Question 1: Do you leave people better than you found them?

When I saw this question, I wanted to just read it like any other question and flip past the page, but then I paused, and asked myself the question. Do I leave people better than I found them?

In this chapter, John Mason says there are two types of people in the world: those who come into a room and say, "Here I am!" and those who come in and say, "Ah, there you are!" Think about it. Which of these are you? The one who seeks attention or the one who gives attention?

It's quite easy to say to someone, "Oh hey! I saw Mr A somewhere just now and we said hi." Wait there. You saw the person, but did you meet the person? Did the person feel better or worst after seeing you?

He quotes William Ward thus: "There are three keys to more abundant living: caring about others, daring for others and sharing with others." Smiling at/with others has a way of making you feel better yourself. Doubtful? Try it out by helping someone.

I told myself sometime ago that I'll add a trait to my personality; I'll make sure any person I meet smiles after I'm gone, and this question made me think about it again.

John Mason concludes with this words by Jan McKeithen, "If you cannot win, make the one ahead of you break the record." "... Invest in others. It pays great dividends." What are your thoughts on this question? Do let me know by commenting.

Hey there! It's El Shava. I've been on a break from school for some weeks now, and I thought of something fun to do. For a creative like me, writing and reading is the best.

So, I've been reading lots of books, from novels to inspirational books and all. And of course, I've been writing too, cooking some hot stuffs, to be served on a golden platter.

One of the books I'm currently reading is "Why Ask Why" by John Mason.

The exciting news is that, in the coming days or maybe weeks, I'll be giving my own insights with excerpts from the book, and trust me, you'll love it. John Mason provides answers to 70 spirit-stirring questions. A brief look at the book is this:

"If you know the right questions, you can find the right answers. Ask yourself these 70 questions to find answers to building a better life! You're where you are today because of the questions you've asked. To go to where you want to be, you have to ask the right questions..."

It will be a fun filled journey. Get ready for a journey of adventure, of gaining knowledge, and getting answers to questions that trouble you.

I'm El Shava. See you soon!

An empty page, a brand new ball pen. A dark room, reading light on. A computer, researching and finding facts. A soulful serendipitous playlist, playing in the ears through earplugs...

Sitting close to the windows, curtains open, night wind blowing ever so softly. No owl, no bird, no sound outside. Eyes closed momentarily, nodding head in accordance with the song's rhythm...

Run a hand across a page of the journal; an empty page. Pick the pen, position the hand, and start scribbling. Soon, a page is filled with letters coming together to form a word, words written beautifully to create a paragraph, paragraphs arranged perfectly to create a page.

A perfect page, filled with soul stirring words. Written on a journal, with a pen. The journal and the pen; that journal and that pen. That, in all it's essence, is what it is to be a writer. And I, am that writer.

I am El Shava, the girl with that journal and that pen.🌹

When boredom strikes, you realize just how talented you are.

Hi there! I'm El Shava, your writer, inspired by God. However, today's post is inspired by boredom. Pardon me. You know, I've always loved Arts, and at a tender age, I realize I'm a talented artist, though I haven't attempted getting better with it.

Yesterday, my phone was down and I became bored. No novels to read, nothing to do. Then, I decided to step outside with my journal and pen, perhaps there'll be something to write when I take a look at nature.

I sat before a pawpaw tree and I don't know how, but my pen started moving across my journal. In an hour or so, I looked at the the page and realized I had drawn what was before me; a bush with pawpaw and plantain trees at the forefront. I was amazed.

Actually, the last time I had actually sat down to draw a piece of art was in my SS 2, that's about 3 years ago, so I kind of forgot how to draw.

Thanks to boredom, I was inspired, and I drew this. I know it's not a magnificent piece, but I guess it's worth talking about. I'll leave with this quote I love. “Art is Life, but Life is much more melodramatic than Arts.”

I am El Shava, that girl with a journal and a pen.

Thump. Thump. Thump. Thump. Your heart- no, your anxious heart beats. What to wear! What to eat! Where to sleep! How to make money! What to be in life! The result? Hypertension. The cause? Worries and anxiety!

“Why is life like this? Where will I be tomorrow? What of next week? How about next month? Ei, and next year! Ah! My life!” Why, why do you worry? Why are you anxious? Why worry about the morrow, when the morrow is yet to come?

Have a seat, and reread this. Why worry about the morrow, when the morrow is yet to come? Close your eyes, take a deep breath. Exhale and open your eyes. Try staying calm and focused. Feel the peace in the air, feel the tension going away, feel the calm in the air, and let go of anxiety.

Diseases like malaria kills, yes. Moreover, how about the little foxes that kill too? How about anxiety? The slow but deadly factor that causes deaths too? You're so anxious that not only your hands and feet are cold, but your heart is cold too, tired from overthinking and anxiety!

Take a deep breath from the right source... Ah! What of the air we breathe? Isn't it the right source? Yes, indeed it is. But if it truly is the right source, then why do we gasp for air when we feel breathless, meanwhile the air is just around us, where we are? Think about it.

