Saturday, 6 June 2015

AMAZING LOVE STORY!

 AMAZING LOVE STORY!

 


On August 13th, 2014, a woman’s profile popped up on my Facebook account’s sidebar (in the ‘People You May Know’ section) that would change my life forever. There is no accurate way to put this into words… but I have never felt more deeply compelled by someone in my entire life. Every cell in my body was a flashing red arrow pointing in the direction of that little digital icon. My gut screamed at me, “Click it! That one! This is non-negotiable.”
So I clicked it.
I was absolutely floored by this woman. She was 100% my type (and then some), she was passionate, driven, intelligent, kind, and everything else I could ever dream up in an ideal partner.

After cyber-stalking every line of text between her Facebook page, tumblr, and twitter account, I knew three things as absolute fact…
1. This was the most amazing woman I had ever come across – online or offline. She was as soulful, loving, intentional, and independent as she was beautiful.

2. This was a real person. Not just a fake profile of a cute girl set up in order to drive traffic to something spammy.

3. I could easily fall in love with her, given the chance.

I sent her a friend request, she accepted, and then I sat with my feelings for a week.
At the end of the week, I knew that I had to let her know how I felt in the most honest way possible. I had no other experience in my entire life of feeling that compelled towards talking to someone… it was a once in a lifetime bundle of feelings.

So, on August 20th, 2014, a week after I had added her, I sent her the following message via Facebook…

"Here’s something random… I don’t know you, nor do you know me. I saw you pop up in my “People you may know” sidebar a few weeks back and I was absolutely stunned. To be honest, I thought yours was a fake profile because you were so gorgeous. I lost about ten minutes of work time because my brain had to reboot after seeing your profile picture. But that’s besides the point of this message… I’ve since stalked you (in a readily- available Facebook kind of way… not a telescope kind of way) and found out that you’re super driven, hard working, and passionate about many things. Congrats on the graduation and top honours."

"The real reason I wanted to send this is that you, in a roundabout way, have given me faith that there are quality women who are beautiful, driven, and humble… all at the same time. I don’t expect anything in return from you from this message. I just wanted you to know that I see what you’re putting out into the world, and I applaud it. I’m very impressed by you. Have a great weekend."

That was it.
I told her what was true (I added her, looked into her, and was impressed by her),
what I noticed (she’s driven, humble, and beautiful),
and what I expected to come from me messaging her (she would know that she affected my life in a positive way).

In short, I gratitude-bombed her with no expectations of a relationship.
And this wasn’t some sneaky, manipulative trick that would then have her doing back-flips for my attention in order to get more praise. In fact, she didn’t write me back for nearly an entire month. Which was completely fine on my end because I truly wasn’t expecting any result from the message. I simply wanted her to know that I was deeply impressed by her and that I was just glad that she existed in the world.

When she wrote back three weeks later, she thanked me for writing to her. She then told me that my message had left her speechless. And she told me she thought I was courageous for being so honest with someone I’d never met. At this point in time I was living across the country from her (a five hour flight away from each other) and, knowing that I wouldn’t be back in her city for another month at the earliest, I asked her for her phone number.

September 20th, 2014
"The next time I’m in Vancouver, I’ll do whatever it takes to take you out on a date. I haven’t been as compelled towards someone as I am to you in quite a while. On second thought, five weeks simply seems like too long to wait. For how relatively little I know about you, the thought of you lights me up inside. I think that that is something worth exploring sooner than later. I’d love to call you some night soon and have a chat. If you are up for that send me over your number and I will give you a shout when it works for you."

She gave me her phone number.
I called when I said I would.
We talked for two hours, effortlessly. We talked about everything. I loved her voice. She laughed a lot. I loved that too. Within few months, I was back in her city and we were officially a couple.

“Will you be my wife?”
“Yes.”
“You didn’t hesitate at all!”
“You’re right. I didn’t need to.”

Ultimately, I met the woman of my dreams using Facebook (the last place I ever expected to find her). So what did I learn from this experience?

*Being direct works. If you’re an honest, loving person who simply wants to spread more love into the world, your potential significant other will pick up on that vibe. And you don’t have to worry about playing games or being tastefully ambiguous. If you want to be direct and that’s congruent with who you are, then be direct.

