Don’t Defeat Yourself!

By Ose Ugbebor

There are many uncertainties in life, but you are not one. So stop allowing what happened to you control what's left of you; Stop allowing what happened in you past control your future. Nothing can hold you back without your permission; Your past can either prepare you for a better tomorrow or convince you one doesn't exist; You are not your past unless you choose to be. Don't let the things of your past have power over your life. The pains, hurts and disappointment of your past becomes powerless once you decide to let go, Holding on to things that we are supposed to let go of, just keeps our lives in a season that we are no longer supposed to be in. The one thing you are holding on to could be that one thing that's holding you back! Its time to let go of the pains, let go of the hurts, let go of the disappointments. Sometimes it takes losing your "everything" just to show you it was NOTHING you needed. Don't let what you are going through take your life. There is so much more to you than what's trying to break you. Bad chapters can still create a story that ends well. Being a good person doesn't always mean you don't do wrong, Being a good person doesn't mean you are perfect. It means you strive each day to do right even in the face of wrong. . .You can live a victorious life once you stop defeating yourself; You can live a successful life once you let go of your past; Having a negative outlook on life won't get you positive results. You can't stay stuck on a "chapter" trying to get everybody on the same page. That's how you will never finish the story. Its not over until you win!

Have a Blessed Week!
~Ose
Follow on twitter @oseugbebor

"Everyday is an opportunity for a whole NEW beginning. What's that one thing you can do differently today to create positive change in your life and in the world? Think & ACT NOW"

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Don't Procrastinate—Talk to Yourself

Personal encouragement is a surefire way to start getting things done.

We all procrastinate sometimes. But I think there are two kinds of procrastination—positive and negative.

An example of positive procrastination is when you legitimately need (and make the most of) a little extra time to gather your thoughts. Negative procrastination is usually based on flimsy excuses to avoid doing something now.
“Production Before Perfection” is my solution to negative procrastination: It’s all about self-talk and encouraging yourself. If you are guilty of negative procrastination, it may mean you are fearful of failure and not confident in your ability to succeed. Sometimes the only way to manage your emotions is to ignore them and keep pushing through to achieve what you need to do: Go as far as you can see, and then you’ll see farther. Talk to yourself.
This concept has the power to nip procrastination in the bud. You don’t have to understand all the details between where you are and where you want to go. Encourage yourself, make corrections along the way, and you’ll reach your goal. Go ahead. Time is wasting!

Take a look at why people delay, along with ways to short-circuit the damaging behavior in yourself and others.

- See more

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Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Wins US National Critics Book Prize for “Americanah”

Ace Nigerian author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, is clearly having the best month of her life as she promotes her new book – “Americanah“.
Here’s another reason for her to go dancing in the wind - she has won the US National Critics Book Prize for her novel 'Americanah'.
The book was also selected as one of The New York Times’ 10 best books of 2013.
The National Critics Book Prize was first awarded in 1974 and is open to writers of all nationalities whose work has been published in the US.
Americanah was published in May 2013 by Alfred A. Knopf. It's a fictional novel that unravels the story of a young Nigerian woman who emigrates to America for a university education.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (born 15 September 1977) has been called "the most prominent" of a "procession of critically acclaimed young Anglophone authors [that] is succeeding in attracting a new generation of readers to African literature", and her string of awards keep substantiating that claim.
Congratulations to her!

Read more here....

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Every Guy's Struggle. Part 3

We also discovered something about the power of Jesus' death on the cross. We came to realize that Jesus not only died for our sins, but he also died for our guilt and shame. Up to that point, guilt and shame were like an enormous weight I dragged around wherever I went. But Jesus' death meant I didn't have to drag around that weight. What an amazing truth!

Answering My Prayer

I'm now a freshman at a Christian college. A friend of mine from last year's accountability group also attends this school, and we decided to start a group like the one we had back home. This new group is not only helping us with our struggles, it's also helping us grow closer to God.

I must be honest and say that I haven't gained total control over lust. I don't believe that will happen until I get to heaven. But I'm doing much better than I was a few years ago. I'm becoming more like Joseph: God is answering that prayer I prayed my junior year.

Most importantly, God is changing my heart. And it really is about turning to God. When I fill my mind and my heart with thoughts of him, and with the things he loves and desires, there really isn't room for much of anything else.

*name has been changed

A Message for the Girls

Are you shocked by Mark's struggle? Don't be. Mark isn't alone in dealing with lust. He's not weird, sick or a pervert. Mark's just more candid about this issue than many of our Christian brothers are comfortable being with us girls.

For guys, much of the battle is on the visual front. Guys tend to become sexually stimulated by what they see. Like Mark, many of them fight desperately to keep pure thoughts while they are surrounded by sexual images.

