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  • What God Requires of US - ALL. What God Requires of US - ALL...

    • From: piper02
    • Description:

       

      What God Requires of US - All:

       

      see “The Aquarian God News Gospel”, and “africanloft” and “Nigerian Village Square” articles and blogs etc by Donald Chalmers, aka "piper02" and "a piper too" respectively, etc.

       

      Like precious diamonds, sunken in the mud, the Truth of what God requires of each and every one of US, in our lives (through our own heart-felt thoughts, prayers, and, especially through the good works of our own eyes, ears, mouths and arms, and also our own hands and feet), can be found as hidden treasure, not only among the voluminous writings of our ancient ancestors, but also among the writings and filming of our modern day kin.

       

      The following foundational thoughts and ideas worthy of inclusion as “The Truth of what God requires of each and every one of US” have been sifted and extracted by me, one from the bottom of the heap, at great personal cost and effort, as I near the end of my long life (Three Score and Ten ?).

       

      It is my hope that my websites and collections (which are freely available via the internet to all who seek) will bear fruit – in the minds of younger others, as we reach new beginnings: as we understand what “Love of God” is all about. Here we have four thousand and more years of wisdom, encapsulated – the Manna, Nectar and Spirit of Heaven, served to your table, for your seam-less digestion.

       

      With “the slate wiped clean” of misunderstanding, humanity’s “Age of Heart-felt Reasoning” – the “Third Millennium” (the “Age of Aquarius”), may be approached “with Joy” for this “new birth”. Women (evangelists, even), no doubt, will be among the first to recognize the importance of this message, which springs once again with that “hope which springs eternal”. As it blossoms to bear good fruit, abundantly, for all.

       

      Along with women (with Queens among them), minorities and oppressed persons of difference, such as homosexuals and transgendered persons, albinos…, and the list goes on – and through to the most “alpha” of males – themselves also a minority within the dominant, will learn that “lovingly serving others” is an important part of “their” work, with Kings, also. For equality comes to us all at the end. No “ifs”; no “buts” !

       

      But to get back to “What God Requires of US”: the Rules of God are surprisingly simple. Yes, you may consider the “Ten Commandments” (see Exodus 20.1-17) as important guides for “yourselves”.

       

      But, it is more important to follow the lead of King Solomon the Wise, who advised us “Be kind, even to your animals” (see Proverbs 12.10, and the whole of the Old Testament Book of Ecclesiastes, which sums up his dying conclusions about “living well, with hope for the future”).

       

      Prophet Micah later had this precious gem to offer (see Micah 6.8):

       

      “God has told us what is good. What God requires of us is this: to do what is just, to show constant love, and to live in humble fellowship – with God.”

       

      The “Golden Rule of Love” was first mentioned in the 3rd Book of the Old Testament (see Leviticus 19.17-18):

       

      “Do not bear a grudge against anyone, but settle your differences, so that you will not commit a sin. Do not take revenge on anyone, or continue to hate, but love your neighbor as yourself.”

       

      This theme was recognized by Jesus as “fundamental” when he said (see John 13.34-35, and also John 15.12-17):

       

      “I give you a New Commandment: Love one another, as I have loved you. So, you must love one another: if you have love for one another, then everyone will know that you are my disciples…The greatest love a person can have for friends is to give up life for them…I call you friends because I have told you everything…This, then, is what I command you: Love one another.”

       

      Jesus is also reported to have been questioned by a teacher of The Law who asked “what should I do to receive eternal life ?” Jesus answered him by asking “what do the scriptures say ? How do you interpret them ? ” The man answered “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and, love your neighbour as you love yourself .” “You are right” Jesus replied. “Do this, and you will live” (see Luke 10.25-28). (Loving your neighbour as yourself IS Loving the Lord your God).

       

      This “loving” theme is recognized as important, and mentioned many times more, also in the New Testament, as I have mentioned many times before in my “africanloft” and “Nigerian Village Square” blogs etc.

       

      This “loving” principle was neatly summed up by Muhammad himself in his last sermon as:

       

      “Hurt no one, so that no one may hurt you”.

      The Golden Rule by any other name or form does smell as sweet !

       

      Scholars may quibble on requirements, but intention is everything: “There is no compulsion in religion” (Koran 2.256). That much is plain. We Live to Love. Love Lives, and progresses. Evil lives in reverse, and regresses, deflates, goes backwards, until finally, it is expelled along with the waste it is. Fit to be recycled.

       

      Anything less than love is not holy. Where we cannot love, our only duty is to respect and to do no harm. If we respect ourselves, we will respect others. Love gives, but is not restricted to a formula. It also receives, and everyone gains. Giving is receiving, also. This issue is at the heart of world sanity and peace.

       

      Absolutist claims of “exclusivity” and of the “inspired inerrant word” of God – are just that. Claims ! Belief.

       

      Unless belief is founded on Love of God, that belief is as nothing. That the Bible or other religious texts are – “The final authority in all matters” – can only “be” – “the final authority in all matters” through – our own and communally wise and loving thoughts, prayers, support and actions. These matters spring from the heart.

       

      Apostle Paul put it differently, as he proclaimed God’s message about Loving:

       

      “Our gifts of knowledge and of inspired messages are only partial; but when what is perfect comes, then what is partial will disappear.

       

      When I was a child, my speech, feelings, and thinking were all those of a child; now that I am a man, I have no more use for childish ways. What we see now is like a dim image in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. What I know now is only partial; then it will be complete – as complete as God’s knowledge of me (if I have no love, I am nothing)... (Any one who speaks against Love is nothing, nothing at all).

