Good morning.

OPEN HEAVEN DAILY DEVOTIONAL

DATE: FRIDAY JUNE 13TH 2025

THEME: PRAYERS FOR YOUTHS

MEMORISE: Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 2 Timothy 2:22

READ: Ecclesiastes 11:9-10
9 Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes: but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.

10 Therefore remove sorrow from thy heart, and put away evil from thy flesh: for childhood and youth are vanity.

PRAYERS:
1 Father, I thank You for all the Christian youths across the world. Thank You for this new generation that You have chosen to show forth Your glory.

2 Father, please let all the youths in my community and around the world who are yet to accept Jesus as their Lord and Saviour be convicted by the Holy Spirit to surrender their lives to You.

3 Father, please guide the youths as they make decisions in their education, careers, relationships, and other areas of life. Help them to make the right decisions in line with Your will for their lives, in Jesus' name.

4 Father, please keep the youths focused on You. Help them to grow deeper in love with You, in Jesus' name.

5 Father, please help the youths break all negative generational patterns. May they not repeat the mistakes of past generations, in Jesus' name.

6 Lord, I come against any agenda of the enemy concerning the youths around me. They will not die, but they will live to show forth the glory of God and become terrors to the kingdom of darkness, in Jesus' name.

7 Lord, please help the youths overcome the devil's plans to indoctrinate them with perverse morals and cultures. I decree that his evil doctrines will have no influence over them, in Jesus' name.

8 Father, please set the youths on fire for You. Let them rise in every part of the world, speaking boldly about You and influencing their communities for Your Kingdom, in Jesus' name.

9 Father, please let Your excellent Spirit rest on every youth. Bless them with Your wisdom and creativity, and make them agents of positive change in their societies, in Jesus' name.

10. Father, please strengthen the youths to overcome temptations, depression, stress, and anxiety. Empower them with good health and a sound mind to deal with all of life's challenges, in Jesus' name.

11. Father, help the youths develop the right sense of responsibility that will make them excellent leaders, in Jesus' name.

12 Your personal prayer points for the youths around you.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalms 43-49

AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A ADEBOYE

HYMN 22: SWEET HOUR OF PRAYER

1 Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
that calls me from a world of care,
and bids me at my Father's throne
make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief,
my soul has often found relief,
and oft escaped the tempter's snare
by thy return, sweet hour of prayer!

2 Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
the joys I feel, the bliss I share
of those whose anxious spirits burn
with strong desires for thy return!
With such I hasten to the place
where God my Savior shows his face,
and gladly take my station there,
and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

3 Sweet hour of prayer! sweet hour of prayer!
thy wings shall my petition bear
to him whose truth and faithfulness
engage the waiting soul to bless.
And since he bids me seek his face,
believe his word, and trust his grace,
I'll cast on him my every care,
and wait for thee, sweet hour of prayer!

*LESSONS FOR WOMEN IN MARRIAGE! +18*
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaGhjo07tkjCfXdy322U

Most women complain of sexual dissatisfaction but the question you should be asking yourself is: Are you playing your part as a woman? Do you know the things that turn your man on? Do you know that a man needs to be caressed and complimented in order to feel like making love to you?

May You Try This It May Help:

1. Be romantic, playful, and spontaneous. Touch your man play with his body flirt with him on the phone compliment him always tell him you love him send him dirty suggestive messages.


2. Please do not be afraid: Ashamed or irritated to take him into your mouth it's exciting once you get the hang of it.

3. Allow him unlimited access to your body: Allow him to go down on you. Do not hide your sensitive areas: surely why do hide your breasts ears and womanhood then claim he can't turn me on.

4. Show him you like sex too: It kills a man's ego when he struggles to get it by the time he starts doing it he will be tired from wrestling with you and talking to you to convince you to have it please please if you can convince your man that you also like it and enjoy it it's very important.

Your man thrives to bring you the latest album of your favorite musician which will stop him from bringing you a new style of sex if he knows you like it.

5. Respond to his lovemaking: Do not lie there like you are dead run your hands on his back and spread out those legs for him and move up to meet him, moan and groan, hiss like a snake.

6. If he hits the right spot say it and show it: Urge him on and hold him tight there, speak in tongues.

7. Suggest positions: And fully participate in your favorite position do not be afraid to go on top.

8. Satisfy him first he will eventually satisfy you: Make him happy and allow him to enjoy you he will return the compliment.

