21 Days of Praise: Day 21 - A Heart of Praise

Woohoo! We’ve come to the final day of our #21DaysofPraise series! Today, we focus on cultivating a lifestyle of continuous praise. Praising God isn’t just for special moments or certain days; it’s a daily practice that transforms our hearts and lives.

Living a Life of Praise

Verse of the Day: Psalm 34:1

“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” — (NIV)

“I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises.” — (TPT)

Praise is a fundamental aspect of our relationship with God, and understanding its importance can deepen our worship and connection with Him. Why do we praise God?

1. Because of Who He Is:

God is worthy of our praise simply because of who He is. He is the Creator of the universe, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords. His majesty, holiness, and sovereignty command our reverence and adoration.

2. Because of What He Has Done:

We praise God for His mighty acts and wonderful deeds. From creation to salvation, God’s works are awe-inspiring. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem us, and this ultimate act of love and sacrifice is a central reason for our praise.

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 19 - Sovereign Over All

Happy Sunday! Today, my heart is so full. I just want to scream and dance. Let's focus on the sovereignty of God on this 19th day of our #21DaysofPraise series. He is in control of all things, and His rule extends over EVERY aspect of our lives. Hallelujah!

Praise for His Sovereignty

Happy Sunday, happy family picture. Freshly taken today. 😊

Verse of the Day: Psalm 103:19

“The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.” — (NIV)

“Yahweh has established his throne in heaven; his kingdom rules over all.” — (TPT)

There are no limits to God’s rule. This is part of what it means to be God. He is sovereign over the whole world, and everything that happens in it. He is never helpless, never frustrated, never at a loss.

Sovereignty is all about God’s divine control over everything that happens. Nothing is outside the control of His loving hand—not the schemes of the wicked (even the plans of history’s most evil dictators), not natural disasters, not the workings of demons (or even Satan), and not even my own free will. Romans 8:28 tells us that all things work together for the good of God’s children, and verses 38-39 imply that nothing is beyond the control of God’s sovereign hand.

21 Days of Praise: Day 16 - United in Praise

Welcome to Day 16 of our #21DaysofPraise series! Today, we celebrate the gift of community and the blessing of Christian fellowship. God has designed us to live in community, to support and encourage one another in our faith journeys.

Praise for the Church & Christian Community

Lovely people.

I love the church. Like, I mean, genuinely love the church. I was one of those who missed attending physical church services during the compulsory lockdown to combat Covid-19 in 2020 (the gist is here). 

Verse of the Day: Hebrews 10:24-25

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” — (NIV)

“Discover creative ways to encourage others and to motivate them toward acts of compassion, doing beautiful works as expressions of love. This is not the time to pull away and neglect meeting together, as some have formed the habit of doing. In fact, we should come together even more frequently, eager to encourage and urge each other onward as we anticipate that day dawning.” — (TPT)

Today, I’m genuinely thankful for the church community that God has placed in my life.  

Each week during services, I look around and see people I love, people I’m proud to know as my church family. There are those who are always faithful and joyful – no matter what, and others whose faith has grown through hard times. I see beautiful children who were ‘miracle babies’, born with little chances for survival, but praise God they are still here and doing well! 

I see people who have overcome traumatic experiences, personal set-backs, financial hardhips, and broken relationships. Other people come with consistent hope that their spouse or other loved ones will come to know the Lord. Some have overcome cancer and other serious illnesses. Sadly, others are the survivors of those who did not receive physical healing here on earth, but received eternal spiritual healing instead. Lord, thank You for these people.

21 Days of Praise: Day 13 - Each New Season

Welcome to a brand new week! It’s Day 13 of our #21DaysofPraise series! Today, we praise God for new beginnings and the fresh starts that He grants us. In His infinite wisdom and love, God constantly opens doors for new opportunities and experiences in our lives.

Praise for New Beginnings

Each birthday is a celebration of a new beginning!

I am so grateful that we have a God who is always there to give us hope and encouragement, constantly offering us a fresh new day, week, year, and, most of all, a new life. We are so blessed to have a God that is a God of new beginnings.

