Health: Attainable or larger than life?

As read looked through my Public Health article
On systems thinking; a broad approach
To Public Health in today's world

I remembered 'Alma Ata declaration'
History presents the meeting as
One of the foundations of (health) system thinking

Health defined as
Complete state of
Mental,Physical and Social
Well-being of an individual
Not just the absence of disease or infirmities

Alma Ata declaration was 1978
Wasn't even born then :)
But in 2015, can't relate
With such ideal definition of health

Health is wealth:
Prestigious logo of BU Health club
Seems far-fetched
Over three decades after Alma Ata

I wish i can explain why
Today's health deteriorates
Mental, physical and social well-being
Yet Public health exists

Suddenly health is a commodity
Logic, money even the most disciplined lifestyles
Can't afford
Is it attainable? Is it elusive?

Or are we prioritizing health deflectors?
Are we back to recognizing the absence of diseases as 'Health'
Research and development has contributed immensely

Maybe less is more
Maybe the bridge between knowledge and practice is broken
Maybe just maybe the definition was larger than life
Or maybe 1978 focus was on the most important things

Where am i in the health index? where's my immediate family?
Lol...better left unanswered
But heeeyyy....am thankful for life

However...Q.O.L
I would try to remember
Alma Ata and check if truly
Health is Wealth today


3 Jn 1:2-Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers(KJV 2000)






 

This too shall pass..hmnnn.Amin o

Whatever happened to my sweet

Understanding leader

My head, my partner in prayers

And naughty escapades

Was i too relaxed

Too trusting

Too slack in prayers

Too lethargic

Too...too..too

No I aint taking a guilt trip

No more at least

I hope to get better each day

But will not forget 

How much strengths am blessed with

By focusing on weaknesses

I often listen to my broken sisters

Long before i got married 

Single either in a challenging relationship

Or Married in a stressful situation

I didn't understand,but prayed for

Counselled from the bible and some good tips

Learnt from mentors

But am clueless now 

And is the one being listened too,

But i can't even find the voice

To explain how my charming husband 

Became a stranger

But feeble me finds strength

On my knees

Lord ENCOURAGE me

And let me know that

This too shall pass

But when unmarried friends

Remind me how lucky 

I am to have a man

I smile remembering

My deal with the creator

About Quality 

My marriage not Just a number

Am quickly reminded too

I didn't marry just for fun

Or for being Mrs......

But ready to be a blessing

Not 'blessing' defined by men's greed

But 'blessing' defined by God's need

Maybe He feels the same way

But doesn't know how to communicate

Help and encourage him too Lord

Pinch him,stir him, nudge him too if need be :)

But heal us both

And let not the enemy

Triumph over your people

This too shall pass 

In my our life lives,in our homes, families

Nations,churches

Yes it has come TO PASS!

Amen

Sisters, Judge your 'family of choice', yes JUDGE!!!

Often we hear

Do not Judge

Bible says so

People echo it

Society uses it

As a veil

To mask extreme

Abuse and wickedness

I have walked the path

I am speaking from experience

Judge at the decision making process

Do not be convinced by your partner

Or promises

Especially if it is backed up

By complacency not a firm resolute

We do not choose the family

We spring from

But the power of choice

Give us the ability to choose

The family you marry into

It is not enough

To decide to be a blessing

But be wise my dear sister

So your blessing doesn't get choked

And all is left is

Fighting the wind

Until God comes to your rescue

Don't always give God

Extra work...

When He gave you wisdom

Use it my dearest

Don't ignore red flags

Some families are bizarre

Filled with scallywags

Mistaken Haggai for Esther

Replacing Sarah with Jezebel

Substituting David with Absalom

Even in a world of imperfection

Christ beckons hope in repentance

Yet they hold the truth in ungodliness

But twice dead plucked up by the roots

Raging waves of the sea

Foaming out their own shame

Wandering stars

To whom is reserved

Blackness of darkness forever(Jude 12-13KJV)

Keep trusting

Keep hoping

Keep believing

Keep loving

Keep praying

But when you have the opportunity

Judge mercilessly

So you don't have to die

Spiritually or physically...

A part of you

Doesn't have to die

To testify or be a story teller

Be wise my sisters

Peace by the Prince of Peace

Peace is a priceless commodity
In today's world
Where hustle and bustle
Leaves us startled
But in Jesus
We find peace

Praise bursts out
After we have come
To embrace peace
By the Prince of Peace
Jesus...

