BE INSPIRED AND HEALTHY

THRIVING IN TOUGH CIRCUMSTANCES

2015-01-12T06:21:00.000-08:00

"He grew up...like a root out of dry ground." Isaiah 53:2

Isaiah points out that Jesus sprang up "like a root out of dry ground." Talk about tough circumstances! God dressed up in a man's body, living among those who wanted to kill him simply because He wanted to save them. He left Heaven - which we are hard-pressed to even imagine - to enter earth, a hostile environment filled with betrayers and religious stiff-necks, to go toe-to-toe with the devil. So, He pulled away a lot. What a consecrated, set-apart life He had to live in order to survive among His own who despised, rejected and finally crucified Him. He spent much time in prayer and came back from those visits with His Father encouraged and empowered. Jesus always kept one thing in mind: He came to do His Father's will. Just that! And He said that as the Father had sent Him, "So send I you" [John 20:21]. So, we too should keep God's will in mind at all times as we endeavor to survive our struggles.

We need to remember that He sent us, and that we have a job to do. When we know that we are not our own, that our well-being and identity are not dependent upon the recognition of others, we can experience a level of peace, joy and contentment even in the toughest circumstances. When we know that God appreciates us we can have a healthy self-esteem, not a weak dependent ego that constantly needs propping up like a loose character brings God's blessing. "For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance" [Matthew 25:29].

HOW DO YOU HANDLE INTERRUPTIONS?

2015-01-04T22:25:00.000-08:00

"Laying his hands on each one, he healed them." Luke 4:40

When someone interrupts your task at hand for the sake of conversation, how do you react? If you relax and converse until the chat has natural closure, you are people oriented. If you squirm your way out with a bombardment of verbal and nonverbal clues, you are task oriented.

Jesus spent more time with people than in any other action. Though He did only 3-1/2 years to train 12 men to change the world, He spent most of His time meeting needs, helping people amid the unbearable pressure to perform tasks - and that is the model He left us. At the end of one of His busiest days it is recorded that, "When the sun was setting, the people brought to Jesus all who had various kinds of sickness, and laying His hands on each one, he healed them." What is ministry all about? People or production?

Obviously much of our paperwork and production is aimed at helping people. But often there is precious little time or energy left for the people - because we are exhausted accomplishing all those tasks! Whether we like to admit it or not, paperwork, deadlines and crowded day-timers often preoccupy us and create a barrier between us and the opportunity of connecting with people and meeting their needs.

RULES OR RELATIONSHIP

2014-12-28T22:18:00.000-08:00

"Not that we are adequate in ourselves". 2 Corinthians 3:5

Have you ever watched someone walking a dog on a lead, when the dog does not want to go where its owner is going? The owner is constantly tugging on the lead, pulling the dog from here and there, telling it to "stop that" and "come back here." That is the way a lot of us live. We are on a "law lead". Our lives consist of "Stop that; come back here; do not do that." Only it is in terms of "Read your Bible; pray; go to church; pay your tithes; witness." Now, there are certainly the things we should be doing, but God never meant us to do them at the end of a lead. What a difference when you see a dog and its owner that have a strong relationship. The dog does not need a lead to go for a walk. Its owner can just speak a word and the dog responds. Now, we are not comparing ourselves to dogs, we are comparing performance-based Christian living to relationship-based Christian living. Big, big difference!

Paul writes: "Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. "When God redeemed you, He wrote His law in your heart and mind [Hebrews 10:16]. That means He wants to relate to you from the inside. You should not need an external system rules to "keep you in line," because you have internalized God's Word and you have a desire to obey and please Him from your heart.

PRACTICE COURTESY

2014-01-09T00:32:00.000-08:00

"Be Courteous...That You May Inherit A Blessing." 1 Peter 3:9

Common courtesy is becoming less common every day. And that is not good, because the Bible says, "Be courteous...that you may inherit a blessing." Sometimes, we are not sure how to go about pleasing God. Preachers have made it complicated: a series of long-drawn-out, deeply painful acts designed to appease a God who delights in making us squirm. The prophet Micah simplifies it: "What does the Lord require of you...to love kindness" [Micah 6:8]. Could language be clearer? Here are ten 'not-so-common' courtesies you should work on every day, and teach your children. After all, if they do not learn common courtesy from you, where are they going to learn it?

Go out of your way to speak to people. "Pleasant words are...healing' [Proverbs 16:24].
Try to remember their names. It shows you value them.
Smile; it increases your 'face value'.
Be friendly and helpful. If you do, people will return it [Proverbs 16:24].
Show genuine interest. You can find something good in almost anybody, if you try [Philippians 4:8].
Be generous with your praise and cautious with your criticism.
Be slow to judge. There are three sides to every story; your side, their side, and the right side.
Instead of 'using' others, serve them: 'By love serve one another' [Galatians 5:13].
Start trusting people. It builds lasting relationships.
Be humble. Oswald Chambers said, "When a saint becomes conscious of being a saint, something has gone wrong."

Courtesy does two things:

It speaks well of your parents. Jesus said, "Live so that people will...praise your Father" [Matthew 5:16].
It determines your level of blessing. "Be courteous...that you may inherit a blessing."

WATCH WHAT YOU SAY

2014-01-06T01:02:00.001-08:00

"Stephanas, Fortunatas and Achaicus...have been a wonderful encouragement to me." 1 Corinthians 16:17 - 18

Most of us have no idea how much other people's emotions, self esteem and hopes are influenced by what we say. Paul said, "Stephanas, Fortunatas, and Achaicus...have been a wonderful encouragement to me." If you have never heard of them, it is because most encouragers hate being the centre of attention. They are happy to work in a supporting role. But without them very little would get done. The opposite of giving encouragement is spreading discouragement, and Paul says, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up...that it may benefit those who listen" Ephesians 4:29. Jesus said..."You will give account...by your words you will be justified, and...condemned" Matthew 12:36 - 37. What you say can never be taken back and it will be used as evidence for or against you one day.

Dr. Thomas Blackaby points out, "Words...can leave scars for a life time, and many people will never forget some of the things you have said to them, both good things, such as words of encouragement, and bad things, such as criticism and rebuke...Make the best possible use of words so they bring blessings on others." So, are your words encouraging? Can it be said that there is...nothing crooked or perverse...in them" Proverbs 8:8? Ask God to "set a guard...over your mouth..." Psalm 141:3. So whatever you say glorifies Him and lifts others up.

