09/01/17. WATCH AND PRAY

Martins: Forgive me my love. I can explain. Ha!

Martina: After two years of waiting for our day of joy, holy solemnization and conjugal bliss; you still think of premarital sex. Martins, remember I warned you. I warned you. I think i know where this is coming from.

Martins: It came from nowhere. Its the devil. Honestly, I can't explain. Gosh!

Martina: Morris taught you this. He influence to start clubbing and drinking yourself to stupor. Such a person shouldn't be your close friend, a man who changes girls like woman wrapper.

Martins: Please don't bring Morris into this. I was drunk and didn't know how lady followed me to my room. Yours truly I am speechless right now. I can't even explain who drove my car.

Martina: Did she rape you? Lord! You willingly gave your body to an harlot? Martins!

Martins: I need forgiveness Martina. God and yours. We've come a long way to part now. Forgive me.

Martina: I kept myself for the man who will deserve me. I prayed to God to reveal hidden things about you to me. This is just the answer to my prayers. As I woke up this morning, the Holy Spirit directed me to your house for no reason. I thought you will dressing up for work by now, not imagining you, being on the bed with an harlot. How long have you been doing this? I travelled for just seven months Martins.

Martins: Jesus! Martina, I am so sorry. My friends and I do hang out once in a while whenever we have course to celebrate. I have been faithful, though clubbing.

Martina: Clubbing? Sunday school teacher! Can you see the impact of ungodly friends?... After several warnings and caution. Enough is enough. Please don't come looking for me. You are so careless. You have no regard for God nor for me. It is over between us.

Martins: No, Martina. You can't do this to me after introduction. Don't  disgrace me please.

Martina: A broken introduction is better than an enduring marriage. Marriage founded on deceit and unfaithfulness. If you can do this before wedding, who knows what will happen afterwards? God will sort you but my advice is that you retrace your steps to God and disassociate yourself from those people you call friends.

Martins: My sunshine, don't do this to me.

Martina: I fasted and prayed for us. Thank God, it was not in vain. Lord I thank you. I've loved you Martins but I love God more. I am also sorry for wasting your precious time in this gambled relationship founded on CLOSE NAMES, 'Martina hooks Martins'. Now a nightmare.

Martins: Not so my dear. God created us for each other. I've always told you. It wasn't a gambled relationship. Our names symbolize a proof of God's will marriage.

Martina: In your dream. Am traveling back to the States first thing tomorrow morning. If you can do this in Nigeria, more should be expected outside.

Martins: Give me another chance to proof my faithfulness to you.

Martina: Third chance? Have you forgotten the day you got angry and slapped me. I gave you another chance but now. God has totally delivered me. I must retrace my steps also. Bye (Weeping bitterly)

Martins: Martina please come back.

#MATTHEW26:41
#WATCHANDPRAY
#ANNIESENTCARES
#HAPPYNEWMONTH
#MUCHMOREFAVOUR
gracedrelationshiprecipe.blogspot.com

08/31/17. APPOINTED TIME 2

GRACED RECIPE
Anyone outside the Plan, Will and Time of God is likened to a walking dead.

"If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come."

#PATIENCEPAYSINTHEKINGDOM
#JOB14:14
#GOODMORNING
#ANNIESENTCARES
#NEWBEGINNING
gracedrelationshiprecipe.blogspot.com

08/30/17. APPOINTED TIME

"There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven."

#WAITFORYOURAPPOINTEDTIME
#ECCLESIASTES3:1AMP
#GOODMORNING
#ANNIESENTCARES
#NEWBEGINNING
gracedrelationshiprecipe.blogspot.com.

