Empty Bottles
When a bottle is empty, it has no identity. It is just an empty space, but fill it with coke and it becomes a bottle of coke. Fill it with clean water, it becomes a bottle of clean water, with dirty water, a bottle of dirty water. The content gives the bottle its identity. ThisContinue reading “Empty Bottles”
Step by Step
Anytime my Sister-in-law visits, it is always an exciting time for our children. She has a sweet tooth and so she comes with a box full of sweets and she almost bullies us into allowing the children indulge. When she wants to lead them to the box of treasures usually set in form of aContinue reading “Step by Step”
Go Deeper
Welcome to 2022! During the holiday, I read the story of Gideon and his 300 men in Judges 7. I found some simple lessons that we can apply as we settle into another year. Be prepared – take a few minutes to get yourself ready for this new season. Across the Bible, we hear referencesContinue reading “Go Deeper”
Fan! Fan!! Fan!!!
My first attempt at grilling was with a charcoal grill. I had watched people grill with a charcoal grill and it always looked easy. Watching always seems easy, like when you watch a football game on TV and you wonder why the player didn’t just toss the ball into the net. Until you get into theContinue reading “Fan! Fan!! Fan!!!”
On Conflicts II
This week, we promised to share a list of things to do when a conflict arises in your marriage. It is going to be a long one but if you make it to the end, you will be glad that you did. Give each other the benefit of doubtAgree within yourself that you made aContinue reading “On Conflicts II”
On Conflicts
The start of a relationship is usually filled with excitement. This is quite common with all things new. As you begin to get to know each other, you move beyond the initial butterfly feelings. Boundaries are pushed and tested and suddenly, you must deal with the unpleasant side of your loved one. Your first disagreementContinue reading “On Conflicts”
P.R.A.Y
Looking back, we both prayed some very intentional and specific prayers. This is one area of our lives that I believe we were quite intentional about. Marriage is that important, when you take a moment to consider the long term commitment and the impact on generations unborn, you will know that you should spend timeContinue reading “P.R.A.Y”
Salt and Light
“You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavour? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lampContinue reading “Salt and Light”
Let’s Talk!
Jane felt that her husband was wasteful. He was always giving out money to people ‘in need‘. As soon as he heard their story, he would immediately respond by giving without thinking. Jane knew that most of these stories were lies and an attempt to deceive her husband. Growing up, John’s father worked for aContinue reading “Let’s Talk!”
Money Proof
Last week, we shared seven conditions that should be in place for money to work well in your marriage. 1. The right mindset2. It’s a we thing3. Let your money submit to your marriage4. Trust5. Playing to your strengths6. Have a money plan7. Respect irrespective of financial standing This week, we talk about the seasonsContinue reading “Money Proof”
Money Matters
Money has been listed as one of the top triggers of conflict in marriage. Today, we will be sharing some money lessons that will help you handle money in a way that benefits your marriage. First, we will like to state upfront that in all scenarios, two is always better than one, the Bible saysContinue reading “Money Matters”
Hand in Hand II
About a year into our marriage, we had dinner at my dad’s house with one of his friends. As we were saying our goodbyes after dinner, my dad’s friend suddenly exclaimed, “Ido!”. He went on to say, “make sure you listen to this woman that God has given to you, she will save you fromContinue reading “Hand in Hand II”
First Flight
We love to travel; we both enjoy the planning process – scanning destinations and flights, hotels, restaurants and all. Most of all, I love the feeling of happiness that comes with going away from routine and resting from the hustle of daily life. Over the years, travelling anywhere has become our personal gift to ourselves.Continue reading “First Flight”
Hand in Hand
Bread and butter, pen and paper, salt and pepper, Batman and Robin and the list goes on and on…. there are a lot of things that go hand in hand. They kind of need each other to make meaning or one to make the other become better. Batman is strong but with Robin, he isContinue reading “Hand in Hand”
The Things That Matter
In a romantic candlelight dinner setting, knees on the ground and camera light flashing, he popped the question, “Will you marry me?” I said YES! Falling and being in love and all the niceties that come along with it can sometimes make us drift and forget the things that really matter. Today’s post is forContinue reading “The Things That Matter”
Yielded
Someone asked for practical steps to become one in marriage, our answer to that question is captured by one word ‘Yielded‘. The dictionary defines the word ‘yield’ as to give way to someone or something that one can no longer resist. Other words that can be used in its place are submitted, surrender, defer, succumb, giveContinue reading “Yielded”
As One…
“Let’s go back to the drawing board” is a statement you would often hear when people get stuck on a project. Beginnings are important, they give you an idea of what the creator had in mind, and set out to achieve. “And Adam said “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of myContinue reading “As One…”
The Marriage Walk
The votes are in! and we have more votes in favour of marriage. So for the next few weeks, we are happy to invite you to join us on “The Marriage Walk”. Today, we will be doing a “Meet the Mbangs” write up as an introduction to the series. We will share a little bitContinue reading “The Marriage Walk”
Let’s Connect
We are taking a Literary Break! Not on a fancy island even though that will be amazing. For the next two Saturdays, there will be no new write-ups but we will like to continue to engage with you in all of these ways: 1. Play catch up on some older posts, there is a wholeContinue reading “Let’s Connect”