PITFALLS FOR LEADERS

2013-10-23T00:47:00.001-07:00

"WORK HARD AND BECOME A LEADER." PROVERBS 12:24

If you are a leader, try to avoid these pitfalls:

Micromanaging vs. Leading. Managing people requires an eye for detail, whereas leading involves vision-sharing, goal-setting and motivating. And you must know the difference. When you micromanage rather than lead, morale plummets because people need clear objectives and the freedom to figure out how to reach them. Do not micromanage; it diminishes the sense of 'ownership' those under and around you need for good team dynamics and problem-solving.
Confusing Individual Loyalty with Team Building. It is good to work closely with key individuals, but it is also important for people to stay 'connected to each other' [Romans 12:5]. Make sure everybody gets to be on the team, feels valued and learns to interact with one another.
Being Afraid to Try Things. Stretching people into new areas means they will make mistakes. While locking them into the same routine may keep them [and you] safe, it takes the motivational wind out of their sails. Being a leader means risking other people's failures and biting your lip as you let them 'toddle' out into the unknown. Like a parent who prays harder when their teen takes the family car out for their first drive, you must accept that some challenges which frighten you are liberating to others. Solomon said, 'Work hard and become a leader.' That raises a question. If you are leading others, who is leading you? The best way to lead, is to follow God and obey His Word!

STRIVE FOR INTEGRITY, NOT POPULARITY

2013-10-09T23:17:00.000-07:00

"The integrity of the honest keeps them on track...." Proverbs 11:3

Joseph refused the advances of Potiphar's wife, not because he thought he could not get away with it, but because he knew he could not live with himself if he accepted them. The world needs people who cannot be bought; whose word is their bond; who put character above wealth; who possess opinions and a will; who are larger than their vocations; who do not hesitate to take chances; who would not lose their individuality in a crowd; who will be as honest in small things as they are in great things; who will make no compromise with wrong; whose ambitions are not confined to their own selfish desires; who will not say they do it "because everybody else does it"; who are true to their friends through good report and evil report, in adversity as well as in prosperity; who do not believe that shrewdness, cunning and hardheartedness are the best qualities for winning success; who are not afraid to stand for the truth even when it is unpopular; who say "no" with emphasis, even though the rest of the world says "yes".

In what he calls a compromise of integrity, Psychiatrist Leo Randall analyses the relationship between former President Nixon and some of his closest confidants in the Watergate scandal. He records a conversation between Senator Howard Baker and Nixon aide Herbert Porter. Baker: "Did you ever have qualms about what you were doing?" Porter: "No!" Baker: "Why?" Porter: "Group pressure. I was afraid of not being considered a team player." So strive for integrity, not popularity!

HOW LONG WILL THIS ATTACK LAST?

2013-10-07T07:14:00.000-07:00

"Having Done All...Stand." Ephesians 6:13

The size of the prize determines the severity of the fight. The enemy knows your vulnerabilities and he will push you to your limits. When he does, remember: "Blessed is the man who endures...when he has been approved, he will receive the crown" [James 1:12]. "Approved" means victory qualifies you for greater things. "Endures" means your staying power is being tested. So, "having done all...stand." You say, "How long will this attack last?" The prince of darkness hindered Daniel's prayers for 21 days [Daniel 10:13]. Goliath defied the armies of Israel 40 days and nights [1 Samuel 17]. Your enemy is relentless; you must be too. When it comes to prayer, your persistence overcomes his resistance. "You have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise" [Hebrews 10:36].

David did not get into trouble with Bathsheba until he left the battlefield. It is the safest place to be. So stay there, keep fighting and God will come to your aid. When Joshua needed extra time to defeat his enemies, the sun stood still. God was saying, "As long as the sun does not go down you will not go down either, for the same power that is holding it up is holding you up." Isn't that great?

Jesus healed people in different ways. Some He spoke to, others He touched. One day, He told 10 Lepers to go and show themselves to the Priest. And the Bible says: "As they went, they were cleansed" [Luke 17:14]. They were probably wondering, "When will it happen? How will it happen?" Faith does not demand details, it just keeps moving obediently forward, believing God for the right result!

HAPPINESS KEYS [PART TWO]

2013-10-04T03:08:00.000-07:00

"Blessed...are those who hear the Word...and obey." Luke 11:28

Jesus said, "[Real] life is not measured by how much you own" [Luke 12:15] but by how you live. That is why it always wise to:

Challenge Yourself. Examine how you spend your leisure time. After a long day, it is easy to relax in front of the television but you will be happier if you are physically and mentally active. Go for a walk, play with your children, take time to read God's Word and pray, even when you do not feel like it. Jesus said that in order to follow Him, we "must give up the things [we] want" [Luke 9:23].
Reach out to others. The smallest good deed is worth more than the most impressive intention, so if you want to help yourself, help others. Not only will it make you feel better, being around other people who are giving of themselves keeps you connected to a larger cause. The enemy does not mind you talking about your faith as long as you do not practice it, whereas God never teaches us anything without giving us an opportunity to put it to work. That is why Jesus said, "Blessed...are those who hear the Word...and obey."
Be more patient. A man who rode the ferry to work prided himself on his punctuality. But one day he overslept. Fearing he would be in trouble with his boss, he raced to the dock only to see the boat six feet out from the terminal. Taking a leap, he landed on the deck. Smiling, the Captain said, "Great jump! But if you had waited another minute we would have docked and you could have walked on." Do not be in such a hurry; give it a little time. "Patience...can...overcome any problem" [Proverbs 25:15].

HAPPINESS KEYS [PART ONE]

2013-09-26T23:35:00.000-07:00

"If you know these things." John 13:17

If you want God's best, do not just think about how to invest your money, think about how to invest your life. Jesus said, "If you know these things...happy...are you if you...do them." Living this way means:

Making time for friends and loved ones. "Let no one seek his own, but each...the other's well being." [1 Corinthians 10:24]. George Eliot wrote: "Oh, the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person; having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but to pour them all out, just as they are, chaff and grain together, knowing that a faithful hand will take and sift them, keep what is worth keeping, and then, with the breath of kindness, blow the rest away."
Giving thanks. If you cannot be grateful for what God has given you, look around you and be grateful for what He has protected you from. The enemy does not have to steal anything from you, just make you take it for granted. "From the fullness of his grace we have all received one blessing after another" [John 1:16]. The excitement of a new car or a salary increase soon passes, but anytime you stop to count your blessings you start feeling better.
Practicing contentment. A gardener who had tried everything to get rid of a wide spread plant of the composite family having yellow flower heads and deeply toothed, edible leaves wrote to the Department of Agriculture for help. "What can I try next?" he asked. "Try getting used to them!" came the reply. In life, you get what you focus on! That is why Paul writes, "Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure and lovely and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise" [Philippians 4:8].

