This is Efe Ajagba a Nigerian boxer who knocked out his opponent in 23 seconds at the Rio Olympics. When asked His secret.. He says: “ i just focused all the anger i had for the Nigerian government in one blow”

TYPES OF WOMEN.

By Mr VIDAMBU Sam.

So many men see a Lady, like her, love and want to marry her without trying to find out what type of Lady she is and if she's the type they want to go down the high with. Beauty doesn't make a Lady, personality does and Ladies have so amazing personalities if only you can get to understand your Lady and she's the perfect match for your person, not a perfect Lady. There is no perfect human being.

There are different types of Ladies out there. We encounter them every day but pay little or no attention to their persons because we get carried away with their beauty, shapes, accents and worth. Sir, stop being distracted, stay focused.

In this article, I'm going to share with us, the types of women we encounter now and then so that we can have a better understanding of whom we are dealing with at the time.

Please, note that the level of religion your Lady operates in doesn't change or affect her personality. Men change spiritually, women don't because they are spiritually made and can operate simultaneously both spiritually and physically unlike men who are physically made.

1.FAMILY LADY.
This kind of woman is very emotional. She is very attached to every member of her family. You will come to identify her if she keeps on telling you about her cousins or relatives people you never met; on your date nights. They take a firm stand on political and equality issues. Pick your discussion topics very wisely.

2.MOMMY LADY.
You will not recognize her instantly. This kind of woman possesses motherly instincts that come out during the delicate or sensitive stages of your life. They are genuinely caring in nature. If you miss texting or calling her after reaching home, expect a minimum of Ten missed calls waiting for you. If you get a minor paper cut, she’ll appear with substantial first aid. A sneeze can end up with a thermometer in your mouth and at least three days of rest!

3.HUSTLER.
This kind of woman is very hard-working by nature. Her priority will always be her dreams. Don’t misjudge/doubt or condemn her if she cancels the date for any assignment/work. You may raise your expectations, but in reality, be mentally prepared to support her career decisions. You may wish to help her in any way possible, but this kind of woman prefers playing their game independently.

4.GOSSIP LADY.
This type of lady is Google in human skin. They usually have a record of everyone and everything including you. You may find it difficult at times when you want to have some deep, meaningful conversation, but on days when you want something to cheer up your mood, her enthusiastic voice would be enough.

5.THE LISTENER.
This is the favourite type for the majority of men in the world. She’ll always be there to listen to you without any judgment or interruption. She is the silent observer kind. These kinds of women are introverts or ambiverts. She takes her own time to open up to you. Once found, she’ll be your first go-to person whenever you are feeling low and just need someone to listen to you.

6.SUPER LADY.
These women are an upgraded version of the hustler types. They do work hard and no matter what they are going through physically, emotionally, mentally or financially they will never let you know. They are emotionally convincing. They hardly lose their calm during the emergency. They are experts in multi-tasking and hiding their emotions. If you have found someone of this kind, then you need to be very careful about your actions because no matter how strong they are, they also need someone to look after them.

7.Ms PERFECTIONIST.
A woman with all positive habits. Disciplined life, clean home, hygienic environment, healthy eating habits and, focused on goals. You are making the wrong choice if you are exactly opposite to her. Compatibility is going to be a significant issue. But if you are looking to improve your current lifestyle, then this kind of woman is your best choice.

8.PANDA LADY.
She is a cute, lazy, sloth bear who can be your great partner in crime to hang out with. Your weekends will never be the same after you have found her. Get ready for disappeared hoodies, unlimited pizza deliveries, and binge-watching during the weekends. If you are too lucky, then she will also be your video game and watching a football match partner.

9.BOSS LADY.
The dominating ones. The Ms. Always Right. If you are in a relationship with her, be ready to change your schedules, according to her. And of course! Never dare to end up with any kind of disagreement with her. However, if you are someone who has lost track in life, nobody is better than her to help you get back to find yourself. She may appear like the most aggressive one but stick to her till the end, and you may discover amazing facts about her that nobody else knows.

10. DRAMA QUEEN.
This type of lady is the one who will exaggerate the given situation. Be sure that you won’t be allowed to spend much of your time with friends or relatives. Forget about talking to other girls. Most of your time is spent in shopping malls or wiping her tears. No matter how much possessive she is for you, this action will make you adore her even more.

11. PARTY LADY.
This is the type of woman who can make you feel insecure if your personality is not understanding types, then she is the one. She spends most of her weekends at the disco parties. She’s the kind who will make time for you according to her mood. Be prepared for cancelled date nights. You can try to get involved in her inner circle of friends, which may take time, and you may not feel comfortable too. Anyways, stay safe.

12. FAIRYTALE LADY.
This is a Daydreamer Queen. For her, logical thinking is of the least priority. She’s the emotional kind who breaks down quickly. If she says Unicorns exist, just say yes. She still has a touch of innocence in her nature. Be there to take care of her, and she’ll treat you the same.

13.DIFFICULT LADY.
These women are ambitious and bold, adventurous and emotional, brainy and defiant, incorrigible and outlandish, determined and badass. They are about pleasing themselves as much as those around them. They don't say yes simply because it is expected of them.