08/28/17. SILENT PAIN

I met Christopher precisely on the 28th of May at a pepper soup joint close to my house. To enjoy the evening breeze, I wore a short-knicker jean and a sleeveless top, busy replying my mails as the pepper soup was served. Few seconds after, this tall, elegant and handsome looking young man sat close to me and gave me a hearty smile which I obliged. He introduced himself and I also responded nicely. He is a branch bank manager of a reputable bank in the country. He was returning from office and decided to take pepper soup as a bachelor. Something skipped within me as my face glued to his, 'A bachelor'. Mehn! This man is hot but I must be careful. I'm a Christian and I've heard messages on "Good, Acceptable and Perfect Will of God in Marriage". At thirty four, wrong marriage is my worst nightmare. I'll rather die than marry the wrong man. I'm in love with my career and planned to settle down when thirty five years.
After our taking the soup, he saw me off to my apartment, I mentioned my house being close to him. He took me in his car. Hush! He has a driver. 'Lord help me now', was my silent prayer. I must not allow this cool guy into my apartment tonight. I don't trust myself.
Was I dreaming, what happened to me? I couldn't remember anything from the time I entered his car till he finished with me on my bed.
I roared like a lion. He smiled as he walked out of my room. I don't know this man from Adam.
Where do I run to? Who will trust me on this? What is the way forward?
I sat on my bed half lifeless...Can you imagine what I saw on the floor...he used a protective.
This is my silent pain...I was robbed of my pride.
But what happened to me? I hardly recognize him.

#Proverbs14:12‭-‬13AMP/MSG
The outcome of a wrong path is distrastrous...Lord have Mercy.
#GOODMORNING
#ANNIESENTCARES
#NEWBEGINNING
gracedrelationshiprecipe.blogspot.com

08/27/17. SILENT PAIN

"There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before , But its end is the way of death. Even in laughter the heart may be in pain, And the end of joy may be grief."

"There’s a way of life that looks harmless enough; look again—it leads straight to hell. Sure, those people appear to be having a good time, but all that laughter will end in heartbreak."

#Proverbs14:12‭-‬13AMP/MSG
The outcome of a wrong path is distrastrous
#GOODMORNING
#ANNIESENTCARES
#NEWBEGINNING
gracedrelationshiprecipe.blogspot.com

The dramatic series of Silent Pain begins tomorrow by God's grace.

08/26/17. COMPLETE RESTORATION

GRACED RECIPE

"Those who wept as they went out carrying the seed will come back singing for joy, as they bring in the harvest."

"And now, God , do it again— bring rains to our drought-stricken lives So those who planted their crops in despair will shout hurrahs at the harvest, So those who went off with heavy hearts will come home laughing, with armloads of blessing."

#WeepNoMore
#Psalm126:6GNB
#Psalm126:4‭-‬6MSG
#GOODMORNING
#ANNIESENTCARES
#NEWBEGINNING

gracedrelationshiprecipe.blogspot.com

08/25/17. FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN JOURNEY

"Say to those with fearful hearts, Be strong, and do not fear,... And when he comes, he will OPEN the eyes of the BLIND and UNPLUG the ears of the DEAF."

Say to those with an anxious and panic-stricken heart, “Be strong, fear not! ...He will save you.” Then the eyes of the blind will be opened And the ears of the deaf will be unstopped.

#GODISWITHUFEARNOT
#Isaiah35:4‭-‬5NLT/AMP
#GOODMORNING
#ANNIESENTCARES
#NEWBEGINNING
gracedrelationshiprecipe.blogspot.com

08/24/17. ABSOLUTE TRUST IS REQUIRED FOR SETTLEMENT

"Those who trust in and rely on the Lord [with confident expectation] Are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but remains forever."

"Those who trust in the Lord Are like Mount Zion, Which cannot be moved, but abides forever."

#GODNEVERSLEEPSNORSLUMBER
#PSALM 125:1 AMP/NKJV
#GOODMORNING
#ANNIESENTCARES
#NEWBEGINNING
gracedrelationshiprecipe.blogspot.com

08/23/17. BE STILL 2

"God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us."

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us."

#FearHasTorment,RELAX
#Ephesians 3:20 MSG/NKJV
#GoodMorning
#ANNIESENTCARES
#NewBeginning
gracedrelationshiprecipe.blogspot.com

08/22/17. PEACE 2

Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.

Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

#Stormsaremeanttocomeinallrelationships
#DecreePeace
#Psalm46:10MSG/NKJV
#GoodMorning
#AnnieSentCares
#NewBeginning
gracedrelationshiprecipe.blogspot.com

08/20/17. COMMITMENT TO FOCUS 7

..............................................................
Mercy: I was scared when she mentioned it. I wondered if her salvation was genuine.