WORKING WITH DIFFICULT PERSONALITIES

2013-08-27T03:04:00.000-07:00

"As much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men." Romans 12:18

Many people dream of being in full time ministry. Their goal is to work where there is praise music playing and co-workers praying. With Scripture verses on the wall and crosses around every neck, they image such a place to be holy, always joyful and peaceful. They believe that in such a place one of their primary sources of stress - getting along with difficult people - will disappear. Don't you believe it! Paul and Barnabas, two great Christian leaders, fought so badly over John Mark that they had to split up. The early church experienced financial squabbles, moral scandals and doctrinal disputes. Understand this: until the Lord comes back you will always experience difficulty relating to certain people. There is very little difference in how people operate when they are under pressure. The mind is not new, it is constantly being renewed - even the minds of Christians. This does not mean they are not sincere, it just means they are not as mature as they should be. Pettiness, greed, ambition and favoritism all creep in as the enemy fires his darts and hopes to create a flame. So if we are going to thrive in our hostile environments, we must increase our capacity to work with difficult personalities. How? By God's Word before you get to work. By committing to be Christ-like on the job in your attitudes and actions. Will you always succeed? No! Will you be stretched? Yes! Can it be done? Absolutely! "My grace is sufficient for thee" [2Corinthians 12:9]. How do you become more gracious? By drawing each day on God's grace!

IN THE END, IT'S WORTH IT

2013-08-22T23:28:00.000-07:00

"God intended it for good." Genesis 50:20

What happened to Joseph was not fair! When your family sells you as a slave and your boss' wife has you wrongly imprisoned on rape charges, you tend to ask, "Lord, what's going on?" Before God promoted Joseph to the palace he wanted to know how he would hold up under pressure. And the same goes to you. Joseph was called to save his family and lead this nation. But big assignments call for big tests of character. You do not always understand this when you are going through the fires of refinement. When Joseph's brothers finally stand before him as ruler of Egypt he tells them "You did not do it to me, God orchestrated the whole thing." Talk about seeing things clearly! Someone else's action against you is not the bottom line. And the reason is simple: God knows that somewhere down the line He will be able to use all that painful stuff to bring your life into focus and accomplish His purposes. With God it is never too late! Have you ever been to a real pizzeria? Not the kind where everything is pre-packaged and a 13-year-old can do it. No, the kind of place where they take a ball of dough, slam it down, twirl it around, flatten it, then put it into a high degree oven. That is what is required for the pizza to hold all that good stuff they plan to put on top. Think of yourself as pizza dough and God as the person working it. He's got some good stuff He wants to lay on you, but before He can do it He is got to knock you into shape.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE NEW PENSION SCHEME

2013-08-07T01:27:00.000-07:00

The new pension scheme is contributory, fully funded, privately third party custody of the funds and assets based on individual accounts. It ensures that everyone who has worked receives his or her retirement benefits as and when due. It covers all employees in the Public Service of the Federation, the Federal Capital Territory and the Private Sector of the economy. The existing pensioners, employees who have three years or less to retire and the categories of persons covered by the provisions of section 291 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria are exempted from the new pension scheme. Any employee with more than three years to retire comes under the new pension scheme.

The new pension scheme is mandatory for all categories of employers and employees covered under the Pension Reform Act. There is no merger of private sector pension with that of the Public Sector pension since the sources of funding are not the same. However, both are now being regulated under same rules and regulations. The main objectives of the Pension Reform Act 2004 are as follows:

· To ensure that every person who worked in either the Public Service of the Federation, Federal Capital Territory or Private Sector receives his or her retirement benefits as and when due.

· To assist improvident individuals by ensuring that they save in order to cater for their livelihood during old age and

· To establish a uniform set of rules, regulations and standards for the administration and payments of retirement benefits for the Public Service of the Federation, Federal Capital Territory and Private Sector.

This is different from the old pension scheme because most of the old pension schemes are not fully funded. Therefore, upon retirement, there were no ready funds to pay the pensioners. The new pension scheme is fully funded. Money is contributed into individual employee’s Retirement Savings Account [RSA] and when he or she retires, there will be money in his or her RSA to pay his or her pension. Private sector pension schemes will be allowed to continue provided if there is evidence to show that the pension scheme is fully funded at all times, any shortfall made up within 90 days, pension fund assets are segregated from the assets of the employer/company, the pension fund assets are held by a licensed Custodian and the scheme is specifically approved by the National Pension Commission [PenCom].

An employee shall make monthly contributions of a minimum of 7.5% of the total of his or monthly emoluments [that is, monthly basic salary, transport allowance and housing allowance] into the RSA. The employer also shall contribute a minimum of 7.5% of the employee’s monthly emoluments towards the retirement benefits of the employee. However, an employer can make all the contributions on behalf of the employee without making any deduction from the employee’s salary except that such contribution by the employer shall not be less than 15% of the monthly emoluments of the employee. Your contributions are just savings out of your emoluments towards your old age and the employer’s contribution will only increase such savings. Pension contributions are paid directly to the PFC to be held on the order of the PFA. A fully funded pension scheme exists where pension funds and assets match pension liabilities at any given time.

The Retirement Savings Account [RSA] is similar to a bank account except that no contributor can withdraw money from the RSA before his or her retirement. The PFA is required to invest the money and issue statements of account at least once every quarter to the contributor. Movement from one employment to another does not affect pension under the new scheme. The Reform has removed the bottleneck associated with transfer of service from one organization or sector to another, especially with regard to qualification for pension and the sharing formula for payment of pension as between employers. When you change jobs, the RSA remains with the PFA of your choice for as long as you want. You simply notify new employer of the details of the PFA that manages your account and thereafter, your contributions will be sent to the Custodian of the PFA.

Employee’s right to accrued retirement benefits for the previous years he or she has been in employment is guaranteed by the Pension Reform Act 2004. In the case of the Public Service of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, where pension scheme was unfunded, the right would be acknowledged through the issuance of a “Federal Government Retirement Bond” to such employee. The bond will be redeemable upon retirement of the employee. The Federal Government has established a Retirement Benefits Bond Redemption Fund Account in the Central Bank of Nigeria. The Federal Government is already making a monthly payment into the Fund of an amount equal to 5% of the total monthly wage bill payable to all employees of the Federal Government and the Federal Capital Territory. Any company operating a Defined Benefit Scheme must, in addition to satisfying other conditions specified in the Act, open RSAs so that the pension funds can be held by a Custodian.

In the case of funded pension schemes in the public service of the Federation and the private sector, employers shall undertake actuarial valuation of the employee’s accrued benefits and credit the Retirement Savings Accounts [RSAs] of the employees with such funds and in the event of any deficiency, the shortfall shall become a debt and shall be treated with same priority as salaries owed. The employer shall also issue a written acknowledgement of the debt and take steps to meet the shortfall.

When a PFA [Pension Fund Administrator] fails or is liquidated, the pension funds and assets in the Retirement Savings Account [RSA] are kept by the PFC [Pension Fund Custodian] and as such the liquidation of the PFA will not affect the funds and assets. Besides, every PFA is expected under the Pension Reform Act 2004 to maintain a statutory reserve fund as contingency fund as may be determined by National Pension Commission. The Pension Reform Act 2004 allows any employee to complain about any PFA to the National Pension Commission [PenCom].