9. Do everything he likes and enjoy pleasing him: You think most men leave you because they got what they wanted: No they would have discovered that you are not enjoying what they are offering you so enjoy what is offered first!

The essence of a soldier lies in their obedience to authority! A true soldier follows instructions diligently. A soldier defends the constitution, which, for a Christian, is the Bible, the Word of God. A genuine soldier respects ranks and accepts orders.

As it says in **2 Timothy 2:3-4 (NIV)**: *"Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer."*

Are you prepared today to be a true soldier of Jesus?

HOW TO LOVE AND HELP YOUR HUSBAND 👱‍♀

An excellent wife is the crown of her husband." - Proverbs 12:4

1. **Respect Him Unconditionally.**

Listen to him and ask for his opinion. Value his advice and follow his guidance. Men have a deep need for respect, so show it in your tone of voice during conversations and how you approach him, especially when you disagree. Ensure your children respect their dad in the same way. Prioritize him over the children and teach them to do the same. Let him know his thoughts matter and that you truly value his input.

2. **Accept Your Husband as Your Spiritual Leader.**

Men are created to lead the family, which doesn’t imply that women are any less significant. It means God has equipped men with certain skills to effectively guide their families. As stated in Ephesians 5:22-23, “the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ also is the head of the church.”

Accepting your husband as your spiritual leader involves recognizing and supporting his role in guiding the family’s spiritual life. Allow him to lead in prayer, Bible study, and spiritual decisions while also contributing your own insights to enrich your family’s faith journey. If he’s struggling in this area, offer your support and encourage him to seek guidance from trusted sources or professional help if necessary.

3. **Listen More.**

Engage and listen when he speaks. While you might want to make him smile, your willingness to listen can be even more impactful.

4. **Be the Best Version of Yourself.**

Show love by striving to become the best person you can be. Your happiness will positively affect your husband’s well-being too.

5. **Contribute Financially.**

Marriage is teamwork; be willing to share your financial resources to help pay the bills. Avoid being stingy with your money.

6. **Be Caring and Compassionate.**

Support him when he has a bad day or celebrate with him on a good day. Show your love and care without waiting for him to get sick or need assistance. Simple gestures like a cup of coffee in bed or a cuddle can mean a lot.

7. **Support His Dreams.**

Be flexible and willing to sacrifice for your husband’s goals. A supportive wife allows a man to push his limits and achieve success. Stand by him as a team, working together toward daily routines and long-term ambitions.

8. **Love Him Unconditionally.**

Be there for him through good times and bad, demonstrating unwavering love.

9. **Give Small Gifts.**

Make your husband feel special every day, not just on special occasions.

10. **Maintain His Wardrobe.**

Wash and iron his clothes, including underwear.

11. **Celebrate His Achievements.**

Recognize and celebrate his successes, no matter how small.

12. **Discipline Your Children Together.**

Avoid saying, “I will report you to your daddy.” Work as a team in parenting.

13. **Spend Money Wisely.**

Utilize any money he gives you judiciously, showing you value his contributions.

14. **Submit to Him** as your lord and king.

15. **Pray for Him Regularly.**

Let him know you’re praying for his well-being, demonstrating care for his spiritual life.

16. **Comfort and Console Him.**

Be there to provide strength and support whenever he needs it.

17. **Be Intimate.**

Prioritize your physical relationship and do not neglect your s€xual intimacy.

18. **Keep a Clean Home.**

Maintain a tidy and organized living space.

19. **Prepare Timely Meals.**

Ensure he is fed and nourished regularly.

20. **Show Appreciation.**

Praise him and express gratitude. Encouragement can motivate him to go the extra mile for you.

21. **Make Him Laugh.**

Lighten the mood by making him laugh daily.

**COUPLES WHO HELP EACH OTHER CAN NEVER BE HELPLESS**

You will not fail in marriage, in Jesus' name.

Please share this message with your loved ones.

