Discovering/Finding Your Purpose (Conclusion)

The first step in finding or discovering your purpose in life is asking questions. I will list some of the questions I feel might truly be of help.

1. What are you dissatisfied or unhappy about: Have you always felt like you were in the wrong occupation? Does it look like something is missing in your career? Has work become dreary and dull? Are you no longer motivated to give your best at work? Sometimes lack of peace or joy might be an indicator that we're on the wrong path, othertimes it could be spiritual warfare. Prayer is needed to discern which it is. You need to pray, meditate on God's word, seek wise counsel and then start thinking towards a change (if you need one).

2. What do others say about you: Here I'm not talking about the negativity people are prone to throw our way. Let me explain with this illustration. I started writing when I was younger. My imagination was out of this world. I would write stories during the day so I would have a bedtime story for my brother at night (he never forgot to ask for one). I thought nothing of it. Then when I got to high school, I found if I wanted to express myself perfectly, I had better write a letter. My English teacher then was a big help. He kept telling me I could be a writer, but back then, I really wanted to be a doctor. So I stayed on in science class jeje.

Then I evolved from just writing to express myself to writing about matters of the heart, relationship fix-ups and so on. It got so that people started coming to me for advice when they reached a sticky spot in their relationships. After each advice, they would say words like, "you could do this for a living you know" "do you want to be the next Oprah ni" "you're good at this". I eventually started listening to what they were saying and I slowly started rearranging my life choices, I moved from sciences to arts...I started taking online courses in psychology...I joined groups online that brought creative writers together...I found real life mentors that already tread the path I want to...I haven't reached the zenith of my ladder but I'm happy and I can tell I'm on the right path for me. I hope that explains what I mean. You've got to listen to what people say about you...they can tell you what you're truly good at.

3. What are you passionate about: Let me put it this way...what makes you angry, happy, sad, excited...what brings out a bunch of reactions from you? I once told a spiritual mentor of mine that I feel my ministry is to the female gender. Young and old. I'm angry when they've been molested, abused or taken advantage of. No matter how good a friend a guy is to me, he knows the moment he disrespects his woman or baby mama in anyway, our friendship is on rocky grounds. I can't bear to see a woman crying. I can't bear to see her ache for her man or her child. I'm aware of what I'm passionate about. I've created a niche that mostly speaks to women and I've even been working on other projects that boost this passion of mine.

I once read in a book by Joel Osteen, "what if you're the answer to most of the questions that pop up in your head?" (Paraphrased by me) So, the next time you think, "why doesn't somebody do something about....?" Why don't you think of anything little or big you can do about it too. If we wait for someone else to do everything, nothing will get fixed!

4. What are your gifts: Billy Graham wrote in one if his books that God gave everyone a gift or gifts. Everyone has one. I know that to be a fact. I doubt there's anyone living that doesn't have a gift. The only problem might be they are yet to discover what their gift is/are.

What is that one thing you do better than others? Your gifts are hints to what your purpose in life is.

In conclusion, I sincerely believe that since God created each and everyone of us for a purpose, He is more than able to reveal what that purpose is to us...if only we ask. During the last Shiloh at the Youth Alive Forum, Pastor David Oyedepo Jnr. said over and over again that no one is a biological accident. It doesn't matter if you were a result of an unplanned pregnancy out of wedlock or an orphan...you were created for a purpose. You are a child of destiny.

We are all vessels. Ultimately fulfilling our purpose is fulfilling God's purpose. God doesn't only want to bless us, He wants us to be a blessing. Therefore, that should let us know that our purpose is finding out what God wants to do through us.

Pray that God shows you what moves you, your talents and your gifts. Make a list and with the help of the Holy Spirit, I'm certain you'll find your purpose and that you'll fulfill destiny!!!

Email: adupeola@gmail.com

Telephone: 08086988620

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Facebook page: Mending Hearts

Discovering/Finding Your Purpose (Intro).

Wow...I haven't written in a while...it's been 2 months of my emotions running helter skelter not sure of what they wanted to do. I lost my grandfather exactly 2 months ago and he was finally put to rest last week Saturday. I know he lived a full life and left to be with the Lord at a ripe old age but his death truly shocked me. It created a certain void I didn't know could exist. I still miss him. And his loss made it so hard for me to write anything I would want to publish and make public. My words were just too raw and filled with so much emotion.

I'm a little better now. Not that I stopped missing him or crying when I suddenly think about him, but I finally am at peace with his loss. I know death is the inevitable end of man and that my grandfather had never been afraid of going to meet his Creator. I know he's definitely in a better place.