14.STRONG MINDED LADY.
This is a courageous Lady, one who doesn't depend on anyone else. She knows who she is. She build herself and builds others up. She doesn't see showing emotion as a weakness. She follows her intuition and doesn't overthink everything. She is truly happy and knows what it takes to make her own happiness.

15.ELEGANT LADY.
This lady displays self-respect, class, appreciation, and etiquette. She does not allow her mood to affect her manners. She is wise to know that being an elegant lady doesn’t mean that one should be snobby or stuck up, but that one should have dignity, consideration, and moderation in one's daily actions.

No matter which kind of woman you may come across, just respect the way they are, and you will get the same treatment. And make sure, whoever you end up with, you won’t force her to change her current self.

Changing a Lady is indirectly creating a monster. You will not like the result. Your best bet is to leave her to herself. Accept her for who she is and find a means to manage her person. That is the only way you can have the best of her.

Marrying a good mother to your kids is better than marrying a good wife for yourself.

(You can forward this information to others but without removing Vidambu's name and put yours. This information has been copy righted under Sam Vidambu, any form of plagiarism will be regarded as an offence).

You Are Blessed.

Press TV:
#WarData  #OrthodoxRussia ❗️"There is nothing sacred to the people who came here": AFU militants used a church in the Kursk Oblast as a strongholdMilitants of the Kiev regime turned the church into a combat position. Opposite the altar, they set up an ammunition depot, and launched FPV drones right from the gates.They had a stronghold here, from here they launched drones at both civilians and military personnel. The churches were used for the most unfavorable intention and direction,Archpriest Aleksandr, rector of the Church of the Holy Archangel Michael, said.

‌Al Mayadeen English (Twitter)

The incidents are part of a worrisome trend: a noticeable rise in aviation mishaps across the #US, particularly involving small aircraft. en.mdn.tv/8PB0

‌Al Mayadeen English (Twitter)

As long as arms sales anchor #US power — and the military-industrial complex keeps its hold on Congress — the myth that the US might defend human rights remains exactly that: a myth.

#GazaGenocide
#Yemen
#Lebanon
en.mdn.tv/8PBD

‌Al Mayadeen English (Twitter)

The data reveal that #Meta deleted more than 90,000 posts in compliance with temporary takedown orders from the Israeli government, often within an average of just 30 seconds.
en.mdn.tv/8PB6

‌Al Mayadeen English (Twitter)

Alexey Polishchuk, Director of the Second CIS Department at #Russia’s Foreign Ministry, accused #Ukraine of violating the 30-day moratorium on strikes against energy infrastructure more than 60 times.

#Trump
en.mdn.tv/8PBL

Al Mayadeen English (Twitter)

Local sources informed Al Mayadeen that former Free Syrian Army commander Bilal al-Droubi died from wounds sustained two days ago after being targeted by members of the Eighth Brigade in Busra al-Sham, in eastern #Daraa.

On April 11, a Syrian local source told #AlMayadeen that al-Droubi had suffered serious injuries in a shooting incident in the city.

According to the source, al-Droubi had been affiliated with the Free Syrian Army before 2018 and had recently submitted a request to join the Syrian Ministry of Defense forces.

Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that residents of Busra al-Sham accused members and leaders of the Eighth Brigade of attempting to assassinate and detain individuals who had recently aligned themselves with the Ministry of Defense. However, no further details were provided.

Al Mayadeen English (Twitter)

The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Esmail Baqaei, announced on X that he, along with a group of his most experienced colleagues, is heading to Muscat as part of a delegation led by the Iranian foreign minister.

He emphasized that Iran is committed to utilizing all available capacities to safeguard its national authority and interests.

Indirect talks between Iran and the #UnitedStates will begin in Oman today, April 12.

Delegations from both sides are expected to arrive in Oman's capital, Muscat, before noon, with negotiations scheduled to begin in the afternoon.

The Tasnim news agency confirmed that the Omani prime minister will mediate the discussions.

#Iran

Al Mayadeen English (Twitter)

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has arrived in Muscat, #Oman, leading his country’s delegation for indirect talks with the United States.

Shortly before taking off, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmael Baqaei stressed that Iran remains committed to utilizing all available capacities to safeguard its national authority and interests.

The US delegation is headed by #US President #Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, who reportedly arrived in Oman from #Russia following a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, where Iran’s nuclear program was among the topics discussed.

Witkoff, seen as a key internal proponent of diplomacy, will be joined by State Department nuclear experts.

Republican Congressman, Greg Murphy assaults reporter Stockes for asking about the newly released documents in the JFK files implicating Israel’s involvement in JFK’s assassination
https://www.brighteon.com/8f33eb08-d957-4394-a3b6-a903fe083af1

Republican Congressman, Greg Murphy assaults reporter Stockes for asking about the newly released documents in the JFK files implicating Israel’s involvement in JFK’s assassination.

