¤ Sweetened Scones ¤

Get creative. . .

¤Peanut-Banana combo¤

My daughter won't eat bananas ordinarily until I came up with this idea.

It's a nutritious way of serving the banana as a snack.

You can serve this to adults too.

No one's left out!



Ingredients
*Roasted Peanut (1/2 cup)
*Bananas (4 or more)

Mary's Method
- Grind peanut into a free flowing flour in the dry cup of your blender.

- Wash and peel your bananas. Cut into small pieces (about 1.5cm long)

-Gently roll the banana cuts in the ground peanut.

C'est fini

Enjoy!

~MARY's Kitchen

¤ Baked Yam Slices ¤

This is a creative yam recipe. . .

Ingredients

*Fresh African yam –550g (About 6 regular round pieces)

*Fresh Eggs (4)

*Chopped vegetable of choice (2 cups) »I used ugwu, onion and peppers

*Salt –to taste

*Seasoning cube (1)

*Cornedbeef (1 cup)

*Melted butter(¼ cup)

*Milk(¼ cup)

*Other seasonings of choice

* Utensils –Baking dish or muffin pan

Mary's Method

-Place the cut and washed yams in a pot of salted water. Cook until tender (time required will vary based on new Vs old yam). Drain off excess water.

While the yam is cooking,

– Season the chopped vegetables with salt, pepper and any other spices you prefer. Set in the fridge

– Whisk the eggs. Mix in the milk, seasoning cube, salt, other seasonings and spices. Add in the corned beef. Set in the fridge

– Set your oven to 200 C

- Mash up the cooked yam. Seasoning with salt and pepper. Add in the melted butter, egg mix and vegetables mix. combine

-Generously grease your baking dish or muffin pan.  Pour the yam batter into the bakeware.

-Bake for 30-40 minutes (yam is done when toothpick insert comes out clean). Remove from oven and set aside to cool.

Serve with chilled fresh juice or enjoy as breakfast on the go.

(Inspired by NaijaFoodie)

¤ Ogbono Soup ¤

This is one soup that goes with virtually every type of 'swallow' food.

How do you make your ogbono soup? Here's how I make mine. . .

Ingredients
-1/2 cup Ground ogbono seeds
-1/2 cup Palmoil (melted)
-Beef
-Cow offal (shaki & liver) (cooked)
-Cow skin
-Stock fish
-Dry fish (washed/de-boned)
-1/3 cup Whole Crayfish
-2tbs Ground crayfish
- 3/4 cup chopped Ugwu
-1tsp Ground pepper
-1 Medium sized onion
-2 Seasoning cubes
-Salt to taste

MARY's Method

* Cook the beef, stock fish and cow skin with the onion (chopped), seasoning cubes and salt (be careful not to add too much salt) for about 10minutes. Add the dry fish, and then the whole crayfish.

* Strain the stock into a bowl.

* Pour the palm oil in a pot. Mix in the ogbono. Add the stock and mix well. Add some warm water if necessary, until you get desired consistency. Place the pot on low heat. Add the pepper. Allow to cook for 10 minutes.

* Add the ground crayfish, meat-fish mixture and offal. Allow to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring at intervals. Add salt if required.

*Add the properly washed and chopped vegetable. Allow to cook for another 5 minutes.

*Serve with your semolina, amala, fufu or gari. . . as desired.

»Enjoy!

~MARY's Kitchen

To The Married Woman on Lovemaking. . .

One lie that is being thrown around by the world is that "good sex keeps a man faithful". It is not good sex that will keep your man faithful, it is only God that can do that. The same lie is used to trap single ladies. The world tells them that they need to 'secure' the man they want to marry with sex. This is a blantant lie of the devil.

However, sex in marriage is important for the overall health of the marriage. It's a lubricant that helps the marriage run smoothly.

Here are a few practical steps to having a healthy sex life in your marriage:

☆ The number one thing the married christian woman should do is to soak their marriage bed in the pool of prayers. The Bible encourages us to pray about "everything". I believe that includes the marriage bed. Talk to God about your sexual intimacy as a couple. Pray that both of you will be truly naked and not ashamed. Pray that God will teach you to love deeply. Pray against every force working contrary to you having an excellent experience sexually. Pray, pray, pray. . . Amen somebody!