You need to put in real effort. If you’re going to message someone in order to ask them out…

1) make sure you actually care about who you’re messaging, and
2) put in the time and effort to come up with something more personalized than “heyyy, you’re cute. whatsup?”

Embrace the vulnerability of showing interest. Telling someone you care feels vulnerable. Putting your neck on the line and saying, in any number of words, “Yes, I like you” is a scary concept. But, at least in my eyes, living a life full of “What if’s” is even scarier. If you want to message them, do it. If you want their phone number, ask. If you want them to be your significant other, make it known.

The world belongs to the brave.
So be direct,
spread love everywhere, and
have the courage to ask for what you want.


Your views and thoughts are most welcome...

I DON'T CARE IF I DON'T HAVE A SON!



 I DON'T CARE IF I DON'T HAVE A SON!


The question comes often. I’ve learned to expect it. I don’t believe we’ll ever stop being asked it and that’s okay. But, I want to throw this answer out there for all future inquiries. What is the question I’m talking about? Simple.
“Are you going to keep trying until you have a boy???”

I can honestly say that my answer is no. Yes, there was a time that I hoped I’d have a son. Most men will tell you that they would love to have a son. I was one of them for quite some time. Who was I going to pass my useless knowledge of sports on to? Who was I going to teach to throw a football, play baseball, and do all the silly and stupid things I’ve learned and done throughout my life?

I’ll tell you who: Sophia and Maddie. Yes, it’s true; I did say–on video–prior to having Sophia that I don’t make girls. And we can see that clearly is not the case.

Before I became a dad, I had no idea what to expect with kids–boy or girl. I didn’t know what kind of father I would be, nor did I know if I’d be any good at this whole parenting thing. Hell, I still don’t know if I’m any good at it. What is funny to me, and I said this within a week of Sophia’s birth, is I can’t picture having a son now. Not at all. When you have two little girls who are absolutely amazing, laugh at everything, love you and their mom unconditionally, and are happy to do anything and any time, you find yourself to be thrilled and lucky to call yourself their dad or their mom.

I’m not going to lie and say that I’ve never thought about what it would be like to have a son, to have boys nights with, to teach how to shave, and all that stuff. But, no, I DO NOT need to have a son. And if we decide that we are finished having kids, which very well might be the case, I’m not going to look back on my life as a parent with any regrets over the lack of a son.

You know what I get to do with my daughters? I get to play LEGO with them. I get to teach them to kick a ball, throw a ball, catch a ball, swing a bat, and swing a hockey stick. I get to learn how to do their hair. I get to teach them to ride a bike. I get to teach them how to draw, how to write, how to love, how to be friendly, how to make friends, how to laugh at anything and everything, how to be considerate, what to look for in a friend, how to grow, how to learn, how they can be anything they want to be. I get to be there for them when someone breaks their heart. I get to be there for them to celebrate every little accomplishment. When they graduate high school, when they graduate college, when they land their first job. And one day, lord-willing, I get to walk them down the aisle at their weddings. I get to give them away to whomever they choose to marry. I get to have a dance with them.

And that’s not even the half of it.
Girls or boys, it doesn’t matter. We parent, we teach, we learn, we love. I’m a father of daughters and for me—and my life—that is perfect.

Originally published on papabrownie.com
 




Your views and thoughts are most welcome...

Saturday, 23 May 2015

THE ROLE OF QUARRELS IN YOUR LOVE LIFE

THE ROLE OF QUARRELS IN YOUR LOVE LIFE

 


In our last post someone asked if it is good to be having quarrels/ misunderstandings in a love relationship, or if its a sign that the relationship won't work. I replied the question and I feel like sharing the answer with you. This question makes me remember this scene from the film #THE_NOTEBOOK:

"We are already fighting
Yes we are... That's what we do.
You tell me when am being arrogant...
and I tell you when you are being a pain in the ass...
Am not afraid to hurt your feelings...
But we have to work on this...
I want you. I want all of you.
Forever. Every seconds."