*THE RESTORER'S DAILY GUIDE*

DATE: SUNDAY 15TH JUNE 2025

THEME: *PRAY FOR ISRAEL*

MEMORIZE
Psalms 122:6
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

READ
Isaiah 62:1-7 For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.
And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name.
Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.
Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.
For as a young man marrieth a virgin, so shall thy sons marry thee: and as the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy God rejoice over thee.
I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: ye that make mention of the LORD, keep not silence,
And give him no rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise in the earth.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
*Whatever happens to Israel affects the whole world.*

MESSAGE
God's own people; the Israelites are undoubtedly and arguably the most embattled people in all of human history.

They have fought battles from the beginning of their existence as a nation since their exit from their iron masters in Egypt.

They never truly had peace in their supposed promise land.

All through to the genocidal holocaust by the nazis. In it all, they have managed by God's mercy and word of oath to emerge as a strong and enviable democratic nation in the Middle East and around the world.

Today, much more than any other time, they face the greatest threats of annihilation by their avowed enemies.

We need to pray for Israel. If you are reading this devotional guide, then God is calling you to stand with Israel as an intercessor.

There are at least five reasons why we should stand with Israel in prayers.

1. They gave us the Bible; God's Holy Book that has brought restoration and great changes to the whole world. All the inspired writers of the Bible are Jewish people. And more than eighty percent of Bible scenes are Jewish.
2. They gave us the Saviour. Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour came to the earth as a Jew and through the Jewish people.
3. They gave us some of the best technologies in the world. More than ninety percent of the technologies and innovation in today's world are products of the Jewish people.
4. Those who love them prosper. God promised to bless those who bless them and to curse those who curse them. And in today's memory verse, it says; they shall prosper that love her.
5. Israel has produced more men that have shaped and changed the world than probably any other nations on earth. Apart from Bible figures like Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, Moses, Joseph, Daniel, King David, The Lord Jesus Christ and His disciples, Paul the Apostle, we also have the likes of Albert Einstein, Mike Zuckerberg, and many others who positively impacted the world with their innovations.

Beloved, we cannot ignore a people so vitally consequential like the Jewish people.

One of the smallest nations on earth yet so powerful that the whole world shakes when they speak, because of God's covenant with them through their fathers; Father Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Israel is a land that enjoys divine attention perpetually. The Bible describes the land of Israel with these words;
Deuteronomy 11:12 "A land which the LORD thy God careth for: the eyes of the LORD thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year."

*We cannot ignore a people that God is so passionately concerned about...*

*Whatever happens to Israel affects the whole world.*

ACTION STEPS
1. Pray for Israel today, Pray for her peace.
2. Pray for peace in the entire middle east.
3. Pray that you will be ready at all times for the rapture of the church in Christ Jesus.

REMEMBER
*Whatever happens to Israel affects the whole world.*

PRAYERS
Dear heavenly Father, Thank you for today's devotional guide. We ask today for your mercy upon Israel as you remember your sacred covenant with Father Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. We decree peace and tranquility in Israel and in the entire middle east in Jesus name. Amen.

AUTHOR: JEDIDIAH DAVID

DAILY READING: Deuteronomy 28-29; Psalms 122-123; Matthew 24-25;

HYMN
1
Guide me, O Thou great Jehovah,
Pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but Thou art mighty;
Hold me with Thy powerful hand
Bread of heaven,
Feed me till I want no more.

2
Open now the crystal fountain,
Whence the healing waters flow;
Let the fiery, cloudy pillar,
Lead me all my journey through:
Strong Deliverer,
Be Thou still my strength and shield.

3
When I tread the verge of Jordan,
Bid my anxious fears subside;
Bear me through the swelling current,
Land me safe on Canaan’s side:
Songs of praises
I will ever give to Thee!

PLEASE SHARE

Top 10 Herbs We Should All Have At Home.
(Personally i can't remember the last time I took any drug or medicine and sincerely I don't fall sick, same for my household).

Moderate Consumption of These 10 Powerful Herbs Can Transform Your Health.

Some of these herbs are available in capsule form for those who can't access the raw versions. Please consult a healthcare professional for proper dosage.

