₦airaland Forum

"Then Peter, turning around, saw THE DISCIPLE WHOM JESUS LOVED following... John 21:20.

You know I always wondered why John was called "the disciple whom Jesus loved"; who Christians today call 'John the beloved'.
Why was he referred to as the one that Jesus loved. Does that mean Jesus didn't love the other disciples? Of course not! It means John occupied a special place in Jesus' heart, much like our spouses and dear friends.
It's not that we don't love other people, but some persons are just special and dear to us, right? I reckon that's how Jesus considered John.
But what did He do differently from the others to be called "THE DISCIPLE WHOM JESUS LOVED"?
Here's a clue... www.stillsmallvoiceblog..com/2016/05/i-want-to-be-close-to-jesus-at-supper.html?m=1

Hi guys, trust y'all are good. I came across this informative read and felt I should share with my efolks (that's you reading). It's basically about how the brain learns and unlearns new information.
Find inspired thoughts @ www.stillsmallvoiceblog..com
----
"This is the fascinating way that your brain makes space to build new and stronger connections so you can learn more.

There’s an old saying in neuroscience: neurons that fire together wire together. This means the more you run a neuro-circuit in your brain, the stronger that circuit becomes. This is why, to quote another old saw, practice makes perfect. The more you practice piano, or speaking a language, or juggling, the stronger those circuits get.
The ability to learn is about more than building and strengthening neural connections.
For years this has been the focus for learning new things.
But as it turns out, the ability to learn is about more than building and strengthening neural connections. Even more
important is our ability to break down the old ones. It's called "synaptic pruning." Here’s how it works.

YOUR BRAIN IS LIKE A GARDEN
Imagine your brain is a garden, except instead of growing flowers, fruits, and vegetables, you grow synaptic connections between neurons. These are the connections
that neurotransmitters like dopamine, seratonin, and others travel across.
"Glial cells" are the gardeners of your brain—they act to speed up signals between certain neurons. But other glial cells are the waste removers, pulling up weeds, killing pests,
raking up dead leaves. Your brain’s pruning gardeners are called "microglial cells." They prune your synaptic connections.
The question is, how do they know which ones to prune? Researchers are just starting to unravel this mystery, but what they do know is the synaptic connections that get used less get marked by a protein, C1q (as well as others). When the microglial cells detect that mark, they bond to the protein and destroy—or prune—the synapse.
This is how your brain makes the physical space for you to build new and stronger connections so you can learn more.

WHY SLEEP MATTERS
Have you ever felt like your brain is full? Maybe when starting a new job, or deep in a project. You’re not sleeping enough, even though you're constantly taking in new
information. Well, in a way, your brain actually is full.

When you learn lots of new things, your brain builds connections, but they’re inefficient, ad hoc connections. Your brain needs to prune a lot of those connections away and build more streamlined, efficient pathways. It does that
when we sleep.
Your brain cleans itself out when you sleep—your brain cells shrinking by up to 60% to create space for your glial gardeners to come in take away the waste and prune the synapses.

Have you ever woken up from a good night’s rest and been able to think clearly and quickly? That’s because all the pruning and pathway-efficiency that took place overnight
has left you with lots of room to take in and synthesize new information—in other words, to learn.

This is the same reason naps are so beneficial to your cognitive abilities. A 10- or 20-minute nap gives your microglial gardeners the chance to come in, clear away
some unused connections, and leave space to grow new ones.

Thinking with a sleep-deprived brain is like hacking your way through a dense jungle with a machete. It's overgrown, slow-
going, exhausting. The paths overlap, and light can’t get through. Thinking on a well-rested brain is like wandering happily through Central Park; the paths are clear and connect to one another at distinct spots, the trees are in place, you can see far ahead of you. It’s invigorating.

BE MINDFUL OF WHAT YOU’RE MINDFUL OF
And in fact, you actually have some control over what your brain decides to delete while you sleep. It's the synaptic connections you don’t use that get marked for recycling. The
ones you do use are the ones that get watered and oxygenated. So be mindful of what you’re thinking about.

If you spend too much time reading theories about the end of Game of Thrones and very little on your job, guess which synapses are going to get marked for recycling?
If you’re in a fight with someone at work and devote your time to thinking about how to get even with them, and not about that big project, you're going to wind up a synaptic
superstar at revenge plots but a poor innovator.

To take advantage of your brain’s natural gardening system, simply think about the things that are important to you. Your
gardeners will strengthen those connections and prune the ones that you care about less. It's how you help the garden of your brain flower.
---
Culled from www.fastcompany.com by Judah Pollack

Nice 1 bro. It's not very nice to discourage people who are starting out. I started my blog (www.stillsmallvoiceblog..com) recently and my traffic is growing slowly but steadily.

amiibaby:
I wanna know too.....someday I will open my blog and zoom off

Hi, what would you like to blog about? I started mine recently, and I blog about the gospel. Do check it out, link in bio.

tbagjames:
Am just ashamed of this government and the seasonal movie we have been forced to watch

Why do you feel ashamed of this government?