☆ Next thing is to communicate with your partner. Both of you need to communicate what your needs are to each other. Be sincere. Be open. You will be shocked at some of the expectations of your spouse when you get talking. Like I usually say, "I am not a spirit. I wouldn't know what's on your mind unless you voice out". No guess work in this matter. You need to know the questions so that you can give the right answers.

☆ Be a participator not a spectator. Seek for ways to meet your partner's needs. Don't just lie there like a log of wood or just shake off the dust immediately after. Be active. Let your spouse know that you enjoy being with him. Don't be a bore. Train your mind to enjoy. Be willing to work at achieving sexual intimacy.

☆ Don't see lovemaking as "hard work". It is expected to be a pleasurable and enjoyable experience. Choose to enjoy it. You have to decide to. Stop giving unnecessary excuses. Someone is complaining that her husband does not seek to be intimate with her anymore. Can we really blame him? He made an advance at you two years ago, you were tired. Two months ago, you were still tired and having the same nagging headache you had 2 years ago. Excuse me sis, you killed the fire. You've got to put the sticks back together. Apologize to your husband and commit to rekindling the dead fire.

☆ Gather knowledge. Read relevant books on sex in marriage. Go for counselling if necessary. Above all, meditate on what God's stance is on the issue of sex in marriage.

Go on and begin to enjoy the adorable gift God has given you. . . It's time to stop enduring it.

~ OMOSEBI Mary Omolola
© 2015

Should Couples Worship in Separate Churches?

This post is in response to the above question asked by a woman who has been worshipping in a Church different from her husband's and whose children rotate which of the two Churches they should attend.

From my point of view, a family should worship together. As I see it, attending different churches is a form of division/disunity. That means they are unequally yoked. Since they believe in different doctrines. The couple are not able to agree on a particular church. "Can two walk together except they agree?" No! The children are also at risk of being confused.

On a personal note, the first question I would ask anyone in this kind of situation is, "Was your husband attending that church before you married him?" If yes, then she knew before hand what she was getting into. Why did you marry him then? My next question is, "Those doctrines you disagree with in his church, are they sinful?" If "No", I will advice that she joins him in his church and continue to pray concerning the issue. God owns the heart of kings and is the one that can direct it to wherever He wants. Continue to pray that his eyes of understanding be opened. Rebellion or force will not change him.

*I will quickly tell the singles to remember that you MUSTN'T go into marriage with the mindset that you will change your husband. That's a dead end. So, look well before you leap. The man is your head. Take it or leave it. That's the divine order. So before you give yourself to be married, remember that you are relinquishing the authority over yourself to him. These are some of the issues that should be discussed before marriage. "

Back to the issue at hand, let's look at 1Peter 3:1,2,6 (AMP)
IN LIKE manner, you married women, be submissive to your own husbands [subordinate yourselves as being secondary to and dependent on them, and adapt yourselves to them], so that even if any do not obey the Word [of God], they may be won over not by discussion but by the [godly] lives of their wives, 2  When they observe the pure and modest way in which you conduct yourselves, together with your reverence [for your husband; you are to feel for him all that reverence includes: to respect, defer to, revere him--to honor, esteem, appreciate, prize, and, in the human sense, to adore him, that is, to admire, praise, be devoted to, deeply love, and enjoy your husband].
6. It was thus that Sarah obeyed Abraham [following his guidance and acknowledging his headship over her by] calling him lord (master, leader, authority). And you are now her true daughters if you do right and let nothing terrify you [not giving way to hysterical fears or letting anxieties unnerve you].

That part of the Scripture didn't add a condition for our submission as wives. I always like to emphasise that we should do our part as unto the Lord.

2Corinthians 10:6- And after you have become fully obedient, we will punish everyone who remains disobedient.

Unity of a couple's spirit men is very important and growing together in the same spiritual environment will enhance their blending.

~ OMOSEBI Mary Omolola
© 2015

Preparing for Your Baby's Arrival?

