A Christmas quiz of some sort

I must say that I started playing Christmas carols in … ahem… in October. Weird, I know. Okay, I do play carols in the middle of the year... just because... well, just because I can! So I’ve been rather psyched up for a looooong time. It’s only left with the food and family part then it will be complete, haha! I found this quiz on Faith's blog and decided to play along. Ssssh… Faith doesn’t know I follow her but today will just be the day.

1. Eggnog or hot chocolate? Eeerm… what’s an eggnog? I’m a chocolate girl both in colour and in food, haha!

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just set them under the tree? I didn't believe in Santa growing up so it’s not my thing. And... most families rarely do the Christmas tree thing in Ghana.

3. Coloured lights on tree/house or white? I think coloured lights are fun, but I really don’t have a preference. (Note: There is no way I'm going to spell "coloured" the American way, just bear with me... ha!)

4. Do you hang mistletoe? Nope.

5. When do you put your decorations up? 1st December.

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? Fufu with goat light soup or chicken light soup.

7. Favorite holiday memory as a child? Dressing up in new clothes, getting a new hairdo, going to church with my sister and cousins and the feast after church service. I also remember the hazy, dry and cool weather at this time.

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? Never believed in him, so there was no truth to reveal. But I do remember asking my mom what’s the big deal with Santa Claus when we lived in the US, because it was so silly to me.

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? We didn’t and don’t have a tradition of when to open a present. You open your gift as and when you get it.

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? We haven’t had a Christmas tree in years!

11. Snow! Love it or dread it? I love watching the dancing snowflakes but don’t like the cold weather, nor the mess it leaves at the front door when it starts to melt. I’d love to live outside Ghana (say US.. wink, wink) someday soon and experience a white Christmas just one more time!

12. Can you ice skate? Nope, never tried it.

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? A teddy bear, from an uncle, who turns 21 this Christmas. Yep, Mr. Teddy Bear could be older than your kid, haha!

14. What’s the most important thing about the holidays for you? Singing gospel-centred carols, reflecting on Christ’s birth, being with family AND the food!

15. What is your favorite holiday dessert? Piccadilly biscuits, Danish butter cookies and any chocolate delights.

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Going to church (not always on Christmas day) and coming back home to eat fufu and all the goodies are what I look forward to. I love being with my family as we chat about not-too-important things, recount our favourite memories and talk about everything in between.

17. What tops your tree? There is no tree.

18. Which do you prefer: giving or receiving? Both. It’s an exchange, you know? Haha!

19. Candy canes: yuck or yum? Yum! But don’t always get it in my part of the world.

20. Favorite Christmas movie? Home Alone 1 and 2. Macaulay Culkin - “Kevin” was really cute then.

21. Saddest Christmas song? Can’t think of any... perhaps, I haven't yet heard a sad Christmas song. Or did I miss the joke? Yeah, I thought so! :)

22. What’s your favorite Christmas song? I love them all but it's a seasonal thing too… click here to see my post on this.

Christmas is coming, the chicken (not goose) is getting fat,
Lady Akofa ~:).

Of my favourite Christmas carols

I have always loved Christmas carols; both listening and singing to them.

If you ask what my favourite Christmas song is, I doubt I’d be able to pin point a single one. I tried listing my favourite 5 on my facebook page and then remembered all the others that I love but didn’t list, haha!

In my childhood days, I listened to whatever carol was available and eagerly learnt those taught in our singing class at school. We had really good music teacher, Mr. Okine, who was passionate about each group (tenor, soprano, bass and alto) getting it right and on the beat. He had a bamboo cane with a cock head shaped tip to ensure that, haha! I remember Mr. Okine teaching us, “The Holly and the Ivy” and “In the Bleak Midwinter,” although most of us hadn’t seen snow before at that time in our lives, haha! May his soul rest in peace.

I remember often listening to Boney M.’s in one of my next door neighbour’s house when I went to play with them during this season. I often associate, Boney M.’s “Feliz Navidad,” and “Mary’s Boy Child/Oh my Lord,” with this family. Today, Boney M.'s Christmas carols are heard all over town.

At home, my dad often played Christmas country music; both the ‘blueish’ ones and the upbeat ones like, “Jingle Bells.”

And then when I got to secondary school, I joined the school choir and was part of the annual tradition in which we hosted the Nine Lessons and Carols Service for our school and for the alumni. To learn to sing Handel’s “Messiah,” was a heavenly experience.