Esseite:
Well, a little bit of both... more like warm milk..

But i just asked myself... the Nigerian army have been in that forest for two years now?..

Hmmmm... milk getting cold...

Another thought.... with the amount of lies & propaganda...

My milk is frozen...

I feel you brother, but I'm trying not to be hasty in my judgment. I say we give this government a chance and support them as best as we can. Hopefully, they succeed; and if they do it won't be a victory for APC, but a victory for Nigeria and Nigerians.

Hi guys, trust y'all are good. I came across this informative read and felt I should share with my efolks (that's you reading). It's basically about how the brain learns and unlearns new information.
Find inspired thoughts @ www.stillsmallvoiceblog..com
----
"This is the fascinating way that your brain makes space to build new and stronger connections so you can learn more.

There’s an old saying in neuroscience: neurons that fire together wire together. This means the more you run a neuro-circuit in your brain, the stronger that circuit
becomes. This is why, to quote another old saw, practice makes perfect. The more you practice piano, or speaking a language, or juggling, the stronger those circuits get.
The ability to learn is about more than building and strengthening neural connections.
For years this has been the focus for learning new things.
But as it turns out, the ability to learn is about more than building and strengthening neural connections. Even more
important is our ability to break down the old ones. It's called "synaptic pruning." Here’s how it works.

YOUR BRAIN IS LIKE A GARDEN
Imagine your brain is a garden, except instead of growing flowers, fruits, and vegetables, you grow synaptic connections between neurons. These are the connections
that neurotransmitters like dopamine, seratonin, and others travel across.
"Glial cells" are the gardeners of your brain—they act to speed up signals between certain neurons. But other glial cells are the waste removers, pulling up weeds, killing pests,
raking up dead leaves. Your brain’s pruning gardeners are called "microglial cells." They prune your synaptic connections.
The question is, how do they know which ones to prune? Researchers are just starting to unravel this mystery, but what they do know is the synaptic connections that get used less get marked by a protein, C1q (as well as others). When the microglial cells detect that mark, they bond to the protein and destroy—or prune—the synapse.
This is how your brain makes the physical space for you to build new and stronger connections so you can learn more.

WHY SLEEP MATTERS
Have you ever felt like your brain is full? Maybe when starting a new job, or deep in a project. You’re not sleeping enough, even though you're constantly taking in new
information. Well, in a way, your brain actually is full.

When you learn lots of new things, your brain builds connections, but they’re inefficient, ad hoc connections. Your brain needs to prune a lot of those connections away and build more streamlined, efficient pathways. It does that
when we sleep.
Your brain cleans itself out when you sleep—your brain cells shrinking by up to 60% to create space for your glial gardeners to come in take away the waste and prune the synapses.

Have you ever woken up from a good night’s rest and been able to think clearly and quickly? That’s because all the pruning and pathway-efficiency that took place overnight
has left you with lots of room to take in and synthesize new information—in other words, to learn.

This is the same reason naps are so beneficial to your cognitive abilities. A 10- or 20-minute nap gives your microglial gardeners the chance to come in, clear away
some unused connections, and leave space to grow new ones.

Thinking with a sleep-deprived brain is like hacking your way through a dense jungle with a machete. It's overgrown, slow-
going, exhausting. The paths overlap, and light can’t get through. Thinking on a well-rested brain is like wandering happily through Central Park; the paths are clear and connect to one another at distinct spots, the trees are in place, you can see far ahead of you. It’s invigorating.

BE MINDFUL OF WHAT YOU’RE MINDFUL OF
And in fact, you actually have some control over what your brain decides to delete while you sleep. It's the synaptic connections you don’t use that get marked for recycling. The
ones you do use are the ones that get watered and oxygenated. So be mindful of what you’re thinking about.

If you spend too much time reading theories about the end of Game of Thrones and very little on your job, guess which synapses are going to get marked for recycling?
If you’re in a fight with someone at work and devote your time to thinking about how to get even with them, and not about that big project, you're going to wind up a synaptic
superstar at revenge plots but a poor innovator.

To take advantage of your brain’s natural gardening system, simply think about the things that are important to you. Your
gardeners will strengthen those connections and prune the ones that you care about less. It's how you help the garden of your brain flower."
---
Culled from www.fastcompany.com by Judah Pollack

As reported by Punch: "TWO days after the rescue of one of the 200 schoolgirls
abducted from the Chibok community in Borno State,
another schoolgirl was rescued on Thursday night.
Army authorities, who broke the news of the second rescued schoolgirl, said more details about the operation would beprovided later." - www.punchng.com
----
First thoughts
Are you curious that from almost out of nowhere the elusive Chibok girls who had been MIA for two years are being found?
Or thrilled that finally the army are making progress and the kids get to be reunited with their families after an oh-so-long time?

I'm feeling a bit of both, honestly.

I'm curious because I'm meaning to ask: why have the military not been able to comb the dreaded Sambisa forest to free these girls and others held hostage all this while? I don't want to sound pessimistic but what was behind the delay?