The Government cannot tamper with the pension funds in your RSA because the Government cannot have access to the account. Besides, the Government is primarily concerned with ensuring the safety of the money in your RSA through the enforcement of strict rules and regulations. The new pension scheme entrenches the principles of transparency and accountability as reflected in the reporting requirement of the PFAs and PFCs to the Contributor and the National Pension Commission. An employee has the right to choose who manages his RSA and the right to receive statements of his account on quarterly basis with details of contributions made and returns on investment.

Upon retirement, an employee can withdraw a lump sum from the balance standing to the credit of his or her RSA provided the balance after the withdrawal could provide an annuity or fund monthly payments that would not be less than 50% of his monthly pay as at the date of his or her retirement. However, an employer may choose to pay any other severance benefits over and above the retirement benefits payable to the employee subject to the terms and conditions of his or her employment. A programmed withdrawal is a method by which the employee collects his or her retirement benefits in periodic sums spread throughout the length of an estimated life span. While an annuity is an income purchase from an approved life insurance company which provides monthly or quarterly income to the retiree during his or her life time.

Where an employee who has been contributing under the new pension scheme dies before his or her retirement, the retirement benefits shall be paid to his or her beneficiary under a Will or the Spouse and children of the deceased or in the absence of a wife and child, to the recorded next-of-kin or any person designated by him or her during his or her life time or in the absence of such designation, to any person appointed by the Probate Registry as the Administrator of the Estate of the deceased.

DEVELOPING FRIENDSHIPS

2013-04-11T06:20:00.000-07:00

"A friend loves at all times." Proverbs 17:17

Dr. John Maxwell writes: "If you want deep lasting friendship, you cannot always be the strong one. And that can be frightening; especially if you have had someone hurt or manipulate you. But you must let a friend see you in your weakness. Some of us have never done this, and we wonder why we are lonely. We are going to have to get vulnerable to have a true friend.

"Friends serve each other. When was the last time you performed an act of servant-hood for a friend to whom you are devoted? If you cannot remember, you are probably living with a core of loneliness. A friend is someone you commit to not because of what they can do for you, but just because they are your friend. And friends listen, even though they are busy. Listening is an act of love. It says, "I am going to put my own agenda on hold and devote myself to knowing and caring for you." Friends are not generally looking for someone who can talk very impressively or cleverly or with great wit. Mostly what they are looking for is a world-class listener. Furthermore, when something goes right, friends celebrate. Do you do that? When was the last time one of your friends had God bless them - and you threw a party?

"If you are not in this kind of friendship right now, you cannot make it happen, but you can open yourself up to it. You can start pursuing it. You can ask God to guide you. You can take little relational risks. And if you already have friends like this, prize them, protect them, enrich them in every way, and take that friendship as deep as you can."

PERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING 2013 [PART TWO]

2013-04-09T23:25:00.000-07:00

SOURCES OF EARNING INCOME

• There are several sources of earning such as salaries, rent, interest, dividends, etc.

• There are basically two types of income:

Earned Income: Salary
Passive Income: Real Estate, Rent and Capital Appreciation, Royalties, Businesses run by others, Stocks, bonds, mutual funds.

Employee’s Primary Income

• Reviewed salary–a new financial empowerment

• Monthly salary.

• Annual Bonuses

• Promotion differentials.

• Loan schemes, Advances, Housing Allowances, Personal Loans etc.

• Estacode, training allowances, per diem.

• Share of profits, share of dividend etc

Employee’s Other Streams of Income

• Interest from fixed deposits or savings accounts.

• Dividend from stocks and shares.

• Rental income (from flats, houses, market stalls and shops etc.)

• Land and Buildings (buying and selling).

• Angel capital (investing in small businesses).

• Farming/Poultry/Fish Farming.

• Trading Joint Venture (JV)

• Importation (JV) amongst others.

• Bonus shares from existing holdings.

Creating Multiple Streams of Income

• Start today to develop many sources of income.

• Leverage on core talent, skill, job or business. Get organised!

• Diversify one stream, or use income from one to create others

• Never jeopardize your employment i.e. your core stream of income

• Use /leverage services of professionals/others to develop multiple streams, e.g. stock brokers, estate agents, friends etc.

• Get involved in the up-coming Fidelity Co-operative Society.

• Choose your multiple streams development partners very carefully. Persons who are serious/like minded with integrity.

• Get started, no matter how small. From little acorns really big oak trees grow.

Becoming a Landlord

• Choose your area of interest

• Do your search – Legal Dept. will assist

• Funding – Outright, installment or counterpart funding (i.e. two people paying for a plot of land jointly)

• Start gradually – monthly, quarterly etc. Remember little drops of water make a mighty ocean.

• Be focused and determined – You will get there!

Summary Rules of Acquiring Money

Pay yourself first
Control your expenditure
Invest your money where it will labour for you and increase your wealth
Invest wisely – where it is safe and consult with wise men
Own thy home – it reduces your cost of living and makes available more of your earnings for the gratification of your needs
Ensure a future income – provide for your future retirement

CADBURY BOURNVITA YUMMY LIFE PROMO

2013-02-28T22:45:00.000-08:00

The Life Enriching Journey of Cadbury Bournvita Yummy Life Promo

Cadbury Nigeria Plc., the leading company in manufacturing food drinks in Nigeria embarked on a National Consumer Promotion Scheme 3 months ago for its flagship brand - Bournvita tagged “Cadbury Bournvita Yummy Life Promo” to excite and reward its loyal consumers across the country. It was aimed at delighting, rewarding and providing a superior life for the consumers of the brand in Nigeria.

The Yummy Life Promo which was hinged on the basis that everybody who participated in the promo is a winner fulfilled its promise of rewarding and enriching thousands of participants across the country.

Speaking regarding the Promo, the Corporate Affairs Manager, Cadbury West Africa, Mr. Kufre Ekanem expressed great satisfaction with the participation of the esteemed consumers of the brand in the promo which he said was evident in the several millions of entries received within the 11 weeks duration of the promotion.

Kufre revealed that Cadbury Bournvita Yummy Life Promo has produced a total of 11 Millionaires doling out N1 Million grand cash prize to eleven lucky winners in 11 weeks, eleven others won N250, 000.00 each, 65 consumers won N100, 000.00 each and a total of 300,000 consumers won N500 worth of airtime for the entire 11 weeks duration of the promo, taking the total worth of prize won to over N200, 000,000.

With the Cadbury Bournvita Yummy Life Promo, Cadbury Nigeria Plc has once again reinstated its commitment to giving back to our loyal consumers by rewarding them and touching their lives more than ever before. So far, more than 300,000 consumers have won prizes in the promo”

Also speaking at the draw, the Brand Manager, Cadbury Bournvita, Mrs. Adebola Williams expressed the company’s sincere appreciation to the consumers for making Bournvita their preferred beverage drink and for participating in the Cadbury Bournvita Yummy Life Promo.