Herbs and Their Benefits:
(1) Moringa.
Nutrients: Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, calcium, iron, potassium, and protein
*Benefits: Supports heart health, digestion, and immune system; reduces inflammation and oxidative stress; helps lower blood sugar and blood pressure levels
(2)Ginger.
Nutrients: Rich in vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium
*Benefits: Aids digestion, reduces nausea and pain; lowers blood sugar levels and cholesterol; supports immune system
(3) Garlic.
Nutrients: Rich in vitamins C and B6, manganese, and selenium
*Benefits: Supports heart health, immune system, and digestion; lowers cholesterol and blood pressure levels; fights infections
(4) Tea Tree Oil
Nutrients: Rich in antimicrobial compounds
*Benefits: Treats skin issues, promotes wound healing, and supports oral health; reduces acne and inflammation
(5) Hibiscus
Nutrients: Rich in vitamins C and E, calcium, and iron
*Benefits: Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol levels; supports liver health and digestion; rich in antioxidants
(6) Ginkgo Biloba
Nutrients: Rich in flavonoids and terpenoids
*Benefits: Improves cognitive function, memory, and blood flow; supports eye health and anxiety relief
(7) Ginseng
Nutrients: Rich in ginsenosides and eleutherosides
*Benefits: Boosts energy, improves cognitive function, and supports immune system; reduces stress and improves blood sugar control
(8) Cinnamon
Nutrients: Rich in manganese, fiber, and antioxidants
*Benefits: Lowers blood sugar levels, improves insulin sensitivity, and supports heart health; aids digestion
(9) Bitter Leaf
Nutrients: Rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and magnesium
Benefits: Lowers blood sugar levels, improves digestion, and supports immune system; aids detoxification
(10) Turmeric
Nutrients: Rich in curcumin, vitamin C, and potassium
*Benefits: Reduces pain, inflammation, and oxidative stress; supports heart health, cognitive function, and digestion

Consume these herbs in moderation and consult a healthcare professional if necessary.

HOW TO TALK TO YOUR MAN ABOUT A SENSITIVE ISSUE

We sometimes complain that the men don't want to talk or listen. Here's some things that could help..

WATCH YOUR TONE
When upset or frustrated, your tone could easily become sharp, harsh, condescending and full of coldness. A man doesn't like engaging anyone with such a tone. Approach him with peace and the issue will be resolved in peace

TIMING
Straight after work is not the time for a deep talk. One is mentally and physically tired. Let him relax first, put his feet up and approach the subject at a good time

WATCH YOUR EYES
Men get repelled by condescending and mean eyes. I'm sure you would too

DON'T ENGAGE HIM WHEN HE IS DRUNK
If your man is they type that gets intoxicated, don't bother yourself to talk serious issues. Wait till he is sober to have a meaningful talk

DON'T CONFRONT HIM IN FRONT OF YOUR CHILD(REN)
Infront of the kids be cordial, smile, show unity and when it's just you and him, then talk about the issue

DON'T ACCUSE HIM FALSELY
Some women do this. However, this is the easiest way to make him feel attacked and to break the delicate fabric of trust between you two. Before you jump into conclusions, ask him questions politely. Talk with facts. Don't interrogate, politely ask.

DON'T CAUSE A SCENE
A man loses respect for a woman who causes a scene in public or in front of family or friends

SOOTHE HIM
If you want to introduce a topic that has been bothering you, hold on to it. Prepare him his favourite meal, do things that make him feel good. While he is in a good mood, lovingly introduce the issue for discussion

BE IN CONTROL OF YOUR EMOTIONS
If the issue is heavy, be prepared for a conversation that will be heavy on your heart but remain calm and collected. Being frantic and delirious will not aid your cause.

NO INSULTS
Watch your tongue. Keep calm. Insulting him or parading his weaknesses and past mistakes will complicate things. You need him to know you are on the same team

DON'T INTRODUCE OTHER PEOPLE'S OPINIONS
Don't tell him things like 'Even my mum thinks you should...', 'My friend Kajwang who is a man thinks we should...", "Zamira says her husband..." Don't show him you talk about your personal issues with outsiders. Don't show him you value other people's opinion more than his. Don't show him your motivation is based on comparing you two with other couples

BOOST HIS EGO A TAD ;)
Appreciate him more than you criticize him. If you want a man to grow in doing good, praise him for the good he does big and small. When you make him feel like a hero each time he pleases you, he will love pleasing you and will listen moreBest gifts for your loved ones

DON'T BOY HIM
Don't talk down at him. He should never feel disrespected by the woman he has committed to. He hates it when you baby-sit him