On the other hand, I'm thrilled at the news! Finally, the girls get a new lease of life, away from sinister terrorists who probably had made life a hellish experience! Can't imagine the horror they've beheld! Can't imagine, really!
And for the parents of the so-far rescued girls, what joy! What elation! Their joy will know no bounds!

Questions, questions and more questions - that's all we gat!
What do you think efolks? Curious? Thrilled? A bit of both like me? Or simply indifferent?
----
More inspired thoughts @ www.stillsmallvoiceblog..com
Do give it a visit.

Hi guys, trust y'all are good. I came across this informative read and felt I should share with my efolks (that's you reading). It's basically about how the brain learns and unlearns new information.
Find inspired thoughts @ www.stillsmallvoiceblog..com
----
"This is the fascinating way that your brain makes space to build new and stronger connections so you can learn more.

There’s an old saying in neuroscience: neurons that fire together wire together. This means the more you run a neuro-circuit in your brain, the stronger that circuit
becomes. This is why, to quote another old saw, practice makes perfect. The more you practice piano, or speaking a language, or juggling, the stronger those circuits get.
The ability to learn is about more than building and strengthening neural connections.
For years this has been the focus for learning new things.
But as it turns out, the ability to learn is about more than building and strengthening neural connections. Even more important is our ability to break down the old ones. It's called "synaptic pruning." Here’s how it works.

YOUR BRAIN IS LIKE A GARDEN
Imagine your brain is a garden, except instead of growing flowers, fruits, and vegetables, you grow synaptic connections between neurons. These are the connections that neurotransmitters like dopamine, seratonin, and others travel across.
"Glial cells" are the gardeners of your brain—they act to speed up signals between certain neurons. But other glial cells are the waste removers, pulling up weeds, killing pests,
raking up dead leaves. Your brain’s pruning gardeners are called "microglial cells." They prune your synaptic connections.
The question is, how do they know which ones to prune? Researchers are just starting to unravel this mystery, but what they do know is the synaptic connections that get used less get marked by a protein, C1q (as well as others). When the microglial cells detect that mark, they bond to the protein and destroy—or prune—the synapse.
This is how your brain makes the physical space for you to build new and stronger connections so you can learn more.

WHY SLEEP MATTERS
Have you ever felt like your brain is full? Maybe when starting a new job, or deep in a project. You’re not sleeping enough, even though you're constantly taking in new
information. Well, in a way, your brain actually is full.

When you learn lots of new things, your brain builds connections, but they’re inefficient, ad hoc connections. Your brain needs to prune a lot of those connections away and build more streamlined, efficient pathways. It does that
when we sleep.
Your brain cleans itself out when you sleep—your brain cells shrinking by up to 60% to create space for your glial gardeners to come in take away the waste and prune the synapses.

Have you ever woken up from a good night’s rest and been able to think clearly and quickly? That’s because all the pruning and pathway-efficiency that took place overnight
has left you with lots of room to take in and synthesize new information—in other words, to learn.

This is the same reason naps are so beneficial to your cognitive abilities. A 10- or 20-minute nap gives your microglial gardeners the chance to come in, clear away
some unused connections, and leave space to grow new ones.

Thinking with a sleep-deprived brain is like hacking your way through a dense jungle with a machete. It's overgrown, slow-
going, exhausting. The paths overlap, and light can’t get through. Thinking on a well-rested brain is like wandering happily through Central Park; the paths are clear and connect to one another at distinct spots, the trees are in place, you can see far ahead of you. It’s invigorating.

BE MINDFUL OF WHAT YOU’RE MINDFUL OF
And in fact, you actually have some control over what your brain decides to delete while you sleep. It's the synaptic connections you don’t use that get marked for recycling. The
ones you do use are the ones that get watered and oxygenated. So be mindful of what you’re thinking about.

If you spend too much time reading theories about the end of Game of Thrones and very little on your job, guess which synapses are going to get marked for recycling?
If you’re in a fight with someone at work and devote your time to thinking about how to get even with them, and not about that big project, you're going to wind up a synaptic
superstar at revenge plots but a poor innovator.

To take advantage of your brain’s natural gardening system, simply think about the things that are important to you. Your
gardeners will strengthen those connections and prune the ones that you care about less. It's how you help the garden of your brain flower."
---
Culled from www.fastcompany.com by Judah Pollack

Hi guys, here's a blog I started in December (www.stillsmallvoiceblog..com), the traffic has been building up slowly and is around 1,500 page views monthly (I know it's still meagre).
I particularly like the word of mouth advice, that has been quite effective. People are more likely to visit a blog of someone they know.
Do visit my blog, it has wonderful original content: www.stillsmallvoiceblog..com
Thank you.

Ever wondered the true meaning of trusting in God? And how you can trust in Him more?
Here's a great read to help: https://stillsmallvoiceblog..com/2016/05/what-it-really-means-to-trust-in-god.html?m=1#more
It's from my Bible-inspired youth-focused family-friendly blog. Kindly visit. Thank you.

Ever wondered the true meaning of trusting in God? And how you can trust in Him more; and grow in intimacy with Him?

