Category: Gratitude

Dubai · Gratitude · Life · Personal story

They All Work Together…

jacquelineobyikocha31 Comments

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In my native language, we have a saying that ‘if I start to count the goodness of the Lord, night will come and the day will break over and over again.’

They may sound like mundane stuff but in my heart they speak of the abundance of God’s grace.

There were very trying moments of 2015 for me and my family, but one big lesson that I learnt and would continue to carry over is that being thankful and committing my prayers to my Lord and Master eases my burden for sure.

This time last year, I was ensconced in my lovely house back in Houston. No way on my radar did the move to Dubai really feature.

Like the saying that, tomorrow is pregnant and backing a child as well, by the second quarter of 2015, we made a major migratory move across the Continent from US to UAE and I am grateful that it went smoothly.

I am grateful that we have adjusted to our beautiful environment and embracing it as well. It has not been a seamless effort, but since I chose to look at the rickety parts of the bigger picture with positive lens, it has made the journey more interesting and adjusting far easier.

I look at 2016 with expectant eyes. I have no idea what it will bring forth, who knows?

There might be major changes yet again or minor ones but this I know for sure ”that all things work together for my own good.” 

Have you taken a look at your big picture lately? What do the lines tell you? You might be surprised to realize that as displaced as some of your lines may be, they fall in perfect places and that is enough reason to be thankful.

You can join Colline’s  or Maria Jansson gratitude challenge platforms.

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

A link to my neighbours/Community · Dubai · Gratitude · Life · Musings

To all the Fire Service Men/Women out there…

jacquelineobyikocha51 Comments

You know at times, we tend to take a lot in life for granted, going about our daily business grumbling and sometimes without care or in-depth thought as to what others pass through in the course of their jobs.1451716994149[1]

It took watching the luxurious building of The Address Hotel rage with fire on the Eve of the 2016 New Year’s day at a close range, to serve as a big eye opener for me, as to the enormous pressure and brave exploits of Fire fighters all over the World.

They put their lives on line every time they step into such blaze and even though some of us will very well say that it’s their job after all and that they are trained for it, it takes a heck of gumption to do the stuff that these courageous humans do.

For All the TEA in China and all the Swiss CHOCOLATES and a million dollars on top, I, Jacqueline, would not venture near that raging inferno that I witnessed.

The orange tongues of the fiery blaze licked with thirst and reckless abandon, in search of who and what to consume. The billowing smoke was choking even from a distance and yet these service men, did such a fantastic and efficient job even as others (including me) were watching in silent prayer.

Since the night of the 31st, the image of the burning skyscraper has been stuck in my head and my vivid imagination has been in overdrive ever since. On television, fire service men tend to look glamourous and sexy, but, gosh, when the chips are down, their job is one tough cookie to bake.

To the brave men and women of the Fire Service all over the World, how can one say thank you to your selfless services?

How can one appreciate the utmost help received from all of you for fire incidents which sometimes stem from actions of irresponsibility of others.

Yet, all I can say, and I know some people have this in mind as well, is thank you very much. Thank you for being there to mitigate a situation that could be worse. Thank you for giving so much of yourself. For your courage and faith in the face of such scary adversary.

Respects.

Bless you all.

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

 

Dubai · Gratitude

Happy New Year From DXB – UAE… Double Fireworks

jacquelineobyikocha35 Comments

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It’s was an exciting evening as we ushered in the year 2016 with fantastic fireworks, which went on for well over fifteen minutes.

I like to be in the thick of such positive memorable moments, so we set off early enough to get a vantage viewing point, because I can assure you that people traveled from all over to Dubai in their thousands for the New Year Eve’s party at the foot of the  Bury Khalifa, the title holder for the tallest building in the World.

It was well organised but a bit of misfortune was unfolding at the same time.

For several hours just adjacent to the Burj another high rise – The Address 5 star hotel was on fire. We experienced initial moments of panic, watching in despair from outside, but things were quickly brought under control.

The response team was quite swift in evacuating people thereby minimizing casualties. No deaths have been recorded thankfully.

Edited short video clips are attached.

Devotions · Gratitude · Hope · Inspiration - Motivation · Life · Love · Weave that Dream

Striding Into 2016 With Grace…

jacquelineobyikocha23 Comments

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Dear Lord

We thank you.

We thank you for preserving us through it all.

Through trying moments and good moments

Your Grace has been sufficient unto the day.

As we cycle out of the year 2015

We stride into 2016 with a heart filled with gratitude,

And our mouths filled with praise.

We stride into 2016 with Faith, Hope and Grace.

You are the source of all that we have and are.

Our inspiration and strength which comes from above.

Our Blessings and Salvation are at your right hand.

Our Peace and present help in time of need.

Our Shield, Strong Tower and Wise Counselor, You changeth not.