When he spoke to Campus Life, Mark shared that he'd like girls to read Every Young Man's Battle: Strategies for Victory in the Real World of Sexual Temptation by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker (Waterbrook Press, 2002). Even though this book is written for young men, Mark says, "It will really help girls to respect how difficult it is for guys to be God-honoring in this area of our lives."

Don't get me wrong: We're each responsible to God for ourselves. It's a guy's responsibility to gain control over his thoughts and actions. That's between him and God. But the way we girls dress can help our Christian brothers maintain pure thoughts—or it can make their struggle with lust more difficult.

I'd encourage you to take responsibility for what you wear. With the help of your mom, a friend, your brothers or even your dad, look through your closet and ask yourself if each item there helps or hurts your male friends in their quest for purity. It's something to think about when you're trying on clothes at the mall, too.

By paying attention to how we dress, we're doing more than helping our Christian brothers. We're preparing ourselves to attract guys who will want to be with us for the right reasons.

 

—LaTonya Taylor

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Every Guy's Struggle. Part 2

Then I did take a chance and started confiding in a couple of close friends. I was really nervous about it at first, but I discovered they were a lot like me: feeling guilty about lust,
yet unable to gain control over it. Throughout the rest of that school year, we occasionally talked about our problems.
Even so, I still struggled. Then something happened during my senior year that gave me hope. After our church's midweek service, I started talking to one of the close friends I'd been confiding in.
Since he'd had problems with Internet porn and masturbation, I asked him how he was doing. He looked at me and said, "Mark, I haven't done any of that in a month." He then began talking about sexual purity, and how he felt
God was helping him make changes in his life. In a few minutes, another guy dropped by the table we were sitting at. Then another and another. Before long, there were six of us talking openly about lust. By the time we'd finished our conversation, I felt like God really could change me! Before our conversation ended, we'd formed an accountability group. The six of us started meeting weekly. We promised to be open and real with each other—and not
share anything we heard with anyone outside the group. We also talked a lot about the importance of not putting ourselves in situations that would cause us to think or do
things we knew were wrong. And when it came to dating, we all agreed that going out with someone who wanted to push the limits was asking for trouble.The discussions—and the accountability—were great. But
there were still times we'd get discouraged over how often
we'd fail."Run Toward God"Around this time an adult leader from the church visited our group. He congratulated us for our courage and our desire to change. Then he told us something that really helped. As best as I can remember, here's some of what he said:
"You need to ask God for forgiveness and then forget about
it. After all, God forgets about it! He has a short memory when it comes to confessed sin. "There will always be sin in our lives, so don't dwell on it. Confess it, then move on and talk about prevention. But don't focus so much on what you shouldn't do. Instead, get rooted in God. Don't just run away from lust. Run toward
God."
Our meetings changed after that. While we continued to talk about our struggles, we also talked more about building a solid relationship with Christ. By drawing closer to Christ, we discovered it was easier to distance ourselves from lustful thinking and actions.To be continued...
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Every Guy's Struggle. Part 1

I agonised, I pleaded with God. But then I'd find myself again and again falling into lust.
Bored and without much to do on a Saturday night, I was alone in the basement surfing through TV channels. Like snapshots with sound, the images flipped by rapidly, telling me that, as usual, there wasn't much of anything on TV.
Then I hit a couple of numbers randomly, and suddenly I was staring at slightly blurred images of naked bodies having sexual intercourse.The blurry reception told me our cable connection had picked up a station that wasn't part of our package. I glanced at the remote, and then looked nervously toward the basement stairway. I knew I should change the channel, but
instead I stared at the couple on the screen. Minutes passed before I clicked the remote. In that short period of time, I'd placed powerful images in my mind that would play over and over like a continuous instant replay.
It wasn't the last time I'd turn to this "secret channel." Throughout my junior year, I'd find opportunities to watch it. Sexually excited by what I'd seen, I'd go into the bathroom and masturbate. Then I'd experience intense guilt.
I tried to stop. Sometimes I'd go weeks without watching that pornographic station. Even so, there were still other things that stimulated me sexually—and I didn't have to
make any special effort to find them. It could be a model in a commercial or magazine ad. Or maybe I would stare longer than I should at a girl at school in a midriff-baring top, a short dress or low-cut shirt. I'd find myself
daydreaming about what I'd seen. Sometimes those images I tucked into my brain led me to masturbate. But whether or not I masturbated, I knew I'd let myself fall into lust.
I agonized. I pleaded with God:"God, forgive me!""Help me!""I'm so sorry … "But then I'd find myself giving in and letting my mind go places it shouldn't. The shame and the guilt dug in deeper and deeper.Help Me to Be Like Joseph
During this time, I really was trying to live my faith, which included reading my Bible. I remember reading through the book of Genesis and being surprised by the problems many of God's people experienced. Apparently God used less-than-perfect people, I thought. There might be hope for me.
Then I came to the incredible story of Joseph near the end of Genesis. I was pulled in by this story of a young man who was sexually harassed by a powerful and probably very beautiful woman. She wouldn't leave him alone, yet he
consistently ignored her advances. One time she approached him, grabbed him by his coat and insisted: "Have sex with
me!" He didn't try to reason with her. He didn't pause to think about whether he should or shouldn't hang around.
His first impulse was to get out of there—and quickly.
To make sure I hadn't missed anything important, I re read the story. Then I prayed:
"God, help me to be more like Joseph … "Far from Alone
As sincere as my prayer was, I continued to struggle. I felt so alone in my shame and guilt. But I knew I wasn't alone.
The guys in my small group Bible study would often hint at their own struggles. But they'd never get too specific. There would be a moment of embarrassing silence, then the topic would change. It was like we all knew we struggled, yet were afraid to get too vulnerable. I began to think lust and masturbation were problems too private to talk about—even with a group of guys.To be continued....
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How to Respond to Betrayal