Here's a great read to help: https://stillsmallvoiceblog..com/2016/05/what-it-really-means-to-trust-in-god.html?m=1#more
It's from my youth-focused family friendly blog. Kindly visit. Thank you.

This I believe is the Bible's single most important message

http://stillsmallvoiceblog..com/2016/05/what-bible-really-wants-you-to-know-god.html?m=1#more

Samiceman:
Bible message wey carry OLX for the link name abi? No thanks!

Sorry, bro. That was an error. This is the correct link: http://stillsmallvoiceblog..com/2016/05/what-bible-really-wants-you-to-know-god.html?m=1#more

Apologies.

Samiceman:
Bible message wey carry OLX for the link name abi? No thanks!

Sorry, bro. That was an error. This is correct link: http://stillsmallvoiceblog..com/2016/05/what-bible-really-wants-you-to-know-god.html?m=1#more

Apologies.

This I believe is the Bible's single most important message
http://stillsmallvoiceblog..com/2016/05/what-bible-really-wants-you-to-know-god.html?m=1#more

iebanehita:
The hidden agenda I made wasn't that of winning the EPL title but making sure they finish well to earn a Champions league/Europa League spot whichever the case(I say this based on his wealth of coaching experience with likes of Chelsea, Inter,Roma,Juventus)......and Yes! he actually cashed in on the flops from the big teams...and and he was being consistent, taking each game as it comes and making sure the players give their very best.

Nice analysis by the way.

Now I see your point. You are largely right. Thanks. Do visit the blog for more of the same.

This I believe is the Bible's single most important message

http://stillsmallvoiceblog..com/2016/05/what-bible-really-wants-you-to-know-god.html?m=1#more

dolphinheart:
King James Version
1Co 14:11Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.

1 cor 14: 13-19 (ESV)
13 Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray that he may interpret.
14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. 15 What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also; I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also.
16 Otherwise, if you give thanks with your spirit, how can anyone in the position of an outsider say “Amen” to your thanksgiving when he does not know what you are saying?
17 For you may be giving thanks well enough, but the other person is not being built up.
18 I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 Nevertheless, in church I would rather speak five words with my mind in order to instruct others, than ten thousand words in a tongue.

Hi. What point are you trying to make? Could you explain and not mislead people who may not understand, especially considering what the person you quoted posted?
Are you implying that speaking in a tongue only God understands is futile? Thank you.

Amberon:
No, I haven't. Been asking for it tho.

Hi. How have you been "asking"? You could review that.
The Holy Spirit only comes when there's a vacuum, which means there has to be space in your heart created by a real hunger, desire and thirst. Matthew 5 gives us an idea of that.
You'll need to "hunger and thirst" after Him. The Apostles with the other disciples waited in the upper room 10 days for the Holy Spirit - that is hunger and desire!

Understand also that you can't develop such hunger and thirst on your own, you need to pray passionately for it. Ask God to birth a hunger for His spirit in you. And you'll see the difference it will make. I pray you come to know God and experience Him fully.

I blog about the gospel @ www.stillsmallvoiceblog..com
Do visit. Thanks.

Jozzy4:
calm down, am not talking about the unintelligible version of ra ra ra bracadoshushii.

I mean pentecost, meaning if u see a Brazilian now , can u speak brazilian tongue without you learning it ?

Hi. At Pentecost, the apostles and others disciples spoke as the Holy Spirit gave them utterance (you could read it for yourself in Acts 2). And till today, those who genuinely speak in tongues as the Holy Spirit leads, speak as He gives utterance, don't call it "unintelligible".

What do you even mean by "unintelligible"? That's an insult on the Holy Spirit's person, you know!

There are two kinds of tongues the Holy Spirit gives.

One is a special gift of His called the "gift of diverse tongues" Or "different kinds of tongues" (1 Corinthians 12:10), this kind is for communicating with people of other languages. The Apostles and disciples needed it because they had to reach people from other parts of the world.

Then there's the kind everybody gets when they are baptised with the Holy Spirit, which Paul called "mysteries" in 1 Corinthians 14:2. His words, "For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him...he speaks mysteries."

So, you see the difference? One is a special gift, given to a select number, meant for communicating with man; and the other given to everyone that's baptised for speaking "mysteries" to God which no human can understand.
Thank you.

I blog about the gospel @ www.stillsmallvoiceblog..com
Do visit. Remain blessed.

pamcode:
I wish to have that experience one day too.

Hi, please move from "wish" to "desire" and "hunger" for the holy spirit. He doesn't grant wishes, He fills those who "hunger and thirst", see Matthew 5.
Scripture notes that you will find the Lord when you SEEK Him.
So please, don't keep 'wishing' to have the experience. Hunger for it. Desire it. Pray for it. Ask the holy spirit to fill you with the thirst for Him. You'll share your testimony, believe me.
I enjoy a beautiful loving relationship with the holy spirit currently and it's all Him. Glory to God!
I blog about the gospel @ www.stillsmallvoiceblog..com
Do visit. Thank you. Remain blessed, bro.

