Understanding Friendship: building durable relationships by Atilade Faith.

 

Friends.

What makes them so special? Is it the shared memories, the common interests, or the simple joy of their company? Perhaps it's all of these things and more. After all, friendship is a unique relationship that can be defined in many different ways. 

Friendship is a state of enduring affection, esteem, intimacy, and trust between two people. It involves interaction between two individuals who know each other. - According to Britannica.

Friendship is a selfless bond between two people. But one thing is certain, friends are a gift, and they make life richer and more meaningful. So let's dive into the beauty of friendship. Kahlil Gibran once said that "friendship is always a sweet responsibility and never an opportunity". That is friendship is a responsibility to care for and support one another rather than something of convenience.

One of the greatest things about friendship is the sense of connection it provides. Friends are the people who know us best, and who accept us for who we are. They're the ones we can laugh with, cry with, and share our deepest thoughts and feelings with.

Friendship also provides a sense of belonging and community. Friends are like family, only we get to choose them, and that choice is a powerful thing. Friendships can also challenge us to grow and become better versions of ourselves. Through friends, we can learn to forgive, to be compassionate, and to give and receive love. Friendship is simply fun! Friends are the people we laugh with, have adventures with, and create unforgettable memories with. They're the ones who make even the mundane moments magical.

Friendship is a gift, a treasure that should be cherished. It's a bond that transcends time and distance, and it brings meaning and joy to life. Cherish your friends, and remember to show them how much you appreciate them. Because life without friends is like a garden without flowers, lacking in beauty and colour. And this is true because we can't do this life with friends, or people. I used to think that I didn't need to tell those I call my friend things or whatever was going on with me and it just made me so alone, made life look less fun but it got better when I started to share things even if that is still a work in progress but I feel less gloomy everyday. Friendship enriches our lives, nourishes our souls, and makes the world a brighter, better place.

So let's all celebrate the special friends in our lives, and remember that true friendship is priceless. It's not about what we can gain from it, but rather what we can give. After all, the best things in life are not things, they're the people we hold dear.

Reference

Www.britannica.com

Romanticizing your life by Atilade Faith.

Some weeks ago school resumed and it's my final year, I thought about how to make the most of it, because I want to enjoy every moment and savour it while doing school runs. 

Life can be a bit of a drag sometimes,  but there's a simple way to shake things up and turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. It's romanticizing your life. It's like a cheat code for your reality, allowing you to transform mundane tasks into enchanting adventures.

Romanticizing your life is like adding glitter to a grey day. It is about finding joy, life and peace within. According to the New York Times, it is appreciating what we have right in front of us and living with intention, no matter how mundane our daily activities might be. It is a reminder to look for moments of beauty and to embrace minimalism. 

It is being positive about things that life has to offer, regardless of whether the circumstance is what you imagined or wanted says Ashley Ward, a 26-year-old Tiktoker. In Dr. Loucks's research, he says romanticizing your life intersects with mindfulness in part by helping us become more in tune with ourselves. 

Many of us pay attention to the bad things that happen to us more than the good and romanticizing helps you understand that the small things in your life are important and valuable to your happiness. It is adding little to rituals to everyday activities making it extraordinary. 

Romanticizing your life helps to boost your mood, enhance creativity, and increase gratitude. You see things in a different light and become grateful for life and the things you get to do and enjoy. 

Romanticizing your life can mean finding beauty in nature, appreciating small moments, and savouring simple pleasures.

It's about looking at life through rose-colored glasses, that is seeing only the pleasant things about a situation. Your awareness widens to take in the details around you. It's all about creating your narrative of a life worth living. 

One way to romanticize your life is by adopting a different perspective on your daily routine. Romanticizing is seeing the beauty and magic in everyday experiences no matter how little. It involves adding a sense of excitement, wonder, and adventure to the mundane. Other ways to romanticize your life include:

• Having a morning routine 

• Enjoy nature, and get in the sunlight, especially in the mornings. Be intentional about everything, yourself, family, friends, business, and your alone time with God. Just be intentional. 

• Wear that favourite piece of clothing, or jewellery. Gift yourself, treat yourself to a time out alone, dates, and picnics. You sef don try! Take breaks, go on walks. It helps your body. 

• Save and savour your memories. Meditate. 

• Enjoy nature. Try aromatherapy, it fills your space with amazing scents. 