Now, I’m more interested in the word content of the carols; those that speak of the advent of the Messiah, of waiting for His coming, of his Light and of His coming deliverance and of the establishment of His Kingdom. This is partly because of my own personal need and partly because I long to see God’s kingdom established in my family. We are beginning to see relatives give their lives to the LORD in recent years and I’m more than thrilled at what God is doing.

Also, ever since I took my first 90 day Bible reading challenge and followed the account of God’s chosen people and how non-Jewish have been called to be a part in our day, I’ve always looked forward to the day that Heaven (the New Kingdom) will be a reality. I was so enthralled by the temple design of Solomon’s day that by the time I got to Matthew in my reading challenge, I kept asking, “Ah! So where is the Kingdom? Where are God’s people – the 12 tribes?” Oh, blessed that John the Baptist came preaching the coming of the One, who would establish the Kingdom: Jesus Christ.

So in this season of my life, I will say, “O come, o come Emmanuel,” and “O Holy Night” are my favourite Christmas carols. I do more of quiet meditation on the words than sing them. And that has been meaningful to me. Some hymns books list all 8 stanzas, others 6, and some others 4 but I share the stanzas in no particular order from, “O come, o come Emmanuel,” that resonate with me:

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, free
Thine own from Satan’s tyranny;
From depths of hell Thy people save,
And give them victory over the grave.

Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-spring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here;
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
And death’s dark shadows put to flight.

Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,
And open wide our heavenly home;
Make safe the way that leads on high,
And close the path to misery.

Refrain: Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

Perhaps, next year or in 5 years, I might tell you of my new favourite Christmas song.

Have a Merry and Cheery Christmas!
Lady Akofa.

It wasn’t my turn: God’s voice in an unprepared teacher’s day

It wasn’t my turn. So I wasn’t prepared to teach. I was only prepared to assist my co-teacher by monitoring the sweet, often restless 7 to 9 year old kids and by guiding them through an activity, if need be.

Unexpectedly, I was called to teach an older class because as an assistant teacher wasn’t available to take his Sunday School class. “How do you teach 11 to 13 year old kids, unprepared?” I wondered. “These kids will skin me alive with their teenage inquisitiveness! I’m not even armed with grown up wisdom to tackle their questions,” I thought. I hadn’t even glanced through the bible lesson the night before.

Yet here was I, leading the bible lesson. We, together, went through Exodus 17, verse by verse as the Holy Spirit led me to ask questions so the study would be interactive.

We saw how God provided water for the Israelites out of a rock – beats my imagination- this my God.

We also saw how God delivered the Israelites from the Amalekites who attacked them in the wilderness.

What struck me was God’s promise to vindicate the Israelites for all eternity after the battle had been won through the praying, lifted hands of Moses. If you are familiar with the Old Testament, this was the command King Saul failed to obey, which cost him and his descendants the throne (1 Samuel 15). For me, I saw God’s powerful hand of protection over His chosen people. He was and is willing to go to all lengths to honour His Word.

The 2nd thing that struck me was what Moses said of God, “The LORD is my Banner.” Trust me, prior to the study, I hadn’t really considered what a banner stood for and didn’t know why God is called a Banner. Yes, we sing it in songs but God? A Banner? What’s the link? What was I to tell my little students, eh? But as I was leading the discussion, I suddenly remembered the Independence Day parades and lifted banners at war scenes I had seen on television over the years. BINGO! So I asked, “Have you ever seen on TV or participated in an Independence Day parade?” Heads bobbing up and down.

A banner is often lifted up ahead of an army when they are parading or going to war. Often the name of the group, its emblem and other identifying details are written or drawn on the banner. As God was for the Israelites, the LORD is also MY BANNER. He goes out before me in battle, fighting for me and giving me the strength and wisdom to fight. Just as God promised to fight for the Israelites from generation to generation, I can be sure He will fight for me and my descendants, whatever circumstances come our way in the future.

Yes, I wasn’t supposed to teach. It’s almost unthinkable to call an unprepared teacher to teach. But, I believe that God had a HAND in it. Although, the kids seemed to grasp the lesson and I sure hope they did, I suspect that the study was more for me than the kids. I probably would never have gone through the study after that Sunday.

While serving impromptu, God teaches me lessons. As I pray through God’s promise to lift up His standard over me and to fight for me, it makes me confident about the victory in store. See… the BANNER is Himself… the emblem on the BANNER is My All-Powerful, Unconquerable Father and all that He is, who can withstand Him?

JEHOVAH NISSI, He will forever be to me.

He will also fight for you, if you so believe Him,
Lady Akofa.

"Auntie Akofa is here!"

“Auntie Akofa is here! Auntie Akofa is here!”