His death got me wondering about so many things though. Some of which I've wondered about in the past and shrugged off. Nowadays, they seem to linger. One of such is the fact that man was created for a purpose but it is up to man to discover what that purpose is!

Life always seems boring, unexciting and dreary for those living without having figured out what their purpose is. What is my God-ordained purpose? What is yours? What exactly does God have in mind for me? What are His plans for my life? Why was I created? Why was I born here? What am I supposed to be doing? Is this all there is to life? There has got to be more, right?

I'm sure the above questions have gone through our minds at some point in our lives. One of the reasons some people who have everything seem to be uncontented and unhappy with their lives is because of lack of purpose. The key to living a fulfilled life is by finding your purpose.

In my next post we'll be looking at ways by which we can discover/find our purpose.

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Contact number: 08086988620

BBM: 7B4AD14F

Email: adupeola@gmail.com

NEVER GIVE IN TO NEGATIVITY

 

BY HAFEEZ OSHUNDAIRO

   
 The world is what we think it is. If we can change our thoughts, we can change our world.

Has been created by the Most high, your brain has the faculty and it’s able to store and accept two various kinds of thoughts: Positive and Negative. Most human under planet Earth quay more negative thoughts than positive, but some are 50/50 which makes their mind play a tug of war per se’, on a daily basis. However, there is an elucidation to it.

On every occasion a thought get into your mind, a negative or bad thought, it’s expected of you to think of a positive thought you can extract out of that negative thought that will make that thought a positive one. As you keep this act day by day, thought after thought, the thoughts that your mindset accepts will start to sway to the positive, where the negative will be overweighed.

As time pass by and you keep repeating this process and implement it into your life, as a way of philosophy and storing thoughts will become positive in nature and will disallowed negative thought in your mind. They will stay on the outside where you will be able to brush them off with ease and forget they ever existed.

In time, all bad emotions will go away as well like antagonism, antipathy, depression, doubt and fear, to name a few. You will also gain confidence in yourself as a person and learn more about yourself, things you never realized about yourself such as your inner strength, enthusiasm, aspiration, keenness and bravery. This is not over night process and it consumes time… maybe a long time. So be patience with this process. Time is the biggest helper that you can have on your side when you institute change in your life, especially a life altering change such as this.

In this life, the only thing is, you must not quit on yourself or give in to negativity. No matter how the circumstances and difficulties you must not quit.

Never backpedal and take steps backwards in this process because of pressures of your life and daily routine. This is a process in which your life as you knows it, can and will, be transformed into more of enjoyable, happy and complete life.

A positive mindset is very easy to obtain, but it takes time and Patience. My people ‘NEVER GIVE IN TO NEGATIVITY’

Written by: Hafeez Oshundairo @iam_hamton

MAKE A DIFFERENCE (M.A.D)

As humans, we are all gifted and endowed with a unique set of skills and
abilities. With those abilities we can make extra-ordinary things turn around positively in the world around us, or remain the same. You only can determine whether you want your life to make a difference and what difference you want your life to make. In this world, many people set lofty goals for their lives and want to be remembered as visionaries, they want to turn things around and impact positively to the world. Others want to be remembered as Good Samaritans.

Who is referred to as the better person? The one who changes the world or the one who saves the individual? Don't bask in the euphoria of doing incredible things only; just being there for the people around you can save someone from a
meaningless life and help them lead the life they were meant to live. Small things matter. Changing the life of another person is an incredible feeling and it is
completely within your grasp. You can engage in this by deciding to become a mentor to a young ambitious person. You can also be of help to them by helping them avoid the mistakes you have made and by helping them learn from the ones they will inevitably make themselves.

Nevertheless, you will often see someone get treated unfairly. It happens both professionally and socially, individuals who deserve recognition do not get it. By taking up their side and make sure
others get what they deserve and earn, you will be a true hero. You will make a lasting impact on their lives and you will be rewarded with love and help in the future when you are in need. The law of karma says that whatever you do you will get back threefold, helping others is
therefore a selfish act, but still a good act, one that you should do without fear, with love and with the knowledge that you will one day be rewarded.

Always remember, compromise is the enemy of long term commitment, if you have committed to helping someone by being their mentor or by fighting for their rights, don't stop half way. Go the distance and see it through. Actions speak louder than words.