Love u Lord
I am that I am
The holy one of Isreal
Lion of Judah
Ancient of days
Rock of ages

Thank you Lord
For such priceless Peace
Incomprehensible
Restful
Hopeful
Praiseful
Thoughtful
and Loveful :)

Grace-Based Parenting and Dreams

Every parent has a dream
Of God-given child(ren)
To nurture IN love
Train with the Word
Laced with discipline
All grounded in Grace

Kiss almost every moment
Hug after every 'little step stagger'
Smack at naughty attempts
Chuckle along as they negotiate
Verbally or non-verbally :)

How do you know
The training was
Dug down deep
Internalized in character
Not a mere farcade
That wears off so easily


In the face of
Pleasure or pressure
Only time can tell
Whether they will
End up as Blessings
Or as extortioners
Virtues or Vices
Hand them over

To the Potter
He will mold
As He deems Fit
Lord help P&I
As well as other parents
As we attempt
Grace-based parenting



***dedicated to our loving godly and supportive parents. Love u

Customized race

While i was about putting together

More slides for a presentation

My mind was struck

By such meaningful message

Run your customized race

In an environment where

We have been taught

To engage in a T.E.A.M

Where together everyone achieves more

Well, it works in the social world

And of course in marriage

Its 'no more two'

Instead, you both learn

The rudiments of music

Till it is harmonized 

Breaking into a tune

Suitable to the ears

After repeated moments 

Of shrilling, going off tune

Back to the customized race

What is your motive

If it is often compared to others

You are running a rat race

If thinking about others' challenges

Inspires you to decide, write, act 

Or soothe a poorly developed ego

Then you are yet to get on your marks

You are yet to find your purpose

Yet to breathe 

Yet to live

Yet to smile truly

Yet to frown sincerely

Yet to dance in and out of rhythm

Why?

Because its not your race...

Its motivated by an external force

Maybe its time to end their race

And thank God for yours

The baton is held out 

Are you ready for your customized race?

Note: This post does not undermine the benefits of motivational factors or inspiring mentors,instead it calls the reader (hopefully)from a world driven by competition to a life driven by inner purpose and calling.

Watch out daughter, am the Author and the Finisher

In such technologically driven world

Christianity is overwhelmed

Motivational speaking takes the center stage

While the sWORD has been shifted off the focus

But Daddy God has a way 

Of pulling drawing us back 

To the Master Piece

To the life manual or better still

A life jacket for the storms of life

(No that doesn't illustrate the essence of the Word)

It is the very breath of life

Without which we are dead

Grouping in the dark 

Tossed about by every FB personal opinion

Or Whatzapp messages

Or Nairaland news

Sniffing life out of God's image

Believing in conformity

Instead of seeking to be

Transformed by the word

I struggle to find a balance

Staying informed about current affairs

Yet hearing from my father

The infallible word

Boldly inscribed in the Word

Look unto Jesus

Author and Finisher of Faith

How often I let Jesus author my faith

Then let doubts,opinions,noises,great suggestions

Drown the voice of the Master Jesus

Becoming the finisher of my faith

In mercy am redeemed, in love restored 

Not just me but all of God's wandering children

To the author and finisher of my faith

Looking unto Jesus....Heb 12:1-2

Childlike Trust

I must have read, written and expressed what I understand by Trust

But...a recent life experience has given me

A broad bible based perspective on trust

Trust they say is earned but that's not with God

Trust is to faith what blood is to life...

What do you do when you wake up one morning

And everyone seems to understand what's going on but you

Some attribute it to depression borne from stress and boredom

Especially related to post natal depression

Yes i had been stressed maybe doing too many things at once

But not depressed...

Moreso I just realized i spend little time with God

Reading the word 

Little wonder my fuel tank flashes red

Sometimes the word within is what sustains us

But then Grace is what empowers us to do the word

Yes I was willing, love God no doubt but at that point

It seems the imbalance was as a result of removing Christ

From the centre of my life

Or better still moving things away from Him

Sometimes it feels like you still have a grip

Until life taps blows u back to consciousness

However heavenly father never let go of the firm grip

Like Emmanuella who is totally dependent on her parents

So am I now...I hope in reckless abandon

Sometimes i still wanna scream what is happening???