DON'T TALK AT HIM
Talk with him. Give him time to speak, don't run your mouth. It should be a two way conversation, not an order

TALK AFTER MAKING LOVE
You can choose to talk about the issue after making love. At that time, both of you are feeling most in love. Talk intimately and peacefully about the issue, he is so receptive to all you say at that timeBest gifts for your loved ones

TAKE HIM ON A DATE
Or you can take him to a place outside home where he will be more conscious of his demeanour in public. An outside setting also breaks the monotony of home. Talk about the issue over a date

DON'T MAKE HIM FEEL UNEASY
Men get unsettled by the words 'We need to talk'. Ease off the pressure by not putting him on the hot seat

DON'T PUSH HIM
Don't pressure him to conclude the issue. If he needs time to think through what you have talked with him about, give him time. Sometimes a man needs to arrange his thoughts in his "me" time. You have had ample time to think about the issue, probably more time than him

BE FLEXIBLE
Perhaps after you talk, he might not see things your way or the outcome may not be as you anticipated. Don't have a fixed mind, you two have to come to a joint agreement. Some times also you will need to exercise patience
Read less.

Important things to remember when you are married or in a serious relationship...✍🏽

Don’t ever assume your partner feels loved.

Date nights are a must.
Doesn’t matter if you go out, or stay in.

Talking openly about what you want to change in your relationship is important.

Learn each others love language. Best gifts for your loved ones
We all don’t perceive love the same way.

Go to bed mad sometimes.
Don’t force a resolution.
Sleeping on it does help.

When you get into a fight, don’t just say “I’m sorry”. Say what you are sorry for, and how you will react differently next time.

It will get boring sometimes. Best gifts for your loved ones
Every couple goes through the “boring” stage.
It’s normal.
It will fade.
This is the time in your relationship you will have to put the most effort in.

Some days you will have to pull more weight than your partner, and vice versa.

It’s important to check in on each other’s mental health.

It’s okay to go to couples counselling.
It helps.
It doesn’t mean you two are ending, or failing.

Talk about money.
Talk about your financial goals.
Let your partner know what you expect from them, and vice versa.

Turn off the phones an hour before bedtime and just talk to each other.

Ask questions like

“What do you need to see more of from me?”
“How can we understand each other better?”

And most importantly, be kind to each other.

Love each other. Best gifts for your loved ones

Fight for each other.

Remember, love is never easy, and it’s one hell of a ride.

But damn, is it ever beautiful, and worth it..
➥𝐼𝑓 𝑖𝑡'𝑠 ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑝𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 & 𝑠ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑒>

see married people what the are doing see how they are shaming their self please shere and comment #trendingvidoe

DAUGHTERS OF JEZEBEL
(Campus war )