Do not let 2015 spill over into 2016. In truth we might all be here to help each other, we might all be a part of a machine that fosters cooperation. We might just be here to make the best of the situation for ourselves. In any case, helping others brings happiness and prosperity into your own life, so for whatever reason you chose to help others, it will always help you in return. The difference between stopping half way and finishing isn't much in terms of the work you put in, but in the difference for the individual you are helping..

My people, make a difference in 2016.
Compliments of the season!

Oshundairo Hafeez

The Joy of Christmas

This is my favorite holiday. For as long as I can remember,  I've always looked forward to Christmas. This year, I started longing since June. I wanted Christmas to come early. There's just something about the season that brings along with it joy.

What is the joy of Christmas though? I'll tell you...we all look forward to Christmas for different reasons. Some because it's that time of the year where all of the family gathers together to celebrate. Others because it signifies the end of another year. And yet another group because it's that time of the year when they recieve and receive again. Lol...nothing bad with all that though. But let me take a minute to tell you what Christmas means to me.

Christmas means hope to me. It means a new beginning. A fresh start. My new year begins on Christmas. A while back...when I was trying to figure Christmas out, I heard a pastor ministering and he said, "Mary went into the stable pregnant and came out of it with a baby(a bundle of joy)." He went on to explain himself...according to him, when a woman is about to deliver a child, she's in pain...but she pushes through and is rewarded with Joy. Another illustration is Jesus, He didn't care about the suffering He was about to endure but looked past it to the joy that awaited Him afterwards at the right hand of God.

When you think about it...Christmas(the birth of Christ) is the first step in God's plan of eternal redemption for man. The fact that Jesus agreed to be a sacrificial lamb for humanity and have His unsullied blood wash away our sins. So, I get why we celebrate His birth. It gave us hope and it still does till this very day. For me, I don't get discouraged when the year draws to an end and I've suffered more setbacks than successes. I already understand that I am more than a conqueror. I continue to push through.

Infact,  the majority of my dreams were born around this period. Every year, the Lord places a new dream in my heart and I run with it all through the following year. As expected, He has done that again this year. Some years, I don't fully accomplish what I set out to do in a given year...sometimes I fall more times than I get up...other times I just sit back and watch the dream die. But when Christmas comes knocking, my hope is revived. My faith springs back to life...I realize that I get another chance. Another go at it...

Dearest readers, why continue to worry and be anxious about what we cannot change. Last I heard, there's no time machine and no way to go back in time and alter decisions, save our loved ones, get our jobs back, eat healthier, pray more, fast more or give more...but we get a chance to start over. God is the God of multiple chances. He never gives up on us. He knew us way before we were created. No man is a biological accident. There's always a reason with our God...and we know that all things work together for good for those who love Him...with God on our side, who can be against us?

1 with God is always in the majority. God is love. God is good. He's loving and giving. He watches over us day and night. We love Him because He first loved us. Christmas should be more than eating and drinking and being merry. It's should be about renewing our strength in Christ. Jesus is the reason for the season after all. So...smile...let His joy fill your heart and be sure to bless others with this joy. Don't be selfish...share it.

If you need to rededicate yourself to God...please do so...if you're yet to accept Jesus as your personal Lord and savior, say this quick prayer;

Father,

Your word says we are saved by grace through faith as a gift from You. We cannot earn salvation. I believe and confess with my mouth that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. I believe He paid the ultimate price for my sins. I believe that Jesus is alive today. I am a sinner and I ask You to forgive me. By faith I receive Jesus Christ now as  my personal Lord and Savior. I believe I am saved and that I will spend eternity with You. Thank You, Father. In Jesus' name, Amen.

A relationship with Jesus is the most important relationship of your life...it is also the greatest relationship experience in the world...just taste and see that the Lord is good.

I pray that the Joy of the Lord richly fills your hearts this season. Share the love...give...and give again...it is more blessed to give than to receive.

Merry Christmas!!!!

Adupeola

Single But Whole

Nowadays, it seems every other lady I come across is in a hurry to get hitched. I meet with resistance every time I try to tell them that single-hood can be the must interesting season of a woman's life. I understand the desire to be part of a couple. I have this same desire, I'm only human after all. The thing is, you cannot be made whole in a relationship if you aren't whole as a single. Expecting your partner to complete you is adding more pressure than necessary on them. This is what tears most relationships apart. You need to be secure in your individuality so you don't lose yourself in a relationship. If you were living a fulfilling life, you wouldn't get jealous when your friends get hitched. According to the words of a famous pastor I have come to love and respect, “married people should envy single people”. You don't agree? Let me tell you why. As a single, do you have to answer to anyone? Do you have to make another a priority? Do you have to cut back on some things to please another?