       

      Meanwhile, these three remain: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is Love. It is love, then that you should strive for. Set your hearts on spiritual gifts, especially the gift of proclaiming God’s Message… Truly, God is here among you !... So help, encourage and comfort… (see 1 Corinthians 13, and 14).”

       

      Righteousness is not about whether we face east or west when we pray (nor about the number of times we pray, or how we pray, but what we do lovingly from our minds eye with the work of our hands). Make no mistake. These messages have created for us “The Intricate Weaving of Something Beautiful” (see also www.wound-wisdom.tk etc):

       

      “We hold the future, we hold it in our hands: If we do not see God in All, then we do not see God, at all !”

       

      Speak of Goodness to people (K 2.83);There is no fault in you if you make mistakes, but only in what your hearts intended (Koran 33.5); Righteousness is not whether you face towards the East or the West (K 2.177); There is No Compulsion in Religion (K 2.256); Allah (God) is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful (Quran  9:5).

       

      Like precious diamonds, sunken in the mud, the Truth of what God requires of each and every one of US, in our lives (through our own heart-felt thoughts, prayers, and, especially through the good works of our own eyes, ears, mouths and arms, and also our own hands and feet), is now revealed to you from the hands of the ancients.

       

      Scholars may quibble, and nitpickers can nitpick for nits, but “good intention” is everything. That much is plain.

      There is a God, if we see the reflection of ourselves in “I am”. “I am” loves its reflection, however pale it may be.

       

      Some claim Albert Einstein (1879 - 1955), “nobody’s fool” we might think, had the following to say about what is important, whenever we debate these issues (the wise may ponder the “source”, but will ponder the issues raised):

       

      “If… your philosophical premise is flawed to start with… your conclusion must also be flawed. I say Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it. Cold is in reality the absence of heat. Darkness in reality is the absence of light. Light we can study but not darkness. There is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with life (God) . Evil does not exist…, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat, or the darkness that comes when there is no light. Evil is simply the absence of God.”

       

      I must first be something in and of myself to be worthy. Think !

      Think ! Love gives, but is not restricted by a formula. I love. I am “ I ”: “ i ” and “ Phi ”-

      The everlasting non repeating constant of beauty " Φ ". More than " One, Whole " !

       

      Φ  i  I    Intellectual growth should commence at birth and cease only at death.   I  i  Φ

       

      We are, God IS, I am, you are, they are, we are, all are, Φ . God is Love.

       

      There is no hate in love:Live Love. Kindly Action. Peace ! Amen !

      These are expressions of Universal Truths: Good News ! Living Well, Dogma Free !

      Let Freedom Ring !

       

       

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    • 3 days ago
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  • I Am "She" Also I Am "She" Also

    • From: piper02
    • Description:

      I am She - Woman, Female, Lady, Damsel, and - All that embodies the completion of male.

       

      Those who seek completeness always "hold the other", not with the idea of "you belong to me", but with the knowledge of what we have "inside" - through our own development, our own evolution, and what we can "give". This takes a lot of work and effort on our own part, but good work is worth it in the end, because "giving" is "receiving", however we might measure it.

       

      If you are "She", then I am "He", so that we may be "complete", opposite sides of the same gold coin. When "He" is "She" also, those persons of "minted difference" must look for "She/He's" as partners, so that this composite is united as "one" - because then, the whole coin is "golden", though and through, also.

       

      Any two golden coins of the same weight and calibre are counted as equal. No distinction is made between them, no matter where thy may have come from, or how they are composed. They have the same value.

       

      Here ends the lesson, and I thank my online africanloft friend "piedaterre" for inspiring me through her verse to "envision" (love), and to give it, also. Thanks be, to God ! 

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    • 3 days ago
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  • I am She..... I am She.....

    • From: piedaterre
    • Description:

      I am She
      My name is:
      Woman, Female
      Lady, Damsel
      All that embodies the completion of male
       
      I am She
      Color, shape and form
      Unique, every part of me
      Irreproducible, 'one of a kind'
       
      I am She
      Black, White
      Latte, mochaccino, cappuccino
      Every creamy delightful shade in between
       
      I am She
      Tireless worker
      Generous giver
      Faithful encourager
      Wholly encircling arms of love
       
      I am She
      Wife; Exquisite Lover
      Faithful Friend
      Mother; Formidable foe
      Fearless protector of all her domain
       
       
      I am She
      Gentle and Strong
      Graceful and Poised
      Girlish coquette
      The paradox of God’s creation
      A wonder, glorious to behold…….
       
      I am She
      Created by Genius
      Designed with style
      Junoesque, Statuesque
      Diva, duchess
      The embodiment of all feminine
       
      I am She
      The curve of my shoulders
      The sway of my hips
      The flow of my form
      Beautiful and altogether delightful
       
      I am She
      At sight of me you pause with pleasure
      My perfume wafting
      My texture pleasing
      My essence surrounding
      Inexplicable mystery…
       
      I am She
      Look at me learn me
      Touch me and feel me
      Do not be afraid to KNOW me
      I am She
      Forever destined to be
      Queen of your Heart
      For all of my time ....
       
       
      Mettabel
      © August 2010
       
      Proverbs 30:18-19
      "There are three things that are too amazing for me,  
      Four that I do not understand:
      The way of an eagle in the sky,  
      The way of a snake on a rock,  
      The way of a ship on the high seas,  
      And the way of a man with a maiden.....
      

    • Blog post
    • 4 days ago
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  • How will my heart go on ? How will my heart go on ?

    • From: piedaterre
    • Description:

      What to do  ?

      Where to go ?

      Oh how will my heart go on ?

      Truly I’ve loved and do still love…

      In futility though the heart be strong…

      Why? I ask.......

      To what end and purpose achieved?