@Real World News
To survive what is coming, read/study: https://thewayhomeorfacethefire.net (https://thewayhomeorfacethefire.net/)https://christs.net/The Gibraltar Messenger : https://gibraltar-messenger.net/

‌Al Mayadeen English (Twitter)

Humanitarian organizations from across the world have been reeling since Donald Trump returned as president in January and abruptly halted most #US foreign assistance money.

#OCHA
en.mdn.tv/8PBu

Al Mayadeen English (Twitter)

The Iranian Foreign Ministry announced that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi delivered the Islamic Republic’s discussion points and stances to his Omani counterpart, Badr al-Busaidi, to be conveyed to the American side.

During the meeting, #Araghchi described Muscat’s hosting of the indirect talks between Iran and the US as a reflection of Oman’s responsible role in regional affairs. He emphasized Iran’s appreciation for the Sultanate’s constructive engagement on regional issues and developments.

For his part, al-Busaidi noted the distinguished nature of the Omani-Iranian relations and thanked the Islamic Republic for choosing Muscat as the venue for these important discussions.

#Iran
#US

Al Mayadeen English (Twitter)

For generations, #US Treasury bonds and other dollar-denominated assets have served as the world’s financial haven, but this week, global investors were confronted with the unsettling realization that these assets may no longer be as safe, nor as reliable, as once believed, Axios reported on Friday.

It emphasized that the events of the past nine days are likely to be remembered as a pivotal moment in economic history, with developments in global trade and financial markets, typically years in the making, unfolding at an unprecedented pace, reshaping expectations daily.

It is the unusual behavior in bond and currency markets that is raising the gravest concerns about global confidence in the US-led financial system that has dominated since the end of World War II, according to Axios.

Read more here: en.mdn.tv/8PBC

Al Mayadeen English (Twitter)

In an interview for #AlMayadeen, Principal Director at the New York Center for Foreign Policy Affairs, Justin Thomas Russell, outlines why a military confrontation with Iran would pose bigger threats to the #US and its regional key partners.

From overstretched Israeli attacks on #Gaza and #Lebanon to American public fatigue over US wars in #Iraq and #Afghanistan and response from regional partners like #Egypt, #Oman, and Saudi Arabia, Russell says the risks far outweigh the gains.

All degrees are not equal. I repeat, all degrees are not equal. A Bachelor degree in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics is by far better than a PhD in political science, sociology, theatre arts, philosophy, religious studies, conflict resolution, library science, public administration, classics, religious studies, mass communication and anthropology, etc.

Except you are already a diplomat, a wealthy politician, or a bored billionaire's child, studying international relations will lead to international frustration! Especially in this age of AI.

It is like competing at the Olympics. If you look at the medal table at any Olympics, a country with only one Gold Medal is always placed above a nation with one hundred Bronze Medals and Fifty Silver Medals but no Gold Medal.

Do not be emotional about what you study. Be intentional. The value of your degree depends on what the labour market thinks about it, not what you feel about it. Ensure you are reading a course of study, not a curse of study that will make you a custody of poverty!

If you must spend four to five years of your life eating a frog, try to ensure it is a big frog. But if you already studied a course that does not fall into the favour bracket of the labour market, do not despair. Learn a skill and you will go uphill!

**5 Benefits of S€x You Must Know **

**It Boosts Intimacy:** Regular sex fosters a deeper connection with your partner over time.

Without sex in a marriage, the relationship can be at risk, as it lacks a vital connecting force.

Each sexual encounter that leads to orgasm triggers the release of oxytocin, a hormone that enhances closeness and strengthens your bond.

**Equips Us to Face Life Together:** While vows signify our commitment, they are just words without the actions that support them.

Engaging in sex helps renew our hopes and commitment, enabling us to pursue life together as a couple.

**Makes Us Feel Wanted and Loved by Our Partners:**

Sex shifts our focus from perceived flaws to our best attributes, reinforcing our standards of attractiveness regardless of appearance.

It also allows us to better understand our bodies and sexual matters, making it easier to discuss these topics with our partners.

**Relieves Stress:** A sexless marriage can increase stress, irrespective of gender, social status, or age. Although stress may diminish our desire for sex, we should not underestimate its importance.

Engaging in sexual activity can alleviate stress and improve our mood, as orgasms boost the production of dopamine in the brain, which helps us feel more relaxed.

**It is One of the Tools for a Happy Marriage:**

Research indicates that couples who engage in sex more frequently tend to be happier than those who do not.

It creates an atmosphere of joy in your marriage, as both partners bond and connect on a deeper level.

Nice pics

Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing mothers out there.

Mummy, you are beautiful
You are Strong
Your are a warrior
You will age beautifully well
Your children's children will surround your table
God sees your inputs and he'll reward you heavily
I celebrate you today and always

***********
Pics-My beautiful Sis in-luv

ROLES YOU SHOULD PLAY AS A GOOD WIFE

• Every man wants a good wife, and every woman wants to be one.
• The advice given most often to a new bride is to be a good wife but what does this mean?
What are the makings of a perfect or good wife? Most of the qualities needed to be a good wife are already there in a woman, and the rest can be developed or learned. Marriage is not an easy relationship to maintain. With countless marriages ending up in divorce, it is high time to shed some light on what makes a successful marriage.
• The wife is, in the truest sense, the soul of any marriage and without her, the household would be chaotic. So what does a woman need to be a good wife? Irrespective of the fact that no two women are similar, some basic qualities apply to all. Read on to know more.