One of the most difficult things we will ever face is how we respond when we are betrayed.
So how are we supposed to respond when someone betrays us by walking out on us, lies about us, or gossips about us?
The common response is to return evil for evil, and to get really bitter and resentful. It is normal to feel anger and sadness, but to stay angry and bitter is poisonous. Staying angry and bitter will not change the fact that the other person has hurt you and it certainly won't punish them. So how are we supposed to respond?
The good news is that God has already given us instructions for how to respond to betrayal. God says, "Bless those who persecute you; bless and curse not." He also says, "When your enemy's hungry, feed him. When your enemy's
thirsty, give him a drink. Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:20-21) It's very counter intuitive and it's very difficult, but it works.

So here's the game-changer. Every day, begin the journey of praying for the person who hurt you. Choose to forgive them and ask God to bless their life and bring them to Christ. When you do this, God will melt the hardness in your heart. He will do a deep work in you so that at some point your pain and resentment will be replaced by the peace of the Holy Spirit.
It is a difficult process, but you can enter into it expecting God to show up. Jesus, the one who died on the cross and was betrayed by his closest friends, understands our feelings of betrayal intimately. Lean on Him and He will give you
strength.

-Living on the Edge
Chip Ingram
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5 Traits of A Good Man

BY FARRAH GRAY
1. PROMISES –  A man's word is his currency.  A respectable  man is a man of his word. He says what he means and means what he says. His word is his bond. A good man will keep his promises to his woman. He won't break dates and be a no call and no show. He will not play with your emotions.  He remembers to call you when he says he will. A man who values his woman keeps his promises. That is the way he shows that he cares.
2.  Intimacy is something that is natural to human nature. However, pressuring a woman whom he just met for sex is not of a good man's nature. A man who has any intentions of being a good mate to you does not pressure you for sex when he meets you. A woman is not a vehicle to be driven. Her body does not need to be test driven. A woman is a gift from God, and her time, attention and affection should be appreciated, not taken for granted. If a woman meets a man who wants to test drive her physical body, emotions and feelings, it's best that she point him to a car dealership, bid him goodbye and don't look back! A woman deserves a good man who will respect her.3. A good man will let a woman know what place she has in his life. He will give you a title, whether that title be friend, girlfriend, boo, woman, lady, or wife, he will introduce you as such. He will introduce you according to how he feels about a woman, no surprises. Good men in general tend to be very protective. We mark our territory. If a good man loves you, he is willing to profess it to others.4.  A good man is not a selfish man. He puts his woman first and is always sure to address any issues or concerns that she may have. A good man desires to do things that make his woman happy. The opinions of his lady count to him. He understands that a happy wife means a happy life.5.  When a good man wakes up in the morning, his mission is to make sure that his family is taken care of in every way, to the best of his ability. He wants to make sure his woman is happy and satisfied. Providing for the people he loves and cares about, whether it's financially or with sweat equity, it's all a part of a good man's DNA. A good man has no limits to the things he provides for those he loves.
* A good man believes in uplifting his community, whether that be in terms of mentorship, volunteering his time or allowing himself to be an image that youth can look up to.  The people in his life label him as a good man. * A good man has a desire to protect and provide for his woman. Even if he may currently not have the financial ability to provide for a woman he still has a deep desire to. If he doesn't want to see his mother working diligently chances are he does not want to see his woman work diligently either.
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Undergraduate scholarships in Nigeria for University Students in 2014.

