ogyacious

HUMBLED BY SUSAM BOYLE's STORY

2009-04-23T16:15:00.000-07:00

Susan Boyle, who recently performed on the U.K. television show "Britain's Got Talent," has captured the world's attention. She’s a 47-year-old unemployed charity worker who lives with her cat in a small village in Scotland.

My family (Charles, Selormey, Kofi, Florence) were watching it when Charles asked me to have a look. When I saw Susan, the first thought was, “she looked like a person with down’s syndrome” (without disrespect to people with Down’s syndrome). Her dressing, color coordination, appearance and even the way she was eating prior to the stage and her walking made me think “what is she doing there?” , but I was completely humbled after I heard her sing.

As soon as she walked on stage, the audience began to snicker and roll their eyes. Simon Cowell, the show's host, asked her some pre-performance questions in his famously condescending style, and to the audience's enjoyment, she answered awkwardly.

She was painfully ordinary, and everyone was prepared, looking forward even, to see her fail.
By now, if you don't know the story, you could guess it, right? She more than wowed them. She opened her mouth to sing, and, as judge Piers Morgan later said, she had "the voice of an angel."
She wasn't painfully ordinary; she was amazingly extraordinary. The audience immediately jumped to a standing ovation and stayed there until the end of the song. The YouTube video of Susan's performance has, as of Friday (NZ time), received more than 41,335,790 views and though the show is still ongoing has been offered two contracst already.

I am riveted, and a recent article in USA Today does a good job of cataloguing all the reasons.” We prejudged her by her looks and were fooled. We experienced the gamut of emotions in a few short moments: guilt, shame, vindication, hope. She's a modern-day Cinderella, and these days, it's a wonderful distraction and inspiration to witness the triumph of the human spirit.”(USA Today)

But there's something else Susan Boyle awakens in us as we watch her come out of her shell: our own selves. Who among us does not move through life with the hidden sense, maybe even quiet desperation, that we are destined for more? That underneath our ordinary exterior lies an extraordinary soul? That given the right opportunity, the right stage, the right audience, we would shine as the stars we truly are?
Although Susan Boyle became an overnight sensation, hers was not an overnight transformation. She's been practicing singing since she was 12. In her case, overnight was 35 years.

To allow yourself to be molded by your own gifts takes courage. You have to be willing to stand there, exposed and authentic, while the audience rolls their eyes at you and sneers, expecting failure. And then, of course, you have to fail, laugh or cry, and keep going until, one day, they stop laughing and start clapping.

Susan Boyle is a phenomenal role model for all of us, not just because of her talent or her courage or her perseverance or her supportive friends. She is a phenomenal role model for us because she is us, in all our awkward ordinariness and amazing extraordinariness.

It’s also a lesson for us all never to prejudge people before we get to know them. For us in Christ, the lesson is embedded right in the center of the gospel never to look down on people or discriminate against based on what we see, or hear about them, even their nationality, profession etc, but we see people based on who they are and the content of their character.

MY 2008, A HUGE LEARNING CURVE

2009-02-04T23:13:00.000-08:00

2008 was a challenging year for me in so many ways.
I have been a Christian for about ten years, serve the Lord in many capacities and been through a lot of challenges in the past, but the challenges of 2008 was unique in so many ways.
I saw a personality shift within myself. I can’t count the number of times I went before the Lord to question his decisions and many times I wondered why GOD does things in a certain way.
There are many times People and I also encourage myself that “May be God want to Shape and modify you”, but then I ask God this particular question
“God, is there no better way of shaping people and modifying behaviors?”

God used my trip to the united state of American in November 2008 to change a lot in my life.
My plan to go to the states was to visit family, fulfill the condition of my visa and also look for job.
Fortunately or unfortunately, I could not find a job in the state, so I spent the two months staying home, spending time with family and seeking the Lord.
Some say absence from the stressors in New Zealand was good, meeting your loved ones you have not seen for over six years might help. Though all was good, but to me, the time spent seeking the Lord while I was away brought a lot of changes in my life and refreshment in my spirit.

