Changing of water into wine 🍷 at Cana.Image source; i.pinimg.com
Hi friends, hope you are all good and staying safe? Permission to digress, I was having an intriguing conversation with someone the other day and the entire chat took a different dimension when she asked one question.
The call conversation was about chritianity, christ teachings, what is expected of us.
She asked ‘’why do you catholics worship mary? It is no where in the bible?”
I told her that we simply honour the mother of Jesus. I mentioned the first miracle of Jesus – where he turned water 💦 into wine 🍷. It was all driven by his mother, mary. That implies that we can get to Jesus through mary.
The entire verse goes this way:
Lets read the scripture together John 2.
I gave her other illustrstions and applied same to real life. There are cases where you can easily reach out to someone or get a favour done by going through their mother.
She eventually agreed with me.
I was quite pleased that I had facts and was able to discuss that with her. Trust me, this woman knows her bible so well, I wish I’m somewhat that good too with the scriptures.
However, as a Legionary I know a lot about mother mary. Unfortunately, for years now I have found my mself in places where Legion of Mary doesn’t exist. Currently, I’m a Vincentian which is not active in my local either. You cannot compare the two though.
Hey! I’m trying to rekindle in us the energy needed for our spiritual life and spiritual growth. We need to pray like warriors and take charge of our lives.
On a good note, I recently found a charismatic online prayer group which has been a blessing to me lately. I can’t begin to tell you how much I have learnt from these amazing people. They give a deeper and meaningful interpretation to bible verses I already know. I find them very supportive. Some people are truly working for God. God bless them🙏🏼
If you want to discuss more about any aspects of this post, do contact me. I occasionally post religious blogs. Feel to peruse the blog. For similar posts, notify me in the comment section and subscribe to this blog.
Hi Friends, I want to remind us today about giving alms. I know it’s something we are all aware of.
However, my question to you today is “when was the last time you helped the poor?”
Is it something of the past?
Are you aware they poor people still exist?
Are you aware that you are better off than some people?
Are you aware of those around you who are in need of one want or the other?
Have you been a victim where you feel cheated and think you do not need to cater for the needy anymore?
Remember the we ought to do good always, regardless.
Only our heavenly father who sees in the secret will reward us.
We are all in a battle to be better humans and greater versions of ourselves.
We need Gods grace, else we cannot do much on our own.
Do you remember the bible that says that giving alms covers multitude of sins?
The bible verse above adds that this kind act of generosity should be done in secret. We live in the era of social media when everything appear to be better publicised. However, as humans we should know what is expected of us at all time.
We shouldn’t be quick to please humans, feed our ego and displease God. Thereby, blocking the blessings that awaits us.
Hi Friends, I hope you are all well. Amidst Covid-19 pandemic, I want to remind you of how amazing you are.
I am cognizant that a lot has happened this period. So many lives have been lost, some people fought for their lives while some lost their loved ones. We all look forward to a cure/vaccine for this killer virus while observing the obvious rules of social distancing and health policies applicable in different places.
I am aware that different nations have specific rules tailored for their citizens, do abide by them, please. While the scientists do their jobs, I pray God to heal all nations.
We live in a world full of uncertainties. I can liken this period of lockdown to a trying time. However, it can be a time to know your inner self the more, a time to liberate yourself from any animosity and a time to let go of any grudges.
In families, it can mean spending quality time together; you never know what the earth uncovers for you. In cases where either or both parents own businesses, bravo while the lockdown lasts.
It can mean spending greater time with your spouse too. It can be a time to strengthen your spiritual life, which is vital in families. The stronger person can pull the other. I can go on to elaborate on this.
It can simply mean plenty of time to ask God for clarity and direction in your life. Some people tend to live the easy life instead of having a focus and aiming at achieving it. It should not be so. I will leave that to another post. I digress.
This period can provide you with ample time to reach out to people you would not have spared time to contact. There are times we tend to think about certain people; it can be family, friends, or mates but do not reach out to them. They are just there, in an imaginary safe place in our thoughts. I have lots of people like that, I can only hope that they are happy and truly safe where they are.
Whatever you do this period, do not let the enemy steal your joy. Do stay alert and do the needful to stay safe and feed your soul with the scriptures.
“May no disaster overtake you,
May no plague come near your tent,
For the angels have been ordered to guard you wherever you go.” #Psalm 91*
Lastly, you are a special being. Do look after yourself and your soul.
