Sometimes, it pours heavily….

March 16, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha23 Comments

Today, I have so much to say, yet I fail to know where to start from.

Life is such that we honestly have no inclination what the next hour will bring our way, much less the next day, week or year.

Our lives hang in the daily delicate balance of providence and most times, we don’t get to chose what happens to us, but the only thing that we can choose is how to react to the curves on the path of our journey and not losing grip of ourselves.

We also get to choose friends who journey along with us on life’s path and a whole lot of times, they serve as a prop and support on those shaky days.

My heart knows a lot of thanks for the restoration of health of my family members and an enormous sense appreciation for the huge outpouring of gracious wishes from all of you on my birthday on Sunday.

Your thoughts warmed me.

Regardless of the fact that online relationships may appear untenable due to it’s nature, we should never fail to appreciate or undermine the strength and support that we have in our friends and we truly have no idea the beautiful far reaching effects of these friendships.

‘It’s until you are caught in the rain that you realize that a tattered umbrella has it’s good sides.’

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

Uncategorized

Nature’s Bounty….

March 16, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha31 Comments

It’s’ my belief that most of us have the natural inclination to look up to the skies early in the mornings and throughout the duration of each given day.

Sometimes, I spend times looking at the clouds shapes and twist up silly tales depending on what the cloud represents. This we do especially when on a long drive. I ask my children to look at a could and identify an animal or any object and say something in relation to the object found.

‘Nature is bountiful in giving and when we look deeply, we have communion with it for the poetry and stories hidden in the clouds and on Earth are endless.‘ Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

Below is a composition of some of the photos that I took at different times for today’s Photo 101 theme ‘Natural World.’ None has been edited.

Self Help · Success

Midnight Motivations and Musings # 33

March 15, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha19 Comments

When all we do is to talk and we don’t do, it then becomes Cock and Bull story.

Our reflections and introspection must try to match our conducts for any meaningful change to occur and this applies to every aspect of our lives that requires change and growth.

Some might say ‘oh yes, it’s in the plan, tomorrow I will do it,’ yet five years down the line, their tomorrow is still waiting to arrive.

The future belongs to all those who embrace constant growth transformation and exploring its directions.

Your future does not know waiting because the future is right now as we speak.

Blog · Featured Blogs · Share A Link

Featured Posts #20…Let me share your post links.

March 15, 2016March 15, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha1 Comment

Today’s featured blogs are:

Tears Jamila’s poetry and posts are emotive, poignant, well-worded. A lot of times, when I read her words and they resonate with me, it makes me realize how we are really all connected.

Introducing Joel Savage a friend that I found in this space. A writer with a good number of published works under his belt. His daily posts touch those hard thought provoking issues that most people shy away from.

Not fitting in but it’s okay Blogging has introduced me to so many people who are simply wonderful and inspiring. I find such in the person of Stephanae. I admire people who turn the challenges that life throws them into inspiring beacons for others.

Brooklyn These are sights of Brooklyn that will tug your heart.

Joan’s blog is a new find for me and I am quite keen on the different servings that she’s got going on in Family, parenting and beyond. This particular article on breaking the silence is a must read for every parent.

Please visit their blogs and say hello. A few minutes may gain you a friendly support.

Do you want more eyes on your words?

Well then, add your LINK into this loop.

P.S. Comments are disabled here to keep the loop tidy. Any comments or link you want to send can be added through the link in the post.

Thank you for your understanding and regards.

‘We create a cohesive community when we come together.’

Lifestyle · Self Help

Tuesdays Trickles #13… My Thinking Corner.

March 15, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha28 Comments

Every Tuesday, I share snippets of thoughts that I call ‘My Thinking Corner.’

I would like to invite you to participate. The challenge is quite simple.

Each Tuesday, share your very short snippets of positive, inspiring, motivating, health, spiritual, writing advice, clips, posts etc, that can serve as a prop to motivate others and simply add my link to your post.

I call it my thinking corner because, I actually take out a bit of time just to think through things, encapsulate my thoughts as much as possible and detoxify my mind. It helps give me clarity of vision and might help you too.

It might work for you in a different way, but the idea is to get the positive thoughts flowing.

Please send in your little thoughts. You never know whose life you might inspire.

The measure of our riches is in how rich we are in spirit. There are no buts about it! If we are not rich in spirit, no amount of material wealth will satisfy.

In the pack of rat’s during the rat race, it’s easy to forget that the competition is against your own competency and not someone’s own. You have to find your speed and push to break your own records.

You have to become a friend to have one yourself. If you are prickly and unfriendly, then it goes without saying and shouldn’t be a surprise that you will find none willing to bear such consistent sour disposition.

The power of thinking big actually starts with the sensible act of starting small.

If we fail to use the seasons of our lives as we should, there will come a time when we are in the Winter of it and the questions the season will ask is what you did with the Summer of your life.

Our Thinkers Thoughts came in from:

Stressed reading, stressed writing These words from Rosema are so short, yet sweet and pack’s good dose of inspiration.

Feeling encouraged sometimes, it all gets too much, but a kindle of encouragement gets you some good ways.

Annette’s I like this post so many times. The candid thoughts and willingness to look at oneself is the only way to grow.

Free Spirit a brilliant thought said in haiku.

Words of wisdom are words that are succinctly said and truly are full of wisdom.

Inspired series are you staring your fear boldly in the face?

Thank you to all the contributors. May these words take roots in our lives and may our harvest be bountiful 🙂

‘So, when will you share those nuggets of wisdom of yours?’

