Children Can Teach...

How many days a week do you feel like life is just too complicated? Even if it isn't, it doesn't take us long to make things complicated. Human beings just have this innate ability to ramp up everything to the next level.

I once tried to plan a simple barbecue party...I was going to invite two couples from church, grill hot dogs and hamburgers, and just sit around and fellowship. Sounds good, right? Well, in one week I managed to turn two couples into 20, buy expensive steaks I couldn't afford and drive my family crazy with a list of chores I was convinced we just had to do before company came over.

Frankly, I just wanted to impress people. And because of it, I had a miserable week—and I made my family miserable too.

What's the simple solution to all of this? I believe the answer is in Luke 18:17: Whoever does not accept and receive and welcome the kingdom of God like a little child [does] shall not in any way enter it [at all].

Did you notice it says little? As children get older, even they begin to have the ability to complicate things. But when they're really little, there's just none of that.

Little children aren't complicated. They don't live their life trying to impress anyone. And they can teach us a lot about how to enjoy life. Simply observe them during play time.

Lesson 1: Let Things Go

“ Multitasking may be popular, but the Bible tells us to give our mind to what we are doing. ”

One thing about children is they are extremely forgiving. One minute they can be fighting over a toy and the next minute they're hugging.

I can tell you that hating people is complicated and it's hard work. You can carry a grudge and be bitter, resentful, mad and offended. And every time you see "that person" you can cringe inside and you can talk about them behind their back—or you can spare yourself the trouble.

Listen, don't waste the rest of your life sulking about some unfair thing that happened to you. Get yourself off your mind…and simplify.

Lesson 2: Be a Dreamer

Another thing children do that makes their lives simple is that they so easily believe. They believe in magic and fairytales. They have no problem coming up with imaginary playmates or imagining life to be amazing and fantastic.

There's a book by John Ortberg called God Is Closer Than You Think. And in it, he writes about a little girl who said she knew Jesus was living in her heart because when she put her hand to her chest, she could feel Him walking around.

Now, we adults know she was just feeling her heartbeat. But that little childlike spirit felt God inside her! And when you think about it, she was right because a beating heart is a sign that life is in you.

As adults, we need to move into the supernatural realm and start dreaming again. We need to create joy in our own lives. It's a right and privilege we have as children of God, but it's a decision we must choose to make.

Lesson 3: Pick Up Your Toys

Some of us can simplify our lives very easily, even without using our imaginations.

For one thing, we can go home and clean up our rooms. Keep the stuff you use and keep the stuff you love. But give away what you're holding on to for someday because odds are when you need it, you won't remember where you put it.

Lesson 4: Focus Your Attention

Another way you can simplify your life is to practice doing one thing at a time. Multitasking may be popular, but the Bible tells us to give our mind to what we are doing (see Ecclesiastes 5:1).

Lesson 5: Ask Your Father

Finally, you can simplify your life just by trusting that God loves you and hears your prayers. Philippians 4:6 says, Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God (NIV).

If you want something, ask Him for it. If it's right, He'll give it to you. If it's not, just know He has something better for you in mind.

It really is that simple! I encourage you to stop questioning God with your mind, and start trusting Him with your heart.

Be a little more childlike in your approach to life. Who knows…you may just feel Jesus walking around in your heart.

This article by Joyce Meyer's is taken from her four-part audio series Happy to Be Me.

15 Relationship Questions by Christians

Is virginity still a virtue?

Yes. It also keeps you psychologically balanced and somewhat immune to hurt. But don't deceive yourself that you are waiting for anyone. The man would most likely not be a virgin. Waiting too long have negative effects.

Is female virginity over-rated?

Somewhat. A woman is told to keep her price for the man who most likely has many conquests in exchange.

Is masturbation or wet dreams a sin?

Masturbation is self pleasuring. Wet dream is secretion from sexual fantasies. Our bodies are wired to react to stimulation or fantasies. The part we may have to figure out individually is the issue of committing sexual sin in our minds especially because to masturbate, one draws up an image to fantasise about. The Bible condemns mental lust but both the married and unmarried are guilty. Also there may be damaging implications in marriage for those who become addicted to self pleasuring as singles.

Is polygamy wrong?

Rachael was Jacob's first love but she married into polygamy. Hannah married into polygamy. Mary may have married into polygamy. A bishop, pastor, deacon is not expected to marry more than one wife. David, a man after God's heart was polygamous so was Solomon. Isaac may have been the only patriarch who had one wife and lived with her till death. Nigerian Law recognises one wife but customary law permits more. Monogamy is the ideal as we saw in Eden but war, poverty, corruption have left the world with more marriage types. If all Christian men and all Christian women choose to get married today, the ratio if they must all be married will not be 1:1.

Should marriage be redefined?

Yes. More marriages are ending in divorce and many more or living separately. The slogan at the altar was, "For better, for worse... to live together till death do us part." The contract in my opinion is broken once the man or women decide to live apart (or abroad) where it is humanly possible for them to be together i.e. non war or non life threatening situation.

Why am I still single?

Because you haven't said yes to someone or asked someone into marriage. There is always someone who wants you as a wife or husband; it now depends on whether you feel that way.

Is there shortage of eligible men or women?