Verse of the Day: Isaiah 43:18-19

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” — (NIV)

“Stop dwelling on the past. Don’t even remember these former things. I am doing something brand new, something unheard of. Even now it sprouts and grows and matures. Don’t you perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and open up flowing streams in the desert.” — (TPT)

Every day is a new beginning. You don’t have to look far to recognize new beginnings in day-to-day living. We recharge our phone, use the redo/undo an option on our device frequently, replace a broken plug to give an appliance a second life, retrace our steps to find a lost item, reconnect with a friend or family member, and rethink a question from a new perspective. We watch our bodies regenerate broken nails and bones, heal bruises and scar, and even regrow to fix that bad hair. 😉

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. 

21 Days of Praise: Day 8 - Standing on His Promises

Welcome to Day 8 of our #21DaysofPraise series! Today, we focus on the incredible promises of God. His promises are sure and steadfast, providing us with hope and assurance in every situation. 

Praise for God's Promises

This picture right here is a symbol of me standing on God’s promises. 

Verse of the Day: 2 Corinthians 1:20

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.” — (NIV)

“For all of God’s promises find their ‘yes’ of fulfillment in him. And as his ‘yes’ and our ‘amen’ ascend to God, we bring him glory!” — (TPT)

When I am feeling distant from Jesus, wondering if He truly cares, if He notices my dilemmas, the antidote is not sheer willful determination to have more faith. This only leads me to despairing guilt.

Instead, I turn to the truth of God’s promises. I fill my mind with the truth of all He’s promised me, and soon, that truth begins to create feelings of love, joy and hope in my heart.

As we meditate on God’s promises today, let’s be encouraged by the truth that His Word never fails. His promises are our anchor in the storms of life, and they provide us with hope, strength, and direction.

One particular promise that has always held me up is found in Jeremiah 29:11: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

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.

21 Days of Praise: Day 5 - The Blessing of Relationships

Today is so perfect. It’s 07/07. Happy perfect Sunday! Welcome to Day 5 of our #21DaysofPraise series. In the spirit of fellowship at church, let’s praise God for the people He has placed in our lives.

Praise for Family and Friends

This picture was taken today. Freshly after church. 🙂

Verses of the Day: Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” — (NIV)

I don’t know what my life would have been without the people in it. Life is already hard as it is. No matter how much faith we have, life is hard. We all need trustworthy people to walk by our sides through the ups and downs we face, celebrating our successes, showing compassion for our struggles, and encouraging us to keep going. True friends and supporting family can be hard to find, and if we’re blessed enough to have them, we should cherish and appreciate them as the gifts from God they are.

It is incredibly amazing how God brings people into my life just when I need them. My family and friends are truly one of His greatest gifts. They laugh with me in my joy, comfort me in my sorrow, and walk with me through seasons. Oh, Lord, thank You!

21 Days of Praise: Day 4 - His Restorative Healing

Welcome to Day 4 of our #21DaysofPraise series. Today, I am filled with gratitude as I reflect on God’s healing power.

Praise for Healing

Verse of the Day: Jeremiah 30:17

"But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord." (NIV)

"Yes, I will restore you to health. I will heal your wounds. I, Yahweh, declare it!" (TPT)

Whether it’s physical, emotional, or spiritual healing, God has shown His mercy and love through His restorative touch. He is the Great Physician, always ready to heal our wounds and renew our strength. 

There were plenty moments in my life when I felt broken (the stories are all on this blog) and in need of healing. During those times, God's presence brought me comfort and recovery. Like a doctor, He does a Heart Check on me. His healing power is not just limited to physical ailments but extends to our hearts and minds, bringing wholeness and peace.

I have experienced God’s restorative healing firsthand. Oh, my heart has been through so many surgeries and back. Glory to God! I have a special name I call God in those seasons; My Heart Keeper. God is always ready and willing to mend my heart each time the people I love hurt me. I just cry to Him, “Dear Heart Keeper…”

21 Days of Praise: Day 3 - His Faithful Provision

Welcome to Day 3 of our #21DaysofPraise series. Today, let’s focus on praising God for His faithful provision in our lives.

Praise for Provision 

Isn't it amazing how God meets our needs? Not just the big, obvious ones, but even the little things we sometimes overlook.

Verse of the Day: Philippians 4:19

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." (NIV)

“I am convinced that my God will fully satisfy every need you have, for I have seen the abundant riches of glory revealed to me through Jesus Christ!” (‭TPT‬‬)

God's provision comes in many forms—physical, emotional, spiritual, and more. Recognizing His hand in our daily lives helps us to remain thankful and trust in His constant care.