These days, that’s how I’m welcomed whenever I go to my friend’s E.’s place. The voices belong to her 3 ½ year old son and her 2 year old daughter, excitedly announcing the arrival of a familiar face; a family friend.

Sometimes, my arrival is too early in the morning, that is on bread collection days, and though the little ones are awake, it seems they would rather go back to bed and skip school. Or perhaps, I got there at hungry moments when they were patiently waiting for breakfast... so no happy welcome for “Auntie Akofa,” haha!

It’s a privilege and an honour that my friendship with E. has spilled over to her marriage and now, to her children. Almost every time I visit long enough to sit down for a chat, her son, Ad., eagerly searches my bag for my cell phone –not that it’s fancy, by the way- or for something equally ‘cool’ enough for him to play with. Ad. is usually delighted if he’s able to pour out all the contents of my bag if he manages to escape the watchful eyes of his mother and I, who are catching up on life’s happenings and God’s goodness on our lives.

It wasn’t until recently that her daughter, Ay. gave up her suspicions of me and embraced me with her shy smile and cautious handshake. Or should I say Ay. had been gingerly checking me out all throughout her 2 years of life? Now she delights in pointing out her big brother’s impish ways, “Auntie Akofa! Look at Ad.!” Or she would call out simply, “Auntie Akofa! Look at…!” I’d turn towards the direction of the little pointed finger and true to the report, Ad. is gleefully indulging in some mischief.

In early October, their little brother arrived and I had the privilege of keeping them with me over the weekend. It was challenging to keep them entertained and occupied, so that I could tackle some 'adult' task. For some reason they didn’t like the kid music video I had, neither did they seem to like one of my favourite cartoons, “The Lion King.”

However, whenever they were allowed to, they got busy on my mom’s exercise bicycle often fighting over who to ride it- a quarrel I refused to stop. I figured they would solve their toddler quarrels on their own by way of crying, lol!

Ad. and Ay. were pretty excited about being able to freely run around and play in front of our house. Lots of space to freely roam and get dirty too!

One night, we 3 all went for a walk and they told me stories most of which I didn’t really get but encouraged their storytelling nonetheless with my, “I see! Oooh! Hmmmm! Is that so?’ etc. While I’ve forgotten their stories, the memory of slowly walking and talking together is precious to me. I hope to do this with my children someday.

And there was one night, we shared a bedtime prayer. Although what Ad. said was mostly unintelligible, I know God heard his prayer. I was proud of him and more importantly of his mother’s effort in teaching and modeling prayer to her children.

I cannot wait to get to know their little brother as he grows up to be a sweet toddler, like Ad. and Ay are now.

Grateful for friendships,
Lady Akofa.

Who? Me? Yes, you!

Hi, Hi, Hi! I’m taking part in a BIG BLOG BASH... lol! And just as people introduce themselves to one another at parties, I’m introducing myself to party goers who hop over to say, “Hello!”

Helloooooo! It's great to meet you! : -)


You asked: Who are you?
I’m Lady Akofa from and living in Ghana but haven’t necessarily exclusively lived all my life in Ghana. I’m a royal princess because I’m a daughter of my Papa God, the King of all Kings, in Christ Jesus. I’m one of 2 daughters and have worked in the communications industry for the last 5-6 years.

I’m so, soo crazy about mangoes and wish I could have them all year round. And I love almost anything with rich chocolate in it... ice cream, cake, muffins, all that stuff and... oreos. It doesn’t matter whether it’s dark, brown or white chocolate, I take delight in all of them! Besides food, I experiment with perfumes, so if you’re allergic to such fragrances be advised! You can read more about me here.

You asked: Why do you blog?
I write because love to write. I often share what God is teaching me in seasons of my life to encourage and inspire others, people just like me. Other times, you’ll find posts about random things and life in Ghana. While I’m camera shy, photography is a new hobby, so blogging it is.

Attempting the photo art and failing horribly... lol!

You might ask: By the way, where in the world is Ghana?
Check Google Maps and you’ll find it. And while you’re there, please note that Ghana and Guyana are miles apart. : -)

This was definitely a success and a hit!

You can join the blog bash by clicking the link below and it's free!

God bless ya,
Lady Akofa.