• Treat yourself to healthy foods, adopt a healthy lifestyle, and maybe hit the gym too! 

• Go on adventures, it doesn't have to be expensive. I remember going on one with my ex~roommates and we had fun. 

• Curate a Playlist for yourself. Have an after-school, after-work routine, Read that book. Drink water too, lots of it! 

You may not be able to change the world, but you can make your corner of it a bit more magical. Add some glitter to your life, appreciate life's simple pleasures and watch how things change.

References

dictionary.cambridge.org

nytimes.com

www.midliferambler.com

THE SILENCE OF FAITH by Kay Daniels

Wordspired Insights

THE SILENCE OF FAITH

Simply keeping quiet when angry is a simple strategy for overcoming the spirit of anger. 

It is what I call the silence of faith. It is a divine strategy for possessing your soul. It brings to unison the imagination, memory, intellect, emotion and will. 

This is quietness that is reinforced by confidence to build strength that is needed to win battles. 

Isaiah 30:15  For thus saith the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel; In returning and rest shall ye be saved; in quietness and in confidence shall be your strength: and ye would not.

Luke 21:19  In your patience possess ye your souls.

Receive grace to effectively coordinate your soul with faith - inspired patience. 

Every arrow of evil targeted at your home, family and finance returns back to the originators seven fold in Jesus name. 

All unhealthy noise and drums of evil chantings around your life is silenced now in the name of Jesus. 

Today is your day for a miracle. 

_Plan to Attend the faith tech and productivity Summit 16th Sept 2023 @ Bells university of technology._ 

For more info visit https://ccyiglobalenterprise.com.ng/faithtechreg. 

Kay Daniels

PROPHETIC FRUIT FOR SEPTEMBER 2023 by Kay Daniels

At the root of limitless possibilities in the kingdom is the fore knowledge of God the father, through sanctification of the spirit unto obedience. 

This is fortified by the sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ - the speaking blood that speaks better things than the blood of Abel. The blood of Abel speaks vengeance, the blood of Jesus Speaks better things like mercy, favour, blessings, grace, honour, wisdom, glory, victory. 

You can always count of the blood of Jesus! But to make this happen, we all need to know how to possess our vessel in sanctification and honour. 

Zechariah 3:3-4  Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel.

And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.

The month of September shall herald the taking away from your life everything that might represent a filthy garment in your life and destiny. 

Haggai 2:19  Is the seed yet in the barn? yea, as yet the vine, and the fig tree, and the pomegranate, and the olive tree, hath not brought forth: from this day will I bless you.

Beginning from this month of September, you shall be experiencing the visible hand of God's blessing in every area of your life. 

Welcome to a brand new month, September: SANCTIFICATION OF THE SPIRIT UNTO OBEDIENCE: KEY TO LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES. 

1 Peter 1:2, 1 Thessalonians 4:4

Everyday of this month shall drop fruits of testimonies on your path in Jesus name. 

Kay Daniels

Palace of Creativity

CCYI GLOBAL

Watch out for Faith Tech and Productivity Summit 2023

https://ccyiglobalenterpise.com.ng/faithtechreg

IN LOVING MEMORY OF SURV ADEKUNLE MICHAEL DANIEL - 26 YEARS IN OUR MINDS

In Loving Memory of Surveyor Michael Adekunle Daniel 

(August 31, 1997 – August 31, 2023)

"The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." - Psalm 34:18

On this day, we lovingly honor the cherished memory of Surveyor Michael Adekunle Daniel, who touched our lives with his love, wisdom, and enduring faith. Though he departed from this world on August 31, 1997, his spirit remains alive in the hearts of his children and family.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:38-39

Surveyor Michael Adekunle's life was a testament to the power of love and the strength of family bonds. As we remember him today, let us draw comfort from the knowledge that he is forever embraced by the love of the Creator. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, and his impact continues to shape the path we walk.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." - Psalm 23:1-3

On this auspicious day, may we find solace in the knowledge that Surveyor Michael Adekunle walks in the company of the Divine. He rests in peace, surrounded by the tranquility of eternal love, and his memory remains an eternal wellspring of inspiration for us all.

In loving remembrance,

Kay Daniels for the Family

LOVE YOURSELF PT.3 BY ATILADE FAITH.

There is a thin line.