#Misunderstandings are good if they are use in the right way for the right reasons. Many marriages crashed because they try NOT to #quarrel... (though it is impossible not to quarrel) in which case one party became victimized and when she/he can't take it no more... They Quit. I have never met a #perfect_match that never disagree on one thing, who still last a life-time in marriage. We are created different We have different background and upbringing We have different world view therefore We can't make the same submission though We must arrive at the same conclusion.

One important rule for intending couples is never to accept now what you will in future reject. Or reject now what you will in future accept.
 (even for married couples of 0-5yrs in marriage). 

Don't because of trying to avoid misunderstanding keep quiet... If you know you can bear it, now and forever, You can keep quiet, but if not... Dear speak out to let it be iron out and settled. But if it can't be settled please forget the relationship (if its in marriage you - both husband and wife- must find ALL possible ways to resolve it... Because they have failed to iron it out in their courtship, one of the two may bear the consequence or the two share it). The only unacceptable thing is to continue to have arguments and misunderstandings on the SAME ISSUE ALL THE TIME. This in itself is a testament that that particular issue has not been iron out thoroughly... and its a deal-breaker!

Misunderstandings and quarrels are great compass that test every love relationship, and the outcome of which tell us the lifespan of such relationship, if both parties involved are truthful to themself.

God bless you.

#Oluthomas
#oluthomas_sharing_the_love

https://m.facebook.com/oluthomasshare



Your views and thoughts are most welcome...

PARENTING: IMPROVING YOUR MOTHER-DAUGHTER RELATIONSHIP

 IMPROVING MOTHER-DAUGHTER RELATIONSHIP


Daughters are a blessing. Every woman wishes for one except maybe for a few who would rather have all boys. Most of the time, however there exist a strain on a Mother-Daughter (M-D) relationship for no just reason. In science, the opposite attracts, one would wonder if this theory is applicable to human relationships too. Poor M-D relationships are less discussed & it appears or feels to be a more "dysfunctional" issue because it is believed that women are more nurturing & social than boys & men. This ofcourse should prevent any serious conflicts between mothers & their female children.

The most intricate issue, however, is the fact that this situation is like a vicious cycle. Daughters seems to be closer to their fathers (though not in all cases) & could eventually look for their father's stereotyped when it is time for them to choose life partners (Watch out for more on this on Fathers day: How fathers can help their daughters' marriage).

Once in a while, a lot of women wonder why they just can't get along with their daughters, especially during their teenage years. M-D are not always enemies. When your girl is a toddler, you are more like a goddess to her. She want to be like you (esp. If you are fashionable), she dress up like you & do everything she sees you doing: Wear lipstick, model your earrings & wear your high heels. She just want to be like Mommy. The scenerio is like this until she is about 13, then you gradually become the most ignorant, out-of-touch creature on the planet, & she want to be far away from you. Then somewhere between her 20s & 30s, you become her best friend again.

There is something sacred about the M-D relationship, when a mother is absent from her daughter's life, it leaves both women feeling empty & less whole. This could eventually lead to a situation of low self esteem, dating & relationship problems, feelings of worthlessness & or depression. One cannot lay the blame for a dysfunctional M-D relationship on either the mother or the daughter's door. Both might grow apart being busy with different things for different reasons. But mothers should be careful to do things that will accord them the opportunity to remain or become their daughter's best friends.


TIPS FOR MOTHERS

*Have a solid foundation in your faith & Communicate it early to your daughter. This will always afford you a common ground to have your daughter as partners in prayer. Prayer time with them on pertinent or common issue will always give you opportunity to know what is really going on in their life. Don't only pray for them... Pray together with them.

*Show them love the way they want it. The fastest way to being out of your daughter's life is ignoring what they want ALL the time & giving them what you think is right for them ALL the time. Yes we love them & don't want them to make a mistake but most-times they won't learn & grow if they NEVER make mistakes!

*Understand the Seasons. The time you live as a young lady, no matter how liberal & exposed you are, is totally different from theirs. Understand this & you will open your mind to the possibility of knowing whats going on in their world. You lose them faster if all you know is "during our time".

*Be adventurous. This follow trying to think & see the world the way they sees it. As an elder, then you will be able to juxtapose & assess their differing world views thereby striking a balance between the old & the new!

*Learn to listen to them rather than giving them a piece of your mind in all issue! Listening to them without an eye on judging them will help them to come to you without reservation.