I remember a time when I was feeling incredibly lonely. It was a season where many of my close friends had moved away, and I felt isolated. I prayed for companionship and community. One day, I decided to accept an invitation to join a group for a tour on a whim. Little did I know, this group would become a source of deep friendships and support.

21 Days of Praise: Day 2 - The Gift of Salvation

Welcome to Day 2 of our #21DaysofPraise series! Today, we are focusing on the incredible gift of salvation that we have through Jesus Christ. 

Praise for Salvation

Verse of the Day: Ephesians 2:8

"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." (NIV) 

“For by grace you have been saved by faith. Nothing you did could ever earn this salvation, for it was the love gift from God that brought us to Christ!” (TPT)

Reflecting on the gift of salvation fills our hearts with gratitude. It's not something we could ever earn; it's a gift freely given by a loving God.

I remember the moment I truly understood the depth of God's grace. It was during a church service when the speaker spoke about how Jesus made her life anew. It was a vibrant speaker who came to the Teens' church at the time. She spoke passionately about how the sacrifice on the cross was for each of us individually. I was smitten – both by her delivery and her conviction. I felt a weight lift off my shoulders as I wholeheartedly accepted this truth and embraced the freedom and joy that come with salvation.

21 Days of Praise: Day 1 - In Awe of His Creation

Welcome to the first day of our #21DaysofPraise series! Over the next three weeks, we will journey together in praising God for His many blessings and attributes. Today, we begin by focusing on the beauty and majesty of God's creation.

Praise for Creation

Praising God for the beauty and majesty of His creation.

Verse of the Day: PsaIm 19:1

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."(NIV)

“God’s splendor is a tale that is told, written in the stars. Space itself speaks his story through the marvels of the heavens. His truth is on tour in the starry vault of the sky, showing his skill in creation’s craftsmanship.” (TPT) I love it!

As I look around at the world God has made, I am filled with awe and wonder. The intricate details of a flower, the beautiful colours on butterflies, the vastness of the night sky, the power of the ocean waves—all of these speak to the greatness of our Creator.

There is so much about basking in that awe. Such moments are precious. Like when I am at the beach. Ah! 

One of my most profound moments of worship happened during a walk on the mountains (a peep into our honeymoon). As I stood on a peak, looking out over the expanse of valleys and forests below, I was overwhelmed by the beauty of it all. In that moment, I couldn't help but lift my hands and praise God for His magnificent creation.

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. . .

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.

Righteousness Is A Gift

I woke up chanting these words, "righteousness is a gift. Righteousness is a gift". Righteousness is probably one of the most misunderstood words in the Christian fold and it should not be. Today, I am going to share with you something I have been blessed to receive.

The Free Gift Of Righteousness

There are times when I do things that I think are not pleasing to God or don't do things that I think should please God, I feel as though I lost my righteousness. I tend to fall into the temptation of condemning myself because I give room to the lies of the devil. But Praise God! The moment I believe God treats us as righteous apart from our works or obedience, my faith grows!

And this is what God wants you to use your faith for.

You are not righteous because of how morally upright you are. You are not righteous because you exercise self-control. You are not righteous because you read 10 chapters of the Bible daily. You are not righteous because you feel righteous. But you are the very righteousness of God in Christ solely because the sacrifice of Jesus made you so. It is grace.

Apostle Paul said, "I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!" (Galatians 2:21).

Last Sunday Of The Year. Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, sweethearts of my blogosphere. May the joy and happiness that come with the season never be far away from you and yours. You have made me smile and made my tears dry quickly. God bless you.

I have a little something for you.

What I Wore: Dramatic Lace Top

Hello sweeties! How are you doing? Enjoying the weekend? It's going to be long one. So rock it till the very end. :)

OK, here's What-I-Wore.

Dramatic Personality

This is the first time I'd be wearing this top, and I got so many compliments! Little did anyone know I got it for just N500 at Oshodi Bend-Down-A-Little Boutique. ^_^

17 Quotes That Inspire You To Be Grateful

Need a little inspiration to get you into the thinksgiving mode? Here are some quotes that might help . . .

Thanksgiving Quotes

- 1- 

"If you made a list of all the things you could be thankful for, the list would undoubtedly be longer than your misfortunes."

~ Catherine Pulsifer