Episode 15

Boss here is the boy they said while they were already forcing Dominic Bawa to go down on his knees. Blind folded him. Guys I told you people that I need money like m@d!!! I don't think the money they are going to pay us for this job will be enough. Let's use one stone to keel two birds. Collect hid phone let's call his family member for a ransom and after they send it then we can kpai him.Where is your phone!!! they shouted at him. In.... In ..... Inside my bag !! please don't keel me Dominic begged for his life. They brought out his phone and dial the recent contact which is his poor widow mother 🥹. Hello Dominic how are you doing? Now listen to me!!! this is not Dominic Bawa but he is in our custody. Say hello!! Say hello!! he shouted at Dominic while putting the phone on his ear. ( Remember he is not seeing 🥹 ). Hello mu....mmy he said stammering. Dominic what is happening to you his mother said this time she was already crying . Now you listen to me you this old woman. I will send you an account number right now and you have just ten minutes to transfer the sum of five hundred thousand into it else you will come to the campus and carry your son's d ea d body. Aaaaaaaah his mother shouted. Dominic could hear his mother crying on phone and him too was crying. The most painful part wasn't him being kid n a p e d but hearing his mother cry.
Please don't keel my son for me!!! I don't have money... I'm just a poor widow and that boy doesn't have a father!!! He is only lucky to get into that university by God's miraculous work... He is on scholarship please don't cut short his life for me... His father left me in this world and loosing him I don't think I can't survive it please have mercy on a poor widow . As tears were rushing down his mother's eyes over there on phone so likewise Dominic was crying . But he was also praying in his mind.
It seems the voice of your son is not enough right?? I will snap his picture of him I have here with me and send it to you on through his Whatsapp and the next thing you will hear is g u n shot. Heeeeeeeeeeey God please save my son!!! that was the last thing his mother said before the phone was hang up. Where is the picture??? their leader demanded and it was given to him. Is there any need??? Please waste him let's get out of here. Wait!!!!!! he shouted. He beckon on the guy that wanted to pull the trigger to come closer. Are you sure is the person on this picture that is this??? Yes boss. ****!!!!!! he exclaimed. He actually look at the clothes Dominic was wearing and shouted aaaaah it's true!!!!!!. What happened boss and what is true??? We can't keel him! What??? why ??? No harm must come to him not now, nor ever. He dialed Dominic mother's number again. Hello mummy I am very sorry ma! I was playing with your son. Your son is fine and I sorry the shock this must have caused you. Please can I talk to my son??? He will speak to you in few minutes time he said and hang up the phone. Take him and returned him back to where you carried him he commanded. That was how Dominic Bawa was delivered. Now Donatus the leader of this g an g was the same young man that Dominic gave his loaf of bread to when he was going to lecturer earlier in the morning. The very one who was holding his stomach in pain. When he was told that it was the same person that was on the picture, he actually look at Dominic and realized that was exactly the clothes he was putting on earlier today. You remember when David was the king of Israel, when the enemies encamp them at zigla and took away all their belongings including their wives. And God said run after, overtake and recover. You remember it was one of the enemy soldier who fainted on the way and was abandoned that David and his army met, give him bread and water to drink and when he was revived, he showed them how they can conquer and recover all. Just a little help today, just a little act of kindness today might save you tomorrow.
Donatus went straight to lecturer. Nothing! I repeat absolutely nothing must happen to this boy in this campus else you will have me to contend with he said and threw the picture back to her and left in great anger.. indeed his word say in proverbs chapter 16 vs 7 that when a man's way pleases the Lord, he make even his enemy to be at peace with him"..
Hahaha hahaha hahaha lecturer Mariwa laugh. We shall see about that. DOMINIC MUST DYE!!!!

To be continued

For proper understanding, visit my page to read episodes before this and the ones ahead this. Follow the page to always get notifications on your news feed any time I drop new episode .

THE VILLAGE OF THE TWO HUNDRED EYES
An African Folktale of Communal Wisdom
by
Linda Somiari - Stewart

In the heart of the green valley of N’nika, where hills rolled like the backs of resting lions and baobab trees whispered secrets to the stars, a child was born on a moonlit night.

Her name was Zoya, which means “peace after longing.” Her mother, Amina, had wept for many seasons, her womb quiet like an abandoned fireplace. Her father, Kwaku, had prayed by rivers and planted trees that never bore fruit. But when Zoya arrived, laughter returned to their home like rain after drought.

Now, in many places worldwide, a child is considered the property of the parents. “My daughter,” “my son.” But in N’nika, a child belongs to the people. There, they say, “A child is birthed by four eyes, but nurtured by two hundred.”

And so, Zoya was not only the joy of her mother and father, she was the moonbeam of the village. Her first laugh echoed from hut to hut like festival drums. When she took her first step, an elder carved the memory into wood. When she said her first word—"Maji" (water)—the village griot sang it into the evening fire.

Each villager played their part. Old Mama Binta, whose eyes had dimmed but whose spirit saw clearly, taught Zoya riddles and proverbs. Uncle Sefu, who shaped clay like it was born in his palms, showed her how to mold earth into beauty. Auntie Dede, swift-footed as a gazelle, taught her to dance on the drum’s breath. Even Blind Baba Chikere, who never saw her face, listened to her soul and reminded her, “You are more than what eyes can see.”

One day, when the rains were late and the air cracked with dryness, Zoya, now a child of seven seasons, saw a brilliant green butterfly flutter past. Her eyes widened. She remembered Mama Binta's tale: “The butterfly that glows like emerald flies toward old magic.” Curious, fearless, Zoya followed.

She wandered into the forest, past the watchful iroko tree, into the thick silence where children were told not to stray.
Hours passed. Shadows lengthened. The sun bowed out.

Panic rose like smoke in Amina’s chest. Kwaku’s hands trembled. But before their fear became thunder, the village moved.