Buharism:
the pentecost we rèfer to as the manifestation of the holy spirit was a divine event, nobody knew he was speaking in tongue, infact everybody was hearing in their own native language what the apostles were saying, but today you cant understand what the pastor or what other church members are saying while speaking in tongue.
.
May the good Lord show us the way to enternal life. Amen

"The good Lord" doesn't need to show you the way to eternal life beyond what's written in Scripture; that is
believe in your heart and confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead. That's all you need do - Romans 10:9-10.

This blog should help you understand better and grow in God: www.stillsmallvoiceblog..com
Kindly visit. God bless you.

lloydpras:
Bayern was better without him. He had a smooth-sailing in Bundesliga cos Dortmund was slightly dismantled (bayern getting Gotze and Lewandoski).
EPL awaits him..Let's see the magic he will perform.
Answer: Failure

I believe Pep is overrated! EPL will expose him completely.
Meanwhile, I think you'd love this to read this about Leicester: www.stillsmallvoiceblog..com/2016/05/10-lessons-for-christians-from_3.html
Kindly visit. Thank you.

Conveniently read and comment on the post here: http://stillsmallvoiceblog..com/2016/05/10-lessons-for-christians-from_3.html
----
It's the stuff of fairy tales! The stuff of children storybooks!
The stuff of bedtime tales! The stuff of fictional works at best!
But it has really happened! In our day and age! In this
generation! And we have witnessed it!
Leicester City Football Club have been crowned the
champions of the English Premier League (EPL)!
Yep, you read right! The CHAMPIONS of EPL. The same 24-year-old (since 1992) "exciting", "competitive", "fast-paced",
"physical", and "unpredictable" English Premier League!
The team from Leicester is now the darling of the footballing
world after they clinched the title with two games to spare
following Tottenham Hotspur's 2-2 stalemate with Chelsea at
Stamford Bridge. What a story to tell future generations!
They have achieved what some termed "unthinkable",
"unrealistic", "highly unlikely", "not possible"; while many
even scuffed at the very thought of it.
***
Confession! I must be honest, though, I didn't think they
could win it. Honestly. I didn't think they had it in them. But
what a way for them to prove me (and you, admit it!) wrong!
*Eating humble pie*
***
My first reaction to their win was, "Wow! It did happen! Who
would have thought it?"
The story of Leicester City's remarkable triumph should fill
you with hope, belief and passion to go on in your journey
to the top!
Here are 10 lessons that Christians can learn from The Foxes' triumph...

1 Be diligent in whatever you do!
"Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men." - Proverbs 22:29 (KJV).
Everywhere I look, I see this Scripture come to pass - the
man that's diligent will always rise to the top.
Diligence, which I see as "consistent hard work", is not
negotiable if you want to dine with kings in any field of
endeavour.
Beyond being just skillful and competent, you need to be
diligent. Don't be slothful, slack or lazy. Push. For.
Excellence. Work. Really. Hard.

2 Even when nobody believes in you, believe in God and in what He has deposited in you.
"For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not DOUBT in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says." - Mark 11:23 (NKJV).
Doubt is a killer of dreams. Who can number how many
beautiful dreams that fail to become reality because of doubt! Never doubt yourself!
Few gave Leicester City a chance. Few thought it was
possible. Even fewer saw it happening. But it has.
What other people feel, think, or believe is not essentially
important; what you feel, think and believe matters a lot.
Don't allow doubt kill your dreams. Hold on tightly. Cut out
whatever wants to feed your mind with doubt and fear.
Even if nobody believes in you now, believe in yourself and
in the beauty God deposited in you. Believe in God. Believe
in what you carry.
Never forget, you are God's image! You are like Him.
Created for dominion. Created to rule. Created to be the head. You're not a victim. You are a god!

3 Don't be awed by the thought of achieving greatness!
It was convenient for the Leicester City team to have thought
to themselves, "There's just no way we're winning the
Premier League. We just can't. We'll stick with being safely
away from the relegation zone. The title is meant for the
'bigger' teams with 'bigger' players"; and they would have
stopped fighting and their performance levels would have dropped. Look what they would have missed out on!
But, no! They refused to allow the thought of greatness scare
them from pursuing it. Instead, they used that fuel to power
them to the ribbon ahead of their more illustrious opponents.
Take this route. Joseph instead of allowing the greatness of
the dreams God birthed in his heart scare him, was rather
motivated and drew closer to God for their accomplishment.
Greatness is what you were born to achieve. Go for it! You
belong in the A-class. It's God's plan for you. It's what He wants for you.

4 Be able to spot diamonds in the rough and polish them!
The Leicester City team that have been crowned champions
cost less than £30 million! I mean the entire team!
That's absolutely criminal considering the amount of money
that flies around in football these days; where a single player can go for over £100 million! Just. One. Footballer!
Here, we have a team of absolute "steals"; Algerian Riyad
Mahrez (the standout player of the year) signed for - take a guess - a laughable (that is, in football transfer terms) £400,000 (yes, £400,000)!
All around you are such diamonds in the rough. People with
exceptional abilities that are trapped.
Learn to look beyond the figures and statistics, they don't
always tell the whole story. Also, look beyond physical and
emotional flaws and attributes to the beauty that lies within
the person.
Believe in people. Believe in what lies on their inside. Help
them awaken the sleeping giant within. Help others unlock their latent potential and they'll help you achieve your dreams.