She further reinstated the company’s commitment to continue to reward and give back to its loyal consumers which she said will continue to build a lasting brand affinity and engender deeper connection between the brand and the consumers.

Commenting on the promotion, the Legal Officer, Lagos Lottery Board, Miss. Mayowa Okuyiga commended Cadbury Nigeria Plc for its high sense of integrity and transparency of process throughout the 11 weeks duration. She applauded the company’s sincerity in the way and manner in which the draw was conducted openly, free and fair, stating that “everybody was truly a winner in the promo”.

She further encourage consumers to continue purchasing either the 450g, 900g or refill packs of their favourite food and beverage drink and enjoy its offering of non-stop vitality.

VALENTINE’S DAY - LOVE IS NOT JUST FOR COUPLES!

2013-02-12T22:27:00.000-08:00

Who says that this day should be restricted only to romantic love? No other day can conjure such powerful imagination of love. It is a commercially driven day that provokes strongly divided reactions to the perplex display of hearts, and fanciful wishes of romance. For those in stable, loving relationships, the day offers a wonderful opportunity to express or reaffirm their love. For those who are recently bereaved, divorced, or single, this is a day that can trigger feelings of overwhelming loneliness and grief.

While Valentine’s Day is merely an arbitrary day that we use as a light hearted way to express our feelings to our partners, it is also true that this day sustains the myth that all couples are happy. With divorce rates where they are in Nigeria, it is apparent that not all couples are “loving”. Without intending to bash this “feel-good” day, after all, we can all benefit from an expression of love, it seems that Valentine’s Day may be more widely accepted if it was truly a day for love. Not just romantic love between couples, but love in all of its forms.

Many people who find themselves alone on this day, struggle with past hurts, grief, and feelings of inadequacy. While they are bombarded with images of happy couples, it is important that they remember that their identity is not defined by their relationship status. A person’s worth comes from who they are, not who they are with. While most would agree that this is true, it doesn’t dull the inevitable feelings of self-doubt and inadequacy that arise when surrounded by the existing love heart at every turn.

So how to deal with these feelings when colleagues receive flowers, lovers seem to be everywhere and romantic cards take over every store front? While some may choose to avoid the day by staying at home, or just take steps to avoid “happy couples”, it seems that a different approach might offer a more gratifying result.

What about a perspective change? What if we were to adopt the idea that Valentine’s Day is not just for couples, but for everybody? While your friends might be buying flowers for their partners, consider the people in your world that you love, and that love you back. Something special for your mother and a telephone call to your father, perhaps your daughter including siblings will appreciate flowers as much as any lover will. Maybe spending the evening with your son watching a game would be one way to express your particular brand of love. Random acts of kindness can bring a surprisingly wonderful sense of well-being.

For those who struggle with this day, it might be helpful to spend time with friends or family - people with whom you have already established positive, loving relationships. It could be a time to focus on what you have, rather than on what you feel you are missing. Create new traditions. Invite your single friends over for dinner and take foods to your neighbors who are always there for you.

As with anything in life, being prepared for a challenging situation can make all the difference in the world. Do not let another Valentine’s Day sneak up on you and leave you feeling badly. Take control. Plan how you want to spend it. Plan how you can create a day that actually makes you feel good. Incorporate all the normal, healthy coping strategies that are useful in all situations. Get enough sleep, maintain your normal routines of diet and regular exercise draw upon your inner strengths, and above all, surround yourself with people who comfort and sustain you.

Valentine’s Day offers us a unique opportunity to undertake a new perspective on how we choose to celebrate love. The traditional approach with flowers, cards, and romance works beautifully for some. For others, a display of love towards children, parents, or friends can be equally rewarding. But in the midst of all the various means of displaying love to others, let us not forget the benefits of looking after our own needs. This Valentine’s Day, offer yourself the same thing you give to all of the loved ones in your life, and make the effort to show yourself a little love!

Somebody said the difference between courtship and marriage is like the difference between the pictures in a seed catalog and what actually comes up in your garden. But it does not have to be that way.

PERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING 2013 [PART ONE]

2013-01-11T05:07:00.000-08:00

Home Truths

· Whether you are tired or not, you will retire or be retired from your job.

· Whether you want to or not, you will grow old & feeble if you live long enough.

· Whether you want to or not, your family, relatives and friends will need your financial support.

· Whether you like it or not, you will either live under a roof or under the skies; you will eat whatever you have to eat and wear whatever you have to wear.

· Whether you like it or not, nobody can love you more than you love yourself.

What is Personal Financial Planning [PFP]?

• A committed interest in managing your financial resources.

• Distinguishing between needs and wants.

• Making plans for satisfying your needs.

• Making provision for times of lack.

• Taking charge and responsibility for your finances.

• Foregoing current benefits for future benefits.

• Investments.

What Does PFP Involve?

• Pay yourself first by saving

• Educate yourself.

• Think Long Term.

• Give reasonably.

PFP Principles – Pay Yourself First By Saving

• This is indispensable! It is also the most difficult thing to do!

• Start with the “rule of ten” – Save 10% - 20% of your monthly income and work up as your earnings increase.

• Set up a Standing Order TODAY!

• Open a separate account (Savings or Fixed Deposits)

PFP Principles – Educate Yourself!

• Read financial pages, read books and articles on financial planning

• Talk to like minded people who inspire and challenge you.

• Deepen your skills on the job.

• Attend training programmes.

• Acquire new skills.

• Acquire new academic and professional qualifications.

PFP Principles – Think Long Term

• Raise financially responsible children

• Teach them early to learn to save and manage wealth.

• Don’t over protect your children from the valuable experience of lack - Raise them so they can compete and survive.

• Make investments for them in their names from an early age.

• Invest in the improvement of your children (and your spouse) educationally and professionally.

PFP Principles – Give Reasonably

• Give a Portion of your earnings to God (tithes etc.). The scriptures says there is blessing in giving.

• Set aside an amount as a monthly charity budget and ensure you stick to it.

• In Personal Financial Planning, where friends and relatives are involved, always practice restraint – give reasonably.

• Be careful when giving. You have a responsibility to your family as well.

Ponder This?

Of 100 people who started working at age 25, by the time they were 63 years old:

• 63% were dependent on their off springs, relatives, friends or charities.

• 29% were dead.

• 3% were still working.

• 4% had accumulated adequate capital for retirement.

• Only 1% was truly “wealthy”.

• It is not how much you earn that matters but how much you can save and invest.

YEAR OF GRACE AND FAVOR

2012-12-30T23:35:00.000-08:00

“The Lord longs to be gracious to you.” Isaiah 30:18

On December 31, the clock strikes midnight ushering in another New Year. Another 365 days to fan the flames of your unfilled hopes and dreams. A new beginning and gift full of promise. But you must accept it, unwrap it and use it. Not everybody does. Maybe you dread what the New Year holds; retirement, the empty nest, chronic illness, unemployment, life without a loved one. Well, God loves to take people at the end of their rope and set them on the road to peace, joy and victory. He is the expert at drying tears, calming fears, injecting courage into anxious hearts and removing the sting of old memories. He “makes all things new” Rev. 21:5. But He never leads you back, just forward.