*Be playful. Yes! Life struggles & strains have make most mothers lost touch with the reality that life is fun. We can have fun in everything we do... Be it cooking together, watching films together (more fun if you let them choose the movie), shopping, doing home work together, or just frequent time-out with them. Desire to catch fun with them & they will see you as one of their own.

*Trust your daughter. If you have given them your faith from the beginning you must trust them: to make the right choice for themselves. Trust their talents & ability. Allow them to fail even in trying, trust them & show them that they have what it takes to make it in whatever goal they set their heart to achieve.

*Be there for them. And never get tired of being there for them! They will make mistakes, they will blow their chances. But don't use that to give them a piece of your heart talk, but a piece of your compassion. Nobody would want to brush aside a compassionate mother.
Don't wait till you are older: do it now!


Originally writen by Taiwo Monica of The Nigerian Tribune
 *Tips written by #Oluthomas

Https://m.facebook.com/oluthomasshare

Your views are most welcome...

Tuesday, 14 April 2015

5 Ways To Honour Your Wife.

How do you start honouring the love of your life if you’ve lost sight of what that means in your marriage? How do you continue to improve the ways you honor your partner if you’ve actually been OK at doing this over the years? For me, it begins with five simple, powerful steps …

1. SERVE. I think honor begins when we choose to serve. In one of my former posts, I talked about the power of servanthood in a marriage. I believe in this big time. If you want success in your marriage, choose to put your wife’s needs above your own, always! (As she should also do with yours.) Choose to serve her. Nothing spells “honour” greater than servanthood.


2. LISTEN. Guys, lets be honest—we have a listening problem … most of the time. Factor in a game on TV, or our ultra-distracting iPhones, and we go completely dark. Our wives want to be heard. They want to know we are listening. Most of us have spent all day working amongst other adults, and many of our wives have, too. But if your bride stays at home with your children, she has not had the same interaction with adults as you have. Put down the phone, turn off the TV, and listen.

3. ENGAGE. You and I can listen, and still not be engaged. Did you know this? There’s a difference. I can hear my wife’s words and still remain uninvolved or disconnected. It’s an ongoing struggle for me. Engagement is participation in the conversation. Nodding and saying “uh-huh,” doesn’t cut it. This is not true interaction fellas! I can call you out on this one because I’ve been guilty far too often of doing the same thing. Try this: along with your “uh-huhs” and nods, repeat what she’s saying to you so she knows she is being understood. This will force you to understand it and engage with her.

4. STAND. Chances are, one of the reasons she married you was that she knew you would fight for her, and stand with her, through life’s biggest battles. Somewhere in your vows, that was present. That whole “knight in shining armor” thing? It’s real! She needs a version of that, just as you need her to be strong for you and supportive in other ways. She needs a soldier who will fight for her, honour her, and stand next to her when she’s down for the count. Whether in the home or the workplace outside of the home, society pulls no punches in degrading and lowering the value of women. Be her buffer, her source of strength, her champion. And she’ll be yours. It’s not that she can’t defend herself. She can. But it’s harder—and lonelier—to do it alone. So be ready to take her side, to stand by her side and defend her.

5. LOVE. I’m not talking about excessive public displays of affection, like you see between love-struck couples in a mall or a park. None of us really wants to see that. What I’m talking about is actions that demonstrate the love you have for her.
*Hold her hand when you walk together.
*Make sure your children see you hug and kiss her all the time.
*Make sure they know that she is forever your bride and forever your love.

True love is built on investment, not affection. Affection is a dividend.

How you treat your partner will affect how your children love their future spouses. Your kids will seek out partners based on what they see in you (Yikes, pressure’s on!) and follow the dynamics and patterns that you model and exemplify in your own relationship. If honour forms the core of your marriage, it will form the core of theirs, too.

So, it is a big question: “Will you honour her?” Sometimes, life gets in the way and we lose sight. Don’t beat yourself up if that’s you. Pick yourself up, fail forward, and start over. That’s what life is all about—do overs! If you need a road map, I’ve personally found the 5 ways I just shared to be a great starting point. They’ve helped me tremendously. And they can help you, too.


Your views and thoughts are most welcome...