5 Find your strengths and uniqueness and build on it
Admittedly, the Leicester City team are not the most gifted
or talented of the lot, neither do they play the most
glamourous and eye catching football, no!
They are, however, a very compact, disciplined and effective
side; and they literally hunt opponents in packs when out of
possession!
Find your strengths and what stands you out and build on
that! Don't try to be like the other person.
If Leicester had tried to emulate Arsenal's passing game, for
instance, they would have probably failed woefully, because
at best they would be second best.
Rather, they discovered their strengths - Vardy and Shinji
Okazaki, for example, can run and chase the ball relentlessly
- and exploited it.

6 Never give up!
"And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing
that tribulation produces PERSEVERANCE; and
PERSEVERANCE, character; and character, hope." - Romans 5:3-4 (NKJV).
Every piece out there with an inspirational colouration
always has the line 'never give up!'
But despite the fact that it may seem over flogged, it
remains vitally important!
Never give up! You can't afford to. Even when it seems to
easier thing to do, persevere.

7 Have a 100% or nothing mindset
"100% or nothing!" is the pay off slogan of a popular fruit
beverage which features another EPL team in its
commercials; and it is very apt!
Leicester City, most likely, didn't set out this season to win
the league title. But they played every game as if it was a
final, and look where it got them!
They were, as a result, able to take advantage of other
team's failings as they maintained a really high level of
intensity and gave their all every time they stepped onto the
pitch.
100% or nothing! You never know the opportunities that lie
around the corner, so you've got to give it your very best
every chance you get.

8 Go about your business without drawing unnecessary attention to yourself!
"...and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly." - Matthew 6:4 (NKJV).
Try as much as possible to let your results speak for you.
Avoid going about telling people how you are the next big
thing. Instead, knuckle down and produce fantastic works.
People will take notice and celebrate you in due time.
Leicester City went under the radar, assembled a solid team
and employed an experienced coach. Now, they are celebrated around the world.

9 Again, talent alone is never enough!
Leicester City's triumph adds to the long list of proofs that
talent alone is never enough!
Player-for-player, the Leicester team may not be as fancied
as the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester United and even erstwhile
champions, Chelsea even though they are in mid-table!
That's not to say they don't have gifted players of their own;
Mahrez is one, N'Golo Kante is another, not forgetting the goal machine Jamie Vardy. Very fine players!
But, again, talent alone is never enough! You need heart. Guts. Character. Integrity.

10 You need help from above
We all need a little help every now and then, don't we? Well,
Leicester had it.
We Christians call it God's unmerited favour; others,
however, may term it "luck"; but how did they go a whole
season without suffering injuries to key players at crucial
times?
Imagine Mahrez had picked up a serious injury mid season.
Or Vardy sustained a season ending cruciate ligament injury
at a key point. Or one or even two of their central defensive
pairing of Wes Morgan and Robert Huth were out for a
while. Or were hopelessly out of form for an extended
period. Who knows how it would have turned out! Only God
does.
Despite our best efforts, we'll need help from God to 'crown
all our efforts with success'.
You may not be the most hardworking, or most skilled, but if
you have help from God, your little efforts will yield fruit.
"From where comes my help?" The Psalmist asked; "My help
comes from the Lord..."
Look up to God for strength. Ideas. Strategy. Faith. To
continue when it seems to not be working. He is your
ultimate source of help. He is willing and able to help you.
Just keep your focus on Him.

Who says I can't accomplish ALL that God has in His thoughts for me?!!! I CAN and I WILL. You should believe, too.

What was your first reaction to Leicester clinching the title?
Reflecting on the unprecedented win, what comes to your mind? What specific lessons about life and God does it teach you? Do share them with us in the comments section. God
bless ya!
----
Culled from my blog www.stillsmallvoiceblog..com
Kindly visit. Thank you.
(Modify) (Quote) (Report) 1 Like 1 Shar

ollah1:
De Gea, Falcao

Add Aguero, Torres... And many more like that in recent years.
Meanwhile, I think you'll enjoy reading: www.stillsmallvoiceblog..com/2016/05/10-lessons-for-christians-from_3.html
Kindly visit. Thank you.

Unlimited22:
Atlético Don score. Them Don lock everywhere.


I laugh Bayern in parables.

"Them don lock everywhere" very funny. No be lie, na correct locking with big padlock.
That team is disciplined.
Meanwhile, you'd love to read this about Leicester: www.nairaland.com/3083087/10-lessons-leicester-citys-epl
Kindly visit. Thank you.

addictedwriter:
Lesson 6: Humility, purpose, grit, passion, determination and rivals (competitors) ll definitely make u a success.....No wonder life is a race, u eida trample on others or u get trampled by others....