Daddy: There's no need to doubt someone else's salvation. Hold on to that which you receive from the Word of God. She will soon be called your mother in-law.

Mercy: Daddy, I can't thank you enough. You've done so much for me and Monso.

Daddy: He fed me back on his meeting with the event planner. Marriage is too expensive here in Nigeria. Let's stick to the new plan.

Mercy: Monso would prefer that. He wanted a low and classic engagement.

Daddy: We'll do the engagement here in Nigeria and the church wedding in my church in US.

Mercy: And his mother agreed to the arrangements?

Daddy: Yes she did. She was even glad that his son's traveling expenses are settled. My house is your house. God has favoured me. I'll see my daughter's children. Jesus is good. I gave him my life and He beautified it. How I wish my wife is here.

Mercy: We are hopeful. She died as a daughter of Zion. We will meet again.

...............................................................
.

Monso: Finally, here we are. We overcame. We didn't know God has a great plan for us. I found my wife and obtained favor from God. I love you so much my dear. Your light brought illumination to my world. Our children will call you blessed.

Mercy: My Heart, this is the Lord's doing and it's marvelous in our sight. Here we are, despite all the distractions, we never give up, we were focused and prayerful, and God beats our widest imagination. I thank God strength awarded me, not to give up especially when i was confused and my friends mocked me.

Monso: My mother's family insisted on fornication and your family wanted another thing...in the midst of all, God showed up. My damsel is lavishing me with love, my junior is kicking mummy so hard in the tummy, my father in-law is a blessing all sons in-law can pray for. My wife's clothing business is fetching a fortune, house rent and job settled in a strange land. God is great.

Mercy: My husband's music ministry is now a blessing to the White. Let's sing your favorite hymns... Count your blessings...name them one by one...It pays to serve Jesus I speak from my heart...(singing)

#Isaiah56:1
#AlwaysFocus
#GoodMorning
#AnnieSentCares
#NewBeginning
gracedrelationshiprecipe.blogspot.com

08/17/2017. COMMITMENT TO FOCUS 6

(After the prayers, a month later Mercy received a call)

Mercy: Hello Aunty.

Aunty: Mercy dear, how are you this morning?

Mercy: Awesome ma.

Aunty: Our God is faithful, He has answered our prayers. Lest I forget, How is Monso?

Mercy: He is good ma. What happened?

Aunty: I got a call in the middle of the night from your father.

Mercy: My own father?

Aunty: Do you know he actually traveled to US?

Mercy: United States?

Aunty: He apologized for his silence and disappearance over the years, he promised to come to Nigeria to see us. The death of your mother really affected him. He said he never knew she had a daughter for him.

Mercy: How come he never know?

Aunty: Your mother wanted to make it a surprise for him. I told you he traveled to Ghana three months after their wedding and your mum did not discover she was pregnant until he left.

Mercy: What kind of surprise was that? What if she does not have a faithful sister like you?

Aunty: This is not the time to condemn your mother who prayed to live but God took her. It is time to thank God. It was like a dream until I woke up this morning.

Mercy: What time did he call you?

Aunty: Around 3am

Mercy: Hmm! Holy Spirit you are great.

Aunty: He is. I guess you had a vigil or something?

Mercy: Aunty, God is faithful. I can't lose both parents like that. Since mum died, I've always told God to search out my father. I can't live as an orphan.

Aunty: God has finally answered your prayers. I will keep you posted on whatever news I received from him. Although I forwarded your phone number to him.

Mercy: OK ma.

Aunty: He wants to meet you in person. You are his only child. He said he has not remarried. He loves your mother so much.

Mercy: For real! So, why his silence all these years? Why didn't he come for the burial? He would have seen me.

Aunty: God makes all things beautiful in His time. Your dad couldn't explain himself very well on the phone. Anyway, we should expect him next week. See me tomorrow evening so that we can plan for his arrival.

Mercy: Thank God I've forgiven him long before now. I will come ma.