      I cry inside all held within

      For no right have I to wail aloud

      Turmoil within, roiling and rolling

      Like labor pains this must surely end

      A baby born…. or arms left empty

      Belly of emotion once swollen

      With the promise of that to come

      Now collapsed, force of storm abated

      Nevertheless the womb has held a soul

      A life even now still lives on

      In tangibility or in the sphere of realms unseen

      A spiritely soul awhispering

       

      Glad I am that I love and am loved

      Though out of sync

      What was; Now is.....

      Perfectly attuned encapsulated beyond time

      Pockets of  happiness , discretely savored

      Giddy delight, silliness, joy,

      Passion, heights soaring

      Melancholic, inspirational,

      Deep pulling deep……

      But surely as the heart beats on

      The story of time

      It’s tale must tell

      To declare her, His …story

      I wait and tell my heart to wait….

      For that which for which it must

      A shadow I see now,

      Truly felt but elusive to touch

      Nebulous as mist in the new dawn

      Lifts to reveal a new day, a new  dream

      A new hope, A new love…..

      Made surer and stronger by that

      Which within still burns …..

    • Blog post
    • 1 week ago
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  • Listen..... Listen.....

    • From: piedaterre
    • Description:

      Listen, making sure to hear
      Hear again until understood
      What is understood to be done, do
      After you've done, wait.....
      While waiting, cogitate
      Through cogitation, deconstruct
      Then listen ......Again

    • Blog post
    • 1 week ago
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  • The Devil Made Me Do it. The Devil Made Me Do it.

    • From: Misi
    • Description:

      “The devil tempts believers, but he doesn’t make us sin.  Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed (James 1:14).” When we disobey God by sinning, let’s not shift the blame or justify our actions with the faulty “the devil made me do it” theology. 

       

      I have to apologize to Grace, I mean what I did was totally wrong and probably uncalled for.  I let my jealousy overpower me.  Didn’t I trust my wife will do the right thing?  No, no I just couldn’t control the fury that was building up inside of me.  Now see where my irrationality has gotten me – an upset wife with a bruised body.  Oh how am I going to patch things with her now?  I honestly didn’t mean to beat her like that, but I was just so angry seeing her talking and hugging Samson like that.  Right in front of me for that matter – Ha ah!  And so what if solider Samson just came back from Iraq after a year of deployment, does that justify the full frontage hug she gave him.  Anyway the fact still remains that I am her husband and she had no right to hug any other man like that, especially not one like Samson, single, handsome with a very nice physique.  If I didn’t curb the situation like that goodness knows where it would happen next.

       

      Ok, ok I admit I might have taken it an ounce too far, but I really couldn’t control myself.  There is no point crying over spilt milk now, the most important thing is that I need to beg for her forgiveness because I don’t want to lose her, I love her too much.  I just hope she’ll forgive me.  Oh boy I hope I haven’t blown it this time.

       

      Knock! Knock! Knock!  “Grace?  Grace, can I come in?” I said.

       

      “GO AWAY BAYO.  Leave me alone!”  Grace responses, sniffing and trying to hold back her tears.

       

      I walked into the room all the same.  “I am really really sorry Grace.  I-uh I didn’t mean to hit you like that. It was just th…”

       

      “Sorry? Bayo leave me alone!” Sniff sniff.

       

      “Grace, please I beg you in the name of God please forgive me.  It wasn’t me, it was the devil.  The devil made me do it.  I was so jealous and I just couldn’t bear seeing you hug Samson, and the devil kept telling me to stop you.”

       

      “Bayo enough! Stop with your lame ‘devil made me do it excuses’.  Spare me! Haba!  You do this – the devil made me do it, you do that – the devil made me do it.  Don’t you have a sense of right or wrong anymore?  A few months ago when I catch you with Mrs. Smith’s daughter – what’s-her-name-again – oh yeah Sara – you begged like a puppy and blamed it on the devil.  I let it slide and took you back.  Same thing last month when you spent all our savings on gambling you cried like a baby pleading and you claimed the devil made you do it.  Now this?  When are you going to start taking responsibility for your own actions?  Instead you blame it on the devil.  The devil is probably sick and tired of being blamed for your missteps.  I know I’m for sure tired of your lame excuses and I don’t want to hear them anymore.  Be a man and take responsibility for your actions.”

       

      “Why are you talking like this?  You know I love you and I wouldn’t want to deliberately hurt you.  I really tried to control my anger but the devil kept fueling my fury.  Sorry Grace, please forgive me.   I love you and I don’t want you to leave me!”

       

      I’m sure at some point in our life we’ve blamed the devil for one miscalculation or the other but if we were to be honest with ourselves – we’ll admit that even though the devil could have tempted us, we had a right to walk away from such but instead we chose to succumb to it.  Next time when we want to blame our blunders and sin on the devil, let’s remember that the blame really lies within!

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    • 1 week ago
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  • Naomi Campbell's Diamond Naomi Campbell's Diamond

    • From: MacMC
    • Description:

      Few weeks after Naomi Campbell's "dirty-looking stones" gaff at the Hague war trial of Charles Taylor, a London online game maker Blouzar has created a game called 24-Carat Campbell. The goal of the game is to throw blood diamonds at the supermodel's avatar. Check out the game: http://superfashionstars.com/24CaratCampbell

    • Blog post
    • 2 weeks ago
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  • Secondhand Forgiveness Secondhand Forgiveness

    • From: Misi
    • Description:

      Our Father, which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. Matthew 6:9-13 

       

      I don’t understand why Mommy Jacobs insists on meeting with me and Debo.  I have a lot more important things to do than spending time in Starbucks discussing a non-issue.  To make matters worse I don’t even like coffee - hissing.