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Hello my Lovelies, hope you are all well? We are in March and marching forward😄 It’s my birth month and I can’t thank God enough for bringing me this far. I’m a March number one baby😄
Let me give you a quick run down of my activities in the past year. I must admit it can be quiet challenging trying to be on top of your games all at the same time. I mean the combination of busy work schedules; including series of training/courses, blogging( which tends to suffer as I post less like I ought to) and family( this is paramount you know). I draft for my new book when I can too.
I squeezed that in a few lines right? I can’t begin to tell you how I struggle to spare time for social media but I have it under control as I’m coming up with strategies to ensure I’m more visible to you.
I have some life experiences and events that have shaped me better for the future (and perhaps for the present too😄). Some have evolved from the turnouts of unexpected events. Fortunately, God has been faithful. For those that know me well, I love challenges and not afraid to take up one. That tends to take me places😊
On a different note, I have lost some family members who are dear to me and that had made me question our existence and the impacts of our actions towards another. May their beautiful souls continue to rest in peace🙏🏼
There is more to that PINK Wristband
I can be a deep thinker and have been predisposed to that in this past few months. Having said that, I have previously lost someone that meant a lot to me; I haven’t fully recovered from that very loss. Normally, I tend to discuss things better when I have them all under control but this loss I’m referring to surpasses me. I will tell you about it when I’m ready to discuss it and how it affects me.
At various points of my life I have come across people who are the reason I am the Vivien you know today😄. I mean they are the ingredients I’m made of. I am eternally grateful to each of these persons🙏🏼
I have a pinned tweet on my twitter page. Oh! How I love that tweet. Look me up on Twitter to check it out. My Twitter handle is @viviensvoice. I simple love it and it’s a modification of a bible verse.
Finally, my message for you today is be nice to people regardless, be disciplined and have integrity. Life is a teacher and do remember that you can always learn from others experiences. May you have a marvellous march.
Hello my Lovelies, I’m excited to share with you that today is the 2years anniversary of Happiness At LAST. I can’t tell you the satisfaction and joy that this mere piece of work has brought to me since its publication. I am forever grateful for pushing myself to complete it.
But like the story goes, publishing is one thing done while promotion/sales is the other main thing. I have been able to make Happiness At LAST physically able in different stores/libraries in Uk and a few the eastern part of Nigeria. It is in numerous online stores such Amazon, Barnes and Nobles and other. Its available in blue and brown paperback. The brown version is the recent version i republished
Thanks Meg for your support🙏🏼
Excerpt from Happiness At LAST
Chapter 9
“Ikedinachi’s parents and siblings were delighted with having Ikedinachi home after a long time. He gave them the gift items which he had brought from Lagos.
“Ikedi my son, you look very big now. Is it just the Lagos? Or work? Well, whichever one it is, it surely treats you well.”
“You bought all these for us, clothes, handbag, shirts…” Mrs. Okoro asked him as she sang, danced and showered him with praises while she unfolded the abada he bought for her.
“May God continue to bless and keep you for us.” She was very pleased with the mere sight of seeing her son. She kept running her eyes over him; assessing and admiring him from head to toe.
Adanna was overly excited with the pink canopy dress and red handbag he bought for her. She wore them immediately and showed off her latest additions. She played with her handbag and was very happy that it had a mirror in it too. Ikedinachi was happy to know she liked them being that he did not know her choice and wasn’t with Ifeoma at the time he picked them, who could have helped him out. Meanwhile, he bought a few shirts for Ugonna, which he liked. They all saw him as a blessing to the family.
Ikedinachi had greeted his father earlier when he arrived and now joined him in the palour. Mr. Okoro was watching the NTA 9 pm news on the television. He gently dropped a bottle of Schnapp hot drink and a case containing a wristwatch he bought for him on the table in front of him. The expensive wrist-watch almost took all his first salary, but he knew it was worth it.
“Papa this is what I brought from Lagos,” he handed out the drink to him with both hands.
His father collected it.
“And this,” Ikedinachi added. He gave him the wrist-watch.
Mr. Okoro’s hands were filled with gifts from his son.
He opened the watch case and was proud of his son’s choice.
“Thank you, my son. You have done so well.”
“Papa, I hope you like it? I bought it with my first salary.”