Lifting your heart to God in the wait

I have not read any of Elisabeth Elliot's books, not yet. But I have been to her website and read other books, blogs with quotes from her books and writings. From the little that I've read about her, I think Elisabeth Elliot is one wise, old lady impacting the younger generation for God's kingdom. Here is one of those profound quotes I found from a devotional:

I do know that waiting on God requires the willingness to bear uncertainty, to carry within oneself the unanswered question, lifting the heart to God about it whenever it intrudes upon one’s thoughts. It is easy to talk oneself into a decision that has no permanence, easier sometimes than to wait patiently.
~Elisabeth Elliot~

Hmmm... What do you think?
Lady Akofa.

Not a Word: Yellow Flower bud

Lady Akofa’s WHAT EVERY WOMAN NEEDS IN HER WARDROBE

Obviously, this is a vain list… for people like moi who have such time to think up such a list… Of course, not all women can afford this, I know. And most women have lived without these items. But what does it matter?  Do I have all these items? Nope!

This may well be my 1st submission for “Vanity Fair” magazine, wink, wink. For the sake of silliness, humor, vanity, self-indulgence, I also seek your indulgence! :-) Pun definitely intended! :-)

1.    A simple black dress, that can be worn with coloured accessories over and over again.
2.    A pair of coloured shoes, bag, scarf or shawl, earrings; all to match.
3.    A simple stud pearl earrings and a matching necklace.
4.    A long black skirt/ knee-length black skirt/ a pair of black trousers that can be worn with any coloured or any multi-coloured blouse.

5.    If married, a lingerie is a must. I’m sure Dear Husband will appreciate more than one though.

That’s it! Vanity Shop is CLOSED. Thanks for stopping by. :-)
 

God bless ya,
Lady Akofa.

Lady Akofa’s ESSENTIALS FOR THE HOME

These are things I think homeowners or renters (is that a word?) need, but don’t always consider or think that these tools are needed until there is an emergency. In order of importance, not written. :-)

1. A plunger
2. A cobweb brush
3. A ladder
4. A fire extinguisher
5. A rake, if you have a yard or a garden
6. A screw driver and spanner set
7. Bolts and nuts
8. A sewing kit
9. A torchlight/ flash light
10. A first aid kit/box

Anything else?

God bless ya,
Lady Akofa.

Of Key holders and Love

There is a new trend in Ghana where couples give gifts to their guests at marriage ceremonies. They are often pens, a set of jewelry or necklace for ladies, can openers, book markers, a set of mini-towels, mugs and... key holders. Some of the gifts can be as glamourous as big hampers full of assorted goodies, if the couple is well-to-do or if one or both of the married couple are from rich families. It doesn't matter whether it's a customary, Muslim or Christian/ordinance marriage ceremony.

Often the couple's names and date of the ceremony are scribbled on the gift as a memorial. It's nice to receive these gifts but sometimes it gets redundant... needless to say, I have a several key holders and I'm looking for people to pass them to, haha!

Above: not a wedding gift...

A wedding gift... I turned it upside down so as not to reveal the names.

I think it was a birthday gift, but I don't remember, haha!

Cheers,
Lady Akofa.

All Things Blue

Hi there!

I got this idea from a lady photographer's blog in which she posts pictures of random things of the same colour from time to time. I was a bit bored and realised I hadn't taken photos in a while. The colour BLUE came to mind and the word 'randomities' as well, haha! Of course, Bethany's shots are better than mine. She is a professional, I'm just a beginner. :)

So here we are:

Yep, perfume box... I could care less what brand it is, as long as I love the fragrance.

My folded comforter... these days it gets cold, ahem.

A CD cover of a famous Ghanaian youth choir.

Wanna guess what was wrapped in this?

Dictionary... I'm always learning, you know?

Different shades of blue.

Earrings in a bracelet.

The good old vaseline.

Blue Magic Hair Pomade.

Grateful for blue things,
Lady Akofa. :)

***Note, I use British English on this blog, so color is colour here. :)

Of Randomness and Randomities

I know, “randomities” cannot be found in the English dictionary, don't you think I know that? I created it! Ain’t I so brilliant?! Let me tell you a secret. Sssh.. don’t tell anyone, okay? Just between you and me. By the time your grandchildren are born, you’ll find “randomities” in any Standard English dictionary, haha! : - )

Eating pleasures: Eating hot Koose (fried bean cake) with spring onions stuffed in it.

Bumper harvest: Of mangoes, mangoes, and MANGOES! Hahaha! Psalm 67: 5-7

Unwelcome skin spots: Mosquitoes bites. I refuse to get malaria!

Humpty Dumpty moment: In which I tripped and had a GREAT FALL but by God’s grace didn’t shatter into pieces, haha!

Scary thoughts during my Humpty Dumpty GREAT FALL:
“What if I roll down the staircase and end up in the hospital with major injuries?”
“Oh, God! My head! Don’t let my head get smashed down the stairs!”
“Oh, my legs! It seems like I’m going to break one of them!”