Listen: “The Lord longs to be gracious to you.” What do you want to see happen this year? Does it include having your own business? Losing some weight? Reuniting with your family? Only you can complete the question, “What if I could…?” You alone know what makes your heart leap. Stephen Covey says, “Begin…with the image of the end of your life as your frame of reference…Each day will then contribute to the vision you have of your life as a whole.” Seek God. Determine your goals. Write them down, and then release the outcome to Him who “longs to be gracious to you.” To be gracious means “to show favor.” The desire of God’s heart is that you walk in His grace and favor every day of this year.

THE IMPACT OF EVERY WORD YOU SAY

I am sure you have heard someone say, “You are going to eat those words.” It may sound like a mere phrase to us but in reality we do eat our words. What we say not only affects others, but it also affects us. Words are wonderful when used in a proper way. They can encourage, edify and give confidence to the hearer. A right word spoken at the right time can actually be life changing. Proverbs 15:23 says, “A man has joy in making an apt answer, and a word spoken at the right moment” – how good it is.

Personally, I must bless with my words and not curse because whatever I say stands and happens the way I said it. One of the powers the Almighty God bestowed on me. We can literally increase our own joy by speaking right words. We can also upset ourselves by talking unnecessarily about our problems or things that have hurt us in relationships.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE SPEAK?

The words that come out of our mouth go into our own ears as well as other people’s, and then they drop down into our soul where they give us either joy or sadness, peace or upset, depending on the types of words we have spoken. God desires that our spirit be light and free so it can function properly, not heavy and oppressed. We can learn to choose our thoughts, to resist wrong ones and think on good, healthy, and right ones. I have often said, “Where the mind goes, the man follows.” And it could also be said that where the mind goes, the mouth follows!

PLAN TO SAY SOMETHING POSITIVE

Having a positive outlook on life and speaking positive words based on God’s Word is one of the most wholesome things we can do. You do not even have to be talking to someone to increase your joy with your words. The mere confession of good things is enough to cheer you up. When you get up in the morning, if there is something you need to attend to that day that you are not looking forward to, you can say, “I dread this day,” or you can say, “God will give me strength today to do whatever I need to do and to do it with joy.” Which of these two statements do you think would better prepare you for the day?

Anyone who wants to be healthy is careful to choose quality food that will provide good nutrition. If we want to be healthy in our soul and spirit, we should also choose to take in words that will build us up and increase our peace and joy. Fortunately, we do not have to wait for someone else to cheer us up! We can do it with own words by what we choose to talk about. When we understand the power of words and realize that we can choose what we think and speak, our lives can be transformed.

WHAT ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT IN 2013?

We talk a lot and quite often pay no attention to what we are saying, let alone think seriously about the impact of our words. If we are honest with ourselves, we may find that some of our bad moods are directly linked to our conversation. Even some of our problems can be linked to bad choices we make about what we say. I want to encourage you to take some time and think about the types of things you usually talk about. What kind of conversation do you enjoy and participate in?

We all have challenges in life, but we can make them better or worse by the way we talk about them. I am not suggesting at all that we deny reality, but we can choose what we talk about. Instead of feeding ourselves a steady diet of “bad news”, we should choose to read, watch and talk about good things. Your words may not be the cause of all your problems, but they can cause a lot of them and they should be given a good deal of consideration when we are looking for answers to the problems we encounter in life.

I believe there are many good things happening in the world and there is probably more good than bad, but the evil is magnified in a way that often seems overwhelming. Turn on any news magazine and you will find it filled with reports of murder, theft, wars, famine and all kinds of horribly tragic events. One thing is for sure, speaking negatively could hurt you and speaking positively never will, so why not go with the positive and see what kind of results you get?

FOR THE ONE WHO HAS EVERYTHING

2012-12-03T00:12:00.000-08:00

“They…presented him with…gold…incense and…myrrh.” Matthew 2:11

It is Christmas. Jesus’ birthday. But what can you possibly give to the One who only has everything, but created it all? The wise men probably asked the same question. As scholars they were astute enough to navigate thousands of miles guided by a star, influential enough to warrant an audience with King Herod, and rich enough to undertake such a long journey carrying expensive presents. But in addition to “gold…incense and…myrrh,” they gave Jesus some gifts that are priceless – note what they gave:

Their Time. Long before his birth they had invested years researching and preparing for it – not counting the two years it took them to travel to where He was born. Do you know what? You are as close to God today as you want to be, planned to be, and took time to be. Want to get closer? Spend more time with Him.
Their Worship. Once they found Him, “They fell down and worshiped Him” Matthew 2:11. Worship changes us profoundly because when we stand in God’s presence with an open heart and let His Spirit work in us, “We are…changed to be like him” 2 Corinthians 3:18.
Their Hope. While those around saw only darkness these men recognized, “The Light shines in the darkness” John 1:5. And that has not changed. God’s healing love shines brightest in the darkness of our dashed dreams and broken hearts. So in the midst of your family celebrations, take time out to be with Jesus: and how about a special gift to His Work? After all, it’s His birthday.

What the Birth of Christ Represents To Us

1. His Birth Gives Us Faith To Believe In God.

Many prophets and others in the Old Testament prophesied the Birth of Christ and many other things concerning Christ the Messiah and His Church.

Isaiah 7:14 “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.”

What special meaning does the fact that the prophecies concerning the birth of Christ being fulfilled have for our lives today?

It gives us faith to believe that what God has written in His word is true. It helps us to believe in the reality of the birth of Jesus Christ and all that comes with it.

The prophets of the Old Testament prophesied many wonderful and awesome things including God's destiny and purpose for the church today as well as the eternal kingdom. If what they said about the birth of Christ came to pass, then that which has been prophesied for today and the future will also come to pass. This gives us faith to believe in all that God has for us.

2. His Birth Meant Joy Coming Into The World.

Much joy was brought into the world as a result of the birth of Christ and this joy has now entered into each one of our lives as a result of His coming into our lives.

Luke 1:14 "And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.”

John 15:11 "These things I have spoken to you, that My [joy] may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”

Acts 2:28 “You have made known to me the ways of life; you will make me full of [joy] in Your presence.”

3. The Birth Of Jesus Meant That A Savior Was Provided.

Mark 10:45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

A friend once received a Christmas card that had a special significance. It went something like this:

"If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent us an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent us a scientist. If our greatest need hand been money, God would have sent us an economist. But since our greatest need was forgiveness, God sent us a Savior."

4. His Birth Provided Hope of Eternal Life and a Way for us to Enter Heaven.

John 14:2 "In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

We celebrate the birth of Christ, Who has given to us a great hope. We can be comforted and walk in tremendous joy and peace, knowing that Christ our savior was indeed born over 2000 years ago. Therefore we have access to Him through faith.

