empty

I've always heard about the glass half full, half empty phenomenon. I got intrigued when the idea popped up in my head while in a meeting with the youth executives in my local church. (Hi Johnero!)

I am a worrier by nature but encourager by spiritual gifts. So I know how it feels to be hopeful as well as uncertain.

Why It's So Hard To Make Decisions

Hello sweets! How are you? It's been a while, I know. Am I still a life-style blogger? 😨. These days I look at my blog and wonder what exactly I should share with you. I can't seem to make up my mind.

Making Decisions Can Be Hard

One of the hardest decisions I've made was having to quit a job, it was a very scary one. So I know the thrills on how hard making a decision can be.

Don't Be A Fool Watching TV

There is a difference between "watching TV makes you a fool" and "don't be a fool watching TV". Just so you don't get it twisted.

I'd rather tell you how not to be a fool while watching TV.

How To Watch TV Productively

I am an introvert but a lot of people find it hard to believe, because the kind of work I do constantly pushes me out of my comfort zone to "present" an extroverted personality. I like it anyway.

The truth is, when I'm home, I stay locked up in my room most of the time.

Why Your "Why" Is Most Important

Today's post is quite personal and delicate. It's one I wrote with trepidation because it can make or mar my business. I hope it doesn't only inspire you to question your self, but also give you the light you need to find answers.

My Most Personal Ethics

As a lifestyle blogger, I often write about various aspects that cut across the way we express ourselves - from how we live life, to how we value our relationships, to how we style our clothes, and to how we run our businesses. It's a wide range of many things, I must say.

PHOTO: How To Stay On Fire

Some of the most inspiring people in the world have a purpose and passion in life that’s so strong, you can sense it's from the very core of their being. They are ON FIRE!

And one of the best ways to stay on fire is to FIND YOUR INNER DRIVE.

My people, drive is the way to go. This is how I do:

1. I wake up with a Demand for my vision - What is your vision? What motivates your vision? Success? Freedom? It could be anything.

How To Stay Hopeful When The Search For A Job Is Getting Too Long

Many of you might not know I am stylisly searching for a job. It's been a goal imposed on me by my mum and friends since the beginning of the year. It's October, and the job hasn't showed up yet.

Staying Hopeful While Looking For A Job

I told a close friend I was looking for my dream job, and he said I didn't look like one who is jobless. And it got me wondering . . .

Why You Should Attend Events

We’ve all been told time and time again that networking events are important for our career, our business and our well-being, but many of us still do not attend them. I have come to tell you about two awesome events I think you might like to attend.

Two Awesome Upcoming Events

I’m not a pro networker. I struggle with finding the right way to break into a conversation with people I don’t know. But I’ve gotten better by attending events - By sitting at tables with people I don’t (yet) know. I’ve made some amazing connections and even more amazing friends from going to live events.

6 Things You Should Stop Doing If You Want To Enjoy A Creative LifeStyle

Borrowing from last week's post, let's talk about life - how to live creatively. (Still on my birthday mood and reflecting on my life. Lol).

6 Things You Should Stop Doing

Over the past twenty-something years of my life, I have grown in wisdom to know that there is more to life than clothes, shoes, cars, houses, and all those things people kill themselves to get nowadays.

DIARY: I'm Hearing Voices

Like I said here, don't call me crazy when you read my diary. Don't think I'm crazy because I live my life out loud. Don't also think I'm crazy because I hear voices inside and outside my head . . .

Hearing Voices

As I write this, my room is quiet, but there are still sounds all around me. Even in the quietness of my room, I can rarely bathed myself in real silence.

And God Says "STOP"

*phew* Have you ever been at a point in your ministry or career, and wondered why God would lead you along so clearly, only to bring you to a sudden standstill? I'd not be surprised if your answer is yes.

And God Says "STOP" 

God gently says to me again, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) This time the verse speaks to me like never before.

It's been speaking to me many times as I've followed His leading and then gotten confused when I felt Him say, "Amaka, stop."

PODCAST: The Story Of The Donkey That Fell Into A Well

It is God's desire for us to be successful, but the road to success might be tough. It is crucial to keep moving forward with strength and determination no matter what life throws at us.

Can we be like this donkey? 

Rays of Strength . . .

STYLE: Dull Ankara Material Turns Into a Bright Flared Skirt

You remember the brown Ankara material I told you about here. Huh? I finally made it into a skirt. Trust me, I added light, colour and energy to it. *winks*

WIW: Ankara Skirt

If only I can be patient enough to sew clothes, I will be a very good tailor. No jokes. I have a sewing machine and I know how to sew. I learnt tailoring while waiting for my UTME result.

It's just that I have some really good excuses. One, my sewing machine needs to be taken to a mechanic. Two, I dunno how to go back to my "madam" who I left without saying a word. Lol!