The following undergraduate scholarships in Nigeria were offered in 2013 for Nigerian students. These award programmes are offered annually.
To participate, take note of the previous deadlines for the applications which is likely to fall within same period for 2014 scholarship applications.
You need to be aware of the time of the year these scholarships are offered, and start early to prepare for the next award.
A number of Companies and Organisations in Nigeria offer scholarships generously to undergraduate students of Nigerian nationality to study in Nigeria Universities, Colleges or Polytechnics. These scholarship programmes functions in different ways; some programmes award full fee scholarships, while others reward selected winners with a specific amount of money.From AfterschoolAfrica, Here is the list of undergraduate scholarships in Nigeria offered to Nigerian University/higher institution studentsTable of Content-Federal Government Scholarships-State Government Scholarships-Scholarships by Oil Companies-Other Scholarships
Federal Government ScholarshipsFederal Government Scholarship Awards in Nigerian Tertiary InstitutionsEach year, application opens for the Federal Government Scholarship Awards Tenable in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions. The Honorable Minister of Education, invites applications from qualified Nigerian students in Nigerian public tertiary institutions to participate in the selection interviews. All undergraduate and postgraduate courses offered at Nigerian tertiary institutions are eligibleApplication Deadline Varies each yearMore details at www.fsb.gov.ngBilateral Educational Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Awards for Undergraduate, Masters and PhD – OverseasEach year, the Federal Scholarship Board by the Federal Ministry of Education of Nigeria offers the Bilateral Educational Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Awards for Undergraduate, Masters and PhD students to study in Russia, China, Cuba, Morocco, Algeria, Romania, Ukraine, Turkey, Egypt, Japan, Serbia, Mexico, Macedonia, e.t.cApplication deadline is before the interview date starting March 24 2014Visit Federal Scholarship Board's website: www.fsb.gov.ngPTDF Scholarships in Nigeria & Overseas (UK & France) for Undergraduate, Masters & PhDThe Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF), a parastatal of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the Masters (MSc) and PhD as well as Undergraduate Scholarships, under the PTDF Scholarship Scheme.The PTDF Scholarship is awarded for studies in the United Kingdom, France and upgraded Universities in Nigeria. However, the Undergraduate level will be awarded for studies in Nigeria only.Previous deadline is 23 OctoberVisit http://www.ptdf.gov.ng/
State Government ScholarshipsRivers State Governor's Special Overseas Undergraduate Scholarship  – for Indigenes and Non-indigenesThe Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for selection in the State Government Special Overseas Undergraduate Scholarship Programme.Previous Deadline is December 31sthttp://www.rssdangscholars.org/hcd/scholar.asp?id=scholarLagos State Scholarship Award – Local and ForeignThe Lagos State Government offers both Local and Foreign scholarships to indigenes and residents.Local Scholarship:  This is for prospective students of Lagos State origin except otherwise directed by His Excellency. Students should be on full-time and not part-time studies in Nigerian tertiary institution.Foreign Scholarship: This award is designed for students of Lagos State origin admitted for undergraduate or postgraduate programmes in recognized tertiary institutions outside Nigeria.Deadline VariesInterested applicants are expected to purchase scratch card to participate. Visit www.lagosscholarship.orgScholarships by Oil CompaniesAgbami Scholarship for 100 and 200 Level Undergraduate Nigeria StudentsStar Deep Water Petroleum Limited, a Chevron company and operator of the Agbami Field, in its continuous support for capacity building in the health and Engineering sectors as a strategic feed into the national manpower pool, offers a number of University Scholarship Awards to qualified Nigerian students of ALL the states of the Federation. The Agbami Scholarship is open for Year 1 and 2 Nigerian University studentsPrevious application deadline is 28th February, 2014Agip Scholarships for Undergraduate Nigerian StudentsThe Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited offers Tertiary Institutions Scholarship Awards Scheme for Undergraduate Nigerian 100 level Students. Only candidates studying Engineering, Geology and Geosciences are eligible for the National Merit Award. For the Host Community merit Award (for students from Bayelsa, Delta, Imo and Rivers states,) other fields of study may be considered.Deadline March 10, 2014Mobil Nigeria Scholarship for Undergraduate StudentsThe Mobil Nigeria National UndergraduateScholarship Awards is open for students in Nigerian Universities. The scholarship is available to qualified and suitable students from every state of the Federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).Previous Application Deadline 22nd AugustShell Scholarship for Nigeria University StudentsThe Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (Operator of the NNPC/SHELL /TEPN/AGIP Joint Venture) Scholarship Scheme offers first year students in all Nigerian universities the opportunity to study with an annual grant from the SPDC JV for the full duration of their course. The programme aims to promote academic excellence and improve the skills-base among young Nigerians.Previous deadline was 30 OctoberNigeria LNG Undergraduate Scholarship AwardEach year the Nigeria LNG Limited opens application for Nigeria LNG Undergraduate Scholarship Award for first year Undergraduate students in Nigerian universities. The Nigeria LNG Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme started in 1998 as part of Nigeria LNG Limited's Corporate Social Responsibility to Nigerian Citizens to enhance human capacity development.Previous deadline was 3rd JulyTo apply for this scholarship go to: https://sws.nlng.com/Undgrad and complete the application form.Total Nigeria Scholarship – National Merit Undergraduate AwardEach year, Total Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited (TEPNG) demonstrates a high level of commitment towards the educational development of Nigerian Students through its annual award of scholarships to deserving Nigerian students in secondary and tertiary institutions as well as those in postgraduate studies.Previous deadline was 17th AprilApplication forms must be completed on-line from the link http://scholarships.totalsdd.com.Addax Petroleum/NNPC Scholarship ProgrammeAddax Petroleum Development (Nig) Limited offers the National Tertiary Institutions Scholarship Awards Scheme for full time 100 level undergraduate students in any Nigeria Universities, Polytechnic or College of Education.Other ScholarshipsMTN Foundation Science and Technology ScholarshipsThe MTN Foundation, Nigeria offers its MTN Foundation Science and Technology Scholarships for Undergraduate students in various fields of studies tenable at Nigerian tertiary institutions. MTN foundation Scholarships will be renewed for the existing students provided they have maintained a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 3.5 or its equivalent (second class upper/upper credit).Previous Deadline is October 29To apply for this scholarship, visit the http://www.mtnonline.com/mtnfoundation/MUSTE Scholarships for Undergraduate Nigerian StudentsThe Mankind United To Support Total Education (MUSTE) is a Scholarship arm of Youth Empowerment and ICT Foundation. It is founded and funded by Mr. Jim Ovia in the year 1998, to provide financial aid to outstanding Nigeria youths. The scholarships is offered for students in Nigerian Universities and higher institutions.Deadline VariesVisit http://www.youthempowerment.org.ng/muste.aspxGani Fawehinmi Scholarships Award for Nigerian StudentsEach year, the Gani Fawehinmi Scholarship Board announces Four Million Naira Scholarships For 20 to 40 Nigerian Students in Nigeria tertiary institution. Scholarship is tenable at Nigerian higher institutions including Universities, Polytechnics and College of EducationPrevious deadline was 20 AugustNWAG Scholarship for Nigerian WomenEach year the Nigerian Women Association of Georgia -NWAG- offers undergraduate Scholarships for 37 Nigerian female students (one per state of origin) in Nigerian universities on any course of study, in the amount of fifty thousand Naira (N50,000)Previous deadline was May 30. Get More Updates here: www.afterschoolafrica.com
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How Do I Know God's Will?