 We all have a source. That source is God. He created us and molded us in His own image. Do you know it's easier to serve God as a single than as part of a couple? You need a reason to agree with that one don't you? Trust me, I always deliver. I'll give you one. As a single, you can go to as many church programs as you want. You can serve God in any capacity via Kingdom service. You can give as much of your time as you want to God. The only person that you have to consult or put into consideration is yourself. When you're part of a couple(in this instance I mean married), that becomes harder to do. You can't spend your time in service at the expense of your husband and children. Even God understands that at that point your husband is now a priority as well. While he isn't above God, he still has the authority to make you stay at home when you want to go to church. This is another reason why it is important that you get hitched to someone on the same spiritual plane as you are(but that is a post for another day). He{she} who is married cares for the things of the Lord – how he{she} may please the Lord. But he{she} who is married cares about the things of the world – how he{she} may please his{her} wife{husband} 1 Cor. 7:32-34(paraphrased by me). Apostle Paul goes on to clarify that marriage isn't a sin though. See verse 36.


 Society wants you to think that there's something wrong with you if you're single and happy. Pay them no mind. They just can't understand what they lack. I mean isn't it better to go into a relationship complete instead of incomplete in search of the one that would complete you? God didn't initiate the institution of marriage for that. He's a jealous God. He wants to be the only One that completes us. Your partner should complement you not make you whole. I am not asking you to make Jesus your husband, I am not a fanatic. I understand the desire to be loved by another human being...God put that desire in us. It's natural and okay but it shouldn't be a driving force in your life. Your desire should never control you and make the other aspects of your life dreary. Let me tell you one fact that I want you to keep close to your heart at all times. No man can complete you...only God can. Again, no man wants a liability. He doesn't want a woman that cannot exist or be outside their relationship. Why do you think they keep pursuing that one woman that never seems to have time to spare for them. They pursue because they know she's a fulfilled woman, a confident woman and they want to be a part of her life. Work on yourself a little. Read more. Try out new things. Personally, I find I get bored fast with a man that cannot seem to stimulate me mentally. I assume men must feel that way too(atleast some men).


 I don't want to make this post too long. I think I've hit the major points. I'll leave you with these prayer points though...it has helped me be strong enough to wait for God's best and plan for my life. 


Prayer Points: 

 1. Lord grant me the patience to wait for your plan and purpose for my life. Jeremiah 29:11; 1 Corinthians 2:9

 2. Direct and guide me. Isaiah 30:2

 3. Let me actively begin to work in Your purpose for my life. Acts 2:23; Romans 8:28; Romans 9:11
4. Lord engrace me with fresh zeal for the things of Your kingdom. Matthew 6:33

 5. Revive my spiritual life. John 4:23-24

 6. Help me to serve You now that I can without any hindrances. Exodus 23:25

 7. Pray for your future spouse. Hebrews 11:1

 8. Trust God. Mark 9:23; Proverbs 3:5

 9. Give thanks. 1 Thessalonians 5:18


Stay Blessed!!! 

 Adupeola

Why Mending Hearts?

The first time Mending Hearts popped into my spirit was the year 2009. I went ahead and started a blog to that effect but I abandoned midway. I tried again in 2013...that was when this particular blog was started and again I abandoned it. 2014, I started Just Thinking Out Loud now Adupeola's Blog and to my very own surprise, I stayed with it and come January 7, 2016, the blog will be 2 years old!

I would like to believe I wasn't ready to take on the kind of responsibility that mending hearts would curtail. This time though, I'm determined to see it through. I never intended the other blog to play a role in mending hearts but from time to time, it does that because I keep getting drawn to what I know how to do best. This blog will be centered completely on matters of the heart and every situation that might make everyday seem a bit cloudy. This blog will be the silver lining to that day.

I won't be doing this alone though. I have another writer that will help me in making this blog a success. I know it will achieve it's aim because till today I'm still surprised at the amount of traffic I get on Adupeola's Blog seeing as it doesn't have a particular niche. This one has one and I'm counting on the loyalty of my readers to help me bring in even more traffic than the other blog.

Introducing Mending Hearts a blog that like it's name implies will strive to mend broken hearts, stay tears and heal past wounds. I hope it achieves it's goal.

Thank you for embarking on another adventure with me(because that's what it is to me).

With love,

Adupeola