Of friends in trying seasons:
Wishing that I could be there 24/7 with each of them.
Wishing that I could take away their pain or at least lessen their pain in some way.
Wishing that I had the right answers that will calm their uncertainties.
Yet... what a joy to encourage them with the WORD: Romans 15: 4-6
And what an honour and privilege to pray for them when we are not together and pray with them when I do get to be with them.

An Unexpected, Pleasant & Affirming Compliment:
Gentleman: Do you work out?
Me: No. Not really. Apart from the usual house chores, I don’t work out.
Gentleman: Well, you’ve always looked fit.
Me: : - ) Thanks!
Note *** While I wouldn't call him a friend, I’ve known this gentleman since childhood.

Randomly Yours,
Lady Akofa. :-)

... like a thief in the night.

Helloooo?

Why am I still here?

And why are YOU still here?

Weren't we supposed to have gone to heaven a week ago? Did we miss the bus?

Well... Harold Camping and friends got it all wrong! Before 22nd May, 2011 I had never heard of him or of his ‘special revelation’ of the rapture, so that I could prepare, you know. Wink, wink. So I was surprised to have heard that I may have missed the bus if indeed Camping’s prediction came true on 21st May, 2011. I mean, how come I heard the news a day late?!! I'd like to think I'm on top of my internet news reading game. Wink, wink.

The angels don’t know when. Even Jesus Christ, Himself, doesn’t even know the exact day He’s expected to come... so how come mere human beings are making predictions on behalf of God?

Don’t listen to Harold Camping or anybody who claims he/she knows the exact date for the end of the world. According to Wikipedia, this is not the first time he has made such predictions. False prophecies and foolishness at its best.

For your reading pleasure and encouragement, please read Matthew 24 and 1 Thessalonians 5:2. Live your life in light of eternity and be always ready. Because... He will come like a thief in the night.

If you don’t believe there is anything such as end times or rapture, well... this post is not for you. Check back another time.

A word to the wise...
Lady Akofa.

Heaven, Unlimted Space

"If we were to go to heaven with our possessions and things, our containers like in Tema Harbour, heaven would be congested before we get there."

~ Will not identify the person who said it.

So... the above statement was made at my Bible study group while we were discussing Matthew 19:16-30, in the context of priorities sometime last year. I was so ticked that I had to write it down at that time. I was reviewing this note book and I couldn't help but smile.



The truth? Heaven is Unlimited in Space. Even if God would allow us to get there with our perishable stuff, there would be enough room for all our stuff. Our perception of the Unlimited God is often limited by our own limited human wisdom and understanding (Pun intended). However, the point of the study discussion is that God wants us to be focused on Him, the Eternal God.

There is a song that a number of churches in Ghana sing that goes like this:

(You are) bigger than what people saaay -Call out
You are bigger than what people say -Chorus

You are good, You are kind,
You are bigger than what people say.

Amen,
Lady Akofa.

Dear April...

Dear April,

March is gone and I’m so glad that You are here.

You start with a day that many have played pranks on family, friends, loved ones and even strangers. Some of these pranks have been mean and others, harmless. Mostly it's been hilarious!

Do You remember a Ghanaian radio presenter invited his listeners to his long anticipated wedding at a public venue on 1st April? People showed up in their numbers only to be told it was an April fools' prank. Luckily his fiancée and inner circle knew this was a joke so they didn’t bother showing up. I also remember a ‘company’ advertised that an airplane was picking up youth from a certain harbour town to the US for free. There was a lot of commotion in that town when all those eager young people gathered for the supposed trip. April foooool!

I’m excited about You, April because this is when I was born. And I’m excited to know any person also born in this month. I automatically share some special affinity with persons born in April. Did You know that two of my mom’s siblings and a nephew were born in April? Of course, you know.

So April 1st plus my birthday have meant that I’ve gotten April fooled on my birthday a few times. Aaah, but I wasn't born on 1st April! Sigh. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve spotted the pranks just in time before going along with them! April fool to the initiator(s) of the birthday prank! Ha, I got you!

Easter is usually celebrated when You are around, but sometimes in March. It’s exciting to have a long holiday around Easter and to have some sort of family reunion around this time. Easter bunnies and eggs are nice to see, although they are not really related to the true Easter story. It’s also fun to be a part of the Easter picnic and fun games, when I’m able to make it. I don’t know whether I’ll take part this year but if I do, then I’m going all for it, full swing! I think, so far Good Friday has fallen on my birthday once or twice in my lifetime. Make sure that doesn’t happen ever as long as I’m alive, okaaaaay? Thanks. I know you won’t do that.