       

      Anyway I really don’t understand why Mommy Jacobs wants to play peacemaker on a matter that is settled and buried.  Debo and I can never go back to being bffs again.  Don’t get me wrong I have forgiven Debo but I just don’t want to hang with her anymore and I’ve achieved that quite well for one year up until now.  I mean it’s not like we don’t talk, I mumble the occasional “hi” in response to her greetings only when we’re in church so people wouldn’t think am not a good Christian.  I don’t hate her neither am I trying to be difficult or anything but the truth of the matter is Debo and I is a done deal and no matter how many times she has begged me or how many reconciliation/intervention meetings people organize, the fact is she broke the golden rule of silence and that can never be forgotten.

       

      Um Debo, Debo, Debo, it would be really weird, in fact awkward revisiting our differences again after many waters have passed under the bridge.  I still remember how I met Debo it was on my first visit to church and I didn’t know anyone but my auntie that brought me.  While I was hovering around Debo came to my rescue by saying hello, we struck it off immediately.  We exchanged numbers and the rest was history.   And until she betrayed me, we were inseparable because it was priceless finding someone in Minnesota that shared similar backgrounds with me and connect – wow it was impossi-cant made possi-can!  We did everything together in fact we practically lived in the same house (laugh) same house!  We were so close that some people actually thought we were sisters.  Sisters sha!

       

      Sisters would never betray each other like Debo betrayed me!  I can’t believe that she divulged my secret about dating a married man in church to a third party.  Auntie Soly – for that matter.  How could she?  Yeah, yeah yeah she told me to stop and I didn’t listen but that didn’t justify her going to blurt my secret to someone else.  Fine, am close to Auntie Soly but she’s spiry and she didn’t understand my motive that nutin’ nutin’ and I was just using the guy for his money.  Anyhoo after being scolded by Auntie Soly, I went straight to Debo to confront her about it and all she could offer me was,

      “Sorry, it was for your own good.  I was only trying to help you see reason that what you were doing was not right.”   Reason my foot, Holy Debo – wateva – talk to the hands.

       

      Oh am there already.  There they are, waiting anxiously to bring us together so we can all live happily ever after – yeah right.  I’m determined to make this meeting like every other – painless and short!  Here goes, switch on the cute face – and in my sweet voice I will say to Mommy Jacobs “Ah Mommy, I totally don’t have any beef with Debo, she is still my darling sister but we’ve both been so busy lately.  Debo dear, I’ll call you next week so we can hang out.”  And then do the “hug thing” and get on my way.

       

      So who is the Debo in your life?

    • Blog post
    • 3 weeks ago
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  • Fantasia's Suicide Attempt Fantasia's Suicide Attempt

    • From: Misi
    • Description:

      FantasiaLOS ANGELES: American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino has been hospitalized after attempting to commit suicide by overdosing on sleeping pills and aspirin.

      The overdose came after the 26-year-old was named in a divorce petition following an 11-month relationship with a married man and the US police are treating the incident as an "attempted suicide".

      The multiple Grammy winner was found slumped in her closet at home in North Carolina but is stable now, reported TMZ.

      "She was overwhelmed with the lawsuit and the media attention. Fantasia is stable now. She will be released from the hospital soon," said her spokesperson.

      Paula Cook alleged that Fantasia's relationship with her husband Antwaun ended her marriage, claiming she had intimate video footage of the two together.

      Fantasia had denied parts of Cook's allegations, saying she was not responsible for ending the marriage.

      After photos emerged of her with Cook, her spokesman Brian Dickens said Fantasia was "heartbroken and is sorry for any pain she may have caused".

      "Fantasia believed Mr Cook when he told her he was not happy in his marriage and his heart was not in it. She believed him when he told her he and Mrs Cook separated in the late summer of 2009. She believed Mr Cook when he told her he lived elsewhere," her spokesperson had clarified.

      Fantasia was the winner of the third season of American Idol, in which Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson came seventh.

      Fantasia was a single mother when she found fame on Idol, having given birth to her daughter Zion when she was just 16.

      Her upbringing in North Carolina was tough; she dropped out of school as a teen after being raped by a classmate, leaving her "functionally illiterate".



      Read more: 'American Idol' Fantasia hospitalized after suicide attempt - US - World - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/American-Idol-Fantasia-hospitalized-after-suicide-attempt-/articleshow/6292696.cms#ixzz0wKd4DgSy

    • Blog post
    • 3 weeks ago
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  • Black African Couple Give Birt Black African Couple Give Birth to White Baby

    • From: Misi
    • Description:

      White BabyThis is the black couple who have amazed medical experts after their baby daughter was born with white skin, blue eyes and blonde hair.

      Benjamin and Angela Ihegboro's daughter, Nmachi, has flummoxed genetic experts who are unable to explain why she looks they way she does.  Doctors say the white-skinned newborn is not an albino.  The blonde, blue-eyed girl's Nigerian parents say they don't know of any white ancestry in either of their families.  The British couple are both of Igbo Nigerian origin and have dark skin.

      Father Ben Ihegboro, 44, a customer services adviser, admitted that when he saw the baby he exclaimed 'What the flip?' before joking: 'Is she mine?'

       

      Doctors at Queen Mary hospital in Sidcup insist that Nmachi - whose name means 'beauty of God' in the couple's native Igbo language - is not an albino.

      Her stunned parents, who already have two black children, just 'sat and stared' at their white baby when she arrived, they told the Sun last night.  'We both just sat there after the birth staring at her,' said Mr Ihegboro.  Mum Angela said: 'She is beautiful, a miracle baby.'  Despite jokingly asking whether he was the father, Mr Ihegboro said: 'Of course she is mine.  'My wife is true to me. Even if she hadn't been, the baby wouldn't have looked like that!'