-How do I make good decisions?
-What does God really want
from me?
-Does God care about every little choice I make?
The big question behind all of these questions, of course, is
this:
-What's God's will for my life?

We decided to explore the sometimes confusing issue of
God's will.
Do my decisions really matter to God? God cares about what's going on in our hearts. In any decision we have the opportunity to choose who we will worship. Will we worship God or will we worship ourselves? God desires to be the highest priority in every part of our lives.

In some areas of life it's clear that there are right decisions and wrong decisions—like the choice of whether to cheat on an exam. In other areas, we need to make choices between two good things—like making a decision between two great colleges. It's quite possible God would be present in and
honoured by either decision. Other times the choice may have to do with a gray area—something that's not necessarily right or wrong. These are opportunities to practice wisdom. For example, spending a lot of time talking on the phone or texting friends may be a good thing.
But if there's never any time when we are just quiet and still, it can be harder for us to be aware of God's presence.
Being wise might mean turning the phone off from time to time to quiet your heart so you can be more attentive to the presence of God in everyday life. Sometimes when we make decisions, it can seem like we're trying to work God into our life story. But really, we are part of God's story and God is delighted by our desire to live with that focus in mind.

—Dr. Jamie Noling Associate

How do I discover God's will?
First, you have to make sure you're seeking to obey what God has already revealed in Scripture. This includes things like obeying your parents. That's a clear instruction from God. It doesn't really work to ignore God's revealed will but yet expect God to answer specific questions like where you should go to college.
As you study God's Word and spend time in prayer, your
relationship with God grows and you begin to understand God's character. You will then be in the right place to hear God's instruction for other areas of your life. In addition to Bible study and prayer, be willing to seek godly counsel
from a mentor, pastor, or your parents. If we're serious about following God's will, we have to
recognise that it's not about getting what we want, but doing what God asks. We must trust that he is faithful and good, and that his will is what's best for us.

—Dr. Jeff Gangel

Will God ask me to do stuff I don't want to do?
God may call us to do things that don't feel natural to us at first. But as we listen and respond to the call of God, we get connected to our deeper desires. After all, the things God calls us to do are things that he created us to do.