Aunty: Alright my dear. Congratulations.

Mercy: I return all the glory to God who has perfected my life.

Aunty: OK dear. Bye.

Mercy: Bye Aunty. I appreciate you so much. You are indeed a mother.

Aunty: God be praised.

To be continued next week by God's grace.

#Psalm94:9
#GoodMorning
#ANNIESENTCARES
#NewBeginning

08/16/17 COMMITMENT TO FOCUS 5

Mercy: I don't understand.

Monso: Why all these at this time?

Mercy: Hmm!

Monso: My dear, I don't want us to worry our head on how God will settle all these challenges. They are mere distractions. We should be committed to what God told us. Remember Philippians 4:6 encouraged us not to be anxious for anything but by prayer and supplications we can table all our requests to God. If it is God, it will surely stand and I am very sure that God is involved in this journey. He will see us through. My love, be focused.

Mercy: I am.

Monso: That's better. Let's join our faith together to seek God. May I have your hands?

Mercy: Sure.

Monso: Pray for us. Jesus answers you women faster.

Mercy: Says which passage of the Bible?

Monso: Its my personal discovery dear. Pray for us.

Mercy: If you insist.

Monso: I do.

Mercy: Our heavenly father we worship your holy name, for we know that all things work together for our good as your children whom you've brought together as pilgrims of a purposeful journey. Lord, let your will be done, we receive glory for our shame.

Monso: Amen

Mercy: We receive divine insight to our confusions, grace to love you and know you is our ultimate desire as we pray and receive with thanksgiving in Jesus name.

Monso: Amen. Halleluyah!

Mercy: My burden is lifted.

Monso: Same here. Let me see you off. As a reminder, I love you Mercy.

Mercy: I love you too Monso.
To be continued...

#Philippians4:6
#GoodMorning
#ANNIESENTCARES
#NewBeginning
gracedrelationshiprecipe.blogspot.com

08/14/17 COMMITMENT TO FOCUS 4

GRACED RELATIONSHIP RECIPE

Monso: My dear, good news...my American visa application was successful.

Mercy: For real! You told me it was not successful last year.

Monso: I reapplied and it turned out a testimony. Guess the second good news.

Mercy: I'm not good with guesses.

Monso: I have my masters international scholarship.

Mercy: Halleluyah! Full scholarship?

Monso: No, its 70:30, with a job permit.

Mercy: God has proved His faithfulness to us. So when is your trip?

Monso: Four months time...July by God's grace.

Mercy: That's okay. We will definitely prepare for it.

Monso: Honey, I have a request.

Mercy: What is it?

Monso: My love, without you my life is incomplete. I can't imagine this trip without first settling down with you my queen.

Mercy: What are you insinuating?

Monso: Can we have a small wedding, settle down before my trip, then, I will know I'm committed to you for the rest of my life and not being afraid of another man taking you before I returned. The little amount in my account should be enough.

Mercy: Marry and you'll leave me here for a two-year course? I'll rather wait unmarried than put myself in marital bondage without my spouse around.

Monso: Bondage as how? My parents will definitely take good care of you. I will discuss with them and thank God you have your business that can keep you busy.

Mercy: My dear, I am so sorry. I can't. I'll rather wait for you to return or send for me before any wedding. My people will not take excuse for a small wedding. They requested for a big one.

Monso: But the situation at hand does not warrant an elaborate wedding.

Mercy: Aunty said you must prepare minimum amount of five hundred thousand naira before our wedding.

Monso: What! For them?

Mercy: I don't understand.

Monso: Why all these at this time?

#John14:1
#GoodMorning
#AnnieSentCares
#NewBeginning
gracedrelationshiprecipe.blogspot.com

08/11/17 ENCOURAGE YOURSELF

Today's Recipe
"Challenges are meant to come. We are surrounded by distractions. We just have to stay focus and encourage ourselves in the Lord."

#Luke14:28
#GoodMorning
#AnnieSentCares
#NewBeginning

gracedrelationshiprecipe.blogspot.com

08/10/17 COMMITMENT TO FOCUS 3

GRACED RELATIONSHIP RECIPE

Rose: What was Monso's response?