       

      Pale skin genes can skip generations but neither Ben nor Angela Ihegboro - who only moved to Britain five years ago - know of any white heritage in either of their families.  'She doesn't look like an albino child anyway,' Mr Ihegboro said.

      'Not like the ones I have seen back in Nigeria or in books. She just looks like a healthy white baby.  'My mum is a black Nigerian although she has a bit fairer skin than mine. But we don't know of any white ancestry.  'We wondered if it was a genetic twist. But even then, what is with the long curly blonde hair.'

       

      The couple also have an older daughter, Dumebi, two, and a son, Chisom, four.

      Mr Ihegboro said the couple's son was even more confused than them.  He added: 'Our boy keeps coming to look at his sister and sits down looking puzzled.

      'We are a black family. Suddenly he has a white sister.  'But all that matters is that she is healthy and that we love her.'  Skin colour is believed to be determined by up to seven different genes working together.  If a woman is of mixed race, her eggs will usually contain a mixture of genes coding for both black and white skin. Similarly, a man of mixed race will have a variety of different genes in his sperm.

      When these eggs and sperm come together, they will create a baby of mixed race.

      But, very occasionally, the egg or sperm might contain genes coding for one skin colour.

       

      If both the egg and sperm contain all white genes, the baby will be white. And if both contain just the versions necessary for black skin, the baby will be black.

      In 2006 a British mixed race couple gave birth to twin girls, one of whom was white and the other black.  Both Kylie and her partner Remi Horder, 17, are of mixed race. Their mothers are both white and their fathers are black.  But the chances of the twin girls having completely different skin colours was one in a million.  According to the Multiple Births Foundation, baby Kian must have inherited the black genes from both sides of the family, whilst Remee inherited the white ones.

    • Blog post
    • 2 months ago
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  • Arms of Fellowship Arms of Fellowship

    • From: Misi
    • Description:

      Arms of Fellowship

       

      “Dear Lord, You welcomed us into Your kingdom, not because of who we are but because of who You are – our loving and merciful God.  Help us to open our arms of fellowship to all who enter in, Amen.”

       

      “I am so excited we are planning this party for Bose.  She really does deserve to have huge, talk of the town parri (party),” said Lola.

      “Me too,” responded Tayo.

      “Can you just imagine Bose’s face when she walks into the room full of people?”

      “I know she will be dumbfounded, I just hope my friend doesn’t cry sha.  Anyway let’s get down to organizing this party jare because I can’t stay much today.  Service went on a bit longer than expected and I have to go and get ready for work – you know am on night duty.  How far with the invites?”

      “Well so far, we have Mrs. Simi Ologbo, Mrs. Taye Bolade, Mrs. Yemisi Williams.  We need to beef up the list though.  We some classy people and so popular people too.  Can you think of anyone else?”

      “What about Mrs. Chukwu?” says Tayo

      “Mrs. who?  Oh that Igbo woman.  I beg I beg I beg please no omo una at the parri.”

      “Yeah that’s true, I keep forget she is igbo because she speaks Yoruba so well.  Anyhoo she is not in our parapo (clique), so why invite her.  Besides she properly doesn’t want to hang with us igbati igbati people (Yoruba people) anyway.”

       

      Kehinde walks over to Lola and Tayo where they are busy planning Bose’s party.

      “Hi, Sister Lola and Sister Tayo.  How are you doing today?” says Kehinde.

      “Hi Kehinde, we’re fine,” Tayo and Lola jointly responding to Kehinde’s greeting with a air of not wanting to be disturbed.

      “Have you seen Taye please?” Kehinde asks.

      “I think I saw Sister Taye talking to the youth Pastor over there a few minutes ago.”  Lola answers.

      “Oh ok, I will check her there, thank you.” Kehinde.

       

      Once Kehinde is out of ear shot Tayo and Lola continue what they were doing.

      “Since we are inviting Taye, do you think we should invite her twin Kehinde too?” Lola.

      “Nah, this parri is only for married people.” Tayo.

      “I guess she is off the list then.  Oh oh I almost forgot, we have to invite Mrs. Bode.” Lola.

      “Yes oh.  That woman can bath (dress well).  Did you see what she wore to church today – gorgeous or what.  Everything she wears are always very expensive.  I’m sure from her head to toe was designer.  That’s my kind of person”  Tayo.

      “Those are the type of people we need at the party to grace the occasion, classy – de crème de la crème of society” Lola

      “Yes o.  Minnesota go take that we’re not easy party planners.” Tayo.

      “Are we still going to buy that $500.00 Rodo shoe and bag together?” Lola.

      “Yes oh, I’ll have to work double shift, but no worries His Grace is sufficient for me,” Tayo

      “Ta-you-so - ore mi atata (my dear friend)! I trust”.  Lola.

       

      This might not be you but are your arms of fellowship open or closed?

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    • 2 months ago
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  • The Law of Doing Good The Law of Doing Good

    • From: Nairababe
    • Description:

      One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches!

      The driver of the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us.  My taxi driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean he was really friendly. So I asked,"Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined your car and sent us to the hospital!"

      This is when my taxi driver taught me what I now call, "The Law of Doing good"  He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just smile, wave, wish them well, and move on.  Don't take their garbage and spread it to other people at work, at home, or anywhere you go.
      The bottom line is that God fearing people do not let other's frustrations take over their day.  Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets, so...Love the people who treat you right.  Pray for the ones who don't.  Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!

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    • 2 months ago
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  • Nollywood Actress Toun Oni Die Nollywood Actress Toun Oni Dies at 68

    • From: Misi
    • Description:

      Star actress Toun Oni is dead. NFC learnt that the Oni died yesterday after a brief illness.