Self-love, selfishness, and self-centeredness are often mistaken, the lines in between are often blurred but they are different. Self-love is about caring for and prioritizing oneself without harming others, it is doing to yourself what you want others to do. Say if you're good or kind to yourself, others will treat you the same way.

Selfishness is prioritizing your interests at the expense of others. While discussing with someone, he said selfishness is like having attention and not wanting to give it out while self-centeredness is craving attention, wanting everyone's attention for oneself.

These concepts are important in personal growth, and friendship because they shape how we interact with others and affect our well-being.

Self-love: It's about treating oneself with kindness, compassion, and respect. It means valuing oneself, setting healthy boundaries, and prioritizing one's own needs while still caring for others. Self-love is essential for good mental and emotional health.

Selfishness: prioritizing one's interests above all else, regardless of the impact on others. It involves disregarding others' needs, wants, and feelings. Selfishness can damage relationships and can lead to loneliness and unhappiness.

Self-centeredness: According to 'very well mind' a self-centred person tends to be focused on themselves and may have difficulty in showing consideration, and empathy for others. Self-centeredness differs from self-love because while self-love involves taking care of your needs and putting yourself first once in a while, particularly if you’re dealing with something stressful, self-centeredness involves thinking only about oneself. It is excessive focus on oneself to the exclusion of others. It can manifest in behaviours such as narcissism, lack of empathy, and constant self-promotion. It can create a sense of superiority and superiority complex that can be off-putting to others and lead to social isolation.

Overall, these concepts all revolve around a person's focus on themselves, but they differ in the extent to which they prioritize self-interest over others and the impact on relationships. 

It is important to carefully understand each concept because it takes just a little before the lines are blurred. 

In the end, self-love is about loving yourself in a healthy way that allows you to love others well and how they should in turn love you. Selfishness is about prioritizing your desires at the expense of others, and self-centeredness is a fixation on oneself to the point of ignoring others. By nurturing self-love, we can create a positive ripple effect in our relationships, communities, and the world at large. Understand the differences.

Reference

https://verywellmind.com

 

A DAY OF VISITATION by Kay Daniels

A DAY OF VISITATION

Exodus 4:31

There is always a day or season of God's visitation that brings about unusual happenings. 

Intence spirituality often fastracks the occurrence of a time of visitation. 

Intense desire by an individual or church to go into a time of consecration, often "coincide" or align with the time of God's visitation. 

When there is an uncommon hunger for God in your soul, it is a sign that you within the circumference of God's visitation. 

Hinger for God is an indication of an approaching visitation from God. 

Acts 4:33 - 34

The time of visitation is a season God extravagantly pours our his grace. 

When God visits, He externalizes his grace in the life of an individual or nation. 

1 Peter 1:10-13

The revelation of Jesus is what heralds the visitation of God. 

When God's grace shows forth, it makes things "unbelievable" to show forth in your life. 1 Corinthians 2:9

When this grace (massive visitation )comes, there would be no concept  of what is about to hit you. Things have not seen, ears have not heard and the heart of man have not conceived. 

When God visits, things align in your favour, the lines fall for you in pleasant places. 

Ideas or precepts blossom in the season of visitation. 

1 Peter 5:5 - 6 God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble. 

Psalm 32:4, 1 Peter 1:6

Hebrews 12:7 - 11

2 Peter 3:9

Psalm 100:1-5

Jeremiah 18:3-6

Gratitude, praise and worship should characterise the season of God's visitation even when his hand is heavy upon you. Everything may look out of order, but with gratitude, praise and worship, things soon go back into shape. 

Psalm 95:1 - 9

Rather than provoke God, give him praise and worship. 

Job 34: 31 - 32

1 Peter 2:1-2

2 Timothy 3:16-17

2 Peter 1:19

Pray and feed on God's word. 

The only cleansing instruments in the hand of God is in his word. 

1 Peter 2:1-6,12

Hebrews 12:12-14 The conclusion of the matter. 

God prepares you for his visitation. 

Ephesians 3:20

Doors would start opening unto you on their own Accord as you usher in the wave of God's visitation. 

Worng teachings and wrong prophesy are the major undoing in the body of Christ. 

A great day of visitation is soon showing forth. 

To resist the devil is to simply obey God Almighty. 

This is your day if you have received God's word into your heart in Jesus name. 