☆ Baby List ☆

Mother:
A birth robe
2 nursing night gowns
Slippers
2pairs of socks
Insecticide
Hand wash
Camera
Hand fan
Torchlight & batteries/lamp
Phone & recharge cards
Ear piece
Notebook
Chargers: phone and notebook
Sponge, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, detergent, haircream, body cream, body spray, toilet roll, make up
2 Gowns
3 Wrappers
Nursing bras
Breast pads
Sanitary pads
Disposable pants
Gift for Semilogo from baby


Baby :

Installed Car seat
Towels
Cardigan
Blanket
Flannel
Diapers/ wipes
6-8 x sleepsuits
Caps
4 x wrap over vests
6-8 bodysuits
3-4 daywear suits
2-3 socks (pairs)
3 x baggies (pairs)
2 x scratch mitts (pairs)
Baby soap
Powder
Sponge
Oil and lotion


*Nursery :

Moses basket or bassinett
Cot or cot bed
mattress
Sheets and blankets
Waterproof mattress cover
Changing unit and mat
Room thermometer
Baby monitor
Stroller

*Bathing and Changing :

Nappies, sacks and wipes
Baby bath
Bath thermometer
Baby toiletries
Towels
Changing mat
Cuddle 'n' dry robes
Baby nail scissors
Baby hairbrush
Baby nail cutter

*Travel and Toys:
Pushchair
Car seat
Changing bag
Bouncer or swing
Play mat or gym
Baby carrier
First rattle & soft toys

Breast feeding and bottle feeding:

Nursing bras
Breast pads
Muslin squares
Breastfeeding support pillow
Nipple cream
Breast pump
Sterilizer
Breast milk storage bags
Bottles and teats
Bottle brush
Bibs.

Terms and Conditions Apply

Don't worry, this is not an advert placement for any telecommunications company. . .

When I was a child, I would skip the parts of The Bible that did not seem palatable or interesting to me; especially the curses and genealogical accounts. Once I get to the parts where there were curses, I would simply turn the pages and seek out the next available blessing in the Scripture. (That is if I don't totally close shop for the day). As a matter of fact, there are certain books of the Bible I NEVER read as a child.

Not until I grew more in faith and began to understand that The Bible is a complete course meal. And that if I omit any part of the meal, I would be malnourished spiritually. Do you know that as good as proteins are and we are encouraged to eat them, it will still be totally non beneficial to eat only protein and leave out other nutrients? Each nutrient has it's role in ensuring that we have healthy bodies. The Word of God is food to our spirits and we need to ingest a balanced diet if we want to develop properly.

We are usually quick to 'claim' the promises of God for goodness but we forget an intricate detail. For the promises to be fulfilled in our lives, there are specific instructions we must obey. When you read your Bible, and want to claim the promises of God written in it, look in the previous verses, or chapters for clues to the expectations of God from you. Not until we fulfill our part of the deal are we entitled to becoming beneficiaries of the divine promises.

For merely listening to the law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight. (Romans 2:13 NLT)

No part of the Bible is there to just fill up the pages. ALL of it is important and God inspired every verse therein. The Word of God carries in it all we need to live successful Christian lives.

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT)

Henceforth, look at The Bible with a better perspective. Open your heart to receive the wholesome goodness inherent in The Bible. Embrace God’s instructions in good faith and make amends where necessary. Let The Word of God work in you.

Yes, terms and conditions apply to the beautiful offer of life God’s given us. Do well to fulfill your part. God is ever faithful.

~ OMOSEBI Mary Omolola
© 2015

Let Charity Begin at Home

Who can reckon with the following fictional descriptions of myself sometimes?

Story Story. . .

° My family friend's daughter comes to our house and breaks a flower vase worth thousands of naira- I smile at her while she stands helplessly with a face saying "I am sorry ma. It was a mistake". I tell her it's okay to make mistakes and probably give her a hug to calm her down.
My daughter breaks a plate worth a hundred naira and stands trembling before the broken pieces. I snap. I yell out at her about how careless she is. I ask her to remain in the naughty corner for an hour despite all her pleas.

° My friend's mother lashes out at me unjustly. I get on my knees and beg for  her forgiveness.
My mother corrects me for what I've done wrong and I try to justify my actions. I tell her how critical she always is of me. I go on and on about how she doesn't treat me like a grown up and cunningly brush the real issue under the carpet; leaving her totally confused and startled at my reaction.