How the Lord did it was through the song VOICE OF TRUTH. This song was not just good, but the lyrics ministered to me in away that it could bring me on my knee and I felt God speaking into spirit through the song.

I got back to New Zealand saying to myself I have a new beginning and a new start. I remember saying to the devil on my return “That was a good shot, you should have knocked me down completely when you had the chance, but too late now”

I look back in 2008 and I see growth and maturity and character formation and say God, thanks for taking me through this and I see a change and transformation in character.

I thank God and also want to thank Charles A-Dwamena(Brother) and family, Nicky, Li Hsien, Sarah, my Zion Life group members, Leaders and all members of Hope church for the encouragement, my Korean friends at school. You guys are just great. God bless you all.

NB: Hey Beck’s thanks, for all your random text messages in 2008, was good to know someone was also thinking about you when ever the text message pops out.

My mom was awesome, great to have a godly mother to stand by you and encourages you all the time, Florence Gyanewa you Rocks.

I really cant go through the List of people to say thanks to, but I really thank the Lord for all my friends and families, you guys are just great.

I have attached the song VOICE OF TRUTH, you can listen to it.
SHALOM

Dedicated Sarah

2008-11-29T08:22:00.000-08:00

Yo Miss Whangarei, finally i have updated my blog hehehehe.
I am in USA now, new environment. miss everyone in New Zealand so far.
Will keep updating my blog as promissed Sarah(:)).
But i could not believe i am going to third year next semester, 2008 went so quick.
Ok have a great time and God bless you all.
Shalom

2008-07-14T02:36:00.000-07:00

COURAGE UNDER FIRE

2008-07-14T00:43:00.000-07:00

Every day, you and I face the challenge of taking back what ever has been taken away from us. Like soldiers in a landing craft going ashore to establish a beachhead, we expect opposition. Our MISSION is to “invade the land” the enemy has taken away from us.
The world has been spiritually oppressed for too long and its affecting our families, our marriages, and our communities. This is a BATTLE and battles are bloody. Survival depends on preparation and training
When you come under pressure in a BATTLE zone, your character counts.
The decision you make in the last few seconds is where the battle is WON or LOST.
Let your legacy be one of great deeds and stunning Victories.
A “man’s” true spirit shows through when the pressure comes on.
INTEGRITY , COURAGE AND ACTION

WHY WE SING

2008-02-06T16:31:00.000-08:00

For some who may not understand our purpose,
they may not understand our prayers

Someone asked the question
Why do we sing?
When we lift our
hands to Jesus
What do we really mean?

Someone may be wondering
When we sing our song
At times we're even crying
And nothings even wrong

RESPONDS

I sing because I'm happy
I sing because I'm free
His eye is on the sparrow
That's the reason why we sing
God is the reason why we sing

And when the song is over
We've all said
Amen
In your heart just
keep on singing
And the song will never end

And if somebody asks you
Was it just a show??
Lift your hands and
be a witness
And tell the whole world
No

And when we cross that river
To study war no more
We will sing our
songs to Jesus
The one that we adore

Lucky Dube Shot Dead

2007-10-18T19:53:00.000-07:00

Reggae musician Lucky Dube was shot dead in a hijacking on Thursday in Rosettenville, Johannesburg police said.
Captain Cheryl Engelbrecht said the incident took place at around 8.20pm when Dube was driving a blue Polo in the Johannesburg suburb.
She said Dube was dropping off his son in the area when he was attacked.
“His son was already out of the car. When he saw what was happening, he ran to ask for help.”
The hijackers were still at large.
The boy was too traumatised to provide police with any information, Engelbrecht said.

