Who am I in God’s eyes?

I am special, created with a purpose

Highly favored, protected from the locust

I am blessed with life after death

I do my best in faith, God does the rest

I am protected, guarded by angels

Sanctified, set aside, consecrated for the Lord

I am heavenly sent, a blessing to others

The salt of the world, a Christian scholar

I am Beloved, truly loved by my Father

He orders my steps; I’m bound to go further

I have been washed by the blood of Jesus

I am a child of God, I repent he forgives us

He blesses … he blesses me, myself and I

 I will bring glory to God, the Most High

A chosen generation in the presence of devastation

We are love, joy, peace and no segregation

I am here to help save the lost …

I am prepared to be a bridge for the lost to cross

Moreover, I am a fisher of men, women and children

I am a friend to the friendless who is in need of a friend

I am filled with the Holy Spirit for discernment

I am thankful for his provision and my contentment

I am in the Lord and the Lord in I

I am SOMEBODY in God’s eyes

I am more than a conqueror through Christ

I am of God who multiplies … He gives life

I am kind, patient and working on my long suffering

I am not perfect, however, I lack nothing

I am called to love and to serve my brethren

Brethren, we are called with one vision

We are all in one body with many calling …

I am talented as I have been blessed with talent

A talent is a gift in the form of an investment

God willing, I bring many happy returns

Keep in mind, if you play with fire, fire burns

I am a disciple in Christ, learning to be wise

Being wise is securing your soul then your life

I am free from all demonic shackles

I am bought with a price, so I’m set loose

I am a believer and a believer in the word of truth

I am not boasting, but truly humbled in His presence
Heavenly Father it is you I reverence 
It is you Father I live to satisfy

I am Beloved, specially sanctified in God’s eyes

Learn how to cook egusi soup

Learn how to cook egusi soup ... 

Egusi soup, also called melon soup is an absolute delightful delicacy enjoyed all over West Africa, especially amongst Nigerians anywhere they live.
It is arguably the most popular Nigerian soup, especially in the Southern part of that country.

---

Are you new to Nigerian foods, and trying to learn nigerian recipes, then egusi soup is a sure place to start from. It is easy to cook. It is quick to cook too. The real egusi soup is prepared from egusi seeds, not pumpkin seed.
It is a spiced thick soup cooked with or without vegetables and fish or meat. It is highly nutritious, and very satisfying. Using egusi seeds will ensure you enjoy the unique flavour and satisfaction of agusi (egusi) or melon soup.
Where egusi or melon seeds are not obtainable, some have used pumpkin seeds, and even pepitas. Egusi can be obtained from most African food shops.
This soup is prepared basically the same way all over West Africa, but with some cultural and regional variations as in most dishes. We shall describe the most common or generally acceptable method of cooking egusi soup here.

One second you are here

One second you are here, the next you are gone

Those who love and care for you begin to mourn

Unexpected occurrences happen like a deadly roads turn

Many settle ! a pay cheque for their lives they pawn

Question, did you spend your time, time wasting?

Or did you make disciples of all nations

Did you live in strife, hatred, deceit having no love?

Did you do what you wanted to do, ignoring God?

Did you store your treasures on earth?

Did you live in your fleshly ways living in a curse or worst?

Life is but a vapor, a stop over

Stop giving your neighbor the cold shoulder

Introduce him to Jehovah, onward Christian soldier

If you are the Key, Jesus is the Key holder

So be bolder and  sober...

Whose side are you on?

Remember time waits for no one

One second you are here, the next you are gone

Black History - "History of Nigeria"

I came across this article on Nigeria; it is indeed an honor and a privilege to pass this article on. Please enjoy

History of Nigeria

Historic regions:
5th century BC - 20th century AD

Nigeria contains more historic cultures and empires than any other nation in Africa. They date back as far as the 5th century BC, when communities living around the southern slopes of the Jos plateau make wonderfully expressive terracotta figures - in a tradition known now as the Nok culture, from the Nigerian village where these sculptures are first unearthed. The Nok people are neolithic tribes who have recently acquired the iron technology spreading southwards through Africa.
The Jos plateau is in the centre of Nigeria, but the first extensive kingdoms of the region - more than a millennium after the Nok people - are in the north and northeast, deriving their wealth from trade north through the Sahara and east into the Sudan.
 

During the 9th century AD a trading empire grows up around Lake Chad. Its original centre is east of the lake, in the Kanem region, but it soon extends to Bornu on the western side. In the 11th century the ruler of Kanem-Bornu converts to Islam.