°My Pastor  calls my attention to how I talked rudely to a sister in Church. I tell Him it won't occur again and ask that he prays along with me so that I can control myself next time. Or My unit leader tells me to remain standing for coming late to a unit meeting (my lateness was because my son soiled his diaper and I had to change it before coming into the Church). I gladly take my stand till I'm asked to sit. I tender my apologies and promise not to come late next time.
My husband complains about the way I looked when answering a question he asked me (and I know that I am actually wrong because I resent the fact that he's not yielding to a particular request I have made of him) and I blow it out of proportion. I tell him he's too critical and always reads meaning to my every expression.

The End .

Let me stop here.

How many of us find it easier to be kind/nice to strangers than we are to our family members and others closest to us? We out of the largeness of our hearts quickly make excuses for our neighbours but do not take any slip from our loved ones lightly.

My simple admonition for us today is to go back home and make amends if you guilty of this kind of attitude. Be kind to your loved ones. The kindness should first be expressed to them before you go out with it. They shouldn't see you act towards strangers in an unfamiliar kind way. Mrs 'Nice-to-strangers', are you also nice at home? Don't be 'Father Christmas' outside your home and 'Osama Bin Daddy' at home.

See this- ". . .Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. . ."(Galatians 6:10 NLT)

Make conscious efforts to be more kind to your loved ones. Kindness is a fruit of the Holy Spirit so ask The Holy Spirit to help you.

Let that charity begin from your home!

~ OMOSEBI Mary Omolola
© 2015

Don't You Dare Give Up

Life can be tough sometimes, I know- Not from books but experience. O yes, you sometimes feel overwhelmed by the feelings of dissatisfaction with your present state of stagnacy and difficulties you are faced with. You cannot afford to eat what you desire and your account balance is zero. Your health is failing and all the good you ask to be added to your life are not showing their faces. The situation becomes so bad that you sometimes are tempted to feel that God has forgotten about your case. Nothing just seems to be going the way you wished they would. Your life looks totally without form and void of any tangible progress. The only people that seem to be marching forward is everyone but you who has been marking time for months or even years. You sometimes get to a point where you can't seem to think that anyone could understand the intensity of the pain you feel inside.

Well well well. God understands all you are going through. Yes He does. And He has not forgotten you. Not for a moment. He sees all your pain and is not in anyway sleeping over your case.

It's just that His thoughts are totally different from ours. His timing is perfect even though we don't understand it. God is working even now though you don't know how because you cannot see the manifestation just yet. But He has great plans for your life. And in due season He will fulfil them and you will be like you were dreaming because it will come suddenly. "And it is soon", He says. The length of time from now to the 'soon' I don't know but He does know.

God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through? (Numbers 23:19 NLT)

God is sending the word of encouragement to you today friends.

Don't give up. You cannot afford to. Your testimony is closer than you can imagine. It's just around the corner. God is able to do EVERY bit of what He's planned. He will fulfil every one of His promise to you.

This vision is for a future time. It describes the end, and it will be fulfilled. If it seems slow in coming, wait patiently, for it will surely take place. It will not be delayed. (Habakkuk 2:3 NLT)

God knows that you can take the heat that's why He's allowed it. You cannot afford to disappoint God now by giving up. He believes in you to survive the trials. The expectation of Heaven over you must not be dashed. That will give great pleasure to the devil. And we don't want that. Right?

The Holy Spirit always takes me to this Scripture when the going gets tough and it helps strengthen my resolve to keep the faith.

 If you fall to pieces in a crisis, there wasn’t much to you in the first place. (Proverbs 24:10 MSG)

Like David, encourage yourself in the Lord. And don't be ashamed to seek encouragement from trusted children of God that God ratifies. Hold on tight to God's Words. God honours His Words even more than His name so be sure of the integrity of His Words. Munch on the Word more now to gather strength for the rest of the journey ahead of you. With the Lord in your boat you can smile at the storm. That fire will not consume you.

It is well with you.

Be encouraged.

~ OMOSEBI Mary Omolola
© 2015