Many of us have habits that we find comfortable or that we enjoy. In the long run, though, those things may not meet our deeper spiritual needs. For example, we may have a
habit of seeking acceptance by conforming, following the
crowd. This is easy and can make us feel like we are accepted, but actually this habit can prevent us from being who we really are meant to be. It's scary to take the risk of
letting your true self be known, but God calls us to do that.
This process makes me think of a cross-country runner. Getting to the point where it's enjoyable to run requires the runner to work and do things that may not be easy. But
when the runner is in great shape, it is a true joy to run.
Likewise, once we start down the path of doing the work, God calls us to do, we find great joy in doing it.

—Dr. Greg Carmer

What if I miss God's will?
Making a poor decision doesn't mean we're forever out of God's will. That's part of the beauty of Scripture: It has story after story of people who make bad decisions, but God still uses them mightily. Just look at Abraham and David.
They both did some things that were clearly wrong, but God worked through them to accomplish great things. God can use all of our decisions, whether they're right, wrong, or neutral.
Also, we need to remember God is our Father. God is not here to condemn us, but to help us become more like Christ.
If we are focused on Jesus, and on holiness, some of those other things will fall into place. God is not a cosmic trickster who only gives us one shot to get things right.

—Dr. Shawn Holtgren

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AimHigh in association with UBA presents (Aimhigh Player Identification and placement project)

Everything else being equal, what makes a young footballer into a star is exposure and opportunity, the earlier in life that a child gains access to good training, top games and opportunity to be seen by scouts, top coaches, clubs and agents, the better chance he has to be a successful footballer.

Aimhigh in association with UBA has developed an innovative scouting project(Aimhigh Player Identification and placement project) that is aimed at identifying talented footballers between the ages of 16 & 25yrs and promote them through international competitions in Demark, Portugal, Hungary and Turkey.

Our partners includes a growing number of fifa agents, companies and top clubs.

We invite you to join us:
As a Player; visit your nearest UBA Bank and apply for UBA/Aimhigh Cobranded prepaid card by paying N3500 only into ACCOUNT NUMBER: 1017891368
ACCOUNT NAME: AIMHIGH GLOBAL VENTURES.

Then send your teller number, full name, Date of Birth, preferred position(s), Club, state and local govt where you want to be screened to 09035979040 or info@aimhighng.com

Note: Registration closes on the 31st of March 2014.

*400 talented footballers will be selected from the senatorial and regional screenings to a one week close camp where agents, scouts, top coaches, clubs and our team of prestigious coaches will select the most gifted.

* our team of prestigious coaches will select two U17 teams, one U19 and one open height that will travel for europe biggest youth competitions.

For inquiry contact us:
Email: info@aimhighng.com
Phone: 09035979040
Website: www.aimhighng.com

Aimhigh
.....Promoting africa's greatest resource.
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Girls Lust Too

My mom and youth pastor brush off my sexual desires as if they're not real because I'm a girl.

Q. I struggle with lust. In fact, I stopped watching the guys at school play basketball because when they go shirtless it causes me to struggle. I try to talk to my mom and youth pastor about my desires, but they just tell me I want to feel loved—they don't seem to realize that I have sexual urges. They brush off my sexual desires as if they're not real because I'm a girl. I've heard so many talks about building Christ-centered relationships, waiting till marriage, and dressing modestly. But no one's ever told me what to do when I just really want to have sex.

A. So glad you asked this question. You are not the only girl who struggles with lust and longing—not by a long shot. But so often, people talk about lust as a "guy problem," leaving girls feeling like there's something wrong with them for having the same struggles. So I want to assure you right now that you are perfectly normal.
I'm also proud of you for taking positive action to avoid a situation that causes you to lust. You are already making good choices about your sexual feelings and I know you can continue to do that.

Cutting out opportunities for temptation will go a long way at helping you deal with lustful feelings. You've also made a wise decision to talk to some adults you
trust. I'm sorry those conversations didn't give you the answers you were looking for, but please don't give up on asking for guidance from women you respect. Talk to your mom again and give her another chance to listen to you and
offer you advice. Tell her what you've told me and let her know you're trying to make responsible choices with the feelings you have.

So what should you do when you just really want to have sex?

-Start with prayer, asking God to help you manage your lustful feelings. You will often find that when you interrupt your feelings by connecting with God, your feelings
become less powerful and intense. As strange as it sounds, you might even want to thank God for creating you with a healthy sex drive. If you get married one day, you'll be glad
it's there.

You've probably already heard this, but sex before marriage is a cheap imitation of the good stuff. Sex is meant to be shared by people who are absolutely committed to each
other for life. When you have that commitment, you can let go of all the fear and self-consciousness that can plague sex for unmarried people. When two married people who love and respect each other have sex, there's no guilt, no shame,
no wondering if you're being used, no fear of rumors spreading. That is worth waiting for.
So keep working to protect your heart and mind from lust. That attitude helps you to be obedient to God. And even when that's difficult, it's worth it.