[Via - Sapa]

I AM SO AMAZED

2007-09-18T16:37:00.000-07:00

Recently, I have begun to discover the other side of God.
There are a lot of time we hold on so much to our own things without giving God the chance to do HIS work in us.
A thousand times I fail, still HIS mercy remains, should I stumble again, and still I am caught in HIS Love. HIS love is everlasting. HIS love shines when all else fails, never ending, HIS glory goes beyond all things.
I don’t even know how to serve my God, and how to worship him any better. Because of this, I prayed to the Lord and said,
“I give you control of my heart and soul, to consume me from the inside out, let justice and praise become my embrace, to love you from the inside. I want to loose myself in bringing you praise” The cry of my heart is to bring praise to my created from the inside out
I feel so amazed by God and as days go by, I see glimpse of HIM and I feel shot of words to describe this God and how much I feel about HIM and all what limitations will allow me to say is “HOW DEEP, HOW WIDE, and HOW GREAT IS YOUR LOVE FOR ME”
There is a lot more to God than Christians can SEE, READ, HEAR AND EXPERIENCE, but it’s my prayer that we experience and get to know HIM More. I just can’t be bothered about what the atheist think. I am just too AMAZED by GOD.
I want to continue to see a glimpse of GOD.
All I need is HIM

REFLECTING AND BEING GRATEFUL

2007-09-11T17:04:00.000-07:00

There are times we focus so much on our struggles and tend to forget about the greatness of the Lord in our life.
What have we got that the Lord did not give to us?, what about the strength?.
Sometimes when I think about the greatness of the Lord Lord in my, I dont even know how to express my gratitude to Him
(2Ki 4:37) She fell at his feet and bowed before him, overwhelmed with gratitude. Then she took her son in her arms and carried him downstairs.

As most of my friends will know, I just started study this February. Before this I was studying back home in Ghana, but came here to continue my degree. Unfortunately things turned around the wrong way. Could not pursue my degree due to financial restrained (International student fees).
I had to work for about 3 yrs to have enough money to continue in February 2007.
Before the semester begun, I told the Lord, that I want to be faithful while I study. I don’t want my study to be an obstacle in serving the Lord as I have always been since becoming a Christian in 1997.
I never knew what that prayer meant until half way through the semester, when having to readjust myself to the new study life after about 4yrs away from lecture room, essays piling up, test dates approaching, having to serve the Lord faithfully (worship leading, leading my care (cell) group, following up on people, going to prayer meeting and Care (cell) group, spending hrs in church on Sunday. Beside all the above, I was working about 20 hrs every week.
Stress level begun to rise during this time, begun to mourn to myself, always complaining to the Lord. I can’t count the number of times I regretted coming to New Zealand. I thought coming to New Zealand was a wrong move, and I should not have been here in the first place.
The Lord brought people into my life who could detect the change of personality, because of reduction in my energy level, disappearance of the beautiful smile on my face, etc.
They were such a great blessing. It was so encouraging when I had a message from Gali in Singapore that Tamar has been praying for me because the Lord “placed” me on her heart.

After all these, what did the Lord do for me for my faithfulness?1)I prayed to the Lord that I want a Lap Top for my study. I went to work few days later and a colleague asked me “Kojo, do you have a Lap Top?” I said “No”, She said “do you want one?” I don’t mind I replied. Thank God for his provision
2) I prayed to the Lord and ask HIM “if its you who gave me the Lap Top, I want a printer as well”. Exactly one week after the request, a colleague offered me a printer. That’s just awesome.
3) I requested for the Florence Nightingale’s memorial scholarship for books. Provide by the NZ Nurses organization, I it got approved.
4) The most importantly, I had good grades for my end of semester exams. This qualified me for a STUDY AWARD.

I don’t even know how to say thank you to my created, but as psalmist said, “Psa 116:12 What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?”
I have learned a lot from this. When we are faithful to the Lord, HE will not short-change us. He will provide strength for the weak, because they that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they will run and never be weary, they shall walk and not faint (Isaiah 40:31).
What the Lord has done for me, I can not tell it all.

chocolate is 'better than kissing'

2007-09-03T19:53:00.000-07:00

Couples in their 20s had their heart rates and brains monitored whilst they first melted chocolate in their mouths and then kissed.
Chocolate caused a more intense and longer lasting "buzz" than kissing, and doubled volunteers' heart rates.
The research was carried out by Dr David Lewis, formerly of the University of Sussex, and now of the Mind Lab.
Experts, concerned at growing levels of obesity throughout the developed world, warn that chocolate should only be consumed in moderation.
Dr Lewis said: "There is no doubt that chocolate beats kissing hands down when it comes to providing a long-lasting body and brain buzz.
"A buzz that, in many cases, lasted four times as long as the most passionate kiss."
The volunteers, all aged in their 20s, had electrodes attached to their scalps and wore heart monitors during the two tests.
The researchers compared their resting heart rates with those during the chocolate and kissing tests.