The right source, I tell you, is the Breath of Life! You know Him? Jesus Christ! Yes. Leave all your anxiety and worries at His feet, and I tell you, He'll never let you down.

You've read to this point? Wow, great! Now, I urge you. Bow your head, close your eyes, inhale and exhale, then, feel the peace in the air. Whisper "Lord Jesus, take over", and He will, 'cause He's always near, ready to take over the wheel. I am El Shava. Do have a Happy Sunday.🫶

Happy International Girl Child Day.❤️

I'm glad to have finally come to the conclusion that despite everything, I'm a girl child, designed by God to fulfil His purpose.

To every girl child out there, you may be going through a lot but remember, you're a girl child, and your worth will show forth itself in due time.

Don't fret, dear girl, dear lady, you're a great soul, and you're loved by God.🫶

I am El Shava, a girl child with a journal and a pen.🌹

"Where there's a will, there's a way." Very true. However, what if you're in the way, and because of that, you can't find 'that will'?

Often times, we think what we want is our will. We're so occupied with achieving this will that we fail to see 'the will', and what's this will? God's will.

When you want to get your will, you do whatever it takes, risky or not, to get it. Slowly, what you do becomes a part of you. But, this new you turns out to be an obstacle in the way to grasp the will; God's will.

How then, can we know God's will for us? It's simple. Through prayers, and studying the Word of God; the Bible.

Seeking God's face daily, walking in His ways, so we won't be in the way, and be a barrier to achieve His Perfect Will for us.

Another important thing to do, is to have fellowship with brethren of like faith, who can guide and direct you when you almost going astray.

Your will may look good. No, it is good. But in years to come, will is still be as good as you think? The best, is God's will. Perfect and fit for you. Seek God's will today, and you'll find peace and joy in it. I am El Shava 🌹

Sometimes, what God wants for you is not out there in the open. It's not there when you go out with your friends and loved ones. It's not that thing you see and because you feel like it, you think that's what God wants for you.

Sometimes, what God wants for you is in your room, in the silence of your room, where you can hear the birds chirping and the leaves rustling. Where you can gather your thoughts in the peace and tranquility of the moment.

It could be when you're laying on your bed, idle and a lone thought flashes across your mind. And in a flash, you sit up and think about it, fixing the puzzles. Then, you see lines falling in pleasant places, and you wonder, "Why didn't I think of this sooner?"

You didn't think of it because of the noise of the world. You were so busy and caught up with stuffs that you didn't take a break, silence the noise, and listen to your heart. For in the silence, God whispers, "Be still."

Oh! How great the silence of the moment is! I am El Shava.

You're awake now, but the first thing you do is get your phone and check messages to reply to. You're awake now, but you go to check your account balance to plan what to eat. You're awake now, but you start the day with talking and exchanging unnecessary pleasantries...

Have you thought of prayer? Did you think to pray? Did you bow your head, close your eyes and thank the One that give you the life you live? Have you entered His gates with thanksgiving in your heart?

Oh, you're glad you're alive to see a bright new day, but by who's Word is that possible? By who's love? By who's mercy and grace? Because you're a good person? No! It's by God, and He has kept you alive because you have a purpose to fulfill; not yours, but His.

Soon, the day will be over, and when asked, you'll say, "I had a bad day." What made it a bad day? Have you commit the day into God's hand, so it will be a good day?

Oh, this is so sad. You're in the middle of life's crisis, but it's as though yours is the worst; the world seems to have turned it's back against you. You're either running helter skelter, or you're brooding in silence, with one thought running across your mind; suicide.

Hey! It's not the end of the world. Have you thought of praying? Have you thought of going to the One who never turns His back on us, whose arms are ever open to receive us onto Himself, in the hollow of His arm, where peace and comfort is found?

You've prayed already? Great job. But don't relent your effort. You've not prayed? Take a break, pause and pray. And when you open your eyes after praying, you'll see the world in a whole new light. Pray, He answers prayers. I am El Shava.

Often times it is said, "The Lord is so good and faithful to me. I'm so happy for all He has done for me..." This, indeed is great. It's good to be thankful. But wait, that's not my message, that's not what this is about. Here's the deal.

The Lord is good to you, but are you good to Him? The Lord is faithful to you, but are you faithful to Him? You're happy for all He has done, but is He happy with all you're doing?

Think about this. You may or may not be a church goer. You may or may not be a Christian. But here's an important insight. When you do wrong, you know it is wrong because of one thing, one judge in your heart, and that is your conscience.

Yes, you read right, your conscience. So, keep it in mind that while you're being grateful and thanking God for being good and faithful to you, be faithful to Him too. Be good to Him too.

When you've done wrong, you know it because your conscience will prick you, and there, you have to make a choice to either right the wrong, or go on with the wrong.