You are Our Everything God.

As we embrace this new year,

May we embrace goodwill.

May love, respect, peace, strength, blessings and joy,

That comes from the four winds, from above and the deep be our portion.

May we be washed anew and renewed as vessels of honour.

Your abundant grace and mercy shall follow us.

Your word O’Lord will remain a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.

Our lips will declare your love and your goodness in the land of the living.

Your words says that as we proclaim and as we believe and so shall it be unto our days.

We are eternally grateful.

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

A link to my neighbours/Community · Blog Awards · Blogging · Gratitude

A LOT TO BE THANKFUL FOR…

jacquelineobyikocha55 Comments

The year 2015 is practically a wrap. A big thank you

We made it through despite so much upheaval around the World, so many individual challenges that looked insurmountable, and if there is nothing else to say, the fact that we waded through it all, is a massive blessing and a huge reason to be thankful.

My gratitude challenge today is two pronged.

Foremost, I am truly thankful to God for so many things that I can’t begin to count but above all, the gift of life, the gift of family and the gift of friends.

I deeply appreciate the connections that I have made on this platform.

A lot of you have been winds in my wings and oxygen in my lungs.

Your words have decorated my heart in indescribable ways and I am grateful that I met you in this space.

I have received a whole bunch of award nominations from my good friends and I truly must appreciate them for the generosity of their hearts.

Please, let me apologize upfront if I missed out mentioning a nomination.

It is not a slight but an oversight, because it has grown in number (over 20 of them) and I truly didn’t want to inundate people with putting out an award post ever so often.

 

For the Epic Awesomeness Award, I thank Yinglan of This is Another Story, for this kind nomination. 

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For the Versatile Blogger Award nominations, my appreciations go to: iamabloggertoo, Gharkepakwan, Emma of Shut that negative noise off, Amra of Perfect My Days, Izzyasabee, Star Scrolls, Koolaidmoms

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To Sam of Starlit Octave , I say thank you for The Word Magician Award:

The nominations for Leibster Award comes from: Recharge Your Day. Sister Emma, Pamela of K. Phoenix, Walty, Rebirth of Lisa, you warm thoughts are very encouraging. Thank you.

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For the Sisterhood of The World Bloggers, my appreciation goes to Inspiring Max, Susan, Jake of The Peasant Blog,

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Now I have a loyal Dragon to guard me from marauders and I say thank you to Kaushal of Expressive Human/Original Thoughts, An Off beat bluestocking, for the Dragon’s Loyalty Award. This made me smile.

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Chape, a heartfelt thank you for the Darts Awards/Premios Dardos

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Dear Joanne of Vellissima found my blog neat enough to nominate me for Real Neat Blog Award. Thank you my friend. 

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In my place, it is said that ‘the man who has human support is better than the one that has money.’ Money can buy you a lot but cannot warm your heart with it’s words.

So, to all of you, dear friends of mine, who have supported me by breathing life into my blogging journey, ‘may the Sun shine on your path and may the shadows fall behind.’

Thank you very much and do stay blessed.

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

Devotions · Gratitude · Musings · Quotes For You

What Is It All About?…

jacquelineobyikocha17 Comments

It’s Christmas Day in two days, but it’s been Christmas for longer than these days in my heart. Always something

I am grateful for all the lovely messages of Glad Tidings floating around cyberspace.

I am grateful for all the smiling faces and happy vibes that I see all around me in my neighbourhood.

I am grateful for provision and for the time spent with my loved ones. The children are on school break and it’s a beautiful time of laughter and squabbles.

I am grateful for the ”Reason for this Season, Jesus Christ” – the center of my gravity, my peace and redemption.

Christmas is not just about the bright lights, the gifts or the plentiful eating happening all around, but about the Birth of the Messenger of Peace and Love.

Indeed, we can experience bone deep peace and joy of Christmas in our lives, even beyond this time if only we look up and try.

Remember that it is the little things that makes the difference. What are you grateful for today?

You can join Colline’s  or Maria Jansson gratitude challenge platforms.

Blessed Love and Peace to You and Yours. Merry Christmas.

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

Dubai · Echos Of My Neighbourhood · Gratitude

From The Mall Of The Emirates….

jacquelineobyikocha18 Comments

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Some Christmas cheer met us at nooks and crannies of the Mall of The Emirates.

Beautiful, twinkling Christmas decors, lots of hustle and easy going bustle of shoppers and light entertainment as well.

They even handed out some free stuffed socks, with candy canes and game cards to the children.

By far, Dubai is the most religious tolerant Arab destination that I have been to. We are smiling.

Enjoy the videos below. I hope they come out okay. I am still a novice videographer.