The study also found that as the chocolate started melting, all regions of the brain received a boost far more intense and longer lasting than the excitement seen with kissing.

Psychologist Sue Wright said: "Chocolate contains phenylethylamine which can raise levels of endorphins, the pleasure-giving substances, in the brain.
"It also contains caffeine which has a stimulatory effect on the brain.
"This would explain why chocolate can give people a buzz, and why people can become addicted to it."

requesting the Korean hostages be freed. Will you

2007-08-01T22:10:00.000-07:00

I thought you would like to know about this urgent campaign to free the remaining South Korean aid workers who have been taken hostage by Taliban fighters in Afghanistan. The Taliban have already executed 1 hostage and are threatening to execute the rest this week, an action that could trigger a mass evacuation of life-giving humanitarian aid from all of Afghanistan.

The situation is desperate, but there is hope. The Taliban are all from the 'Pashtun' ethnic group, and observe a strict code called Pashtunwali. This code demands, above all else: "hospitality to all, especially guests and strangers". There are rumours of infighting among the Taliban over these kidnappings, because they clearly violate the code.

A global outcry for the Taliban to follow their own code would certainly be covered by media in Afghanistan and Pakistan where the Taliban are based – creating massive local pressure on them to free their prisoners. But these hostages are living under a 24 hour death sentence. We have seconds not minutes to act. Sign the petition below and invite your friends to do the same.

http://www.avaaz.org/en/honour_the_afghan_code/tf.php/?CLICKTRACK

What Will You Do?

2007-07-30T03:53:00.000-07:00

If You Are The Minister of Health with $40,000 to spend on one of the scenario below. How will you spend it?

Sarah is one of 1000s of school aged children with otitis media attending school. She is often in trouble because she can’t hear properly what the teacher is saying. She also feels really embarrassed because her spelling is poor. She cannot hear the sounds of the letters.
$40.000.00 would pay for over 500 children like Sarah to have grommets.

Meet Marcus and his grandmother Rebecca, Rebecca is 84 years of age. She served in the second world war and has always taken in homeless children and looked after them. She has always worked and paid taxes. Rebecca needs a hip operation. Her operation plus rehabilitation in a private rest home is estimated to be $40,000.00.

Here is a photo of someone’s baby. His name is Desmond. Desmond needs a heart transplant or else he would die. The operation would cost about $40.000.00..

How would you spend the $40,000.00?

STANDING-IN (interceding) FOR OUR GENERATION

2007-07-16T01:05:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys,
Today, i spoke about the need for Christians to intercede(stand in) for our generation.
Trying to improve the sound quality, but so far good comments.
enjoy that. God bless you
Go to the link below to enjoy the wonderful encouragement
http://www.musicwebtown.com/ogyacious

SHALOM

COMING SOON

2007-07-15T18:36:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys,
Watch out for outcoming features
You will be able to listend to my own inspirations and Godly encouragement from my page. http://www.musicwebtown.com/ogyacious
What about that?? in MP3 format.
Hope it helps Sara.
Hope to keep you happy
SHALOM

Ghana: Accelerating Growth to Halve Poverty

2007-04-30T05:24:00.000-07:00

Ghana is currently one of the best-performing economies in
Africa. By improving policies and institutions, and investing in
infrastructure and basic services, Ghana has brought down poverty
levels from 52 percent in 1992 to 35 percent in 2003. It is likely
to surpass the Millennium Development Goal of halving poverty
by 2015. Economic growth has averaged 4.5 percent from 1983
through 2000, but accelerated to 5.8 percent in 2004 and 6 percent
in 2005 in response to the government’s program of reforms. Ghanaians’
access to electricity is the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa
outside South Africa. All of this augurs well for Ghana to achieve
middle-income country status by 2015.