1. STOP NAGGING
There is a saying in which a nagging wife is compared to a dripping faucet. If you nag and complain constantly, it can create an unwanted rift between you and your husband. This could turn into a vicious cycle, forcing him to avoid you. This can create complications in your relationship and even make them worse as time passes. You cannot expect your husband to like you if he feels that you are constantly disappointed with him. Nagging does not work, so it is best to stop it. Instead, talk to him in a way that makes him want to listen to you and resolve any problems that you might be having. The communication between you will improve by leaps and bounds.

2. KEEP YOUR HOME ORGANIZE
Would you want to live in a messy house? Of course not! Your husband does not want to either. Keep your house neat and clean at all times. The healthy environment at home will uplift his spirits and mood. Think of creative ways to make your home a peaceful sanctuary for him. Chores can be a pain, but by doing them, you can make him dependent on you and miss you when you are not around! There is a quote that goes, “A wife is a friend first, a lover second and third and probably most important, a maid.” Your husband will appreciate all that you do for him and your home, and is sure to think he is the luckiest man to have a wife like you!

3. BE UNPREDICTABLE
Opinions differ when it comes to the question of whether or not unpredictability is a good thing in marriage. Many people feel that being unpredictable keeps things exciting between couples. If things are too predictable in any relationship, it can get boring… and fast! Spice up things in your marriage by surprising your husband as often as you can. It can be in little ways – romantic or cheeky. You can come up with plenty of creative ways to surprise him, but keep in mind that even simple gestures such as cooking his favorite meal or snack will do. The central idea is to surprise him now and then and keep him guessing about what might be next. It is also an excellent way to make him discover the other side of you.

4. GIVE HIM SPACE
Giving each other space is important in any relationship. You need to realize and accept that your husband has a life separate from you. He has other people and relationships too, such as his parents, siblings, and friends. He also has his interests and hobbies. Do not stop him from having this other life. Give him as much space as he needs. This will make him love you more. You also need space and time to do what you like. This will give you and your husband time to miss each other, and appreciate each other.

5. EXPRESS YOUR LOVE
Hiding love does not help your relationship. Your partner will appreciate if you are expressive about your love for him. Find ways to spend time together. Take part in activities that you both enjoy and some that he enjoys more than you. Small gestures are more than enough to show him that you love him. Celebrate the little things with him, remember special days in his life and get occasional gifts that will make him smile. These acts will bring him joy and the special moments and memories you create for him will make him love you more.

6. BE HONEST
A man will trust you only if you are open with him. It is important for you to be honest with your feelings. Trust your husband with everything. Do not keep secrets from him. There has to be mutual trust for a relationship to succeed. Ask him how his day was and let him know about yours. Also, if there is anything that bothers you, have an honest talk with him. Your honesty will encourage your husband to be so. This can only strengthen your relationship and marriage.

7. COMMUNICATE:
Good communication is crucial for a successful marriage. As mentioned earlier, do not nag when problems arise, whether it is in your relationship or at home. Have calm heart-to-hearts instead of going hostile on him when something bothers you. When you communicate properly with your husband, he will be willing to listen to you. It will also make him want to communicate with you. Good communication is a great way to cement your bond. Your husband will appreciate the fact that you would rather sit down and discuss things than yell at him. This will make you exceptional!

8. IMPROVE COMPATIBILITY
Many personality traits attract you and your husband to each other, making you compatible as a couple. However, they may not hold up over time. If any dissimilarity crops up, you cannot simply call yourselves incompatible. You need to understand that compatibility is not something that you have; instead, it is something that you make. As a good wife, you need to make sure that you do not grow apart from your husband. You need to make yourself compatible with your husband. Are you wondering how you can achieve this? It is simple really – you can get along better with your husband by improving your relationship skills. This includes resolving conflicts and making compromises. Remember the words “A perfect wife is one who does not expect a perfect husband.” You can make sure that you and your husband eventually become soul mates by creating compatibility.

9. POSSESS POSITIVE QUALITIES
To be a good wife, you need to possess positive qualities. You need to be warm, kind, pleasant, caring, affectionate, friendly, positive and understanding. You need to be reliable, responsible and make your husband have confidence in you. Your warm welcome with a smile will relax him after a long and hard day at work. Be loyal to him and support him in his failures and successes. Be there for him especially when things are tough, whether at home or work.

10. LOOK GOOD
It may seem trivial, but it is not. Take care of yourself and look good after marriage. Many women make a mistake of ignoring their looks after marriage. The fact is that looks will keep your husband attracted to you. Make sure that his attention is on you. Maintain your health as well, as good health reflects on your looks and mood. Men love having a wife who takes care of herself and looks good. Looking good will boost your confidence and self-esteem, and make you attractive to your husband.