      Reports quoted her son as saying that she died on her way to the hospital.

      “She complained about not feeling too well last night and then this morning (yesterday) she felt very weak so we had to rush her to the St. Paul’s Hospital, Ebute-Metta, but she passed away before we arrived there,” her son, Toyin Oni, told a daily newspaper published today.

      “We were rushing her to the hospital from our Ajah home,” he added.

      According to reports, the body of the late actress has been taken to St. Paul’s Hospital morgue. Funeral arrangements are currently being made by the family at the family house, 66a Brick Field Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos.

      Stars in the Nigerian movie industry, Nollywood, described the death of Toun this morning as an unfortunate incident that could happen to a developing industry like Nollywood.

      The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, Segun Arinze, described the demise of the popular actress as a sad development.

      “The news came as a big shock to me and it is quite painful. I spoke with her son and he told me that she died after complaining of headache. Toun Oni is not just one of the most talented actresses we had, she was a role model to many people,” Arinze said, adding that AGN will make plans to immortalise her.

      Also speaking with NFC, the Chairman, Board of Trustees, AGN, Prince Ifeanyi Dike, said “the make-believe industry will miss this down-to-earth and jovial actress.”

      The producer of Fuji House of Commotion, Amaka Igwe said that though she has heard about the death of the star actress, she is yet to confirm from the family.

      Bankky Adeoye, a top movie producer confirmed the death and said that she will be missed by all.

      The late Toun Oni, 68, made her debut in acting with a stage drama titled Be Mighty, Be Mine, written by the late Wale Ogunyemi.

      An outstanding role model to a lot of upcoming actresses, she featured more in soap operas than movies and her most prominent soap is Fuji House of Commotion, a production of Amaka Igwe.

      Toun Oni’s career dates back to the 70s and though not one of the biggest stars around financially, she was undoubtedly a respected figure in the Industry.

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    • 2 months ago
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  • DR. BUKOLA SARAKI - KWARA EXPL DR. BUKOLA SARAKI - KWARA EXPLORES POWER GENERATION FROM WASTE

    • From: kola_yusuf
    • Description:

      The area of power is one in which Dr. Bukola Saraki has scored unrivalled success in his period in office. Most remarkable has been the completion and commissioning of the Ganmo Power Substation. This was initially a National Independent Power Project of the Federal Government. However, it was abandoned due to a shortfall of funds. The project was adopted by the Kwara State Government under Dr. Bukola Saraki despite the huge cost involved and the limited financial resources of the state. The power substation was commissioned on July 27, 2009 by late President Umaru Musa Yaradua. With the completion of the power substation, Kwara is now one of the few states with 330KVA lines, meaning that the state gets its electricity directly from the generation centre rather than the secondary distribution centre.

      The decision to adopt the power project was not a difficult one for the administration of Dr. Bukola Saraki to make, since from the onset he had made the provision of physical infrastructure necessary to promote private investment a priority. The commencement of operation of the power substation has greatly improved electricity supply to residential and industrial locations within the state. With the completion of the power substation, attention has now turned to distribution and transmission. 6 additional injection substations have now been built or are being built to improve the distribution of electricity. The state has also invested heavily in the installation of transformers statewide. There is a very strong rural electrification program in Kwara State, and recently the state has begun looking into possible use of mobile power plants.

      Power House Energy Africa has begun talks with the Kwara State Government on the possible use of power generated from industrial and household waste. The company was recently in Kwara State to demonstrate its technology, which is environment friendly. The technology uses a promex ultra-high gassification process. The process does not involve burning, and uses an induction system similar to microwave technology. This is taking place less than one year after the activation of the Ganmo Power Station. The nation and other states definitely have a lot to learn from the administration of Dr. Bukola Saraki on in the area of power, agriculture, education, health, and civil service reforms. Without doubt, he is one of the most successful governors in the area of power within the country.

       

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    • 3 months ago
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  • Mother, husband and children; Mother, husband and children; who comes first?!

    • From: Ernie
    • Description:

      I recently overheared  three African ladies in London chatting away gleefully. I clearly heared one saying ' you should love your husband more than your children'. I was stattled by such a statement comming from  females, if not already  mothers then  mothers-to-be.

      For the several days afterwards, I found myself grappling with this logic. It still does not make sence. Can a mother, or should a mother love her husband more than her children.How really should her emotional interests be ranked according to priorities. I have weighed this topic in the light morality and commonsence and still came out in 6's and 7's.

      We often hear in the course of divorce proceedings; the interest of the children comes first. But with this dialogue from mordern-day females I wonder what informs such interests. I am no bible basher and neither a theologian but where does the bible stand on this or any other religion for that matter.

      It should by now be obvious to all reading this; I need help and urgently too because this offends everything I understand, stand for morally and religiously and might I add commonsencically.

      This subject matter is officially OPEN to all:Lets hear your side of the debate  

    • Blog post
    • 3 months ago
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  • My To 'be' list...... My To 'be' list......