Romans 5:1-2 “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”

Romans 15:13 “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Thanks to the birth of Jesus Christ, we have the hope of eternal life and a wonderful life here on earth filled with all of the blessings that God continually bestows upon us. Let us give glory to God for all that He has given to us through the birth of Christ.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM?

2012-11-09T00:27:00.000-08:00

"Look, this dreamer is coming!...let us...kill him." Genesis 37:19 - 20

Everybody has a dream. What is yours? If you could do anything, what would it be? Most of us do not achieve great things because we give up, we fall short, we get off track, we settle, or we dream too small. Only two things stand in your way: dreaming it , then doing it. Have you dared to dream, really dream? If something is within your apparent reach, it is not a dream. If it does not stretch you, cost you, or involve risk, it is not a dream. Dreams change you even as they change the world around you.

Maybe you are listening to critical people. Remember the story of Joseph? He dreamed big dreams. God-given dreams. And what was the response of his brothers? They said, "Look, this dreamer is coming!...let us...kill him." People who are not pursuing their own dreams are usually the first to criticize people who are. So, who are you listening to?

Maybe you are afraid to dream too big. You do not want to fail. Nobody does. But "safe living" leads to regret. Theodore Roosevelt said, "Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor souls who neither enjoy much nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat." What is the worst thing that could happen if you pursue your dream and do not achieve it? You could end up where you are now. And what is the best thing that could happen? You could find yourself in new territory, enjoying new blessings, living the life God meant for you to live!

THE IMPACT OF COSMETIC SURGERY

2012-10-11T02:07:00.000-07:00

Recently, there has been a lot of discussion in the press about women and cosmetic surgery and it struck me as rather ridiculous for this to be a topic of debate for us. Interestingly, the issue of cosmetic surgery is one that has been and continues to be of great interest in the UK and America. The difference is that as surgery, it has almost become the norm and a daily occurrence in those parts of the world and both men, women, even some as young as in their early teens, commonly engage in some form of cosmetic surgery.

The discussion usually have to do with the pressure women in particular feel they are under to look young and the general aversion the West has to any form of aging and their obsession with youth. However, as a form of surgery, people do not generally tend to die from the procedure [there might be a few exceptions]. In contrast, there appears to be a growing number of disastrous results with Nigerian women who have undergone the procedure. Early this year, there was a young Nigerian woman who lost her life in America after having buttocks implants. There have been a lot of questions as to why they are having such negative results and whether it might be because they are not forthcoming with their full health status.

Any medical procedure which has not gone on as planned can have distressing results. The negative effects of an operation can leave you feeling extremely depressed and anxious. Regardless of the aesthetic results of any cosmetic surgery, having this form of surgery is usually associated with increases in anxiety and a tendency to depression, with an eventual lack of satisfaction with the results. This increased casual use of cosmetic surgery and surgical procedures can result in a life time of mental health problems.

It would appear that our women might be negligent in doing even the most basic research on cosmetic procedures. They probably rely on encouragement from friends or what they see in magazines and forge ahead on decision that can have permanent ramifications in their lives. You need to understand what your own health needs are. There are so many detailed questions to ask. How long will the benefits last? Will there be a lot of pain? Will you need anesthesia? How long is recovery? Is there anything to be done to avoid bruising or speed up recovery? How long has the surgeon been practicing or how many of that particular procedure?

This is your face and your body and cosmetic surgery is a personal, physical and psychological experience. One size does not fit all. Before you embark on something so enormously life-changing and probably unnecessary, you need to be very thoughtful, careful and afraid. Some women have cosmetic surgery or try a procedure because someone has persuaded them to try it. Sometimes, the desire is provoked by those feelings of discomfort as the natural aging process sneaks up on us; those innocuous comments that sometimes send women into a tailspin of insecurity and anxiety about their appearance. You need to think clearly and carefully for whom you are about to alter your face or body, in the knowledge that there is no guarantee of the outcome - physically, emotionally and psychologically.

Many women are unrealistic about cosmetic surgery. What are you trying to accomplish? While there is no denying it can do marvelous things for those who have realistic expectations and take the time to do the required investigation and preparations, it is not a magic treatment or a cure all and it most definitely cannot give you self esteem on a sustained basis. It is only transient. It will not make an older woman young again and it may not necessarily transform your experiences in life.

Most importantly,, cosmetic surgery cannot take the place of a warm, loving, healthy relationship with a partner, or the strength and courage you derive from well nurtured friendships. Your external appearance will not alter a damaged internal world.

HELP! I CANNOT SLEEP!

2012-10-02T07:15:00.000-07:00

If you sleep well, you not read this. But if you do not then it is for you. What is the big deal about sleep? A lot! Sleep is a period of rest. But it is much more. It is an essential time for your body to perform routine maintenance and repair damage from your day. But do you get adequate sleep daily? Inadequate sleep or insomnia is harmful to the body and mind and makes you less able to function effectively. Insomnia is not a respecter of age. Although, it is more common in adults, its frequency increases with age. When do you experience inadequate sleep?

When you are under stress. Insomnia is not unusual when undergoing a particularly stressful period. Some worry about whether or not they are going to be able to sleep, even before going to bed. This, in turn, causes insomnia as the person lies awake worrying about not being able to fall asleep.
When there is a health issue. Health problems often interfere with sleep. People who suffer pain, perhaps from a condition like arthritis, may find the pain keeps them awake at night. Heart conditions and respiratory problems can make it difficult to lie down comfortably too. An overactive thyroid gland may cause restlessness and sleeplessness. For aging women, they may discover that menopause disturbs sleep patterns.
When under the influence of drugs/alcohol. Drugs and alcohol interfere with natural sleep, and people who are withdrawing from substance abuse also report problems of sleep. Not only hard drugs cause sleep problems, but prescribed medications too.
Other disturbances. Surprisingly, a partner who snores, loud neighbors or shift work distort sleep. In particular, night work may disturb the body's natural clock and sleep pattern. Short term sleep problems may be caused by jet lag. The environment itself may play a role; for example, the bedroom or bed may be too hot or too cold.

ANY SOLUTION?

Yes. Just adopt healthy life style practices. Insomniacs should also get out of bed if they do not fall asleep after a reasonable amount of time and return only when they become sleepy again.