11. GO ON DATES
You may be having bigger responsibilities on your shoulders, but those should not be a hindrance to romance. The spark between you and your husband need not die out. Go on dates whenever you can, like you used to do before you got married. Go out for a romantic meal or arrange a picnic for two. Go for dinner and a movie like you used to. A great date will leave a lasting impression. Going out now and then will rekindle the romance. It will do your relationship wonders. Your husband is sure to be thankful for the wonderful dates and for recreating the magic.

12. ACCEPT HIS FRIENDS
After you get married, you accept each other’s lifestyle as long as it does not threaten the peace and joy of your marriage. The same goes well for friends. Understand that your husband has friends, and he needs to spend some time with them, maybe a night of poker or at a game. Take the time and effort to get to know his friends and realize that they hold a special place in your husband’s heart. Be his friend by accepting his friends. Women who try to keep their husbands away from their friends, do that in vain. It is not healthy. He will love you for making an effort to know his friends and welcome.

13. BE HIS BEST FRIEND
The best marriage is the one where the couple is each other’s best friend. Nothing is better than being in love with your best friend. This is a love that is deep, strong and genuine. Allow a healthy friendship to develop between you and your husband, and see what a difference it makes to your life. Your marriage will rock.

14. CHOOSE FIGHT SMART:
Do you know of any marriage that does not have fights? In fact, every relationship has its share of differences. A good wife knows which fights to choose. You need to know which fights are necessary and which are not. No one willingly gets into a fight, but some problems and topics are just too petty to waste your energy. A harmless “Hi” that your husband says to an old friend when they bump into each other after a long time or a work thing that he cannot get out of are not something that you should fight about. They are simply not worth it and will not make your marriage any good. So think twice the next time you get angry.

15. BE YOURSELF
You and your husband are now partners for life. You will probably spend the rest of your lives together. This means that you need to be yourself, and also, allow your husband to do the same. A good wife brings out the best in her husband but never tries to change him. Be the unique person that you are. This way, you will appreciate and love each other for who you are and that is one of the most important things in a successful marriage.

16. PRAY FOR YOUR HUSBAND

A praying wife is a winning wife. If you must get the best out of your marriage, pray for your husband always. Stand in gap for your marriage. Prayerfully destroy the spirit of marital crisis, misunderstanding, divorce etc. Don't wait until there are crisis before you pray for your home. STUDY THE WORD OF GOD AND PRAY FOR YOUR HOME WITHOUT CEASING

You will not fail in marriage in Jesus name

the framework of ideas and practices
Fertility of agriculture, of edible animals, and of the human population was a paramount factor in the life and religion of the ancient Middle East. The forms that the fertility rites assumed varied from region to region, depending on climate and geography. Rain and dew were all-important in Canaan but of little significance in Egypt. In both areas water was crucial, but the source of the life-giving water was entirely different. The agricultural year varied in the two regions. In Egypt the year was divided into three seasons: inundation, sowing, and harvest. In Canaan there were two seasons: the winter, characterized by rain

The population desired the normal pattern of times and seasons, so that “seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease” (Genesis 8:22). But since the seasonal pattern is not dependable, the need for order evoked a system of cycles, notably the sabbatical, or seven-year, cycle. The sabbatical year was the seventh year, and the jubilee year followed seven sabbatical cycles. This was a pervasive system in the ancient Middle East. A Ugaritic liturgical text specially designed for this phenomenon aims at terminating a sabbatical cycle of privation and ushering in one of fertility by celebrating the birth and triumphal entrance of the deities Shahar (“Dawn”) and Shalim (“Dusk”), whose advent brings an abundance of food and wine.

Related Topics: Mesopotamian religion ancient Egyptian religion ancient Iranian religion Syrian and Palestinian religion Anatolian religion
It was only natural that fertility rites should include sexual myths that were acted out dramatically. The Ugaritic text just alluded to describes El, the head of the pantheon, copulating with two human women. This has echoes in Hosea and Ezekiel where God, as in the Canaanite literary tradition, is referred to as having a love affair with two women, symbolizing Judah and Israel. The Hebrews, however, eventually eliminated sex from their official theology as well as from their religious practices. Up to the time of King Josiah’s reform (621 bc) there was a women’s cult of Asherah (under qedeshim auspices [consecrated for fertility practices], according to 2 Kings 23:7) in the Jerusalem Temple, alongside the male cult of Yahweh. Asherah’s devotees considered her the chief wife of Yahweh, even as she was the wife of El, head of the Canaanite pantheon, for in the Bible El is identified with Yahweh. But Josiah eliminated the cult of Asherah, and official Judaism has since then left no place for other gods, which meant the elimination of every goddess. Popular religion, to be sure, persisted in the female fertility principle until the destruction of the Temple in 586 bc. In Judaean excavations Astarte figurines were found in private homes down to that time. Further purification of the Hebrew religion, which was intensified by the catastrophe of 586, put an end to the practice of pagan fertility rites, including the use of goddess figurines. Without goddesses there could be no sexual activity in the pantheon, and thus Judaism has developed without a divine mother figure.