Mercy: He ignored the issue as if its nothing.

Rose: That settles it. You don't need to bother yourself.

Mercy: Hmm.

Rose: What is your plan for AY's wedding? Friends total package including our clothe is fifteen thousand naira.

Mercy: I'm not sure I can pay that amount at this time.

Rose: Mercy! Why?

Mercy: The money left in my account is for my business. And moreover, I must work hard at this time to assist Monso's. My family's demand is too high. Although I've not told him.

Rose: How? Your courtship just started. Has he collected the engagement list?

Mercy: No. Aunty advised that he has at least  five hundred thousand naira in his account before fixing wedding date.

Rose: Yes, that's okay, its not much.

Mercy: I understand better Rose. I can't buy AY's clothe for now. I will wear whatever I have.

Rose: Are you saying Monso can not afford to give you twenty thousand naira for a friend's party?

Mercy: He can but not at the moment. He has financial commitments.

Rose: Nawa o. I collect thirty thousand naira as pocket money from my fiance monthly. I see no reason you shouldn't demand for the same.

Mercy: Rose, I have to attend to something urgent now. I will see you next week because I'm traveling this weekend for a church program.

Rose: Mummy G.O, no response to my advice?

Mercy: Where is my bag?

Rose: It's over there.

Mercy: Oh, thanks. Bye. Take care of yourself.

Rose: You do the same.

#Distractionseverywhere
#Luke14:28
#GoodAfternoon
#AnnieSentCares
#NewBeginning

gracedrelationshiprecipe.blogspot.com

09/08/17 COMMITMENT TO FOCUS 2

GRACED RELATIONSHIP RECIPE

Mother: Mercy my dear, your presence in our family will fetch us good fortune.

Mercy: Amen

Mother: You will give birth to boys and girls of noble character in this compound.

Mercy: Amen mama

Mother: The Lord will bless your union with my son.

Mercy and Monso: Amen

Monso: Mama, its OK. I know you are very happy that we finally decided to settle down.

Mother: Joy fills my heart. I will soon carry my grandchild.

Monso: But you already have grandchildren.

Mother: The joy of a good mother is to witness the delivery of all her grandchildren before she dies, without the exemption of any of her children, either first or last born.

Monso: We thank God for your life mama. Our introduction is next month. Prepare your heart. God will bless me to put everything in place.

Mercy: Amen.

Mother: Introduction is not the first thing my son. Have you forgotten the family tradition or it has happened already?

Monso: Mama, I've warned you severally that the family tradition will not be possible in my own case.

Mother: Except I am not your mother or you did not come from this family. Monso!

Mercy: Mama, which tradition is that.

Mother: You must get pregnant before we even decide to see your parents. That's how we've always done it in this family or else, you will be barren for the rest of your life after marriage.

Mercy: God forbid! Jesus Christ.

Monso: I rebuke it for us in Jesus name. We have to go now. Mercy, let's go

Mother: So, you will walk on your mother for reminding you the family truth? Monso!

Monso: Mama, I will come and see you tomorrow. Manage this money. Bye mama

#Luke14:28
#GoodMorning
#AnnieSentCares
#NewBeginning

gracedrelationshiprecipe.blogspot.com

08/08/17. COMMITMENT TO FOCUS

Monso: Mercy, over the years, I grew to love you even as my friend. Your little girl nature trilled me, you love others than yourself. Your love for God is unquestionable. You are very dedicated and devoted to our friendship. God has used for me in many ways, to see the light of His love. I'm not ready to throw all that to the mud.

Mercy: (Smiles)

Monso: Sincerely my dear, I'm delighted in your intelligence, you taught me team ministry, always ready to learn. Mercy, I have a long journey before me which I need you to go with me. I have a purpose i must fulfill which I need your help to achieve. Will you marry me? I need you in my life than just a friend but as my companion.

Mercy: (enthusiastically) For real, your presence brought out all the qualities you listed. God brought you  to me as a blessing, to teach and coach me. You taught me how to follow my heart as long as I have a divine permission. You are the answer to my prayers Monso. I will gladly follow you for I'm sure you have a glorious destination.