Have a schedule. Associate your bedroom with sleep and rest and do not multitask in it. Maintain a consistent schedule and go to bed and wake up around the same time everyday.
Avoid cigarettes and caffeine. Stop smoking, avoid alcohol, caffeine and a heavy meal before bed time. Cut down on your coffee or switch to decaffeinated one. Tea may cause insomnia if consumed in large quantities. Remember, something that charges you during day will also keep you up all night.
Stay awake. Try not to sleep during the day and do not nap. By not napping, you will make your body more tired at night.
Exercise. Exercising within three hours of bedtime can keep your body alert and make it harder to fall asleep. Instead, engage in body exercises during the day or early evening rather than at night. Vigorous exercise during day is followed by a good night sleep. The more physically tired you get during the day, the better sleep you will get at night.
Keep a daily stress log. Write down your daily stress triggers, responses and outcomes. By taking notes of these, you can begin to see how you respond to certain situations and eliminate or learn to cope with stress causing agents.
Seek professional help. Talk to a licensed therapist about the core issues surrounding your insomnia. Ask your doctor about over the counter or prescription sleep medications. Before you take any sleep aids, be well informed of potential side effects, risks and interactions with other medications.
Take a hot shower. Taking a warm bath before going to bed helps to relax your tense muscles. This helps you to sleep better.
Please, eat right. Many healthy foods contain ingredients that can act as sedatives or boost certain hormones to induce sleep. By altering your diet, include other foods.

BUST THE MYTHS OF SLEEP

Myth: To function best, you need to get eight hours of sleep.

Fact: There is no big deal about that number. Everyone has different sleep needs, and you will know you are getting enough when you do not feel like nodding off in a boring situation in the afternoon. It does not have to be eight hours.

Myth: More sleep is always healthier.

Fact: Long sleepers may suffer from problems such as depression or uncontrolled diabetes that makes them spend more time in bed.

Myth: Waking up during the night means you will be tired all day.

Fact: It might be your natural cycle so you do not need to be worried.

Myth: You need prescription drugs if you have insomnia every night.

Fact: Sleep medications are designed for short term sleep problems caused by stressful events. People with long term problems benefit more from cognitive behavioral therapy like retraining your perceptions of sleep and learning better sleep habits.

DEALING WITH CHILD ONLINE VULNERABILITY

2012-09-26T02:36:00.000-07:00

A few years after I was born, my father met with a stranger. From the beginning, dad invited him to live with our family and the stranger quickly accepted and was around from then on. As I grew up, I never questioned his place in my family. In my young mind, he had a special niche. My parents were complementary instructors: mum taught me good from evil and dad taught me to obey. But the stranger…he was our storyteller. He would keep us spell bound for hours on end with adventures, mysteries and comedies. If I wanted to know anything about politics, history or science, he always knew the answers about the past, understood the present and even seemed to predict the future! He made me laugh and he made me cry. The stranger never stopped talking but dad did not seem to mind.

Many years have passed since the stranger moved in with our family. He has blended right in and is not nearly as fascinating as he was at first. His name? We just call him TV. He has a wife now. We call her Computer. Their first child is Cell Phone; second child is iPod. By the way, they now have a wonderful grandchild. She is a genius! She is fondly called Blackberry; BB for short. She is nearly more popular than her mum. Her new baby cousin is iPad. This stranger has decided to take up permanent residence in our house. What can we do?

The internet is neutral can be asked to do anything. So, if there is any problem, it is with those that give it instruction. The information society in which children and young people all over the world are growing up offers an unprecedented level of services and information which can be accessed through the computer, mobile phone, game console, iPod, iPad, personal digital assistants etc. As a neutral tool for disseminating data, the internet can be used for good or for ill. It has enormous potential as a source of education for people of all ages and capacities. It can also be used to set online traps to exploit users for criminal purposes. Among those who are most vulnerable to such traps are children.

The risks and vulnerabilities related to the use of the internet include: exposure to illegal and harmful content such as pornography, gambling, brain washing and recruitment for terrorist activities, cyber bullying and inappropriate content; disclosure of personal information leading to the risk of physical harm, sexual abuse and identity theft; creation, reception and dissemination of illegal and harmful content; and excessive use of the internet to the detriment of social and or outdoor activities important for health, confidence building and social development and general well being. Others are unauthorized use of the parents’ credit cards to pay for online services and merchandise and targeting through spam and advertisements from companies using internet sites to promote age or interest targeted products.

Child abuse materials emanating from other countries are thriving in Nigeria, exploiting children users’ ignorance and vulnerability of the internet infrastructure. As Nigeria comes to terms with issues of child abuse materials and commits to the protection, Nigeria does not have sufficient legislation to combat child pornography and related matters. Internet has become the single largest domain where Nigerian youths are presently being engaged. The reality in today’s Nigeria digital world has transformed individual lifestyle. The Nigerian youth’s daily life, from villages to cities, is full with SMS, e-mail, chats, online dating, multiplayer gaming, virtual worlds and digital multimedia. Although, these technologies mean added convenience and enjoyment for many, government and users alike are often one step behind the fast paced innovation in these areas.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Stakeholders are to work in parallel and in unity at strategic, operational and tactical levels to address child online protection, to conduct a high level strategic planning session across relevant government bodies and to ensure dissemination of clean contents from operators’ networks.

Furthermore, they should conduct awareness workshops across the country in separate areas – local governments, local schools/teachers, private sector and parents and to design a framework, guidelines, policies and other regulations and transit same to appropriate organs of government for assent and implementation.

There should be an all inclusive multi-stakeholder and multi-sector collaboration, partnership and alliances to create more awareness among children on the negative consequences of improper use of cyber content.

Child online protection should be merged with the cyber crime policy of the government while asking that a separate agency should be established to handle the issue of child online protection to ensure that it is not submerged in the larger cyber crime policy.

For operators, they should implement technical mechanisms to prevent access to websites identified as hosting contents that are offensive to children and to implement processes to enable the removal of any child sexual abuse content on their own web services.

GO TO THE RIGHT PERSON

2012-09-13T00:20:00.000-07:00

"We are his people, the sheep he tends." Psalm 100:3

Like sheep, most of our wounds come from living in the pasture. Thorns prick. Rocks cut. Heads butt. Mosquitoes bite. So our Shepherd regularly inspects His sheep searching for wounds. That is because He does not want today's wound to become tomorrow's infection. Hence, David writes, "We are his people, the sheep he tends." Others may guide us to God, but no one does the work of God for only God can heal. He "heals the brokenhearted" [Psalm 147:3].

So, your first step is to go to the right person - go to God. Your second step is to assume the right posture - bow before God. To be anointed with the oil that heals and protects, the sheep must stand still, lower its head and let the shepherd do his work. Peter writes, "Be humble under God's powerful hand so he will lift you up when the right time comes" [1Peter 5:6]. When we come to God we make requests, not demands. We state what we want, but we pray for what is right. Like Paul, if God gives us the prison in Rome instead of the mission in Spain, we accept it because we know God will always give what is right to His people [Luke 18:7]. Now, the sheep do not understand how the oil repels mosquitoes or heals wounds. In fact, all the sheep know is that something happens in the presence of their shepherd that does not happen anywhere else. And that is all we need to know as well. Hence David writes, "Lord, I give myself to you; my God, I trust you" [Psalm 25:1 - 2].