LOVE YOURSELF PT.2 BY ATILADE FAITH

IT'S IMPACT ON RELATIONSHIPS.

When you practise self-love, you treat yourself better with kindness and this extends to those around you Also, you model healthy behaviours. After understanding self-love, and how to practise, you want to understand how it affects your relationships with others. The influence of self-love on relationships includes;

Improved relationship dynamics with other people because you're content and not troubled by insecurities that could lead to jealousy. When you love yourself it extends to how you treat and receive other people. 

Improved communication and self-love allow for healthy communication by helping you speak/express your needs assertively. It also helps you to handle conflicts better, rather than attacking a person’s character, you address the issue.

It also helps you to set boundaries, speak your truth, and feel less resentful towards yourself and others. It also helps you set the grounds for how you expect to be treated. There’s a saying by Rupi Kaur ‘How you love yourself is how you teach others to love you’. By prioritising yourself and your needs and treating yourself with kindness, you show others how to treat you.

Self-love also helps you to speak from a place of confidence instead of second-guessing yourself, you appreciate yourself and values and speak to others from a place of confidence. You don't need external validation or rely on others to be happy when you love yourself, it allows you to invest in yourself and allows you to learn to appreciate and value yourself, your choices, and your values.

Self-love allows you to have respect for differences. You can accept yourself including your flaws, this in turn extends in your relationship with people. It also allows you to spend time with those who appreciate and value your worth. 

By understanding the importance of self-love, its influence on relationships, and practising it, you make way for fulfilling relationships and become more compassionate and understanding. Self-love ensures that your relationships with others are sturdy. So keep loving yourself and having more fulfilling relationships.

LOVE YOURSELF BY ATILADE FAITH.

SELF LOVE.

Self-love is crucial to healthy relationships, it is a game-changing mindset that allows people to prioritise their happiness and fulfilment. It is the practice of nurturing your own emotional, mental, and physical needs without seeking validation from external sources. This profound affection for oneself serves as the foundation for healthy relationships with others.

Self-love includes self-acceptance which is acknowledging your strengths and weaknesses while restraining yourself from harsh self-criticism, nobody is perfect. It also includes self-compassion which is treating yourself with kindness during challenging times, it helps to build resilience and emotional wellbeing. It also helps to form healthy boundaries by saying ‘no, yes’ when needed.

Self-love also reduces dependency on others, you are less likely to rely on others for validation or happiness. It also reduces codependency in relationships. Self-love increases your empathy towards others as you understand that no one is perfect you extend that understanding to others.  

Here are some ways to practise self-love;

Practising self-care like meditation, exercising, journaling and so on.

Set boundaries and practise saying ‘no’ to things that don’t align with you and your person.

Cultivate the habit of positive self-talk, always saying positive things.

Surround yourself with supportive people who respect your boundaries and align with you.

Celebrate your accomplishments even the little wins and be gentle with yourself when you make mistakes. Again, nobody is perfect.

Self-love improves your relationship with others, you respect differences, you become better at handling conflicts with yourself and others, and become emotionally available.

Self-love is the foundation for thriving relationships, both with yourself and with others. It is a key to unlocking healthy relationships, it is also the backbone of your emotional well-being and it helps you to prioritise needs and make decisions that align with your values. When you love yourself, you can love others. So make self-love a priority.

HANDLE EMOTIONAL LOVE WITH CARE by Kay Daniels

HANDLE EMOTIONAL LOVE WITH CARE

Many "fall" in love 💝 and get "drowned" in it. While others "grow" on love 😘 and get established in it as it where. 

Many actually fail in relationship because they could not effectively handle "emotions".

Emotional intelligence is key to effective relationship. 

Certain relationships go through a peculiar flow or tragectory. Such tragectory include the following: 

1. Meeting stage. 

There is always a meeting stage. The point we're two people meet with each other. Some meeting happen via "eye-to-eye",  "eye-to-body", "voice - to - voice", and "hand - to hand" contact. 

By making eye contacts, some relationships are forged. By simple getting to see certain people, some people connect. 

Like yoruba people would say, "oju loro wa". Some simply get connected by simply getting hooked to the voice of someone they admire or find adorable. 

Through a simple handshake certain people connect. Connection can begin at any point, and all these points are often "emotionally" triggered. 

How and where people meet most of the time define their "emotional intelligence". 