The ancient Middle East made a place for homosexuality and bestiality in its myths and rites. In the Asherah cult the qedeshim priests had a reputation for homosexual practices, even as the qedeshot priestesses for prostitution. Israel eventually banned both the qedeshim and qedeshot, while in Ugarit the qedeshim and kohanim were priestly guilds in equally good standing. Baal is portrayed in Ugaritic mythology as impregnating a heifer to sire the young bull god. The biblical book of Leviticus (18:22–27) bans homosexuality and bestiality expressly because the Canaanite population had been practicing those rites, which the Hebrews rejected as abominations.

Phoenician/Punic sites include an area called the tophet that contains large numbers of infant burials. One explanation of the tophet is that it reflects a major aspect of a fertility cult in which the first-born child belonged to the deity. The deity rewarded the parents who had sacrificed their child with future fertility. In the Hebrew Bible, just as the firstfruits of the harvest belong to God, so do the first-born of the people and their domestic animals (Exodus 13:1, 12–13, 15).

The actual cases in the literature do not always specify infant sacrifice. The Bible describes how King Mesha of Moab sacrificed his crown prince to avert a military disaster (2 Kings 3:27). King Ahaz of Judah sacrificed his son in pagan fashion (2 Kings 16:3). King Manasseh of Judah sacrificed his sons by fire (2 Chronicles 33:6), filling Jerusalem with innocent blood.

The Jewish practice of redeeming a first-born son at the age of one month (Numbers 18:16–17) appears to be a milder substitute for the practice of child sacrifice. Another alternative to sacrificing a child was to dedicate it to the service of God. Hannah, by fulfilling her vow to dedicate her first-born, Samuel, to God’s service (1 Samuel 1:27–28) was rewarded by the birth of five other children whom she and her husband could keep for themselves (1 Samuel 2:20–21).

According to ancient views, the myth came first, and the rite imitated or reenacted it. This sequence, however, is not necessarily the order in which religion develops. Rites can be very tenacious, and when the origin of a rite has been forgotten, a myth has often been invented to explain it.

Types of religious organization and authority
Religion occurs at different levels of society: personal, familial, local, national, and international. At the personal and international extremes there is need for but little organization. And yet in religion, as the people of the ancient Middle East saw it, there was a progression from one stage to the next. In the early myths of Genesis, God and Noah have direct personal relations. This leads to a covenant between God and all who went out of the ark: birds and beasts as well as mankind (Genesis 9:9–10). Through the sons of Noah and their descendants, who form the nations of the world (Genesis 10), there is a theoretical progress to international religion. This scheme of the relations between God and mankind, from the personal to the universal level, mirrors the historical record of religion. Judaism (followed later by Christianity and Islām) traces “the Religion” back to Abraham, who had personal and direct relations with God, as was customary in the ancient Middle Eastern milieu. Abraham’s intimacy with God is similar to the intimacy between Odysseus and the Greek goddess Athena. The next step is a covenant between a particular deity and a particular person, binding the two together in a contractual relationship for all eternity from generation to generation. Such covenants were not rare; the Hittite King Hattusilis III made such a covenant with Ishtar. Abraham’s covenant is unique simply because it was the only one destined to last in history.

The descendants of able men who established a dynasty or tradition would worship the God of their father, or fathers, and adhere to the original covenant. Genesis 31 portrays Jacob and Laban swearing by their respective ancestral gods: Jacob by the god(s) of Abraham and Laban by the god(s) of Nahor. Once a group expanded into a federation of clans or tribes, religious organization became necessary. A central shrine (such as the one at Shiloh in Israel) for amphictyonic (religious confederational) pilgrimage festivals required a professional priesthood and other religious personnel to take care of sacrifices, give oracular guidance, interpret dreams and omens, as well as to provide instruction. In an amphictyony of 12 tribes, each tribe could render federal service for religious and secular purposes, one month each year. A special tribe (such as the Levites in Israel, or the Magians in Iran) could be dedicated full-time to cultic duties.

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Nature: the framework of ideas and practices
Fertility of agriculture, of edible animals, and of the human population was a paramount factor in the life and religion of the ancient Middle East. The forms that the fertility rites assumed varied from region to region, depending on climate and geography. Rain and dew were all-important in Canaan but of little significance in Egypt. In both areas water was crucial, but the source of the life-giving water was entirely different. The agricultural year varied in the two regions. In Egypt the year was divided into three seasons: inundation, sowing, and harvest. In Canaan there were two seasons: the winter, characterized by rainfall, and the summer, characterized by dew. The year was punctuated by different agricultural activities, as is indicated in the Gezer Calendar, in which all 12 months are accounted for as times of profitable agricultural activity, with harvests in the rainless summer as well as in the green winter. Anxiety was caused by the uncertainty of rain in the rainy season and of dew in its season. All of the regions of the ancient Middle East schematized the blessing of good years and the threat of bad years in terms of seven-year cycles. A Mesopotamian text illustrating this is the Gilgamesh epic (8:101–113), in which the slaying of the hero Gilgamesh would initiate seven lean years. At Ugarit the slaying of the hero Aqhat evokes a curse depriving the land of rain and dew for seven (or, climactically, eight) years. The seven lean and seven fat years in the biblical story of Joseph in Egypt reflect the same system. In Egypt, of course, rain and dew are out of the picture; instead, generous Nile risings mean prosperity; inadequate risings in the season of inundation spells misery. A text of the Ptolemaic period (4th–1st century bc), purporting to record events of the Pyramid age, tells of seven lean years in the reign of Djoser (3rd dynasty; i.e., c. 2650–c. 2575 bc). The pharaoh appealed to the gods, who responded by restoring an abundant flow of the Nile.