99
In my early teens, I got carried away by my wants and the need to be like everyone else. I wanted to be among the happening guys, wear the latest clothes, shoes and all. Of course, this was not possible for me financially, so the obvious happened, I started stealing from my dad. That timeContinue reading “99”
Stillwaters
One of my fondest memories from secondary (high) school is the story of ‘the list’. Back then in boarding school, we had these demi-gods, they called themselves class or school prefects and they milked the authority that was given to them. They were always on the lookout for offenders of all sorts, they wrote downContinue reading “Stillwaters”
Worth the Find III
We are still on this wisdom matter, we hope that everyone who reads our blog this season begins to approach life a little differently. According to the words of Proverbs, wisdom is actively looking for following, likes and tags; begging to be used and referenced. One area that the book of Proverbs seems to over-flogContinue reading “Worth the Find III”
Worth the Find II
We are back after a one week break. During our unannounced break, two of our readers reached out, one to check if we left her out of the distribution list while the other was wondering if we were testing to see if people will read without the weekly reminder prompt. These two individuals by theirContinue reading “Worth the Find II”
Worth the Find
One of my favourite games to play with my children is a treasure hunt around the house. I always begin by drawing a picture of the house, next I put together some treats and then I move around the house to locate the best spots to hide the treat and leave them clues on theContinue reading “Worth the Find”
Enjoy the ride!
Like every other intending couple, we looked forward to our wedding day with so much anticipation. Everything we did or talked about for the 12 months between the proposal and the actual wedding day was mostly about ‘the Day’. The dress, the hall, the food, the guest list, the location, the cost – such anContinue reading “Enjoy the ride!”
Bow or Burn
Every coin has two sides, just like every story. The side that we choose to hear and retell and the side that we prefer not to speak of. The gospel is not different. A lot of times, it is easier to take in the good – the blessings, miracles and promises. But our faith isContinue reading “Bow or Burn”
Lest We Forget 2
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and prayers. Acts 2:42 Last week, we reflected on the ways of the early church to remind ourselves of the basics. We talked about the importance of studying the Word and Fellowship with other believers. One of my early memoriesContinue reading “Lest We Forget 2”
Lest We Forget
We got together as a family to reflect on the month of May, my husband decided to do a roll call of the things that we are thankful for. As he called out the different reasons, I realised I had forgotten some of them. It was like I replaced the things that happened early inContinue reading “Lest We Forget”
On Customs & Footprints
We were moving to a new city and as expected, we had certain fears associated with moving. One of those fears for us was the impact of a change of environment on our children. At a send forth event organized for us, I had a conversation with an older friend who in my opinion hadContinue reading “On Customs & Footprints”
The Straight Line
In 2011, I was a first-time mom, a very excited one and I could not wait to show my daughter everything I knew. One of those lessons took place at the back of our house when she was just three years old. I returned from work and we all moved outside for ‘Growing up 10X’,Continue reading “The Straight Line”
Sound the Alarm
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.Ecclesiastes 12:13 KJV Our whole christian walk is summed up into this phrase – Fear God & keep his commandments. Simply put, have enough reverence for the One who created you and doContinue reading “Sound the Alarm”
STONE-FACED
Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore, I have set my face like a stone, determined to do His will. And I know that I will not be put to shame. Isaiah 50: 7 NLT When ever I read the Bible these days, I try to read it like aContinue reading “STONE-FACED”
TOOLBOX
“We are nothing but pencils in the hands of the creator” This is a popular phrase we all know and use, meaning God’s absolute control over us. I was teaching this to my children recently, telling them how as pencils in the hand of God, He can use us to write messages to the world.Continue reading “TOOLBOX”
All
This week, my household encountered the music of ‘For King and Country’. We have listened to a few of their songs without realising who sang them, but we spent a lot of time watching a video of their song ‘Amen’. The video is amazing with lots of meaningful aesthetics and each scene symbolized an aspectContinue reading “All”
The 7000
I was listening to a song recently and these words jumped out at me “For we’ve settled the question, we’ve made our choice”. The more I ponder on the song, the more I realize that the writers of the song were very intentional about those words. My thoughts… when you answer a question, there’s roomContinue reading “The 7000”
Higher Ground
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life”. John 3:16 A story of love, sacrifice, forgiveness and grace will be shared across platforms and altars this weekend as we all celebrate Easter. This week, we reflect on theseContinue reading “Higher Ground”
A Call to Correct
Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline [correction administered with godly wisdom and lovingkindness] will remove it far from him.Proverbs 22:15 AMP I love Proverbs 22:15 and the words highlighted by the amplified version for clarification help to give additional guidance. First, I will like to clarify thatContinue reading “A Call to Correct”
Eyes on Us
Children learn a lot by observing, they have their eyes laser-focused on you even when you are not aware of it. My husband and I agree that our parents are our greatest influencers. I see a lot of traits in my husband that make me say, “the apple did not fall too far from theContinue reading “Eyes on Us”
Are you there?