P and I had been having arguments lately

Wondering if we still friends or strangers

But in helplessness or weaknesses

We find God's strength

I have asked myself if I married the wrong man

Or should have gone to convent school 

Like i desired as a child :) ;)

But it isn't any of those...

It is a season of  test, loving reprimand, rosy thorns

Embedded with lifetime lessons, lessons, lessons

Honest thankfulness- A tasty punch for my king

I glanced through previous posts

All laced with thankfulness

Either as main course or desert

Today its a tasty punch

Honest thankfulness

Mixed with naked feelings

Yet overcome by praise

That I am alive and sound

Hubby,daughter, family

Friends and Foes

Sooo Thankful

The latter crucial to witnessing 

Table set in their very presence

Sometimes I wanna scream

God what's all these madness

I suddenly realize I am acting the devil's script

Right in the middle of the madness

Responding to his satanic remote

Of restlessness, confusion, doubt and hopelessness

Daddy God quietens my soul with His love

Pure, affectionate, ageless, timeless

"Baby, i got your back" he whispers

Let go and Let me

Its all for my glory

And your refinement

Yes I am not done with you

Never will

so here's the punch recipee

(Thankfulness+prayer+supplication)-(Anxiety+worry)= Peace punch

So does God need the peace punch??? 

Remember when daddy says Toyin, pls do something for me

Start packing for your journey so you don't stress last moment

It was actually for me but made in honour of His word

Daddy I love you so much

You are the centre of my affection my first love

Thank u,thank u thank u thank u thank u

How does it taste daddy? 

So divine baby...i relish!!!

Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving....Phil 4:6-7

Unpluckable!!!

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
I will fear no evil(how is such fearlessness possible?)
For thou art with me(lion of Judah, my redeemer,my love)

He who didn't spare His own beloved son
How will He not come through..
When the hireling seeks to pluck from the shepherd
Love so amazing, so divine

Can a woman forget her suckling child?
Not my Emmanuella
Yet even if I can forget due to human frailty
My heavenly father will never forget nor forsake His own

He beckons calmly at the sinner
Whisphers softly into wicked hearts
Waits patiently for repentance
Inspired by Agape love,no self interest

Such amazing God have i given my all to
Through Jesus Christ my Lord
I have no life asides Him
There is no good in me without Christ

I believe none of my heartstrings...
Will hold on to temporal things
So vulnerably till they are unplucked
From the good Shepherd.

Thoughtful...Grateful...Thankful

'Been over a year I wrote on my beautiful blog

First i relocated to a place where power was not so good...
Then I stopped 'prioritizing blogging'

Rather, spent hours flipping through dailies
Seeking a Job

Then I decided to help mom market her natural drinks
Then got married...to an amazing man

Relocated...
Remembered my blog...maybe am back(chuckles)

Through it all
I have been blessed...

Exceedingly, abundantly
Far above my imagination and prayer request

With a grateful heart, I say
Thank you Jesus!!!

His Protocol,His Honour, His award

How time flies!
'Yesterday' a challenging protocol was dedicated to Jesus
He inspired, encouraged, edited and now glorified His name.
From a 'little piece of uncoordinated thoughts' to a manuscript worthy of publication in a widely read report(South Africa Health Review)
Wow! L-O-R-D u are awesome....
Pls remind me when i am tempted to think its my efforts that its simply your grace
Nothing else
Nothing else???
How about hardwork,sleepless nights,crazy brainstorming moments? oh pls!

Oluwatoyin, how many people work harder, stay up to write more dilligently, generate better ideas in a twinkling of an eye,yet no amazing results like this....
Oh now, I see why its simply grace. I am a recipient of divine grace
Thank u so much Lord Jesus
Adorable parents,loving sibs+ boo(mwaah),inspiring mentors,committed and trustworthy friends,dumbfounded doubting Thomas'.Appreciate u all!!! 

Driving lessons/life coaching

Tralala! Dear blog, i now cruise behind d wheels
Need a ride sometime? Book 6months ahead..ridiculous i know but em em em :)

I resumed driving lessons,yea d same one i didn't get to conclude 2007
But this time i got a life coach,same trainer but different perspective...some1 has grown

Lesson one: Drive with an open mind-No undue expectations,no preoccupation,no day-dreaming, excitement or depression.

Lesson two: The most important thing is your car and its a machine depends TOTALLY on your command,Focus and control it.