The population desired the normal pattern of times and seasons, so that “seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease” (Genesis 8:22). But since the seasonal pattern is not dependable, the need for order evoked a system of cycles, notably the sabbatical, or seven-year, cycle. The sabbatical year was the seventh year, and the jubilee year followed seven sabbatical cycles. This was a pervasive system in the ancient Middle East. A Ugaritic liturgical text specially designed for this phenomenon aims at terminating a sabbatical cycle of privation and ushering in one of fertility by celebrating the birth and triumphal entrance of the deities Shahar (“Dawn”) and Shalim (“Dusk”), whose advent brings an abundance of food and wine.

Related Topics: Mesopotamian religion ancient Egyptian religion ancient Iranian religion Syrian and Palestinian religion Anatolian religion
It was only natural that fertility rites should include sexual myths that were acted out dramatically. The Ugaritic text just alluded to describes El, the head of the pantheon, copulating with two human women. This has echoes in Hosea and Ezekiel where God, as in the Canaanite literary tradition, is referred to as having a love affair with two women, symbolizing Judah and Israel. The Hebrews, however, eventually eliminated sex from their official theology as well as from their religious practices. Up to the time of King Josiah’s reform (621 bc) there was a women’s cult of Asherah (under qedeshim auspices [consecrated for fertility practices], according to 2 Kings 23:7) in the Jerusalem Temple, alongside the male cult of Yahweh. Asherah’s devotees considered her the chief wife of Yahweh, even as she was the wife of El, head of the Canaanite pantheon, for in the Bible El is identified with Yahweh. But Josiah eliminated the cult of Asherah, and official Judaism has since then left no place for other gods, which meant the elimination of every goddess. Popular religion, to be sure, persisted in the female fertility principle until the destruction of the Temple in 586 bc. In Judaean excavations Astarte figurines were found in private homes down to that time. Further purification of the Hebrew religion, which was intensified by the catastrophe of 586, put an end to the practice of pagan fertility rites, including the use of goddess figurines. Without goddesses there could be no sexual activity in the pantheon, and thus Judaism has developed without a divine mother figure.

The ancient Middle East made a place for homosexuality and bestiality in its myths and rites. In the Asherah cult the qedeshim priests had a reputation for homosexual practices, even as the qedeshot priestesses for prostitution. Israel eventually banned both the qedeshim and qedeshot, while in Ugarit the qedeshim and kohanim were priestly guilds in equally good standing. Baal is portrayed in Ugaritic mythology as impregnating a heifer to sire the young bull god. The biblical book of Leviticus (18:22–27) bans homosexuality and bestiality expressly because the Canaanite population had been practicing those rites, which the Hebrews rejected as abominations.

Phoenician/Punic sites include an area called the tophet that contains large numbers of infant burials. One explanation of the tophet is that it reflects a major aspect of a fertility cult in which the first-born child belonged to the deity. The deity rewarded the parents who had sacrificed their child with future fertility. In the Hebrew Bible, just as the firstfruits of the harvest belong to God, so do the first-born of the people and their domestic animals (Exodus 13:1, 12–13, 15).

The actual cases in the literature do not always specify infant sacrifice. The Bible describes how King Mesha of Moab sacrificed his crown prince to avert a military disaster (2 Kings 3:27). King Ahaz of Judah sacrificed his son in pagan fashion (2 Kings 16:3). King Manasseh of Judah sacrificed his sons by fire (2 Chronicles 33:6), filling Jerusalem with innocent blood.

The Jewish practice of redeeming a first-born son at the age of one month (Numbers 18:16–17) appears to be a milder substitute for the practice of child sacrifice. Another alternative to sacrificing a child was to dedicate it to the service of God. Hannah, by fulfilling her vow to dedicate her first-born, Samuel, to God’s service (1 Samuel 1:27–28) was rewarded by the birth of five other children whom she and her husband could keep for themselves (1 Samuel 2:20–21).

According to ancient views, the myth came first, and the rite imitated or reenacted it. This sequence, however, is not necessarily the order in which religion develops. Rites can be very tenacious, and when the origin of a rite has been forgotten, a myth has often been invented to explain it.