No. Eligibility is relative; as defined by you. Yet, someone that fits your profile is available somewhere, some place. You only need to find her/him somehow. I tried prayer and networking and I can confirm both works.

Are single mothers/fathers necessarily the product of earlier waywardness?

Becoming a single mother or father takes just one sexual experience. Some of them were raped and few become so bitter that it became their last sexual experience. The really wayward folks know about contraception and may have used the option of abortion.

Can career and marriage be successfully managed?

Yes. Examples abound even around you. It is a choice you must make but it helps to have the support of your spouse.

Do I have to give up my individuality in marriage?

Not really. Yet you have to be a team player. Amos 3:3

Is it wrong to ask a man out on a date?

In the African context it is regarded as wrong but Biblically it is not. Asking a man out on a date is merely an offer of friendship not a plea for marriage.

How can I cope with discrimination occasioned by singleness?

As long as people have different cultures, backgrounds and beliefs, there would be discrimination. Learn to be strong and learn to believe in you especially in the fact that being single does not make you less human or capable than the married.

How can I position myself for "opportunities:" (relationship, friendship...)

Just as you learn skills to get the right job, you need to learn some skills especially communication and relational skills. You must be personable and tolerant. The Bible says he that must be a friend must show himself friendly. You also need to be prayerful; God's will remain the best ingredient for a successful relationship.

Is it wrong to desire a rich mate?

Ask and you shall be given. Be sure that you desire a rich mate for the right reasons and don't miss out on the right person because your desire is closed ended. Someone may appear rich only for you to find out such a person is a prodigal son. Yet someone may start out plain yet have skills that will number him among the Bill Gates of this world.

What are the essential qualities for a Godly relationship

Godly Character, Effective Communication, Cultural Tolerance, Career and Commitment to making it work.

Do you disagree with our response, feel free to share.

Do you have questions not listed here? Feel free to ask?

Article Source. Read other articles by the author at OU Journal.

Jesus Christ, is my life

This fact has been expressed in so many ways especially through my selfless offerings.

Here again, I am delighted to share the expression of the life that comes only from Jesus Christ.

Enjoy these expression of faith by New Yorkers!

PROPHECIES BY PASTOR E. O. ADEBOYE FOR 2012

Individuals

1. He said many considered to be absolutely barren will be fruitful.

2. He said family histories will be rewritten, including an end to premature death.

3. He said desperate prayers will get quick reply this year.

4. He said some will experience massive transfer of wealth from the wicked to the just.

Nigeria

1. God says He has surprises both for His own and for the enemies of the church.

2. He said before this year ends, it will be said of Nigeria; all is well that ends well.

3, He said we are to pray more for prominent Nigerians, so that those who see this year may see the next.

International

1. Daddy says there will be a lot of power transfer.

2. He said new phenomenon will startle scientists.

3. He said we are to pray against earth quakes of record magnitude, tsunamis of record proportion and massive hurricanes. if we pray they will be subdued.

4. The civil unrest that started last year, will begin to end this year.

Sex & Fertility

In DC, we ensure we follow you up even after you are divinely connected and duly married to your partner:

DC Host:

How is life as a wife? Depending on how soon you want children, hope you know about ovulation and how to calculate fertile days.

DC Member:

To be truthful, I want children and family members are already looking towards it. We were in the hospital in November because every time we have intercourse, the sperm comes back out and the doctor says it is nothing to worry about. He said we should enjoy ourselves now and come back in two months for further check up. He explained ways by which we could have intercourse for the sperm to be retained and we have been going by it. Please can you explain more to me about the fertile period because I want to be very sure. Thanks so much, I know I can always count on you.

DC Host:

I support the doctor’s suggestion that you should enjoy yourself; hey, you’ve only be married one month! The truth is it is better to address any issue that comes up as soon as possible but be careful for it not to affect the discovery and pleasures of sex. That said; here is my response in relation to the outflow of sperm after intercourse.

It is normal for semen to flow out. Remember that around 95% of the semen doesn't make it past the cervix… so it comes out at some point!

But to ensure what you are seeing is not CM (cervical mucus) and to differentiate it from semen, you can do a water test... Drop some into a glass of cold water, if it falls apart, you're seeing leftover semen but if it stays together, it's EWCM (egg white cervical mucus).

But semen and sperm are different - semen is the fluid that carries the sperm out of your partner's body and into yours. As soon as it is ejaculated into your vagina, the sperm leave the seminal fluid and begin to swim towards the cervix and fallopian tubes with your cervical fluid instead, and the semen is now obsolete. With only one way to go, it leaks back out; along with the dead, weak and abnormal sperm you don't want fertilising an egg anyway. Healthy, live sperm should not leak out, even if you stand up straight after sex.

There are between 100-500million sperm in a single ejaculation, and only about 200 ever reach the fallopian tubes. This is normal.

If you are trying to get pregnant, having an orgasm the same time or after your husband ejaculates will help the cervix to naturally contract and suck up the sperm in the uterine canal, which can be high risk of pregnancy if you are ovulating.

If you are not sure about calculating your fertile days, visit Divine Connection under the title Calculating Fertile Days.

Over and beyond all the expertise of humans, God works wonders, so never forget to pray about… about conception, about the seed, etc.