Carla is an editor of the Teen Devotional Bible (Zondervan)
www.stoneorigin.net

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No Going Back!

Sometimes we can't control getting hurt, that, I can understand, but Rehearsing the same pain is a choice; Driving down the same road that led you no where is a choice; Living that very same lifestyle that brought you no good is a choice; Passing through the same fire expecting not to get burnt this time around is a choice; Giving your trust back to the same person who abused it, is a choice. You got to stop pressing rewind on the things that needs to be deleted from your life. You got to stop getting upset with God for not closing a door you choose to keep open. You can't get your life together by staying involved with the very same things that's tearing it apart. Why complain about a situation that you aren't willing to change. You got to say to yourself no more walking back to where you walked away from. You can't spend your whole life in "revolving doors", leaving just to come back to the same reason(s) you left for. You should refuse to waste your life going back to the same mess, revisiting the same problems and reliving the same hurts. Its time to break this cycle of pain; It's time to let go of that hurt and release that pain; It's time to let go of the things that are stripping your heart of its happiness. It's time to practice that smile daily. You can't HEAL by going back to the hurt; You can't receive your future by holding on to your past. You got to break free and stay free! Its not over until you win!

Ose!
Follow on twitter @oseugbebor
www.stoneorigin.net

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Leading with Integrity: How to Live a Life that Matters

Any time there is a human relationship, there is an opportunity for integrity or a lack thereof. In its most basic sense, integrity means to live out your life in private in the same way you live (or talk about) your life in public. And that's exactly how you ought to live your life.

You are called to the highest of ideals. Believe things like "death to self" and "the last shall be first," a times we grapple and struggle almost constantly with living lives of integrity. Unfortunately, there are countless examples of leaders who suffered great falls where it was made clear that their private lives look vastly different from the carefully curated lives they lived in front of their audiences.

But God calls us to another way. So what does integrity really look like?

There are a handful of proverbs that mention integrity in certain translations, but most of them are of the "it's good to have integrity because those without it are wicked".

Crucified thy flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit". Such a list is a command to live a life of the highest integrity, a life that brings goodness and blessings to all people.

Integrity is a life marked by love, compassion, mercy, justice, and honoring God's call above everything else.
"Whoever would love life and see good days must keep their tongue from evil and their lips from deceitful speech. They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil".

That definition of integrity calls us to walk in the path of the son of God, and to steer clear of hypocrisy.

A Life That Matters

When pressed, I suspect many people want to live a life that matters. It's not a bad wish, by any means.

For many people (myself included), a life that matters seems to mean important meetings with important people making important decisions. However, this is not the life to which God calls many of us. To be sure, there are some who are called by God to do important things with integrity, but many people have mistakenly equated goodness with greatness. And that can lead to a life or ministry where someone knows all the right things to say, do, or write to gain a following, but everyday life isn't really impacted.

Let me be clear: If you're in charge of a ministry or a small group, or in any kind of leadership for that matter, but everyone around you thinks you're a jerk, you're not living with integrity.

Obviously, God can use broken people and broken ministries however he sees fit. People living with no integrity can still be used by God for incredible things—even church leaders who have fallen the farthest and hardest have likely still told someone the truth of God. But that doesn't let us off the hook. God doesn't care how "big" or "small" our lives are, only that we are living lives that are filled with the integrity he commands. It doesn't matter to God if you're a famous person or if the only people who have heard of you are in your community. What matters to God is that you're living with integrity to the commands he has given you. That might mean you become a great leader with a huge following, or it might mean you live a quiet life being the best wife, father, or employee you can possibly be.

So how can we live a life of integrity?
-We must accept God's call to live in his will and walk in the footsteps of Christ.
-We must live the kind of life that the son of God lived, even if no one is watching you.
-We must obey the command of James 1:22:
"Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." It's simple, and it's difficult. And it's all that God asks.

Ryan Hamm
@RyanECHamm.
ChristianBibleStudies.com.
www.stoneorigin.net

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Oscar! Lupita Nyong’o wins at the 2014 Academy Awards

Congrats to Kenyan actress Lupita Nyong’o!
She has just won the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her role as Patsy in “12 Years a Slave”
Lupita ended her emotional speech by saying – “No matter where you’re from your dreams are valid.”
So poignant.

The sky is so big that if we all decide to fly, it would surely accommodate us all. There is no limit to where you want to go.

Really got inspired by the success story of #LupitaNyong'o and the only lesson their is, FOLLOW YOUR DREAM AT Y...OUR BEST! Lupita did her thing (acting) at her best, she believed in her God's giving talent and she got promoted not only in the midst of men but extraordinray men.

Last night, #LupitaNyong'o, a 31 years old kenyan actress won an OSCAR Award for her role in 12 Years A Slave which was her first featuring movie. She was once a lady that limited herself because of her inferiorities, she thought other women were better than her that she could not be a person of relevance. Now she is the most trending person all over the world for the past one week.