“I love it, my son. I never dreamt of wearing such an expensive wristwatch.”
“You bought this-rich-men watch for your poor Father? May you never lack! May the almighty God continue to guide and bless you. You will get a good wife. You will have kids as many as you wish and they will care for you too.”
He kept showering blessings upon his son.
“Hope you have only come to see us or is there any issue you want to discuss with your father? You are home on a Monday, hope all is well?” His father interjected, “Are you on leave?”
“Eheeee… no papa, I, I actually took permission from work,” he was battling with words and almost wanted to claim that he was on leave but thought it needless.
“I will talk about it tomorrow papa, I have a couple of days to stay. Let me not keep you awake; I wouldn’t like to deprive you of your sleep.” He still battled with his words.
“Well, if you say so, tomorrow then. May the day break, my son.” His father was nearly drawn aback by his response but wanted to allow him talk to him when he wished. Like he already told him, he had a couple of days to stay and therefore needed not to be rushed. He stood up and joined his wife in their bedroom.
“May the day break, papa.” Ikedinachi felt a relief as he almost choked knowing that his father almost caught him off guard.
He went to bed. His mother would have loved to chat with him that night as usual, but she decided to allow him rest after such a long journey from Lagos.
In the room, Adanna was deep asleep while Ugonna had been waiting for him.
“Brother, how is Lagos? I have heard so much about there and would like to live there.” He has completed his secondary education and was due to go to University.
“Lagos is a very big and beautiful place. It is a rich man’s land,” he teased his kid brother. “That reminds me, have you taken any exams yet?”
“Yes, I took one. Still waiting for the result.”
“Good, Ugoo let’s talk tomorrow I need to get some sleep now.”
“Alright brother, sleep well.”
Ikedinachi turned over, facing the wall, he fell asleep.
The next day, Mrs. Okoro had arrived from the market and later joined Ikedinachi in the palour.
“Ikem how is Lagos?”
“Lagos is fine mama. Mama I want us to discuss a very important issue, and that is why I came back.”
“Hey! Hope there is no problem my son!” she screamed placing her two hands on her chest.
“Are you having problem with anybody?”….
Do you like it?
I will gift two lucky people signed copies of my book. To be eligible:
⁃ Tell me why you will want a copy.
⁃ Share this post.
⁃ Subscribe to my blog: if you haven’t done so already.
⁃ It’s that super easy to get a signed copy right?
I will like you to have a copy this unique piece of writing of mine.
If you are African or love African related stories, this book is calling your name.
If you are one of the numerous Africans in diaspora, you, your kids and friends need this book. Try it.
Above all do look after yourself and your soul. Do what makes you happy. You come first. Be inspired and know you are created purposeful for a purpose.
Hi my Lovelies, hope you are doing good. I started the year with an amazing event on the 4th of January. A close-friend-turned-sister (Jessica) invited me to a seminar that was meant exclusively for entrepreneurs, authors and churches. Things turned out well and I was able to make it to the event😄
The event was packed with different personnel’s ranging from, the author of Build Media Team; Pastor David Adabale, web consultant; Ayo Ogunrekun, graphic designer and my PR sister. I made useful notes, hopefully I’m gonna have that ample time this year for my social media activities. There were personal and group tasks which made the occasion more engaging.
Pastor David signs his new book
The PR Jessica doing what she does best
Jessica and Vivien
I’m not going to sit here and moan about how I’ve served you less in the past couple of months. If only I told you what had been stealing me away from you, you will understand me better. However, I’m going to serve you better this year. We need to keep Viviensvoice going. That’s the spirit.
Attending the event was partially to meet Jessica as I haven’t see her in ages( I’m not gonna how long) to support her and importantly show some commitment and boost my development towards my writing. As a blogger and an author, I’m still a work in progress.
Let me tell you about my frien-sis. She’s a beautiful, lovely and multi-talented lady who knows what she wants and works hard to get. Her love for God is on a different level. You can have a look at her site and see things for yourself. She is very committed to her job. She’s a PR and brand strategist. You can trust her with your works.
I’ve got few slides I want to share with you from the event, you might find one or two of them helpful and applicable to you.
For my new readers, you are welcome to Viviensvoice. Familiarise yourself with different tabs. I write to inspire.
Thanks Meg for your support🙏🏼
Event Flyer