With your arrival comes rainy season. Although it would have rained sporadically in March, officially we know You to be the Mother of rainy season and in temperate areas, the Mother of Spring. Lovely rain interacting with the earth smells heavenly. I usually associate fresh, tender blooms with You, like the lovely crocus. It’s a time when farmers in Ghana start planting seasonal crops such as corn. It’s beautiful to see buds pop up from the earth.

If I had the chance to rename you, I would call you Blossom. Would you like this? I’m sure You would.

When You leave, the next day is a holiday, May Day; a rest day for all workers. How could I not fall in love with You over the years?

Did I say I’m excited You are here? Yes, I am!
Lady Akofa.

You say...

You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’
But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.
I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire,
so you can become rich;
and white clothes to wear,
so you can cover your shameful nakedness;
and salve to put on your eyes,
so you can see.

Revelations 3: 17-18

Too much to take in?

The gold has been tested and all impurities have been taken out. Wouldn't you want true wealth?
The clothes are clean, white and without stains. Why would you prefer dirty clothes?
Who doesn't want to see clearly in the midst of all the darkness in this world?

Take up the offer!
Lady Akofa.

Hope whispers...

When the world says, “Give up,”
Hope whispers, “Try it one more time.”
~Author Unknown~

History like a weaved fabric

“... history is like a giant piece of fabric with very intricate and complex patterns. During the minted span of our lifetimes we see only a tiny fraction of the pattern. Furthermore, as been observed by others, we see the pattern from the underside. The underside of a weaving usually makes no sense. Even the upper side makes little sense if we view just a tiny piece. Only God sees the upper side, and only He sees the entire fabric with its complete pattern. Therefore, we must trust Him to work out all the details of history to His glory, knowing that His glory and out good are bound up together."

From Trusting God: Even when life hurts by Jerry Bridges, page 94; NavPress.

I write

I write to capture flying birds
To neatly arrange them in nests
And feed them
All on a baobab tree
Before they fly away
To be a blessing
To my eager and curious readers

By Lady Akofa©

God bless ya,

Lady Akofa.

Your worth

Your worth is not defined by your success or failure
Your worth is not defined by your past mistakes
Your worth is not defined by your present achievements
Your worth is not defined by aspirations for the future
Your worth is not defined by your family
Your worth is not defined by your friends, marital status or social affiliations
Your worth is not defined by the town or village your live in
Your worth is not defined by the school you attend(ed) to or did not attend
Your worth is not defined by your facial beauty, muscles (6 pack figure) or curves (hour glass figure) or lack of these
Your worth is not defined by your ethnicity, race or nationality
Your worth is not defined by the job you have or do not have
Your worth is not defined by the achievements or mistakes of your children
STOP believing those lies!

♥ ♥ ♥

God defines you
He made you
His Word, which is the TRUTH defines you

♥ ♥ ♥

You are chosen by God, Himself (1 Peter 2:4)
You are precious to Him (1 Peter 2:4)
You are a living stone (1 Peter 2:5)
God’s special possession (1 Peter 2:9)
A royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9)
God love for you is eternal & even longer than your ‘Best Friend Forever’ (Jeremiah 31:3)
You’ve been marked with a Seal, who guarantees the fulfillment of The Promises
(Ephesians 1:11-14)

.... and on and on and on... the everlasting truth goes (Isaiah 40:8). His Word is forever, so is His Love!

♥ ♥ ♥

This is to encourage readers and myself as well to focus and live on what's true. There is so much more that God has to say about who we are and His love for us. You’ve got to search the Scriptures for more! :- )

God loves you,
Lady Akofa.

I will get there

I know I will get there,
But I don’t know how to get there.

So LORD, I need you to lead me
To guide me through this winding road
To the place called home.
For You are The Sure Way.

In this world theories abound
Lies and deception lead astray
But You are the Unshakable Truth
My Rock who keeps me sane.



I don’t know all the answers
But I know that You are the Answer
The only Answer I need for this life
What You say is final and good
I hold on to You.

I know I will get there.
Home is the place to be.

(No, SHE is not me but a kind student posing as a model. :-))

I will get there,
Lady Akofa.
© January, 2011.

GOD and me = Me and an ant.