"When I look down at this golden statue, may it remind me and every little child that no matter where you’re from, your dreams are valid. Thank you." -Lupita Nyong'o

#DontLimitYourself You were created to be EXTRAORDINARY!

Please click and also Follow on Twitter @livelifeng.

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5 Questions to Ask Before You Date

Ever wish you could predict ahead of time whether or not a dating relationship will work out? It would save a lot of headaches and heartache, wouldn't it? While you can't predict the future, you can make choices that will help guide you to relationships that are both exciting and honouring to God.
Here's how.
As you think through potential dates, ask yourself these questions:1. What's my first impression?
"Don't judge a book by its cover." That's how the old saying goes. True, first impressions aren't totally accurate. But until you get to know a person, you must depend on first impressions.Who do they hang around with? What kind of parties do they go to? Do they drink, smoke, use drugs? This kind of "first impression" information is very helpful as you think about who you will or won't consider dating.2. How well do I know them?
It always makes sense to go out with someone you've known for a while rather than a stranger.3. Do they treat others with respect?
Ever been around a girl who can't do anything but put down her boyfriend? Ever spent time with a guy who likes to brag about how far he got on his last date? Not exactly the kind of people you want to trust with your self-image or your reputation.
4. Do our values clash?
Are the things most important to you also important to them? Are you headed in the same general direction in life?
(For instance: You value good grades and plan to attend
college; your potential date regularly cuts classes and has no plans for life after graduation.)
Do they have decent standards when it comes to the movies and TV shows they watch?
You may be thinking, But, hey, I've heard opposites attract! Not a good
dating rule to live by, especially when it comes to values, moral standards and personal beliefs.5. Do they keep their promises?
If they've been in a serious dating relationship before, did they flirt with others or cheat on the person they were dating? It's good to keep in mind that a promise breaker can
quickly become a heart breaker, too.
No relationship is perfect. But good relationships seek to put God first. They're encouraging. They're supportive.If your relationship is already established, it might be time to
ask some questions about getting serious.Christianity of Today.
www.stoneorigin.net

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Do You Know the Difference Between Love and Sex?

Are you tired of relationships that don't work? Do you long
to find that special person you really connect with and have the kind of sexual intimacy that you've always dreamed of?
I want you to know that it is possible. God even has a plan
for this -- and the key to experiencing His plan is to know
the difference between love and sex.
Hollywood and the media inundate us daily with messages telling us that love and sex are the same. And many of us continue to believe the lies that sex outside of marriage is
okay if two people really love each other, or that lusting after images on the Internet is harmless and doesn't hurt anyone. But the truth is sex doesn't equal love and intimacy.
It's crucial that we know the difference between sex and
love, because if we don't, we're doomed to fail at both.
In Ephesians, chapter 5, its explained "how we're to have a relationship based on genuine love and authentic intimacy. Let's start off by saying: Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. We are called to "walk in the way of
love" with one another. But what does walking in the "way of love" look like and how do we do it? Walking in love means being kind, giving, caring, sacrificial and unselfish toward others. This is the opposite of exploiting others for
our own personal gain and engaging in immoral sexual activity.
Then Paul tells us to avoid indulging in selfish and sexual immoral behavior: Among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking,
which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the God's kingdom.
Notice that it's not just sexually immoral behavior that is prohibited, but also immoral speech such as "coarse joking" and "foolish talk." This is the kind of talk that makes light of sexual impurity.
God also wants us to know that even our thoughts matter.
Do you know that some of the most
important decisions we make every day revolve around what we allow in our minds and take into our hearts?
Therefore, we need to be aware that certain activities, people, or media can negatively influence our behavior and our thoughts.
So why does God make such a big deal out of sexual immorality? Sexual impurity – in our mind, speech, body and behavior – destroys relationships. And it destroys our relationship with God first.When there is sex with no marriage commitment, our capacity to be intimate and experience Gods love is diminished. When we're filled with shame and hypocrisy, it becomes nearly impossible to be authentic with God and experience His presence to the fullest. This breaks His heart because He wants to be close with us.
He also wants us to experience the most amazing love and intimacy in a relationship with another person. And He wants us to know that love is about commitment, and sex is a gift that we open His way with the right person, in the right time, and in the right way.
So now I'd like to offer a word of hope, wherever you're at today. Whether you're single, dating or married, you've blown it in past relationships and still feel a lot of regret and shame, or you're struggling with sexual immorality right now, I want you to know that God is not down on you. Forgiveness and restoration is available. God loves you and is inviting you to respond - to repent and deal with the issues before you.Chip Ingram, Teaching Pastor
Living on the Edge
www.stoneorigin.net

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