Lesson three- Don't get intimidated by other road users,keep your lane, keep traffic rules,stay composed
                      No competition, you aint going to the same place
                       Even if it's same place doesn't have to be same pace

Lesson four: Keep a relaxed view, no expectation,be ready to respond to change but not anticipated change.
           
Lesson five: Relate with other road users, their decisions affect your move but remember, the most important is your car and your control.

Lesson six: Roads don't move, static cars don't move,but you CAN move
                 Do not focus on changing situations, change your reaction to situations

There's much more but I can't but say a big thank you to my patient and composed coach-Uncle Lanre: God bless you richly

Perhaps there'l be more lessons-Watch out for Part 2=Practical lessons about driving

Alpha and Omega-Thank you so much

I walked into the world of uncertainty first day of MPH orientation Jan 2010
Far from home... i cried my eyes out first few weeks cos I miss my folks so much
Unlike the intra-national(??) distance, this was MAJOR
Especially my sweetest folks YBPJ
Lol,i quickly composed a song suitable for teary eyed moments...

After a few weeks, the workload became too engaging to get teary eyed
Got zobo-eyed instead

(Fastforward)

I got the best news I finished the MPH race with Congratulatory mails flying all around
Yes! His dissertation turned out well....Grad is just peeping through the corner
Thank you so much Lord Jesus, my sweet companion HS, father for ur constant love and mercy
My family and friends....
Thank you dad, mom, Pp, jj and my intercessors for relentless prayers,constant love, financial support,jj for being there,reading thru esp when there were technical challenges,taking me out to d movies...u guys rock!!!
Thank u Patrick for being there, praying with +for me,reading thru, coming all d way, adding to smiles,being part of the best moments i ever had....
Thank  you Abioduns,Esther,Vicky,tej, my friends far n near for cheering me on,love u all drly
Thank you Oluwatoyin for not giving up mid-way too
Alpha and Omega am soooooooo grateful!!!

You have not seized to blow my mind with your goodness and mercy
Sometimes my human heart tends to look for more to be grateful for
But you just smile and patiently wait for me to see countless blessings
Am humbled by your graciousness,can i give u a warm hug and countless kisses Lord?
You are sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo awesome!

Ese Baba,Modupe, Siyabonga, Dankie,Malibongwe!!!

Grateful

Sometimes pictures depict better than words..

Thank u so much Lord Jesus, for the completion of my dissertation,for my heart,for being a true friend,for providing my ticket back home,for keeping and blessing me and all mine. Have I told u lately how much I love you?

I do Lord and its for life....hugs

Still ur li'l princess
Toyin

Thanks for watching my back best friend

You know my innermost being
You watched me fall and with so much love
Couldn't wait to see me rise again
Your love for me has always been fierce and sustaining
I only ended up realizing how fierce lately
Thanks for watching my back

The true test of friendship is indeed loyalty

Dankie my redeemer for showing me what true friendship is..

You knew how active my heart was...

Beating with such beautiful rythm

Only it isn't time yet....

You waited until my hrt was calm and restful

Then u revealed true intent to me

I woke and deliberately shrugged off the memory

Yet u kept revealing steadily

Though I am yet to see what,why and when

I still trust u dearest friend and saviour

But trusting each word u say

Especially...

Guarding my heart with all dilligence

For out of it flows the issues of life

Betrayal didn't keep u from the cross

Hatred had no hold on u

Right in d middle of excruciating pain

You kept praying for ur enemies

Pls enlarge my heart dr God

And cause me to remain childlike at heart

Knowing u know d end right from d beginning

It hurts so deep am letting it all out

Not minding how 'rythmless' my poem is

But the hurt is nothg compared to my heartfelt gratitude

Thank u father for watchg my back..mwaah!

Doubts and clouds can't change your worth rubiee

A pearl of great price is sometimes hidden

Only the one who recognizes its worth appreciates its value...

Rough diamond? sandy pearls?

Far above rubies

Several admirers pass by

Some think they know its worth 

But clouded with thorns and thistles

Time reveals their confused state of mind

Would you sit patiently precious ruby

Allowing the master to have His way

Then you can be sure when he comes along

Remember, love is everything but unsure

While waiting don't ever doubt your true worth

No man can fully explain

Only the one who crafted you and placed a worth

Far above rubies

Riches-sorrow=God's blessing

God's blessing makes rich and adds no sorrow...

When you pass through the fire, i will be with u...