During our morning prayers, I overheard my husband say the words, “Father, your presence is all we need today”. Those lines are not new but today, they stopped my own prayers and my thoughts began to wander, as I stopped to ponder on those words. Father – a parent figure; Presence – a state ofContinue reading “Are you there?”
The Office of a Parent
Many years back, on two occasions, I had the opportunity to speak to our church on Parenting. The messages were titled ‘Like Arrows’ derived from the Bible verse in Psalms 127:4 and ‘Godly seed’ from Malachi 2:15. As I prepared for those two sermons, one thing stood out clearly, parenting is not a natural progressionContinue reading “The Office of a Parent”
Paper Trail
Have you ever tried chasing a piece of paper that is being blown away by the wind, Pretty difficult right? In most cases, you never catch it. To chase this paper, you’ll need to focus on the paper, the wind direction and nothing else. Often, the paper falls to the ground, stays for a fewContinue reading “Paper Trail”
What Manner of Love?
It’s love week, yes oh! All over the world, gifts will be received and given, a fine display of creativity as boy and girl, man and woman work overtime to impress and outdo. Pockets will bleed in the process and as I sit I have no idea what I have planned. This week, we tellContinue reading “What Manner of Love?”
One Year After
It has been one year since Life and Becoming started and we have loved this journey. Every Saturday, we committed to share a story in our quest to reach ‘One’. Each story challenged us personally and we hope changed your own perspective. We reached more than one and we are taking time out to acknowledgeContinue reading “One Year After”
Friend of Sinners
Son of Man, Healer, Saviour, Master, Lord are a few words used to describe Jesus. My friend put up a picture with a write up that says, ‘this year, I want to be more like Jesus – hang out with sinners’ and a list of other things that Jesus will do. This particular reputation ofContinue reading “Friend of Sinners”
On Target
Every now and then, I love to sit back, relax and watch a good movie. My husband likes action movies from the Marvel Hall of Fame. One of the scene from an action-packed movie that stays with me is when a fighter jet is about to release a missile. The first action the fighter pilotContinue reading “On Target”
i SEE
Then the Lord answered me and said: “Write the vision And make it plain on tablets, That he may run who reads it. (Habakkuk 2:2) Meet Sarah and David, over seven years ago, they were newly married living in a nice house downtown. But they both shared a common vision of living on a largeContinue reading “i SEE”
My ‘Blockbuster’
When I think of a Blockbuster Movie, I think of a highly anticipated movie that smashes world financial and viewing records and finally sweeps awards at the Oscars. I usually think of the process that leads to the release of such movies. The directing, search for ideal actors/actresses, the right plot, right location and theContinue reading “My ‘Blockbuster’”
Everything To Do With Love
Over 2000 years ago, the earth received angelic visits to announce the birth of a special baby. There was no room fit for a king but still, He came. A stable was all that was found but the Father did not withdraw His gift, He still gave. He didn’t come for the stable, the stableContinue reading “Everything To Do With Love”
10,000 and More Reasons
We drove by a church and saw this signage up front, ‘I am not buying a 2021 Planner until I see a trailer’. Not the trailer that moves, this signage was referring to the sneak preview you get of an upcoming movie, Yeap! that type of trailer. Seeing how 2020 turned out, you wouldn’t blameContinue reading “10,000 and More Reasons”
Follow The Lights
This evening like the Wise men, my family and I decided to follow the lights. We all dressed up, packed a bag of treats, got into the car and began our long drive around town in search of Christmas decorations. We saw everything, lights, Christmas accents and figurines. Some houses even had full nativity scenes,Continue reading “Follow The Lights”
Time for Everything
This week has been a reflective one for me as I go through a major transition – changing seasons. I knew what I had to do many months ago but I needed confirmation, the confirmation came and then I felt confused. I remember the line out of an earlier post that said, ‘you never knowContinue reading “Time for Everything”
Faith Through Her Eyes
An email from the Daycare centre on a Saturday morning was unusual. Our guess was right, it was unusual. It was a one-pager informing all Parents and Caregivers that someone at the Center tested positive for COVID-19 and affected parents will be contacted for further details. Up until now, the Center had been up andContinue reading “Faith Through Her Eyes”
You are ‘Fired’
2020 will go down as one of the most unusual years in my lifetime. It was different in every sense of the word and forced me to think differently about life. For the first time, I saw people struggle and hoard toilet paper. Not even money could protect from the sting of death that lurkedContinue reading “You are ‘Fired’”
Go Easy on Me!