    • From: piedaterre
    • Description:

      DSCN0547 - Version 2.jpg

      This is a true account .... so help me GOD ! I was browsing on the net the other day I saw a slammin' pair of summer sandals that had me salivating on the spot ! I immediately clicked on it.....(ladies you know how this can be).....and behold it was sold out in my size! I went to the home site for that store sure that it would be available, but no go.....Amazon....nada, Zappos.....zippo, Shoebuy.....none to buy, Endless....the supply was size 9-less.....I went back to the original site and considered ordering the next size down, but something curious happened at that time.....The Spirit of God impressed it on my heart to go to their brand store located in a nearby mall the next day, and told me that there, I would find the shoes in my size......I gave it mental assent but I actually really forgot about it until through a series of unrelated events, (serendipitous I would call it), I was going to be eating at a restaurant close to that mall with a friend.... and just as we were about to leave the Lord reminded me again..... The Mall of America ....... this was really off the beaten path for me but since I was going to be in the area, I begged my friend to allow me to go to the store before going to the restaurant.....This is the scene that unfolded...... Hi....I'm looking for a pair of sandals you guys had on line.....and I described the sandals.....Ohhhh she said.... we're sold out.... they were really popular ...... I know....I said the only size left on line in any kind of quantity is size 5.... I was about to leave the store when another saleslady said WAIT! what size would you like? well a size 9 I said ( one of the most common sizes, again as the ladies would know) and she saaiiid.....a lady just returned these shoes in size 9, about an hour ago....she had bought them online and returned them to the store ! I was struck speechless, then went 'jibber-jabbery' telling the sales lady how I came to be at that spot at that time.....WOW ! she said GOD told you you'd find the shoes here? Yes I said my face almost splitting.... that's how hard I was smiling..... You see God had reserved that last of a pair for ME ! I did take my shoes home with me that night, elated not only because I had gotten the shoes but because GOD had reserved them for me..... You see people ... in my shopping life, this is not a strange occurrence... it happens quite frequently and a dear friend of mine always teases me that I'm the only one she knows who says that the Spirit led her to score a deal.... so she said Pero what does this tell you about things you've asked for that have seemingly not manifested in the physical.... we had the conversation that led to me meditating and coming up with the " To 'be' list" below which is my list of how to 'be' while we're waiting for the manifestation of what He has done... Y'all knows I's gotta make it 'spirchoul'.....so here goes: My To 'be' list: 1) Be Specific: Tell God exactly what you want and don't make Him have to do a daily crossword puzzle on your requests.... Dig deep into His word and your heart and tell Him what you want..... 2) Be Bold: Set your sights high and do so without apology....Our God is able to 'do' exceedingly, abundantly above.... 3) Be Expectant: For though it tarries, it will yet come, for it is for an appointed time... 4) Be Thankful: Knowing that He is faithful to do what he has promised.... 5) Be Hopeful: For hope maketh not ashamed, don't be discouraged... 6) Be Steadfast: Immoveable always abounding in the work of the Lord and keeping your profession of faith for surely you WILL receive the promise... 7) Be Vigilant: To check on your progress and your position.....Examine yourself and see whether thou still be in the faith..... activate your 'spirchoul' GPS..... 8) Be Watchful: To see and hear what He will say to you, Guard your heart with all diligence.... (we all need this!) 9) Be Discerning: To recognize when when your desire is manifested, and your blessing revealed..... 10) Be a Witness: To testify of the Lord's goodness when the promise is fulfilled, open up your hand and bless another..... I share my To 'be' list with you today so that it may be a blessing, just as I was blessed.... Thanks Ree..... Mettabel PS this is for the guys too cos y'all know that you sometimes shop more than we do... lol.... God Bless...

    • Blog post
    • 4 months ago
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  • My prayer aujourd'hui... Enged My prayer aujourd'hui... Engedi

    • From: piedaterre
    • Description:

      Lord this is my prayer today:
      Expand my vision
      Deepen my understanding
      Prune my thoughts
      Breathe life into my dreams
      Extend my circle of influence
      My ability to source out all things good

      Cause me to be fruitful and productive
      In all that I lay my hands to 'do'
      Give me the power to 'be'
      In the fullness of all I was created for
      Direct my paths
      Order my steps
      Make of me the hand
      That lifts to uphold
      That opens to loose the hold of poverty and lack

      My heart let overflow
      With streams of liveliness and love
      Let ripples of laughter ricochet off my walls
      The joyful squeals of children from my halls
      Let me be a source of joy to my beloved
      Inspiring songs of praise to the most Beloved

      Let the dawn of each day
      Bring with it rays of hope that lightens
      Every crevice of discouragement and despair
      Let the Sun of Righteousness arise
      With healing in His wings
      Causing elation to soar within
      On wings of the Wind

      Let the slideshow of my past
      Reflect images of time well spent
      Not of places to revisit
      But a set point, a rear view image
      A reference point ...Engedi
      To set course for the future
      New vistas conquered


      Let satisfaction and rest be my endpoint
      The breath that sighs
      Deep calling to deep

      When you say
      Well done.....


      Mettabel


      Footnote:
      Engedi - En Gedi, sometimes spelled Ein Gedi, meaning "The Spring of the Goat", is a town on the west side of the Dead Sea in Israel. En Gedi is the place where David fled from King Saul. It is a place where four fresh water springs erupt from the desert wall and create an oasis of fertile ground for plants and animals. En Gedi has long been used as a place where desert travelers could come and rest, regain their strength, then move back out into the desert.

    • Blog post
    • 4 months ago
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  • I'm a girl and I like it ! I'm a girl and I like it !

    • From: piedaterre
    • Description:

      I'm a girl and I like it !
      I was created female
      Carved out and sculpted
      A brilliant work of art
      My depths and contours
      Shadowing the mystery within
      My hills and valleys a delight to behold

      I'm a girl and I like it !
      Prepared and hidden away for a season
      Incubated in the master's kitchen
      Poured into my mould
      Baked to perfection
      Not a dimple in sight

      I am a girl and I like it !
      Brought by divine serendipity
      To the one from whom I was cleaved
      Instinctively recognized and bonded
      Flesh of my flesh
      Bone of my bone
      Standing completed, yet still my own

      I'm a girl and I love it !

      Mettabel

       

      DSCN0422.JPG

    • Blog post
    • 4 months ago
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  • What's in a name ??? What's in a name ???