My regards,

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

 

Devotions · Family · Gratitude · Hope · Life · Parenting · Quotes For You

When It All Goes Downside Up….

jacquelineobyikocha25 Comments

Roller CoasterBeing a mother is not a duty that comes with a how-to manual; you simply take on the responsibility with Grace and Hope.

Some days are a fly by the seat of your pants days, where so many things get thrown at you at such speed that you either catch, dodge or get hit.

Yesterday was one of those days. I will not inundate you with all the nitty-gritty, but when you have children, you are always simply in the ”Be prepared mode”, more so with two rough and tumble boys.

One left for school hale and hearty and came back wheeled in with a sprained ankle from a rough game of football. He had scored a goal and the others piled on top of him!

Another came down with a bout of fever and coughing up a storm.

My dear daughter on her own part, appeared puffy faced and teary eyed; her brand new tablet had just been smashed by a careless best friend.

All these within hours of each other and on top of other beckoning, ever- present responsibilities.

”What do you do?”  ”Pull your hair out and get crazy or keep calm and handle the tasks at hand?”

Scene 1. With lots of cold compress, gentle massage and pain relief, we got the ankle to feel fine and he is walking by himself this morning, so we are smiling.

Scene 2. Brewed lots of warm soup, made mugs of fresh squeezed lemon with a dash of boiled ginger and teaspoons of honey, 10mils of Ibuprofen and palliatives; we are still coughing, but fever is down.

Scene 3. A quick retrieval of warranty for the tablet and mummy has to go and see if something can be done about it.

So there it is. All in a days job.

Today, I am thankful for God’s protection and grace over my family.

I am grateful for serenity in chaotic moments.

There is always something to be thankful for. What is your heart grateful for today?

You can join Colline’s  or Maria Jansson gratitude challenge platforms.

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

Devotions · Family · Gratitude · Hope · Life · Quotes For You

It’s Never Too Little…

jacquelineobyikocha18 Comments

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My heart is glad for the pretty things that surround me in this environment. The flowers are blooming all over the place and the birds are flocking all around.

For the simple things of life, like a warm bowl of chilli and vegetable soup brewed in my kitchen, for the crispy cool Sahara air; even though we are all sneezing and coughing, I give thanks.

Above all things today, I am so grateful that we were able to find Prednisolone at 3am this morning, when my young boy woke up with sudden bad allergic reaction and a swollen face.

We used all the normal stuff for him, but to no avail.

He is allergic to certain environmental factors and it occurs more with weather changes like Summer with all the pollen or the dusty Winter air in this climes.

I did not want to use EpiPen which I keep for only extreme reactions.

Mercifully, the allergic reaction has been arrested and we have every cause to smile.

For what are you thankful today? ”Remember that feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” – William Arthur Ward.

Would you like to join Colline’s gratitude challenge? Just click on the link and join the party.

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

 

Devotions · Family · Gratitude · Love · Personal story

To The Daughter Of My Heart… personal

jacquelineobyikocha47 Comments
Wearing a crown painstakingly made by my younger brother :)
Wearing a crown painstakingly made by my younger brother 🙂

My dearest darling daughter,

I watch in awe as you edge on the cusp of teenage-hood, so fast, so soon, since it seems just like yesterday that your cute, squiggly and warm self was handed into my arms and you truly became mine.

I still relive your valiant struggle to surmount all the challenges faced by a tiny preemie and as I look at you today, my tall elegant child, it is in amazement of God’s goodness and grace over your life.

Daughter mine, my gentle unassuming child, in my minds eyes, I remember your tiny arms outstretched to me so many times as you uttered, ”carry mama” always a toddling step behind my feet.

Now, look at you! My beautiful budding young child, full of her own dreams and aspirations and bright as the morning star.1449293617280[1]

The love that I have for you cannot be expressed fully with words and my heart burgeons with so much delight with The Heavens for allowing you to be mine.

I say this so that you may always know, that even if you look back tomorrow and I am no where to be found, that I love you to the ends of time.

That I love you unconditionally and irrevocably.

Know that as your wings grow and are stretching to fly, that I pray for you today and always.

I pray that your star will always shine as bright as The Heavens created it to be.

I pray that you will soar like an Eagle and that wisdom will always follow you.

I pray that deep peace that flows like the oceans of time will always be your portion and the flow of your joy shall be like a river.

I pray that the generosity and compassion of your heart will continually expand.

I pray that abundant Grace will be your daily cloak, that favour will be your portion and that the Mercy of God will never depart from you.

I pray that your courage will be boundless as you grow into a confident, strong lady, filled with faith, hope and love.

I pray deeply that life will treat you well.  Be blessed. Be happy. Be well.

Happy 12th my precious girl Nnenna, Adaobi, Christine, Mmesomachukwu.

You truly decorate my life and my heart.1449293417812[1]

I love you loads and loads.

Mummy.