Monso: God bless you my dear. You have made my life beautiful. As we begin this journey today, the Almighty God will see us through. His grace is sufficient for us. Mercy I am committed to love you.

Mercy: Thank you Monso. I am also committed to love you too. So help me God.

...............................................................

Yemisi: Congratulations my dear.

Mercy: Thanks Aunty.

Yemisi: I hope you've informed your  parents and pastor.

Mercy: Yes Aunty. They are aware of the whole thing from the start.

Yemisi: That's good. I have little counsel for you.

Mercy: Yes ma.

Yemisi: Its not a licence to premarital sex. Its time to pray and plan together. One more thing, you must not go on with marriage until you have something doing. You must be a good asset to your husband.

Mercy: Yes ma.

Yemisi: Lastly, you dare not tie the knot without enough money in Monso's account,. At least, he must have enough money, let's say five hundred thousand naira, before you move on.

Mercy: Aunty!

Yemisi: In our family, we take poverty as an excuse for silent wedding. Tell him to work hard and gather enough. I'm sure God will bless him.

Mercy: Aunty, thank you ma. He is trying.

Yemisi: Keep my counsels at heart. Enter the kitchen and serve yourself.

Mercy: OK ma.

To be continued...

#Luke14:28
#GoodMorning
#AnnieSentCares
#NewBeginning
gracedrelationshiprecipe.blogspot.com

08/07/17. UNDERSTANDING THE PURPOSE OF MARRIAGE

Review of previous recipes on this theme:

- Identify your purpose before marriage, it serves as a guide.
- Love is a BIG commitment, be prepared.
- Deal with issues of the past before marriage. Do not use marriage as an escape route for past mistakes.
- Identify WHY you must marry your fiancé.
- Prepare yourself for changes in marriage. It is inevitable.

Graced relationship will continue tomorrow with a story on COMMITMENT TO FOCUS.

#Luke14:28
#GoodMorning
#AnnieSentCares
#NewBeginning
gracedrelationshiprecipe.blogspot.com

08/06/17. CHANGE

TODAY'S RECIPE
"Finally on change, remember that the unspoken assumption that both the marriage relationship and the partners will remain the same is a prelude to trouble. All marriages enter into phases and stages. So therefore, prepare for changes."

#ANNIESENTCARES
#GOODMORNING
#NEWBEGINNING
gracedrelationshiprecipe.blogspot.com

08/05/17 CHANGE (4)

TODAY'S RECIPE
"The secret of a good Marriage after Christ as the head, is CHANGE. It must move. If it stops, it's dead."

Change in marriage is inevitable. If we view it realistically we can use it to build positive relationships.

#NormanWright
#GoodMorning
#AnnieSentCares
#NewBeginning
gracedrelationshiprecipe.blogspot.com

08/04/17. CHANGE (3)

TODAY'S RECIPE
"The individual who is unable to adjust to change before marriage is not likely to be able to adjust to change after marriage.
Any new change carries a time of risk, insecurity and vulnerability."

#Proverbs3:5
#GoodMorning
#AnnieSentCares
#NewBeginning
gracedrelationshiprecipe.blogspot.com

08/03/17. CHANGE (2)

TODAY'S RECIPE
HOW TO COPE WITH CHANGE
1) Be aware of the normality of the process of change.

2) Develop greater flexibility in your daily lifestyle. Learning to make and accept minor changes can be a foundation for making larger adjustments.

3) When major changes are forthcoming, plan for them in advance and learn to rely upon the promises of God's word.

Change is inevitable in Marriage.
#Psalm37:5
#NormanWright
#GoodMorning
#AnnieSentCares
#NewBeginning
gracedrelationshiprecipe.blogspot.com

08/02/17. CHANGE (1)

TODAY'S RECIPE
"Many marriages die prematurely because too many husbands and wives choose to ignore the inescapable fact that people do change."
Prepare your mind for CHANGES.

#ECCLESIATES3:1
#GOODMORNING
#ANNIESENTCARES
#NEWBEGINNING

gracedrelationshiprecipe.blogspot.com