Genesis 3:6  And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.

Watch out for part 2 

Kay Daniels 

Being an entrepreneur by Atilade Faith.

Entrepreneurship requires a unique blend of determination, grit, and a tolerance for uncertainty. It's a journey of highs and lows, with moments of triumph and moments of doubt. But at the heart of it all, entrepreneurship is about taking control of your career, pursuing your passion, and making a positive impact on the world.

Being an entrepreneur is having: flexibility and independence. Having flexibility and independence allows you to set your schedule, work from wherever you want, and adapt your work to fit your life. No more rigid 9-to-5 grind! Independence allows you to be your boss, which means you have the freedom to take risks, make decisions, and chart your path without being beholden to a corporate hierarchy. It's like being the captain of your ship!

It involves having unlimited income potential. It also gives you full creative control over your business. You get to be the creative mastermind behind your business, from branding to marketing to product design. You also get to bring your unique vision to life and express your values and personality through your business. You get to create a culture that aligns with your values and attracts the right people to your team. 

As an entrepreneur, you also have the opportunity to pursue something you're passionate about. You wake up every day and do something you truly love, which keeps you engaged and inspired. Your passion fuels your creativity and drives you to innovate and push boundaries. 

It also attracts customers and partners who share your passion and values, creating a loyal community around your business. You're more likely to persevere through challenges and setbacks when you're doing something you're passionate about. Passion is the fuel that keeps your engine running.

As interesting as the benefits are, entrepreneurship also has its downsides such as; Financial instability: Entrepreneurship often involves a lot of financial risk, with unpredictable income and expenses.

Work-life balance: As your boss, it's easy to get sucked into working 24/7, which can lead to burnout and stress.

Running a business can be lonely especially if you're a solo founder or don't have a solid support network. There's a lot of pressure to succeed, and the fear of failure can be paralyzing. 

There's also the uncertainty, You never know what's around the corner. The market, competition, and customer demand can all be unpredictable, making it tough to plan and strategize.

Risk: Starting a business means putting your time, money, and reputation on the line. There's no guarantee of success, and the potential for failure can be paralyzing. 

Entrepreneurship is a rollercoaster of ups and downs, and there's always the risk of losing everything you've worked for. 

Entrepreneurship is a path that demands courage, creativity, and a willingness to take risks. It's a journey that requires persistence, and adaptability, entrepreneurship can be a source of fulfilment, freedom, and financial independence. It's a path that offers the chance to solve a problem, to turn a dream into reality and to make a difference in the world. So, if you're ready take a deep breath, take the leap, and hold on tight!

Mental health awareness by Atilade Faith

Mental health awareness among youths and relationships.

Taking importance of our mental wellbeing is essential and it also extends to our relationships. Young people face a set of challenges including social pressures, academic demands and a rapidly changing world. Mental health awareness promotes emotional wellbeing and effective communication and also helps build stronger connections.

According to WHO, mental health is a state of wellbeing in which the individual realizes his/her own abilities, can cope with normal stresses , can work productively and effectively, and is able to make a contribution to his/her community. WHO also states that it is more than just the absence of mental disorders or disabilities. Mental health challenges such as anxiety, trauma. Depression, stress, and panic disorders can impact a relationship. According to WHO 10-20% of adolescents experience mental issues with anxiety and depression being the most common. Factors that contribute to mental health issues include: biological factors such as hormones, environmental stressors, technological influences such as cyber bullying, harassment, and traumatic experiences.

Stigma and lack of awareness about mental health can prevent young people from seeking help leading to negative consequences. Seeking out help provides a valuable opportunity for these issues to be addressed. 

Impact of mental health issues

Mental health issues like anxiety, depression lead to poor academic performance, low motivation, absenteeism, and low overall wellbeing. 

It also leads to social isolation leading to feelings of isolation or loneliness.

Mental health issues can also increase the risk of substance use and abuse, addiction as young people may fall back on alcohol or drugs to self medicate. In extreme cases, untreated mental health issues or lack of awareness about this issues can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviour.

It also disrupts physical wellbeing, it brings fatigue, poor concentration, restlessness, poor sleep pattern and all these take a toll on the physical wellbeing of an individual.

There should be adequate awareness and education that prioritize mental health awareness among youths to reduce the stigma, raise awareness. A conducive and supportive environment should be created at home, school, and society at large which can foster coping skills among youths. Mental health services should also be made easily accessible. A healthy lifestyle should also be encouraged such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep and so on.