I don't agree you have to "trample" on others before you succeed. The world abounds with examples of people who helped, supported and pushed others to succeed and we also consider them successful.
Don't make it about yourself. Love people genuinely. We are not in the animal jungle where it is prey or be preyed on. We are humans, created for each other. Thank you.
----
Hi, I'm Michael and I blog @ www.stillsmallvoiceblog..com
Kindly visit. God bless ya!

TheDreamChaser:
From an Arsenal fan

Baba God oh, Emi naa fe win league o. Leceister o ni Ori meji. na beg I dey beg o, Olorun orun (pick up, pick up)

Very funny, bro. Arsenal blew their chance, the opportunity was there to win it, but they kept bottling.
Meanwhile, you'd love to read this: www.nairaland.com/3083087/10-lessons-leicester-citys-epl

Thoughtful piece, bro. Great work!
Here's another insightful piece you'd love: www.nairaland.com/3083087/10-lessons-leicester-citys-epl
Thank you.

iebanehita:
Lol


Just what I was looking for when I checked this section.
And to think he was written off as a failure by the 'special one' because he couldn't win trophy while at Chelsea and lost the SerieA and Coppa Italia to Mou in 2010.

This is just a massive booster to all the 'small' EPL teams. A feat even the best of coaches haven't achieved.

And I would want to add that you stay humble in the couse of your achieving sucess.
When Raneiri was asked of his plans when he took the coaching job at Leicester City FC, he replied by saying 'we stay out of relegation by acquiring at least 40 points. That's what matters.'
Little did anyone knows of his hidden agenda.

Ranieri's unassuming nature is a great strength! He doesn't come off like someone who knows what he's doing but it turns out he is deliberate.
But do you honestly think he set out this season to win the PL? I doubt that.
I doubt he had a hidden agenda to win the league from the start of this season. I think what happened was that as he saw the possibility of it happening, he cashed in on it.
That's another lesson from their triumph! Be ready at all times, you never know when opportunity will come knocking.
Thanks, bro.
---
More inspired thoughts @ www.stillsmallvoiceblog..com

Conveniently read and comment on the post here: http://stillsmallvoiceblog..com/2016/05/10-lessons-for-christians-from_3.html
----
It's the stuff of fairy tales! The stuff of children storybooks! The stuff of bedtime tales! The stuff of fictional works at best! But it has really happened! In our day and age! In this generation! And we have witnessed it!

Leicester City Football Club have been crowned the champions of the English Premier League (EPL)!

Yep, you read right! The CHAMPIONS of EPL. The same 24-year-old (since 1992) "exciting", "competitive", "fast-paced", "physical", and "unpredictable" English Premier League!

The team from Leicester is now the darling of the footballing world after they clinched the title with two games to spare following Tottenham Hotspur's 2-2 stalemate with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. What a story to tell future generations!

They have achieved what some termed "unthinkable", "unrealistic", "highly unlikely", "not possible"; while many even scuffed at the very thought of it.
***
Confession! I must be honest, though, I didn't think they could win it. Honestly. I didn't think they had it in them. But what a way for them to prove me (and you, admit it!) wrong! *Eating humble pie*
***
My first reaction to their win was, "Wow! It did happen! Who would have thought it?"

The story of Leicester City's remarkable triumph should fill you with hope, belief and passion to go on in your journey to the top!

Here are 10 lessons that Christians can learn from The Foxes' triumph...

1 Be diligent in whatever you do!
"Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand
before kings; he shall not stand before mean men." - Proverbs 22:29 (KJV).

Everywhere I look, I see this Scripture come to pass - the man that's diligent will always rise to the top.

Diligence, which I see as "consistent hard work", is not negotiable if you want to dine with kings in any field of endeavour.

Beyond being just skillful and competent, you need to be diligent. Don't be slothful, slack or lazy. Push. For. Excellence. Work. Really. Hard.

2 Even when nobody believes in you, believe in God and in what He has deposited in you.
"For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not DOUBT in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says." - Mark 11:23 (NKJV).

Doubt is a killer of dreams. Who can number how many beautiful dreams that fail to become reality because of doubt! Never doubt yourself!

Few gave Leicester City a chance. Few thought it was possible. Even fewer saw it happening. But it has.

What other people feel, think, or believe is not essentially important; what you feel, think and believe matters a lot.

Don't allow doubt kill your dreams. Hold on tightly. Cut out whatever wants to feed your mind with doubt and fear.

Even if nobody believes in you now, believe in yourself and in the beauty God deposited in you. Believe in God. Believe in what you carry.

Never forget, you are God's image! You are like Him. Created for dominion. Created to rule. Created to be the head. You're not a victim. You are a god!

3 Don't be awed by the thought of achieving greatness!

It was convenient for the Leicester City team to have thought to themselves, "There's just no way we're winning the Premier League. We just can't. We'll stick with being safely away from the relegation zone. The title is meant for the 'bigger' teams with 'bigger' players"; and they would have stopped fighting and their performance levels would have dropped. Look what they would have missed out on!