    • From: piedaterre
    • Description:

       

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      DESTINY, PURPOSE, PROSPERITY.... elements and a state to which we all want to attain, but few of us have satisfied ourselves that we have gotten to... This state though we all struggle daily to get 'there', cannot truly be apprehended, I'm discovering, until we come to the end of 'ourselves', or be made to 'lean' - like Jacob did, after struggling with God... when we come to a place where we give up and surrender, crying out to God that we will not let Him go until he blesses us.

       

      Much like Jacob (whose hip had been put out by the angel at that time) we must realize that we cannot 'prevail' in our own 'natural' strength - for Jacob could not have the physical agility that he once had with a dislocated hip could he ?  AT THIS POINT Jacob was changed physically and brought to a place where he either had to lean on the new name that God had given him and what God now called him, or spend the rest of his days limping through life trying to 'make it' using his old supplanting tricks... He had gotten to the bottom of his 'trick hat'.

       

      THIS is the place we must come to so that God can change us and call us by a new name...forever setting the seal on His promises concerning us. AT THIS POINT something must be taken away by God but this is not to disable us, but to serve as 'break point' so that we always have a reminder that WE CANNOT GO BACK.... Jacob limped for the rest of his life, but till this day HE LEGACY is unbroken.... The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob ...

       

       

      This is not peculiar to Jacob alone, and even in our world today, people are still given names that give meaning to circumstances surrounding their births or hope for their future.

       

       

      Let's take a look at some of the name changes in the scriptures, we will note that when these name changes occurred, flawed men and women, who held on to God after they had 'come to the end of themselves', rose up to the status of the destinies they were called unto, and their lives were forever changed.....To name a few,

       

       

      ABRAM (Exalted father - a self aggrandizing title) TO ABRAHAM (Father of many nations -The 'h' - 'I am' i.e. "Yhwh" element was added)

       

       

      SARAI (Woman of power - self sufficiency) TO SARAH (Princess - from 'I' to 'ah' which depicts breath of God - the 'Ruach' or the "Yhwh" element added - God sufficiency) Interestingly this name occurred after Sarai had given her maid Hagar to Abraham to bear a child with disastrous consequences - Her own attempt at 'playing God'

       

       

      JACOB (supplanter, cheat) TO ISRAEL (Prince)

       

       

      SIMON (to hear, to be heard; reputation depicting a boaster, impulsive) TO PETER (Rock, Solid, dependable)

       

       

      SAUL (One that was prayed for - mortal savior) TO PAUL (the little one - through whom God did great things). Little wonder that Paul wrote that God has chosen the foolish things of this world, to confound the wisdom of the wise.

       

       

      LO AMMI or LO RUHAMAH (Not my loved one) TO AMMI or RUHAMAH (You are my people) - note the Lo: meaning without the ‘H’, which depicts the breath of God, the 'Yhwh' element...

       

       

      Sometimes the world will try to change the name that God has given us, or even rename us - usually in a demeaning way, but also sometimes in a self-inflating way.... we must not be sucked into these 'ego building' or 'soul bashing' labels, no matter how benign they sound because these are underhanded attempts to deceive us into conforming to a 'self-promoting' or 'self-pitying' agenda designed to abort our destinies, but let us, like DANIEL (God is my Judge) who was called BELTESHAZZAR ("Bel's prince"), by the Babylonian eunuchs, Bel being one their heathen Gods and JOSEPH (May Jehovah add or increase) whose name was changed by Pharaoh to ZAPHNATH-PAANEAH (Revealer of secrets or Savior of the land), refuse to be called by any other name than that which HE has called us...

       

       

      The thought may come to mind... 'So how will I get to know this name that he has called me by?' let me assure you He WILL speak to your heart if you quieten yourself and LISTEN to the voice within and even if there is a dearth of God's Word in the land as it was in the time of Samuel, He WILL continue to call you, no matter how many times it takes (with Samuel it was the third time) until you are able to say 'Speak Lord for thy servant heareth' and He WILL speak and you will hear... Shhhhh.......

       

       

       

      ...And upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it....

       

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    • 5 months ago
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  • Notre Dame's first black valed Notre Dame's first black valedictorian

    • From: Misi
    • Description:
       

      First Black Notre Dame Valedictorian(WBBM) -- History is being made at the University of Notre Dame this spring.

      In the 161 years the University of Notre Dame has been awarding degrees, never had there been an African-American as valedictorian.  Until this year.

      She’s Katie Washington of Gary, Indiana.  She carries a 4.0 GPA majoring in biology and minoring in Catholic social teaching.

      According to the Northwest Indiana Times, Washington plans to continue her studies at Johns Hopkins University       and follow in her father’s footsteps into medicine.

      Washington says she’s humbled by the honor of being named valedictorian.  

      More information from Notre Dame University:

      Katie Washington, a biological sciences major from Gary, Ind., has been named valedictorian of the 2010 University of Notre Dame graduating class and will present the valedictory address during Commencement exercises May 16 (Sunday) in Notre Dame stadium.

      Washington, who earned a 4.0 grade point average, has a minor in Catholic Social Teaching. She has conducted research on lung cancer at the Cold Spring Harbor labs and performed genetic studies in the University’s Eck Institute for Global Health on the mosquito that carries dengue and yellow fever. She is the co-author of a research paper with David Severson, professor of biological sciences.

      Washington directs the Voices of Faith Gospel Choir at Notre Dame, is a mentor/tutor for the Sister-to-Sister program at South Bend’s Washington High School and serves as the student coordinator of the Center for Social Concerns’ “Lives in the Balance: Youth Violence and Society Seminar.”

      Upon graduation, Washington plans to pursue a joint M.D./Ph.D program at Johns Hopkins University.

    • Blog post
    • 5 months ago
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