Investing in mental health promotes self awareness, personal growth, emotional strength that benefits both individuals and relationships as a whole. It is important to encourage young people to speak up about their mental health struggles. Understanding the factors that contribute to mental health, its impact, and solutions, we can become a society of mentally healthy individuals who have fulfilling lives and contribute to society positively. It is important to prioritize our mental wellness

references

www.medicalnewstoday.com

World Health Organizaion

MAKE DOING GOOD YOUR FOCUS IN KINGDOM ADVANCEMENT by Kay Daniels

James 2:16 -17 MSG

God talk without God - acts is outrageous nonsense. 

Faith that does not produce works is outrageous nonsense. 

As kingdom citizens, we should always prioritize meeting peoples needs tangibly. 

Basic needs when met, that is when people look up to self esteem and awareness. 

Physical needs have to be met before physiological needs can be effectively met. 

To need the basic needs of people in your community as a kingdom citizens demands the following: 

1.Have the mentality of a solution provider. Luke 4:18-19

Be conscious that you have been redeemed a solution provider. 

1 John 3:8 NLT

We are anointed to destroy the works of the devil. 

We are all wired to provide some form of solution. 

John 9:5 , Matthew 5:16

Go around with the consciousness that you are solution provider. 

You get God's attention as a solution provider. 

Never look down on that which God has powered into you.start with what you have. Give your time, talent and resources. 

That which you think is small, is someone else's prayer point. 

2. Be motivated by love. 

You supernatural talent for problem solving. (Anointing upon) - Gift

You have capacity to love. (Anointing within) - Character (seed)

What defines your person in the kingdom is in your ability to show the love of God unto others. 

This is what defines how much yielded you are to God. 

Matthew 14:14, 15:32 - Compassion provokes the release of power. 

Empathy releases the anointing - unveiling innovative ideas. 

Empathy is feeling what others are feeling,so that you seel them through such challenges. 

Hebrews 2:14

God needed to wear humanity so as to have an experience of human frailty. 

Poverty has way of creating envy and wi kindness. They strive to get all they can, they can all they get and sit on the can. 

It is necessary for people to break free from selfishness and greed. 

Don't lose touch with reality that exist in our real world....

3. Change your prayer point. 

So many people in the body of Christ are very self centred in prayers. 

James 4:3

People hardly think of what others are going through. 

It is wisdom to lookout for the welfare of others in our prayer.

Focus on self is the reason why many people prayers are not been answered. 

We need to break the back bone of poverty and hunger in our business. 

We need to seek breakthroughs in our communities that would make God famous in our lives. 

GOD'S IMAGE AND GRAVEN IMAGES by Kay Daniels

Images are powerful. "Image" is the spirit that powers the media industry. Image is so powerful that God needed it and satan also took advantage with it. 

Behind every image is a spirit. When God decided to create mankind, He created him as an image,and what powered this image is the Spirit of God. 

When satan decided to approach Eve, the woman, he had to take up an image. 

Eve responded to the image that Satan presented, unknowing to her, there was an evil spirit powering the image. 

Many religions, cultures and traditions all thrived on images, this is because the founders of these mythologies understood the power and irresistible influence of image. 

When it comes to worship, it must go directly to the Spirit of God, and not to the image. Even Jesus is the express image of God, He is not to be worshiped but a medium of worship of God. 

God created Image and powered it with his sprit. 

Graven Images are also made and

powered by the Spirit behind those

that made it. 

The spirit that powered the God

created Images produce Life  in abundance.

The spirit that powers graven images produce loss, destruction  and death. 

This is why we are Commanded never to bow to graven images, nor are we serve other gods. The end product is loss, destruction and death. 

Serve God, the author of life and connect with life that powers light which sees through darkness and empowers faith to take whatever might have been stolen, killed or destroyed and hidden in darkness. 

Faith powered by vision (light empowered by life) can take whatever might have been hidden away in darkness. 

SCRIPTURE

And I will give thee the *treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places,* that thou mayest know that I, the Lord, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel. Isaiah 45:3

And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. 