I’ve always been fascinated by cartoons and animated films about the animal kingdom. In Monster Inc., it was ‘frightening’ to see monsters scaring kids at night for a living, lol! I think I was fascinated that one of the monster’s name was “Boo.” Boo? Yeah! And there was one called, “Fungus!” “Finding Nemo” was just as exciting for me, the day I watched it. And my favourite for all time has always been “The Lion King” 1. You wanna guess how many times, I have watched it?

Enter:

GOD and me = Me and an ant.

So when last Sunday my pastor tried to use the equation above to illustrate how precious my salvation is in his sermon, my mind went a-roaming in the animated animal kingdom, lol! I was reminded of “Antz” and “Chicken Run” that I had watched during the Christmas break last month. But that was an “Aha! moment” for me during church service.

God, soooooooooo big decided to come in human form in order to relate to small me, in the form of Jesus Christ. He really didn’t have to do that but for some lovey-dovey reason and to honour His word, you and me are so important and valuable to God that He did the most unthinkable thing in order to establish an everlasting relationship with His human creatures. Why is that unthinkable? Well, imagine you had the power to do so, would you want to be born and live as a ant in order to relate to ants? Even if it’s temporary, would you? If you ask me, a Big “No!” and “Yuck!” are my answers. Lol! But that’s how I got the message. God loves me and you soo much to do just that!

“What is man that you are mindful of him
the son of man that you care for him?”
Psalm 8:4 (NIV)

Yep, you are that precious.

BTW, wouldn’t it really be an interesting world if all animals could speak, like in those movies? God even let a donkey speak some eons ago. Think I lie? Check out Numbers 22:21-35. Awesome!

You’re loved and highly esteemed,
Lady Akofa.

Peace when all goes haywire

So prices for fuel and major commodities have gone up all over the world. Everybody is digging deeper into their pockets. Investors are worried. Next door Cote D’Ivoire is in a state of political unrest. The sudden uprising in Tunisia feels like, “Wow! Where did this one come from?” For the largest country in Africa, Sudan, the question is, “To split or not to split?” Australia and Brazil are recovering from loss of lives and property due to floods. The random shootings in schools and public gatherings in the US is just insane. Haiti is still recovering from that big earthquake last year. And the Middle East? Let’s not go there.

What is the world coming to? Are we safe or what?

But Jesus never promised a life free from pain and suffering. And it’s interesting that he reiterates this in one of his last words to the disciples before he went to Calvary.

“I have told you these things, so that IN ME you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV).

So while all these are taking place, you can have peace... I can have peace... But only in JESUS CHRIST. And that’s comforting!

Peace in Christ Jesus,
Lady Akofa.

2 things!

I’m sooo not over the Christmassy-New Year season, although I’ve been back at work since the 4th day in the year. I’m still in the reflecting-resolution mode, learning to be at peace as I trust my God for each day.

2 things I like about Christmas season. : -)

1. Piccadilly Biscuits



See, the Piccadilly biscuits are made in Ghana. It’s an annual tradition for lots of Ghanaians to have this goody at Christmas.


Updated: Below is what the Piccadilly biscuits look like. Hi! :-)







2. Danish butter cookies

I love the set with sugar sprinkles and with chocolate cookies.

I don’t know where the biscuits go when Christmas and New Year season is over but you hardly see them on the Ghanaian market the rest of the year.

Yes, I’m that vain. : - )

And yes, I have a sweet tooth,
Lady Akofa.

A time to make New Year Resolutions 3

Goals can be set or resolutions can be made in different areas of one’s life. Here are 6 start-up categories but certainly not exhaustive.

Spiritual: Evangelism and Discipleship, Bible study (Personal, Corporate), Prayer (Personal, Corporate), etc.

Financial/Economic: Budgeting, Giving, Tithing, Saving, Investing, Acquiring a property, Repaying Debts, Building/Creating a business, etc.

Educational/Work-related or both: Study times, managing work/school relationships, being a faithful steward in school assignments and in handling tasks at work, etc.

Relationships: Marriage, Parenting, Family, Friends, Society-mission, mentoring. Relationships you’d like to start and relationships that need to be restored.

Health: Eating Healthy, Exercise, Medical Checkups, etc.

Passion, Hobby & Entertainment: to start new hobby a to sharpen skills, to turn a hobby into an income generating venture, etc.

A few questions to get you along in goal setting

1. What are 3 key things you’d like to achieve this year or that you’d like God to do this year? You can select from the suggested list above.

2. For each of 3 listed goals, what is the first necessary step you need to take to start the process? Here you’ll find out that you’ll need to break that lofty goal into smaller steps or redefined your goal to include timelines, measures for monitoring and evaluation, etc. Joan Esherick gives insights here.