As a child, I remember playing the video game ‘Street Fighter’, I liked the female fighters a lot and leaned in their direction for choice of players. Street Fighter allowed me to do things that could only happen in my imaginations. One of the female fighters always started a fight with the words, ‘Go easyContinue reading “Go Easy on Me!”
One and The Same
There is a story deep within me that needs to be told. An interesting adventure my life has been. In all the places I have been and with all the people I have met, I realise that we all have the same needs, similar wants and the same desire for love, respect and recognition. FromContinue reading “One and The Same”
Heart cry for Nigeria!
Our post this week is short and reflective of our thoughts about the situation in Nigeria. This week has been a particularly challenging one for us. We have struggled to find the right words to write but words have failed us. Our prayers and thoughts go out to all the families that lost Loved OnesContinue reading “Heart cry for Nigeria!”
Think like an Employer
Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty. (Proverbs 21:5 NLT) At the start of every year, most companies have a goals planning session where the management team reviews the prior year’s performance of the company and develops plans for the year in view and beyond. These companies careContinue reading “Think like an Employer”
Just Surfing…
One day, while I was sitting in the living room, I heard the words, “Hey Google, show me ballet practice lessons”. As it is programmed to do, Google obeyed and in no time, hundreds of ballet lessons downloaded. This request was made by a child. Just then, a thought came to me, what if sheContinue reading “Just Surfing…”
Young and Restless
Sometime ago, I used the words ‘Young and Restless’ to describe myself in a team introduction video. A few months later, I met some younger folks who were now where I was over a decade ago and I realised how much I had become ‘old and rested’. ‘Old and rested’, an interesting way to describeContinue reading “Young and Restless”
How to End 2020 Strong (Finance Edition)
Before the pandemic, going to the movie theatre was one of my favourite things to do! There’s something about being in a dark room in front of a big, loud, screen, watching the journey of a lovable character unfold. I enjoy everything about being in a movie theatre – the stories, the special effects, theContinue reading “How to End 2020 Strong (Finance Edition)”
Money & Relationships
Money ranks high up there as one of the major conflict triggers in relationships. From business partners to couples, siblings and friends, it seems money has a way of binding or breaking. I have seen best friends and even lovers who seem completely devoted, parting ways because of a simple piece of paper with a symbol onContinue reading “Money & Relationships”
New Money
Every year, most of us get either a pay increase at work, a new job with higher pay or maybe finally get that first job right after school. The pay check that comes with any of these moves is what I refer to as ‘New Money’. ‘New money’ is the difference between your former netContinue reading “New Money”
The Ugly Side of ‘Broke’
My parents made it clear that I was going to Boarding School quite early. Each time I pondered on the idea of going away from home, I was gripped by the fear of the unknown. The thought of being all by myself in the midst of people I did not know, scared me. As theContinue reading “The Ugly Side of ‘Broke’”
Life and Becoming Mid-year Award
Today, we are taking out time to say Thank you to all those who follow us. Thank you for your support and for believing in us. Enjoy a short clip of our mid-year awards for active followers. Have a great day!
Help Us Paint the World Red!
This August on LifeandBecoming, we are painting the world red. We would like you to join us on this campaign. Thank you and remember to keep your eyes on who you are becoming. Have a great day!
A New Kind of ‘You’ – Video
You can read the full post here. We will love to hear from you, so don’t forget to like, leave a comment, follow us and tell a friend. Remember to keep your eyes on who you are becoming. Have a great day!
Through the ‘Pain’
Pain is something we all don’t like. We run from it, avoid it or sometimes try to ignore it. In our diaper days, we did not mind the pain, but as we grew older, it appears we began to focus more on the pain and less on the rewards. One morning, I watched my 23Continue reading “Through the ‘Pain’”
The Brighter Side of Meeting ‘Not so Great People’- Video
You can read the full story here. We will love to hear from you, so don’t forget to like, leave a comment, follow us and tell a friend. Remember to keep your eyes on who you are becoming. Have a great day!