Matthew 8:20

PRAYER

Abba Father, I know that the only true security I can ever have is in you. Grant me wisdom as I seek to use my time, my talents, and my treasure to honor you and bring others to you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

As you step into church today, expect the life of God to generate light through your image which is of God. All those monitoring your destiny go down by thunder today in Jesus name.  

Kay Daniels

CCYI GLOBAL WORDSPIRATION

unveiling kingdom mysteries

Emotional intelligence and relationships by Atilade Faith.

At the heart of any strong and lasting relationship lies two major ingredients: emotional intelligence and effective communication. These two skills form the grounds upon which a healthy and fulfilling relationship can flourish. By understanding and managing our emotions, we can navigate conflict and build stronger connections with one another.

Daniel Goleman describes emotional intelligence as a person's ability to manage their feelings so that those feelings are expressed appropriately and effectively. Emotional intelligence according to Harvard Business School, is the ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathise with others, overcome challenges and conflicts as well as recognize and influence the emotions of others. 

As society becomes more aware of the importance of emotional intelligence and effective communication, people are recognizing the value of developing these skills in their relationships. Effective communication involves active listening, clear and respectful communication, and the ability to resolve conflicts productively Studies have shown that couples who have higher emotional intelligence and better communication skills are more likely to have happier, more satisfying relationships 

Ways that emotional intelligence can benefit communication and relationships:

Improved conflict resolution: those who can communicate effectively and understand each other's emotions are more likely to resolve conflicts in a better way leading to stronger and healthier relationships.

Stronger connection: Emotional intelligence allows partners to communicate and connect on a deeper level, increasing intimacy and closeness.  

Greater trust: Open communication and empathy can build trust and strengthen the bond between both parties. 

Overall, it's clear that emotional intelligence and communication are critical components of a healthy, relationship. By prioritizing these skills, we can deepen our connection with others, resolve conflicts more effectively, and experience greater happiness and intimacy. It's not always easy, but the effort is worth it. 

AI: a tool for productivity by Atilade Faith.

AI: a tool for productivity. 

 As the wave around AI is increasing,it is important to know that it isn't all bad and out for our jobs. This article will be uncovering some cool ways you can incorporate AI into your daily life for enhanced productivity. AI still has some drawbacks so we should be careful what we feed on from the results it gives. There are different AI tools such as chat gpt, bard by google, notion AI, copy AI, pi, gamma AI, and so on. 

 Here are some ways you can use AI for enhanced productivity: 

 First, as an assistant: you can use AI tools for those little things you want to do but have no time for. Say writing a letter or proposal. 

 Use AI to brainstorm, e.g. ideas for an article, a new business, content ideas, write cover letters for job application. Now you don't just copy and paste but read through to make sure it aligns with your skills and responsibilities in respect to whatever organisation or company you are applying to.

 It can also be used for upskilling, personal development, it might be learning a new language or something new. 

You can use AI to plan travel itinerary, prep meals, and pitch ideas to potential clients. All you need to do is to input your prompts, tweak it to suit your needs. 

This makes you productive because you have somewhere to bounce things off. There's the talk of AI being out for our jobs but if we know how to use it we will do our jobs better. The thing with AI is that you don't just take it as it gives, you need to read, understand, work on it with your human understanding and tweak it to suit whatever you're working with. Remember the goal is to work smart.

Work-life: a healthy balance by Atilade Faith.

Achieving a work-life balance.

In today's fast-paced world achieving work-life balance has become critical for maintaining one's physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Having the right balance between professional commitments and personal pursuits is not just a goal; it's key to leading a fulfilling and sustainable life. It is crucial for maintaining overall well-being and productivity. Here are some tips for achieving a healthy work-life balance.

Setting boundaries around work hours, and avoiding working overtime unless necessary can help maintain a balance and prevent work from interfering with personal life.

Prioritize tasks: use time-management techniques to prioritize tasks based on importance and urgency. Focus on high-impact tasks to enhance productivity. 

Use the power of technology to work efficiently and effectively, remember the goal is to work smart.

Prioritize self-care such as exercising, healthy eating habits, meditation, hobbies, and getting sufficient sleep. Self-care is important for maintaining energy, alleviating stress, and improving focus. It prevents burnout and improves overall performance.

Taking regular breaks even if it's just for a few minutes prevents burnout and increases productivity. It can be leaving your desk to get something, or stretching if you're sitting behind a desk all day.