But, no! They refused to allow the thought of greatness scare them from pursuing it. Instead, they used that fuel to power them to the ribbon ahead of their more illustrious opponents.

Take this route. Joseph instead of allowing the greatness of the dreams God birthed in his heart scare him, was rather motivated and drew closer to God for their accomplishment.

Greatness is what you were born to achieve. Go for it! You belong in the A-class. It's God's plan for you. It's what He wants for you.

4 Be able to spot diamonds in the rough and polish them!

The Leicester City team that have been crowned champions cost less than £30 million! I mean the entire team!

That's absolutely criminal considering the amount of money that flies around in football these days; where a single player can go for over £100 million! Just. One. Footballer!

Here, we have a team of absolute "steals"; Algerian Riyad Mahrez (the standout player of the year) signed for - take a guess - a laughable (that is, in football transfer terms) £400,000 (yes, £400,000)!

All around you are such diamonds in the rough. People with exceptional abilities that are trapped.

Learn to look beyond the figures and statistics, they don't always tell the whole story. Also, look beyond physical and emotional flaws and attributes to the beauty that lies within the person.

Believe in people. Believe in what lies on their inside. Help them awaken the sleeping giant within. Help others unlock their latent potential and they'll help you achieve your dreams.

5 Find your strengths and uniqueness and build on it

Admittedly, the Leicester City team are not the most gifted or talented of the lot, neither do they play the most glamourous and eye catching football, no!

They are, however, a very compact, disciplined and effective side; and they literally hunt opponents in packs when out of possession!

Find your strengths and what stands you out and build on that! Don't try to be like the other person.

If Leicester had tried to emulate Arsenal's passing game, for instance, they would have probably failed woefully, because at best they would be second best.

Rather, they discovered their strengths - Vardy and Shinji Okazaki, for example, can run and chase the ball relentlessly - and exploited it.

6 Never give up!
"And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces PERSEVERANCE; and PERSEVERANCE, character; and character, hope." - Romans 5:3-4 (NKJV).

Every piece out there with an inspirational colouration always has the line 'never give up!'

But despite the fact that it may seem over flogged, it remains vitally important!

Never give up! You can't afford to. Even when it seems to easier thing to do, persevere.

7 Have a 100% or nothing mindset
"100% or nothing!" is the pay off slogan of a popular fruit beverage which features another EPL team in its commercials; and it is very apt!

Leicester City, most likely, didn't set out this season to win the league title. But they played every game as if it was a final, and look where it got them!

They were, as a result, able to take advantage of other team's failings as they maintained a really high level of intensity and gave their all every time they stepped onto the pitch.

100% or nothing! You never know the opportunities that lie around the corner, so you've got to give it your very best every chance you get.

8 Go about your business without drawing unnecessary attention to yourself!
"...and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly." - Matthew 6:4 (NKJV).

Try as much as possible to let your results speak for you. Avoid going about telling people how you are the next big thing. Instead, knuckle down and produce fantastic works. People will take notice and celebrate you in due time.

Leicester City went under the radar, assembled a solid team and employed an experienced coach. Now, they are celebrated around the world.

9 Again, talent alone is never enough!
Leicester City's triumph adds to the long list of proofs that talent alone is never enough!

Player-for-player, the Leicester team may not be as fancied as the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City, Tottenham, Liverpool, Manchester United and even erstwhile champions, Chelsea even though they are in mid-table!

That's not to say they don't have gifted players of their own; Mahrez is one, N'Golo Kante is another, not forgetting the goal machine Jamie Vardy. Very fine players!

But, again, talent alone is never enough! You need heart. Guts. Character. Integrity.

10 You need help from above
We all need a little help every now and then, don't we? Well, Leicester had it.

We Christians call it God's unmerited favour; others, however, may term it "luck"; but how did they go a whole season without suffering injuries to key players at crucial times?

Imagine Mahrez had picked up a serious injury mid season. Or Vardy sustained a season ending cruciate ligament injury at a key point. Or one or even two of their central defensive pairing of Wes Morgan and Robert Huth were out for a while. Or were hopelessly out of form for an extended period. Who knows how it would have turned out! Only God does.

Despite our best efforts, we'll need help from God to 'crown all our efforts with success'.
You may not be the most hardworking, or most skilled, but if you have help from God, your little efforts will yield fruit.

"From where comes my help?" The Psalmist asked; "My help comes from the Lord..."
Look up to God for strength. Ideas. Strategy. Faith. To continue when it seems to not be working. He is your ultimate source of help. He is willing and able to help you. Just keep your focus on Him.

Big congratulations to 'The Foxes' on their victory. You've earned it, folks! Enjoy the fruit of your hard work!

Who says I can't accomplish ALL that God has in His thoughts for me?!!! I CAN and I WILL. You should believe, too.

What was your first reaction to Leicester clinching the title?
Reflecting on the unprecedented win, what comes to your mind? What specific lessons about life and God does it teach you? Do share them with us in the comments section. God bless ya!
----
Culled from my blog www.stillsmallvoiceblog..com
Kindly visit. Thank you.