Inspiration - Motivation · Self Help

Midnight Motivations and Musings # 32…

March 14, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha38 Comments

A simple example of how difficult it is to keep our mind focused, is my last week spilling into this week, which has been one roller-coaster of health, stress and all sorts of challenges that I don’t want to inundate you with.

I found negative thoughts and horrendous words creeping into my mind and trying to take an upper hand.

It’s that part of human nature that dislikes discomfort that tries to lash out and grumble or muck about with so much negativity.

Remember the Israelite’s and their journey in the wilderness? A classic example of how grumbling can delay our blessings, that’s if we get it at all again.

I have found that negativity takes root faster than positive thoughts, as such, we must have to consciously pull ourselves out of the funky way of thinking into the way we ought to think.

Even if it’s difficult, occupy yourself with routine and the repetitive mantras from your box of positive thinking.

Regards,

Personal · This Is My Life

It’s My Birthday. Let me sing a song. 😊😇🎂🎁

March 13, 2016March 13, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha188 Comments

Through the years

You’ve never let me down

Your right hand has upheld me

The shadow of your presence has always cloaked me

My mind flashes back on many missteps of times past

Of fiery moments that could have consumed me

But your steadfast mercy held fast

Through the years

It’s true O Lord

That I have failed in so many ways

That my shortcomings find me guilty over and over

But your amazing love and grace

Has been a constant companion

Through the years

My heart is filled with the peace of the present moment

Knowing that in you, I have enough

Thank you for another addition to my years

For the blessings that I do not deserve

For I have done nothing to earn them

Through the years O Lord

You’ve remained the same.

Thank you for your love.

Inspiration - Motivation · Self Help

Midnight Motivations and Musings # 31

March 12, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha12 Comments

At some point in time every one fails in one thing or the other that they strive to achieve. It only becomes failure when we refuse to rise up from the debunked attend and forge ahead.

The worst disservice that you can do to yourself, is to muck about and wallow in that sense of defeat hanging like the Sword of Damocles over your head.

It will take you to the cleaners, squeeze you for all it’s worth, leave you dirty, down and out.

I tried to say the quote in a humourous way, but I am sure you get the message. If you give him an inch, he will take a whole yard.

Get up, dust off yourself and crawl along.

Fiction · Short Stories

Divine Missteps…

March 12, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha21 Comments

Mabel is now at the Autumn of her life, watching the sun-rises and the sun-sets while filling her days with little chores, knitting and waiting for her loved ones to visit.

Christmas is just a few weeks away and she can feel it in her bones already.

Some days, her arthritic pains plagued her, but today is a good day. Her children and their spouses will be arriving soon for their fortnightly dinner.

They had taken it upon themselves to share their visits in batches and come more often since their father passed on.

She preferred to keep her house and didn’t want to move in with any of her children so as not to cramp their style.

Christmas brought special memories and was chock full of nostalgia for her.

Her life with Dan started 43 years ago during Christmas until a misstep on the ladder 3 years past, had sent him in throes of pain with a slipped disc and down the slippery slope of one medical issue or the other until he slept off peacefully.

She recalls mirthfully, how their romance started so many years back. It had all began with a misstep as well.

As she walked down the pews after communion that Sunday morning, Dan had suddenly placed his long leg in her path and an attempt to side step found her tripping and sprawling in Church to her utter dismay.

She had been beetroot red in the face as he stood, all 6 ft 4 inches of him to help her up. He apologized so nicely and that was it. They fell in love and their beautiful union produced five wonderful children.

She always said that an Angel had a hand in placing Dan’s big feet on her path, that the misstep was a benevolent high point and divine orchestration in her life.

Thoughts of Dan always filled her with bitter-sweet emotions.

The ring of voices at the door, alerted her of their arrival. She could hear little Dan’s chatter.

Her four year old grand-son is a spitting image of his grandpa.

The Daily Post prompt misstep.

Personal

A ball of sadness in me…Streams of Consciousness Saturday.

March 12, 2016 jacquelineobyikocha25 Comments

Linda mentions ‘ball’ as today’s prompt and I think of the different balls that I am playing with right now.

The fleeting thought of my young sons ball comes to my mind and I pray his fever will break so that he can play happily.

It’s my birthday tomorrow and I should be preparing to have a ball, but I am just not feeling it.

A few days ago, I was excited and gearing for an awesome day and I still hope to, but when you have a child a little bit down, the last thing on your mind is a ball.

However the big ball that forms in my stomach makes me feel so sad and almost reluctant to talk about it.

As much as I can, I avoid race talks because it only stirs up strong emotions.

Last night a friend sent a video of a black girl being pushed around and insulted and insulted by some guy’s – white.

I wanted to stop watching it, but I continued. By the end of that short video, I had tears in my eyes and just felt so heavy.

I can’t even begin to articulate all the thoughts that went through my head.

My question has always been, are we not all human? Why are some people like this? What’s the benefit of such ugliness and discrimination?

We claim to be different, to be enlightened, we claim not being racists, yet at every turn it stares us in the face.

These boys who pushed a young girl about and called her ugly names, learnt it from somewhere and most likely their homes.

Racism is learnt ‘cos no child is born that way.

I have no answers just a ball of sadness that sits in me and I obviously went to bed with that thought and it’s been more so on my mind after watching the fiasco of American campaign trails in Chicago.

I strive to teach my children to work hard and rise up and above expectations.

I try to teach them that before God all men are equal.

I try to teach them to embrace life with an open mind, but sometimes society makes playing this ball so hard.