Communicating with higher-ups about work needs and realistic expectations for work, about having a flexible schedule. Communication helps to create a positive work environment.

Always evaluate your work-life balance and make changes where needed.

The importance of a work-life balance is not just an individual thing but a collective responsibility that society must recognize and support. By acknowledging that, we can create a culture that promotes overall well-being and individual fulfillment leading to increased productivity, improved mental well-being and overall quality of life.

References
Journal of occupational health psychology.
The international journal of human resource management.
How to set healthy work life boundaries by the Harvard business review.

POLITICAL LEADERSHIP AND THE CHURCH PART 1 by Kay Daniels

Waking up this morning, I was uncommonly inspired after a thought flooded my thinking. I just realized that in a country like Nigeria, the church has been taging along when it comes to politics or leadership. 

We encourage people to have faith in God. That until we see what we are requesting for, we should not relent. The prayer fire must be intensified. Until we get what we want, we should keep knocking on heavens door. 

Luke 18:1-8  And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint;

Saying, There was in a city a judge, which feared not God, neither regarded man:

And there was a widow in that city; and she came unto him, saying, Avenge me of mine adversary.

And he would not for a while: but afterward he said within himself, Though I fear not God, nor regard man;

Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

And the Lord said, Hear what the unjust judge saith.

And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them?

I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?

This scripture brings to light the need for this attitude. When it comes to receiving every other things from God, we encourage ourselves in this light, but when it comes to nation building via the washing of our stained "political garment", we do the opposite. 

When it comes to nation building, the first part of this scripture reads, "men ought to faint and not always to pray."  This ought not to be the case. 

Many church leaders had messages that negated the kind of government that now seats in power today in Nigeria, but suddenly realized that there was either no convictions or revelations truly backing them up. 

Rather than stand up for what we truly believe, by consistently reminding ourselves and our people that God never lies, whatever He says that is what He would do....we unfortunately align with what shows up. 

When the nation experiences unrest, it affects prayer, worship and giving. People find it hard to go to church, not to now talk of believing God in truth - they now believe him for things. 

When an "unhealthy government" makes it difficult for them to get "things", they soon question the authenticity of the existence of God. 

This is why we cannot separate the state of the nation from the linvolvement of the church. Churches need to sensitize and keep hope alive in their congregation. 

To keep Jacob and his family alive, God had to plant before hand a Joseph (a representation of the church) in the political structure of Egypt (the state or nation). 

If our messages in churches continue to fail to create healthy political and leadership awareness in kingdom citizens, most churches may end up "spiritual museums" - creating a disconnect for reality. 

Social media on communication and relationships by Atilade Faith.

Social media on communication and relationships.

Social media is an effective tool for communication and as much as it is effective it has both positive and negative impacts on relationships and communication. It helps people stay connected from anywhere and anytime but it also allows less quality in-person time; that is you can’t have a gathering without half of the people there engaging their phones and social media apps. According to Margaret E. Morris, PhD, clinical psychologist and author of To Our Own Devices: Outsmarting Smart Technology to Reclaim Our Relationships, Health, and Focus, it is not the specific type of technology people use but how they use that can bring value to the relationship. 

Here are some ways in which social media has impacted communication and connectivity: 

Social media has made it easier for people to stay connected with friends, family, and acquaintances, regardless of location. It also helps people to communicate better and well depending on how it is used. One example according to Morris is a parent sharing a self-help app with a child to work through an argument. Using such social media tools, and texting through an argument, may also help some people communicate through writing. This allows a person time and space to develop the right words when face-to-face conversations prove difficult.

Enhanced social support: Social media provides a platform for people to seek and receive support from their networks during times of need.

Increased exposure to diverse perspectives: Social media can expose people to new ideas and viewpoints, leading to more open-mindedness and cultural awareness

Dissemination of information: Social media for the rapid spread of news and information, which can be both positive and negative, and true or not. It is left for us to properly discern which information to feed on.

Increased opportunities as people now widely share tips, pro tips, and information on how to go about certain things and get things done.

Social media also provides a platform for negative behaviours such as cyberbullying, and harassment. It also has an impact on self-esteem and perception. People now compare themselves and think they are not enough or doing enough.

Overall, social media has both positive, negative effects on communication and relationships. It is a tool that can improve our relationships and communication if used wisely by being careful of its potential opportunities and challenges.

References
https//:medicalnewstoday.com