West of Bornu, along the northern frontier of Nigeria, is the land of the Hausa people. Well placed to control trade with the forest regions to the south, the Hausa develop a number of small but stable kingdoms, each ruled from a strong walled city. They are often threatened by larger neighbours (Mali and Gao to the west, Bornu to the east). But the Hausa traders benefit also from being on the route between these empires. By the 14th century they too are Muslim.

 
In the savanna grasslands and the forest regions west of the Niger, between the Hausa kingdoms and the coast, the Yoruba people are the dominant tribes. Here they establish two powerful states.

The first is Ife, on the border between forest and savanna. Famous now for its sculpture, Ife flourishes from the 11th to 15th century. In the 16th century a larger Yoruba empire develops, based slightly further from the forest at Oyo. Using the profits of trade to develop a forceful cavalry, Oyo grows in strength during the 16th century. By the end of the 18th century the rulers of Oyo are controlling a region from the Niger to the west of Dahomey.
 

Meanwhile, firmly within the forest, the best known of all the Nigerian kingdoms establishes itself in the 15th century (from small beginnings in the 13th). Benin becomes a name internationally known for its cast-metal sculpture, in a tradition inherited from the Ife.

In terms of extent Benin is no match for Oyo, its contemporary to the north. In the 15th century the region brought under central control is a mere seventy-miles across (people and places being harder to subdue in the tropical forest than on the savanna), though a century later Benin stretches from the Niger delta in the east to Lagos in the west.
 

But Benin's fame is based on factors other than power. This is the coastal kingdom which the Portuguese discover when they reach the mouth of the Niger in the 1470s, bringing back to Europe the first news of superb African artefacts and of the ceremonial splendour of Benin's oba or king.

The kings of Benin are a story in themselves. In the 19th century they scandalize the west by their use of human sacrifice in court rituals. And they have stamina. At the end of the 20th century the original dynasty is still in place, though without political power. All in all, among Nigeria's many historic kingdoms, Benin has earned its widespread renown.
 
The Fulani and Sokoto: AD 1804-1903

Living among the Hausa in the northern regions of Nigeria are a tribe, the Fulani, whose leaders in the early 19th century become passionate advocates of strict Islam. From 1804 sheikh Usman dan Fodio and his two sons lead the Fulani in an immensely successful holy war against the lax Muslim rulers of the Hausa kingdoms.

The result is the establishment in 1809 of a Fulani capital at Sokoto, from which the centre and north of Nigeria is effectively ruled for the rest of the 19th century. But during this same period there has been steady encroachment on the region by British interests.

Black History - "Watch Night Service"

 I came across this article worth sharing, this is great info to share with others,part of Black History~~~ Enjoy!! -

 

"Watch Night Service" 
 

 The History: At the stroke of midnight on December 31, 1862,  the new year was ushered in ... and at 12:01 AM, on January 1, 1863,

ALL SLAVES IN THE CONFEDERATE STATES WERE DECLARED LEGALLY FREE.

Many of you who live or grew up in Black communities in the United States have probably heard of "Watch Night Services," the gathering of the faithful in churches on New Year's Eve. But are you aware of its history? The service usually begins anywhere from 7 p.m. To 10 p.m. and ends at midnight with the entrance of the New Year.

Some folks come to church first, before going out to celebrate.   For others, church is the only New Year's Eve event. Like many others, I always assumed that Watch Night Service was a fairly standard Christian religious service -- made a bit more Afro-Centric because that's what happens when elements of Christianity become linked with the Black Church.  Still, it was obvious that predominately White Christian churches did not include Watch Night Service on their calendars, but focused instead on Christmas Eve programs...   In fact, there were instances where clergy in mainline denominations wondered aloud about the propriety of African Americans linking a religious service to a secular holiday like New Year's Eve.

 

However, there is a reason for the importance of New Year's Eve services in African American congregations. The Watch Night Services in Black communities that we celebrate today can be traced back to gatherings across the South on December 31, 1862, known at that time as, "Freedom's Eve."  On that night, Blacks came together in churches and private homes all across the nation, anxiously awaiting news that the Emancipation Proclamation had actually become law.

Then, at the stroke of midnight, it became January 1, 1863, and all slaves in the Confederate States were declared legally free. When  the news was received, there were prayers, shouts and songs of joy throughout the South as people fell to their knees and thanked God.

Ever since, Black folks have traditionally gathered in churches annually on New Year's Eve, praising God for bringing us safely through another year, but many do not realize the historic value.

 

It's been 145 years since that first Freedom's Eve and many of us were never taught the African American history of the Watch Night Service, but tradition still brings us together at this time every year to celebrate "how we got over."

 

Pass this information on so we can educate more of our Family and Friends about our History!