All things work together for good...

Eyes have not seen,ears haven't heard,imaginations can't conceptualize what God has planned for his beloved

okay,those are my daddy's promises and they never fail.

Sometimes...i wonder which of them i need to hold on to right now

Dear HS, u can reveal the mind of God,pls share with me

I don't wanna be in the dark...

No matter what,i trust you and will wait for you!

Rest in the Lord

Anyone can keep calm in the absence of adversity
But experiencing stillness,calmness,peace in the midst of challenges is priceless

Peace that isn't dictated by wordly attainment or men's applause

A sense of warmth and undaunted faith in God

The basis of our sizzling relationship that will last forever

Jesus i love u, u r d best of the best of the best of the best.....

When am tempted to move from the calm zone,you quiet me with your love and rejoice over me with singing(Zeph 3:17)

May you remain sufficient  forever and ever and ever and ever

Simplicity- We met by chance

Dear Blog,
Remember His protocol...its in the final phase right now
Makes me wanna pull out every strand of my hair...
But am blessing God for the finished work he started...
It is finished! Done deal BGG

okay so i took a break and decided o visit my not so popular yahoo mail
Look who i found online..Bolaji
Lol..ok,so i met him at a aptitude test centre..he later told me tho
I was busy writing this test and hoping i get a steady job shortly before i completed NYSC way back in 2007

I noticed our invigilators,but there was this particular one who came to collect my test...i didn't finish before my time was up tho...
And i didnt get to the next interview phase too..lol
Ok,so i got a mail from this guy sayg he was one of the invigilators from d aptitude test and he just couldn't help contacting me...he is so attracted...gosh!
How on earth could he be so unethical..told him i could sue him for getting my details in such an illegal manner..and that i wasn't interested in the job!!! Even if i was being considered,what audacity???

Well,there was something very simple,gentle and easy going about Bolaji's response..there and then i knew we will be friends..
Bolaji checkd me at work one day and that was how we became friends..for a yr plus
He obviously wanted more...take home to mama and all sorts but right from day one till now ...my feelings and response didn't change but he was that brother i never had
5 yrs later....we did chat,he's settled down with a son,lucky woman i must say and lucky boy too
But Bolaji remains a special friend
We quickly reminded each other about the simple way we met,his undying love for indian films and songs,hahahaha
Tho i didn't tell him this, i rmember when Bolaji once called and knew i was very ill...rushed straight to d clinic, brought me home -rushed to get groceries from his car...my normal -thanks,but No! quickly embraced him
lol...omg,dat day he insisted sayg.."ok Toyin,i agree,u don't wanna go out with me,but am not doing this cos of that, I JUST CARE"

He sounded reprimanding for the first time..and Bolaji is one guy i respect..i could be with him for a couple of hours just comfy...he only reminds me abt the proposal in btw and quickly adds 'no pressure'
I see it in his eyes,i sense it in his gesture but my answer remained No! And yes he respects my stance as well as my body too...No tapping current either stylishly or deliberately

The most popular question...

Why...did i say No? Relationship when we met was a No! no! Just broke off with my ex and i wasn't just ready
Besides,the fact that i couldn't be convinced otherwise shows we aren't meant for each other

One thing i knew...if Bolaji continues this way..a lucky,virtuous lady's prayer has been answered just around the corner...
A yr afterwards,Bolaji was transfered to Lagos....we did chat a couple of times.Told me he was in a relationship and not too happy but told him i'l be prayg for him.
Years after...now....he's happily married with a son..asked how many kids i have now,i smiled and told him am not there yet but it's probably his turn to keep praying for me...quickly reminded me of his popular lines..and nickname 'W.M'
Amen! i actually felt lifted...cos den i had some hard to describe 'look where u are' thoughts on my mind-But i know its the lie of the enemy, Quickly used my sword to debunk it-He makes ALL things beautiful IN ITS TIME!!!

Life is simple...we meet our good friends by chance and they end up beautifying our lives forever.
Now am not in the habit of keeping in touch with guys i know liked me at one point or the other..Bolaji won't be an exception..but we sure will remain friends as far as there is a need for such discrete communication.

I am thankful dr God for all my friends..but i  will like to meet that special one i never have to say goodbye to and when the time comes i know u will give me a permanent clue(chuckles)...until then,i patiently wait....
serving...joyful...trusting like a child i am in ur sight dear father....mwaah