Everyday Battles
I have heard it said frequently that the world is a battlefield and we are part of the war whether we like to admit it or not. From the moment that our waking eyes begin to attribute meaning to things, our consciousness is awakened to the battle between good and evil. From the pictures inContinue reading “Everyday Battles”
A Father’s Hand – Video
You can read the full story here. We will love to hear from you, so don’t forget to like, leave a comment, follow us and tell a friend. Remember to keep your eyes on who you are becoming.
Everything will be alright!
There is a bug called ‘worry’, we all get a sting in our teenage years and then its effect keeps growing and growing. Suddenly, we start to worry about everything from the weather to how we look, what we will wear, eat, drink, the list is endless. How I miss the days when I wasContinue reading “Everything will be alright!”
Before you say ‘I Do’ – Video
You can read the full story here We will love to hear from you, so don’t forget to like, leave a comment, follow us and tell a friend. Remember to keep your eyes on who you are becoming.
Run For Your Life
As I sat in front of the Bank looking out of the window, I saw a gentleman (maybe not so gentle) bend over and pick up something on the floor. Oh my! he didn’t just do that, I said to myself but no it wasn’t my mind playing games on me. He just picked upContinue reading “Run For Your Life”
The Brighter Side of Meeting ‘Not So Great People’
At the back-end of most introductions, is the usual phrase ‘Nice to meet you’ that we have grown so accustomed to using. I wonder how many of us wish we could go back in time to retract those words. If you have ever felt that way about someone, you have just helped me define aContinue reading “The Brighter Side of Meeting ‘Not So Great People’”
I Love My Friendships ‘Organic’ – Video
You can read the full story here. We will love to hear from you, so please like, leave a comment and share with a friend. Don’t forget to keep your eyes on who you are becoming. Have a great week!
A Father’s Hand
One of the words I heard very often as a child was the word ‘strict’ used so many times to refer to my father. I too soon realized that he was a very strict man. He had a reputation for being straight forward, uncompromising in his beliefs and very orderly. You only needed to haveContinue reading “A Father’s Hand”
Before You Say ‘I Do’
My friend was getting married in another city. I was all excited and planned to attend but was taken aback when I told my husband about it and he opposed. It was a flight away, rough town, and I would have to spend a night at a hotel. I guess he had his reasons butContinue reading “Before You Say ‘I Do’”
I Love my Friendships ‘Organic’
Today is June 6th, just another day you may think, but one worth taking a stroll down memory lane. As my first friend in life marks her birthday today, I cannot help but remember all things friendships. Interestingly, we met in our mother’s wombs as they sat close to each other chatting away for theContinue reading “I Love my Friendships ‘Organic’”
A New Kind of ‘You’
We all enjoy the new, something about it brings about excitement, especially in the early days. ‘New’ could be a friend, car, house, outfit, job, city, or adventure. All the energy we expend on this new love of ours, you will think it was made in heaven. As you go through life, you will discoverContinue reading “A New Kind of ‘You’”
Whose Shoe is it?
As I walked casually in simple slipper that cost me less than $10, I do not recall the conversation in exact words but I think it went something like this, ‘Nice slippers’ and I must have replied, ‘Thank you, that is why I bought it’. (I heard that version of response from my cousin andContinue reading “Whose Shoe is it?”
League of ONE!
We had just finished our exams and with just one week left to our holiday, we had no studies and nothing to do in school. I cannot remember the class exactly, but it was Senior Secondary (High School). My friends and I decided that rather than go to school, we would hang out. One ofContinue reading “League of ONE!”
Because of You – A Mother’s Day Special Edition
Indeed, I can say I am blessed amongst women to be raised by four strong women. Some came before me, while other joined along the way. Today I salute my Mom, My Mom in law of blessed memory and my Grandmas (also of blessed memory). As I stared at a picture that my daughter drewContinue reading “Because of You – A Mother’s Day Special Edition”
What’s Trending?
Back in High School, one of my numerous nicknames was ‘Trendy’, so you can say I know a thing or two about trends. Something, someone, some place or some news is always trending. Some trends last a while, others go by so quickly. Today, amid all that is going on around us, I find itContinue reading “What’s Trending?”
Am I really lazy?
It was my third Sunday Service in a new church, and I was beginning to settle in. I liked the Pastor; he delivers what I call the ‘Gospel Truth’. I like truth, you know the kind that we grew up hearing ‘hurts’. The hurt part is the shaping part that pulls you back in lineContinue reading “Am I really lazy?”
Life & Becoming 