COUNTRY ACHIEVEMENTS:
1)
GDP growth has been around 6 percent in
2004, 2005, and 2006—signifi cantly higher
than averages over the past decade. The
domestic debt-to-GDP ratio fell from 23.7
percent at the end of 2002 to 10.8 percent by
the end of 2005.

2)The government has strengthened public
fi nancial management through improved
regulation, as well as more timely audits.
Reporting on budget execution has become
more frequent and of higher quality. Stronger
fi scal management has contributed to
lower interest rates, thus lowering the
government’s interest costs and increasing
the availability and affordability of credit to
the private sector.

Health.:
3) Ghana’s overall medium-term health strategy
exceeded its targets in increasing outpatient
visits and pre-natal services. Ante-natal
care visits now cover 98 percent of pregnant
women. Also, over the last few years Ghana
has registered increases in the use of mosquito
nets and in births attended by a health
professional.

FUNNY THOUGHTS

2007-04-29T23:53:00.000-07:00

One day a college professor of Psychology was greeting his new college class. He stood up in front of the class and said, "Would everyone who thinks he or she is stupid please stand up?"
After a minute or so of silence, a young man stood up.

"Well, good morning. So, you actually think you're a moron?" the professor asked.

The kid replied, "No sir, I just didn't want to see you standing there all by yourself.

Are Ghanaian Men Romantic?

2007-04-22T04:27:00.000-07:00

One area of great interest in animal behaviour studies is courtship. While some birds are known to jump on tree branches for hours, displaying their ability and colourful feathers, others sing beautifully, build artistic nests and decorate them just to attract female partners.

It is also known that some animals stay as partners for life and continue to display their deep affection openly by gestures.

Romance and women
Romance is especially important to women because they identify themselves by their friendship, relationship and emotions. Women love warm, comforting and sharing relationships. They hunger for emotional connection, intimacy and love.

These can be found in small intangible and non-sexual activities like hugging, comforting words, holding hands or sharing quiet moments with a lover.

In all talks on relationships, our women complain that Ghanaian men are not romantic at all. How many Ghanaian men hold their wives' hand as they cross the road or take a pleasure walk with their wives?

Why Ghanaian men are not romantic
Studies across the world indicate that most women in relationships feel they are not getting the kind of love they deserve. The situation is worsened in Ghana where traditional and cultural practices make it hard for men to show open affection by gestures.

A man is expected to associate with men and those who show open romantic gestures may be ridiculed.
Thus at social meetings it is common to see husbands and wives sitting separately, with no communication. It appears almost a taboo for a Ghanaian man to show open affection to his wife. The cold attitude of Ghanaian men is more pronounced in those who grew up in broken homes or homes devoid of affection.

If such men never learnt how to show affection by reading or going through counselling, they find it extremely difficult to show affection to those they love

The way forward
A relationship without romance is not worth it. Women must know that no man is born romantic. It is the special treatment men get which opens them up to express their true love openly.

Hug frequently
Scientists tell us that hugging produces a chemical which sustains lasting relationships. We must spend quality time just to connect to ourselves as we speak words of appreciation, motivation, love, comfort, kindness, hope and acceptance.

Allow your wife to express herself and her emotions freely and remember to use the magic words - "I love you, thank you, sorry, you have been good to me."

In addition, you can create signs and terms understood only by the two of you. You can make your home romantic. Hang a family picture. You can listen to your favourite songs or watch films together as you share a drink.

A man can join his wife to cook and do other house duties. We can also send small gifts and love notes. A walk, a drink or weekend travels are helpful. Above all, we must be honest with ourselves and ensure that our actions are real and not deceit or flattery. This is because in some instances romance doesn’t guarantee true love

2007-04-20T18:47:00.001-07:00

There is one particular thing the world day after day are seeking for.
Huge amount of money is spent every day and inocent lives are lost just because of this. That thing is called WORLD PEACE.
If we can learn to respect one another's culture, belief, openion and learn to show love, see each person as an individual and stop all stereotyping, Wolrd Peace is achievable.
May God bless this wonderful world.
Shalom