Mama Binta said, “She spoke of butterflies this morning.”

Uncle Sefu recalled, “She asked me about the old stone under the iroko tree, the one shaped like wings.”

After pausing her grinding, Auntie Dede added, “I saw her head toward the bush path near the river bend.”
No one said, “Not my child.”
Because Zoya belonged to all of them.

The drum was sounded - not in alarm, but in unity. Two hundred eyes awakened. Old legs and young feet marched. Voices called her name not angrily but with love braided into every syllable.

They found her just as dusk kissed the sky. She sat peacefully beside a stone shaped like wings, humming a song she had learned from Baba Chikere. When asked if she was scared, she said, “No. I knew someone would come. Someone always comes when someone is lost.”

That night, under a sky heavy with stars and the smell of roasted maize, the village held a feast - not just for Zoya’s return, but for the power of many eyes, hands, and hearts.

Zoya grew into a woman of many talents. She became a healer, a teacher, and a singer of old songs. When she had her own child, she did not build a wall around them. She opened her door wide.

And when strangers from far lands encounter her versatility, they would ask, “Who taught you such wisdom?” She would say: “The eyes that watched me were many.
The love that raised me was village-wide and deep.”
And so, dear friend, learn this: The natural order is not to raise any child alone. Whether in Nairobi or New York, Lagos or London, an authentic village is not made of huts and fences - but of hearts willing to see, hands willing to hold, and spirits willing to lift. Please do your best to return the natural order to our neighborhoods and villages.

*EVERY MINUTE, SOMEONE LEAVES THIS WORLD.*

Age has nothing to do with it.

We're all in this queue without realizing it.

We never know how many people are in front of us.

We can't go to the back of the line.

We can't get out of line.

We can't stop moving forward.

So, while we wait in line...

Let's make peace!

Let's do good!

Let's tell the truth!

Let's be honest!

This world will leave us one day, that's for sure.

There's no point holding a grudge against someone who could leave at any moment.

There's no point sending a brother to prison when you yourself could leave first.

What's the point of boasting about putting others down when you could be gone in the next few minutes?

Why do you let yourself be deceived by your money, your social position, and your connections, when you're not the first to have them?

While you seek your brother's death for a piece of land in the village, others exploit your continent and even invade planets.

Evil is ignorance.

Pride is for the foolish.

Selfishness is for the poor.

Betrayal is for the weak.

So let's do good while we're still alive!

Let's use the little time we have left to reveal the secret of life.

This secret seems both simple and absurd.

It's what keeps the world on tenterhooks.

May God bless you richly and abundantly.

TODAY IS OLDER PERSONS' DAY

On this occasion, warmest greetings to all ELDERLY citizens and BEST WISHES for an active and HEALTHY LIFE.
ELDERLY PERSONS should note and seriously follow the SAFETY TIPS mentioned BELOW.

A STUDY conducted in the United States shows that more than 51% of older adults FALL while climbing stairs. Every year, many Americans are killed when they fall while climbing stairs.

EXPERT REMINDER:

*After 60, these 10 actions should be AVOIDED:

1. If you must CLIMB the stairs, hold on tightly to the RAILINGS.

2. Do not TURN your head quickly. Warm up your entire body first.

3. Do not BEND your body to touch your TOES. Warm up your entire body first.

4. Do not STAND up to put on your PANTS or UNDERWEAR. Put them on in a SITTING position.

5. Do not SIT down when you LYING DOWN in bed. SIT down on one side (left or right) of your body first.

6. Do not TWIST your body before EXERCISE. Warm up first.

7. Never WALK BACKWARDS. A FALL backward can cause SERIOUS INJURY.

8. Do not BEND at your HIPS to lift heavy weights. BEND your KNEES and lift a heavy object while SQUATTING.

9. Don't JUMP out of bed. Wait a few minutes before getting up.

10. Don't FORCE your DEFECATION. Let it come NATURALLY.

Another IMPORTANT thing you must be ACTIVE in is to always THINK POSITIVE because LIFE is just beginning NOW.

After all these YEARS of hard work, it's time to enjoy LIFE...

Please pass this on to all the ELDERLY.

This is sent to you out of LOVE and much RESPECT. Please don't FORGET to share it with those around you, my DEAR ONES

SHARING IS KIND ❤