3. Of the 3 goals that you’ve set, which one of them is most challenging to you?
b. Who would you like to consider as your accountability partner in this area. Anybody of your choice... but preferably someone who won’t sugar-coat the truth, who you can trust to poke their nose in your personal business from time to time and will support you in prayer. Let God lead you in this area too!

I do know one thing from past experience: the times that I’ve spent significant time and energy on pursuing spiritual things/goals or in making radically spiritual changes have often spilled over into other areas of my life. That, I can tell you and it's most profitable, (Matthew 6: 33-34). Don Whitney has a set of questions that you can sample from. Check them out here.

If you’re convinced that this New Year resolution business is still not for you, I sympathize. I’ve been there and done that.

May God lead you and may 2011 be a fulfilling year for all my readers!

God bless ya,
Lady Akofa.

A time to make New Year Resolutions 2

I’m sharing some articles this area. I’m not necessarily using all these ideas but depending on where you are in your walk with God or what you want God to do in your life... it may trigger something, bring clarity to your situation or lead you to consider new things. I really hope that this post blesses you in some way, even if it’s teeny-tiny, lol!

1. Annual resolutions and our daily habits seem not be aligned, no wonder we struggle with carrying them out! Check the Boundless article here.

2. Another article on Boundless on Goal Setting.

3. Here is a third article from Boundless. Can’t you see that I ♥ Boundless? Mwaah!

4. So you are busy. I understand. So what are you busy about anyway? Are they of value? No, I’m not talking to you, I’m talking to myself.

I’ve had this PDF file since last year... I downloaded it because I knew I needed to read it. I never got round to applying the recommend principles because I never finished reading it... because... you know... because... : - ) Sheepish smile. The title tells you why: Personal Productivity. I so, so, so need to finish reading it. From what I did read, I highly recommend it.

5. Five-a-month plan.... If you think the whole yearly thing is too long thus prefer monthly goals, maybe this will work. Plan to accomplish 5 major things (it could be more) per a month and report back to yourself or your accountability partner(s).

6. In her article, “Resolution Solution,” Joan Esherick gives pointers as to how to work through and streamline the goals you set. It’s not as simple as, “I want to be more patient in 2011.” That’s a lofty dream that is bound to fail.

7. You might want to try the challenge of reading the Bible in 90 days (3 months) if the short term thrill fascinates you. I did the 90 day challenge twice (in a little more than 90 days) & each experience was thrilling. Of course, the reading the bible in the year or in 6 months can be considered. But you definitely need make time for your readings each day. See the first article.

8. Or perhaps quantity is not your focus this year but quality in your bible reading. A motivation to chew the cud, meditate more can be found here. Get the plan in PDF here.

9. Carolyn McCulley has an interesting perspective on New Year Resolutions... our plans and well meaning efforts at self-control will not work unless we consider that Holiness of God and His Spirit’s enablement. I agree.

10. Your To-Do-List will never get done, CJ Mahaney asserts. Just so you don’t get smug about achieving all your daily goals if you manage to do so... hey, there will be more things to accomplish tomorrow. Or if you do get discouraged because you didn’t accomplish one of your daily goals, please know that we only live by the grace of God, step by step and day by day - only God does EVERYTHING He plans to do... that’s why He IS God.

11. Ralph Wilson buttresses the point about relying on the grace of God.

12. Crown Financial Ministries is a great resource for ideas on financial goals... Budgeting, Saving, Investing, Tithing (yes!), Giving (that too!), etc. You really have to check out their website to see.

13. While we set goals, we need to be mindful of the different life seasons we are in and special situations that God has allowed in our lives. Some goals may just not be useful or profitable for a mom with toddlers or for an empty nester. However, there are some goals that would be timely for younger people, for example saving towards a property purchase or acquiring a new skill. Even then, who says senior citizens are exempted from learning new things?! This blog article is specifically addressed to women but, men... you’ll get the point, when you read it.

14. Humour! This clock is heaven bent on waking you up! If you have goals that include waking up early in the morning or if ’re addicted to hitting your snooze button several times every morning, like I do, you need a wake up call, lol! Yes, it’s expensive. So either you wake up quickly at the first alarm, which is free BTW or you consider this pricey alternative, lol!

15. If all this stuff about goals and planning seem to be mumbo-jumbo to you, then try the “One Word” approach by Grit and Glory blogger. Just focus and meditate on the one word God gives you throughout the year. Let it permeate all your thoughts and activities.

Okey dokey, that’s a lot for now. More soon.

God bless ya!
Lady Akofa.