Hereon, in whatever you do, have it in mind that there's a God that sees all, and He's above. And make Him feel happy for what you're doing, while you're also happy for all He's doing. Because He says in His word that He's angry with the wicked everyday.

This is not just a writeup to read and say, "What a nice writeup." It's a timely message, and a call to you and me to strive to please the Lord in all we do. Enjoy your weekend, but remember, live for Him, the One who called you and saved you; Jesus. I am El Shava.

Lazarus, Jesus' friend was very sick. When Jesus was informed, he tarried before going. Not long, Lazarus died, but Jesus knew that it was to show the glory and hand of God.

He got there, and Martha, Lazarus' sister, asked Him why He didn't come earlier, that her brother is dead. But Jesus, after weeping (because He loved him) asked her where the he was buried.

Martha was hesitant, because he had already been buried for four days. As we all know, Jesus thanked His Heavenly Father, and prayed, then commanded Lazarus to come forth. And Lazarus rose from the dead! (John 11:1-45;)

Now, there's something we should learn here. God may appear to be late in our time, but in His, He's right on time. Think about this. If Jesus had gone earlier while Lazarus wasn't yet dead, He'd have still worked a miracle, but not as great as the one He did, such that turned the hearts of the people to believe in God.

Yes, you have many things going on with you, bad things people may not know of. You've been crying to God for days, weeks, months or years, and He still hasn't answered. Then, you're moved to say that He's late, and you feel it's the end of life.

No! He's not late. He's never late. He's always right on time, not your time, but His time. In the right time, He'll do as He has said. Remember, everything that happens, happens as God wants, to the glory of His name. So, dear friend, hold on to Him. Don't lose faith and keep trusting and believing in Him.

At the right time, He'll roll away the stone of problems from you, and you'll testify that indeed, He is Lord of all. He's still the same. He'll soon be here, roll back the stone, and call your name, to come out of your distress. God bless you, and have a great day. I am El Shava.

"What's humanity's hope if humans are like this? What do we really think will happen in the next few years? We'll be dead and gone in a matter of centuries, but who'll remember us and the legacy we left behind?"

Though I'm not certain how this world will be in the next few years, I'm sure and certain of one thing, no! One Hope. And that hope? Heaven! Yes, Heaven.

How conscious are you of Heaven? Do you ponder and wonder on the mystery of Eternity and where you'll be? Will you be in Heaven or Hell??

What do you really want that's keeping you from focusing on God? Education? Degree? Money? Food? Shelter? We all want that, but let's not forget that we don't belong here, and with time, all these shall pass, and you know what won't pass?

The Word. The Word that teaches that Jesus is the Way, Truth and Life. And what's that life? Eternal Life with God. But where? Heaven.

So, I don't know about you. But as for me, I'm homesick for Heaven. Where I'll see the saints and angels. Heaven.🥹

Listen to Homesick for Heaven by Phil Wickham as you read this. Have a great Sunday.✨

Life. Up the mountain? Looks good. Everything appears to be going well. The grass looks green and the skies pleasantly blue. We talk about dreams and ambitions, building castles in the air. But, it's all a mirage.

Life. Down the valley? Everything's terrible. We try to blink away the tears, but they keep coming. We look left, right, forward, and backward; no hope. No one's coming to help us.

Why then, do we live? Going through the hustle, trying to shuffle our way with life, yet it seems like nothing is changing. Wake up, try to make ends meet, then sleep at night. Get fed up most times, weary and dreary many times, but we still keep on kipping. Fall to the ground, we still stand up and drag on, hungry, thirsty and tired.

We never get to know what life really is, except we know who we live for, and why we live. For me, here's who and why; Christ Jesus, my Lord and Saviour.

Jesus? He's all that really matters. Live for His glory, and show forth His will. Good times, I praise Him. Bad times, I praise Him more, because I have faith He'll still do good as He always does.

Christ? My All-Sufficient-One. I can't imagine going through the day without Him being there, holding me in His love. And when life gets darker, I seek solace in His Word, and peace floods my soul.

Above me, beneath me, beside me, behind me, He's all that matters. Light at the end of the tunnel? No, not so for me. Because He's the Light that illumines the dark tunnel. And till the end of time, my words, forever will be, He's enough for me, and He's all that matters to me. Jesus Christ.

In your relationship with God, be intentional. Are you serving Him because your family background says you should? Or are you serving Him because He demands so? Are you truly serving Him, or are you being hypocritical?

In your relationship with people, be intentional. Are you really who you say you are? Can people actually commend your efforts and recommend others to you when your name is called somewhere?

In your appearance and dressing, be intentional. The Bible commands, decency modesty and moderation. Are you keeping His word? Or do you go about leading others astray in your choice of appearance?

In your thoughts, words, actions and inactions, be intentional. Carefully calculate your thoughts before you utter a word or carry out an act. The outcome speaks volumes. Is your action commendable? Do you ponder and wonder on each word you say?

In all other aspects, be intentional. It pays.