Types of religious organization and authority
Religion occurs at different levels of society: personal, familial, local, national, and international. At the personal and international extremes there is need for but little organization. And yet in religion, as the people of the ancient Middle East saw it, there was a progression from one stage to the next. In the early myths of Genesis, God and Noah have direct personal relations. This leads to a covenant between God and all who went out of the ark: birds and beasts as well as mankind (Genesis 9:9–10). Through the sons of Noah and their descendants, who form the nations of the world (Genesis 10), there is a theoretical progress to international religion. This scheme of the relations between God and mankind, from the personal to the universal level, mirrors the historical record of religion. Judaism (followed later by Christianity and Islām) traces “the Religion” back to Abraham, who had personal and direct relations with God, as was customary in the ancient Middle Eastern milieu. Abraham’s intimacy with God is similar to the intimacy between Odysseus and the Greek goddess Athena. The next step is a covenant between a particular deity and a particular person, binding the two together in a contractual relationship for all eternity from generation to generation. Such covenants were not rare; the Hittite King Hattusilis III made such a covenant with Ishtar. Abraham’s covenant is unique simply because it was the only one destined to last in history.

The descendants of able men who established a dynasty or tradition would worship the God of their father, or fathers, and adhere to the original covenant. Genesis 31 portrays Jacob and Laban swearing by their respective ancestral gods: Jacob by the god(s) of Abraham and Laban by the god(s) of Nahor. Once a group expanded into a federation of clans or tribes, religious organization became necessary. A central shrine (such as the one at Shiloh in Israel) for amphictyonic (religious confederational) pilgrimage festivals required a professional priesthood and other religious personnel to take care of sacrifices, give oracular guidance, interpret dreams and omens, as well as to provide instruction. In an amphictyony of 12 tribes, each tribe could render federal service for religious and secular purposes, one month each year. A special tribe (such as the Levites in Israel, or the Magians in Iran) could be dedicated full-time to cultic duties.

“5 THINGS NO ONE TALKS ABOUT BEFORE MARRIAGE"

Sometime ago, I told a married friend of mine I was going to wash his car for free in exchange for some delicious marriage advice that they hardly discuss in Church.

I mean like practical everyday things my partner and I should know before we walk down the altar, not the regular 'submit to your husband, love your wife like you love yourself, only missionary style is godly, respect your in-laws, and all other things they teach us on the surface that we have heard and tired.

I washed his car cheerfully after he shared these 5 deep facts with me, I believe it will bless you too...

05- EMOTIONAL TEMPERAMENTS: Do not wait until marriage to find out how deeply emotional your partner can be, and to what limits.

What are his breaking points? How does she deal with a fight? How do we apologize after a disagreement? Is keeping mute or ignoring your calls her own idea of avoiding a fight? Does he love to be left alone after an argument as a way of avoiding a confrontation? It is so important that you talk about these things when the 'I love you' is still fresh, to help you have a good knowledge of your partner's reactions when they come.

04- HOLIDAYS AND TRADITIONS: Wow! Holidays can be so wonderful together, but where do we spend most of our holidays? And with whose parents do we spend it with, mine or yours? Is it okay for my family and relatives to come around for a holiday? Whose family traditions do we pass on to our children?

You might think 'naaa, this isn't important' , but wait until marriage when one mother in-law decides it's her right to be visiting the family every weekend while the other mother in-law is not happy she only gets to see her grandchildren once every Christmas.

03- SPIRITUAL TEMPERAMENTS: it is not enough to know that your partner is a Christian, God-fearing, and all other pretty Christian stories we make up to qualify a spouse!

How is his relationship with God? How does she reflect her excitement about God with other people around her? Does your partner charge you to get intimate with God? Does he approve of morning devotions? Does he approve of raising an altar for God in the house? What are their beliefs about tithing and seeding? Where do they stand concerning faith principles like first fruits and charity? I hope you know it is possible to have a prayer strength of 6 hours and still not believe in seeding.

02- HOUSE HOLD DUTIES: this is one thing we never talk about. Women do all the chores right? But WRONG! Unless you are comfortable with playing the ‘complete house wife duty’, then you’ve got to talk about who does the what, at what times, and at what conditions? Whose turn to look after the baby, who drops them off at school and back, who takes the car to work, who pounds the fufu? Etc. Heheheeheh, I can hear some unromantic men saying “Godforbid I cannot pound any fufu after paying the bride price”. Lol

01- MONEY STUFF: some of us are more comfortable with our boyfriend taking us to exotic places to eat and drink lavishly, buy us expensive gift presents, and spend big on extravagant dates. But we forget to pay attention to his ability to manage his finances, spending habits, credit history, and bills. What will our budget look like? How should we save? How do we invest? How much does she earn? What is she bringing to the table?

00- SEX: hehehe, I would have loved to talked about this too, but the strong things he shared with me, hmmmm, if I share them here some people will start dreaming dreams and seeing visions in this cold weather. Soo bye bye!

There are a lot more cardinal points than the above listed five, things like love language, family orientation, business sense, adversity quotient, core values and principles e.t.c. but sadly, the majority focus more on physical appearance, pocket strength and sexual ability. We live in a society where men especially are weighed by their pocket strengths and gbola size. Frivolities have become priorities in these present days and it's so sad.
But God will Help us to choose right & love right.

If you see a future with that partner of yours, and you haven’t taken time to deal with these topics yet, please hurry and get on with it. Because this will become the big talking point a day after the WEDDING.

Written by: Peter D'Rock